(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
The new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, threatening to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.
AP source: Biden, Manchin sharply divided over $2T Dem bill
President Joe Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin are said to be sharply divided over Democrats’ huge social and environment bill, with the holdout senator pushing to erase the measure’s improved child tax credit.
apnews.com
McConnell on January 6 probe: ‘It will be interesting to reveal all the participants that were involved’ | CNN Politics
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he did not speak to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on January 6 about then-President Donald Trump’s inaction as a crowd stormed the US Capitol.
www.cnn.com
Biden pledges 'whatever it takes' to assist tornado victims
President Joe Biden is pledging to do “whatever it takes, as long as it takes” to help Kentucky and other states recover and rebuild after a series of deadly tornadoes that he says left a trail of unimaginable devastation.
apnews.com
Bipartisan deal to crack down on China's treatment of Muslims stalls in Senate
The House-passed bill on forced labor among the Uyghur minority, and a deal on foreign-policy confirmations, is getting bogged down in domestic drama.
www.politico.com
Evictions on the rise months after federal moratorium ends
Housing advocates say evictions are increasing around the country, several months after a federal moratorium was allowed to end.
apnews.com
Over 80 of those charged in the January 6 investigation have ties to the military
At least 81 of the more than 700 individuals accused of participating in the Capitol attack are current or former service members.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden picks Caroline Kennedy, Michelle Kwan for ambassadors
President Joe Biden has announced he’s nominating Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F.
apnews.com
Jan. 6 investigators mull whether Trump violated obstruction law
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) raised the question using precise terminology from the criminal statute that some view as possibly applicable to the former president's actions.
www.politico.com
Jim Jordan sent one of the texts revealed by January 6 committee | CNN Politics
Rep. Jim Jordan forwarded a text message to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on January 5, outlining a legal theory that then-Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to stand in the way of the certification of the 2020 election.
www.cnn.com
Why the Fed feels now is time to tighten credit more quickly
For months, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell responded to surging inflation by counseling patience and stressing that the Fed wanted to see unemployment return to near-pre-pandemic levels before it would raise interest rates.
apnews.com
GOP Rep. Jim Jordan confirms January 6 panel released text message he sent to Meadows
Jordan's office said the text from the Ohio Republican was a forwarded message and that the Jan. 6 committee misrepresented its content by shortening it.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump endorses Rep. Lauren Boebert, saying she 'has done a fantastic job'
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, for reelection.
Sinema doubles down on filibuster, in setback for rules change talks
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is doubling down on her support for the 60-vote legislative filibuster, throwing a wrench into a frantic, last-ditch effort to get a deal to change the Senate’s …
thehill.com
Biden administration expects to unveil Title IX proposals in April
The new timeline for releasing the proposed Title IX rules comes amid complaints by some advocacy groups that the Biden administration is taking too long to reverse the previous administration’s policies.
www.politico.com
Jill Biden: ‘We need more women on the Supreme Court’
Jill Biden says the country has to get more women both in Congress and on the Supreme Court.”I know I always say that I’m not political, but I have to say this,” Biden told an aud…
thehill.comGOP primary fights are already getting nasty
Republicans are facing crowded and increasingly nasty gubernatorial primaries in at least six states so far — with candidates sizing each other up over Donald Trump, election conspiracies and COVID-19 mandates.Why it matters: These races are a snapshot of how the GOP is changing in real time...
Zuckerberg-funded elections group awarded more grants to GOP counties - Washington Examiner
A nonprofit group funded largely by Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan that helped municipalities absorb the extra cost of administering the 2020 elections imposed by the coronavirus awarded more grants to Republican jurisdictions won by former President Donald Trump than Democratic...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
NFL raises eyebrows by labeling Taiwan as part of China
On Wednesday, the NFL announced that 18 of its teams “have been granted access to 26 International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) across eight different countries” as part of a plan to give teams “access to international territories for marketing, fan engagement and commercialization.”
Bill O’Reilly: Hillary Clinton wants to face Trump in 2024
Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly suggested Hillary Clinton wants to run for president again and could face former President Trump in the 2024 election. “Hillary Clinton want…
thehill.com
Senate passes $768 billion annual defense bill, sending measure to Biden
It now goes to President Biden's desk for signature.
www.cbsnews.com
Jan. 6 committee admits to altering text message between Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan - Washington Examiner
The Jan. 6 committee admitted that it changed a text message between former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Rep. Jim Jordan, excluding relevant context about how they wanted then-Vice President Mike Pence to handle electoral votes. A spokesman said Wednesday that the graphics Rep...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Fed to more rapidly end pandemic-era policies amid inflation, sees 3 rate hikes in 2022
The U.S. central bank ended its two-day meeting on Wednesday.
Geraldo Rivera confronts Sean Hannity over texts sent to Meadows
North Carolina newspaper calls Meadows an embarrassment to state
A leading North Caroline newspaper is blasting former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, calling the Republican who previously served in Congress an embarrassment to the state.”When wil…
thehill.com
Jeff Jackson drops out of North Carolina Senate race
Jackson, who faced a difficult primary against former state Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley, called donors to inform them of his decision Wednesday before ending his campaign Thursday.
www.politico.com
US releases new batch of documents about JFK assassination
The National Archives has made public nearly 1,500 documents related to the U.S. government’s investigation into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
apnews.comHere Are the Juiciest Bits From the Secret JFK Document Dump
GettyThe National Archives and Records Administration released 1,500 secret documents related to John F. Kennedy’s assassination Wednesday. The 1963 killing shocked the nation and continues to arouse fascination in historians and conspiracy theorists alike.The National Archives’ document dump...
Senate Republicans warn Biden's massive spending plan could 'bankrupt religious day care'
Senate Republicans Wednesday highlighted provisions in Democrats' massive reconciliation bill that they say will harm religious day care.
DeSantis pushes bill targeting critical race theory in schools
Under the proposal, parents would be allowed to sue school districts to aid enforcement of Florida's CRT ban.
www.nbcnews.com
France, Germany look to revive peace talks with Russia over Ukraine
France and Germany on Wednesday discussed ways of restarting peace talks with Russia over its recent military buildup near the Ukraine border.As Reuters reported, French President Emmanuel Mac…
thehill.com
Democrats' hopes dim that Build Back Better will pass before New Year
The $1.7 trillion package lacks the needed 50 Senate votes to pass.
www.nbcnews.comOne year of 'President Manchin': For the Democratic agenda, all roads go through West Virginia
WASHINGTON - They wait for Joe. And while they wait, they wonder. "His entourage vanished," says a reporter.Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. "Maybe they snuck out the back," says a photographer. It's a Tuesday in early...
