(Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, Pool, File)
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — Jurors ordered conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on Wednesday to pay nearly $1 billion to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims’ relatives and an FBI agent, who said he turned their loss and trauma into years of torment by promoting the lie that the rampage was a hoax.
Jan. 6 panel set to hold final hearing before midterm elections
Thursday's hearing will take a sweeping view of the "entire multipart plan to overturn the election," a committee aide said. New and already-seen evidence will "illustrate Donald Trump’s centrality" to the plot.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP, Dems propose retail crime task force, slam spike in smash-and-grab looting
A bipartisan group of House members led by Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., will drop a bill partner to Sen. Charles Grassley's version that seeks to combat retail crime.
West to bolster Ukraine air defense; nuke plant loses power
Unbowed Western powers have pledged to supply Ukraine with more powerful air defense systems following a furious barrage of retaliatory Russian missile strikes.
apnews.com
Treasury probing Florida Gov. DeSantis' migrant flights
The Treasury Department’s internal watchdog is investigating whether Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis improperly used federal pandemic aid to fly migrants to Martha’s Vineyard as part of his effort to “transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.”
apnews.com
Biden says Supreme Court is 'more of an advocacy group' than 'evenhanded'
Biden's comment comes several months after the high court overturned Roe v. Wade.
www.nbcnews.com
Judge dismisses suit against casino mogul Steve Wynn that claimed he lobbied Trump on behalf of China
A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that said longtime casino developer Steve Wynn lobbied President Trump on behalf of China.
Russian women run Ukraine anti-war protests despite danger
A Russian protest group called Feminist Anti-War Resistance organizes protests, posts strategies for avoiding conscription, and disseminates anti-war messaging.
Trump indictment odds skyrocket after bombshell Mar-a-Lago report, legal experts say
A bevy of legal experts, reacting to new explosive reporting about the Mar-a-Lago documents investigation, is convinced there is now enough evidence to charge former President Donald Trump with crimes.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Mar-a-Lago employee tells investigators Donald Trump directed move of boxes with sensitive documents, source says
An individual with knowledge of the investigation tells CBS News there is video evidence of the boxes being handled.
www.cbsnews.com
Oath Keepers jury hears about massive weapon cache on Jan. 6
A member of the Oath Keepers who traveled to Washington before the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol testified Wednesday about a massive cache of weapons the far-right extremist group stashed in a Virginia hotel room.
apnews.com
What we've learned from the House Jan. 6 committee hearings
The Jan. 6 committee held its ninth – and likely final – hearing, concluding with a unanimous vote to subpoena former President Donald Trump.
www.cbsnews.com
'Outrageous': Kari Lake rages against PBS and Hobbs following scrapping of faux debate
Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake put Arizona PBS and Democratic rival Katie Hobbs on blast following the cancellation of an interview intended to substitute for a debate.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden hit on economy as more say finances poor: AP-NORC poll
More U.S. adults are now feeling financially vulnerable amid high inflation. That's a political risk for President Joe Biden and fellow Democrats a month before the midterm elections.
apnews.com
Sirens sound across Ukraine as Russia strikes cities again; G-7 leaders vow to help for 'as long as it takes'
Ukraine is dusting itself off after a series of Russian attacks across the country which left at least 14 people dead and 97 injured.
Russian nuclear strike likely to provoke 'physical response,' NATO official says
A Russian nuclear strike would change the course of the conflict and almost certainly provoke a "physical response" from Ukraine's allies and potentially from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a senior NATO official said on Wednesday.
Durham inquiry trial: FBI wanted to suspend analyst who interviewed Steele source
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The FBI’s internal investigation unit sought to discipline and suspend the FBI analyst who interviewed Igor Danchenko in January 2017 and who was special counsel John Durham’s first witness this week in the false statements trial against the main source for British ex-spy…
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why Social Security checks are about to get a lot bigger
Tens of millions of older Americans are getting the biggest raise of their lifetimes. The U.S. says Social Security beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase in monthly payments this upcoming year
apnews.com
Trump angrily lashes out after his deposition is ordered
Former President Donald Trump angrily lashed out in a statement after a judge ordered him to answer questions under oath next week in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s.
apnews.com
Biden global strategy tackles China, Russia, domestic needs
The White House has laid out a national security strategy aimed at checking an ascendant China and a more assertive Russia.
apnews.com
Residents of crime-ridden Portland area to vote on ballot measure removing gendered language
Voters in Multnomah County, Oregon will decide a November ballot measure focused on gender-related language in the county charter amid rising crime rates in Portland.
North Korea says Kim supervised cruise missile tests
North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has supervised tests of long-range cruise missiles, which he described as a successful demonstration of his military’s expanding nuclear strike capabilities and readiness for “actual war."
apnews.com
Jan. 6 panel’s likely final hearing to focus on Trump’s ‘state of mind’
The House committee investigating last year’s attack on the Capitol will assemble Thursday for what could be its final public hearing ahead of the midterms, promising to delve into former President…
thehill.comDHS announces new program for Venezuelan migrants aimed at easing pressure at U.S.-Mexico border
The Biden administration has faced growing pressure in recent months to respond to the surge at the southern border.
www.politico.com
Hochul wants Biden administration to 'take ownership' of migrant 'crisis'
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) placed responsibility squarely on President Joe Biden and his administration to tackle an influx of immigrants coming to the state.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Live Updates: Russia-Ukraine-War
The U.N. General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions and demand that Moscow immediately reverse its actions.
apnews.com
There are no plans to change sanctions on Venezuela, Blinken says as pressure mounts
The Biden administration has been looking at scaling back oil sanctions and resuming exports. In exchange, Maduro would have to resume talks with the opposition.
www.nbcnews.comThe number of Republicans who believe Trump’s 'big lie' has fallen since the Jan. 6 hearings
As the work of the Jan. 6 committee winds down, with a ninth hearing Thursday and a final report expected soon, there are signs that its work may have moved public opinion in a few ways.
