(Adam Schultz/The White House via AP)
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin spoke frankly for nearly an hour late Thursday amid growing alarm over Russia’s troop buildup near Ukraine, a crisis that has deepened as the Kremlin has stiffened its insistence on border security guarantees and test fired hypersonic missiles to underscore its demands.
House committee says Trump privilege claim should be tossed
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol says the Supreme Court should let stand an appeals court ruling that the National Archives turn over documents from former President Donald Trump that might shed light on the events leading up to and...
apnews.com
Biden tells Putin that the U.S. and allies will respond "decisively" if Russia invades Ukraine
A senior administration official said Mr. Biden and Putin and agreed to a "sequence of strategic stability dialogue."
www.cbsnews.com
Colorado wildfires burn hundreds of homes, force evacuations
DENVER (AP) — An estimated 580 homes, a hotel and a shopping center have burned and tens of thousands of people were evacuated in wind-fueled wildfires outside Denver, officials said Thursday evening.
apnews.com
Defense secretary taking more authority for use of DC Guard
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday it has streamlined the approval process for urgent use of National Guard forces in the District of Columbia, after months of study following the Jan.
apnews.com
Pelosi and Trump announce details for dueling events marking one-year anniversary of Capitol riot
As members of Congress engage in a prayer vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of the riot on Capitol Hill, former President Donald Trump will mark the occasion at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida — battling the press.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden administration defends its decision not to assert executive privilege over Trump's White House records | CNN Politics
Both the House of Representatives and the Biden administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to deny former President Donald Trump's attempt to keep secret more than 700 pages of records that pertain to January 6.
Democrats look to salvage tattered legislative agenda as they face 2022 midterm elections
President Biden's Build Back Better Act, government funding, Fed nominations, voting rights, and a research and development bill are all on Congress' to-do list.
Some 198,000 people filed for jobless claims last week, a near-50-year low
Ranks of newly unemployed are at lowest level since 1969 as employers keep hold of workers amid a tight labor market.
www.cbsnews.comAlex Jones Threatens to ‘Dish Dirt’ on Trump for Pushing Vaccine
Sergio FloresRight-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is threatening to “dish all the dirt” on Donald Trump to get back at the ex-president over his endorsement of the COVID-19 vaccine. “Yeah, we all wish Trump would do the right thing,” Jones said on his Wednesday afternoon InfoWars program...
Jan. 6 panel urges Supreme Court to deny Trump bid to shield records
The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has asked the Supreme Court to turn away former President Trump’s effort to block the release of his administration’s…
thehill.com
Colorado governor slashes trucker's prison term to 10 years
DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday shortened the prison sentence of a truck driver convicted in a deadly crash to 10 years, drastically reducing his original 110-year term that drew widespread outrage .
apnews.com
EU backs international arms embargo after killings in Myanmar
Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell accuses Myanmar’s military of carrying out an ‘appalling act of violence’ in Kayah State.
Pro-Trump lawyer says his plantations were go-to spots for those aiming to overturn the 2020 election
Trump ally Lin Wood told CNBC that his plantations in South Carolina were used as a hub for those who wanted to overturn the 2020 election.
Why the new legal attack from Trump allies against the House January 6 committee is a long shot | CNN Politics
The flurry of lawsuits filed in recent weeks trying to stop the House January 6 committee's subpoenas are revealing, in many ways, the opposite: That the House has been largely successful at sweeping up documents for the probe and interviewing dozens of major witnesses.
Nearly three-quarters of GOP doubt legitimacy of Biden’s win: poll
Nearly three-quarters of Republicans doubt that President Biden’s 2020 electoral victory was legitimate, according to a new poll from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Seventy-one pe…
thehill.comBiden lays out "two paths" for Ukraine crisis in call with Putin
President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for 50 minutes on Thursday, in what a senior U.S. official characterized as a "serious and substantive" phone call setting the parameters for high-stakes security talks in Europe next month.Why it matters: Russia has amassed more than...
Economists warn of inflation inequality as poor get slammed by rising prices
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a new era of inflation inequality, economists warn, in which poor households bear the brunt of rising prices.