Scoop: David Perdue rejected Republican appeals to skip race
A majority of Georgia's Republican state senators quietly sent former Sen. David Perdue a letter last month asking him not to run for governor, Axios has learned. Weeks later, Perdue forged ahead and announced his primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.Why it matters: Former President...
Biden sticks to his Year One plan, but larger goals remain unmet
President Biden has moved his aggressive agenda ahead. But his first year has failed to end the pandemic, economic unease or political polarization.
Democratic talks with Manchin show signs of melting down
Democratic negotiations with centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) over President Biden’s sweeping climate and social spending bill are close to melting down as Manchin appears to be backing out of a…
thehill.com
Election reviews persist despite no evidence of rigged vote
Partisan election reviews of the 2020 presidential election are underway in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin while Republican lawmakers elsewhere continue their calls to bring them to their states.
apnews.com
Manchin yells at reporter: ‘You’re bull—-‘
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) vented his anger with the media in the wake of a report that he wants to drop the child tax credit, a popular program, from President Biden’s expansive climate and social…
thehill.com
Photographer sues House Jan. 6 committee over subpoena
Freelancer Amy Harris seeks to block panel from obtaining metadata on her cell phone calls and texts.
www.politico.comFact check: Video makes unfounded claim that Ivanka Trump will run against dad as Democrat
The video's title is deceptive, as nothing in the video itself addresses the unfounded claim. Ivanka Trump is registered as a Republican.
NFL map endorses CCP’s claim that Taiwan is part of China - Washington Examiner
The NFL appeared to endorse the Chinese Communist Party’s claims to sovereignty over Taiwan on Wednesday in a map announcing the NFL’s international marketing. The world map shared by the NFL colored the Chinese mainland, the People’s Republic of China, as well as the island of Taiwan, also...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Retired Army colonel who circulated election-denying PowerPoint speaks to Louisiana election commission
He claimed Louisiana's electoral system was "vulnerable to fake voters, fake ballots" and "fake counts."
www.nbcnews.com
Biden says feds will cover 100% of the cost to clean up from Kentucky tornado for the first 30 days of recovery | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden traveled to Kentucky on Wednesday in the wake of deadly tornadoes and severe storms that devastated the area, announcing that the federal government would cover 100% of costs of emergency work for the first 30 days after the extreme weather event.
www.cnn.com
Biden says federal government to cover 100% of Kentucky emergency work for first 30 days
President Biden announced that the federal government will cover 100% of Kentucky's emergency work for the first 30 day
Senate sends Biden big defense bill, plans new war memorial
Congress has sent President Joe Biden a $768.2 billion defense bill that makes landmark changes to the way the military handles sexual assaults and keeps women out of the draft.
apnews.comMLK family calls for no birthday celebration without passing voting rights
The family of Martin Luther King Jr. is urging the public not to celebrate his legacy as a civil and voting rights activist on MLK Day next month if Congress hasn't passed new national voting rights protections, Axios has learned.Why it matters: This no-celebration-without-legislation approach...
Democrats at odds over Biden's $1.75 trillion social spending bill
U.S. Senate Democrats were struggling on Wednesday to find a path forward on President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion domestic investment bill, with moderate Joe Manchin objecting to parts of the program, a person familiar with their negotiations said.
Handcuffs of fallen officer used to arrest accused cop-killing teenager - Washington Examiner
A 19-year-old man in Texas accused of killing a law enforcement officer was arrested with the handcuffs of the officer he allegedly killed. Eddie Miller is accused of shooting and killing a deputy and wounding two officers in an ambush on Oct. 16, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Manchin-led committee proposing hike to federal drilling fees
A key committee led by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is proposing an increase in the fees paid for oil and gas drilling on federally owned lands and waters. The fee increase is one of s…
thehill.com
Congress OKs $770B defense spending bill. Here's what's in it, and what's not
The bill includes an examination of the war in Afghanistan, but it doesn't include a provision that would require women to sign up for the draft.
www.usatoday.com
Wyden blocks advancing Uyghur bill, Biden nominees over child tax credit
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) on Wednesday blocked a bipartisan effort to pass legislation aimed at countering China’s genocide against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and confirm key Biden administration nat…
thehill.comWhat's next for Mark Meadows? Ex-Trump chief of staff faces Justice decision on contempt
The full House is urging contempt charges against Mark Meadows, a case that could help define the powers between Congress and White House.
The global decline of democracy
Democratic governance is sliding backward in the U.S. and much of the world, according to a series of recent reports.Why it matters: The future will be shaped by the push and pull of democratic and autocratic forces within countries and beyond their borders. If supporters of democracies can't...
North Korea holds public executions for K-pop listeners: Report - Washington Examiner
North Korea publicly executed several of its citizens after they watched K-pop, or Korean pop, music videos, according to a report. At least seven individuals who were found to have watched K-pop music videos were executed under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the Transitional Justice Working...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Final child tax credit check sent Wednesday as advocates plead to extend it
The coronavirus relief bill, enacted in March, expanded the existing child tax credit, increasing the amount and scope of the benefit.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden admin reverses proposal to stop Trump-era data collection on sexual assaults committed by teachers
Amid backlash, the Biden administration is withdrawing a proposal to end collection of certain data surrounding sexual assault committed by teachers.
2021 Notebook: On Jan. 6, chaos inside the Capitol and out
THE BACKGROUND: On Jan, 6 as Congress was meeting to certify the victory of Joe Biden, hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters who claimed the election had been stolen violently pushed past police, broke through windows and doors and entered the Capitol, forcing legislators to interrupt...
Black leaders to push Biden White House for more voting rights muscle
As the president tries to drive his $1.75 trillion Build Back Better bill through the Senate, he has been reluctant to raise pressure on Democrats.
www.nbcnews.com
Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin to propose gun storage law in wake of Oxford shootings
Under the proposal, gun owners could face up to five years in prison if their firearms are used by a child to hurt themselves or others.
www.usatoday.com
White House scaling back Christmas celebrations due to pandemic
“It is disappointing that we cannot host as many people as the Bidens would like to," said Jill Biden spokesperson Michael LaRosa.
