(Yuri Kochetkov/Pool Photo via AP)
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the U.S. and its allies have ignored Russia’s top security demands but added that Moscow remains open to more talks with the West on easing soaring tensions over Ukraine.
Trial underway for Florida's GOP voting restrictions law
A trial challenging Florida’s new voting restrictions has begun with civil rights groups moving to block the sweeping Republican election law as an unnecessary burden on the right to cast ballots.
apnews.com
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know about rising fear of war
Russian President Vladimir Putin says the U.S. and its allies have ignored Russia’s top security demands but added that Moscow is still open for more talks with the West on easing soaring tensions over Ukraine.
apnews.com
FBI Director Christopher Wray on China: 'No country presents a broader threat' to US
No country poses a greater threat to the United States than China, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a sharply worded speech Monday night.
www.usatoday.com
Manchin, key Dem, says Build Back Better bill is 'dead'
Sen. Joe Manchin says that President Joe Biden’s vast social and environment bill is “dead.” It's the strongest language to date that the pivotal West Virginia Democrat has used to underscore that any revival of Democrats’ top domestic priorities would have to arise from fresh negotiations.
apnews.com
Native American tribes reach $590 million opioid settlement
Native American tribes have reached opioid settlements worth over a half-billion dollars with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and three distributors.
apnews.com
Pence's former chief counsel speaks to House January 6 committee
Greg Jacob, who reportedly was with the former vice president on January 6, is the latest member of Pence's team to speak with the committee.
www.cbsnews.com
'Sound the alarm': National debt hits $30 trillion as economists warn of impact for Americans
Economists say U.S. is on unsustainable fiscal path that can push up interest rates and mean less money is available to care for the poor and elderly.
www.usatoday.com
Democrats aiming to pass new government funding bill by Feb. 18 deadline
Democratic leaders are set to meet with their GOP counterparts Tuesday afternoon to discuss the path forward on funding the government.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump pushes false claims that Pence could 'send back' votes
Former President Donald Trump is intensifying his effort to advance the false narrative that his vice president, Mike Pence, could have done something to prevent Joe Biden from taking office.
apnews.com
The IRS suspends its overdue notice to tax payers. Why experts say it's 'a prudent move.'
"In many situations, the tax return may be part of our current paper tax inventory and simply hasn’t been processed," the agency said.
www.nbcnews.comLittle of the Paycheck Protection Program's $800 Billion Protected Paychecks
Hanging over the $800 billion Paycheck Protection Program, one of the government’s most expensive pandemic relief efforts, is a simple question. Did it work? New research, drawing on millions of wage and payroll records, suggests a complicated answer: Yes, but at an extraordinarily high cost...
Biden vs. Trump: The Makings of a Shattering Constitutional Crisis
January 2025 could make January 2021 seem tame by comparison.
www.politico.com
Exclusive: Trump advisers drafted more than one executive order to seize voting machines, sources tell CNN | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump’s advisers drafted two versions of an executive order to seize voting machines – one directing the Department of Defense to do so and another the Department of Homeland Security – as part of a broader effort to undermine the 2020 election results, multiple sources...
www.cnn.com
Manchin hired security detail amid threats and protests
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) spent heavily on private security over the last three months of the year as he became a prime target for progressive protesters angry at his role blocking a reconciliatio…
thehill.com
Opinion | Tucker Carlson Has Become Obsessed With Hungary. Here’s What He Doesn’t Understand.
For Hungarians, Carlson’s anti-Soros tirades are nothing new. But they offer a big boost to Viktor Orbán’s re-election campaign.
www.politico.com
Biden seeks Supreme Court nominee advice amid criticism over promise to name Black woman
President Joe Biden hosted meetings at the White House Tuesday as he considers who he will nominate to the Supreme Court after vowing to nominate the first Black woman.
Analysis-White House retools strategy toward Senator Manchin, with Biden agenda on the line
White House officials are planning a more subtle approach to try to win pivotal U.S. Senator Joe Manchin's support for a key part of President Joe Biden's legislative agenda, hoping that keeping matters private and avoiding public spats can help salvage the ambitious Build Back Better...
