(AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov)
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s leaders sought Tuesday to reassure the nation that an invasion from neighboring Russia was not imminent, even as they acknowledged the threat is real and received a shipment of U.S. military equipment to shore up their defenses.
US warns Russian attack may be 'imminent,' Ukraine disagrees: Here's why
The U.S. warns a Russian attack may be "imminent," but Ukraine disagrees. Here's why:
Biden's big test: Proving he can rally allies against Putin
President Joe Biden’s effort to rally support ahead of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine is the latest big test of his ability to bridge ideological gaps and balance competing interests to build effective coalitions.
apnews.com
Extremists see US power grid as target, gov't report warns
Extremist groups in the United States appear to increasingly view attacking the power grid as a means of disrupting the country, according to a government report aimed at law enforcement agencies and utility operators.
apnews.com
GOP map ties 'woke' Kansas enclave to Trump-loving areas
Republican lawmakers in Kansas are close to passing a congressional redistricting plan that ties a community known for its “woke” politics to Trump-loving small towns and farms five or hours more west by car on the expansive plains.
apnews.com
McConnell plots GOP midterm strategy amid Trump’s primary influence | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump has been relentless in his attacks against Senate Minority Mitch McConnell, making Republicans uneasy as they battle for the majority in the November midterms.
www.cnn.com
Biden says 'no intention' of moving U.S. forces into Ukraine
The comments come as the administration considers trade restrictions aimed at Russia's strategic sectors.
www.nbcnews.com2022 is shaping up to be a legal nightmare for Trumpworld. Here's a timeline of upcoming court cases and legal obstacles.
Donald Trump and his allies are bracing for a flurry of legal challenges this year. Here are the big cases to put on your radar.
Biden says no one knows what Putin will do after White House called Russian invasion of Ukraine ‘imminent’ | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday a deeply uncertain situation at the Ukraine border, where Russian troops are amassing but few observers have any definitive knowledge of whether or when they might invade.
www.cnn.com
Federal judge rejects challenge to ‘weighty and urgent’ Jan. 6 committee
The California-based jurist also became the first to reject a Trump ally’s challenge to the panel’s structure.
www.politico.comDominion sees no chance of settling suits against pro-Trump lawyers Giuliani, Powell
Dominion Voting Systems Corp has told a court there is "no realistic possibility" that the voting machine manufacturer will reach settlements in its billion-dollar defamation lawsuits against Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, lawyers who worked for former President Donald Trump. Dominion and...
Both political parties are unpopular — and divided — NBC News poll shows
First Read is your briefing from "Meet the Press" and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden frustration with Fox News breaks through surface
President Biden’s irritation with questions and coverage from Fox News is starting to break through the surface. Biden in the last week has twice snapped at reporters for Fox News and was caug…
thehill.comOhio Senate candidates attack ‘RINO’ gov in bid for Trump endorsement
Bashing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine for his work to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 has become a litmus test for Republican Senate candidates in Ohio vying for Donald Trump's endorsement.Why it matters: The intra-party attacks underscore how opposition to masking and COVID mandates has...
Judge calls Texas Governor’s ‘Operation Lone Star’ unconstitutional
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s program “Operation Lone Star” allows local and state authorities to arrest migrants who they suspect are trespassing. NBC News’ Zinhle Essamuah reports how a judge had ruled it unconstitutional but some state officials are already defying that decision.
www.nbcnews.comBiden looks to navigate a 'moment of reckoning for Democrats' on crime
When he spoke to a conference of mayors last Friday, President Biden didn’t directly address an issue that has come to dominate many of those mayors’ agendas and could pose a major challenge for Democrats in November’s midterm elections: crime.
House China bill includes aggressive trade provisions
The long-awaited bill tees up a flurry of corporate lobbying and intense negotiations with the Senate over final legislative language.
www.politico.comFlorida Sen. Rick Scott Touts Infrastructure Funding He Voted Against
The Florida Republican railed against the "reckless spending" contained in the measure, which passed with wide bipartisan support last year.
State Dept. says no signs of Russian deescalation toward Ukraine, defends NATO unity
In a terse State Department briefing Tuesday, spokesman Ned Price said that there has been no indication that diplomatic talks with Russia have alleviated tensions on the Ukrainian border.