Green Bay Packers donate $270,000 to families and victims of Christmas parade massacre - Washington Examiner
The Green Bay Packers donated thousands in donations to help the families and victims affected by the Christmas parade massacre in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Altogether, between the players and coaches from the Packers, $135,325 has been raised, according to Fox 6. The Green Bay Packers Give Back...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Meatless Mondays and the evils of olive oil: Eric Adams wants to put New York on a diet
“We can save more lives with plant-based diet if people would only realize they are enslaved to fats, oil, sugar and things that are killing their body,” Adams said in a short 2018 film.
www.politico.com
White House touts diversity of Biden judicial appointees as number surpasses Trump's first year
The White House on Wednesday touted the diversity of President Biden's judicial nominees as it announced nine new federal judicial nominations.
Blinken ends Southeast Asia trip early after journalist tests positive for COVID-19
The secretary will be returning to Washington, D.C., "out of an abundance of caution," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
www.cbsnews.comTeachers Call BS on DeSantis’ Bonkers Attempt to Outlaw Critical Race Theory
REUTERSEducation and human rights experts shredded Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after he announced a new tactic in his war on “wokeness” and critical race theory on Wednesday, saying the Republican firebrand completely missed the mark and doesn’t even appear to know the meaning of critical race...
Student loan payments are set to restart Feb. 1. What about forgiveness?
Will Joe Biden forgive student loans? What will repayment look like? Here's what you need to know about student loans.
www.usatoday.com
Pelosi defends lawmaker stock trades, citing 'free market'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is defending lawmakers' right to trade stocks. The practice has come under scrutiny because it offers members of Congress the potential to profit off of insider information gained through their official duties.
apnews.com
A single Kentucky Republican travels with Biden to survey tornado and storm damage | CNN Politics
On nearly any other day in Washington, Republican Congressman James Comer would likely be calling for oversight investigations into the Biden administration.
www.cnn.com
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discuss security cooperation against US - Washington Examiner
Chinese and Russian forces could soon expand their military exercises in a show of unity against the United States and allied democracies, following a new dialogue between Beijing and Moscow.Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the measures on...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why stocks and crypto are the hottest holiday gift this year
“My family works hard for everything they earn and their wealth or value is getting eroded. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best thing to do is give them Bitcoin ... ,” one gifter said.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrat fires back after report of Russian politician calling for his abduction
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) fired back at a report on Wednesday of a Russian lawmaker saying the Arizona Democrat should be abducted and imprisoned for his comments on the tense Russia-Ukrain…
thehill.com
'Quite hopeful': Abortion pill decision could reshape reproductive health war
Regulators are due to decide Thursday whether to uphold, revise or scrap longstanding restrictions on the abortion drug mifepristone.
www.politico.com
Biden auto safety nominee vows to address jump in traffic deaths
President Joe Biden's nominee to serve as the top auto safety regulator will vow to address the massive increase in U.S. road deaths, according to congressional testimony seen by Reuters.
Senate sends Biden big defense bill, plans new war memorial
Congress sent President Joe Biden a $768.2 billion defense bill on Wednesday that makes landmark changes to the way the military handles sexual assaults, keeps women out of the draft and lays the groundwork for a new war memorial on the National Mall. The annual bill, which has passed both the...
Texas AG Paxton investigates pharma companies over puberty blockers in trans kids: 'child abuse'
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into two pharmaceutical companies that allegedly promoted hormone blocking drugs for children with gender dysphoria, even though the drugs have not been approved for this purpose. One of the companies told Fox News that it has not...
January 6 rioter charged with assaulting Capitol police in fight that left officer unconscious | CNN Politics
Two Texas men, Lucas Denney and Donald Hazard, who prosecutors say formed their own militia group called the “Patriot Boys of North Texas,” were arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting police officers during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.
www.cnn.com
U.S. builds new software tool to predict actions that could draw China's ire
U.S. military commanders in the Pacific have built a software tool to predict how the Chinese government will react to U.S. actions in the region like military sales, U.S.-backed military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan.
Eric Adams' new NYPD commissioner appointed in front of a mural of radicals and a cop killer
New York City’s newest police commissioner was sworn in on Wednesday in front of a mural depicting Black revolutionaries and leftist radicals, including a convicted cop killer.
Talks between Manchin and Biden at standstill as Build Back Better likely stalled until next year | CNN Politics
Senate Democrats are expected to punt consideration of the cornerstone element of President Joe Biden’s agenda into next year after private conversations between Biden and the key Democratic holdout made clear the bill would not have the votes to pass this month.
www.cnn.comBiden says ex-Trump aide Meadows deserves to be held in contempt of Congress
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he believed Mark Meadows, chief of staff to his predecessor Donald Trump, deserves to be held in contempt of Congress for his refusal to honor a subpoena related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Biden made the brief remark before leaving the White...
Rittenhouse to speak at Turning Point USA event
Kyle Rittenhouse is set to speak at the conservative Turning Point USA conference starting on Saturday.”There’s a lot of people that want to hear what he has to say and there’s a …
thehill.comBiden has aggressively protected voting rights, but experts warn it's not enough
Experts warn that GOP activists are trying to make it harder for nonwhite Americans to vote and that they're infiltrating local election offices.
Biden seeks to ramp up fight against drug traffickers with fresh sanctions
U.S. President Joe Biden signed two new executive orders intended to fight drug trafficking and criminal networks on Wednesday, allowing for new sanctions on Chinese companies trading ingredients of the opioid drug fentanyl and on criminal gangs in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia.
Three charged with voting fraud in Florida retirement community
Three Florida residents in The Villages community near Orlando were arrested on voter fraud charges on Monday for allegedly voting more than once in last year’s election. Police arreste…
thehill.com
The largest city in the U.S. bans natural gas in new buildings
Moving away from natural gas means that stoves and heat pumps will be powered by electricity instead, cutting down on carbon emissions. More than half of New York City's emissions come from buildings.
www.npr.org
Federal Reserve to withdraw stimulus more quickly
The US central bank will reduce its stimulus more rapidly, and expects to raise interest rates next year.
www.bbc.com
100 million under weather alerts for tornadoes, wildfires and wind gusts up to 100 mph
Wind gusts up to 100 mph, unprecedented winter tornadoes and the highest wildfire risk issued during the month of December are all possible Wednesday and Wednesday night.
www.nbcnews.com
Global War on Terrorism memorial one step closer to reality with passing of defense bill
The National Defense Authorization Act included a provision that allows a memorial to veterans of the Global War on Terrorism to be built on the National Mall.