Some Trump White House records were torn up and taped back together, National Archives says
CNN and the Washington Post reported some documents the Archives turned over to the January 6 select committee had been torn up and reassembled.
www.cbsnews.comTrump directly involved in plans to seize voting machines -reports
Then-President Donald Trump was directly involved in efforts to use national security agencies to seize voting machines after his 2020 election loss, pressing his lawyer to make queries as advisers drafted two versions of a related executive order, media reports said. The New York Times, citing...
Florida halts redistricting effort after DeSantis asks Florida Supreme Court to weigh in
He recently submitted his own map that throws out the district now held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat from Tallahassee.
www.politico.com
'Do we even know they're Nazis?' What's behind the controversy over DeSantis aide's now-deleted tweet
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis downplayed the response to his aide's tweet about a neo-Nazi rally as Democrats trying to "smear" him.
www.usatoday.com
Biden meets with Sens. Grassley, Durbin to discuss Supreme Court vacancy
President Joe Biden met with Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Chuck Grassley to discuss their thoughts on the Supreme Court vacancy. Biden spoke about what he is looking for in a judge and said he wants someone who will treat “people with respect.”
www.nbcnews.comThe US state that fought back after Republicans tried to rig its elections
Despite a flurry of legal action and very public disputes between members, Michigan has produced some of the fairest voting maps in the US People chant ‘Stop the count’ in Detroit, Michigan, as absentee ballots are counted on 4 November 2020. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Rex/Shutterstock In recent...
Kyrsten Sinema courted Republican fossil fuel donors with filibuster stance
Houston fundraiser reveals Democrat’s aggressive efforts to capitalize on her Senate power on matters ranging from climate to taxes One oil industry executive reported he was ‘tremendously impressed’ by the senator’s speech. Photograph: Michael Reynolds/EPA With a crucial vote pending over...
Georgia GOP gubernatorial clash: Trump takes aim at Kemp in Perdue's first ad blitz
Former President Donald Trump takes aim at Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia as he stars in the first TV ad by former Sen. David Perdue, who's primary challenging Kemp.
New Jersey grand jury investigated PACs, nonprofits Caddle operated
Sean Caddle’s super PACs and nonprofits helped shift control of Elizabeth Board of Education, from opponents of former state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) and Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage to their allies.
www.politico.com
US says it fired missiles during latest Houthi attack on UAE
The White House and the Pentagon acknowledge firing US Patriot interceptors to stave off an attack on Abu Dhabi.
FBI director defends handling of January 6 investigations against right-wing claims of political bias | CNN Politics
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Monday defended the bureau against right-wing claims that it is pursuing cases against people who participated in the January 6, 2021, insurrection more aggressively than it is for rioters who attacked private and public buildings during racial justice protests...
www.cnn.com
Trump's fundraising extends massive $122 million war chest
Former President Trump says he raised more than $51 million over the second half of last year, to buttress what is now a massive $122 million war chest.
Opinion | On Pardons, Trump Is Flipping the Founders’ Vision on its Head
The presidential pardon was born, in part, as a profound tool to heal the Republic. Trump sees it as a useful lever to divide it.
www.politico.com
Trump creates new Jan. 6 headaches for GOP
Former President Trump is creating new headaches for Republicans after he floated pardons for Jan. 6 attack participants and lashed out at former Vice President Mike Pence for not overturning the 2…
thehill.com
Who will win Florida in 2024? A new poll has Biden losing to these two prominent Republicans
The Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll of likely Florida voters says only 39% of respondents approve of the job Biden is doing, while 53% disapprove.
www.usatoday.com
Candidates backed by Donald Trump are being outraised by their primary rivals
Some of Donald Trump's handpicked candidates are hitting an obstacle in their efforts to purge the Republican Party of Trump skeptics: money. Lots of it.Driving the news: Key Trump-backed Republican challengers were heavily outraised by their Republican primary opponents late last year, newly...
Joe Rogan: Four claims from his Spotify podcast fact-checked
The US broadcaster has been criticised for helping spread misinformation.
www.bbc.com
BlackRock tallied its climate impact. Here's what it found.
The move marks a major step for climate transparency in the financial sector.
www.politico.com
Book banning in Texas schools: Titles are pulled off library shelves in record numbers
Facing pressure from parents and threats of criminal charges, some districts have ignored policies meant to prevent censorship. Librarians and students are pushing back.
www.nbcnews.com
Michigan GOP governor candidate says rape victims shouldn't have abortions, baby might be 'next president'
Garrett Soldano, who's running in Michigan's Republican primary for governor, made the remark on a right-wing podcast.
www.nbcnews.com
UN Security Council adjourns without action after US, Russia spar over Ukraine
The U.N. Security Council on Monday adjourned without action after the U.S. and Russia sparred over Ukraine.