Lawyers for Prince Andrew hold 'emergency talks' after Ghislaine Maxwell guilty verdict: Report
Lawyers for Prince Andrew reportedly began "emergency talks" Wednesday night after Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty on five of six counts related to the trafficking of young girls to be sexually used by Jeffrey Epstein and his high-profile friends.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Peter Thiel, Donald Trump Jr. to co-host fundraisers for Cheney challenger
The tech billionaire is holding two events at his Miami home benefiting Wyoming Republican Harriet Hageman.
www.politico.com
Cook Report projects GOP as clear favorite to win House majority
Ratings released by The Cook Political Report on Thursday show the GOP with a clear edge in the 2022 battle for control of the House. The new batch of ratings from the nonpartisan election han…
thehill.com
'She's definitely worse than Epstein': Trafficking survivor speaks out after Maxwell verdict
A Jeffrey Epstein accuser said former associate Ghislaine Maxwell was "more evil" than the late financier.
www.washingtonexaminer.comJoe Manchin Doomed the Child Tax Credit. Can States Save Kids Instead?
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyTo the dismay of Democrats and eager recipients nationwide, the 2021 expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is dead, at least temporarily, with payments set to expire next month.That’s because Congress failed to pass an extension of the...
Correction: George Floyd-Policing Reforms story
DENVER (AP) — In a story published December 30, 2021, about policing reforms, The Associated Press erroneously characterized one aspect of a Kentucky law related to no-knock warrants. The new law does not prevent cities and towns from banning the warrants completely.
apnews.com
Florida Democrats blast 'MIA' Gov. Ron DeSantis as Covid cases surge
DeSantis, an opponent of masking and vaccine mandates, has not held a Covid briefing since Dec. 17 as cases have reached record highs.
www.nbcnews.comWhy the new legal attack from Trump allies against the House January 6 committee is a long shot | CNN Politics
The flurry of lawsuits filed in recent weeks trying to stop the House January 6 committee's subpoenas are revealing, in many ways, the opposite: That the House has been largely successful at sweeping up documents for the probe and interviewing dozens of major witnesses.
What's next for Ghislaine Maxwell after guilty verdict?
NEW YORK (AP) — With Wednesday's guilty verdict in the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, here's a look at what the once high-flying Jeffrey Epstein confidante was accused of and what's next for her:
apnews.com
Survivors and lawmakers urge Congress to reauthorize Violence Against Women Act years after it expired
Lawmakers have said that every day that goes by without action puts lives at risk.
www.cbsnews.comHow Tucker Carlson Is Boosting Russia’s New Propaganda War
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/GettyPresident Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to speak on Thursday, in preparation for Jan. 10 talks, convened to address Putin’s demand for “security guarantees” that aims to stymie NATO’s ability to carry out its...
Hundreds of Colorado homes lost and tens of thousands of residents told to evacuate due to fast-growing wildfires | CNN
Hundreds of homes have been lost after two wildfires started and grew quickly Thursday as high winds whipped through the Front Range in Colorado, forcing tens of thousands of residents from their homes, the Boulder County sheriff said.
Wet December stirs some hope for drought-stricken California
Record snowfalls in the western United States that closed roads and caused flight delays have also brought some good news for drought-hit California on Thursday, with officials saying the state's snowpack is now well above normal.
www.reuters.com
1619 Project's Nikole Hannah-Jones claims Americans are taught 'the history of a country that does not exist'
Nikole Hannah-Jones said the American people will not “willfully” work to confront the “anti-Blackness” in society and suggested there must be a “serious examination” after mainstream journalists “got caught up in the Republican propaganda campaign" to discredit the 1619 Project.
Ukraine tensions: Putin tells Biden new sanctions could rupture ties
The US and Russian presidents spoke by phone for almost an hour amid rising tensions over Ukraine.
www.bbc.com
DC Metro orders fleet of cars to be taken out of service months after derailment
Washington, D.C., commuters will continue to face reduced rail service as the New Year approaches after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was ordered to remove certain cars from the tracks.
www.washingtonexaminer.comBiden and Putin exchange warnings during phone call amid rising Ukraine tensions
Talks represent pair’s second conversation this monthRussia massing tens of thousands of troops near border In this image provided by the White House, Joe Biden speaks on the phone to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Joe Biden and Russian...
US Muslims call for action as ‘spying’ incidents shake community
Council on American-Islamic Relations says it uncovered a ‘mole’ within its organisation and a ‘spy’ at a US mosque.
Biden pushes Putin for Ukraine de-escalation in second call this month | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden urged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Thursday to take steps to ease an unremitting crisis on Russia's border with Ukraine, warning again of dire economic consequences should Putin proceed with an invasion.
Border Patrol agents pick up migrants from Turkey as part of arrivals from dozens of countries
Border Patrol agents in El Paso, Texas have picked up five migrants from Turkey attempting to enter the U.S. illegally -- as officials say they are seeing foreign nationals from dozens of countries arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border.
South Dakota AG impeachment investigation broadens scope to key officials related to fatal crash | CNN Politics
South Dakota lawmakers voted on Wednesday to broaden their examination of the state attorney general's killing of a man in a fatal collision last year.