Texas pipeline company charged in California oil spill
A Los Angeles federal grand jury has charged a Texas oil company and two subsidiaries for an oil spill off the California coast in October
Elizabeth Warren calls for expansion of Supreme Court, saying current court is a threat to democracy | CNN Politics
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday called for the US Supreme Court to be expanded with more justices and said that the current court “threatens the democratic foundations of our nation.”
www.cnn.com
Jana Duggar speaks out after child endangerment charge
Jana Duggar, a member of the reality TV family made famous on “19 Kids and Counting,” is speaking out after being charged with child endangerment, the news of which broke this week…
thehill.com
Hillary 2024? Given the competition, she may be the Dems’ best hope
Hillary is 74 years old, which is like being bathed in the fountain of youth compared to Biden.
thehill.com
Monthly child tax credit payments are ending – these grandmas in Congress want to extend them
The unofficial House Grandma Caucus is pushing hard to continue monthly child tax credit payments to families, which were part of this year's Covid relief bill.
Harvard professor didn't lie about China ties, lawyer says at U.S. trial
A lawyer for a Harvard University professor charged with concealing his ties to a China-run recruitment program accused U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday of "inventing something out of nothing" as the closely watched trial got underway.
Last Child Tax Credit check set to go out. That could push millions of kids into poverty.
As stimulus programs wind down, experts warn that slashing the Child Tax Credit could put many families "on the brink."
www.cbsnews.comSenate Democrats may pull a switcheroo to punt Biden's big spending bill into 2022 in favor of a last ditch push for voting rights legislation
Democrats pushing off Biden's spending plan into next year would be a major reversal and an admission that large parts of the bill remain unsettled.
Pledging help, White House seeks to assuage concerns of coal communities
The meeting with industry and local leaders comes as the administration works intensely to woo support from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., for the president's domestic spending bill.
www.nbcnews.com
Senate approves $778 billion military funding bill after delay
The Senate on Wednesday passed a $778 billion national defense spending bill in an overwhelmingly 89-10 vote, advancing the bill to the president’s desk for signature.
Biden appears to laugh off question about COVID-19 deaths - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden appeared to smile and walk away from a reporter when asked if he had any responsibility for the United States surpassing 800,000 COVID-19 deaths this week. The reporter also asked him about pushing China to be more transparent about the origins of COVID-19. Biden did not...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Sinema pops Democrats’ filibuster trial balloon on voting rights
The Arizona Democrat is not willing to entertain changes to the 60-vote threshold in order to pass elections reform, as some of her colleagues are discussing.
www.politico.com
Groups urge DOJ to investigate civil rights violations in Texas border crackdown
Groups say Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star is on slippery ground and is fanning the kind of anti-Latino, anti-immigrant hate that led to the 2019 El Paso massacre.
www.nbcnews.com
What happened after we left Afghanistan: Reporter's notebook
The United Nations is warning as many as 1 million children could die this winter in Afghanistan.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem continues push to ban transgender women and girls from female sports
The proposal comes on the heels of what is believed to be the deadliest year for transgender people in the U.S.
www.cbsnews.comFallout from "f**k him": Netanyahu hasn't reached out to Trump over remark
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t tried reaching out to Donald Trump in the aftermath of the interview in which Trump said of Netanyahu, "f**k him," Netanyahu’s aides tell Axios.Why it matters: Trump's remarks, which came during my face-to-face interview with him in April...
U.S. airlines warn 5G wireless could wreak havoc with flights
Major U.S. air carriers warned on Wednesday that plans by wireless carriers to use spectrum for 5G wireless services starting Jan. 5 could disrupt thousands of daily flights and cost air passengers $1.6 billion annually in delays.
Agency overseeing Trump's D.C. hotel lease failed to examine ethical, constitutional conflicts, report says
The General Services Administration “washed its hands of any responsibility” to review whether the emoluments clauses of the Constitution were being followed, the House committee found.
www.nbcnews.com
Ransomware attack threatens paychecks just before Christmas
For many Americans who are paid biweekly, Dec. 17 is the final payday before Christmas.
www.nbcnews.com
White House pushes GOP to end blockade of ambassador picks
As President Joe Biden announces two more ambassador nominees, the White House and Democrats are warning that maneuvering by some Senate Republicans to block all but a small fraction of Biden’s diplomatic and other national security appointees is doing serious harm to U.S. diplomatic efforts around
apnews.comTrump felt used on Soleimani strike: "Israel did not do the right thing"
The assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020 seemed like the height of U.S.-Israel cooperation, but it actually became a major point of tension between the allies.Behind the scenes: Donald Trump expected Israel to play a more active role in the attack, and he griped...
House Freedom Caucus brings pressure tactics to states with legislature spinoffs - Washington Examiner
ATLANTA — A gang of staunch conservatives could be bringing delay tactics and policy confrontations with Republican leadership to a state legislature near you. The House Freedom Caucus launched a state-based network on Tuesday with the introduction of the Georgia legislative Freedom Caucus...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Some Kentucky candle factory workers considering tornado lawsuit, lawyer says
At least eight people died in the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory.
www.nbcnews.com
Dramatic increase in number of migrants seeking asylum in Arizona | CNN Politics
Under the shadow of the border wall, dozens of migrants raced to get in line as they spotted the glimmer of vehicle lights down the road. US Border Patrol agents were on the way.
www.cnn.com
Appeals court hears oral arguments in Catholics' challenge to mandate on gender-related treatments
A group of Catholic entities alleges that the Biden administration's HHS is violating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act with its mandate on gender-related treatments.
National Archives releases hundreds of previously classified documents on JFK assassination
The documents include thousands of pages of never-before-seen investigative memos, notes and cables.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden surveys 'beyond belief' tornado damage in Kentucky, commits to federal aid
President Joe Biden on Wednesday surveyed storm damage in Kentucky and met with families in neighborhoods ravaged by the deadly tornadoes.