Putin seethes publicly, Lavrov rants quietly
www.politico.com
Menendez: Reported deportations of Venezuelans through third countries ‘extremely disturbing’
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on Tuesday called reports of Venezuelan deportations through third countries “extremely disturbing.”Mene…
thehill.com
Stocks get wobbly start to new month after volatile January
Stocks have been in a slump so far this year as investors get hit with a long list of threats to economic growth.
McConnell differs with Trump on Jan. 6 pardons
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he does not support shortening the sentences of any of the people who have pleaded guilty to crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, sto…
thehill.comDurr proposes ban on abortions after 12 weeks
While the bill has virtually no chance at becoming law given the Democratic majorities in the Senate and Assembly, the measure reflects a rightward shift in Republican politics.
Guinea-Bissau coup: President Umaro says deadly attempt thwarted
President says five hour attack on the government palace was a ‘failed attack against democracy’.
Fourth quarter takeaways: Vulnerable Democrats and GOP groups build big war chests, George W. Bush weighs in | CNN Politics
Some of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the Senate have raised enormous sums and head into the midterms with massive war chests, new campaign finance reports show. But they will face deep-pocketed Republican opposition.
www.cnn.com
Putin says West has ignored Russia’s key demands in Ukraine standoff
The Russian leader also said Moscow remains open to more talks and that he hopes for an eventual solution that would take every party’s concerns into account.
www.nbcnews.comWhite House faces transatlantic tug-of-war on tech
The Biden administration is earning praise from progressives for its tough talk on tech at home.
www.politico.com
ICE deports two illegal immigrants wanted for aggravated homicide in El Salvador
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday that it has deported two illegal immigrants who were wanted for aggravated homicide in El Salvador -- fitting in with the Biden administration’s priorities for interior enforcement.
From big cases to a new vacancy, Supreme Court faces a high-stakes 2022
The high court is gearing up for a politically explosive year with a series of blockbuster cases that have the power to reshape American life.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden reaches for GOP support for Supreme Court nominee
President Joe Biden is reaching out to Republican as well as Democratic Senate Judiciary Committee leaders as he works to gain GOP support for his Supreme Court nominee.
apnews.com
New US envoy to Japan vows support amid regional tensions
The new U.S. ambassador to Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel, says Washington is “fully committed” to working with Japan to confront growing regional tensions
Single-payer plan flatlines in Sacramento
This was supposed to be the year California progressives got closer.
www.politico.comTop Senate Republican opposes leniency for U.S. Capitol rioters
Republican U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday that he opposes leniency for those who pleaded guilty to committing crimes during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. McConnell made his remarks days after Trump said...
Canada: Indigenous leaders to meet pope in Rome at end of March
Visit comes after unmarked graves uncovered at ‘residential schools’, many of which were run by Catholic Church.
Here's what to watch for as Biden decides on his Supreme Court pick
Biden reaffirmed his campaign vow to nominate a Black woman to replace Justice Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court and plans to announce his choice this month.
Trump’s Mega-Fans in Moscow Declare They’re ‘Ready to Elect Him Again’
Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesU.S. lawmakers are preparing to unveil the “mother of all sanctions” against the Kremlin’s elite should Russia choose to invade Ukraine, and it’s not sitting well with Moscow's top mouthpieces. Faced with growing U.S. resistance, Russia’s government-funded state TV has...
Cawthorn sues over effort to disqualify him from running for reelection
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit over an effort to disqualify him from running for reelection because of his involvement in a rally preceding last year’s …
thehill.com
What's Putin planning in Ukraine standoff? TikTok might have the answer
Professional analysts and amateur sleuths have turned to a mix of social media videos and satellite imagery in an attempt to gain insight into the Kremlin’s plans.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. official: Time for Iran to decide whether to revive nuclear deal
Asked how much time it would take Iran to secure enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, the official said, “We’re talking about weeks, not months.”
www.nbcnews.com
Call between top US and Russian diplomats doesn't ratchet down Ukraine tensions | CNN Politics
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not give an indication that Moscow will de-escalate from the border with Ukraine in a call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken Tuesday, a senior State Department official said following the latest diplomatic effort between the two sides amid the...
www.cnn.comExplainer-What is Congress doing to strengthen U.S. election laws?
Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate hope to prevent a repeat of the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot by reforming a 135-year-old election law laying out the roles that Congress and the vice president play in certifying presidential election results. Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Dick...
'Squad' Dems spent over $325K on private security last year, despite defund police rhetoric
Rep. Cori Bush and other members of the "Squad" spent over $300,000 on private security in 2021 despite promoting the defund the police movement during the George Floyd unrest of 2020, according to FEC records reviewed by Fox News Digital.
What will Neil Young's Joe Rogan protest mean for Spotify?
Rock star's protest over COVID-19 misinformation spread by Spotify's top podcaster is bruising the global music-streaming service.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump: Investigators should explore why Pence didn’t reject Electoral College results
Former President Trump on Tuesday said the House select committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol should investigate why then-Vice President Mike Pence did not reject the Electoral …
thehill.com
What's in the House's China competition bill | CNN Politics
A sweeping piece of legislation moving through Congress – the America COMPETES Act of 2022 – would invest billions of dollars in American manufacturing and scientific research, aiming to counter China’s growing economic influence.
www.cnn.com
Coachella is selling lifetime passes as NFTs
Owners of the 10 NFTs will get access to one festival weekend every year.
www.nbcnews.comVenezuelans say deportations Biden denounced under Trump still taking place
Venezuelans say the Biden administration is using third countries to deport them back to Venezuela and they fear about their return.
Why the White House is sweating the next jobs report
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal estimate employers added only 150,000 jobs last month, down from 199,000 reported in December.
www.politico.com
Is NYC safe? Violence, perception and a complicated reality
A string of high-profile violence in New York City has frayed nerves, but the nation's largest city remains relatively safe.
apnews.com
Ex-White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany turned over text messages to Jan. 6 committee
Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany turned over text messages to the House Jan. 6 committee, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
McConnell, Biden discuss Supreme Court pick
President Biden spoke with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday about Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s forthcoming retirement and filling the se…
thehill.com
Authorities raid Michigan home of high-ranking Homeland Security official Vance Callender
The raid at the home of Vance Callender came two years after he was put in charge of agents in Michigan and Ohio for a division of the Homeland Security Department.
Texas school district reviewing more than 125 library books for ‘inappropriate content’
Upset parents and students have pushed back against the measure.
thehill.com
Biden on Supreme Court pick: Constitution is 'always evolving slightly' on rights
President Biden on Tuesday said there is "always a renewed national debate" on Supreme Court nominations due to the fact that the U.S. Constitution is "always evolving slightly" on rights.
Senate introduces bill to allow farmers to fix their own equipment
The legislation is part of the broader "right to repair" movement opposing repair restrictions.
www.nbcnews.comMitch McConnell Says He Wouldn't Favor Pardons For Jan. 6 Rioters
Other top Republicans have called the idea floated by former President Donald Trump "inappropriate." But McConnell didn't go that far.
Trump under fire over Tennessee primary nod
Former President Trump is under fire — including from some of his most ardent supporters — for his preliminary endorsement of a former State Department spokesperson over a steadfast ally in a Tenne…
thehill.com
Minority women most affected if abortion is banned, limited
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — If you are Black or Hispanic in a conservative state that already limits access to abortions, you are far more likely than a white woman to have one.
apnews.com
Biden taps former Senator Doug Jones as "sherpa" to guide Supreme Court pick
Jones will be responsible for escorting the eventual nominee to meetings with senators in preparation for confirmation hearings.
www.cbsnews.comHow Matt Gaetz’s Battered Campaign Bled Almost $100,000 in 2021
Greg NashFederal sex crime investigations don’t pay.That appears to be one takeaway—among many—from the year that has befallen beleaguered Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).After two breakneck fundraising quarters to kick off 2021, his campaign committee, Friends of Matt Gaetz, ended with a $94,838.65 loss...
Hawley seeks answers on ‘unacceptable’ TSA policy of allowing illegal immigrants to use warrants as ID
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., on Tuesday pushed the Biden administration for answers on what he described as an "unacceptable" policy by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow illegal immigrants to use civil immigration arrest warrants to board planes.
