
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Pelosi to step down from House leadership, stay in Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress, ending a historic run as the first woman with the gavel and making way for a new generation to steer the party after Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in the midterm elections.

November 17, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news | CNN
NATO, Polish and US officials have said that the deadly missile blast in Poland on Tuesday was likely launched by Ukrainian air defenses, but that Russia bore ultimate responsibility. Follow for live news updates.


Trump signed checks at issue in tax fraud scheme, ex-CFO testifies
The former president signed Christmas bonus checks for executives at his namesake company as if they were independent contractors but did not conspire on a tax fraud scheme, Allen Weisselberg said.

Kari Lake isn't conceding in Arizona governor's race she lost
Defeated Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake says she's assembling lawyers and collecting evidence of voters who had trouble casting ballots as she considers her next move.


Pelosi's big decision: 'There’s a life out there, right?'
Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the attack on her husband, Paul, by an intruder in their family home made her think about staying on as the House Democratic leader.


Trumps had role in fraud scheme, Allen Weisselberg testifies at company's trial
Private school tuition checks signed by Donald Trump and two of his sons figured into improper salary reductions, Allen Weisselberg said.


Judge blocks Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' law barring "woke" education
A federal judge in Florida has blocked a law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges.


Republican Boebert’s lead over Frisch in Colorado narrows to within recount zone
The election is hovering within the threshold for an automatic recount. Here's the latest in the Colorado race between Adam Frisch and Lauren Boebert.
www.usatoday.com

GOP eyes new priorities for House, starting with Biden probe
The Republican Party’s capture of the House majority is upending the agenda in Washington, empowering GOP lawmakers to pursue conservative goals and vigorously challenge the policies of President Joe Biden and his administration.


Republicans say they'll push ahead with Hunter Biden probe despite some warnings from within
Congressional Republicans say they'll push ahead with a probe of President Joe Biden's family, including his son Hunter -- despite concerns from some in their own caucus.

Sneak peek of Trump defamation lawsuit includes allegations of rape and battery - Washington Examiner
A preview of a new defamation lawsuit that is going to be filed against former President Donald Trump includes allegations of sexual battery, which will be punishable through a civil lawsuit after a new law in New York goes into effect next week. Lawyers for former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll...


Biden admin to ask high court to take up student debt plan
The Biden administration plans to ask the Supreme Court to reinstate the president’s student debt cancellation plan, according to a legal filing.


New CNN chief: ‘We are not going to be a 24/7 Trump news network’
Chris Licht, CNN’s new top boss, said the network will not cover former President Trump as much as it did during his first run for president in 2016 and his four years in the White House. …


Georgia rep accuses GOP groups of using lopsided Walker fundraising tactics to 'capture data and donors'
Georgia GOP Rep. Austin Scott told Fox News Digital that people who want to see the Peach State's Senate seat go red should donate directly to Herschel Walker's campaign.

Secret Service agent Robert Engel, who was with Trump on Jan. 6, testifies before House select committee
The Secret Service has disputed testimony from former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson concerning Trump's actions on Jan. 6.


Hakeem Jeffries launches bid to be Nancy Pelosi’s successor | CNN Politics
House Democrats appear likely to choose New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to succeed Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a potentially historic move to elect the first Black person to lead a party in Congress.


Wray says FBI investigating ‘outrageous’ Chinese police station in NYC - Washington Examiner
FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed the bureau is investigating the Chinese government’s efforts to set up police stations in the United States, saying he was “very concerned” about Beijing’s “outrageous” transnational repression schemes. Investigations in the U.S. and in Europe, Canada, and...


Five takeaways as the Pelosi era ends
Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) momentous decision to step down from Democratic leadership marks a watershed moment in Washington politics, sending tremors across a Congress where she’s guided he…


West Virginia AG Morrisey 'seriously evaluating' 2024 Senate run, posing threat to Manchin
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey told Fox News Digital he is “seriously evaluating” a gubernatorial run or launching a second bid for the Senate in 2024.

Twitter temporarily closes offices after Musk ultimatum prompts new wave of resignations
“The train has started in #social-watercooler,” one employee said, referring to a Slack room Twitter employees have used in recent weeks to notify others that they are leaving.


The AP Interview: Whitmer has 'no interest in going to DC'
In an Associated Press interview, Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she will remain focused on her post and not on growing national speculation she could mount a future presidential run.


Feds to probe if Oklahoma discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities
An investigation was prompted by a complaint about 'credible allegations of discrimination' in how the state serves people with mental health disabilities.
www.usatoday.com

Hakeem Jeffries launches bid to be Nancy Pelosi’s successor | CNN Politics
House Democrats appear likely to choose New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to succeed Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a potentially historic move to elect the first Black person to lead a party in Congress.


Trump defamed me again, rape accuser Carroll says in forthcoming lawsuit
The writer accusing Donald Trump of raping her 27 years ago said the former U.S. president defamed her a second time last month by falsely telling his social media followers that he had not known her and the rape never happened.

Gov. Abbott and state legislators ordered to turn over documents in suit challenging redistricting - Washington Examiner
A district judge in Texas ordered Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) and state legislators to turn over documents in a lawsuit challenging the state's new districts formed after redistricting on Thursday. The lawmakers have 14 days to provide the documents related to the redistricting process to the court...


Pro-life centers targeted by 70% of abortion-related violent threats since Dobbs decision: FBI
FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday that approximately 70% of abortion-related attacks and threats since the Dobbs decision are against pro-life groups.