Post-election rally organizer spoke to January 6 select committee for up to eight hours
Dustin Stockton told CBS News in an interview he felt regret about what happened that day.
www.cbsnews.com
On the front line as Afghan children battle malnutrition and measles
The BBC reports from a hospital in remote Ghor province which is struggling to cope.
www.bbc.com
NASA Webb telescope launch delayed again until Christmas Eve at earliest - Washington Examiner
The launch of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, decades in the making and billions of dollars over budget, has been delayed by several more days. A problem with communications prompted NASA to delay the launch date of the telescope, which will succeed the Hubble Telescope, from Dec. 22 to...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
New York criminal case against Huawei still far from trial
A three-year-old criminal case against the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker Huawei is still far from going to trial in New York, despite an agreement in the case that let Huawei's chief financial officer go free.
Music producer ‘Flow La Movie’ among 9 killed in Dominican Republic private jet crash | CNN
Nine people were killed on Wednesday after a private aircraft crashed while making an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic, according to the plane’s operator, Helidosa Aviation Group.
www.cnn.com
5 dead, 21 tornadoes confirmed after record-setting winds lash central U.S.
At least five people died, mostly in car crashes, as tornadoes and extremely high winds struck parts of the Midwest.
www.nbcnews.com
Airline industry leaders address passenger disturbances and assaults in advance of oversight hearing
Law enforcement doesn't always respond quickly or charge unruly passengers, said Sara Nelson, president of the union representing American Airlines attendants.
www.cbsnews.com
Derek Chauvin pleads guilty in George Floyd civil rights case
The former police officer is already serving a 22 year prison sentence for the murder of Mr Floyd.
www.bbc.com
Board upholds firing of ex-police officer who fatally shot Breonna Taylor
Cosgrove, who is white, was fired by Louisville Metro Police in January for violating standard operating procedures in the death of the Black emergency room technician.
www.nbcnews.com
Typhoon Rai rapidly strengthens as it nears the Philippines | CNN
Typhoon Rai is rapidly strengthening east of the southern Philippines and may be on the verge of becoming a super typhoon. The storm is on track to slam the southern and central portions of the country Thursday.
www.cnn.com
Florida condos should have frequent inspections, panel says
A Florida grand jury has issued a lengthy list of recommendations aimed at preventing another condominium collapse like the one that killed 98 people in June
Hong Kong gears up for ‘patriots-only’ poll amid boycott calls
Little enthusiasm ahead of delayed Hong Kong legislature vote as authorities crack down on calls for a boycott.
Las Vegas to host Super Bowl in 2024
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will be the site of Super Bowl LVIII when the NFL's championship game comes to Sin City for the first time in 2024, the league announced on Wednesday.
Intense storm spawns tornadoes, including first ever observed in Minnesota during December | CNN
An intense storm system moving from the Rockies into the Plains is producing severe weather, tornadoes and extreme fire danger while also bringing widespread damaging winds on Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
Megan Thee Stallion 'told to dance' by Tory Lanez before alleged shooting
Rapper Tory Lanez is accused of hurting the songwriter after a party in Hollywood in July 2020.
www.bbc.com
Daunte Wright case: How seemingly minor traffic stops can turn deadly
Daunte Wright was pulled over for an expired registration tab and an air freshener hanging in the back windshield on the day he was fatally shot.
Health spending growth more than doubled in first year of pandemic
Nearly the entire increase came from the burst of federal spending as the government mobilized to contain the spread of the virus.
www.politico.com
How Benton Harbor residents are living with lead water crisis: "I've never trusted the drinking water"
Health officials have urged residents to use bottled water for tasks like cooking, drinking and brushing teeth. Officials say there's been a high lead presence in the city's water since 2018.
www.cbsnews.com
Water conservation plan looks to reverse Lake Mead's historic decline
A funding pool of $200 million is meant to incentivize communities in Arizona, California and Nevada to scale back their water use.
www.nbcnews.com
bell hooks, writer, poet of Black women's experiences, dead at 69
She wrote more than 40 books.
Iran allows IAEA to reinstall cameras at Karaj nuclear facility
IAEA to not have access to recordings from cameras which will be installed ‘after technical reviews by Iranian experts’.
House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress over Jan. 6 probe dispute
The House on Tuesday voted to hold Mark Meadows, former President Donald Trump's chief of staff, in contempt of Congress.
Trump loses bid to block his tax returns from Congress
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by former President Donald Trump in his attempt to block congressional lawmakers from obtaining his tax returns.
apnews.com
Democrats face mounting obstacles to finishing BBB | CNN Politics
As Democrats race to finish the President’s Build Back Better legislation before the Christmas recess and convince a skeptical West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, there are other obstacles piling up that could prevent them from meeting their self-imposed deadline.
www.cnn.comTrump Republicans eager to dethrone McConnell as GOP leader
Mitch McConnell is facing a frontal assault from emboldened pro-Trump Republicans eager to unseat him as the Senate’s GOP leader.Why it matters: The Kentuckian has long been viewed as the most powerful Republican in Congress, a figure many in the party have feared turning into an enemy. His...
Bipartisan lawmakers call on Biden to speed up lethal aid to Ukraine
Members of the House Armed Services Committee visited Ukraine on a three-day codel over the weekend.
www.cbsnews.com
On a single Kentucky street, the tornado killed 7 children
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — The little red wagon was strewn upside down on a heap of rubble — a pile of boards and bricks, a mangled blue bicycle, a baby doll.
apnews.comMeadows falsely claims that Trump ‘acted quickly’ to quell Jan. 6 riot
Mark Meadows, the onetime chief of staff to former President Trump, said Monday that Trump moved swiftly to curb the violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 — a claim contradicted by the events of the da…
thehill.com
Ex-Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg agrees to pay Seminole County nearly $2M in restitution
Former tax collector Joel Greenberg, a one-time associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz, has reached an agreement to pay back Seminole County over $1.8 million in restitution.
Hannity, Ingraham knock Jan. 6 panel after revelation of texts to Meadows
Fox News prime-time hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham defended their statements about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Trump after text mes…
thehill.com
EXPLAINER: The security flaw that's freaked out the internet
Security pros say it’s one of the worst computer vulnerabilities they’ve ever seen. They say state-backed Chinese and Iranian hackers and rogue cryptocurrency miners have already seized on it.
apnews.com
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act passed unanimously by the House
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a new version of a bill banning goods made in Xinjiang region of China, where the Uyghur minority community has reportedly been subjected to human rights abuses, from being imported into the United States.
