Mark Schiefelbein / AP file
WASHINGTON — China has accelerated its nuclear weapons production, expanded its missile program, and was worried the United States would start a war before the 2020 election, according to a new Pentagon report.
U.S. rescinds Trump-era rules that limited processing of asylum-seekers at border crossings
The head of Customs and Border Protection rescinded several guidelines that upheld the so-called "metering" practice.
www.cbsnews.com
Takeaways from Tuesday's elections: Bad omens for Democrats
The off-year elections for governor in Virginia and New Jersey tend to receive outsize attention, and the results are mined for deeper meaning about what they portend for the midterm elections the following year that determine which party controls Congress.
apnews.com
Paid leave, immigration, tax changes added to Biden bill
House Democrats have added paid family and medical leave, immigration law changes and a state-and-local tax break to President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion social services and environmental bill.
apnews.com
Republicans win Virginia governor race, lead in New Jersey, in shocking results just 10 months into Biden term
Republicans pulled off an election win in the Virginia governor's race many would have believed impossible just several months ago.
1 year later, GOP still chained to Trump's baseless election fraud claims
Some Republicans fear the former president's continued fixation on his loss threatens to deter their base from voting. But many of them are still staying silent.
www.politico.com
Biden arrives back in Washington to a political nightmare | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Wednesday received an unwelcome wake-up call for his still-new presidency as the Democrat arrived back in Washington from a European excursion suddenly facing a transformed political landscape.
www.cnn.com
Murphy once again takes lead in seesaw NJ gov race - Washington Examiner
As votes were still being counted Wednesday afternoon in the New Jersey governor's race, Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy has once again reestablished his lead over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. The vote totals have seesawed throughout the day. Underdog Ciattarelli held a 1,200-vote...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Dems keep butting heads after Virginia shellacking
Most agreed that the dismal election results underscored the need to move past the infighting that’s defined their majorities for months. There’s hardly any agreement on much else.
www.politico.com
Murphy ekes out win in NJ, GOP's Youngkin upsets in Virginia
Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey narrowly won reelection in his reliably blue state while a Republican political newcomer delivered a stunning upset in the Virginia governor’s race, sending a warning to Democrats that their grip on power in Washington may be in peril.
apnews.com
Manchin: Virginia results validate concerns over spending package
Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who has slowed down negotiations on a massive $1.75 trillion reconciliation package, says the “unbelievable” Republican victories in Virginia’s statewide races …
thehill.com
High court seems ready to strike down New York gun law
The Supreme Court seems ready to strike down a restrictive New York gun permitting law. But the justices also seem worried that a broad ruling could threaten gun restrictions on subways, bars, stadiums and other gathering places.The court was hearing arguments in its biggest guns case in more than a
apnews.com
NJ Governor Race 2021: Live Election Results and Updates
New Jersey governor election live results for 2021. See live maps and result updates as NJ Governor Phil Murphy runs for re-election against Jack Ciattarelli.
www.nbcnews.com
Opinion | Terry McAuliffe Bet on Voters Hating Trump. Turns Out They Dislike Democrats More.
Glenn Youngkin’s victory should send shock waves through the Democratic Party, which continues to alienate once-dependable members of its base.
www.politico.com
Federal Reserve to start withdrawing its emergency support for the economy
“This is an important meeting. It’s the Fed meeting we’ve been waiting for since May or June,” said one economist.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrats get caught in backlash of a negative national environment
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
FBI aerial surveillance video shows never-before-seen actions before Kyle Rittenhouse shot unarmed man | CNN
New FBI infrared aerial surveillance video played in Kyle Rittenouse’s homicide trial Wednesday provides a unique angle into the final moments before the teenager fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum during the unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last August.
www.cnn.com
POLITICO Playbook PM: Dems start to face the hard questions
And Nancy Pelosi tries to get paid leave back in the reconciliation bill.
www.politico.com
Florida's DeSantis dubs Biden admin the 'Brandon administration'
Cheers and chants of "Let’s go, Brandon" erupted after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a joke while speaking at an election integrity press conference in Palm Beach Wednesday morning.