Yellen says US economy 'resilient' amid global headwinds
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is seeking to project confidence in the U.S. financial outlook while pledging vigilance in responding to “risks on the horizon.”
apnews.com
Here’s what the White House is expecting today’s Social Security COLA increase to be
The White House predicted that Americans on Social Security will see a $140 per month increase ahead of Thursday, when the Social Security Administration is expected to announce a cost of living ad…
thehill.com
Pennsylvania to count undated ballots, election official says, despite US Supreme Court ruling
Pennsylvania election officials have been instructed to count ballots arriving in undated envelopes despite a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.
How Indonesia coaxes jailed hardliners away from extreme views
Potential parole for bombmaker Umar Patek has drawn attention to Indonesia’s deradicalisation programmes.
Biden's national security plan takes aim at China, Russia
The White House rolled out a long-delayed national security strategy on Wednesday that seeks to contain China's rise while reemphasizing the importance of working with allies to tackle challenges confronting democratic nations.
Abortion Is Motivating Voters, but Republicans Would Rather Change the Subject
In Wisconsin, Tim Michels, a Republican running for governor, promised activists that he would never “flip-flop” on his support for an 1849 law that bans abortion except when a woman’s life is threatened. Less than three weeks later, he changed his stance. In the Phoenix suburbs, staffers...
Secret tapes expose LA's racial fault lines — and give Bass an edge
Rep. Karen Bass and developer Rick Caruso must now convince voters they can ease the city’s fraught racial tensions.
www.politico.com
California bans gender-based pricing on items
A new California law prohibits businesses from gender-based pricing on products, particularly on items marked for women under the so-called Pink Tax.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
China's Xi gets chance to tighten hold on economy at meeting
President Xi Jinping, China’s most influential figure in decades, gets a chance to stack the ranks with allies who share his vision of intensifying pervasive control over entrepreneurs and technology development at a meeting of the ruling Communist Party that starts this weekend.
apnews.com
Igor Danchenko trial: Durham hammers FBI over lack of corroboration of Steele dossier used for FISA warrant
Neither the FBI nor any other intelligence agency had any corroboration for allegations included in the anti-Trump dossier that was used to justify the FISA warrant against Carter Page.
Biden's national security plan identifies Russia as imminent danger, China as long-term threat
Biden outlined a plan for how the United States would "effectively compete" with China in the coming years, "while constraining a dangerous Russia."
UN demands Russia reverse 'illegal' annexations in Ukraine
The U.N. General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions and demand that Moscow immediately reverse its action.
apnews.com
Appeals court says New York can enforce controversial new gun laws — for now
The 2nd Circuit has intervened in the state's legal drama after pleas from Attorney General Tish James and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
www.politico.com
Peter Thiel offers cash infusion for Arizona race in deal with McConnell PAC: Report
Billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel said he would financially boost Arizona Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters if the Republican leadership political action committee agrees to match his donation.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Judge ends lobbying suit against casino developer Steve Wynn
A federal judge has dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to force longtime casino developer Steve Wynn to register as a foreign agent.
apnews.com
Five key takeaways from Biden’s National Security Strategy
Report on US security and foreign policy priorities focuses on competition with China and efforts to constrain Russia.
Special Report: U.S. firm supplied networking tech to maker of Russian missiles
Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, American companies have been prohibited from dealing with MMZ Avangard, a state-owned firm that makes missiles for one of Russia's most sophisticated weapons, the S-400 air-defense system.
Google approves Trump's Truth Social for Play Store
Alphabet Inc's Google has approved former U.S. President Donald Trump's social media app Truth Social for distribution in the Google Play Store, a company spokesperson said on Wednesday.
NATO cautious to avoid Ukraine war but members help anyway
NATO, as an organization, is not directly involved in the war in Ukraine. But its member countries face the twin challenges of struggling to make and supply weapons to the conflict-torn country while protecting vital European infrastructure like pipelines or cables that Russia might want to sabotage
apnews.com
Some corporate leaders are funding Trump-backed election deniers in races for secretary of state, a role that administers elections
Corporate leaders have been quietly bankrolling Republican candidates running to be secretaries of state while denying the results of the 2020 election.
US State Department says Iran nuclear deal 'not our focus right now' | CNN Politics
The Iran nuclear deal is “not our focus right now,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Wednesday, noting the administration was instead focusing on supporting the protesters in Iran as efforts to restore the nuclear deal have hit yet another impasse.
www.cnn.com
Nato countries to boost Ukraine's missile defence after massive Russian strikes
Advanced air defence weaponry will be delivered in the wake of devastating Russian missile strikes.
www.bbc.com
Herschel Walker's Black voters are staying put. They cite a motivator that trumps his alleged scandals.