'It’ll ultimately matter in 2024': Behind Kamala Harris’ early Wisconsin visit
Powerhouse races in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania often overshadow Wisconsin on the political scene, but coming contests have national implications for both parties.
www.nbcnews.com
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones reveals he appeared before Jan. 6 committee
Right-wing radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones appeared before the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, he disclosed on his show.
New Jersey political consultant Sean Caddle pleads guilty in murder-for-hire plot
The 44-year-old resident of Hamburg, Sussex County, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire in the stabbing death of the unnamed victim.
www.politico.com
White House underscores action amid violent crime streak
A series of violent crimes in major U.S. cities has put a renewed spotlight on the issue.
thehill.com
Sanctions ‘artist’ leaves Iran nuclear team after pressing for tougher stance - Washington Examiner
A top State Department sanctions expert has stepped back from his role in talks to restore the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran amid reports of differences over the Biden administration’s strategy.Richard Nephew, the State Department’s deputy special envoy for Iran and an architect of previous...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Dr. Oz stumbles out of the gate in Senate race
In his first tests as a candidate, the celebrity physician fails to impress Pennsylvania GOP activists.
www.politico.comWVa Rep. Mooney's TV ad using House footage draws complaint
The Republican primary campaign involving two incumbents for a newly consolidated congressional district in West Virginia has heated up after one U.S. House member attacked the opponent in a TV ad, drawing complaints of an apparent ethics violation. The video released Friday by the campaign of...
Race to lead NRCC through 2024 election kicks off
Reps. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) are both telling colleagues they plan to run for chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee for the 2024 cycle, people familiar with the matter tell Axios.Why it matters: Republicans are confident they'll win the House...
Federal prosecutors looking at 2020 fake elector certifications, deputy attorney general tells CNN | CNN Politics
Federal prosecutors are reviewing fake Electoral College certifications that declared former President Donald Trump the winner of states that he lost, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco told CNN on Tuesday.
www.cnn.com
US evacuated diplomats' families from Ukraine out 'abundance of caution,' acting ambassador says
Kristina Kvien, the charge d'affairs, made the remarks to ABC News.
US talks potential sanctions as Ukraine downplays Russian threat: What we know
NATO and Russian forces are preparing for a potential conflict in Ukraine as the Kremlin awaits a formal response from the Biden administration.
www.usatoday.com
US finalizing plans to divert gas to Europe if Russia cuts off supply
Officials working with global suppliers to avoid European gas crisis if flow from Russia is cut as Biden says he would consider personal sanctions against Putin As fears of an invasion of Ukraine have grown, US officials said on Tuesday that they have been negotiating with global suppliers...
Mitch McConnell says Biden is 'moving in the right direction' in his response to Russia's threats against Ukraine
"They're preparing to take steps before an incursion and not afterwards," the top Senate Republican said.
Marjorie Taylor Greene endorses GOP Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance
“Hillbilly Elegy” author JD Vance raised more than $1 million in the last fundraising quarter of 2021.
www.nbcnews.com
Steele dossier funder Marc Elias testified before John Durham’s grand jury - Washington Examiner
Democratic lawyer Marc Elias, infamous for funding British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s discredited dossier, gave grand jury testimony as part of special counsel John Durham’s investigation into the origins of the flawed Trump-Russia investigation. The revelation was made in a Tuesday court...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Kid Rock releases anti-Biden, anti-Fauci single with a ‘Let’s go, Brandon’ chorus
Kid Rock is ripping Anthony Fauci and COVID-19 mitigation policies in a new expletive-filled anti-Biden anthem.“We the people in all we do reserve the right to scream, ‘F— you!” the singer sh…
thehill.com
Pelosi to seek reelection with Democratic majority at risk
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is seeking reelection, ending speculation that she would retire as Democrats face the threat of losing control of Congress in the 2022 midterms.
apnews.com
The Great Resignation? More like The Great Renegotiation
"The Great Resignation" looks mostly like workers negotiating for a better deal.
www.npr.orgTrump’s Election Dead-Enders Won’t Say Who Wrote the Coup Plan Down
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyIn late 2020, a collective of Donald Trump’s most extreme election-deadenders, led by MAGA attorney Sidney Powell and Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, were loudly telling anyone who would listen—the media, judges...
