(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Jan. 6 committee eyes referring criminal charges for Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is considering recommending the Justice Department pursue an unprecedented criminal charge of insurrection and two other counts against former President Donald Trump.
Pentagon has received "several hundreds" of new reports of UFOs and unidentified phenomena
But there's no evidence so far of alien life, the Defense Department said Friday.
www.cbsnews.com
Inside the ugly fight to become the next Republican chair
The Republican National Committee is currently consumed by an increasingly nasty leadership fight as the GOP navigates election losses and its delicate relationship with Donald Trump.
apnews.com
Top House intel Republican says committee will subpoena intel community over COVID origins
GOP Rep. Mike Turner also says Russian President Vladimir Putin has "doubled down" on his war on Ukraine.
www.cbsnews.com
US court rejects maintaining COVID-19 asylum restrictions
An appeals court rejected efforts to keep in place pandemic-related restrictions on immigrants seeking asylum.
apnews.com
Biden urges veterans to seek health benefits under new law
President Joe Biden has visited a National Guard facility in Delaware to talk about expanded veterans benefits for exposure to toxins under legislation that he signed in August.
apnews.com
Status of Trump tax returns to be focus of Tuesday congressional hearing
The House Ways and Means committee scheduled a meeting on Tuesday for "consideration" of the former president's tax returns.
www.nbcnews.com
Court denies GOP states' effort to continue Title 42 border expulsions pending appeal
A federal appeals court on denied an effort by several Republican-led states to continue a Trump-era public health order to expel migrants immediately at the border.
FBI notified Twitter about users 'potentially' violating terms: Twitter Files
FBI employees regularly contacted Twitter workers to notify them of accounts that might be violating the company's terms of service, Twitter Files reveal.
McCarthy says 5 GOP opponents have not moved
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Friday said the five Republican lawmakers opposing his Speakership bid have not moved their stances, despite the two sides continuing conversation…
thehill.com
QAnon follower who chased officer on Jan. 6 gets 5 years
An Iowa construction worker has been sentenced to five years in prison after being at the center of of one of the most harrowing scenes of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S.
apnews.com
Garland moves to end disparities in crack cocaine sentencing
Attorney General Merrick Garland has taken action to end sentencing disparities that have imposed harsher penalties for different forms of cocaine and worsened racial inequity in the U.S. justice system.
apnews.com
Twitter condemned by UN and EU over reporters’ ban
The United Nations joins the EU in warning Elon Musk over a "disturbing" move to suspend journalists.
www.bbc.com
Trump comes out swinging for McCarthy, says defectors playing ‘dangerous game’ - Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump is coming out hard in support of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to become the next speaker of the House, arguing that the California Republican’s defectors are playing a “dangerous game.” Trump’s comments come as McCarthy faces an uphill battle in...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Schumer and Pelosi agree Biden should run again in 2024 instead of a younger Democrat
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer told CNN that President Joe Biden should seek re-election and that they do not believe Trump will be the 2024 GOP nominee.
Arizona judge approves Kari Lake’s requests to examine midterm ballots - Washington Examiner
A judge in Maricopa County, Arizona, has approved Republican Kari Lake's requests to inspect some ballots before the trial in her challenge to the Arizona gubernatorial race results. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson issued a ruling Thursday that approved three of Lake's four...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Elon Musk defends banning of journalists: ‘You dox, you get suspended’
Twitter CEO Elon Musk defended his decision to ban several prominent technology reporters from the platform on Thursday night, claiming they violated Twitter’s policies on “doxxing.” “Y…
thehill.com
Trump omits dinner with white nationalist in speech to Jews
Former President Donald Trump has told a conference of Orthodox Jews that he is their “best ally" without addressing his widely criticized meal with a white nationalist and a rapper who has spewed antisemitic conspiracies.
apnews.com
Christian nationalists - wanting to put God into US government
A right-wing Christian movement in the US is set on what it sees as its divine mission.
www.bbc.com
TSA finds record number of guns on passengers at checkpoints
The federal agency tasked with airport security says so far this year officers have stopped a record number of guns going through airport security.
apnews.com
Kyrsten Sinema files for reelection as an independent - Washington Examiner
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) filed paperwork to run for reelection in 2024 as an independent a week after she announced she was leaving the Democratic Party. The senior senator from the Grand Canyon State has not announced her candidacy but filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Elon Musk’s Twitter sparks backlash from lawmakers, pundits over suspension of journalists
Elon Musk's Twitter bans prompted one House member to say 'What's the deal?'; while an EU official threatened penalties.