Grocery giant Tesco cuts overnight roles; 1,600 jobs at risk
British supermarket chain Tesco has warned that more than 1,600 workers are at risk of losing their jobs because of changes to its stores and gas stations
Ukraine tensions: US trying to draw Russia into war, Putin says
Russia's leader criticises the US and Nato amid tensions over his military build-up near Ukraine.
www.bbc.com
Avenatti decides not to testify at trial vs. Stormy Daniels
Michael Avenatti said Tuesday that he will not testify at his trial on charges that he cheated porn actor Stormy Daniels out of nearly $300,000 in book proceeds. Avenatti announced his decision in Manhattan federal court after telling Judge Jesse M. Furman he had no witnesses in court who were...
TikTok users turn 'alpha male' podcasters into a viral joke
Some popular male podcast hosts, who call themselves “alpha males,” often use their shows to encourage treating women as objects. Now, those hosts are being parodied by TikTokers.
www.nbcnews.com
US, Russia agree to keep talking amid Ukraine crisis but Putin claims concerns 'ignored'
The U.S. and Russia have agreed to keep talking amid Ukraine crisis even as Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the U.S. has "ignored" his concerns.
As Russia and the U.S. argue over which side is threatening war in Ukraine, for many Ukrainians, the war is now
Moscow and Washington disagree on everything from which side is the aggressor, to who has responded to who, but in eastern Ukraine, the question isn't when war will start, but if it will ever end.
www.cbsnews.com
Republican super PACs outraise Democratic rivals ahead of midterm congressional elections
Republican-led super PACs outraised their Democratic rivals in the latter half of last year, giving them more firepower ahead of this year's midterm elections.
Joe Manchin says Biden's Build Back Better package is 'dead' but cracks the door open to future talks
"There is no Build Back Better bill, I don't know what you're all talking about," the conservative Democrat told reporters.
Clyburn’s favorite for high court faces scrutiny over corporate work
A federal judge whose name has been among those floated as a potential replacement for Justice Stephen Breyer is likely to face growing scrutiny from progressives over her background as a lawyer de…
thehill.com
Orthodox rabbis slam Amnesty International report on 'apartheid' Israel as 'antisemitic'
On Tuesday, Amnesty International released a report concluding that the state of Israel has “perpetrated the international wrong of apartheid” against Palestinians.
Judge hears arguments in challenge to new campaign funds law
Lawyers for Georgia gubernatorial candidate David Perdue and Gov. Brian Kemp sparred in court over a new state law that allows certain top elected officials to create “leadership committees” that can raise campaign funds without limits, even when the legislature is in session.
apnews.comTrump’s New Super PAC Is Paying Off His Usual Suspects—Again
Mario Tama/Getty ImagesIt’s been a bewildering year for anyone following the soap opera that is Donald Trump’s fundraising groups. The fallout from a sexual assault scandal led to the demise of one PAC and the rise of another in its place, with a confusing march of new names—all a variation on...
UCLA cancels all in-person classes after email 'threats' to philosophy department; person in custody
The man suspected of sending the threats was in custody in Colorado.
www.nbcnews.comChina's SMIC needs tighter export curbs from Biden -senators
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Republican senators are urging the Biden administration to close a "loophole" in export controls imposed by former President Donald Trump on China's top chipmaker, SMIC, which they call a "clear national security threat." In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina...
FBI chief: Threat from China 'more brazen' than ever before
FBI Director Christopher Wray says the threat to the West from the Chinese government is “more brazen” and damaging than ever before.
apnews.com
Accused American ISIS leader 'highly intelligent' and 'marksman': Former friend
A Kansas woman accused of joining ISIS increasingly became more radicalized, her former friend said.
Experts warn gender-neutral language like ‘pregnant people’ may put mothers at risk
“Referring to individuals in this reduced, mechanistic way is commonly perceived as ‘othering’ and dehumanizing.”
thehill.com
Biden admin working to harden Ukrainian cyber defenses amid warning of potential Russian cyberattacks
The Biden administration is working with Ukraine to "harden" its cyber defenses as it warns cyberattacks could be part of a "broad-based Russian effort" to "destabilize" and further invade the country, senior administration officials told Fox News.
Nearly 40,000 Tesla fans sign petition urging Biden to acknowledge the company's leadership in electric cars
Tesla's loyal fans feel that Tesla has been snubbed by President Biden's recent comments about electric cars. Tesla CEO Elon Musk agrees.