Voting machine company Smartmatic sues OAN, Newsmax over election claims
Smartmatic, a company that creates election and voting technology and support services, is suing conservative news outlet One American News Network (OAN) for slander and libel about its v…
thehill.com
Republican optimism soars over Democratic debacle
Democrats were dealt a devastating defeat in the Virginia governor’s race, further eroding President Biden’s political standing and reinforcing Donald Trump’s continuing clout.
thehill.com
An anti-Biden meme for the whole family: ‘Let's Go Brandon’ catches on with conservatives
The phrase has become ubiquitous among right-wing crowds, overheard at sporting events and rallies, seen on bumper stickers and Trump campaign merchandise.
www.nbcnews.com
Celebrations galore on social media for Youngkin’s victory, including ‘Let’s go Brandon’ chant - Washington Examiner
Glenn Youngkin said Virginia is finally "open for business" — and voters throughout the commonwealth are celebrating.The Republican defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday 50.7% to 48.6%. Youngkin supporters even threw in a "Let's go Brandon" chant at his victory speech — a...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Opinion | One Lesson of Virginia? The Culture War Still Works.
The Democrats have been boxed in by culture politics for decades. After Tuesday’s results, America’s towns, suburbs and school boards could be in for a brutal three years.
www.politico.com
Raiders WR Henry Ruggs III drove 156 mph and at twice the legal alcohol limit in fatal crash, DA says
Tina Tintor, 23, was identified as the victim of Tuesday's deadly collision in Las Vegas, the medical examiner said.
www.nbcnews.com
Analysis: Elections are a warning shot for Democrats. Will they heed it?
Analysis: The good news for the party is that it has a year until the midterms. The bad news: It's already fighting over what went wrong.
www.nbcnews.com
Pentagon predicts 5 times increase in China's nuclear weapons over next 10 years
The new assessment of China’s nuclear threat comes amid fresh warnings of Beijing’s intentions toward Taiwan and new tests of nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles.
www.politico.com
Analysis: Democrats need a reckoning after misjudging the nation’s mood | CNN Politics
Demoralized Democrats need a reckoning after a rough election night that sent serious warning signs that they have misjudged the nation’s mood as their window closes before next year’s midterms.
www.cnn.comPOLITICO Playbook: Let the Democratic freakout begin
And Democrats try to get the reconciliation bill over the finish line.
www.politico.comSenate Commerce plans quick turnaround for FCC nominees
The Senate Commerce Committee is aiming to hold a confirmation hearing for the FCC nominees in as little as two weeks.
www.politico.com
Pentagon: Chinese nuke force growing faster than predicted
The Pentagon says China is expanding its nuclear force much faster than U.S. officials predicted just a year ago.
apnews.com
U.S. denies Iran's claim that American Navy attempted to "steal" a tanker full of oil
U.S. officials deny an intervention but say American warships monitored a tanker seized by Iranian military forces, as hopes for a new deal to limit Iran's nuclear program fade.
www.cbsnews.com
Cincinnati elects its first Asian American mayor, Aftab Pureval
Pureval, the Hamilton County clerk of courts, defeated fellow Democrat David Mann and will succeed term-limited Mayor John Cranley.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrat Phil Murphy locked in tight New Jersey governor’s race | CNN Politics
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is locked in a closer-than-expected race that remains too close to call as he tries to become the first Democratic governor in more than four decades to win reelection in the Garden State.
www.cnn.com
Conservative education activists take victory lap as GOP ticket sweeps Virginia - Washington Examiner
A group of conservative education activists took a victory lap Tuesday as GOP candidates Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears, and Jason Miyares prevailed in the hotly contested Virginia governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general races. The issue of education had come to dominate the race in...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Democrats feel new urgency on Biden agenda after Virginia rout
Democrats smarting from election losses in Virginia and New Jersey on Tuesday are feeling new pressure to act on President Biden’s domestic agenda in the face of political headwinds that appear all…
thehill.com
China has a digital currency — and people are starting to use it
Central banks around the world are looking at developing central bank digital currencies to modernize their financial systems and ward off competition from cryptocurrencies.
www.nbcnews.com
Progressives win big in Boston on an otherwise tough night for the left
Excitement over Michelle Wu’s barrier-breaking victory was tempered by losses elsewhere.