“My vote is strictly about control of the Senate. Period. We need every seat,” said a Black conservative radio host who intends to vote for Walker.
www.nbcnews.com
Belarus army would likely have little impact in Ukraine war
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko this week has reignited fears that his army could join Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.
apnews.com
US company provided tech to Russian missile-maker despite sanctions: Report
A U.S. firm supplied technology to a Russian missile company after 2014 despite sanctions levied by the United States, according to a new report.
www.washingtonexaminer.comWhy Pennsylvania may not have election night results and why that's OK
Pennsylvania is unlikely to have results on election night this November, the state's top election official said Tuesday, because of a law limiting when mail votes can be processed. "We must again ask for patience," Leigh Chapman, Pennsylvania's acting secretary of state, told reporters over...
Ex-Oath Keeper says 'many weapons' were stored outside capital during Jan. 6 attack
An ex-member of the Oath Keepers testified Wednesday about the stash of weapons stored by the group at a hotel just outside D.C. during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Lawsuit: Utah firm and lawmaker helped Mormons hide abuse
Three children who were sexually abused by their father are accusing a Utah state legislator and a prominent Salt Lake City law firm of conspiring with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to cover up their abuse and allowing it to go on for years.
apnews.com
Biden says son Beau 'lost his life in Iraq' during Colorado speech
President Biden claimed that his son Beau "lost his life in Iraq" during a speech on Wednesday near Vail, Colorado, where he designated Camp Hale as a national monument.
Indiana Supreme Court allows abortions to continue pending January hearing
While it declined to lift the injunction, the Indiana Supreme Court did agree to Attorney General Todd Rokita’s request to take the case and scheduled oral arguments for January.
www.politico.com
Biden threatens 'consequences' for Saudi Arabia after OPEC cut, but his options are limited
What are the Biden administration's options, and could they backfire?
Biden goes West on 3-state tour as midterm elections near
President Joe Biden is on a three-state swing out West aimed at promoting his administration’s accomplishments and rallying the party faithful.
apnews.com
Russian envoy to U.S. says he visited convicted arms dealer Bout in prison
Russia's ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said early on Thursday he had visited Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer jailed in the United States and linked to a possible swap for two U.S. citizens imprisoned by Moscow.
Ohio school board punts on vote to oppose 'dangerous' Biden Title IX regulations
Ohio's State Board of Education punted on the decision of whether to advance a resolution opposing the Biden administration's expansion of Title IX.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Florida needs $33 billion for Ian recovery, Rubio says
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says an initial assessment of federal assistance needed to help Floridians recover from Hurricane Ian comes to about $33 billion.
apnews.com
PayPal just gave America an eerie glimpse into the future. There’s no going back
Our right to free expression is unquestionably the most significant of all the liberties we hold dear. It is the foundation of every right we enjoy, the reason why society exists in its current for…
thehill.com
Trump supporters convicted of taking guns to Philadelphia after 2020 election
Two men, who traveled in a Hummer bearing a QAnon logo, were convicted of gun charges and not guilty on three election-related charges.
www.nbcnews.comMichigan county hires ‘Stop the Steal’ ringleader to recruit poll workers
Macomb County election clerk says Genevieve Peters, who urged protesters ‘forward’ on Jan. 6, is now engaged in ‘training and teaching.’
www.politico.com
ACT test scores drop to lowest in 30 years in pandemic slide
ACT test scores made public in a report Wednesday reveal a decline in preparedness for college-level coursework.
apnews.com
Hawaii's Democratic governor issues order bolstering abortion protections in state | CNN Politics
Hawaii’s Democratic governor moved to strengthen abortion protections in the state on Tuesday, issuing an executive order prohibiting officials on the islands from cooperating with states attempting to prosecute people who received the procedure legally in his state.
www.cnn.com
New debate drama emerges in race for Arizona governor
Kari Lake, the Republican candidate for Arizona governor, is blasting a Phoenix PBS affiliate for scheduling an interview with her Democratic rival, Katie Hobbs.
apnews.com
Tulsi Gabbard to campaign for Don Bolduc following party change
Fresh off her decision to leave the Democratic Party, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is slated to campaign for controversial Trump-aligned New Hampshire Senate candidate Don Bolduc ahead of the midterm elections.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
China-Taiwan: Can a tech billionaire create a civilian fighting force?
Robert Tsao, 75, has pledged a billion Taiwan dollars to train citizens to resist a Chinese invasion.
www.bbc.com
US will take in some Venezuelans, expel others to Mexico
The Biden administration has agreed to accept up to 24,000 Venezuelan migrants, similar to how Ukrainians have been admitted since Russia’s invasion.
apnews.com
These four countries sided with Russia in UN vote on Ukraine annexations
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted to condemn Russia’s annexation of four occupied areas of Ukraine amid the ongoing war, but four countries sided with Russia in the vote.  …
thehill.com
Mexico says tackling migration, does not want to be in U.S. election debate
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday said his government was working to keep a lid on undocumented immigration ahead of U.S. elections so that his country is not drawn into the political crossfire.
October 12, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news
NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine with military aid following Russia's recent wave of attacks.
