(AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is ordering 2,000 U.S.-based troops to Poland and Germany and shifting 1,000 more from Germany to Romania, demonstrating to both allies and foes America’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Conspiracy charges possible for filing bogus Trump election slates, experts say
The Justice Department is investigating at least two states that sent alternative Republican slates, even though Biden won the vote in those states.
www.nbcnews.com
Experts: Energy attacks could be behind some 'Havana' cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — A panel of intelligence experts hasn't identified a single culprit for apparent brain injuries reported by U.S. personnel that have been linked to so-called “Havana syndrome,” but several potential causes remain plausible, including the use of devices that emit beams of...
apnews.com
Revenue windfall pushes states to consider range of tax cuts
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Soaring tax revenue and billions in pandemic aid from the federal government have left many states with an unusual problem — too much money. The result is one of the most broad-based movements in recent memory toward giving consumers and taxpayers a break.
apnews.com
National Archives to turn over Pence records to Jan. 6 committee
The National Archives is preparing to turn over some of former Vice President Mike Pence's official records to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack.
'Fauci Can Pound Sand': DeSantis takes on Dr. Fauci in reelection messaging | CNN Politics
Gov. Ron DeSantis has a new message to Dr. Anthony Fauci for Republicans to spread across Florida's beaches.
Biden grappling with 'perfect storm' of rising gun violence
WASHINGTON (AP) — Illegal guns are flooding the streets. Teenagers are being murdered. And alarming numbers of police officers have been shot dead. Gun violence already on the rise during the pandemic is spiking anew, and beleaguered cities are struggling with how to manage it.
apnews.com
White House backs away from calling Russian Ukraine invasion ‘imminent’
The White House is backing away from its characterization that Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is "imminent," saying officials "still don't know" if Russian President Vladimir Putin has "made a decision" on incursion.
Trump says he would 'absolutely' consider Jan. 6 pardons — and attacks Lindsey Graham for opposing them
The former president on Tuesday reiterated that he might pardon those who have been convicted in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol — and disparaged Sen. Lindsey Graham for not supporting the idea.
Kinzinger: Hawley ‘one of the worst human beings’
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) called Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) “one of the worst human beings” after the senator sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for the Biden administ…
thehill.com
Senate Dem leader meets with Biden to talk Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden had Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer over to the White House on Wednesday to talk about how to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court. Biden has promised to nominate the first Black woman to the high court to fill the spot being vacated by Justice...
apnews.com
Indiana attorney general says BLM's 'house of cards' starting to fall amid financial questions
Indiana's attorney general criticized Black Lives Matter, calling it a "house of cards" and making his state the latest to raise questions about the charity's finances.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Psaki swings at Hawley for 'parroting Russian talking points'
White House press secretary Jen Psaki took a swipe at Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley on Wednesday, suggesting the lawmaker is consuming "Russian disinformation" and "parroting" talking points.
Meta shares plunge 18 percent as Facebook users stall
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also said current-quarter revenue would fall below estimates.
Opinion | Democrats With a Dirty Secret — They Watch Fox
New data shows the conservative outlet has plenty of left-leaning viewers. Turns out everyone likes to be entertained.
www.politico.com
Republicans Weigh How Forcefully to Fight a Black Female Court Nominee
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s pledge to name a Black woman to fill a coming Supreme Court vacancy has thrust Republicans into a tricky political calculation, forcing them to confront how aggressive to be in opposing the nominee and how to do so without appearing to be racist and sexist...
Iran’s economy reveals power and limits of US sanctions
US sanctions drove Iran into a two-year recession. The economy is now growing, but the upside is limited.
Who’s smarter? Joy Reid’s podcast guest calls Joe Rogan ‘a really dumb person’
MSNBC host Joy Reid’s podcast, The ReidOut, featured a guest who called Joe Rogan “a really dumb person who thinks he’s smart.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
CNN boss Jeff Zucker resigns, says he failed to disclose office relationship with former Andrew Cuomo aide
Jeff Zucker said in his resignation that he should have admitted to his relationship with CNN executive Allison Gollust during a probe of Chris Cuomo
Hoyer says Dems should gerrymander to prevent 'unfair competition,' since Republicans do it too
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Wednesday gerrymandering should be fair game for Democrats since Republicans do it in their states.
Graham defends opposition to Jan. 6 pardons after Trump calls him a ‘RINO’
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Wednesday defended his stance against offering pardons to Jan. 6, 2021, defendants a day after former President Trump called him a “RINO,” an acronym that means…
thehill.com
Jan. 6 select committee subpoenas phone records of Arizona GOP chair
Kelli Ward and her husband, Michael, are suing to block T-Mobile from sharing the records.
www.politico.com
Alexander Vindman sues Donald Trump Jr., others for alleged witness intimidation over impeachment testimony
Former Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman has sued Donald Trump Jr. and others, alleging they engaged in witness intimidation in Donald Trump's 2019 impeachment.
The restraint crowd facepalms over Biden’s Ukraine threats
Advocates of limited military intervention got what they wanted when the U.S. quit Afghanistan. But now Washington is eyeing an indirect war with Russia.
www.politico.com
US to send destroyer, fighter jets to UAE amid Houthi attacks
The Yemen-based rebel group has claimed three missile and drone attacks on the UAE since January 17.
J. Michelle Childs: 5 things to know about Biden's potential Supreme Court nominee
The 55-year-old U.S. District Court judge from South Carolina has emerged as one of the leading candidates for President Biden’s historic nomination of a Black woman to the high court.