First black mayor elected in once-segregated St. Petersburg
Thirty years ago, Ken Welch's father sought unsuccessfully to become the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida. Welch recognized his milestone in a speech to supporters after easily defeating Republican Robert Blackmon in a city that is almost 70% white. Beneath its sunny exterior and...
Youngkin’s win in blue Virginia offers Republicans a 2022 road map
The Republican took a nationalized issue — critical race theory — and localized it, while neither embracing nor repudiating Trump.
www.nbcnews.com
NJ governor's race has Murphy, Ciattarelli in dead heat
New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican Jack Ciattarelli were virtually deadlocked early Wednesday after a campaign centered on the incumbent’s progressive policies and handling of the pandemic.
apnews.com
Five takeaways from a grim night for Democrats
Republican Glenn Youngkin won a stunning victory in Virginia on Tuesday, snatching the governor’s mansion away from Democrats in a state that President Biden won by 10 points just a year ago.
thehill.com
Mostly white jury chosen in Georgia trial over Ahmaud Arbery's killing
A jury of 11 white people and one Black person was chosen on Wednesday in the murder trial of three white men who chased and fatally shot Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man who went for a run in a mostly white neighborhood in coastal South Georgia last year.
Bezos offered Tom Hanks a ride on Blue Origin space rocket
Actor Tom Hanks was offered a coveted seat on Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket, but the Hollywood star turned down the opportunity because of the price. During an appearance on Jimm…
thehill.com
Milley says it's unlikely China will try to move on Taiwan in next two years
It's unlikely that China will make some kind of move on Taiwan within the next two years, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said on Wednesday.
AP VoteCast: Youngkin win built by small gains in key groups
Republican Glenn Youngkin mobilized voters with concerns over race and education and made slight gains with suburban voters and other key groups to improve on Donald Trump’s poor showing last year and win election as Virginia governor.
apnews.com
Who is Glenn Youngkin, the Republican who will be the next governor of Virginia?
Here's what to know about Glenn Youngkin, the Republican who will be Virginia's next governor.
www.cbsnews.com
Filipino activists want Marcos son out of presidential race
Human rights groups have asked the Philippine Commission on Elections to disqualify the son and namesake of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos from running for president in next year’s elections
Austin voters reject ballot measure to hire more police officers
Voters in Austin, Texas rejected a ballot measure that sought to hire more police officers in the city, a sign that residents are in favor of Austin’s restricted policing system.Sixty-eight p…
thehill.com
President of Georgetown College in Kentucky fired over sexual assault allegations
"Georgetown College does not tolerate violence or misuse of authority," said Robert L. Mills, chairman of the college's Board of Trustees.
www.nbcnews.com
Explainer: What is in the new Biden plan to reduce U.S. drug prices?
U.S. President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats promised voters sweeping drug price reform in their signature social spending bill, but agreed to move ahead with a far less ambitious proposal after facing opposition from centrist dissenters in Congress.
Rahm Emanuel's nomination to be ambassador to Japan advances despite opposition from two Democrats
Some Democrats from the progressive wing have come out against Emanuel because of how he handled the 2014 fatal shooting of Black teenager Laquan McDonald.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP sees Youngkin's Virginia victory as a blueprint to win back Congress in 2022
Republicans aiming to win back control of Congress in the 2022 midterm elections see Glenn Youngink's Virginia gubernatorial victory as a blueprint.