Navy SEAL candidate died ‘in line of duty’ after Hell Week, investigation finds
A Navy SEAL candidate died of acute pneumonia with cardiomegaly as a contributing factor shortly after completing what is known as “Hell Week” during the special operation forces basic training program.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump must sit for deposition in writer's defamation lawsuit, judge says
Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll alleges Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s, which Trump has denied. Carroll’s suit claims Trump's denial damaged her reputation.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP’s Jacobs doubles down on controls for high-powered guns
Republican New York Rep. Chris Jacobs is not seeking reelection amid backlash over his support for an assault weapons ban.
apnews.com5th Circuit blocks Texas social media law as parties turn to SCOTUS
Groups sued Texas’ attorney general contending that H.B. 20 would infringe on their member companies’ First Amendment protections by forcing them to carry content that violates their own rules.
www.politico.com
No hope for the future: Economic struggles add fuel to Iran's protests
Anti-government uprisings are to remain a sticking point and increase in frequency in Iran's political landscape according to Economist Intelligence Unit.
EXPLAINER: Trying to get politics out of election certifying
Before the 2020 presidential election, certifying election results was routine and generated little public attention. That has changed.
apnews.comCan Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard Bail Out This Election Denier?
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyDon’t mind the polls or the millions of dollars in ad buys being pulled from the Granite State's airwaves. And pay no attention to the massive fundraising advantage held by Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, for help is on the way for...
A Trump employee told the FBI that the former president ordered staff to move boxes of documents at Mar-a-Lago
The worker’s account offers new details about activity at Trump's Florida estate before FBI agents searched it on Aug. 8.
www.nbcnews.com
Republicans slam Mayorkas after emails show he was alerted that no Haitian migrants were 'whipped': 'Resign'
Republicans are criticizing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after emails showed he knew "whipping" allegations against Border Patrol agents were false.
US and Mexico make deal to ease Venezuela migration
Thousands of Venezuelans will be allowed to enter the US by air, with the aim of easing pressure at the border.
www.bbc.com
Connecticut GOP candidate acknowledges work in Saudi Arabia
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — For months, Bob Stefanowski, the Republican candidate for governor in Connecticut, declined to reveal the clients of his lucrative business consulting firm, saying he had a duty to customers to keep certain things confidential.
apnews.com
Florida orange crop expected to plummet — even before Hurricane Ian impact measured
Florida's orange crop is expected to plummet, even before destruction due to Hurricane Ian is taken into account.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Elite public colleges slash acceptance rates, raising pressure on students
Story at a glance Surging demand has led California flagships Berkeley and UCLA to admit 9 and 11 percent of applicants, respectively. Universities such as North Carolina and Virginia have re…
thehill.com
Oath Keeper testifies that large weapons cache was prepared in Virginia ahead of Jan. 6 riot
He said he heard of no plan to enter the Capitol.
www.cbsnews.com
U.S. home heating bills expected to surge this winter -EIA
U.S. consumers can expect to pay up to 28% more to heat their homes this winter than last year due to surging fuel costs and slightly colder weather, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected in its winter fuels outlook on Wednesday.
Democrat Ohio US Senate candidate Rep. Tim Ryan once called for an end to 'unfair' cash bail system
Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat, once called for a nationwide end to cash bail, calling the system “inherently unfair.”
Some of Katie Hobbs' supporters are concerned MAGA firebrand Kari Lake is outshining her low-key campaign
Polling suggests the Arizona governor’s contest is a toss-up, with Republican Kari Lake having perhaps the best shot of any swing-state election denier to win a governor’s race.
www.nbcnews.com
Strong majority of countries rebukes Russia at UN
143 countries backed a resolution slamming Russia’s claims of annexation, a larger-than-expected result.
www.politico.com
Washington House seat in play amid increased polarization
For years, a congressional seat in a Republican district in southwest Washington has evaded Democrats.
apnews.com
House Jan. 6 committee votes to subpoena Trump, "the one person at the center" of what happened on Jan. 6
Committee vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney said a "key task" remained: "We must seek the testimony under oath of Jan. 6's central player."
www.cbsnews.comBiden Secures Liberal Priorities With Little Republican Backlash
On marijuana, student loans and climate, the GOP has backed down ahead of the midterms.
White House tiptoes around Biden's claim Putin is a 'rational actor'
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to give additional background to President Joe Biden's claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "rational actor" who "miscalculated" how the Ukraine war would go.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ohio 'incel' pleads guilty to plotting mass shooting against women at university: DOJ
A man, who is a self-described "incel," pleaded guilty in federal court to planning to carry out a mass shooting of women at a university, the Justice Department said.
U.S. power use to reach record high in 2022 as economy grows, weather hotter -EIA
U.S. power consumption will rise to a record high in 2022 due to rising economic activity and hotter summer weather, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) on Wednesday.
FBI warns voters about election-related crimes
"Free and fair democratic elections are one of the founding pillars of the United States," the FBI said.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump supporters get split verdict in weapons, election case
Two supporters of President Donald Trump arrested after driving a vehicle with guns and ammunition to a Philadelphia election site in November 2020 were convicted of weapons charges Wednesday but acquitted of election interference.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine war in maps and charts: Live Tracker
The Russian offensive enters its 83rd week, we track where battles are taking place and the human cost of war.
How quickly will Ukraine get the advanced air defenses it needs?
How soon will Ukraine get the advanced air defense systems it needs to counter the Russian missile threat to its cities?