DOJ examined contacts between Rep. Scott Perry and Trump allies pushing election fraud, unsealed filings show
Newly unsealed court filings reveal that investigators were looking at the GOP lawmaker's dealings with Trump lawyer John Eastman and two former Justice Department officials.
www.nbcnews.comHouse Dems poised to release Trump’s tax secrets
The move could pile on to the controversies surrounding the former president.
www.politico.com
Five things to know about the end of Title 42
When a federal judge in November declared Title 42 illegal, “with great reluctance” he allowed the Biden administration to keep implementing the border management policy for five weeks.…
thehill.com
North Carolina voter ID law had racially discriminatory intent, state Supreme Court says | CNN Politics
The North Carolina Supreme Court on Friday upheld a lower court ruling that struck down the state’s 2018 voter ID law, agreeing with the lower court that it had been passed with the intent of targeting Black voters who were unlikely to vote for Republicans.
www.cnn.com
Biden signs short-term bill to keep government open
President Biden on Friday signed a short-term funding bill to keep the government open through next week as congressional negotiators haggle over the details of a longer-term spending deal. Biden s…
thehill.com
Biden State Department launches 'China House' initiative, says Beijing is 'most complex' challenge
The Biden administration on Friday launched the “China House,” a new office of coordination to ensure the federal government is able to “responsibly manage” relations with China.
Pentagon's UFO investigation finds no evidence of alien origin
In its review of hundreds of UFO incidents, Pentagon officials say they have not seen evidence so far that any are from extraterrestrials.
US buying 3M barrels of oil to start replenishing reserves
The Biden administration says the U.S. is buying 3 million barrels of oil to begin to replenish U.S. strategic reserves that officials drained earlier this year to fight inflation.
apnews.com
Ukraine's second city Kharkiv without power after Russian strikes
Kharkiv suffers "colossal" damage as the latest wave of Russian strikes targets power supplies.
www.bbc.com
Democrats could divulge Trump tax details after key meeting next week - Washington Examiner
House Democrats are expected to vote on whether to divulge details about former President Donald Trump's tax returns during a key meeting next week. Last month, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) won access to Trump's tax returns, but the financial documents remained...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Desperate migrants are met with cold, no room at shelters after crossing the border
“There is no capacity in El Paso” shelters, said Fernando García, executive director for the Border Network for Human Rights. “We have been talking about this the last two years."
www.nbcnews.com
Pentagon’s UFO investigation finds no evidence of alien activity
The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence reported 144 encounters with UFOs between 2004 and 2021.
Donald Trump's first NFT collection sells out in less than a day
Trump-themed digital trading cards netted $4.5 million and are now being resold for 10 times their initial price.
www.cbsnews.com
Title 42 reversal will 'likely increase' migration, influx of Venezuelan migrants expected: DHS
The Department of Homeland Security expects an increase in migration with the rollback of Title 42.
January 6 defendant arrested for allegedly planning to kill FBI agents who had investigated him | CNN Politics
A Tennessee man already facing charges in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol was arrested for allegedly planning to kill FBI agents, including those who had been investigating him, the Justice Department announced Friday.
www.cnn.com
Democratic senator questions Twitter’s handling of child safety under Elon Musk
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin gave Musk until December 30 to answer questions about how the social media app is trying to stop the spread of child abuse material.
www.nbcnews.com
California's fifth-largest county votes to study secession amid crime crisis, soaring costs
The residents of San Bernardino County, California, voted to begin researching options to secede from the state due to rising crime and soaring costs of living.
Peru protests: President Dina Boluarte refuses to resign amid political crisis
President Boluarte renews her call for early elections as a way to curb violent street protests.
www.bbc.comJudge unseals new details of contacts among Rep. Perry, Trump-connected attorneys
The document addressed communications among the Pennsylvania Republican, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, his aide Ken Klukowski and conservative lawyer John Eastman.
www.politico.com
Jan. 6 committee to vote on at least three criminal referrals targeting Trump: reports
The Jan. 6 select committee is reportedly planning to vote on at least three criminal referrals targeting former President Trump on Monday, a significant step from the panel as it nears the end of …
thehill.com
Manchin bid to speed energy permits to reemerge in 2023
A push by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to speed permits for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects has failed in the current Congress, but could come back as soon as next month.
apnews.com
Traces of suspected cocaine found at former British Prime Minister Liz Truss’s residence - Washington Examiner
Traces of a drug suspected to be cocaine were found at a residence of former United Kingdom Prime Minister Liz Truss. The drug was discovered over the summer at Truss's former grace-and-favor home, a residence granted to leading officials during their time in office, the Guardian reported. A...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ukraine energy operator lifts emergency after Russian attacks
Ukrainian energy use dropped more than 50 percent after the Russian attacks, power grid operator Ukrenergo said.