Democratic lawmakers propose ban on legacy admissions to colleges
The bill would ban institutions that participate in federal student aid programs from admitting students based on family ties.
www.nbcnews.com
Sen. Luján to be out at least 4 weeks, Biden agenda at risk
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democrats’ fragile hold on the Senate majority became vividly apparent Wednesday with the sudden illness of New Mexico Sen.
apnews.com
City of Little Rock declares violent crime a public health emergency amid surge in shootings
The City of Little Rock, Arkansas, has declared violent crime a public emergency amid a surge in shootings in recent weeks.
Braun calls for White House staff term limits to cure ‘Groundhog Day’
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun, playing off the theme of Groundhog Day, called for White House staff “term limits” on Wednesday to bring fresh ideas to the one building that recycles former aides the most of any in Washington.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House Republicans close money gap in hunt for the majority
At least 53 Republicans raised at least $500,000 in the fourth quarter, versus 38 Democrats, one of the biggest takeaways from the new reports.
www.politico.com
No defamation in assault case involving former Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore
An Alabama jury on Wednesday found that a woman did not defame former U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore when saying he sexually abused her when she was 14.
www.reuters.com
Judge rules Oath Keepers leader to be transferred to DC jail
A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the Oath Keepers leader charged with seditious conspiracy over the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol must be transferred to a Washington, D.C., jail while …
thehill.com
Commerce secretary urges House Democrats to pass China-focused bill
“We have no time to wait," Gina Raimondo said of the America Competes Act, which the House is expected to vote on this week.
www.nbcnews.com
Appeals court may overturn order keeping Burr search warrant secret
D.C. Circuit judges express concern about ruling denying L.A. Times' request to see why North Carolina senator's phone was searched as part of insider trading probe
www.politico.com
Homeland Security official Vance Callender on administrative leave after raid on Michigan home, lawyer says
Vance Callender has served as the top Homeland Security Investigations agent in Michigan and Ohio since 2020. He is under investigation for unknown reasons.
Trump and former CNN President Zucker's long, profitable history
While former President Donald Trump and former CNN President Jeff Zucker may be at odds today when it comes to "fake news," the pair have benefited from each other for years.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Massive winter storm moving east across U.S.
The storm caused blizzard conditions in North Dakota and has dumped 12 inches of snow in parts of Chicago already.
www.cbsnews.com
US gives global banks the OK to transfer aid funds to Afghanistan
Aid groups can pay teachers and other workers at state-run agencies without fear of breaching sanctions on the Taliban.
Why Lindsey Graham is going all-in on Biden SCOTUS pick
The South Carolina Republican swung from Trump critic to supporter, and now he's swinging from Biden antagonizer to potential ally.
Putin breaks his silence on Ukraine, but leaves world guessing about Russia's next move
The Russian leader publicly commented on the crisis for the first time since December as new satellite images appeared to show an increased troop buildup on Ukraine’s borders.
www.nbcnews.com
FBI says it tested Israeli company NSO Group's spyware
The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday acknowledged that it acquired and tested a hacking tool made by Israeli surveillance company NSO Group, but the U.S. law enforcement agency said it did not use it for any investigation.
www.reuters.com
A punch to the gut for Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made an unprecedented decision to cut off most seniors’ access to an entire class of Alzheimer’s treatments.
thehill.com
How Democrats Can Stop a Red Wave
A “red wave” is building this year — or so we’re told. Republicans are confident the country’s sour mood will sweep them back into power in Congress, with Americans being fed up with the coronavirus and inflation. They think they’ll pick up 30 or so House seats and four or five in the Senate...
After meeting with Trump, Georgia’s Vernon Jones likely to exit GOP gubernatorial primary
After meeting with former President Donald Trump, Georgia’s Vernon Jones is likely to exit the GOP gubernatorial primary and instead seek another office with Trump's backing
Republicans to field more than 100 far-right candidates this year
Anti-Defamation League list includes at least a dozen with links to white supremacists, anti-government extremists and Proud Boys Ammon Bundy speaks to a crowd of about 50 followers in downtown Boise, Idaho, last year. He is running for governor as a Republican. Photograph: Darin Oswald/AP More...
Joe Lombardo tops GOP Nevada gubernatorial field, with ex-senator lagging: Poll
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo led the field of candidates vying for the Republican nomination for Nevada governor in a fresh poll, topping both former Sen. Dean Heller and Michele Fiore, who has positioned herself as an acolyte of former President Donald Trump.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Senator Ben Ray Luján expected to be back at work in 4 to 6 weeks after suffering stroke
The New Mexico senator suffered a stroke last week.
www.cbsnews.com
Gottheimer drafts stablecoin bill as Congress plots crypto rule revamp
The bill is part of an emerging flurry of legislation targeting crypto.
www.politico.com
Trump son, allies sued by witness from 1st impeachment case
WASHINGTON (AP) — A retired Army lieutenant colonel who was a pivotal witness in the first impeachment case against Donald Trump has sued the oldest son of the former president and other Trump allies, accusing them of participating in an “intentional, concerted campaign of unlawful intimidation...
apnews.com
Trump charges $250,000 for midterms forum – to boost his own Super Pac
February event notionally focused on 2022 midterms Former president has amassed huge war chest of $122m Donald Trump with Melania Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort on New Year’s Eve 2019. Trump has his eyes on the 2024 election, when he has strongly hinted he will run again. Photograph: Reuters...
5 persons of interest in HBCU bomb threat investigation: Source
5 persons of interest in HBCU bomb threat investigation: source
Economist Lisa Cook is poised to make history at the Fed – but first she must face a grilling from senators
Lisa Cook will be joined by Sarah Bloom Raskin and Philip Jefferson during a nomination hearing before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.