Capitol Police officer says it's a 'disgrace' that Pence is dismissing January 6: 'We did everything possible to prevent him from being hanged and killed in front of his daughter and his wife'
"He swore an oath to the country, not to Donald Trump," Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell said in an interview with NPR.
Former senior CNN producer under investigation in Virginia
A former senior CNN producer is being investigated in Virginia over possible dealings with minors, N
'Absolutely devastating' Colorado wildfire burns hundreds of homes near Boulder
Hundreds of homes burned and tens of thousands of people were evacuated after a rare wind-driven wildfire tore through suburban neighborhoods in Colorado on Thu
www.nbcnews.com
Ghislaine Maxwell faces high legal bar in bid to overturn sex abuse conviction, experts say
British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is going to appeal her conviction for setting up teenage girls to have sexual encounters with financier Jeffrey Epstein, but experts said she will struggle to clear the high legal bar needed to overturn the verdict.
UConn reaches settlement with rowers in gender equity suit
The University of Connecticut has settled a gender equity lawsuit, ensuring the school keeps its women’s rowing program for at least the next five years
Germany withdraws award for Srebrenica genocide denier
Foreign affairs minister withdraws proposal to award Israeli historian Gideon Greif with the Order of Merit.
Column: Do Trump's Jan. 6 sins of omission and commission make him criminally liable?
People don't usually land in jail for doing nothing. But President Trump's scandalous inaction while the Capitol was under attack could be cause for a criminal referral from Congress.
California man spends $1,500 to test New Year’s Eve party guests
A California man bought an at-home PCR test processing machine and plans to test guests attending his New Year’s Eve party.
Ghislaine Maxwell: Survivors speak of relief after guilty verdict
Annie Farmer, who was groomed by Ghislaine Maxwell, says she hopes the verdict will bring others solace.
www.bbc.com
Biden-Putin call ushers in new phase of diplomacy
Russia was again urged to ease its military buildup near Ukraine ahead of a pivotal month of talks.
Chinese riot police publicly shame lockdown violators by parading them through street
Armed riot police in China paraded four alleged violators of coronavirus restrictions through the streets in an effort to shame them which has sparked criticism on social media.
2021 CBS News polling: What Americans thought about COVID-19, Biden, the January 6 attack and more
In 2021, CBS News polled thousands of Americans on the biggest events in a year like none other. Here's a month-by-month look at highlights from those polls.
www.cbsnews.com
McCarthy names Rep. Mike Turner as top Intelligence Committee Republican
Turner, R-Ohio, will replace Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who is leaving Congress to become CEO of Trump Media and Technology Group.
www.nbcnews.com
Father allegedly drove 14-year-old son to store to commit murder, police say
A father and 14-year-old son are being charged with capitol murder in the death of three teens.
Colorado governor pardons 1,351 people for minor marijuana crimes
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced on Thursday he has pardoned 1,351 people for minor marijuana possession crimes.
Mexico’s central bank to launch digital currency by 2024
The central bank considers the technology very important to financial inclusion, Mexico’s government wrote on Twitter.
New York jury holds drugmaker Teva liable in opioid crisis | AP News
NEW YORK (AP) — Drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals contributed to the opioid crisis, a suburban New York jury ruled Thursday in one of few verdicts so far among thousands of lawsuits nationwide over the painkillers.
New Year's Eve forecast calls for severe storms, flooding and snow
As we ring in the New Year, severe storms could be hitting some of the same areas ravaged by tornadoes just two weeks ago.
A week of travel woes: More than 8,000 flights canceled since Christmas Eve
JetBlue is canceling more than 1,200 flights over the next two weeks.
Ocasio-Cortez staffer calls Israel a 'racist European ethnostate' that was built on 'stolen land'
Hussain Altamimi joined Ocasio-Cortez’s office in November as a legislative assistant, posting shortly after a picture of him and the congresswoman on Instagram with the caption "New beginnings."
Russia labels Pussy Riot members foreign agents
Journalists and other prominent figures also feature on an updated justice ministry list.
www.bbc.com
Analysis: 2021 was a transformative year in US politics. Here are the biggest stories.
This year brought a dizzying mix of triumphs and setbacks in Washington, where lawmakers have grappled with everything from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic to the January 6 assault on democracy. Here are five of the biggest political stories of 2021.