Investors call scam after collapse of new cryptocurrency Squid
The coin that tried to capitalize on the popularity of the Netflix show "Squid Game" has turned into a warning for an industry that has enjoyed major booms and devastating busts.
www.nbcnews.com
An electoral thumping boosts Democrats’ urgency to pass Biden’s agenda
The loss also had moderates pointing the finger at progressives for blocking an infrastructure vote, as progressives blamed centrists for opposing popular pieces of President Joe Biden's agenda.
www.nbcnews.com
Inside Biden’s border plans: How optimism turned to chaos
McALLEN, Texas (AP) — For about four months before President Joe Biden took office, advisers engaged in intense internal debate about how quickly they should undo his predecessor's hardline border policies.
apnews.com
Democrats misjudge anti-Trump vote in suburban setbacks: The Note
Republican Glenn Youngkin carried home an upset for the GOP in the Virginia gubernatorial race.
Republicans block John Lewis Voting Rights Act in Senate vote
The Senate vote Wednesday comes after Democratic leadership in the upper chamber attempted to advance another piece of voting rights legislation.
Chinese stock up on food as temperatures fall and Covid spreads
Government advice to stock up on daily necessities in case of emergencies prompted significant confusion, sending some rushing to supermarkets.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden finds wins abroad easier to come by than at home | CNN Politics
Meeting his foreign counterparts behind closed doors in Rome this weekend, President Joe Biden repeatedly recited for them a key figure: $555 billion.
www.cnn.com
Psaki news underscores risks and safety protocols for Biden
White House officials say they’re taking all necessary precautions to keep President Biden from contracting COVID-19, following the news that press secretary Jen Psaki had been diagnosed with the v…
thehill.com
Glenn Youngkin wins in Virginia: Key takeaways from bad night for Biden
Three reasons why the Democrats got a bloody nose in Virginia where a Republican businessman won the governorship.
www.bbc.com
Live updates: 2021 election results and reactions to key races | CNN Politics
All eyes are on Virginia’s high-stakes governor’s race following the projected win of Republican Glenn Youngkin against Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Follow here for the latest.
www.cnn.comOn legislative tightrope, Schumer is leaning more to left
WASHINGTON - As the coronavirus pandemic began to ravage the United States in the spring of 2020, Sen. Charles Schumer gathered some leading liberal economists to meet virtually with top Senate Democratic leaders and staffers to think through the federal government's response. Lawmakers were...
Investors bet big on climate fight but motives questioned
Governments and big investors have announced fresh plans to pour trillions of dollars into curbing global warming.
apnews.com
Prosecutors show Rittenhouse trial jurors video of shootings
The jury at Kyle Rittenhouse’s murder trial over shootings on the streets of Kenosha watched one of the central pieces of video evidence Wednesday — footage of a man chasing Rittenhouse and throwing a plastic bag at him just before the man was gunned down.
apnews.com
Frey wins 2nd term as Minneapolis mayor after bitter race
Minneapolis voters have reelected Mayor Jacob Frey after a bitter race that focused on calls for changes to policing and racial justice.
apnews.com
Americans are 'upset and uncertain,' Biden says after Virginia loss
President Joe Biden on Wednesday confronted a sobering defeat for Democrats in Virginia's gubernatorial election, and new pressure to resolve Democratic bickering and pass his social and climate agenda.
Democrat blame game begins after major Virginia loss, criticism hurled at moderates, progressives and Biden
Depending on who you ask in the Democratic Party, the blame for Terry McAuliffe's loss in Virginia is either the fault of moderates, progressives, President Biden or all three.
Guys and guns: Why men are behind the vast majority of America's gun violence
Several experts said it comes down to America's dangerous combination of toxic masculinity and with gun availability.