US intelligence community report says 'pulsed electromagnetic energy' could cause Havana Syndrome | CNN Politics
An intelligence panel investigating the cause of a spate of mysterious incidents that have struck dozens of US officials across the globe has said that some of the episodes could "plausibly" have been caused by "pulsed electromagnetic energy" emitted by an external source, according to an...
State Department validates leaked documents responding to Russian demands, US holds firm on blanket NATO ban
The State Department on Wednesday validated the authenticity of documents leaked to the press that revealed Washington’s response to Russian demands in exchange for de-escalating tensions with Ukraine.
US troops to deploy to Eastern Europe amid Ukraine crisis | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden has formally approved the deployment of 3,000 US troops to Poland, Germany and Romania, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, in a move to bolster NATO countries in Eastern Europe with tens of thousands of Russian troops amassed along Ukraine's border.
FBI says no explosives found at historically Black colleges after bomb threats
The FBI said on Wednesday it has not detected any explosive devices, after several historically Black colleges and universities across the United States reported receiving bomb threats earlier this week.
www.reuters.com
Impeachment witness Vindman sues Trump's son and top allies over alleged smear campaign
The suit alleges that Donald Trump Jr., Rudy Giuliani and others "engaged in an intentional, concerted campaign of unlawful intimidation and retaliation."
www.nbcnews.com
Melinda French Gates will no longer pledge majority of wealth to Gates Foundation
Melinda French Gates, ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, will no longer be distributing the majority of her wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, according to sources familiar with the matter.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
4 charged after overdose death of actor Michael K. Williams
NEW YORK (AP) — Four men face charges that they were members of the drug distribution crew that supplied a deadly mix of narcotics to Michael K. Williams, the renowned actor from “The Wire” who overdosed just hours after buying fentanyl-laced heroin in a deal recorded on security camera video.
apnews.com
Liberal group Center for American Progress faces possible strike amid salary fight: report
Staffers at the liberal nonprofit think tank Center for American Progress (CAP) are reportedly considering going on strike over contract negotiations, with some staffers saying they struggle to cov…
thehill.com
Tensions between Democrats and Sinema continue to simmer
Tensions between Washington Democrats and Kyrsten Sinema came to a boil on Wednesday with the Arizona senator lashing out at Majority Leader Chuck Schumer over the slow pace of voting in the chamber.
Democratic senator furious about Biden admin pace of Afghanistan evacuations
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., voiced frustration with the Biden administration's efforts in Afghanistan, voicing concerns over the pace by which the U.S. is evacuating allies from the country
Lindsey Graham says he 'absolutely' still considers Biden a friend as he supports the president's decision to nominate a Black woman for the Supreme Court
Graham and Joe Biden haven't spoken with each other since the president took office, the Republican senator told Politico.
Senate moves to shield journalism from ‘Big Tech’
Also: Democrats are once again stymied in their quest to bring the FCC and FTC to full strength.
www.politico.com
Oath Keepers leader talks to Jan. 6 panel from federal jail
WASHINGTON (AP) — Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group, appeared remotely before the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection on Wednesday from a federal jail where he is awaiting trial on sedition charges.
apnews.com
As Investigators Close In On Trump, RNC Hugs Him Even Tighter
The Republican National Committee is considering measures to punish two GOP Trump critics as well as the commission that hosted debates Trump did poorly in.
USA Swimming announces new policy for elite transgender athletes
The policy requires transgender women competing at elite levels to have low testosterone for 36 months — the longest of any sports governing body.
www.nbcnews.com
Suspects identified in deadly Minnesota school shooting
Police said a fight among five students led to the shooting.
6 key governor's races loom in states Biden narrowly won
A sextet of key swing states has gubernatorial races set to be decided this fall, and with former President Donald Trump loudly promoting his belief that election results should be overturned in his favor, experts are worried that a single rogue governor could flip the 2024 race.
U.S. trial for George Floyd killing paused by coronavirus
The federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd's civil rights in a deadly 2020 arrest has been paused until at least next Monday after one of the defendants tested positive for the coronavirus.
www.reuters.com
Taliban running out of excuses on education - Malala
As some universities reopen in Afghanistan, Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai spoke to the BBC.
www.bbc.com
Florida Republicans propose election police force
Republicans in Arizona and Georgia are also advocating for similar new investigative units, despite the fact that voter fraud is extremely rare.
www.nbcnews.com
DHS to regulate controversial Border Patrol teams
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is developing plans to increase oversight of controversial quick response teams within the Border Patrol that immigration advocates say helped cover up inc…
thehill.com
Former Trump DOJ official Jeffrey Clark met with January 6 committee for nearly two hours | CNN Politics
Former Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark and his attorneys met with the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection for nearly two hours on Wednesday, two months after the panel voted to hold him in contempt for his lack of cooperation.
Author Amy Zegart on the future of American intelligence - "Intelligence Matters"
Host Michael Morell and Zegart discuss the impact of emerging technologies on intelligence collection and analysis.
www.cbsnews.com
CNN president resigns after relationship with co-worker
NEW YORK (AP) — CNN President Jeff Zucker abruptly resigned Wednesday after acknowledging a consensual relationship with another network executive — an entanglement that came to light during an investigation of now-fired anchor Chris Cuomo.
apnews.com
Whoopi Goldberg and Israel confront anti-semitism blind spots
www.politico.com
Transgender athletes 'deprive' women of opportunity, GOP senators say, push bill to ban them in college sports
Republican senators are supporting a bill that would effectively ban transgender athletes from women's college sports.