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against former top Saudi intel official
A federal judge threw out a lawsuit on Wednesday against a former senior Saudi intelligence official after the director of National Intelligence earlier this year used the state secrets privilege to block sensi
Comments renew debate over adoption as abortion alternative | AP News
Year after year, several thousand women in the U.S. carry an unintended pregnancy to term and then offer the baby for adoption. It's a choice commended by many foes of abortion. Yet despite a huge demand for babies from Americans yearning to adopt, perhaps 40 times more women opt for an...
Pelosi announces plans to commemorate January 6 anniversary at US Capitol
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday announced a slate of events around the US Capitol next week to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection.
BBC to investigate Dershowitz's on-air appearance following Ghislaine Maxwell verdict
The BBC said Thursday it is investigating how Alan Dershowitz was invited on air to discuss Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking conviction without anyone mentioning that the U.S. lawyer was named by one of Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein's victims as having sexually abused her as a teenager.
Maryland high school track coach arrested on charges of having sexual relationship with student
A high school track coach from a suburb of Washington, D.C., was arrested on charges of having “sexual contact with at least one student,” authorities said Thur
www.nbcnews.com
Times Square show will go on despite virus surge, mayor says | AP News
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City will ring in 2022 in Times Square as planned despite record numbers of COVID-19 infections in the city, the state and around the nation, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday.
Colorado towns told to evacuate over threat of wind-fueled fires
Rapidly spreading fires in Colorado forced the evacuation of over 34,000 people in the towns of Louisville and Superior on Thursday.
The flip side of the ‘great resignation’ — a small-business boom
A surge in new business formation suggests that the coronavirus pandemic has created a landscape in which entrepreneurs and startups can thrive and new
www.nbcnews.com
Authorities: Guardians killed Alaska boy after mom's death
Authorities say a 2-year-old Alaska boy has been killed by his guardians months after his father strangled his mother
Biden talks sanctions, Putin warns of rupture over Ukraine | AP News
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden warned Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday that the U.S. could impose new sanctions against Russia if it takes further military action against Ukraine, while Putin responded that such a U.S.
Ex-White House, DOJ officials urge Supreme Court to reject Trump effort to stymie Jan. 6 probe
A group of former executive branch lawyers on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to reject an effort by former President Trump to hamper the House committee investigation into the deadly Jan. 6…
thehill.com
Jan. 6 committee chairman could seek interview with GOP leader Kevin McCarthy
Bennie Thompson said he would be interested in interviewing the minority leader about the riot.
Denver shootings suspect wrote books previewing attacks
DENVER (AP) — A man accused of killing five people in a rampage in Denver is believed to have written fictional books self-published online that named some of his real-life victims and described similar attacks.
apnews.com
Trump-Cheney grudge match set off by Jan. 6 committee deal with White House over records
Rep. Liz Cheney shot back at former President Donald Trump after he chastised Capitol riot investigators when it was reported they backed off a request for hundreds of documents from the White House at the behest of the Biden administration.
Myanmar military reverts to strategy of massacres, burnings
BANGKOK (AP) — When the young farmhand returned to his village in Myanmar, he found the still smoldering corpses in a circle in a burned-out hut, some with their limbs tied. The Myanmar military had stormed Done Taw at 11 a.m.
apnews.com
Armed man with ‘hit list’ including Biden, Fauci arrested in Iowa on way to White House
Authorities in Iowa have arrested a man who was found during a traffic stop to be carrying a rifle and a “hit list” that included President Biden and Anthony Fauci, the nation’s t…
thehill.com
Blinken speaks out after Hong Kong pro-democracy media outlet shut down
Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to social media to express concern after a Hong Kong pro-democracy media outlet was raided and shut .down
Holmes jury to take break after six days of deliberation
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The jury weighing fraud charges against former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes departed court Wednesday without reaching a verdict after six days of deliberations. It won't resume discussions until after the upcoming New Year's holiday weekend.
apnews.com
Former GOP congressman faces Trump squeeze in key Senate race
Former Rep. Mark Walker's looming decision: whether to drop down and run in a House primary, or continue his uphill bid against a Trump-endorsed rival.
www.politico.comA right-wing radio host said Trump needs an 'intervention from a friend' after the former president advocated for the COVID-19 vaccine
Wayne Allyn Root is among the fringe members of the right who have bashed former President Donald Trump for lauding the COVID-19 vaccines.
Appeals court puts part of ruling against New York Times coverage of Project Veritas on hold
A New York state appeals court on Tuesday put on hold part of a trial judge's decision blocking the New York Times from reporting on documents prepared by a lawyer for the conservative activist group Project Veritas.