Jan. 6 committee pushes back after Pence says he won't testify
Pence, on a media blitz to promote his new memoir, told CBS News that he was "closing the door" on speaking before the panel

Kari Lake declines to concede, says she’s assembling legal team
Correction: Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Gates’s party affiliated has been corrected. He is a Republican. Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (R) declined to concede …

In Announcing 2024 Bid for Presidency, Trump Echoes Old Falsehoods
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced his third bid for the presidency Tuesday night in a speech that was like many others that have come before it: packed full of falsehoods. Trump uttered the first inaccurate claim about two minutes in: that his administration “built the...

Trump Org. stopped illegal tax practices when Donald Trump took office, former CFO testifies | CNN Politics
The Trump Organization stopped several illegal tax practices around 2017 when Donald Trump took office, former Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg testified in a New York court on Thursday, but he said the Trump family was not involved in wrongdoing.


Arizona voters reject measure to tighten mail-in voting requirements
Arizona voters have decided against adding additional voter ID requirements to mail-in ballots and rejected mandatory photo ID for in-person voting.

Griner has begun serving sentence in Russian penal colony
WNBA star Brittney Griner has begun serving her nine-year sentence for drug possession at a Russian penal colony.


Pelosi's precision: How 35 years in Congress shaped the end of her reign
The House Democratic leader ceded her power, but not her pull, as members shared legendary tales of 1 a.m. phone calls, lawmaker “surrenders” and her “icy stare.”


Ukraine says half its energy system crippled by Russian attacks, Kyiv could 'shutdown'
Russian missile strikes have crippled almost half of Ukraine's energy system, the government said on Friday, and authorities in the capital Kyiv warned that the city could face a "complete shutdown" of the power grid as winter sets in.

McCarthy says he skipped Pelosi retirement speech because he ‘had meetings’ - Washington Examiner
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was notably absent from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) speech announcing that she will step down from leadership in the next Congress, with the California Republican telling reporters that he “had meetings” at that time. Pelosi and McCarthy, who is...


Ex-Trump Organization CFO says Trump family was in the dark on tax fraud scheme
"Did you conspire with the Trump family?" Allen Weisselberg was asked by a Trump lawyer. "No," he replied.


GOP veteran congressmen demand DOD, State Dept. respond to Iran attacks on US interests in Iraq
Two veteran GOP congressmen sent a letter to secretaries Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken demanding they respond to the recent Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq.

House probe of Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot releasing report next month
A U.S. House of Representatives committee will release its report probing the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by former President Donald Trump supporters next month, the Democratic chair said on Thursday.
Key Allies Are Inching Away From Trump
ORLANDO, Fla. — Three billionaire donors have moved on, and others are actively weighing their options. A number of former allies are staying on the sidelines. A long list of potential rivals — from popular governors to members of Congress — are seriously assessing their chances for 2024. Even...

House Democrat eyes legislation to bar Trump from office under 14th Amendment
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) is eyeing legislation that would bar former President Trump from serving in office under the 14th Amendment “for leading an insurrection against the United States.” Ci…


Trump Is No Longer Enjoying Himself — And It Shows
The 2022 version of Trump is less fun and less interesting than the person who rode the golden escalator seven years ago.


What will a split government do to Biden's agenda?
A divided government with Republicans retaking control of the House and Democrats holding on to the Senate will delay President Biden's legislative agenda.
Republicans want Trump to stay out of Georgia's runoff race
Fresh off a disappointing election that saw them fail to retake the Senate and only narrowly secure the House, Republicans worry that former President Donald Trump's candidacy has stolen the spotlight from Herschel Walker in Georgia.

Customs agent killed, 2 wounded in shootout with suspected smugglers near Puerto Rico
DHS Secretary Mayorkas said others "gravely" wounded
www.usatoday.com

After Elon Musk's ultimatum, Twitter employees start exiting
Hundreds of Twitter Inc employees are estimated to have decided to quit the beleaguered social media company following a Thursday deadline from new owner Elon Musk that staffers sign up for "long hours at high intensity," or leave.

Tom Cotton: Delete TikTok, then get a new phone - Washington Examiner
Warnings don’t come as blunt as the one Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) dished Thursday to the users of the highly popular Chinese TikTok app.“Let me just be clear,” said Cotton, a China critic. “If you have TikTok on your device, you should delete it from your device. And even better, you should go and buy


The AP Interview: Pence says voters want new leadership
In an Associated Press interview, former Vice President Mike Pence declines to say whether he believes Donald Trump is fit to be president again.


Elon Musk’s rapid changes at Twitter could raise legal concerns, experts say
Musk has already fired key Twitter executives, laid off half of Twitter’s 7,500-person payroll and slashed the number of contractors.


Republican infighting escalates over poor 2022 election results as Trump re-emerges
The conflicts have already led to challenges to the top two Republicans in Congress as the GOP squabbles over what went wrong in the midterm elections — and how to fix it.


Warnock: Walker ‘crossed a line’ with attacks against family
“I know that politics is ugly,” Warnock, the father of two, said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “People play all kinds of games, unfortunately. But Herschel Walker and his a…


Mayorkas says 'entire hemisphere is suffering a migration crisis' days after saying southern border is secure
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday that there is a "migration crisis" in the entire hemisphere, days after agreeing the southern border is secure.
Western nations hustle to sync up with Ukraine, each other on missile strike
Ukraine has been reluctant to take the blame for a missile strike in Poland.


Despite a poor midterm, the GOP cobbled enough wins to flip the House. How did they do it?
The GOP's most high-profile win was ousting New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who chaired party efforts through the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
www.usatoday.com
Madison Cawthorn vacates offices before end of term; constituents' calls go unanswered
Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., has apparently vacated his Washington and district offices nearly two months before the end of his term.