Ted Cruz: Nominating Black Woman To Supreme Court Is 'Actually An Insult To Black Women'
“The only thing insulting to this Black woman is Ted Cruz thinking he speaks for us,” Rep. Marilyn Strickland fired back at the Texas Republican.
Flights canceled as wide swath of US braces for winter storm
A major winter storm was expected to affect a huge swath of the United States, with heavy snow starting in the Rockies and freezing rain as far south as Texas before it drops snow and ice on the Midwest.
apnews.com
Mexico’s migration system is overwhelmed and undermanned, but by design says official
Mexican official from nation's migration institute speaks to Fox News.
Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan suffered a stroke, which could complicate Biden's Supreme Court plans
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat, is "expected to make a full recovery" after suffering a stroke in his cerebellum, his chief of staff said in a statement.
Trump suggests Pence should have 'overturned' 2020 election
In a statement Sunday, former President Donald Trump lashed out at efforts to reform the Electoral Count Act and said he wanted Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 results.
SD impeachment committee subpoenas AG's staff, prosecutors
A South Dakota House committee weighing impeachment charges against the state’s attorney general moved Monday to answer lawmakers' remaining questions by issuing subpoenas for two key figures in the attorney general’s office as well as the two prosecutors who charged him for his 2020 fatal car...
Whoopi Goldberg's second 'sorry' over Holocaust remarks
The star's muddled attempt to clarify her comments left her having to apologise for a second time.
www.bbc.com
U.S. Supreme Court contender Jackson backs unions in first ruling
A judge seen as a leading contender to be nominated by President Joe Biden to the U.S. Supreme Court penned her first ruling as an appeals court judge on Tuesday, striking down a policy begun under former President Donald Trump that had restricted the bargaining power of federal-sector labor...
Esteban Torres, congressman who pushed Latino rights, dies
Esteban Torres, who emerged from the Chicano civil rights movement in Southern California and went on to serve eight terms in Congress pushing for social and economic change to help empower Latinos, has died. Torres died Jan. 25 of natural causes, according to a family statement obtained by the...
Ukrainians train in guerrilla tactics in case Russia invades
Some people in Ukraine's second-largest city are preparing to fight back if Russia invades. Kharkiv is just 40 kilometers (25 miles) from some of the tens of thousands of Russian troops massed at the border.
apnews.com
US ready to hit Sudan’s military leaders with more sanctions if violence doesn’t end, official says
A senior diplomat said the United States is prepared to place more sanctions on Sudan’s military leadership if violence against protesters continues, Reuters reported. Speaking at a …
thehill.com
FBI urging Olympic athletes to keep personal phones at home
FBI urging Olympic athletes to keep phones at home
Second day of bomb threats against multiple historically Black colleges and universities
Some, including Howard University, got them both days. No explosions have been reported.
www.cbsnews.com
Blaze at North Carolina fertilizer plant packed with 600 tons of ammonium nitrate still burning
The blaze started Monday night at the Weaver Fertilizer Plant in Winston-Salem.
Tom Brady retires after 22 seasons, 7 Super Bowl titles
Tom Brady has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year career.
apnews.com
Rep. Dan Crenshaw hauls in over $11 million last year as he gears up for reelection in Texas
Conservative Rep. Dan Crenshaw hauled in over $11 million in fundraising last year as he gears up for reelection in Texas
AP FACT CHECK: Biden exaggerates $10 a month 'Obamacare'
The Affordable Care Act — or “Obamacare”— has inspired many exaggerated claims through the years, both from fans and foes.
apnews.com
Guinea-Bissau: Many dead after coup attempt, president says
President Embaló says he and his cabinet survived five hours under fire from heavy weaponry.
www.bbc.com
PepsiCo unveils hemp seed-infused drink from Rockstar Energy
PepsiCo has unveiled a new Rockstar Energy drink that is infused with hemp seed oil, according to a company press release.”The new sugar-free, calorie-free beverage combines hemp se…
thehill.com
82 million people under winter weather alerts from Colorado to Vermont
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warns that "thousands upon thousands of miles of roads" will be "extraordinarily dangerous" this week.
www.nbcnews.com
ABC suspends Whoopi Goldberg over Holocaust race remarks
Whoopi Goldberg has been suspended for two weeks as co-host of “The View” because of what the head of ABC News called her “wrong and hurtful comments” about Jews and the Holocaust.