Iran launches rocket into space amid Vienna nuclear talks
Iranian state television says Tehran has launched a rocket with a satellite carrier bearing three devices into space, though it’s unclear if any object entered orbit
Trump alerts Supreme Court to Jan. 6 committee boss interview about criminal referrals
Former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to consider a Washington Post interview with Jan. 6 committee Chairman Bennie Thompson in his bid to stop the panel from obtaining records from his White House.
‘Where is Ron DeSantis now?’ Florida mayor slams governor amid new surge
“Our residents, all Florida residents, should be outraged.”
thehill.com
Biden admin asks Supreme Court to review 'Remain in Mexico' ruling
The Biden administration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday if it is required to continue the Trump-era policy that mandates asylum seekers at the U.S. southern border wait in Mexico until their asylum cases are heard.
‘Success stories’: Michigan, Virginia adopt new maps after creating redistricting commissions
Residents of Michigan and Virginia voted to overhaul the redistricting process. Here's how their new maps shape up.
www.nbcnews.com
Another round of snow before thaw comes to frigid Northwest
SEATTLE (AP) — A thaw-out is coming for frozen Seattle and Portland, Oregon, but not before another round of snow that could compound problems for a region more accustomed to winter rain than arctic blasts.
apnews.com10 political events that will shape 2022 elections: From redistricting to CPAC to Jan. 6
On the 2022 ballot: control of Congress, the political strengths of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, voting rights and abortion.
Ten key moments from Ghislaine Maxwell's sex abuse trial
A jury on Wednesday convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell of recruiting and grooming four teenagers for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse. [nL1N2TE1OS]
Christmas eve killings reinforce views of ‘evil’ Myanmar military
Military’s burning of more than 30 civilians in their vehicles left locals ‘devastated and terrified’ in Kayah State.
Defense bill sets up next fight over military justice
The passage of the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last week ushered in a massive military justice overhaul, but also set up the next political fight over the role of commande…
thehill.comUS affirms new interpretation for high-level nuclear waste
The Biden administration has affirmed a Trump administration interpretation of high-level radioactive waste that is based on the waste’s radioactivity rather than how it was produced. The U.S. Department of Energy announcement last week means some radioactive waste from nuclear weapons...
Hong Kong police charge two ex-Stand News editors with sedition
Charges come a day after the shutdown of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Stand News outlet and arrest of some of its staff.
Biden and Putin talk, Denver shooting, COVID on cruise ships, wild weather: 5 things to know Thursday
Biden and Putin hold a call ahead of January's diplomatic meeting, another day of crazy weather is forecast and more news to start your Thursday.
Blinken calls for release of pro-democracy journalists after Hong Kong arrests
"A confident government that is unafraid of the truth embraces a free press,” he said in a statement.
Purdue bankruptcy judge extends temporary litigation shield for Sacklers
A bankruptcy judge has extended temporary protections against opioid-related litigation for the Sackler family members who own Purdue Pharma until Feb. 1 after another judge overturned the OxyContin maker’s bankruptcy settlement this month.
I Thought I Knew Harry Reid. I Was Wrong.
The pol I once scoffed at for embodying the worst of American politics turned out to be one of the most morally effective leaders the Democratic Party has ever seen.
US Navy seizes $4 million worth of heroin in Arabian Sea
United States navy vessels have seized 385 kilograms (849 pounds) of heroin in the Arabian Sea worth some $4 million in a major bust by the international maritime operation in the region
US flies reconnaissance aircraft over eastern Ukraine | CNN Politics
The US Air Force flew a reconnaissance mission this week over eastern Ukraine to gather intelligence about the situation on the ground -- two days after Russia announced it would withdraw 10,000 troops from its border with that nation.
Virginia teachers fire back after school district mulls implementing more 'equitable' grading system
Teachers in Virginia are pushing back against a proposal from the Arlington, Virginia school board that would implement more “equitable” grading practices.
Didn't the Korean War end in 1953? The short answer is no | CNN
With the top South Korean diplomat on Wednesday saying Seoul and Washington have "effectively" agreed on a draft agreement to end the war, here's a primer on what that means.
IRA Hoped Prison Escape Tunnel Would Keep Inmates Off Drugs
Charles McQuillan/Getty ImagesDUBLIN—IRA prisoners in the notorious Maze prison in Northern Ireland were encouraged by their leaders to build an escape tunnel from the jail in 1997, but the commanders secretly planned to sabotage any escape attempt, and only endorsed the project to boost morale...
Tensions boil as Palestinian prisoners face collective punishment
Rights groups decry information blackout as family of hunger-striking inmate urges international intervention.
Biden accepts Putin request for phone call ahead of January talks on Ukraine
President Biden will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday afternoon, ahead of a series of diplomatic talks in January over Russia's military buildup on its border with Ukraine.Why it matters: The call — which was requested by Putin, according to a senior Biden administration...