DHS expands Trump-era policy to Venezuelans while opening new pathway to US
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday announced it would seek to block irregular migration from Venezuela by expanding a Trump-era policy and kicking off a new program for Venezuelans fl…
thehill.com
Senate tees up billions in military aid to Taiwan to counter Chinese aggression
The Senate hopes to pass a defense policy bill later this year, and that bill now includes significant military aid to Taiwan despite warnings from China.
Will Biden care about Germany's latest kowtowing to China?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly rejected the notion that democracies should restrict their trade relationships with Communist China in response to Beijing's degradation of human lives and international security. Scholz did so by observing on Tuesday that "globalization has been a success…
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Poll: Ron Johnson widens lead over Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin Senate race
The Marquette Law School survey has Johnson racking up support of 52 percent of likely voters compared with Barnes’ 46 percent.
www.politico.com
Federal government taken to court for reworking Black farmers debt relief program
Black and minority farmers never benefited from the $4 billion package that was held up in court for more than a year before Congress reworked and broadened it after white farmers balked.
www.nbcnews.com
Democratic lawmakers call for arms sale freeze after Saudi Arabia cuts oil production
Sen. Blumenthal called for President Biden to stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia following OPEC's decision to cut oil production.
www.usatoday.com
Jan. 6 panel seeks to preserve its work as time runs out
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol has collected a staggering trove of evidence. Now the question is what to do with it all.
apnews.com
Liberal media explodes on Troy Aikman over 'misogynistic' comment on 'Monday Night Football'
Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman faced criticism on Monday after liberal journalists said he made a "misogynistic" and "sexist" comment on television.
American Siamak Namazi forced to return to prison in Iran after short furlough | CNN Politics
American Siamak Namazi, who has been wrongfully detained in Iran for seven years, was forced to return to prison Wednesday after briefly being released on furlough, his family’s pro bono legal counsel said in a statement.
www.cnn.com
With Putin under pressure, Belarus edges closer to joining war in Ukraine
A flurry of military activity in Belarus this week has caught the attention of Ukraine and the West as a potential sign that President Alexander Lukashenko may commit his army in support of Russia's flailing war effort in Ukraine.
Michael Cohen says he fears for his safety if Trump becomes president again
Michael Cohen says he fears for his safety if Donald Trump ever becomes president again. “Yeah, I am,” Trump’s former personal lawyer said when asked if he’s worried about his well-being should the…
thehill.comSchweikert faces Democratic challenger as he seeks 7th term
Republican efforts to pick up seats in Arizona's nine-member U.S. House delegation run right through the northeast Phoenix suburbs, where six-term Republican Rep. David Schweikert is trying to persuade voters that multiple campaign finance violations don’t disqualify him from office. In his...
Colorado elections chief, challenger divided what's partisan
DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s top election official, Democrat Jena Griswold, and a former county clerk hoping to replace her as secretary of state, Republican Pam Anderson, both agree that Colorado's 2020 election was secure and that former President Donald Trump lost his re-election bid.
apnews.com
Biden admin announces border op with Mexico, increased removals of Venezuelans
The Biden administraton is launching a large-scale border enforcement operation with Mexico, including returning Venezuelan illegal immigrants to Mexico via Title 42.
Alex Jones ordered to pay $965 million in Sandy Hook defamation trial
A Connecticut jury awarded nearly $1 billion in damages to 15 plaintiffs defamed by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
Ukraine seeks weapons to counter Russia’s ability to strike
In the 33rd week of the war, Russia retaliates brutally for Kerch Bridge blast and Ukraine calls for advanced weapons.
The five states that will have abortion measures on the ballot in November
Voters in California, Michigan, Vermont, Kentucky, and Montana will weigh in on ballot measures this November deciding on the future of abortion access in their states.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
California Attorney General to investigate LA council redistricting discussed in secret recordings
Los Angeles has been has been rocked by the secret recordings.
www.politico.com
West steps up military aid to Ukraine after Russian barrage
More than 50 Western countries meet in Brussels and promise more weapons for Ukraine, especially air defence systems.
White House releases Biden’s national security strategy
The White House on Wednesday released its national security strategy, outlining President Biden’s priorities at the start of what officials are calling a “decisive decade” for global challenges lik…
thehill.com
New poll finds Georgia Senate race remains unchanged after allegations about Walker | CNN Politics
Sen. Raphael Warnock continues to hold an advantage over Herschel Walker in Georgia’s US Senate race, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac University, with the margin between the two candidates little changed compared with polling conducted before allegations emerged that Walker paid for a...
www.cnn.com
World's 1st space tourist signs up for flight around moon
The world’s first space tourist has signed up to spin around the moon aboard Elon Musk’s Starship. For Dennis Tito, it’s a chance to relive the joy of his trip 21 years ago to the International Space Station.
apnews.com
Durham presents new evidence on day 2 of Danchenko trial
The trial in a Virginia federal courtroom is expected to be John Durham’s final prosecution in his probe into the origins of “Crossfire Hurricane.”
www.politico.com
John Fetterman addresses using closed captioning on campaign trail after stroke
"There's no secret that sometimes I'm going to miss words, and sometimes I'm going to mush two words together. And that's the truth," Fetterman said.
www.cbsnews.com
American dies while fighting in Ukraine
The sister of Dane Partridge confirmed to ABC News he was the victim.