U.S. Commerce Dept says chips shortage to persist, will review some prices
The U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday a global survey of semiconductor chip producers and users shows a shortage will persist, sparked primarily by wafer production capacity constraints.
www.reuters.com
Russia expert lays out Putin's 'menu of options' regarding Ukraine, warns US vulnerability being tested
Fox News contributor Daniel Hoffman explained during an interview with Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a "menu of options" regarding how he will handle the tension with Ukraine.
OnPolitics: Why should Americans care about the Ukraine conflict?
The U.S. has invested millions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine. The costs are projected to rise if Russia invades.
www.usatoday.com
Bomb cyclone could bring powerful nor’easter to Northeast cities this weekend | CNN
A rapidly intensifying storm known as a bomb cyclone could bring crippling winter weather across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend. Snow, ice, strong winds and flooding are all on the table, giving rise to potentially hazardous travel conditions in those regions.
www.cnn.com
Top Republican flags problem that could doom Biden Fed nominees - Washington Examiner
The top Republican on the banking committee has written to President Joe Biden questioning the geographic and industrial diversity of his Federal Reserve picks, raising the specter of legal problems that could threaten the nominations. Sen. Pat Toomey raised the problems about the people Biden...
www.washingtonexaminer.comGeorgia bill would ban abortion pills by mail, require exams
Republicans in Georgia have introduced a bill that bans the delivery of abortion pills by mail. It would require anyone who wants to use abortion pills to visit a doctor in advance and then return to pick up the pills. Senate Bill 351, introduced Tuesday by Republican Sen. Bruce Thompson of...
Homicides in major American cities increased in 2021, new study finds
"In 2021, we saw a record fraction of homicides committed with a firearm," the author of the study said.
www.cbsnews.com
The West fears Russia is about to attack Ukraine. But that’s not the way Russians are seeing it on TV | CNN
Foreign forces bristling with weapons are rolling toward the Ukrainian border. Reconnaissance planes streak overhead. Rumors of “false flag” operations run rampant.
www.cnn.com
Teams search through night for 39 missing from capsized boat off Florida
Rescue crews searched late into the night on Tuesday for 39 people reported missing in the Atlantic off Florida by a man found clinging to a boat that capsized in what the U.S. Coast Guard called a suspected human smuggling attempt gone awry.
www.reuters.comThe US says it won't fight for Ukraine if Putin invades, but it could still get pulled into a conflict with Russia, experts warn
A former US ambassador to Ukraine said it would be "sensible" for Biden to send troops to Eastern Europe as a deterrent amid tensions with Russia.
Lawmaker and rape survivor fights back after extorted for stolen nude images - Washington Examiner
A Florida lawmaker and survivor of child sexual abuse is fighting back after an individual threatened to release nude photos of her. Since 2020, stolen nude images of state Sen. Lauren Book, a Democrat, have been purchased and traded online, according to a report. "I hate that this happened to...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Apple says possibly armed woman is stalking CEO Tim Cook
A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge issued a restraining order against the woman on Friday.
www.cbsnews.com
What Putin wants in the Ukraine standoff — and how he could get it
The Russian president has massed an estimated 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border. NBC News looks at what he might want from the standoff and how he could be planning to get it.
www.nbcnews.com
Judge presses ahead with April trial for several Oath Keepers
The case includes defendants facing obstruction charges, rather than those who were recently charged with seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
www.politico.com
Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman gives 1st interview since Jan. 6 attack
Capitol police officer Eugene Goodman spoke publicly for the first time since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol while a guest on the 3 Brothers No Sense podcast.
Biden will host CEOs at the White House to promote his stalled Build Back Better bill
The CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Microsoft are expected to say publicly why they support the social safety net bill currently stalled in the Senate.