U.S. House Republicans make investigation of Biden a top priority
After winning control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans said on Thursday that investigating President Joe Biden and his family's business dealings will be their top oversight priority when they formally take power next year.

ICE arrests 130+ illegal immigrant sex offenders in broad national operation
ICE on Thursday said it had arrested 138 illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes as part of a national operation from the end of October to the beginning of November.

Trump not first politician to be ditched by Rupert Murdoch
A secret directive to his editors exposes how ruthlessly the press baron can dispose of allies.


Difficulties again put Houston at center of Texas elections
A Democrat who is the top official in Texas’ largest county on Thursday acknowledged problems around Houston on Election Day that included paper ballot shortages and delayed openings of polling locations.


Senators aim to ban USG deals with Chinese chipmakers
Two senators are lobbying hard for a ban on U.S. government business with Chinese chipmakers, further pressuring Chinese Communist Party-tied industries and decoupling the economies of the two world powers.


Hot for the presses: Jan. 6 chairman eyes date for final bombshell report - Washington Examiner
The House select committee investigating the events of Jan. 6 is expecting to send its final report to the printer by the end of the month and publish it before the end of the year, Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) said, according to multiple reports. Thompson said the report is a "work in...


Lawmakers celebrate Pelosi: ‘A historical figure’
Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that she will step away from Democratic leadership next Congress marked a transformational moment on Capitol Hill Thursday, with liberals and even some Republica…


DC attorney general sues Washington Commanders for withholding ticketholders’ deposits: Report - Washington Examiner
Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine’s office is suing the Washington Commanders for allegedly cheating ticketholders out of their deposits, the latest update in the district’s investigation into the football team for allegations of financial misconduct. Racine announced the lawsuit on...


House Republicans plan investigations and possible impeachments with new majority
The House GOP's small majority aims to cause plenty of big headaches for the Biden administration with probes into Hunter Biden, the border and DOJ ahead of 2024.


Biden administration to make it easier to shed student debt in bankruptcy
Only 0.1% of people with college debt who filed for bankruptcy have tried to get their student loans discharged.


Texas town approves plans for new building to replace school shooting site
The Uvalde school board in Texas has approved plans to replace Robb Elementary School months after the town decided to demolish the building where a teenaged gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in May.

House Republicans allege Biden directly involved in business dealings with son Hunter Biden
Rep. James Comer said a Republican investigation into Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings found direct collaboration between Hunter and President Biden.

Obama: Democrats ‘thumped’ election deniers in key midterm races | CNN Politics
Former President Barack Obama on Thursday praised Democratic organizers and campaigns for successfully defeating election-denying Republican candidates in a handful of midterm races in states that could play a major role in deciding the 2024 presidential contest.

‘Positively dystopian’: Florida judge blocks DeSantis’ anti-woke law for colleges
A judge determined policies from the law violate First Amendment free speech protections along with due-process rights in the 14th Amendment on college campuses.


US agent, suspected smuggler killed off Puerto Rico coast
U.S. authorities say a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and a suspected smuggler died during a shootout Thursday morning off the Puerto Rico coast.


Russia strikes regions across Ukraine, targeting energy networks; Black Sea grain deal extended
More Russian shelling hit Ukraine on Thursday morning as missile attacks were reported in the Kyiv region, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro.

House Republicans say 'top priority' is to probe Biden family
"This is an investigation of Joe Biden," said one lawmaker, who will helm a powerful committee.


Myanmar releases 4 foreigners in broad prisoner amnesty
Myanmar’s military-controlled government released an Australian academic, a Japanese filmmaker, an ex-British diplomat and an American as part of a broad prisoner amnesty that also freed many local citizens held for protesting the army takeover.


Nancy Pelosi's legacy: 'A troublemaker with a gavel' leaves her mark, from health care to impeachment
Congressional scholars and modern politicians rate Speaker Nancy Pelosi as one of the most consequential legislative leaders in U.S. and House history.
www.usatoday.com

Mayorkas testifies ‘entire hemisphere’ is in ‘crisis’ but not US border - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden’s top homeland security official refused to describe the U.S.-Mexico border as being in “crisis” during a Senate hearing, instead offering that the “entire hemisphere is suffering a migration crisis.”Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas forced the commissioner of...


Dutch court finds two Russians, one Ukrainian separatist guilty over downing of flight MH17 | CNN
A Dutch court on Thursday found two Russians and a separatist Ukrainian guilty of mass murder for their involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.


Coroner says University of Idaho students were murdered with large knife
The city of Moscow remains in shock as little information has been released about the deaths of four students.

Progressive Star Rep. Katie Porter Wins Reelection In California
The California Democrat was a top target of Republicans this cycle. She survived after a tight race against Republican Scott Baugh.

Abortion, gun control were top issues driving young Latinos to vote. Groups want to harness that momentum.
Over 4 million Latinos are expected to age into the 2024 presidential election, says Voto Latino's Maria Teresa Kumar. "There's an incredible opportunity for investment in these voters."


GOP turns focus to Hunter Biden business dealings after winning House
House Republicans fresh off securing a majority immediately turned their attention to probes into the foreign business dealings of President Biden’s son Hunter Biden and brother James Biden. The ul…


As Trump announces 2024 run, GOP governors do their best to look away
At the annual meeting of the Republican Governors Association, "electability" came up again and again as the group grappled with a mixed midterm result.