Biden lays out national security strategy while re-evaluating Saudi relations
China and Russia pose the biggest challenge to international peace and stability, the Biden administration said in laying out its national security plan.
www.usatoday.com
McConnell, McCarthy public splits raise questions about ability to govern
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) have drifted apart over the past two years, raising questions about whether they’ll be able work t…
thehill.com
Most Wisconsin voters worried about crime as Dem who called police budgets 'bloated' falls in poll
A Marquette University poll among registered voters in Wisconsin found that Ron Johnson is leading the Senate race, while the majority of respondents are worried about crime.
Why Meta's virtual-reality avatars are finally getting legs
Why is it so hard to build a metaverse avatar — a visual representation of ourselves in the digital world — that walks on two legs?
apnews.com
Republicans move to strike Dem proposal to include women in the military draft
Republicans are pushing back on a Democratic provision in the fiscal year 2023 defense authorization bill that would extend the military draft to women.
Biden admin declares post-Cold War era ‘definitively over’
The administration’s long-delayed National Security Strategy hammers on China, Russia and a host of global threats requiring international cooperation.
www.politico.com
Portland’s violent crime jump outpaced US, FBI data shows
The increase in violent crime in Portland, Oregon, between 2020 and 2021 was higher than the rest of the US, according to the latest crime figures from FBI data.
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Endangered Democrat in Nevada Senate race sees her lead shrink
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto holds a small lead over Republican challenger Adam Laxalt, 46%-44%, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds.
Facebook owner Meta unveils $1,500 VR headset: Will it sell?
Facebook parent Meta has unveiled a high-end virtual reality headset with the hope people will soon be using it to work in the virtual reality of the still-elusive place called the metaverse.
apnews.com
These are the least safe cities in the US
Story at a glance While St. Louis was ranked as the country’s least safe city, data showed Columbia, Md., was the safest. Researchers assessed 42 different metrics to create composite safety …
thehill.com
Putin says Nord Stream sabotage is 'act of international terrorism'
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that major leaks which suddenly erupted in the Nord Stream gas pipelines running from Russia to Europe were an "act of international terrorism".
Lake Mead water crisis is exposing volcanic rock from eruptions 12 million years ago | CNN
Scientists are taking advantage of Lake Mead’s low water level to study sediment that hasn’t been exposed in nearly a century.
www.cnn.com
Justice Department questions Trump attorney Bobb over classified records at Mar-a-Lago
Bobb signed a statement attesting that the Trump legal team found a small number of government files at Mar-a-Lago two months before the FBI search.
www.usatoday.com
LA City Council member resigns over racist comments
Los Angeles City Council member Nury Martinez has announced her resignation after racist comments came to light.
Treasury Department watchdog is examining DeSantis' flights carrying migrants to Martha's Vineyard | CNN Politics
The Treasury Department’s inspector general is examining Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ flights carrying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, including whether the Sunshine State improperly used Covid relief funds to transfer the migrants, according to a letter provided to Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey.
www.cnn.com
India’s energy future is looking green, report says
India’s renewables sector is booming, with the country projected to add 35 to 40 gigawatts of renewable energy annually until 2030, enough to power up to 30 million more homes each year, a report said Thursday.
apnews.com
California attorney general to investigate L.A. City Council after leak of audio with racist remarks
The probe will determine whether state and federal laws tied to voting rights and transparency were broken, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden: Middle East deal will boost gas extraction in Mediterranean, stabilize region
Months of U.S.-brokered negotiations have led to a major breakthrough in relations between Israel and Lebanon over a disputed maritime border.
www.usatoday.com
2nd kidnapping reported at Ukraine nuclear power plant amid 'unacceptable' conditions
The alleged kidnapping of top officials at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant comes amid increased tensions at the facility and in the region.
New ads attack Mehmet Oz for animal abuse
“Puppy killer Mehmet Oz should be under investigation for animal abuse—not running for U.S. Senate,” Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Veronica Yoo said in a statement.
www.politico.com
Britain to donate air defence missiles to Ukraine
Britain said it would donate air defence missiles capable of shooting down cruise missiles to Ukraine in the wake of Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities in recent days.
O’Reilly says he won’t take Mar-a-Lago probe seriously unless DOJ charges Trump
Bill O’Reilly on Wednesday decried the investigation into former President Trump’s handling of documents after his presidency, saying he views the probe as ridiculous until prosecutors charge Trump…
thehill.com
Russia arrests 8 in bridge explosion as missile attacks in Ukraine lead to nuclear plant blackout
An explosion Saturday on the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, caused parts of it to collapse.
www.cbsnews.com
NBC reporter's comment about Fetterman draws criticism
An NBC News correspondent who interviewed Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman says her reporting should not be seen as a commentary on his fitness for office after a stroke.
apnews.com
Kerala's TJ Joseph: The Indian teacher whose hand was cut off for an exam paper
A teacher whose hand was cut off by extremists for setting an exam paper reflects on his losses.
www.bbc.co.uk
Kanye West's episode of LeBron James' 'The Shop’ pulled for alleged 'hate speech'
Kanye West's upcoming appearance on HBO's "The Shop: Uninterrupted" will no longer air, according to the CEO of the company that produces the series.