Live updates: Youngkin fired up voters better, survey shows
Republican Glenn Youngkin mobilized voters concerned about education and race. He did so while making small gains with suburban voters and other key groups to help his party rebound from Donald Trump’s poor showing in Virginia last year and win the governor’s race.
apnews.comElection Day in review: Virginia flips, NYC elects new mayor and New Jersey's tight governor's race
Education, critical race theory energized voters in the closely watched Virginia election. New York and Boston elected new mayors.
Judge: Prince Andrew sex lawsuit trial likely in late 2022
The U.S. district judge presiding over a lawsuit in which an American woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Prince Andrew says a trial would probably occur late next year
Iran claims it blocked US attempt to detain oil tanker
Iran’s military on Wednesday claimed that it stopped an attempt by the U.S. Navy to detain a tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Sea of Oman, an accusation the U.S. military later called ̶…
thehill.com
China's nuclear expansion outpacing projected timelines, Pentagon report says
The Pentagon now estimates China will have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030 — more than double its estimates from last year.
www.cbsnews.com
Parnell allegations roil GOP bid to keep Pennsylvania Senate seat
New allegations of abuse against former President Trump’s pick to succeed retiring Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) are setting off a panic among some Republicans as the party looks to maintain its grip on …
thehill.com
U.S. Senate Democrats fail in latest bid to debate voting rights bill
U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday failed to advance voting-rights legislation for the fourth time this year due to overwhelming Republican opposition, raising potential ramifications for the 2022 congressional and 2024 presidential elections.
DoorDash adds safety features to help protect drivers
DoorDash is adding security features to its app to help protect drivers
Cities across US elect their first Black mayors
Cities across the United States elected their first Black mayors in elections on Tuesday.Black candidates in Pittsburgh, Kansas City and St. Petersburg, Fla., rose to victory on Tuesday while makin…
thehill.com
Supreme Court considers scope of gun rights in major Second Amendment case
The case involves a New York law that restricts who can carry a handgun in public for self-defense.
www.cbsnews.com
Youngkin 2024 speculation swirls after stunning Virginia election victory
The McAuliffe camp was left shellshocked Tuesday night after Youngkin ran away with the off-year election widely seen as a referendum on President Biden and a bellwether for the 2022 midterms.
Facing dire sea level rise threat, Maldives turns to climate change solutions to survive
The islands could be 80% uninhabitable by 2050 at current global warming rates.
Afghan Central Bank doubles cap on weekly withdrawals
Afghanistan’s Central Bank has doubled the cap on weekly bank withdrawals to the equivalent of $400
EXPLAINER: Why are foreign tech firms pulling out of China?
Yahoo Inc. said this week that will withdraw from the China market
Britney Spears blames mum for 'ruining my life' with conservatorship
The star claims the legal arrangement was her mother's idea, and "she secretly ruined my life".
www.bbc.com
US puts new controls on Israeli spyware company NSO Group
The Biden administration has announced it is putting new export limits on Israel’s NSO Group, the world’s most infamous hacker-for-hire company, saying its tools have been used to “conduct transnational repression.”
apnews.com
'My name is Cleo': Police weep upon rescuing Australian girl
Police smashed their way into a suburban house and rescued a 4-year-old girl whose disappearance from her family’s camping tent more than two weeks ago both horrified and captivated Australians.
apnews.com
McAuliffe concedes to Youngkin in Virginia's bruising gubernatorial election
Former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia conceded on Wednesday in his hard fought gubernatorial election battle against Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin
US warehouses running out of room amid supply chain crisis
Warehouses in and around U.S. ports are running out of room, experts say, adding another challenge to the country's already crippled supply chain.