Minors identified as persons of interests in threats to Black colleges
The minors appear to be using sophisticated methods to disguise the source of the threats, which seem to have a racist motivation, a law enforcement official says.
www.nbcnews.com
Doctors: Cancer patients cured a decade after gene therapy
In 2010, doctors treated Doug Olson’s leukemia with an experimental gene therapy that transformed some of his blood cells into cancer killers. More than a decade later, there's no sign of cancer in his body.
apnews.com
Utah, home of conservative Trump critics, hosts GOP meeting
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A deep-red state that’s home to some of Donald Trump’s most vocal conservative critics welcomed members of the Republican National Committee on Wednesday for a meeting in which party officials are expected to solidify the former president's status as the GOP standard-bearer...
apnews.com
Labor shortages incentivize new hiring process for Home Depot
Home Depot is launching a new “accelerated hiring process” to help curb labor shortages.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Susan Collins says it may be difficult for Republicans to reject a Black, female Supreme Court nominee because Democrats have painted the GOP as 'anti-Black'
Collins and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham are among a few Republicans who may vote in favor of Biden's Supreme Court nominee.
Can Biden's 'moonshot' cut cancer deaths in half in 25 years? He says that's doable.
President Joe Biden initially launched the 'Cancer Moonshot' initiative during his final years as vice president under Barack Obama.
www.usatoday.com
Judge's son who stormed Capitol dressed as cave man pleads guilty
The Trump supporter told a friend that "fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election was so obvious, even a caveman would know the election was stolen," a court document said.
www.nbcnews.com
Death penalty trial for Florida school gunman Cruz delayed until April
A judge on Wednesday delayed until April proceedings to determine the sentencing of the gunman who has pleaded guilty to murdering 17 people at a Parkland, Florida, high school in 2018.
www.reuters.com
Trump considered blanket pardon for Capitol insurrectionists – report
Politico reports that former president asked two key advisers if he had power to issue blanket pardon before leaving office More than 700 people have been charged over their involvement in the Capitol attack. Photograph: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump considered issuing a blanket...
Erin O'Toole: Canada's Conservatives oust party leader
Erin O'Toole only lasted 18 months - and was blamed for Justin Trudeau's party's victory last year.
www.bbc.com
CNN’s Camerota: Zucker resignation ‘feels wrong on some level’
CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota described a feeling of sadness and frustration at the network following the resignation of its top boss on Wednesday. “I feel it deeply personally but also I t…
thehill.com
Jan. 6 committee member: Trump ‘absolutely’ tampering with witnesses
The former president has repeatedly suggested that he may pardon the Capitol rioters or other people associated with the insurrection if he wins a second term.
www.politico.com
ICE director nomination again advances out of Senate committee despite GOP objection | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden's nominee to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, Ed Gonzalez, was advanced out of committee for a second time on Wednesday, despite GOP objection to his nomination.
Hawley slams closed-door Afghanistan withdrawal hearing as 'a joke'
The Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees held a joint hearing on Wednesday about President Biden’s botched withdrawal that saw 13 U.S. service members killed.
Louisiana governor strongly denies stalling probe of Ronald Greene's deadly 2019 arrest
And for first time, John Bel Edwards called actions of troopers involved in Greene's 2019 arrest racist. Edwards denied political motivations for his actions at the time.
www.cbsnews.com
Hundreds pay tribute to fallen New York police officer
New York City police officer Wilbert Mora was remembered for his love for a job he had wanted since he was a boy, his gentle personality and his heroism during a St. Patrick's Cathedral funeral on Wednesday, two weeks after he was killed responding to a call.
www.reuters.com
Slow down: States get infrastructure cash for speed cameras
WASHINGTON (AP) — Drivers, beware: Speed cameras could be on their way to a location near you thanks to President Joe Biden's infrastructure law .
apnews.com
How Schumer explains his Senate dilemma | CNN Politics
Last July, trying to get Sen. Joe Manchin to let Democrats move forward on their agenda, Chuck Schumer came up with a plan. He had the West Virginia Democrat lay out what he could accept and how much he'd be willing to spend. Manchin signed his name. Schumer signed his.
Russia crisis exposes deep divide Trump created in GOP foreign policy
Congressional leaders want to paint Biden as weak on Russia, while Tucker Carlson is trying to depict him as the aggressor.
www.nbcnews.com
Georgetown Law administrator on leave after tweeting Supreme Court nominee would lead to 'lesser black woman'
Ilya Shapiro is on leave from Georgetown Law after tweeting last week President Joe Biden's Supreme Court pick would be a "lesser black woman," officials say.
From early on, Childs seen as ‘destined for further things’
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — When she hired Michelle Childs to practice employment law in the early 1990s right out of school, Vickie Eslinger says she knew there was something different about the freshly minted South Carolina attorney.
apnews.com
Washington's NFL team unveils new name as Commanders
Washington has some new Commanders in town. The NFL team announced its new name on Wednesday, 18 months after fresh pressure from sponsors helped persuade the once-storied franchise to drop its old moniker following decades of criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans.
apnews.com
Dems avert total redistricting doomsday — but they’re not out of the woods
Democrats have seized this year’s redistricting battle with an unexpected ruthlessness, carving out more blue territory than most had expected even just a few months ago.
www.politico.com
Crosby and Stills follow Nash and Young off Spotify
Neil Young’s longtime bandmates are backing him up in his battle with Spotify over Joe Rogan’s podcast and COVID-19 misinformation, saying they’re pulling their music from the streaming service unt…
thehill.com
Climate change: EU moves to label nuclear and gas as sustainable despite internal row
A highly controversial decision to class nuclear and gas power as "green" splits EU members.