Father of July 4 shooting suspect charged with 7 felonies
Legal experts have said it's rare for an accused shooter's parent or guardian to face charges — in part because it's difficult to prove such charges.
www.politico.com
Peru's accidental president fails to quell violent protests
It might be the world’s shortest political honeymoon. Almost since the moment last week when Dina Boluarte took over from the ousted leader Pedro Castillo to become Peru’s first female president, she has appealed for calm and a chance to govern.
apnews.com
Jan. 6 committee preparing criminal referral for Trump: Sources
The Jan. 6 committee is preparing to urge the DOJ to prosecute former President Trump on criminal charges during their meeting on Monday, sources told ABC News.
Lawmakers scramble to pass sprawling spending bill before Christmas - Washington Examiner
Congress has until Dec. 23 to complete and vote on a massive spending package to keep the federal government funded through the fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, after lawmakers in both chambers passed a stopgap extension earlier this week to allow more time for negotiations. Appropriations...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
White House mum on National Archives releasing hundreds of pages of emails about Hunter Biden, Burisma
The White House has refused to say whether it will invoke executive privilege to prevent the release of hundreds of Obama-era emails that could shed light on Hunter Biden and Burisma.
Treasury's financial stability watchdog says fraud is rampant in crypto markets
The crypto currency market is rife with fraud, failures to comply with existing laws and big swings in volatility, Treasury's financial stability watchdog said.
Capitol riot defendant planned to kill FBI agents who investigated him, unsealed filing alleges
Edward Kelley, 33, of Tennessee is accused of planning to kill the federal agents who worked on his investigation and attack the FBI’s field office in Knoxville.
www.nbcnews.com
Reno mayor sues after finding tracking device on vehicle
Reno's mayor is suing a private investigator and his company after finding a tracking device attached to her vehicle that was capable of tracking its real-time location.
apnews.com
Appeals court clears the way to end removal of migrants under Title 42, setting up Supreme Court review
At issue is a Trump-era policy known as Title 42 that permits the rapid expulsion of migrants over public health concerns because of COVID-19.
www.usatoday.com
Scenes from a celebration of the same-sex marriage law — at Mar-a-Lago
“We are fighting for the gay community, and we are fighting and fighting hard,” Donald Trump told a Log Cabin Republicans gala.
www.politico.com
Vermont's first trans lawmaker gets engaged at rainbow-lit White House
Vermont state Rep. Taylor Small said she wants her engagement to her partner, Carsen Russell, to show queer people that they can find the same joy.
www.nbcnews.com
White House to House Republicans: On funding government, be more like Senate GOP - Washington Examiner
EXCLUSIVE — The White House is ramping up pressure on House Republicans to work with Democrats and Senate Republicans in advancing an omnibus spending bill before the holidays, avoiding a government shutdown in the process.All but nine House Republicans voted against a one-week, stopgap funding...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Youngkin executive order bans TikTok from state computers
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has banned the use of several Chinese-owned apps including TikTok and WeChat on state government devices and wireless networks.
apnews.com
New Hampshire Gov. Sununu says Trump is ‘not the influence he thinks he is’ | CNN Politics
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said there’s an argument to be made that former President Donald Trump is “not the influence he thinks he is” – or even the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
www.cnn.com
DOJ charges Tennessee pro-life activists with violating FACE Act, still no arrests in Jane's Revenge attacks
The Department of Justice has announced charges against two individuals in New York for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
With growing backlog at the IRS, millions of Americans still waiting for their tax refunds
The IRS is already cautioning taxpayers not to count on getting their refund by any specific date in 2023.
www.cbsnews.com2nd Circuit tosses Connecticut transgender athlete challenge
The case could be the first in the nation to allow the Supreme Court to weigh in on transgender students' rights to play on teams that match their gender identity.
www.politico.com
Energy Dept vacates 1950s decision revoking security clearance for ‘father of the atomic bomb’ J. Robert Oppenheimer
The Biden administration is vacating a decades-old decision to revoke the security clearance of World War II-era scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is known today as the “father of the atomic bom…
thehill.com
White House hosts closed-door meetings of Biden political allies
The discussions focused on Biden's accomplishments in a clear sign that he's readying a re-election campaign.
www.nbcnews.com
Pentagon has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports
A new Pentagon office set up to track reports of unidentified flying objects has received “several hundreds” of new reports, but no evidence so far of alien life.
apnews.com
California is pushing forward with its bloated reparations plan - Washington Examiner
In a development that absolutely everyone could see coming, California’s plan to pay reparations to black residents has become more bloated and more confusing as it moves forward.California’s reparations task force met in Oakland on Wednesday to discuss the reparations plan and, according to the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ukraine war live updates: New Russian missile attack rocks country, hits power grid
A new wave of Russian missile attacks hit the capital Kyiv and the wider country on Friday morning.