House Democrats pass bill to combat Islamophobia in support of Omar
The House passed legislation on Tuesday to create a special office within the State Department to combat Islamophobia globally as Democratic leaders sought to find a way to unify their party agains…
thehill.com
Dems launch talks to break Cruz-Hawley blockade of Biden ambassadors
But while the price for one GOP 2024 contender's help is clear, another is less open about what it'll take to ease his holds.
www.politico.com
Senator sees debt limit increase as model to pass voting legislation
Discontent is simmering among some Democrats that voting legislation has stalled because of Republican opposition.
www.nbcnews.com
Here’s how Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham finally addressed news of their January 6 text messages | CNN Business
A version of this article first appeared in the “Reliable Sources” newsletter. You can sign up for free right here.
www.cnn.com
Trump lawyer Eastman sues Jan. 6 panel, Verizon to block release of phone records
John Eastman, a lawyer who worked with former President Trump in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election, has sued Verizon and the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the…
thehill.comHouse votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress over Jan. 6 probe dispute
The House on Tuesday voted to hold Mark Meadows, former President Donald Trump's chief of staff, in contempt of Congress.
Man exonerated in killing of Malcolm X files civil claim seeking millions
Muhammad Aziz is seeking $20 million in damages.
DC attorney general sues far-right groups over Jan. 6 attack
Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine (D) on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit against far-right groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers over their role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.The 84…
thehill.com
Defiant Meadows cracks text message joke, welcomed by conservatives ahead of contempt vote - Washington Examiner
ATLANTA — A defiant Mark Meadows joked about his text messages and glad-handed Republicans as the House of Representatives debated whether to hold him in criminal contempt of Congress for his refusal to cooperate with the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. “The enemy...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden to DNC holiday party: 'We're going to win in 2022'
President Joe Biden spoke at the Democratic National Committee holiday party on Tuesday night and expressed optimism that his party will prevail in next year’s midterm elections.
Top Fox hosts lobbied Trump to act on Jan. 6, texts show
The revelation that Fox News Channel personalities sent text messages to the White House during the Jan. 6 insurrection is another example of how the network’s stars sought to influence then-President Donald Trump instead of simply reporting or commenting on him.
apnews.com
San Francisco mayor pledges more police, safety measures
San Francisco's mayor has announced even more initiatives aimed at curbing open drug use and brazen home break-ins that she says have made a mockery of the city's famed tolerance and compassion
Senate Dems' choice: Election reform first, or Biden's megabill?
At the center of it all, with paltry few days left in the chamber's year, is Joe Manchin.
www.politico.com
Remains found in a garbage bag in 1982 identified as former O'Jays member
The unidentified partial remains were found in Ohio four decades ago. Genetic genealogy helped identify him as Frank Little Jr.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump tells court he will appeal ruling that would allow the House to obtain his tax returns | CNN Politics
A federal judge on Tuesday dealt a blow to former President Donald Trump’s bid to keep his tax returns from Congress, ruling that the Treasury Department could disclose them to the House committee that requested them more than two years ago.
www.cnn.com
FDA pick Califf parries questions at confirmation hearing
President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration parried questions on crises ranging from the COVID pandemic to the opioid epidemic at his confirmation hearing Tuesday.
apnews.com
Mark Meadows: Trump ex-chief of staff in contempt of Congress
The Democrat-led House of Representatives rebuked Mark Meadows for defying a congressional panel.
www.bbc.com
Carl Bernstein says it is ‘inevitable’ GOP lawmakers who texted Mark Meadows on Jan. 6 will be unmasked - Washington Examiner
Watergate sleuth Carl Bernstein says he believes Republicans who texted former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Jan. 6 as the Capitol riot unfolded will be unmasked.SEAN HANNITY ADDRESSES HIS JAN. 6 TEXT MESSAGE TO MARK MEADOWSThe identities of these lawmakers, who were imploring...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Silicon Valley’s voice in Washington dissolves
The once-dominant Internet Association "has made the difficult decision to close the organization at the end of this year," its board announced Wednesday.
www.politico.com
NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams selects Keechant Sewell as the first woman to be police commissioner
New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams selected Nassau County Chief of Detectives Keechant Sewell to serve as commissioner of the New York Police Department, making her the first woman to serve in the role.
Myanmar public urges gas sanctions to stop military funding
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The young woman in Myanmar decided to speak out when she realized that money from the company she loved was now in the hands of the military leaders she hated.
apnews.com
Texts show top Trump defenders' private alarm on Jan. 6
As a mob overran the U.S. Capitol last January, some of Donald Trump’s highest-profile defenders in the media — and even his own son — sent urgent text messages to the White House chief of staff urging him to get the then-president to do more to stop the violence.
apnews.com
U.S. cybersecurity officials see mainly low-impact attacks from logging flaw, so far
The U.S. agency charged with defending the country against hacking said on Tuesday the majority of attacks it has seen using a recently disclosed flaw in widely used open-source software were minor, with many of them seeking to hijack computing power to mine cryptocurrency.
House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress
The House voted to hold Meadows in contempt for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House January 6 committee.
www.cbsnews.com
Federal judge tosses Trump lawsuit intended to keep tax returns from Congress
The House Ways and Means Committee has sought for years to gain access to former President Donald Trump's tax returns.
www.usatoday.com
Liz Cheney’s latest move against Trump highlights her distinct path among Republicans | CNN Politics
Televisions and phone screens lit up Monday night with the face of Rep. Liz Cheney as she slowly read text messages sent on January 6 to former President Donald Trump’s chief of staff.
www.cnn.com
Number of US adults who identify as Christian drops 12% in 10 years - Washington Examiner
The religious identity of the United States is changing, with the number of U.S. adults who identify as Christian dropping 12 points in 10 years, according to a new study. SUPREME COURT POISED TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS Data compiled by the Pew Research Center and...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump-appointed FDIC chair blocks Democratic bid to undercut her
At issue is whether a majority of the board at the agency can put items up for a vote without the consent of the chair.
www.politico.com
House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress
The House of Representatives voted Tuesday in favor of a resolution to hold former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress.
Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi hail ties amid tensions with West
Leaders hold virtual summit as Putin declares Russia-China relations ‘a proper example of interstate cooperation’.