No Trump endorsement? Senate hopeful enlists other GOP stars
Former President Donald Trump is holding off on making a new endorsement in Pennsylvania’s closely watched Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
apnews.com
Justice Department investigating fake 2020 Trump elector certificates - Washington Examiner
The Justice Department is investigating fake Electoral College certificates that falsely declared former President Donald Trump the winner of the 2020 election. The purported certificates were sent to the National Archives and had signatures from individuals purporting to be Trump electors in at...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden warns he would sanction Putin personally if Russia invades Ukraine
President Joe Biden said there could be some U.S. troop movements in the "nearer term" a day after 8,500 forces were put on "heightened alert" near Russia and Ukraine.
Florida state Sen. Lauren Book fights back over nude images stolen from her
The Democratic senator is seeking a new law to try to prevent others from being victimized.
www.nbcnews.com
Sen. Rick Scott accuses Biden admin of supporting China's 'genocidal regime' with 'Made in China' COVID tests
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., blasted the Biden administration for buying millions of coronavirus test kits that were made in China, saying taxpayer dollars should not be supporting "General Secretary Xi and his genocidal regime."
U.S. House speaker Pelosi's stock trades attract growing following online
A year since a Reddit-driven retail trading frenzy rocked the markets and created the 'meme stock' phenomenon, leading U.S. lawmaker Nancy Pelosi's investments have become a meme in their own right.
www.reuters.com
‘We have a sacred obligation’: Biden threatens to send troops to Eastern Europe
Meanwhile, Russia accused the United States of “escalating tensions.”
www.politico.comQatar emir to visit White House on Monday as Biden seeks gas supply for Europe
The emir of Qatar will meet with President Biden at the White House on Monday to discuss Afghanistan as well as contingency plans to provide natural gas to Europe in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Europe's reliance on Russia for 40% of its natural...
San Francisco city officials vow to crack down on anti-Asian-American hate crime
San Francisco city leaders pledged to step up policing in Asian-American communities on Tuesday after statistics showed that 60 hate crimes were committed against Asians in the city during 2021, up from only nine the year before.
www.reuters.com
Biden social spending package discussions to continue with auto CEOs Barra and Farley
The CEOs of top U.S. automakers and other industry heads are expected to meet at the White House on Wednesday to talk about reviving parts of the spending bill.
www.cbsnews.com
Democrats file brief backing EPA in U.S. Supreme Court climate case
A large group of congressional Democrats filed a U.S. Supreme Court brief on Tuesday supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under a landmark environmental law in a case the justices will hear next month.
www.reuters.com
New Orleans health chief pulls out of Mardi Gras parade, citing threats
The New Orleans health director said she will miss one of the earliest Mardi Gras parades due to safety concerns following recently reimplemented COVID-19 policies. In a letter to the parade g…
thehill.com
Dueling defamation suits: Woman testifies against Roy Moore
A woman who accused failed Senate candidate Roy Moore of molesting her decades ago has testified that Moore knows the truth about what happened.
apnews.com
Biden weighing public remarks on Ukraine strategy
The timing has been in flux, in part because some administration officials are concerned Russian President Vladimir Putin might use the moment to ramp up aggression toward Ukraine.
www.nbcnews.comThailand first in Asia to move to decriminalize marijuana
Thailand has become the first country in Asia to approve the de facto decriminalization of marijuana
Pelosi should 'hang up the cleats,' CNN pundit says
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ended a months-long rumor that she would retire when she announced her interest in seeking re-election, a choice one CNN pundit is hoping she reconsiders.
San Jose, California, is poised to pass new gun ownership requirements | CNN
San Jose, California, is getting closer to adopting a first-in-the-nation law to address gun violence by requiring all gun owners to pay a fee and carry liability insurance.
www.cnn.com
Lawsuit alleging oil companies misled public about climate change moves forward
The case brought by Baltimore is one of more than 20 similar lawsuits nationwide that seek to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change.
www.npr.orgBiden needs to do more for Latinos, civil rights groups say
Some of the nation’s most prominent civil rights organizations are urging President Biden to do more for Latinos. Why it matters: Even though Latinos supported Biden over Donald Trump in 2020, Republicans made significant inroads, putting Democrats on notice. Latinos will be about 1 in 8...