Sam Bankman-Fried's political donations totaled millions. FTX could sue to recover them.
Sam Bankman-Fried and two of his closest colleagues at FTX donated nearly $80 million to political campaigns. Much of it could be clawed back.
www.usatoday.com
Arizona Republican loses election lawsuit in secretary of state race
An Arizona judge has dismissed a lawsuit from Mark Finchem, the Republican nominee for secretary of state who challenged the results in his race, confirming Democrat Adrian Fontes’s victory in the …
thehill.com
White House insists it is preparing for Title 42 expiration, won't say how
The White House has repeated its assurances that the US government is preparing for the rollback of Title 42 policies expected to spike illegal border crossings.
The View hosts split on whether Meghan and Harry did Netflix doc for money - Washington Examiner
The hosts of The View were split on their opinions of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix documentary series Thursday, particularly on whether the royal couple did the documentary for money. Co-hosts Sara Haines and Sunny Hostin claimed the couple had created the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Musk cheerleaders and conservatives criticize journalist suspensions
Journalists from outlets like the New York Times and CNN were suspended from Twitter Thursday night, along with Twitter competitor Mastodon.
www.nbcnews.com
Russians find asylum lifeline to US, but at a high price
The pastor of a San Diego-area church promises to arrange entry to the United States for Russian-speaking asylum-seekers through connections with U.S. officials and unnamed “opportunists” who guarantee customers' safety in Mexico
US poised to ban shark fin trade, pleasing conservationists
The U.S. is poised to ban the lucrative trade in shark fins, a move conservationists hope will help protect millions of sharks that are butchered every year to satisfy demand in China and other parts of Asia.
apnews.com
Protesters charged with harassing women entering Planned Parenthood
Two protesters from Tennessee surrendered Friday to face federal charges in New York for routinely harassing women entering a Planned Parenthood clinic in Manhattan.
Oregon GOP state Sen. with stormy political career resigns
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Republican state senator who once led Oregon's GOP party, and who railed against pandemic safety measures, Democratic senators and even members of his own party, has abruptly resigned as a lawmaker.
apnews.com
What to know about the journalists Elon Musk suspended from Twitter this week
Twitter suspended the accounts of several journalists this week, including reporters from the Times, Post, CNN and other outlets.
www.usatoday.com
North Carolina Supreme Court rejects 'racially discriminatory' voter ID law and state electoral map
Both cases were decided 4-3 along party lines, with all the high court’s Democratic justices voting in the majority and all Republicans dissenting.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump could face three criminal referrals after final Jan. 6 committee meeting: Report - Washington Examiner
Members of the Jan. 6 committee are expected to vote next Monday on whether to issue a criminal referral for former President Donald Trump on three different charges, according to a report. Among the charges currently slated for consideration are: insurrection, obstruction of an official...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
New documents show top Trump officials disregarded concerns by State Dept. staff in relaxing sanctions on Israeli "Blood Diamond" magnate
Businessman Dan Gertler received broad relief from sanctions in Trump administration's final days.
www.cbsnews.com
Capitol riot: Committee to seek charges for Trump - reports
The committee will reportedly seek an unprecedented charge of insurrection against an ex-US president.
www.bbc.com
Pelosi pushes to include TikTok ban in $1.7 trillion spending bill
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to see the yearlong spending bill include legislation banning social media giant TikTok from federal government devices
Judge to halt provision making California gun suits costlier
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal judge on Friday said he will block a provision in a new California law to take effect next year that gun advocates argued was designed to hinder anyone from challenging the state's famously restrictive gun laws.
apnews.com
Amazon cited by OSHA for warehouse injury report failures
Amazon has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to record workplace injuries and illnesses.
Doug Jensen, Capitol rioter among first in building, sentenced to 60 months in prison
An Iowa construction worker, Doug Jensen, is easily spotted in pictures from Jan. 6 thanks to the "Q" tee shirt he wore that day, an homage to QAnon.
www.usatoday.com
DOJ charges Tennessee pro-life activists with violating FACE Act, still no arrests in Jane's Revenge attacks
The Department of Justice has announced charges against two individuals in New York for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
UN postpones decision on ambassadors from Myanmar, Taliban, Libya
UN recognising ambassadors from Myanmar’s military, the Taliban, and Libya’s east would be seen a conferring legitimacy.