Sarah Matthews: Trump is a threat to democracy
Former deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews on Wednesday said former President Trump is a threat to democracy and called out his false claims that the 2020 presidential election was st…
thehill.com
Nebraska gov spent over $1.3M boosting GOP gubernatorial candidate who may appoint him US senator
Gov. Pete Ricketts spent $1.3M to help Jim Pillen win GOP gubernatorial primary to replace him. If he wins the election, Pillen may appoint Ricketts as next senator from Nebraska.
3 Navy officers reprimanded in death of SEAL trainee
Navy officials and a new report say the Naval Special Warfare Command has reprimanded three officers in connection with the February death of a SEAL candidate.
apnews.com
NotedDC — Election deniers angle for seats in Congress
2020 SAW AN INFLUX in the number of MAGA-aligned Republicans winning seats in Congress, with figures such as Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and&nb…
thehill.com
NATO sets sights on rebuilding Ukraine’s defense industry
“It's about shifting away from Soviet equipment," one NATO official said.
www.politico.com
Tulsi Gabbard plans to campaign for GOP Senate candidate Don Bolduc after suddenly leaving Democratic Party
Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard will campaign with GOP New Hampshire Senate candidate Don Bolduc after announcing her exit from the Democratic Party.
New debate drama emerges in race for Arizona governor
Kari Lake, the Republican candidate for Arizona governor, blasted a Phoenix PBS affiliate Wednesday for scheduling an interview with her Democratic rival, Katie Hobbs, saying the move makes it easier for Hobbs to avoid a debate. A state commission that organizes political debates abruptly...
Texas family of 5 sentenced in Jan. 6 case
The mother and father received brief prison sentences, while the adult children were given probation for their roles in the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
www.cbsnews.com
Explainer: Why Russia's missiles on Ukraine have limited impact
Russia's biggest air strikes against Ukraine since the start of the war killed at least 19 people, drove thousands of Ukrainians back into air raid shelters and knocked out electricity in hundreds of towns and villages.
US deploying delegation to Haiti amid security and humanitarian crises | CNN Politics
The Biden administration dispatched a high-level delegation to Port-au-Prince Wednesday following the Haitian prime minister’s and UN secretary-general’s requests for assistance to address the nation’s humanitarian and security crises.
www.cnn.com
Andy Warhol, Prince at center stage in Supreme Court case
Andy Warhol and Prince held center stage in a copyright case before the Supreme Court on Wednesday that veered from Cheerios and “Mona Lisa” analogies to Justice Clarence Thomas’ enthusiasm for the “Purple Rain” showman.
apnews.com
Reporter's Notebook: A warning for Congress after the November midterms
After the election in November, Congress has a heavy schedule that might keep Capitol Hill busy through Christmas, regardless of who wins the midterms
Cosmetic reforms in Manchin permitting bill aren’t enough to improve US energy woes
Amid spiraling energy prices, it was hoped that Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) “permitting reform” bill would address the gauntlet of permitting hurdles blocking energy production and delivery. Inste…
thehill.com
Uber and Lyft shares slump on US 'gig' economy plan
Tens of millions of people work in the global gig economy across services like food delivery and transport.
www.bbc.com
Biden, in Colorado, designates his 1st new national monument
President Joe Biden designated the first national monument of his administration at Camp Hale, a World War II-era training site in Colorado.
apnews.com
Biden admin official privately briefed former employers' donors on energy policy, text messages show
Top Federal Energy Regulatory Commission official Allison Clements attended a private event in January with funders of her former employer the Energy Foundation, records showed.
The many, many legal problems of Donald Trump | CNN Politics
On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that Donald Trump must sit for a deposition in a defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll, a woman who says Trump raped her in the 1990s.
www.cnn.com
To hold House, Democrats eye GOP-held districts won by Biden
A congressional district in Michigan that includes Grand Rapids hasn't had a Democratic House member in decades.
apnews.com
Ethics and impact of drone strikes — "Intelligence Matters"
Georgetown law professor Mitt Regan discusses his new book "Drone Strike: Analyzing the Impacts of Targeted Killing" with Michael Morell on "Intelligence Matters."
www.cbsnews.comWhy Biden’s SEC chief is enraging Wall Street
Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler is expected to propose major changes to the rules governing the stock market.
www.politico.com
Wall St ends volatile day lower after Fed minutes, PPI
U.S. stocks ended a choppy session slightly lower on Wednesday after minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting showed policymakers agreed they needed to maintain a more restrictive policy stance.
Durbin admits Biden's Saudi Arabia outreach, fist bump 'didn't work'
Sen. Dick Durbin said Wednesday that previous efforts by President Biden to reach out to and fist bump Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "didn't work."
Your guide to the California governor's election: Gavin Newsom vs. Brian Dahle
With his second-place finish in California's June primary, Northern California Republican state Sen.
Scientists grow human brain cells in rats to study diseases
Scientists at Stanford University have transplanted human brain cells into the brains of baby rats, where they grew and formed connections.
apnews.com
Trevor Noah will depart ‘The Daily Show’ as host in early December
Trevor Noah will host his last episode of “The Daily Show” on Dec. 8, ending a seven-year run with Comedy Central’s late-night program. The network announced Wednesday that the show wi…
thehill.com
Virginia's Youngkin to campaign with Oregon GOP gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan following Biden visit
Virginia GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin will appear at a campaign rally in Oregon next week to endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan.