Arizona Senators who cheered 2020 election review advance voting-related legislation
The hearing came several months after Senate Republicans' review of the 2020 election in Maricopa County concurred that President Biden won the county
www.cbsnews.com
House leaders unveil bill to boost chip industry, science competitiveness with China
House Democratic leaders unveiled legislation on Tuesday aimed at bolstering investments in U.S. science research and development to better compete with China and address the shortage of semiconduc…
thehill.com
China 2008 vs 2022: Richer, stronger, more confrontational
BEIJING (AP) — China has undergone history-making change since the last time it was an Olympic host in 2008: It is richer, more heavily armed and openly confrontational.
apnews.comFTC moves to block Lockheed Martin-Aerojet mega merger
The move will be closely watched by other companies as they weigh future corporate mergers against potential blowback by the FTC.
www.politico.com
California redwood forest returned to Native American tribes
A conservation group is turning over a historic redwood grove on the Northern California coast to descendants of the original Native American inhabitants
Alex Jones says he spoke to Jan. 6 committee and pleaded the Fifth 'almost 100 times'
The radio host and conspiracy theorist said the deposition "was extremely interesting, to say the least."
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. House Republicans probe NBC over Beijing Olympics coverage
U.S. Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Comcast Corp NBCUniversal executives on Tuesday raising concerns asking "about the level of influence the Chinese Communist Party and the International Olympic Committee has in NBC's 2022 Winter Olympics programming."
www.reuters.com
Duterte ally wrests control of TV signals used by ABS-CBN
Billionaire businessman and Duterte political contributor Manny Villar expands his portfolio from property into media.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s books are on the auction block: A bidder’s guide | CNN Politics
If you’re looking for an early Valentine’s Day gift, know a Swedish lawyer who’s into civil procedure or simply want a piece of RBG-owned literature, there’s a place for you.
www.cnn.com
CNN’s Jim Acosta says he has ‘marks’ on his back but no apology from Trump - Washington Examiner
CNN's Jim Acosta says he never got an apology from former President Donald Trump. The White House correspondent-turned-host talked about the "marks on [his] back" from covering the Trump administration during a handover to Don Lemon on Monday night while they talked about Fox News's Peter Doocy...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US, Europe plan for any cutoff of Russian natural gas
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. and European officials are coordinating with natural gas suppliers around the globe to cushion the impact if Russia were to cut off energy supplies in the conflict over Ukraine, Biden administration officials say.
apnews.com
Boris Johnson in Commons fight as No 10 parties report looms
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urges a "change in culture" as Boris Johnson faces more questions.
www.bbc.com
Biden pleas for BBB
President Joe Biden will speak today at a health care–focused conference hosted by the progressive advocacy group Families USA.
www.politico.com
To highlight economic growth, Biden goes shopping for gifts
President Joe Biden is pledging to chat more with everyday Americans and followed through Tuesday by visiting a gift shop and ice cream store in Washington’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
apnews.com
‘Systematic fear’: How India battered press freedom in Kashmir
Sajad Gul’s arrest and closure of Kashmir Press Club underscore how fast press freedoms are eroding in disputed region.
Rep. Cuellar says FBI investigation will show 'no wrongdoing' on his part, still running for re-election
Rep. Henry Cuellar posted a video on Twitter Tuesday saying there was “no wrongdoing” on his part related to an FBI investigation that sent federal agents to his home and subpoenaed his records.
Stock investors' nerves tested by inflation, omicron, Russia
The stock market is losing crucial support from the Federal Reserve. Omicron is causing havoc at businesses around the world.
apnews.com
National Guard sees troops reupping despite COVID, hard year
All over the U.S., state National Guard units are seeing dramatic reenlistment rates, even as their troops juggle near constant duties with COVID-19, natural disasters and other military deployments.
apnews.comChicago Teachers Union leaders face internal revolt
www.politico.com
Hoyer agrees with Biden that midterms could be illegitimate, then walks it back
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., was criticized for appearing to back President Biden’s claim that November’s midterm elections could be illegitimate if Congress doesn’t pass the Democrat-led federal election overhaul that stalled in the Senate earlier this month.