Joe Kennedy III expected to be named as special envoy to Northern Ireland | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden is expected to name former congressman Joe Kennedy III as his special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs, according to two people familiar with the plans, installing a member of one of the United States’ most famous political families to the post at a critical...
www.cnn.com
Los Angeles’s hefty ‘mansion tax’ for homeless spooks the wealthy - Washington Examiner
Wealthy Los Angeles homeowners with an eye on selling their homes are reeling over a new “mansion tax” that could put them on the hook for millions of dollars as part of an effort to aid the homeless, realtors say.Thanks to the passage of United to House LA, any resident selling their mansion at $5
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Brittney Griner speaks out for 1st time since being released from Russian prison
Brittney Griner thanked her family and friends and credited her faith for surviving her time in custody on Friday in her first comments since being released from Russia.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is 'optimistic' Congress will pass an omnibus spending bill
Congress passed a short-term spending bill that will keep the government open as lawmakers negotiate the appropriations package for the fiscal year.
www.usatoday.com
Father of Highland Park parade shooting suspect charged with reckless conduct
Robert E. Crimo Jr. turned himself in Friday and was released on $50,000 cash bond Saturday . Prosecutors said he helped his son buy the weapon used in the deadly July Fourth shooting.
www.nbcnews.com
Tourists stranded in Machu Picchu amid Peru protests | CNN
International visitors struggle to leave Peru’s ancient attraction after trains and flights are suspended amid violent unrest following the arrest of President Pedro Castillo.
www.cnn.com
NFL executive compares combine to ‘slave auction’ at meeting: Report - Washington Examiner
The NFL's executive vice president of football operations, Troy Vincent, reportedly compared the league's player combine to a "slave auction" at a league meeting Wednesday. The comparison prompted backlash from several team owners who argued it was necessary to evaluate incoming players before...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Immigration bill to abolish per-country green card caps pulled amid bipartisan opposition
House Democratic leadership has pulled a controversial immigration bill that would have scrapped per-country green card caps amid opposition from Democrats and Republicans.
University of California reaches deal with striking grad student workers
The university system agreed to raises after the teachers and researchers complained they couldn't afford rent.
www.nbcnews.com
Senate passes defense bill rescinding COVID vaccine mandate
A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense has passed the Senate and now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
apnews.com
Twitter suspends journalists who wrote about owner Elon Musk
Twitter has suspended the accounts of journalists who cover the social media platform and its new owner Elon Musk.
apnews.comUkraine war live updates: New Russian missile attack rocks country, hits power grid
A new wave of Russian missile attacks hit the capital Kyiv and the wider country on Friday morning.
Senate sends Biden bill to keep gov't open through Dec. 23
The Senate has passed legislation to fund the government for an additional week as lawmakers race to finish work on a full-year spending package before they head home for the holidays and a new Congress is sworn in.
apnews.com
‘Twitter Files’ fuel House GOP probes, censorship claims
House Republicans are rallying around Elon Musk’s “Twitter Files” to fuel their accusations of anti-conservative censorship, previewing the hostile tech agenda the GOP will launch when the party ta…
thehill.comSenate sends Biden bill to keep gov't open through Dec. 23
The Senate has passed legislation to fund the government for an additional week as lawmakers race to finish work on a full-year spending package before they head home for the holidays and a new Congress is sworn in.
apnews.com
AOC, Elon Musk spar after Twitter CEO suspends CNN, NYT, WaPo journos for posting 'assassination coordinates'
Twitter CEO Elon Musk feuded with Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez among others Thursday night, hours after suspending several liberal journalists.
Ukraine's second city Kharkiv without power after Russian strikes
Kharkiv suffers "colossal" damage as the latest wave of Russian strikes targets power supplies.
www.bbc.com
House Democrats introduce legislation to bar Trump from office under 14th Amendment
A group of 40 House Democrats, led by Rep. David Cicilline (R.I.), introduced legislation on Thursday to bar former President Trump from holding future federal office under the 14th Amendment. Sect…
thehill.com
Russia launches another major missile attack on Ukraine
Ukraine's capital came under one of the biggest attacks of the war as Russia’s invading forces fired dozens of missiles across the country.
apnews.com
Democrats criticize Elon Musk for suspending journalists covering Twitter
Rep. Lori Trahan said the company’s move to suspend a number of high-profile journalists seemed to run counter to assurances she received from Twitter officials the same day.
www.nbcnews.com
Stefanik slams Pentagon for late review of diversity official: 'Coverup of their radical woke agenda’
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said the Department of Defense is attempting to cover up its review of a diversity official with a history of anti-White tweets.