www.bbc.com
Biden aims to reduce cancer deaths by 50% over next 25 years
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday set a 25-year timeline to cut in half the cancer death rate , a lofty but perhaps unrealistic goal that is meant to “supercharge” an initiative started when he was vice president to eradicate the disease that killed his older son, Beau.
apnews.com
Argentina drugs: Adulterated cocaine kills 20 in Buenos Aires
Officials suspect the illegal drug was either laced with poison or "cut" with another substance.
www.bbc.com
Biden admin. bets on renewable energy to revamp Puerto Rico's electric system
The Departments of Energy, Homeland Security and Housing and Urban Development look to ensure that $12 billion in federal aid lead to a more resilient and sustainable system.
www.nbcnews.com
FBI Director Wray says scale of Chinese spying in the U.S. 'blew me away'
The FBI opens a new China-related counterintelligence investigation every 12 hours on average, and it now has over 2,000 such cases.
www.nbcnews.com
RNC to debate endorsing ouster of Cheney, Kinzinger from House GOP
The resolution, set to be considered at the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting this week, is largely symbolic but underscores Trump's influence.
www.nbcnews.com
House January 6 committee member Jamie Raskin says Trump "said the criminal part out loud"
Raskin said on "Red & Blue" that he expected Ivanka Trump to speak to the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
www.cbsnews.com
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...
Tucker Carlson donates to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s campaign
Fox News host Tucker Carlson contributed to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-Ga.) reelection campaign last fall, federal election records show. An FEC filing dated Sept. 15 shows a donation fo…
thehill.com
Biden reaches for GOP support for Supreme Court nominee
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is reaching out for Republican support for his eventual Supreme Court nominee, inviting the GOP's top Judiciary Committee senator to the White House Tuesday along with the panel's Democratic chairman and phoning Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for a...
apnews.com
Analysis: The massive miscalculation Republicans made on the 1/6 committee
Last spring, congressional Republicans made two fateful decisions.
www.cnn.com
GOP can’t escape Trump-fueled election controversies
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and members of his leadership team and inner circle are pushing back hard against former President Trump’s latest statements related to the Jan. 6 att…
thehill.com
GOP to Tucker Carlson: We’re the decision-makers on Ukraine, not you
“He’s obviously not in a position of being responsible for those decisions. And we are,” said Sen. John Cornyn.
www.politico.com
Trump’s latest remarks on Pence and Jan. 6 rioters further test Republican loyalty
In a flurry of remarks made over the last several days, Trump has made clear that if he runs for reelection and wins a second term, he will not only seek to bury the Select Committee’s findings, but would seek to overturn criminal convictions for some of his supporters and launch fresh...
Oath Keepers founder set to be deposed by the House January 6 Committee on Wednesday
Attorneys for Stewart Rhodes say they expect their client to invoke 5th Amendment right when interviewed by investigators.
www.cbsnews.com
Republican U.S. lawmakers funnel money to colleagues who crossed Trump
Republican U.S. lawmakers donated more than $380,000 last year to the campaigns of eight colleagues who Donald Trump is trying to drive from office, prioritizing the goal of regaining control of Congress over the former president's desire for vengeance.
www.reuters.com
Abbott warns of possible power outages as Texas braces for winter storm
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R ) warned that there could be power outages in Texas as the Lone Star State braces for the upcoming winter storm.“No one can guarantee that there won’t be a ‘load she…
thehill.com
Senators struggle to get on same page with Russia sanctions
A bipartisan group of senators is divided over the components of a sanctions package and when it should take effect.
www.nbcnews.com
New state Senate maps shift two seats from upstate to NYC. Here's where.
Democrats currently have 43 of the 63 seats in the Senate as they head into November when all the seats will be on the ballot.
www.politico.com
Gaetz's fundraising dips as sex trafficking investigation intensifies
As the probe into possible sex trafficking allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz continues, new financial filings show his campaign's fundraising has been dwindling.
Confederate symbols falling faster as U.S. wakes up to past wrongs - report
A year after George Floyd's murder sparked the toppling of Confederate statues, the United States continues removing segregationist symbols at an unprecedented rate, according to a Southern Poverty Law Center report released on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
Trump: ‘RINO’ Graham ‘wrong’ on pardoning Jan. 6 rioters
Former President Trump in a new interview called Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) a “RINO” and said the Republican senator was “wrong” to say that pardoning those who took pa…
thehill.com
Trump, citing New York prosecutor's email, decries probe as political
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and his family on Tuesday called a civil investigation of their business practices "selective prosecution," arguing that an email by New York state's top prosecutor to her supporters showed she was motivated by politics.
www.reuters.com
Analysis: Democratic senator's stroke exposes fragility of 50-50 Senate majority
As if their stalled and tattered agenda wasn't proof enough, Democrats just got a poignant reminder of the precarious nature of life in a 50-50 Senate, especially ahead of an impending Supreme Court nomination.
www.cnn.com
Top Republican throws cold water on struggling FDA nominee
A White House spokesperson said Califf has met with 33 senators to date and is scheduled to meet with an additional 14 so far.
www.politico.com
Ex-DHS leader says conspiracy to seize voting machines could be crime
Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Tuesday said any conspiracy to seize voting machines would potentially be criminal. Johnson made the remarks on CNN one day after it…
thehill.com
Biden FCC pick Gigi Sohn's scheduled committee vote gets pulled
A confirmation vote scheduled in the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday for Gigi Sohn, one of President Biden's nominees to the FCC, has been pulled.