Analysis: The end of the world order as we know it | CNN Politics
The era of America the superpower is being tested in new ways across the globe. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, here are other hotspots, like the China-Taiwan situation, to keep an eye on.
www.cnn.com
"Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jennie Nguyen fired over offensive Facebook posts
Nguyen has since apologized for the posts.
www.cbsnews.com
Game over for India’s booming online gaming Industry?
Wave of laws, rules threatens to kill large parts of India’s rapidly growing online gaming industry.
RFK Jr. apologizes after condemnation for Anne Frank comment
Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is apologizing for suggesting things are worse for people today than they were for Anne Frank, the teenager who died in a Nazi concentration camp after hiding with her family in a secret annex for two years.
apnews.com
Electric grid is ‘attractive target’ for domestic violent extremists in US, intel brief says | CNN Politics
Domestic violent extremists will “likely continue” to plot and encourage physical attacks against electrical infrastructure in the United States, according to a recent Department of Homeland Security intelligence briefing obtained by CNN.
www.cnn.com
Alec Baldwin seeks dismissal of civil suit over fatal 'Rust' shooting
Attorneys for Alec Baldwin and other producers of the movie "Rust" are asking a court to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed by a script supervisor who was on the set when the actor fatally shot a cinematographer.
www.reuters.com
Democratic Rep. Cooper retiring after GOP redraws district
Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee is retiring after more than 30 years in elected office. He said Tuesday that there is "no way” for him to retain his seat under a new congressional map drawn up by state Republicans.
apnews.com
As Chinese shun parenthood, firms dangle bonuses, loans and leave
China is facing a demographic time bomb that threatens to upend President Xi Jinping’s economic plans.
Lawmaker’s staff allegedly ran errands for wife and helped with son’s job search - Washington Examiner
Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn’s congressional staff frequently performed campaign-related errands at the request of his wife, threw a party for his daughter-in-law, assisted his son in applying for a job at the Pentagon, and were expected to contribute to personal gifts for the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Taxpayers can expect smaller refunds, some to get none - Washington Examiner
The Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns Monday, and experts believe certain people can expect smaller refunds or none at all. The Advance Child Tax Credit is a significant change, according to a report from local ABC affiliate WEAR-TV. Those who got payments during the past year via...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US approves major arms sale to Egypt despite rights concerns
The Biden administration has approved a massive $2.5 billion arms sale to Egypt despite ongoing concerns over human rights.
apnews.com
How Putin’s $11 billion pipeline split NATO and the EU at a time of crisis | CNN Business
An undersea pipeline set to deliver gas from Russia to Germany has become exactly what the two countries have always insisted it would never be: A weapon in a geopolitical crisis.
www.cnn.com
Playboy 'strongly supports' women accusing Hugh Hefner
A new US docuseries describes Hugh Hefner as a "vampire" who "sucked the life" out of young girls.
www.bbc.com
Biden to meet Qatar leader as energy worries loom in Europe
President Joe Biden will host the ruling emir of Qatar at the White House on Monday. The visit comes as U.S. and European allies are scrambling to put together contingency plans to meet Europe’s energy needs should supplies be impacted by Russia further invading Ukraine.
apnews.com
Ex-Northwestern prof gets 53 years for killing boyfriend
A judge has sentenced a former Northwestern University professor to 53 years in prison Tuesday for the 2017 stabbing death of his boyfriend
The story behind the picture of this lone survivor
Juan Esteban Montoya's younger sister was among dozens lost in the migrant boat tragedy.
www.bbc.com
If not a full-scale invasion, what might a Russian attack on Ukraine look like? We've seen it before.
While some 100,000 Russian troops massed along Ukraine's borders fuels fear of a full-scale invasion, recent history suggests Vladimir Putin prefers more secretive tactics.
www.cbsnews.com
Capsized boat found near Florida; 39 people missing
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for 39 people missing for several days after a boat believed to be used for human smuggling capsized off Florida’s coast en route from the Bahamas.
apnews.com
Major legal changes needed for driverless car era
The company behind the driving system would be responsible, rather than the driver says Law Commission.
www.bbc.com
Biden warns of personal sanctions against Putin over Ukraine
West steps up preparations for any Russian military action in Ukraine as US seeks to protect Europe’s energy supplies.