Police believe missing Georgia toddler is dead, boy's mom considered only suspect
Police brought search dogs to the home of a toddler who mysteriously vanished one week ago.
Supreme Court reverses lower court decision which allowed undated mail-in ballots to be counted in Pennsylvania
The Supreme Court ruling overturned an appeals court decision which stated that the state election law's requirement of a date next to the voter's signature on the outside of return envelopes was "immaterial."
www.cbsnews.com
NASA releases new images of 'fingerprint-like' dust rings from Webb telescope
NASA on Wednesday released a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope of dust rings caused by two stars closely interacting with each other.
Leading GOP megadonor to stay neutral in 2024 primary
Prospective Republican presidential candidates have been seeking face time with Miriam Adelson as they prepare for a potential campaign.
www.politico.com
Freedom Convoy: Trudeau to testify at Emergencies Act inquiry
The hearings will investigate Canada's use of emergency powers to clear last winter's convoy protests.
www.bbc.com
California’s Salton Sea is shrinking because of Colorado River water shortage, research finds
The water levels of California’s most polluted lake, the Salton Sea, have been dropping for more than two decades, exposing people in nearby communities to toxic chemicals. Now, scientists might …
thehill.com
Trial underway for U.K. nurse accused of killing 7 babies, attempting to kill 10 others
A prosecutor described Lucy Letby as a “constant malevolent presence” at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit when the children collapsed or died. She has pleaded not guilty.
www.nbcnews.com
George Soros provides another $1M boost to Stacey Abrams' candidacy
George Soros has pushed another $1 million into One Georgia Inc., a leadership committee formed to boost Stacey Abrams' second shot at becoming the Peach State's governor.
Survivor of deadliest human smuggling case in US history speaks out
Marvin Gomez was trapped inside a sweltering tractor-trailer en route to America. He lived to tell his story, while 53 of his fellow migrants died.
North Korea says it practiced firing nuclear-capable cruise missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles, state media reported on Thursday, calling it a test to confirm the reliability and operation of nuclear-capable weapons deployed to military units.
State knew of increased health care costs months before higher premiums were approved
The premium increases could lead to more local governments leaving the State Health Benefits Program, a move that would whittle away premium money and potentially drive up costs even further.
www.politico.com
Griner worried she will have to serve out her 9-year sentence in Russia: lawyer
A lawyer for Brittney Griner told The New York Times in an interview that the WNBA star is growing anxious about her detainment in Russia and worries that U.S. officials will not be able to secure …
thehill.com
Buccaneers' Tom Brady purchases Major League Pickleball expansion team
Tom Brady and an investment group bought a Major League Pickleball expansion team. Retired tennis superstar Kim Clijsters is also involved in the investment group.
They angled for a $28,000 payout. After viral video, 2 fishermen were charged with cheating.
Jacob Runyan and Chase Cominsky were indicted on multiple charges after a video showed their catch apparently stuffed with lead weights.
www.nbcnews.com
US clears updated COVID boosters for kids as young as 5
Kids as young as 5 can soon get updated COVID-19 booster shots. The tweaked boosters rolled out last month for Americans 12 and older — shots designed to target the currently spreading omicron variants.
apnews.com
11.5M Americans have received updated COVID booster: CDC
CDC data shows that only 11.5 million Americans have received the updated COVID-19 booster.
Europe likely entering another COVID wave, says WHO and ECDC
Another wave of COVID-19 infections may have begun in Europe as cases begin to tick up across the region, the World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said on Wednesday.
Tourists flock to Taiwan as COVID entry restrictions eased
Taiwan has lifted all its COVID-19 entry restrictions, allowing tourists unfettered access to the self-ruled island after over 2 1/2 years of closed borders.
apnews.com
Covid-19 treatment Paxlovid can interact with common heart medications, doctors warn | CNN
Covid-19 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of developing severe illness and could benefit most from the Covid-19 treatment Paxlovid – but there’s a catch.
www.cnn.com
Iodine pills in short supply after Finland updates guideline
Many pharmacies in Finland have run out of iodine tablets a day after the Nordic country’s health ministry recommended that households purchase a single dose in a case of radiation hazard emergency amid increasing fears of a nuclear incident due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
apnews.com
Insight: When Chinese protesters came up against Xi's security machine
Jack Yao, a Chinese Communist Party member, never wanted to be an activist.
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases following COVID-19
Researchers explore the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
www.news-medical.net
'Africa on its own': Little help in epidemics, says official
Africa must plan to respond effectively to disease outbreaks without outside help, a top public health official said Wednesday, warning that the continent of 1.3 billion people is “on its own” during pandemics.
apnews.com
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose in Younger Age Groups
The FDA authorized the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent for use as a single booster dose in younger age gro
Nearly Half of Covid Patients Haven’t Fully Recovered Months Later, Study Finds
The findings strengthened calls from scientists for more expansive care options for long Covid patients.
Many Americans admit lying about COVID-19 in a new survey. Here’s their rationale
University of Utah Health researchers helped lead a national project and discovered that many people weren’t honest about their adherence to COVID-19 rules
www.deseret.com
First Thing: WHO chief urges action to tackle ‘devastating’ long Covid
Calls for sustained efforts to help people experiencing ‘prolonged suffering’. Plus, Saudi Arabia to face consequences