Friendly family man's 50-year secret: He was fugitive, too
Just before Thomas Randele died, his wife of nearly 40 years asked his golfing buddies and his co-workers from the dealerships where he sold cars to come by their home. They gathered to say goodbye to a guy they called one of the nicest people they’d ever known — a devoted family man who gushed...
apnews.com3 Ways to Give a Facelift to America’s Crumbling Roads
Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily BeastOn Aug. 1, 2007, bumper-to-bumper traffic blanketed the I-35 bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. It was an otherwise normal day during evening rush hour. Some commuters were likely listening to "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain...
Mother Teresa’s charity banned from receiving foreign funds by India
“The fact that the Christmas season was chosen to communicate” this decision “speaks volumes,” said the general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India.
www.nbcnews.com
Rising gas price projections complicate Biden’s horizons
Analysts expect U.S. gasoline prices to rise as high as $4 per gallon by this summer, putting a pinch on drivers and exacerbating problems for President Biden. The White House has seen Biden’s appr…
thehill.com
Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of helping Jeffrey Epstein abuse girls
A jury in New York convicts her of recruiting and trafficking teenagers in a "pyramid of abuse".
www.bbc.com
Epstein settlement with accuser who filed lawsuit against Prince Andrew to be made public
A 2009 settlement agreement between deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was abused by Epstein and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was under
Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? The story of her downfall
How she went from being the toast of high society to a convicted sex trafficker.
www.bbc.com
Darfur gunmen loot UN warehouse with nearly 2,000 tonnes of food
UN says the warehouse contained up to 1,700 tonnes of food destined for hundreds of thousands of people in the area.
Biden administration asks Supreme Court to intervene in Remain-in-Mexico legal battle
The Biden administration restarted the Trump-era border policy on a limited scale earlier this month to comply with court orders.
www.cbsnews.comPolitical heavyweights remember "one of a kind" Harry Reid
Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was hailed Tuesday for his "honesty" by former House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) — who praised his old political rival for being "a fighter until the end."The big picture: Boehner's tribute to his friend was one of many from past and present...
Ghislaine Maxwell: What the trial means for Prince Andrew
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming teenagers. What does this mean for her former friend?
www.bbc.com
Dr. Dre finalizes divorce with $100 million settlement
Dr. Dre was married to Nicole Young for nearly 24 years.
www.nbcnews.com
Severe storms and record-breaking warmth forecast to hit parts of the South
The severe weather could touch down just weeks after deadly tornadoes ravaged through six southern states earlier this month.
www.cbsnews.com
The teenagers suing 33 countries
To ensure the promises of COP26 are kept, young campaigners are putting their faith in the courts.
www.bbc.com
Teacher who 'stalked' students online for LGBTQ club says her comments were made 'tongue in cheek'
“When we were doing our virtual learning — we totally stalked what they were doing on Google, when they weren’t doing schoolwork,” Buena Vista Middle School teacher Lori Caldeira said at a recent conference.
Apple puts supplier Foxconn’s India plant on notice after protests, food poisoning
The site is strategic as the U.S. tech giant tries to cut its reliance on its Chinese supply chain amid trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
www.nbcnews.com
Princess Diana: Files reveal plea for Elton John to perform at funeral
A top clergyman said a performance by Sir Elton would be "generous" for millions who felt bereaved.
www.bbc.com
Timeline: The European Union and migration in 2021
Al Jazeera takes a look at key events shaping European countries’ response to migrant and refugee arrivals this year.
How organized shoplifting rings work, and how police in one town are fighting back
One thief said he made $2,500 a day stealing power tools before he was arrested: “You make more money than you do selling drugs, and it’s less jail time."
www.nbcnews.com
Tiger in Florida zoo shot to death after grabbing man's arm
The zoo in Naples, Florida, says a cleaner entered an unauthorized area and was apparently petting or feeding the Malayan tiger named Eko.
www.cbsnews.com
Schwarzenegger and Shriver divorce final after 10 years
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s marriage is officially over more than 10 years after the award-winning journalist petitioned to end her then-25-year marriage to the action star and former California governor.
apnews.com
Desmond Tutu's body lies in state in his old cathedral
South Africa's revered clergyman, who has died aged 90, asked for "lavish spending" to be avoided.
www.bbc.com
CDC warns against cruises, regardless of vaccination status | AP News
MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people on Thursday not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, because of onboard outbreaks fueled by the omicron variant.