Neil Young wants his music scrubbed from Spotify because of vaccine misinformation on the platform | CNN
In a now-deleted letter, Young, an advocate for Covid-19 safety and prevention, said Spotify “can have [Joe] Rogan or Young. Not both.”
www.cnn.com
Biden says US-based troops may embark for Europe soon
President Biden compared a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine to World War II, saying the country would face 'enormous consequences' if it attacked its neighbor
Department of Energy approves release of 13.4 million barrels from Strategic Petroleum Reserve | CNN Politics
In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Energy announced the release of 13.4 million barrels of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.
www.cnn.com
Navy to salvage stealth F-35 that crashed on carrier landing in South China Sea
The Navy is making plans to salvage the F-35 that crashed into the Pacific while landing on an aircraft carrier.
Judge allows Michael Avenatti to represent himself in case involving Stormy Daniels
Avenatti has been accused of allegedly stealing $300,000 from Daniels.
SAT college admissions exam, no longer required by many schools, to go digital
U.S. high school students will use laptops rather than pencils and paper to take the SAT college admissions exam beginning in 2024, in a move to digitize the standardized test whose use has declined during the pandemic and as many universities no longer require it for admission.
www.reuters.com
Elon Musk says he’ll eat a Happy Meal on TV if McDonald’s accepts Dogecoin - Washington Examiner
Tesla CEO Elon Musk will eat a Happy Meal if he can pay for it with a Shiba Inu-themed cryptocurrency. Musk tweeted on Monday that he would happily eat a McDonald's kids meal on television in exchange for the company accepting Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that he has regularly endorsed and...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House Democrats exit list grows to 29 as longtime Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee announces retirement
Longtime Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee will retire at the end of his current term, becoming the latest in a large list of House Democrats not seeking reelection in November
2nd NYPD officer dies from Harlem shooting
A second NYPD officer has died after being shot in the line of duty.
Suspect arrested in fatal drive-by shooting of 6-month-old boy, police say
Atlanta police said a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of a 6-month-old in Atlanta.
Study reveals impact 10 minutes of exercise can have on adults over 40 | CNN
We know that regular exercise has many health benefits, but new research is showing just what impact that may have on the population. More than 110,000 deaths a year could be prevented if adults over 40 spent 10 more minutes a day on moderate physical activity, according to a new study.
www.cnn.com
Big Papi elected to HOF; Bonds, Clemens, Schilling left out
David Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first turn on the ballot, while steroid-tainted stars Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied entry to Cooperstown in their final year under consideration by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
apnews.com
New Orleans Saints: Sean Payton leaves after 16 years as head coach
Sean Payton is leaving the New Orleans Saints after 16 years as their head coach
www.bbc.com
Sean Payton, coach whose Saints lifted spirits in post-Katrina New Orleans, says he is stepping down | CNN
Sean Payton, who led the New Orleans Saints to an emotional Super Bowl win in the years after Hurricane Katrina, announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as the team’s head coach.
www.cnn.com
David "Big Papi" Ortiz elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling were denied entry to Cooperstown in their final year of eligibility.
www.cbsnews.com
Daily US death toll from Covid now matches Delta
The average number of Covid-19 deaths in the US is roughly on par with that seen during the peak of the Delta variant
www.bbc.com
Biden administration to withdraw Covid-19 vaccination and testing regulation aimed at large businesses | CNN Politics
The Biden administration is withdrawing its Covid-19 vaccination and testing regulation aimed at large businesses, following the Supreme Court’s decision to block the rule earlier this month.
www.cnn.com
COVID-19 vaccine booster drive is faltering in the US
The COVID-19 booster drive in the U.S. is losing steam, worrying health experts who have pleaded with Americans to get an extra shot to shore up their protection against the highly contagious omicron variant.
apnews.com
Scientists monitoring new omicron subvariant BA.2
BA.2 numbers around the world are rising.
Winter Olympics 2022: China eases Covid testing rules amid rise in cases
Organisers lower testing benchmarks while the rest of the city faces harsher Covid restrictions.
www.bbc.comCovid drugs: The GOP's new culture war
www.politico.comDeSantis blasts FDA for halting drugs ineffective on omicron
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed Tuesday for coronavirus patients to continue receiving antibody treatments deemed ineffective against the omicron variant, vowing to fight White House health regulators in his latest feud with President Joe Biden. The Republican governor’s comments came a day...