Next winter storm will stretch over 2,000 miles | CNN
As the second winter storm in less than a week sets up across the country, 21 states are gearing up for a blast of winter precipitation and dangerously cold temperatures.
Tom Brady hangs up his cleats after 'thrilling ride' with Bucs, Pats
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his NFL retirement on Tuesday after an age-defying career during which he won a record seven Super Bowl championships and established himself as arguably the greatest player in the sport's history.
www.reuters.com
Kinzinger pushes 'uneasy alliance' to thwart Trump's allies
NEW YORK (AP) — In the high-stakes fight for the GOP's future, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., is calling on Democrats and independents to form an “uneasy alliance” with Republicans to fight former President Donald Trump's influence.
apnews.com
Electoral Count Act reform gains momentum as Dems soften demand to pass election bills GOP filibustered
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Electoral Count Act reform was "unacceptably insufficient" less than a month ago, but it now appears it's the only major election reform capable of making it through Congress.
Republicans who impeached Trump outpace challengers in latest fundraising haul
None of the Republicans seeking re-election who voted to impeach or convict former President Donald Trump was out-raised by a primary challenger last quarter.
www.nbcnews.com
The Rock backs up Joe Rogan, agrees with effort to show different opinions
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson commented on social media that he agrees with embattled podcaster Joe Rogan's efforts to show varying opinions related to COVID-19 and other issues.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump 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.
www.reuters.com
Sen. Rand Paul grabs bite to eat at DC bar being shut over city vaccine mandates
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and several other members of Congress showed up Tuesday to grab dinner at the Washington, D.C., bar that made headlines for losing its liquor license after refusing to impose the city's vaccine mandate on its customers.
Key Senate Dem considering a scale-back of the Child Tax Credit to please Manchin
One Senate Democrat — desperate to revive a cornerstone of President Biden's progressive agenda — is open to scaling back eligibility for the child tax credit to lure support from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Axios has learned.Why it matters: Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) has been at the center...
JFK's grandson racks up two graduate degrees from Harvard
Former President John F. Kennedy Jr.’s grandson has graduated from Harvard with dual degrees from both Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School.
Biden tries to counter criticism of his record on crime
President Joe Biden is trying to convince the public that his administration is not exacerbating a nationwide trend of a spike in crime amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House GOP leader says State of the Union attendance could be capped: report
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told Republican leadership members that he had been informed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that they were instituting a 25-House member ca…
thehill.com
U.S. threatens Russia with a chip blockade
Biden administration officials say they will cut Russia off from its vital supply of semiconductors if it invades Ukraine — a broad sanction without precedent.Why it matters: Stemming the flow of microchips to Russia would be a blow to the country's economy, but the novel move could have...
Arizona woman pleads guilty to voter fraud after accused of forging dead mother's signature
An Arizona woman has pleaded guilty to voting illegally in the 2020 election as she admitted to casting an early ballot on behalf of her deceased mother.
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know about rising fear of war
PARIS (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the escalating crisis over Ukraine for the first time in over a month on Tuesday as a series of high-level talks were underway to avert the threat of war.
apnews.com
NAACP pushes Garland to pursue federal charges in killing of Laquan McDonald by Chicago ex-officer | CNN Politics
The NAACP released a letter Tuesday calling on Attorney General Merrick Garland to move forward with federal charges against Jason Van Dyke and to provide an update on any federal investigation, days before the former Chicago police officer is set to be released from a state prison.
White House supports permanent legal status for families separated at border
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the Biden administration is pushing Congress to pass legislation that would help the families.
www.nbcnews.com
US asks for UN Security Council meeting on North Korea: Diplomats
North Korea’s weekend launch of Hwasong-12 ‘mid-range ballistic missile’ has sparked fears and condemnation.
U.S. lightning bolt leaps into record books at 477 miles long
A single lightning bolt that leapt across three U.S. states has been identified as the longest ever, the U.N. weather agency said on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
US, Ukraine split on messaging against Russia
President Biden’s warnings of imminent Russian aggression are clashing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s efforts to project strength, urge calm and inspire confidence in Kyiv’s ability …
thehill.com
Two men arrested for death threats against Biden
One man said he was going to "cut the head off the snake in the heart of the nation" and that God had told him to drive to Washington to see the president.
www.cbsnews.com
Senators release draft bill to combat election subversion
Three Senate Democrats on Tuesday put forward a plan to reform the Electoral Count Act, the opening bid in an effort gathering steam to prevent election subversion.
Trump meddles in Georgia race to get candidate to back his 2020 falsehoods | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump has offered Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Vernon Jones his endorsement in a congressional contest if Jones agrees to exit the GOP primary for governor to instead run for Congress, according to two people familiar with the matter, both of whom said Trump's...
Georgia school district's promotion of CRT, officials' comments on White people prompt investigation request
State Sen. Burt Jones is asking the Georgia Department of Education to investigate Gwinnett County Board of Education Chair Dr. Tarece Johnson amid concerns about her recent comments and the district's use of critical race theory.
Trump gave $1M to Meadows nonprofit weeks after Jan. 6 panel's creation
The contribution was made to the Conservative Partnership Institute, where Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, is a senior partner.
www.nbcnews.com
Missouri health director out following conservative blowback
Missouri senators on Tuesday effectively ousted the new state health director following conservative blowback, despite the health czar's stances against abortion and mask and vaccine mandates. The deadline to confirm him is Friday, and because Republican Gov. Mike Parson didn't retract his...