Amid caustic rhetoric, House votes to combat Islamophobia
Rep. Scott Perry accused Rep. Ilhan Omar of connections to terrorism.
www.politico.com
OJ Simpson a 'completely free man'; parole ends in Nevada
O.J. Simpson is a free man. A Nevada State Police spokeswoman said Tuesday the 74-year-old former football hero and actor, acquitted California murder defendant and convicted Las Vegas armed robber was granted good behavior credits and discharged from parole effective Dec. 1.
apnews.com
Biden: Nation owes school shooting victims more than prayers
President Joe Biden says the nation owes the families of those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School nine years ago “more than our prayers. We owe them action.”
apnews.com
Duggar fails to make runoff in Arkansas state Senate primary
“19 Kids and Counting" father Jim Bob Duggar has lost his bid for the Arkansas Legislature. Tuesday's election results show Colby Fulfer, who is chief of staff for the city of Springdale, and Steve Unger, a retired U.S.
apnews.com
NYPD expected to be led by female commissioner for first time
Sources said Mayor-elect Eric Adams was impressed with Sewell, who is chief of detectives for the Nassau County Police Department.
www.nbcnews.com
Catholics flood Pelosi’s office with roses in hope she has ‘conversion of heart’ on abortion - Washington Examiner
A Catholic bishop in California is asking fellow Catholics across the country to send House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, roses until she changes her stance on abortion. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone is seeking to flood Pelosi's office with thousands of roses in an...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Senate toasts Eric Garcetti nomination, despite the red flags back home
The L.A. mayor had his confirmation hearing Tuesday. Only one member asked him about the misconduct allegations his top aide is facing.
www.politico.com
Blinken vows more US military might in Indo-Pacific
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States will expand its military and economic relationships with partners in Asia to push back against China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
apnews.com
Gorsuch writes scathing dissent after Supreme Court rejects New York vaccine mandate challenge - Washington Examiner
Justice Neil Gorsuch penned a scathing dissent after the Supreme Court left in place New York's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.Only two other Republican-appointed justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, joined Gorsuch in support of an injunction. The highest court voted 6-3...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Congress passes bill to raise debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion; bill heads to Biden for signature
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday the increase is enough to last into 2023.
www.usatoday.com
New York City bans natural gas in new buildings
The New York City Council voted on Wednesday to ban the use of natural gas in new buildings, following in the footsteps of dozens of smaller U.S. cities seeking to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy.
Congress passes bill to give Capitol Police chief authority to request National Guard help | CNN Politics
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, the House and Senate have passed by unanimous consent a bill that would give the chief of the US Capitol Police unilateral control to ask for support from the National Guard or federal law enforcement in the event of an emergency.
www.cnn.com
Heavy rain hits drought-stricken California, triggering evacuations, rescues
Heavy rain has hit drought-stricken California but also triggered evacuations and rescues on Tuesday. The system that caused heavy rainfall across the state is called an atmospheric river, as …
thehill.com
Former Louisiana police chief indicted in vote-buying scheme
A former Louisiana police chief and current city councilmember have been indicted on criminal charges over an alleged scheme to buy votes in a federal election.
Mexican border towns see migrant arrivals grow as old policy resumes
A new wave of migrants is arriving at the Mexican border due south of the United States after U.S. judges ordered the resumption of a policy that requires migrants to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their asylum cases.
Hong Kong: Fire at World Trade Centre leaves hundreds trapped on roof
The fire broke out in a machine room which eventually led to the scaffolding catching fire.
www.bbc.com
Federal judge throws out Trump's lawsuit to withhold his taxes from Congress
Former President Trump filed a notice with the court that he will appeal the ruling.
www.cbsnews.com
Ex-Japan PM Abe: Chinese military ‘adventure’ could be ‘suicidal’
Shinzo Abe’s remarks follow earlier comment in which he said any emergency over Taiwan means an emergency for Tokyo.
National Archives releases hundreds of previously classified documents on JFK assassination
The documents include thousands of pages of never-before-seen investigative memos, notes and cables.
www.cbsnews.com
Toronto police release video of 'suspect' in billionaires' 2017 murders
Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead at home four years ago, but police have made no arrests.
www.bbc.com
‘Senator Karen’: Musk blasts Warren after she accuses him of ‘freeloading’ - Washington Examiner
Tesla founder Elon Musk tore into Sen. Elizabeth Warren after she suggested he was “freeloading” and not paying his fair share of taxes. Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, was named Time magazine’s "Person of the Year" this week. Warren, who has long been a proponent of the rich paying...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump Organization formally notifies GSA of proposed sale of DC hotel | CNN Politics
The Trump Organization has formally notified the General Service Administration about its proposed sale of the lease for its hotel in Washington, DC, moving a step closer to offloading the property.
www.cnn.com
Lack of jobs, crisis drive young Iraqi Kurds to migrate
RANYA, Iraq (AP) — The specter of unemployment haunts both students and teachers at universities in northern Iraq.
apnews.com
Angelina Jolie visits Capitol Hill
The actress and filmmaker had previously visited the Capitol in September to support the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
www.cbsnews.com
Russia told to pay compensation to woman whose hands were cut off
Europe's top human rights court says authorities failed to protect her against domestic violence.
www.bbc.com
Blaze traps hundreds in Hong Kong tower, 13 hospitalized
Firefighters in Hong Kong have rescued hundreds of people who fled to the rooftop of a skyscraper and became trapped there after a large fire broke out.
apnews.com
Tesla Model 3: Paris' largest taxi firm suspends cars after fatal crash
One person died and 20 were hurt after a cabbie lost control of their Tesla Model 3 last weekend.
www.bbc.com
The AP Interview: Karzai 'invited' Taliban to stop chaos
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban didn't take the Afghan capital — they were invited, says the man who issued the invitation.
apnews.com
Stephen Curry has made more 3-pointers than any other NBA player
Curry hit his 2,974th 3-pointer Tuesday night in the Golden State Warriors’ game against the New York Knicks, breaking the record set by Ray Allen.
www.nbcnews.com
Hundreds rescued after fire breaks out in Hong Kong high-rise
At least 13 injured as dozens are evacuated from rooftop of Hong Kong’s World Trade Centre in busy shopping district.
Nation braces for possible omicron-fueled wave
Omicron “undoubtedly” compromises the protection of two doses of Pfizer and Moderna, putting the U.S. at risk of a tidal wave of fresh COVID cases in January.