Analysis: How the Omicron variant ignited new battles and changed pandemic politics | CNN Politics
The Omicron variant may be showing the first hopeful signs of passing its peak. But the angry politics of Covid-19 are only getting more intense, and given their future electoral implications, look certain to outlast the pandemic itself.
www.cnn.com
Fox News Special Report outlines fresh questions on what Fauci, government knew about COVID origin
Fresh questions are being raised about what American scientists and federal health officials knew about the origins of the coronavirus and whether or not conflicting evidence was suppressed and hidden from the public.
COVID-19 updates: US cases down nearly 25%
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.6 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 883,000 Americans.
‘Stealth’ omicron spreads across 20 states - Washington Examiner
A stealthy offshoot of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in more than 20 states across the country. Not much is known about BA.2, which differs from the BA.1 version of omicron, but there have been almost 100 cases of the subvariant accounted for in the United States, according...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Free N95 masks are arriving at pharmacies and grocery stores. Here's how to get yours
Some retailers are starting to get the first wave of the 400 million free masks being distributed by the federal government. Every person is allowed to receive up to three masks.
www.npr.org
New Mexico National Guard members teach in COVID-hit schools
National Guard members in New Mexico have begun substitute teaching and the governor said she would do the same in a bid to keep students in classrooms during a COVID-19 surge.
www.reuters.com
Republicans see political gold in Democrats' race-sensitive Covid drug guidance
While Democratic strategists say these attacks are baseless, arguing that no one is being denied pills based on their race, they warn they may prove effective.
www.politico.com
Senators propose bipartisan legislation to bolster pandemic preparedness and examine US Covid-19 response | CNN Politics
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican Sen. Richard Burr on Tuesday proposed a bill that would bolster the US’ pandemic preparedness and probe the origins of Covid-19.
www.cnn.com
Hospitals use a lottery to allocate scarce COVID drugs for the immunocompromised
So far the government has distributed nearly 400,000 doses of Evusheld, a new drug that protects against COVID-19. Some 7 million Americans could benefit from the drug right away.
www.npr.org
Judge allows NY mask mandate to continue during appeal process
A New York appellate judge ruled that the state can continue enforcing its mask mandate while it appeals a ruling Monday that struck down the rule.
White House dismisses DeSantis calls to reverse decision on antibody therapies that don’t work
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday dismissed criticism from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and other Republicans who are demanding the Biden administration continue to allow states to …
thehill.com
Biden to use $2 billion from Provider Relief Fund as besieged hospitals push for aid
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the latest funding as health care groups emphasized how the coronavirus had overwhelmed hospitals.
www.nbcnews.com
Covid: Netherlands to ease restrictions despite rising case numbers
Dutch hospitality venues, including bars and restaurants, have been closed since 18 December.
www.bbc.com
Records reveal Chinese government performed anal swab COVID-19 tests on US diplomatic officials
U.S. diplomatic officials in China were asked to submit to anal swab COVID-19 testing by the Chinese government, according to records from the U.S. Department of State.
Idaho activates crisis standards of care in 3 districts
Idaho continues to see a rise in Covid-19 cases while facing staff shortages and a nationwide blood supply shortage.
New Mexico Democrat tests positive for COVID-19 breakthrough case
New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D) announced on Tuesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19. “Today, I tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19, though I am fully va…
thehill.com
South Carolina bill would make it illegal to ask vaccine status
Republican lawmakers in South Carolina introduced legislation to make it illegal for employers to ask about coronavirus vaccination status, saying it's private medical information.
Unvaccinated man denied heart transplant by Boston hospital
The 31-year-old father-of-two refuses to get the shot, but the hospital says it is following policy.
www.bbc.com
Two-thirds with Omicron say they have had Covid before
The latest findings hint at how common reinfections might be and who is more likely to catch Covid again.
www.bbc.com
Sir Elton John postpones US shows after positive Covid-19 test
The pandemic has already caused several delays in the 74-year-old musician's final world tour.
www.bbc.com