Lengthy vote counts frustrate, but don't signal problems
Lengthy vote counts in states such as Arizona or California can frustrate candidates and their supporters, but they don't indicate anything is wrong with the voting or the tallying of ballots.


Harris calls North Korea's missile launch a 'brazen violation' as APEC leaders condemn act
The APEC leaders' meeting begins Friday, as the world's economic leaders are expected to continue discussions of trade and sustainable economic growth.
Surprise! Fox News’ Violent Crime Coverage Plummets After Midterms
SOPA ImagesFox News devoted much of its airtime prior to last week’s midterm elections to violent crime, usually by tying criminal violence to “Democratic cities” and progressive policies.The conservative cable giant, however, has pulled back on much of that coverage in the immediate aftermath...

Senate Democrats ask FTC to investigate Twitter after ‘alarming steps’ by Musk
Senate Democrats urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Thursday to investigate Twitter over potential consumer protection violations after changes made to the platform in recent weeks under the …


Opinion: Putin digs himself ever deeper into a quagmire | CNN
The full circumstances of the missile that landed in Poland Tuesday are still being investigated. But as David Andelman writes, there’s one thing we know. “This is all part of Putin’s misguided, and likely futile, effort to hammer Ukraine into submission.”


Federal control board supervising Puerto Rico’s finances has a new director
Robert Mujica is expected to start in January. Much of the U.S. territory's debt has been restructured, but the $9 billion held by Puerto Rico’s power company is not resolved.


Zeldin moves closer to bid for GOP chair
The New York congressman says he is "very seriously considering" vying for leadership of the party.

‘Affirming of all’: Teachers union authored pronoun guide for using ‘ze’ and ‘zir’ - Washington Examiner
EXCLUSIVE — The nation's largest teachers union offered its members a guide on how to use pronouns in an "affirming" manner properly and included a guide to using "ze" and "zir."The National Education Association's "Pronoun Guide," reviewed by the Washington Examiner, directs members on how to...


Who is Hakeem Jeffries, House Democrats' likely next leader?
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, is considered the top pick to be the Democrats' leader in the House, after Nancy Pelosi announced she will step down.

Russia-Ukraine grain deal extended in win for food prices
A wartime agreement that unblocked grain shipments from Ukraine and helped temper rising global food prices will be extended by four months.


Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren and more thank House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her service
Reactions thanking Nancy Pelosi for her time as House speaker poured in on social media from leaders across the political spectrum.


UVa shooting suspect bought 2 guns after failing background last year
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 22, charged with murder in the deaths of three football players, purchased a rifle and a Glock 45 from Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, Virginia.

Newly empowered House Republicans accuse President Joe Biden of influence peddling as part of anticipated Hunter Biden probe
House Oversight Committee ranking member James Comer ups the ante in his Hunter Biden probe since winning the majority by targeting President Biden.

Adnan Oktar: TV cult preacher jailed for 8,658 years in Turkey
Adnan Oktar has been convicted of sexual assault and abuse of minors in Turkey.


Top Biden economic adviser Brian Deese to leave next year: Report - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden's top economic advisers will soon depart the White House as part of a reshuffle that aims to address economic challenges facing the country as Democrats eye the road to 2024.The White House teased the changes in the lead-up to the midterm elections as polls showed voters...


Police may be looking for more than one suspect in Idaho college slayings, prosecutor says
"At this point, the investigators are looking at all possibilities," Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said. "They don't have a specific suspect."


Jan. 6 panel hits back at Pence over new interview
The House Jan. 6 committee on Wednesday pushed back on former Vice President Mike Pence after he described the panel as “partisan” during an interview with CBS that aired earlier in the day. Rep. B…


IRS contractor gets more scrutiny in congressional report
House investigators say a federal contractor that provided identity verification services for the Internal Revenue Service overstated its capacity to perform its services.


Dem organizing groups to donors: 2024 is already here
A constellation of liberal organizations flooded legislative races with money in 2022, and Democrats did not lose a single chamber anywhere in the country.


Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election as leader of the House Democrats
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a decision about her future plans Thursday after the Democrats lost their majority in the chamber after the midterm elections.

McCarthy skips Pelosi's retirement speech as some Republicans pay grudging respect
Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to take Pelosi’s gavel, said he “had meetings” and suggested she should have made the announcement during votes.


Jimmy Fallon is asking Elon Musk to take down #RIPJimmyFallon | CNN
Jimmy Fallon is asking Elon Musk to help put a stop to a disturbing trend on Twitter.


FBI director 'very concerned' by Chinese 'police stations' in U.S.
The United States is deeply concerned about the Chinese government setting up unauthorized 'police stations' in U.S. cities to possibly pursue influence operations, FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Thursday.

DHS monitored reactions to Roe verdict on social media: report
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was monitoring social media reactions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in late June, according to a new report.
Politicians react to Nancy Pelosi's announcing she will not run for Democratic leader: 'There will never be another like her'
Here's what Biden and Pelosi's colleagues both past and present said about the House Speaker's decision to step down from party leadership.

WATCH: Kari Lake refuses to concede Arizona governor’s race - Washington Examiner
Kari Lake is refusing to concede to Katie Hobbs in the Arizona governor’s race, stating problems with the election process. Lake announced on Twitter she has assembled a legal team to look into the electronic voting machines malfunctioning at several polling locations. Arizona, we are still in...


Acting Uvalde police chief during school shooting steps down
Lt. Mariano Pargas left the department voluntarily. It was not immediately clear whether he retired or resigned.