Child fatally shoots self as mother, friend smoke weed in front seat, Louisiana sheriff says
The 4-year-old was in the back seat with two young siblings when, investigators believe, he found the weapon.
www.nbcnews.com
'End game': Iran nuclear talks nearing resolution or nuclear crisis, US warns
While President Joe Biden works to address the crisis over Russia menacing Ukraine, there is another critical one looming.
ABC suspends Whoopi Goldberg over Holocaust race remarks
NEW YORK (AP) — Whoopi Goldberg was suspended for two weeks Tuesday 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
Senators release draft bill to combat election subversion
Three Senate Democrats on Tuesday put forward a plan to reform the Electoral Count Act, the opening bid in an effort gathering steam to prevent election subversion.
California threatens to hold BLM's leaders personally liable over missing financial records
The California Department of Justice has threatened to hold the leaders of Black Lives Matter personally liable if they fail to fork over information about the charity's $60 million bankroll within the next 60 days, according to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Lawmakers face time crunch to clinch funding deal
Top congressional lawmakers are working against the clock to clinch a bipartisan agreement on government spending before a Feb. 18 deadline, with pressure building on both sides to find common grou…
thehill.com
2 officers killed during shooting at Bridgewater College campus, suspect in custody
State police were called to campus due to an active shooter incident where an officer was shot.
'We have the best cannabis of the world': Rep. Nancy Mace pushes legal weed
South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace is using her national clout to help legalize marijuana, the drug that helped her through the trauma of sexual assault. In effect, the States Reform Act would treat cannabis like alcohol instead of heroin.
Biden's border crisis goes global with more apprehensions from faraway countries
As the crisis at the southern border moves into its second year, more foreign nationals continue to attempt to take advantage of what is perceived to be a porous situation and higher chances of being allowed into the United States -- with more coming from distant countries.
Luján stroke jolts 50-50 Senate
News of Sen. Ben Ray Lujan’s (D-N.M.) stroke sent shockwaves through the Senate on Tuesday, underscoring the fragility of Democrats’ 50-50 majority.
thehill.com
Robert E. Lee's descendant proves his lineage and pushes for 'honest' history of racism | CNN
Rev. Robert W. Lee felt like his integrity was being challenged when Confederate defenders continued to accuse him of lying about being a distant relative of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Former Florida mayor's daughter gets 20 months in prison for COVID-19 relief fraud
The daughter of a former Florida mayor was sentenced to 20 months in prison Monday for lying to receive $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
NSO Group offered ‘bags of cash’ to access cell network: Reports
US whistle-blower accuses Israeli firm of making offer in 2017 call, Washington Post and other outlets have reported.
Biden signs bill awarding Congressional Gold Medal to WWII's 'Ghost Army' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill into law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to a top-secret US Army unit that used deceptive tactics like inflatable tanks, fake radio transmissions and sound effects to fool enemy forces during World War II.
Nancy Mace introduces amendment to stop pandas from being sent to China
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., plans to introduce an amendment that would prevent pandas born in the U.S. from being sent to China.
As Russia tensions boil, US farmer remains jailed in Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — When Kurt Groszhans set out from North Dakota for Ukraine in 2017, he was eager to connect with his family's ancestral homeland and to farm the rich, black soil for which the country is known.
apnews.com
Sen. Luján suffers stroke, expected to make 'full recovery'
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a stroke and being hospitalized last week, when he began to experience dizziness and fatigue, according to his chief of staff. The 49-year-old Democrat checked himself into a hospital in Santa Fe on...
New poll shows voters disapprove of Biden on every single policy area measured
There’s more bad polling news for President Joe Biden.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Top Senate Republican: No pardons for convicted Jan. 6 rioters
The top Senate Republican said Tuesday that he does not back the idea of pardoning those who face punishment for the Jan. 6. riot at the Capitol last year.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Yemen's Houthis add to Biden's foreign policy frustrations
WASHINGTON (AP) — A clan-based militia government in the Arab world’s poorest country is presenting the Biden administration with another foreign policy setback as Yemen’s Houthis launch cross-border drone and ballistic-missile strikes rattling the wealthy oil and banking hubs of the Gulf.
apnews.com
Layoffs hit record low as workers remain in the driver’s seat
“This is a sign employers are hoping that the omicron wave will be temporary,” said one economist.
www.nbcnews.com
Fired Miami Dolphins coach sues NFL, alleging racist hiring
NEW YORK (AP) — Fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the NFL and three teams on Tuesday over alleged racist hiring practices for coaches and general managers, saying the league remains “rife with racism” even as it publicly condemns it.
apnews.com
Louisiana governor denies delaying probe in deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene
Gov. Jon Bel Edwards rejected the idea that his response to the Greene case was driven by a tight reelection campaign that depended heavily on the Black vote.
www.nbcnews.com
N. Korean leader Kim attends concert glorifying his power
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife attended a Lunar New Year’s Day concert in Pyongyang where he received thunderous cheers from audience members and artists who praised him for heralding a “new era” of national power, state media reported.
apnews.com
Airline says it will cease shipments of monkeys after some got loose in Pennsylvania crash
The move is the latest skirmish in a long-running battle between animal-rights groups and researchers over the use of animals in medical experiments.
www.nbcnews.com
Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms | CNN
More adults are taking over-the-counter melatonin to get to sleep, a new study found, despite potential health harms and little proof of efficacy.