U.S. hits record high with nearly 500,000 COVID-19 cases in a single day
The staggering number comes as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the nation.
www.cbsnews.com
Nursing home workers are urged to get boosters as cases soar | AP News
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials on Thursday pressed nursing home workers to get their booster shots amid a spike in COVID-19 cases among staffers and a concerning lag in booster vaccination for residents and staff.
2 doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine 85% effective against hospitalizations, South Africa study shows
Two doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine are 85% effective against hospitalizations in South Africa, a new study shows.
Omicron surge is 'unlike anything we've ever seen,' expert says
An unprecedented spike in Covid-19 cases fueled by the fast-moving Omicron variant is crushing hospitals across the United States, with doctors describing packed emergency rooms as health experts implore New Year's Eve revelers to keep parties small and outdoors to help avert an even worse surge.
Anti-vax community blasts Trump after pro-shot comments
Former Republican President Donald Trump's recent comments touting COVID-19 vaccines as safe and a major achievement of his presidency have roiled extreme anti-vaxers, which include many of his ardent supporters.
Biden’s goal of 500 million free tests will require major production scale-up
The president has said the U.S. will send half a billion free at-home tests to Americans, but he hasn't given a timeline for when those tests will be readily available.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. ends case against Jeffrey Epstein's jail guards
U.S. prosecutors decided to end their criminal case against two Manhattan jail guards who admitted to falsifying records on the night the financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself on their watch.
Congressional Republicans tell Supreme Court to block Biden's 'health police' vaccine mandate
Sen. Mike Braun and Rep. Elise Stefanik are leading an amicus curaie brief at the Supreme Court arguing the court should block President Biden's vaccine mandate.
FAA warns of continued flight delays amid rising COVID-19 cases
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday warned that travelers can expect more flights to be canceled as the omicron variant continues to surge around the country,
FDA expected to authorize Pfizer booster shot for children 12 to 15
The FDA plans to authorize Pfizer Covid vaccine boosters to children ages 12 to 15 in the coming days, a person with knowledge of the plan said.
www.nbcnews.com
Health data suggests South Africa's Omicron peak has passed with no major spike in deaths
A study out of South Africa found the country may have already passed the peak of it omicron-fueled surge in cases of the coronavirus, with data suggesting the variant has not caused a corresponding jump in hospitalizations and deat
US children hospitalized with COVID in record numbers | AP News
SEATTLE (AP) — The omicron-fueled surge that is sending COVID-19 cases rocketing in the U.S. is putting children in the hospital in record numbers, and experts lament that most of the youngsters are not vaccinated.
Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? | AP News
Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? Yes, but U.S. health officials say early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. Government recommendations for using at-home tests haven't changed.
JetBlue cancels 1,280 flights through mid-January due to expected Covid spike
JetBlue Airways will cancel about 1,280 flights between now and January, in expectation of continued Covid-19 outbreaks brought on by the omicron variant, the airline said Thursday.
www.nbcnews.com
Incoming NYC mayor says he will keep de Blasio's vaccine mandates in place
Incoming New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he will keep outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio’s vaccine mandate to visit businesses in place when he is sworn in on New Year’s Eve.
More than 200 Marines have been discharged from military due to vaccine refusal
More than 200 Marines have been booted from the United States military for refusing to submit to a coronavirus vaccine.
Oklahoma National Guard says unvaccinated airmen can't participate in drills
The Oklahoma National Guard said unvaccinated airmen cannot participate in drills, days after a federal judge turned down the state’s bid to block the Pentagon’s vaccine mandate for National Guard members.
Fauci defends new CDC isolation guidelines
Anthony Fauci on Thursday defended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) decision to cut its recommended isolation time to five days for people infected w
Essential medical workers say they're bearing the brunt of omicron surge
Jason Harrison thought he was prepared for anything after more than 14 years as a registered nurse.
www.nbcnews.com
De Blasio says he doesn't 'believe in shutdowns' despite shutting down NYC for several months
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday that he doesn't believe in shutdowns – after nearly two years of repeated, extensive shutdowns of New York City championed by the mayor himself.
Omicron wave may have peaked, South Africa says
Officials relax restrictions noting lower hospital admissions from the Omicron variant than feared.
www.bbc.com
Pentagon streamlines process for requesting National Guard in DC
The Department of Defense is streamlining the process for requesting National Guard services in Washington, D.C., granting approval authority for certain D.C.
Warren Buffett rejects Sanders' request to intervene amid union strike
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet has rejected Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) request to intervene in various labor disputes.