Court revives health worker Covid-19 vaccine mandate in 26 states
The ruling marks a rare legal victory for President Joe Biden in implementing his coronavirus strategy.
www.nbcnews.com
US health tab hit $4T as gov't opened spigot to fight COVID
A government report says U.S. health care spending rocketed to $4.1 trillion last year as Congress opened the spigot of federal dollars to battle the coronavirus pandemic across multiple fronts.
apnews.com
A tantalizing clue to why omicron is spreading so quickly
A new study from the University of Hong Kong offers preliminary information that could explain why this new coronavirus variant may be more transmissible.
www.npr.org
Health care workers take out ad asking people to get vaccinated
Nine health care systems in Minnesota signed on to an open letter.
From schools to sports, a new wave of COVID-19 disrupts U.S. life
Universities canceled events, the National Football League reported a record number of cases, and long lines formed at New York City testing clinics as a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and concern over the Omicron variant disrupted American life anew.
U.S. CDC advisers to weigh limits on J&J vaccine due to blood clot issues -Washington Post
A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel will meet on Thursday to consider possible limits on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine because of continued blood clot issues, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.
Covid battering NBA, NFL and NHL, benching stars and postponing games
The virus' wrath has benched household names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Baker Mayfield. More than 140 NHL players have also been affected this season.
www.nbcnews.com
UK COVID cases hit record; Top doctor warns of worse to come
The U.K. recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections Wednesday since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned the situation is likely to get worse as the omicron variant drives a new wave of illness during the Christmas holidays.
apnews.com
Why does it still take so long to get a COVID-19 PCR test result?
Clinics are charging hundreds of dollars to deliver lab-based molecular test results within hours: "The private jet of testing."
www.cbsnews.com
The symptom that tells you you’ve caught omicron
The omicron variant was first detected in South Africa in mid-to-late November.
thehill.com
California allows San Francisco to maintain existing COVID-19 masking rules
Starting Wednesday, a statewide mask mandate was back in effect, but vaccinated San Francisco residents will be allowed to go without face coverings inside gyms and workplaces.
www.npr.org
Map: 1 in 5 young kids have gotten their first Covid vaccine. See which states are leading the effort.
The vaccination rate among urban children is twice the rural rate.
www.nbcnews.com
HHS forecast shows Omicron stretching U.S. Covid testing supply
The nation's supply could be stretched by the need to conduct 3 to 5 million tests per day by late January or early February.
www.politico.com
Biden’s Twitter doc army turns on him
www.politico.com
COVID vaccines do not need to be changed for Omicron "at this time," says Fauci
Fauci pointed to early lab data showing that "our booster vaccine regimens work against Omicron."
www.cbsnews.com
Austin city council member sounds alarm as city extends COVID mandates with no public input
The Austin City Council has pushed through an extension of an ordinance that allows the city to enforce coronavirus restrictions.
Five governors call on Pentagon to rescind COVID vaccine mandate for National Guard members
Five Republican governors have sent a letter to the Pentagon asking the Department of Defense to remove its coronavirus vaccine mandate on National Guard members.
COVID-19 updates: Elizabeth Warren tests positive
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.3 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 806,000 Americans.
Metropolitan Opera to require booster shots for audiences as COVID concerns grow
The Metropolitan Opera in New York said on Wednesday it will require audiences and staff to show proof of a COVID booster shot starting in January amid growing concern over the Omicron variant.
Rhode Island announces new COVID-19 measures as hospitals hit 'breaking point'
Amid a swift surge in cases and hospitalizations, Rhode Island announced new COVID-19 measures Wednesday.
US COVID death toll hits 800,000, a year into vaccine drive
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has topped 800,000. That is according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. The once-unimaginable milestone was hit Tuesday.
apnews.com
Colleges go back to drawing board — again — to fight COVID
Colleges across the U.S. are starting to require booster shots, extend mask mandates and in some cases revert to online classes as they brace for the new omicron variant.
apnews.com
Covid: Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate, WHO says
The WHO's head warns that the Covid variant is being underestimated, despite its potential impact.
www.bbc.com
One year of COVID-19 vaccines: Millions inoculated, but hundreds of thousands still lost
Over the last year, an average 1.3 million shots – including first, second, and third doses – have been administered every day.
Cornell University reports more than 900 Covid-19 cases this week. Many are Omicron variant cases in fully vaccinated students | CNN
Cornell University reported 903 cases of Covid-19 among students between December 7-13, and a “very high percentage” of them are Omicron variant cases in fully vaccinated individuals, according to university officials.
www.cnn.com
A retro feel to Biden's plan for covering OTC virus testing
The Biden administration’s plan for health insurers to reimburse consumers for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests is recalling the model of a bygone era when the companies processed large volumes of claims from individuals — with paper receipts.
apnews.com
U.S. study suggests vaccines may be ineffective against Omicron without booster
All three U.S.-authorized COVID-19 vaccines appear to be significantly less protective against the newly-detected Omicron variant of the coronavirus in laboratory testing, but a booster dose likely restores most of the protection, according to a study released on Tuesday.
Mild Omicron could still be bad
www.politico.com
Omicron spreading so fast it threatens Britain's hospitals
British Health Secretary Sajid Javid says the omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly that it has the potential to overwhelm Britain’s hospitals.
apnews.com
Biden says he’s ‘encouraged by the promising data’ on Pfizer Covid-19 antiviral pill | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised Pfizer’s report that its experimental treatment for Covid-19 cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% if given to high-risk adults within a few days of their first symptoms.
www.cnn.com
LA school board votes to delay student vaccine mandate as thousands remain non-compliant
The Los Angeles public school district board of education voted Tuesday to delay enforcement of its COVID-19 vaccine mandate to the fall.
Colorado records more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
Colorado’s COVID-19 death count jumped to more than 10,000 on Tuesday, the same day the U.S. reached more than 800,000 deaths in the pandemic. The state health department data showed 10,018 pe…
thehill.com
More than 800,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. An estimated 163,000 could have been saved by vaccines.
The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated COVID-19's avoidable toll since June, when vaccines became widely available.
www.cbsnews.com
Kroger grocery chain to end paid Covid-19 leave for unvaccinated employees
The country’s largest traditional grocery store chain, with almost 500,000 employees, said vaccinations are a focus for the company.
www.nbcnews.com
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