US recession a growing fear as Fed plans to keep rates high
After scaling 40-year highs, inflation in the United States has been slowly easing since summer. Yet the Federal Reserve seems decidedly unimpressed — and unconvinced that its fight against accelerating prices is anywhere near over.
apnews.com
Former aide sues NY AG Letitia James, ex chief of staff over suspected cover-up of alleged sexual assault
A former aide for New York Attorney General Letitia James is accusing her of covering up sexual misconduct by her former chief of staff
So long, California: Major county votes to study secession
One of California’s largest counties will consider whether to secede and establish a new state, a largely symbolic move driven by economic stress and frustration with state government.
apnews.comSchumer makes last-ditch push for cannabis banking bill
This is likely the last opportunity for a bipartisan group of supporters to get a cannabis bill across the finish line in this Congress.
www.politico.com
Binance was once FTX's rival and possible savior. Now it's trying not to be its sequel
Binance temporarily froze withdrawals after customers withdrew more than $1 billion worth of crypto on Tuesday, fueling fears more crypto companies could collapse.
www.npr.org
Number of executions continued to fall this year but many were botched, report says
The report called 2022 the "Year of the Botched Execution" as seven of the 20 execution attempts in the U.S. were visibly problematic or took an inordinate amount of time.
www.cbsnews.com
The two Joes: The delicate dance between Biden and Manchin continues - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) have had a rough-and-tumble relationship over the last two years but are now teaming up, as they'll need each other during the next two. Biden stepped out Thursday morning to offer his full support for a permitting reform effort Manchin has been...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Benjamin Netanyahu: Peace with Saudi Arabia would ‘end the Arab-Israeli conflict’ - Washington Examiner
EXCLUSIVE — Benjamin Netanyahu has served as prime minister of Israel for more time than anyone else in the country’s history. But as he prepares to return to office, he’s setting another ambitious goal: a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia that would, he told the Washington Examiner in an...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US court rejects maintaining COVID-19 asylum restrictions
An appeals court rejected efforts to keep in place pandemic-related restrictions on immigrants seeking asylum
Louisiana officers charged in Black motorist’s deadly arrest
Five Louisiana law enforcement officers have been charged with state crimes for their roles in the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene.
apnews.com
US-China chip war: How the technology dispute is playing out
Washington announced some of the broadest export controls on chipmakers in October.
www.bbc.com
Early Trump 'reset' highlights distance from 2016 to 2024: The Note
The first month of the third Trump campaign might be remembered for how former President Donald Trump himself was nowhere to be seen but everywhere to be found.
Banning TikTok? Restrictions on the popular video app are spreading across the US
Why are lawmakers focused on TikTok, an app many Americans know as a place to learn viral dance challenges? Here's what you need to know.
www.usatoday.com
Twitter employee donations almost exclusively benefited Democrats during the midterm elections
More than 99% of Twitter employee donations for the midterm elections went to Democratic politicians and party committees, a trend that has continued for years.
The Hill’s Morning Report — Government shutdown averted as Senate passes spending bill
Editor’s note: The Hill’s Morning Report is our daily newsletter that dives deep into Washington’s agenda. To subscribe, click here or fill out the box below. Senators on Thursday passed a short-te…
thehill.comBiden launches ‘China House’ to counter Beijing’s growing clout
State deems the new section essential to avoiding blind spots in the U.S.-China relationship.
www.politico.com
Fate of Electoral Count Reform Act now tied to omnibus spending bill - Washington Examiner
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running out of time to pass legislation to close loopholes in the electoral vote-counting process before the end of the year, when Democrats will relinquish control over the House of Representatives, making it more difficult to pass. Earlier this week, Senate...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
GOP-controlled Ohio Legislature passes election bill to require photo ID at the polls
The legislation now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk. The Republican governor has not yet indicated whether he'll sign it.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukraine stalemate sets stage for possible winter escalation
With the war in Ukraine grinding through its 10th month, both sides are locked in a stalemated battle of attrition, which could set the stage for a new round of escalation.
apnews.com
Everyone can now agree – the US has a border crisis | CNN Politics
A pointless argument battered Washington for much of this year over whether the southern US border is in crisis. But no one is now doubting the chaos and potential migrant surge that could be triggered by an imminent policy shift next week.
www.cnn.com
A century and counting: Ukraine's ongoing fight to free itself from Russia
This month marks 100 years since Ukraine joined the Soviet Union. It did so after Ukraine lost in a bid for independence. Ukraine once again finds itself in another life-and-death battle with Moscow.
www.npr.org
Senate passes National Defense Authorization Act, bill heads to President Biden
The U.S. Senate passed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday night after the House of Representatives approved it, and now heads to President Biden's desk.
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Putin suspends key US-Russia nuclear treaty in speech denouncing West
Live updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Sasse's exit from Senate prompts GOP unease over replacement
Outgoing Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is expected to be appointed to the state's U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Ben Sasse.
apnews.com
Ohio Republican takes steps to launch Senate challenge against vulnerable Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2024
Ohio Republican Matt Dolan is taking concrete steps that could set him up for a second straight run for the Senate when Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is up for reelection in 2024.