House Dems say facial recognition company made 'baseless claims'
The identity verification firm ID.me "inaccurately overstated" its capabilities to federal agencies, according to an investigation from the House Oversight committee.


Trump enthusiasm fading fast for House GOP
Two years after rallying behind Donald Trump as the GOP’s uncontested champion, Republicans on Capitol Hill are sounding a very different tune as the former president seeks the White House on…


Warnock expands ground game to try to ensure turnout in Georgia Senate runoff
Raphael Warnock's campaign is expanding its field organizing, offering a look into the areas his team is focusing on ahead of the Dec. 6 runoff against Herschel Walker

US House win by ex-combat pilot cements Republican control
U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia has been reelected in California in a victory that hands Republicans control of the House.


Democratic U.S. senators accuse Musk of undermining Twitter, urge FTC probe
Seven Democratic senators sent a letter on Thursday to the Federal Trade Commission, warning that Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk, was acting in disregard of users and urging the agency to investigate any breach of a consent decree that the FTC inked with Twitter.
Results: Democrat Craig Greenberg defeats Republican Bill Dieruf in Louisville, Kentucky's mayoral election
Democrat Craig Greenberg, an attorney and business owner, defeated Republican Bill Dieruf, the mayor of Jeffersontown.

Justice Department signals it plans to ask the Supreme Court to reinstate Biden’s student debt relief program | CNN Politics
The Justice Department indicated in a court filing Thursday that it plans to ask the Supreme Court to reinstate the Biden administration’s student debt relief program.

Biden's era of big government is over
The Republican takeover of the House will force the president to shift gears on his economic agenda.


Paul Ryan welcomes Pelosi to ‘the former speaker’s club’
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) welcomed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to the “former speaker’s club” after she announced on Thursday she will step down from her role atop her caucu…


Democrats’ next big fight: Which state goes first in the 2024 presidential primary
Democrats will meet in early December to discuss their primary calendar as Michigan looks to move up.


Herschel Walker implores new Republican House majority to put focus 'back on the people'
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Republican Georgia Senate nominee Herschel Walker implored the new GOP House majority to put the body's focus "back on the people."

Failed South Dakota House candidate arrested on rape charge after election loss
Bud Marty May, 37, lost the race against his mother.


EU shakes up climate talks with surprise disaster fund offer
Climate talks appeared stalled late night Thursday on major issues going into the final day, but possibilities for a deal were buoyed by an unexpected proposal by the European Union on two of the thorniest issues, tying compensation for climate disasters to tougher emissions cuts.


Ukraine war: 10 million without power after Russian strikes
At least seven are killed in a new Russian missile barrage, days after an even bigger bombardment.


Meteor mania: Leonid meteor shower to reach peak activity Thursday night - Washington Examiner
The Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak activity Thursday evening into Friday morning. The shower began at the beginning of November and lasts until the beginning of December, though it is recommended that viewers try to catch a glimpse during peak activity. According to EarthSky, the best...


Faucets poised to run dry for hundreds of Arizona residents by year's end
As drought tightens its grip on the West, the city of Scottsdale says it will no longer allow private trucking companies to haul water to the desert community of Rio Verde Foothills.

Nonprofits With Ties to Democrats Plan Counteroffensive Against Congressional Investigations
WASHINGTON — With Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, a loose network of groups allied with Democrats is planning a multimillion-dollar counteroffensive against an expected onslaught of oversight investigations into President Joe Biden, his family and his administration. The...

Departing lawmakers are lining up cushy lobbying gigs
A number of members are in talks with powerhouse firms as their time in Congress comes to a close.


Pelosi to step down from U.S. House leadership, passing to a new generation
Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who as the first woman House speaker shepherded landmark legislation and led two impeachments, will give up her leadership role a day after the GOP secured control of the chamber.

McConnell emerges from Senate leadership vote with broad GOP backing: ‘Not going anywhere’
Senate Republicans chose Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to continue serving as party leader Wednesday after a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott.

SpaceX workers say they were fired for complaining about Elon Musk's tweets
"It was honestly shocking," said one worker fired after sending a letter objecting to CEO's penis jokes on Twitter.


Sanders to seek gavel of Senate health committee
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is pursuing the top spot on the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, his spokesman said Thursday, now that Democrats are poised to main…


Exec who cleaned up Enron calls FTX mess 'unprecedented'
The man who had to clean up the mess at Enron says the situation at FTX is even worse, describing what he calls a “complete failure” of corporate control.


Los Angeles sheriff: ‘Corruption won’ in election loss to politically backed candidate - Washington Examiner
Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva has taken aim at liberals in his county after being ousted from office in last week's election.Villanueva, who won office in 2018 on the back of a tough-on-crime platform, was beaten by former Long Beach police chief Robert Luna, whom he accused of being a...


Nancy Pelosi's historic role as first female House speaker
Pelosi was elected as first female speaker in 2007 and again in 2019 -- the only speaker in 70 years to have won the office twice

Average long-term US mortgage rates tumble to 6.61%
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate tumbled by nearly a half-point this week, but will likely remain a significant barrier for potential homebuyers as Federal Reserve officials have all but promised more rate hikes in the coming months.


Jan. 6 committee interviews former Trump Secret Service agent Bobby Engel
Engel, the lead Secret Service agent for Trump on Jan. 6, 2021, could provide information former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson's bombshell testimony.


Opinion | Merrick Garland Doesn’t Need a Special Counsel for Trump
The attorney general shouldn’t feel boxed in simply because Trump is trying to avoid accountability.