Zillow laying off one-quarter of its staff
Real estate website Zillow will lay off nearly one-quarter of its staff as it prepares to stop buying and selling homes, according to The New York Times.The company made the announce…
thehill.com
Largest Anglo-Saxon gold coin hoard found in Norfolk
Some of the 131 coins were made from the same die as those found at the Sutton Hoo ship burial.
www.bbc.com
Foes of death penalty offer spiritual support at executions
The American Civil Liberties Union is often at odds with conservative religious groups — for example when they argue that religious freedom gives them the right to discriminate against LGBTQ people
Suicide rates drop for second straight year
The overall suicide rate in the U.S. dropped for a second straight year in 2020 after climbing for two decades, according to preliminary data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC…
thehill.com
Buffalo mayor, a write-in candidate, declares victory over AOC-backed socialist
Buffalo, New York, Mayor Byron Brown was not even on the ballot for his city's mayoral election but he has declared victory over Democratic candidate India Walton – a self-declared democratic socialist.
Michelle Wu becomes first woman and first Asian American to be elected mayor of Boston
Wu, the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, will be the first non-white and non-male mayor in Boston's history when she takes office on November 16.
www.cbsnews.com
Thai police colonel, 6 others charged with killing suspect
A Thai police colonel, dubbed “Jo Ferrari” for his extravagant collection of fine cars, and six other officers have been charged with murder for allegedly killing a suspected drug dealer while trying to extort him for money
‘Rust’ armorer thought she loaded the gun with dummy rounds, lawyer says | CNN
The “Rust” armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, loaded the gun with what she thought were dummy rounds before Alec Baldwin used it on set, fatally shooting the movie’s cinematographer, lawyers for the armorer said in an interview with NBC that aired Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
Vaccine or test: Biden advances sweeping new mandates for private sector
Biden's new plan would expand vaccine mandates in the private sector and essentially label COVID as an occupational hazard in the workplace.
Roll up your sleeves: Kids' turn arrives for COVID-19 shots
Schoolchildren take the spotlight this week as the U.S. enters a new phase in COVID-19 vaccination aimed at curbing deaths, hospitalizations and more than a year of disrupted education.
apnews.com
COVID-19 updates: 70% of American adults fully vaccinated
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 749,000 Americans.
World Economic Forum event in China postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak
The World Economic Forum event scheduled in China this month has been postponed after COVID-19 cases in the city of Tianjin hit a three-month high, according to Reuters. The event, called…
thehill.comDeSantis and allies want credit for his boom-to-bust coronavirus numbers. But the drop is hardly unusual.
Supporters of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are still waiting for his apology. They might want to focus on the epidemiology. Weeks after Florida endured one of the worst outbreaks of the coronavirus pandemic, the state has seen cases decline substantially - so much so that it currently ranks 50th in...
CVS, Walgreens now accepting COVID-19 vaccination appointments for kids 5-11
Two of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains — CVS Health and Walgreens — are accepting coronavirus vaccination appointments for children ages 5-11.CVS Health announced Wednesday that&nbs…
thehill.com
Wide array of opponents prepare to fight Biden vaccine mandate
The country's first national COVID-19 vaccine mandate, expected to be unveiled by the Biden administration this week, is likely to unleash a frenzied legal battle that will hinge on a rarely used law and questions over federal power and authority over healthcare.
COVID-19 cases rise in Europe for 5th consecutive week
The World Health Organization says the number of coronavirus cases has risen in Europe for the fifth consecutive week, making it the only world region where COVID-19 is still increasing
U.S. rolls out COVID-19 vaccine for young children, ending long wait for some parents
Seven-year-old Gael Coreas stuck out his left arm fearlessly to receive his first COVID-19 shot at a health clinic in the nation's capital on Wednesday, wincing briefly as cameras flashed to capture the moment.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19: Report - Washington Examiner
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to skip next Sunday's game. Rodgers reportedly tested positive Wednesday for COVID-19 but has yet to confirm the news. "Sources: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
GAO: State had ‘inconsistent’ pricing for COVID-19 repatriation flights
The State Department’s process for charging Americans for repatriation flights at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic lacked consistency, leading to inaccurate pricing and delayed billing, according…
thehill.com
Republicans to challenge Biden vaccine mandate
Forty Senate Republicans led by Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), the ranking member of a Senate committee on employment and workforce safety, say they will use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to challe…
thehill.com
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