Former US President Donald Trump sells out NFT trading cards
The former US president flogs 'gifts' showing him as a superhero, astronaut and Nascar driver.
www.bbc.com
Senate passes annual defense spending bill, rescinds military COVID vaccine requirement
The measure now goes to President Biden's desk for his signature.
www.cbsnews.com
US charges China student with stalking peer who put up pro-democracy fliers
The music student is charged with threatening the girl for posting fliers urging more freedom in China.
www.bbc.com
Ukraine power grid operator lifts state of emergency
All the updates from December 16 as they happened.
China has far surpassed the US as an economic player in Africa. Can Biden change that?
African leaders came to President Biden's summit to gauge Washington’s seriousness in becoming a more reliable partner than it’s been in the past.
www.usatoday.com
D.C. bar panel finds Giuliani violated attorney rules in bid to overturn 2020 election
The three-member disciplinary committee agreed that Rudy Giuliani’s handling of litigation in Pennsylvania crossed ethical lines.
www.politico.com
The big story on the market downturn: The wealth bubble is popping
The implications are huge for economies, fiscal and monetary policy, investors and savers everywhere.
thehill.com
Landslide at Malaysia campground kills 21, leaves 12 missing
A thunderous crush of soil and debris has killed 21 people, including several children, at a campground in Malaysia.
apnews.com
Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden administration is 'prepared' for end of Title 42
Karine Jean-Pierre spoke briefly about the expiration of Title 42, though she did not speak about the number of immigrants expected to enter the U.S.
McCarthy's campaign for speaker could complicate his holding the gavel: The Note
Kevin McCarthy has been now working, in public and in private, to hold up a spending package that would avert a government shutdown
Will the fusion breakthrough ignite a Congressional chain reaction?
Rep. Don Beyer says this week’s breakthrough could be a turning point for both science and civilization.
www.politico.com
Daughters of Americans imprisoned in Iran appeal to Biden for action
The president's special envoy for hostage affairs said, "Whether someone receives a meeting with the president or not ... we’re always still working these cases.”
www.nbcnews.com
White House zeroes in on Republicans to work with as new reality sets in | CNN Politics
Facing a dramatically narrowed path to passing legislation next year, the White House has started to zero in on potential openings that Republicans’ precariously slim, four-seat House majority may create.
www.cnn.com
Huge Berlin aquarium bursts, spilling 1,500 fish onto road
The aquarium was home to around 1,500 exotic fish and spilled 1 million liters of water and debris onto a major road.
Oregon's LGBTQ community worries that a new law will keep them from obtaining guns
Oregon's Measure 114 gives county sheriffs and police chiefs discretion to determine who qualifies to purchase a firearm. Opponents say the criteria to make those decisions is ambiguous.
www.npr.orgUkraine power grid operator lifts state of emergency
All the updates from December 16 as they happened.
At World Cup, women shrug off worries over dress codes
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Coming from Brazil for the World Cup in Qatar, Daniela Crawford had been worried about conservative dress codes.
apnews.com
Senate GOP faces politics vs. policy battle on marijuana
The omnibus package is on the path to passage, but the expected exclusion of marijuana banking reform has spawned a battle in the Senate GOP. For months, top Democrats and a number of Republicans h…
thehill.com
Biden strategy in court on Title 42 reflects effort to preserve agency power, observers say
The Biden administration has found itself caught between conflicting federal court rulings on a Trump public health policy that impacts immigration.
www.usatoday.com
Americans accused of supporting and raising money for ISIS
They're accused of trying to attract financial support for the terrorist group using Bitcoin and sites like GoFundMe.
www.cbsnews.com
She Testified to Congress About Being Sexually Assaulted. Now She’s Being Sued.
A case brought by an entrepreneur who lost his job after an ex-employee told a House committee about his allegedly abusive behavior challenges protections for those who testify before Congress.
www.politico.com
Why it matters where Sinema caucuses after leaving the Democratic Party
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema may have left the Democratic Party, but she still will associate with the left as an independent in the Democrat-controlled Senate
Ukraine power grid operator lifts state of emergency
All the updates from December 16 as they happened.
Dow closes more than 200 points lower, falls for a second straight week as recession fears grow
Investors continued looking at new data for signs into the future health of the economy.