apnews.com
Justice Department won't reopen probe into Tamir Rice death
The Justice Department says it will not reopen the federal investigation into the 2014 death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot to death by Cleveland police.
apnews.com
Job openings rose in December amid worker shortages
U.S. employers stepped up their search for workers in December despite the looming impact of the omicron wave of coronavirus infections
Critics slam Spotify for using ‘Facebook playbook’ on Joe Rogan controversy
Spotify’s response to COVID-19 misinformation on Joe Rogan’s highly popular podcast has critics singing a familiar tune: Simply warning users about problematic content is not enough.The streaming s…
thehill.com
Former UCLA instructor who made threats against school taken into custody in Colorado
The school announced that all classes would return to in-person learning on Wednesday.
www.cbsnews.com
Defense Secretary dismisses Republican governors' objections to National Guard vaccine mandate | CNN Politics
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin dismissed the objections of seven Republican governors to the National Guard vaccine mandate, asserting his authority to set military medical requirements for the entire armed forces, including guard units.
www.cnn.com
Court fight represents golden opportunity for Cruz, Hawley, Cotton
The looming Senate battle over President Biden’s coming pick for the Supreme Court is a golden opportunity for conservative Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).Cru…
thehill.com
Georgia sheriff offers $500K of his own money in case of teen found dead in gym mat
Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk recently announced there would be no charges in the case of Kendrick Johnson, 17, who was found in 2013 in a rolled-up gym mat.
www.nbcnews.com
Supreme Court shouldn't be covered in Ivy, 2 lawmakers say
Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham say it'd be good if the person named to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer doesn’t have an Ivy League degree.
apnews.com
Tesla recall: 'Full Self-Driving' software runs stop signs
Tesla is recalling nearly 54,000 vehicles because their “Full Self-Driving” software lets them roll through stop signs without coming to a complete halt.
apnews.com
NY state lawmaker proposes referendum to block noncitizens from casting ballots
New York State Assembly Member Kevin Byrne, R-Mahopac, proposed a state constitutional referendum to block noncitizens from casting ballots in New York state.
N. Carolina Rep. Cawthorn seeks to block candidacy challenge
North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn has sued to block efforts seeking to prevent him from running for Congress this year.
apnews.com
Rachel Maddow taking hiatus from MSNBC show until April
Rachel Maddow has told viewers that she's taking a hiatus from her weeknight MSNBC show until April.
apnews.com
Almost 500-mile-long lightning bolt crossed three US states
Experts said the bolt that stretched across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas was 'extraordinary'.
www.bbc.com
US federal prisons on lockdown after 2 Texas inmates killed
The federal prison system has been placed on a nationwide lockdown after two inmates were killed and two others were injured Monday during a gang altercation at a federal penitentiary in Texas.
apnews.com
Russia sends written follow-up to U.S. amid Ukraine negotiations – "formal' response still to come
Last week, the U.S. responded to Russia, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty.
www.cbsnews.com
More Americans are taking melatonin to get to sleep. Can it be harmful?
Researchers estimate marketed melatonin supplements may contain levels 478 percent higher than what’s advertised on the label.
thehill.com
NAACP urges federal charges in Laquan McDonald's killing
The NAACP is urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to bring federal civil rights charges against the white Chicago police officer who fatally shot Black teenager Laquan McDonald.
apnews.com
One student dead and another in critical condition after shooting outside of Minnesota school
Two suspects have been arrested.
www.cbsnews.com
Maxine Waters continues to pay daughter with campaign cash, adding up to $1.2M so far: FEC
Waters’ daughter, Karen Waters, has received over one million dollars in payments from her mother to her and her company, Progressive Connections, for campaign-related services.
White House says judge Fed nominee Raskin on her credentials, not marriage
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday rejected concerns that Sarah Bloom Raskin would be unable to maintain independence at the Federal Reserve given that her husband led impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump. Raskin, U.S. President Joe...