Marjorie Taylor Greene unveils resolution to audit Ukraine aid funds
House Republicans critical of U.S. assistance to Ukraine during its war with Russia introduced a privileged resolution on Thursday to audit the funds allocated by Congress. The resolution is …


'Momentous:' US advances largest dam demolition in history
U.S. regulators approved a plan to demolish four dams on a California river and open up hundreds of miles of salmon habitat that would be the largest dam removal and river restoration project in the world when it goes forward.


Berkeley joins Harvard and Yale boycott of U.S. News law school rankings
The Stanford and University of Pennsylvania law schools say they are mulling their own plans.

Ukrainians endure power outages amid Russian strikes on infrastructure
There's no street lighting in many places around Kyiv, with people carrying flashlights or just their mobile phones with lights on to navigate around.

‘Joe Biden is not going to let freedom be denied in Iran,’ House Democrat says - Washington Examiner
The Biden administration “will not let freedom be denied in Iran,” a senior House Democrat assured an Iranian diaspora organization at the Capitol on Thursday.“It is not a partisan issue. We demand democracy. We stand as Democrats, we stand with the president of the United States — Joe Biden is...


New FTX CEO details 'complete failure of corporate controls' at crypto platform
John Ray wrote that the company had a striking lack of financial records and internal communications or even a clear idea of who worked there.


FBI Director Wray refuses to say if alleged Hunter Biden criminal activity is Russian 'disinformation'
FBI Director Christopher Wray refused to answer questions about the veracity of information collected by Senate Republicans on alleged criminal activity by the Biden family.

Arizona county leaders end hand-count lawsuit, cite recount
Two Republicans who control the board in a rural southeastern Arizona county have decided to withdraw a lawsuit they filed early this week seeking to force their own elections director to hand-count all the ballots cast in-person on Election Day.


China repression: The families who have left loved ones behind
The wife of a Chinese lawyer detained as a dissident describes her heart-rending decision to flee to the US.


Google struck $360-mln Activision deal to block rival app store, lawsuit says
Alphabet Inc's Google has struck at least 24 deals with big app developers to stop them from competing with its Play Store, including an agreement to pay Activision Blizzard Inc about $360 million over three years, according to a court filing on Thursday.

Ticketmaster cancels public sale of Taylor Swift tour, citing high demand for tickets
A sometimes-heartbreaking presale rush for tickets frustrated many fans.


Planned Parenthood CEO reflects on abortion ballot election results
Alexis McGill Johnson, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, spoke with "GMA 3" about last week's election results.

‘I Caught Lightning in a Bottle. I Will Be One of the Last People to Leave Twitter.’
From news media to message-testing to adversary-monitoring, the platform has changed Washington. It won't be easy to go back.


Rift in Kansas GOP boils over after loss in governor's race
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A push by top Republicans in Kansas to punish party officials who backed an independent candidate for governor is shining a spotlight on an internal rift that could hinder GOP leaders' efforts to steer the state to the right over Democratic Gov.


Karen Bass vows to ‘solve homelessness’ and to be an agent of change as first female mayor of Los Angeles | CNN Politics
Los Angeles Mayor-elect Karen Bass promised to solve the city’s homelessness crisis in her first address after winning election as the first woman to lead the nation’s second-largest city.


Kyle Rittenhouse meets with House GOP members
Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager acquitted of homicide related to the killing of two people in Kenosha, Wis., during a 2020 protest there, met with a group of House Republicans in the Second Amendmen…


California voters re-elect Democratic Rep. Katie Porter to state's 47th Congressional District
California voters have re-elected Democrat Katie Porter to represent California's 47th Congressional District. She defeats Republican challenger Scott Baugh.

A timeline of the killings of four University of Idaho students | CNN
A timeline of the killings of four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home shows what we know about the victims’ final hours, how police came to focus on the suspect and the progress of the court case.


Philadelphia political consultant charged with forging signatures on election petitions in 2019
A political consultant in Philadelphia was charged after allegedly forging signatures on election petitions in 2019. The man was trying to get Democratic clients onto the 2019 ballots.

Russian strikes on Ukraine spotlight Moldova’s energy woes
Massive blackouts that temporarily hit more than a half-dozen cities across Moldova this week have highlighted the impact Russia’s war in Ukraine is having on Europe’s poorest country.


Klamath River dam demolition to be largest in history - Washington Examiner
Four dams will be demolished on a large California river that would return free-flowing salmon to the area for the first time in more than a century.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unanimously approved the $500 million project Thursday for the Klamath River, which flows 257 miles along...


Report: At least 32 transgender people killed in US in 2022
An LGBTQ advocacy group says at least 32 transgender and gender-nonconforming people have been killed in the United States in 2022

Heating oil cost U.S. households 65% more in Oct from year-ago -EIA
Heating oil costs for U.S. households rose by 65% in October compared to the same month last year, due to depleted stocks furthered by low imports and production constraints, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Thursday.

Incoming GOP natural resources committee chair: ‘I don’t want to get boxed in’ solely focusing on climate change
Incoming House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (Ark.) outlined his priorities for a Republican-majority committee on a call with reporters Thursday afternoon, identifying potential areas…


Gaza: At least 21 killed in Jabalia refugee camp fire
At least 10 children have died in a building in the Jabalia refugee camp - the biggest in Gaza.


Iran protests endure night of violence as killings reported across 2 cities
Nationwide anti-government demonstrations are entering their third month.


Scientists try to bolster Great Barrier Reef in warmer world
KONOMIE ISLAND, Australia (AP) — Below the turquoise waters off the coast of Australia is one of the world’s natural wonders, an underwater rainbow jungle teeming with life that scientists say is showing some of the clearest signs yet of climate change.