Shortened Olympic torch relay starts for Beijing Games
BEIJING (AP) — The three-day torch relay for the Beijing Olympics, shortened considerably because of concerns about the coronavirus, started Wednesday with an 80-year-old former speedskater carrying the flame.
apnews.com
Oil prices are still painfully high and OPEC might act, Goldman Sachs says
Energy prices remain uncomfortably high, and OPEC and its allies are under pressure to come to the rescue.
www.cnn.com
China lashes out at Japan's 'concern' over human rights
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese lawmakers on Tuesday urged their government to take action against a “serious human rights situation" in China, drawing a quick and angry rebuke from Beijing. The resolution passed by Japan's lower house stopped short of naming China, but expressed “concern about serious...
apnews.com
Dangerous winter storm forecast to sweep through several states with heavy snow and sleet
More than 20 different states are under winter storm warnings, watches or both.
www.cbsnews.com
With COVID staffing crunch, who’s going to teach the kids?
With teacher absences mounting and substitutes in short supply, parents may be wondering: Who's teaching the kids? The answer around the U.S. could be a local police officer, National Guard soldier, state budget analyst, parent or recent high school graduate — nearly anyone willing to help keep...
apnews.com
Army to immediately start discharging vaccine refusers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Army said Wednesday it will immediately begin discharging soldiers who have refused to get the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine , putting more than 3,300 service members at risk of being thrown out soon.
apnews.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.
Omicron BA.2: What we know about the Covid sub-variant
It is highly transmissible and spreading rapidly across the world, so how concerned should we be?
www.bbc.com
EXPLAINER: COVID vaccines for kids under 5: What's next?
Parents who thought their children under 5 would have to wait several more months for COVID-19 vaccinations instead just might get them as early as March .
apnews.com
McConnell calls for end to masking in schools and state of emergency wind-down
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called on state governments to rescind mask mandates for school children as well as a pivot from an emergency pandemic footing to accept that COVID-19 is here to stay.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
HHS, NIH under fire from House GOP seeking answers on Wuhan's COVID origins
House Republicans sent a letter demanding HHS and NIH comply with its requests for additional information on the origins of the coronavirus.
Virginia judge weighs governor's power to lift mask mandate
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has broad power to issue executive orders overturning mask mandates in schools, lawyers from the state Attorney General’s Office argued Wednesday, while lawyers for local school boards argued that the governor’s action usurps their authority.
apnews.com
Biden Promised 500 Million Free COVID Tests. Then He Had to Find Them.
WASHINGTON — As the United States saw a nearly vertical increase in coronavirus cases in late December and a growing backlash over a shortage of rapid tests, President Joe Biden promised that his administration would mail 500 million of them to Americans, free of charge. There was a major hitch...
Stanford professor says COVID-19 mandates doing long-term damage to public health
A Stanford University medical professor argued Tuesday that persistent masking and social distancing mandates are contributing to long-term damage to the immune systems of the public.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Navy SEALs who sued Defense Department over vaccine mandate allege retaliation
A group of Navy SEALs who successfully sued the Department of Defense in a case about the coronavirus vaccine mandate is accusing the Navy of retaliating against them.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
White House ready to 'hit the ground running' to vaccinate kids under 5 | CNN Politics
The White House is ready to "hit the ground running" to vaccinate children aged six months to 5 years old as soon as Pfizer/BioNTech receives emergency use authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine for that age group.
Pfizer asks for FDA authorization for COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5
Pfizer on Tuesday asked the FDA for emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5.
Freedom Convoy: Organisers pledge to stay 'as long as it takes'
Patience is wearing thin over trucker vaccine mandate demonstrations, now in their sixth day.
www.bbc.com
Olympic athletes face many doping, virus tests in Beijing
BEIJING (AP) — Alongside the daily collection of coronavirus samples, the athletes at the Beijing Olympics also have to contend with the usual doping tests — both in and out of competition. The 2,900 or so competitors at the Winter Games have to make themselves available for unannounced doping...
apnews.com
All-out effort to keep Biden COVID-free; no 'normal' yet
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden met with U.S. governors at the White House on Monday, he was the only one given a glass of water — lest anyone else remove their mask to take a drink. The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and...
apnews.com
AP source: US urges Pfizer to apply for under-5 COVID shots
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators are urging drugmaker Pfizer to apply for emergency authorization for a two-dose regimen of its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old while awaiting data on a three-dose course, aiming to clear the way for the shots as soon as late February, a...
apnews.com
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
More than half of teachers looking to quit due to Covid, burnout, poll suggests
School districts in states across the U.S. faced crushing teacher shortages even before the pandemic.
www.nbcnews.com
Washington state sues Covid testing company with 300 pop-up sites in U.S.
“Center for COVID Control contributed to the spread of COVID-19 when it provided false negative results,” Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said.
www.nbcnews.com
Good news for the biggest unvaxxed group
www.politico.com
Virus enters Tonga along with disaster aid, lockdown planned
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Tonga will enter a lockdown Wednesday evening after finding coronavirus infections in two port workers helping distribute aid arriving in the Pacific nation after a volcanic eruption and tsunami.
apnews.com
COVID-19 vaccines and kids: What parents should know
Children as young as 6 months old are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
As Omicron surge began, Americans quit their jobs at near-record rates
Layoffs hit a historic low in December as employers held on to the workers they have amid the "Great Resignation."
www.cbsnews.com
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he tested positive for COVID-19
The 82-year-old representative said he is vaccinated and boosted.
www.cbsnews.com
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has 'mild symptoms' after testing positive for Covid-19
"Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and already received my booster shot," the 82-year-old Maryland Democrat said in a statement.
www.nbcnews.com
Seattle-area bar faces backlash over 'catch the virus' show
The Vessel Taphouse in Lynnwood also said people could enter the bar for a discounted rate with proof of omicron-positive test.
www.nbcnews.com
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