EPA restores rule to limit power-plant mercury emissions
In a reversal of a Trump-era action, the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it will resume enforcement of a rule that limits power plant emissions of mercury and other hazardous pollutants.
apnews.com
All US federal prisons in lockdown after deadly gang fight
The rare nationwide lockdown of federal prisons comes after two inmates died in a fight in Texas.
www.bbc.com
US road deaths rise at record pace as risky driving persists
The government has reported that U.S. traffic deaths surged in the first nine months of 2021 to 31,720, keeping up a record pace of increased dangerous driving during the pandemic.
apnews.com
Israeli policies against Palestinians amount to apartheid - Amnesty
The rights group accuses it of racist policies, but Israel fiercely rejects "the false allegations".
www.bbc.com
Tom Brady announces his retirement: "It is time to focus my time and energy on other things"
Brady announced his retirement after 22 NFL seasons and seven Super Bowl wins, the most of any player.
www.cbsnews.com
COVID updates: Team USA figure skater Vincent Zhou tests positive at Olympics
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.7 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 900,000 Americans.
The GOP’s midterm playbook: Flip the script on Covid
Republicans are looking to harness a growing sense of broader pandemic fatigue as polling suggests independents are souring on government institutions, mandates and experts.
www.nbcnews.com
CDC: COVID-19 hospitalizations 23 times higher for unvaccinated than boosted
Unvaccinated adults were 23 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 during the omicron wave than adults who were vaccinated and boosted, according to a new study that further highli…
thehill.com
Anti-vaccine protest in Canada spurs outrage
Thousands of Canadian protesters railing against vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions descended on the country's capital over the weekend, deliberately blocking traffic around Parliament Hill.
apnews.com
Virus infections for Olympic athletes, coaches rising faster
Athletes and team officials are testing positive for COVID-19 at much higher rates than other people arriving in China for the Beijing Olympics.
apnews.com
All-out effort to keep Biden COVID-free; no 'normal' yet
You can see it in the masks, in the seating charts and even in the distribution of water glasses at the White House.
apnews.com
U.S. Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor 'optimistic' after testing positive for COVID ahead of Winter Games
"I'm remaining optimistic that I'll be able to recover quickly."
Freedom Convoy: Blockade at Alberta border crossing 'unlawful'
The anti-vaccine mandate 'Freedom Convoy' protest has spread to the US-Canada border
www.bbc.com
Medical boards get pushback as they try to punish doctors for Covid misinformation
Medical boards have sanctioned eight physicians since January 2021 for spreading coronavirus-related misinformation, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.
www.politico.com
WHO: No indication new omicron subvariant more severe than original
The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that the new BA.2 subvariant of the omicron strain of COVID-19 is no more severe than omicron’s original strain.”There’s no indication t…
thehill.com
Pfizer vaccine for kids under 5 could be available by end of February
Children under 5 are the only group that remains ineligible for vaccination.
www.nbcnews.com
Briefing in brief: White House confident in health chief Becerra
White House press secretary Jen Psaki fielded questions from reporters on Tuesday for about 50 minutes and addressed President Biden’s confidence in Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becer…
thehill.com
WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar
The World Health Organization chief says 90 million cases of coronavirus have been reported since the omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago, amounting to more than in all of 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
apnews.com
Virginia universities end student vaccine mandates after state attorney general's legal opinion | CNN Politics
Virginia’s largest public universities have dropped their Covid-19 vaccination requirement for students to attend in person or to enroll in light of last week’s legal opinion issued by state Attorney General Jason Miyares.
www.cnn.com
Stefanik slams NY teacher's forced leave, alleges it was for criticizing COVID-19 mask mandate on Facebook
Stefanik claims pre-K teacher in Fulton County was put on leave for supporting her on Facebook criticizing the state's mask mandate.
Omicron may be mild, but it's still adding to many Americans' financial stress | CNN Politics
Omicron has wreaked havoc on millions of Americans’ ability to work and pay their bills, according to findings from the most recent US Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, conducted between December 29 and January 10.
www.cnn.com
Austin to governors: Guard troops must get COVID-19 vaccine
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in letters to seven governors, is reaffirming the need for members of their states' Army and Air National Guards to get the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine or lose their Guard status.
apnews.com
Covid: Pfizer jab for children under five expected by end of month
Pfizer is to ask US vaccine regulators to authorise two doses for the age group.
www.bbc.com
Navy should be held in contempt for violating court order on COVID vaccine exemptions: complaint
The U.S. Navy is purportedly violating a court order halting its coronavirus vaccine mandate.
Denmark Covid restrictions lifted despite increase in cases
It is the first EU country to drop nearly all restrictions, despite relatively high case numbers.
www.bbc.com
Parents of toddlers face struggles as they wait for vaccine authorization
Children under 5 years old still cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine.