Idaho college murders: 2 surviving roommates not believed to be involved, police say
Police are pleading with the public to help them find the unknown suspect who stabbed four University of Idaho students to death.

Democrats' policies, economic issues led to losing House majority, political insiders say
Political experts weigh in on how Democrats suffered defeat in the 2022 midterm elections by losing the majority in the House of Representatives.

2 Hawaiian men guilty of hate crime in white man's beating
A jury has found two Native Hawaiian men guilty of a hate crime for the 2014 beating of a white man.


Multiple US border agents shot, one fatally, by narcos near Puerto Rico - Washington Examiner
EXCLUSIVE — At least five people were involved in a maritime shooting between U.S. border agents and drug smugglers that took place off the coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday morning, the Washington Examiner was first to report Thursday.The shootout happened 14 miles off the coast of...


EXCLUSIVE How FTX bought its way to become the 'most regulated' crypto exchange
Documents reveal the strategy and tactics behind founder Sam Bankman-Fried's regulatory agenda, including previously unreported terms of a deal announced earlier this year with IEX Group.

Footage of Black man's beating in custody draws outrage, state investigation
Security footage that shows police officers in Georgia beating a 41-year-old Black man in custody has drawn community outrage.

Russia-Ukraine war in maps and charts: Live Tracker
As the Russian offensive enters its 158th week, we track where battles are taking place and the human cost of the war.

House Democrats assess a transformed Washington after losing majority
Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly characterized Hunter Biden. House Democrats were knocked out of power at the polls this month, losing at least six seats to a Republican Pa…


Are there any policies, issues congressional Republicans and Democrats could work together on?
The midterm elections resulted in a divided Congress that will likely make bipartisan efforts difficult to succeed next year. Both political parties have shown support for some issues.

Analysis: Have China and India shifted stance on Russia war?
China and India, after months of refusing to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine, did not stand in the way of the release of a statement by the world’s leading economies that harshly criticized Moscow.


Oklahoma proposes landmark rule to keep mailed medications safe from harmful temperatures
There is little regulation of how pharmacies ship drugs to patients, though extremes of hot or cold can make medicine unsafe or ineffective.


MH17: Three guilty as court finds Russia-controlled group downed airliner
A Dutch trial finds a missile supplied by Russia killed 298 people on board MH17 over Ukraine in 2014.


LGBTQ voters overwhelmingly voted for Democrats, says Human Rights Campaign
LGBTQ voters and their allies overwhelmingly voted for Democratic candidates in this year’s midterm elections, dissuaded from voting for Republicans whose campaign platforms included attacks agains…


Mexican state security chief is among the five dead in helicopter crash | CNN
The state security chief of the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes was among the five people who died in a helicopter crash, according to the state’s governor.


Potentially dangerous storm moves into Buffalo, western NY
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for parts of western New York ahead of a potentially dangerous bout of lake-effect snow.


Foot found in Yellowstone hot pool ID'd as that of LA man
Yellowstone National Park officials say a foot found floating in a hot pool last summer belonged to a 70-year-old man from Los Angeles

Biden calls Pelosi 'most consequential' House speaker in history
President Biden has issued a statement calling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi the “most consequential” one in history, saying the nation owes "her a deep debt of gratitude."
Republican Boebert's tight race likely headed to recount
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, a renowned conservative firebrand whose combative style helped define the new right, is likely headed to an automatic recount in her bid to fend off a surprisingly difficult challenge by a Democratic businessman from the ritzy ski town of Aspen. The Associated...

Mental crises excluded from some state abortion exemptions
Abortion bans in several states allow exemptions for life-threatening health emergencies, but they say mental health crises don't count.


Smoking marijuana may be more harmful to lungs than smoking cigarettes, study finds
The researchers who led the study say their findings suggest smoking marijuana may be more harmful than people realize.

Poland: Errant Ukrainian air defense missile’s ‘self-destruct system did not work’ - Washington Examiner
A presumed Ukrainian air defense missile landed in a village in Poland after the malfunction of its “self-destruct system,” according to a senior Polish official.“There are many indications that one of the [Ukrainian] missiles used to shoot down a Russian missile missed the target,” Polish...


'Zombie Debt': Homeowners face foreclosure on old mortgages
A growing number of homeowners say they are being blindsided by recent foreclosure actions on their homes over second loans that were taken out more than a decade ago.


Looking back at Nancy Pelosi's accomplishments and controversies during her House leadership
Although Pelosi's tenure as a congresswoman is not yet over, much of her legacy may already be established

Top Biden aide Brian Deese plans White House exit - Bloomberg News
U.S. President Joe Biden's top economic adviser, Brian Deese, is expected to leave the White House next year, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

Markey introduces legislation to improve tech access for Americans with disabilities
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Thursday introduced new legislation that aims to improve access to communications technology for Americans with disabilities to ensure they have equal opportunities in a…


Rep. Banks says GOP must ‘do everything we can’ to block amnesty after Schumer renews Dem push
Rep. Jim Banks, the head of the Republican Study Committee, is calling for Republicans to oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants and do "everything we can" to stop it.

To save salmon, U.S. approves largest dam removal in history
A U.S. agency seeking to restore habitat for endangered fish gave final approval on Thursday to decommission four dams straddling the California-Oregon border, the largest dam removal undertaking in U.S. history.

Driver arrested in connection with crash that injured 25 L.A. County sheriff's trainees
Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, was booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, but later released pending further investigation.