Live updates: South Korea extends social distancing rules
SEOUL, South Korea __ South Korea says it’ll extend the toughest social distancing rules for another two weeks to try to lower critical cases and guard against the omicron variant. The government said Friday the current restrictions such as a four-person limit on private gatherings and a 9 p.m.
apnews.com
Israel approves 4th vaccine dose for most vulnerable | AP News
TEL AVIV (AP) — Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19, an official said Thursday, becoming one of the first countries to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant.
How schools plan to bring students back safely amid latest COVID-19 surge
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, school districts are adjusting their COVID-19 protocols to safely bring students back from winter break.
Live updates: Mexico approves use of Cuba's Abdala vaccine
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico’s health safety council has approved the use of Cuba’s three-dose Abdala coronavirus vaccine. The council said Wednesday that it has sufficient evidence the vaccine is safe and effective.
apnews.com
Biden administration signals pandemic strategy shift in the face of Omicron | CNN Politics
The Biden administration is revealing the most tangible signs of a shifting pandemic strategy several weeks in the making. It is preparing a nation exhausted by two years battling the invisible enemy to live more feasibly alongside it.
US shatters COVID case records, as experts predict infection rates will continue to grow
The nation is now reporting more than 277,000 new cases a day.
Trump fires up vaccine tensions
Former President Trump is touting his administration’s work in developing life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, putting him at odds with a portion of his base that is skeptical or opposed to the vac…
thehill.com
U.S. health officials say COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations 'comparatively' low despite Omicron surge
COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations are "comparatively" low as the highly infectious Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said on Wednesday as cases in the United States reached a record high.
Guam's governor takes hands-on approach to administering Covid vaccines
About 84 percent of the island territory's total population is fully vaccinated, according to Guam’s Joint Information Center.
www.nbcnews.com
Florida battles federal government again over monoclonal antibody supplies
Florida’s top doctor has launched a new battle against the White House over recent shortages of the monoclonal antibody treatment used to fight severe COVID-19 infection.
Aaron Rodgers blasts NFL's 'two-class system' of vaccinated and unvaccinated
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who took flack for catching COVID-19 after falsely implying he'd been vaccinated, criticized the NFL on Tuesday over its coronavirus policies.
Exclusive: U.S. NIH research hospital delays elective surgeries as Omicron hits
A new wave of COVID-19 infections driven by the Omicron variant is forcing the U.S. National Institutes of Health to postpone elective surgeries at the largest hospital in the United States devoted to clinical research as a growing number of staff must isolate or quarantine, according to a memo...
UK to provide $141.7M in emergency aid to help vulnerable nations combat omicron: report
The British government on Wednesday pledged 105 million pounds — which is equivalent to roughly $141.7 million — in emergency aid to vulnerable countries, particularly in Africa, to help them deal …
thehill.com
COVID-19 hospitalization surge among U.S. children spurs new Omicron concerns
Within weeks, the Omicron variant has fueled thousands of new COVID-19 hospitalizations among U.S. children, raising new concerns about how the many unvaccinated Americans under the age of 18 will fare in the new surge.
www.reuters.com
‘Two steps forward, one step back’: Omicron threatens new economic slide for women
Unexpected school closures and reinstated lockdowns, on top of a crippled child care industry, could reverse what progress women have made since the pandemic abated earlier this year.
Pentagon awards $136.7M contract for domestic production of material critical for rapid COVID-19 tests
The Department of Defense (DOD) announced on Wednesday that it was awarding a $136.7 million contract to the Merck-owned brand MilliporeSigma for the domestic production of a material critical for COVID-19 rapid point-of-care tests.
5 tips for parents as omicron spreads and pediatric hospitalizations rise
Two pediatric doctors share their tips for keeping kids safe and healthy as omicron spreads and pediatric hospitalizations rise.
Domestic travel vaccine mandate back in spotlight
The debate over requiring COVID-19 vaccines for domestic travel is back in the spotlight this week, despite pushback from the business community and the potential for strong backlash if the Biden a…
thehill.com
Do you have a cold, the flu or Covid-19? Experts explain how to tell the difference | CNN
Covid-19 can look a lot like a simple cold or flu, especially in vaccinated people. Epidemiologist Dr. Abdul El-Sayed explains what to look for to differentiate between the viruses and how to respond to the infections.
What you need to know about at-home rapid tests and their results
The omicron variant has made at-home Covid tests hot-ticket items. While access and cost are struggles, the new variant could also affect the tests' sensitivity.
www.nbcnews.com
What the pandemic has done to our memory
When every day seems the same and stress is unrelenting, it can affect people's cognitive skills. Experts offer coping strategies.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. authorizes at-home Covid test from German firm Siemens Healthineers
The test is expected to be available starting in January.
www.nbcnews.com
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