Suspect in Buffalo grocery shooting that killed 10 expected to plead guilty
The white man accused of killing 10 Black people in a racially motivated shooting spree at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket intends to plead guilty to murder and other charges next week, a lawyer for families of some of the victims said on Thursday.

Medical Examiner: Slain UVA students were shot in the head
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says three University of Virginia football players who were shot on a chartered bus as they returned from a field trip to their campus each died of a gunshot wound to the head.


NATO faces new challenge as Ukraine war spills into Poland
Military alliance and analysts say deadly blast in Poland highlights need to further strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

Analysis: U.S. regulators could be pressured by slim Republican House control
With the U.S. House of Representatives under their control, Republicans have a new pulpit to try to constrain President Joe Biden's administrative oversight of business issues from consumer finance to climate rules.
Can Trump hold onto his supporters and allies in 2024?
Former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential announcement was an uncharacteristically sober policy address. The speech Tuesday could be seen as his attempt to consolidate and win back support at a time when his support is dwindling in many quarters.

MOVE ON, MAGA: Pence rebukes Trumpy candidates stuck on 2020, pushes GOP to focus on the future
The Former Vice President rebuked MAGA Republicans' attempts to relitigate the 2020 election, calling for "different leadership" in the wake of Trump's presidential campaign announcement.

North Korea fires suspected ICBM with range to hit all of U.S.
Officials said the intercontinental ballistic missile, which would be the second launched by the North this month, landed in waters west of Japan.


Parents of slain blogger Gabby Petito settle case against boyfriend's estate
The parents of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old travel blogger whose disappearance and murder captivated Americans last year, have reached a $3 million settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit they filed against the estate of her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie.

At least 2 dead amid potentially historic lake-effect snowfall in Western New York
A lake-effect snow warning is in effect through 1 a.m. Saturday for southern Erie County.

A 'barbed wire curtain' rises in Europe amid war in Ukraine
The fall of the Berlin Wall more than 30 years ago symbolized hope for cooperation with Moscow. Russia’s war in Ukraine has now ushered in an era of confrontation.


Inflatable heat shield a ‘huge success’ that could land humans on Mars | CNN
When a large, experimental heat shield inflated in space and faced the brutal reentry of Earth’s atmosphere last week, the aeroshell survived — and it has been deemed a “huge success” by NASA officials.

Boebert's razor-thin lead over Frisch in Colorado likely headed to recount
After nine days of counting votes and over 95% of the ballots tallied, incumbent GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert continues to hold a narrow lead over her Democratic challenger Adam Frisch in a race to decide who will represent Colorado's Third District in Congress.

North Korea tests suspected ICBM with range to reach US mainland
Kamala Harris convenes emergency meeting of leaders at regional summit in Bangkok after weapon lands in seas off Japan.

University of Virginia suspect allegedly shot football player as he slept: Prosecutor
A University of Virginia student appeared in court after he allegedly gunned down three classmates in a mass shooting on campus.

Down to its last panda, Mexico ponders what could come next
Xin Xin, the last panda in Latin America, is not your average bear. A native of Mexico, she's the only remaining member of a diaspora.


Democrats begin to confront own post-election reckoning: The Note
Democrats at this point know they won't control the House come January, with ABC News projecting at least 218 seats for Republicans as of Wednesday night

Webb Space Telescope spots early galaxies hidden from Hubble
NASA's new Webb Space Telescope is finding bright, early galaxies that until now have been hidden from view.


Michael Gerson, former Bush speechwriter and Washington Post columnist, dies at 58 | CNN Politics
Michael Gerson, a top speechwriter for President George W. Bush and longtime Washington Post columnist, has died. He was 58.


A timeline of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter
The serial entrepreneur's journey to acquiring the social media platform spanned many months and included a lawsuit, layoffs and a chaotic transition.



22 states ask feds to repeal COVID vaccine mandate for health care workers
GOP state attorneys general from 22 states are demanding the Biden administration repeal a "draconian" federal COVID vaccine mandate for Medicare and Medicaid providers.

US home births rise in pandemic, to highest level in decades
U.S. home births increased slightly in the pandemic’s second year, rising to the highest level in decades.


Covid vaccine trials didn't monitor menstrual changes. Researchers say it's part of a bigger problem.
Collecting data about menstruation could have prevented confusion and distress and assuaged misguided fears about Covid vaccines, they said.


Chinese city plans 250,000 quarantine beds to fight virus
China’s southern metropolis of Guangzhou plans to build quarantine facilities with almost 250,000 beds to help fight surging coronavirus outbreaks

USDA program keeps extra COVID-era money for fruits, veggies
U.S. agriculture officials have proposed changes to the federal program that helps pay the grocery bills for low-income mothers and young children.


RSV and flu: Parents 'panic' amid Canada shortage of children’s pain meds
Canada says a foreign supply of children's medication is on the way to help with the shortage.


Chinese city plans 250,000 quarantine beds to fight virus
China’s southern metropolis of Guangzhou plans to build quarantine facilities with almost 250,000 beds to help fight surging coronavirus outbreaks.

‘Tripledemic:’ What Happens When Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Cases Collide?
Yale Medicine physicians discuss the possibility of a tripledemic, which is when RSV, flu, and COVID-19 peak at the same time.


Long Covid: What's changed, and what we know now
More than two million people say they have symptoms of long Covid. How are they being treated?


At a long COVID clinic, here's how doctors are trying to help one woman who is struggling
As more people experience long-term health problems from COVID-19, long COVID clinics try to help patients manage symptoms, like brain fog and fatigue.

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