Drivers are stuck in limbo as world's oil supply reshuffles
Drivers in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere are getting a break from the record-high pump prices that they endured over the summer.
apnews.com
Viral video shows Black N.C. college student being led out of class in handcuffs after a dispute with her professor
The arrest at Winston-Salem State University, which has been viewed millions of times on TikTok, has prompted online debate about whether police intervention was necessary to de-escalate the situation.
www.nbcnews.com
Once-classified files on JFK's assassination released by Biden. What we know
President Joe Biden ordered the release of JFK files Thursday, sourced from thousands of documents tied to Kennedy's death.
www.usatoday.com
U.S. slaps restrictions on Chinese chipmaker and other companies over national security worries
The new designations also take aim at Russia-linked entities supporting that country's military invasion of Ukraine, the Commerce Department said.
Daniel Duggan: US formally requests ex-marine's extradition from Australia
Daniel Duggan is accused of breaking American arms control laws by training Chinese fighter pilots.
www.bbc.com
Analysis: US Patriots could protect Ukraine’s power grid; Russia threatens ‘unpredictable consequences’ | CNN Politics
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s power grid are targeting the entire population, casting people into darkness and cold, and pushing the US closer to sending the Patriot missile defense system long sought by Ukraine’s government.
www.cnn.com
White House claims Biden has 'done the work' on border, despite historic migrant crisis
The White House is defending the Biden administration's handling of the crisis at the southern border, ahead of the end of Title 42 -- and a potential surge -- next week.
Virginia Dems squeeze House special election into one breakneck week
The race hinges on a Tuesday "firehouse primary" and includes a controversial and outsize character in Virginia politics.
www.politico.comUkraine power grid operator lifts state of emergency
All the updates from December 16 as they happened.
Douglas Emhoff tours 988 call center for mental health
Vice President Kamala Harris' husband has visited 988 call center that's part of the recently launched national hotline intended to help anyone experiencing a mental health emergency.
apnews.com
Senate sends $858 billion defense bill to Biden’s desk
The Senate on Thursday passed the annual defense authorization bill, sending the $858 billion measure to President Biden’s desk for signature just before the year-end deadline. The measure, formall…
thehill.com
A Point of View: JFK and the rise of conspiracy theories
It's 50 years since Kennedy's assassination. Will Self wonders if this was when Westerners started to distrust official accounts.
www.bbc.com
POLITICO Playbook: Kevin. Elon. Trump.
And Biden said Thursday he will visit sub-Saharan Africa next year.
www.politico.com
Trump’s former national security advisor backs McCarthy’s no ‘blank check’ on Ukraine
Former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien put his support behind remarks from Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) that the U.S. should not sign a “blank check” on Ukraine in an interview with The H…
thehill.com
Lawmakers quick to unload FTX founder's contributions
Lawmakers who eagerly accepted piles of cash from Samuel Bankman-Fried now can’t move fast enough to offload contributions from the disgraced crypto mogul to anywhere but their own campaign coffers.
apnews.com
‘Butcher of Gujarat’, ‘epicentre of terror’: A war of words at UN
Pakistani minister calls India’s Modi ‘butcher of Gujarat’ after Jaishankar said Pakistan is ‘epicentre of terrorism’.
Defense budget skyrockets as progressives lawmakers clamor for change
Progressive lawmakers are raising the alarm over a behemoth $858 billion defense authorization bill sent to President Biden’s desk by the Senate on Thursday. The price tag for the National Defense …
thehill.com
Analysis: What you need to know about the House speaker election | CNN Politics
Rep. Kevin McCarthy has a math problem, and he has to solve it by January 3. When the new Congress assembles on that date, it establishes a quorum, and then its first action will be a roll call vote to elect a new speaker. Not until after this election does the House get down to business.
www.cnn.com
GOP lawmakers want answers from Uber about drivers allegedly transporting drugs
Republicans, who are poised to take control of the House, sent a letter to Uber with questions about how the company prevents drug dealers from using its services.
www.nbcnews.com
Peru judge orders 18-month detention for ousted president
A Peruvian judge has ordered ousted President Pedro Castillo to remain in custody for 18 months, approving a request from authorities for time to build their rebellion case against him.
apnews.com
Black voter turnout was down in 2022. Democratic operatives are panicking about what it could mean for 2024 | CNN Politics
An informal group of Black elected officials has lit up over phone calls and texts since Election Day. They’re worried about Black turnout that continues to underperform and talking ideas about how to turn it around before the next presidential election.
www.cnn.com
Democrats press Jeffries to move quickly in picking campaign leader
House Democrats are urging their incoming leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), to move quickly in choosing the head of the party’s campaign arm, warning that a long delay will lend a strategic adva…
thehill.com
Ukraine launches ‘most massive strike’ on occupied Donetsk region since 2014, Russia-installed mayor says | CNN
Ukrainian forces have unleashed the biggest attack on the occupied Donetsk region since 2014, according to a Russia-installed official, in the wake of heavy fighting in the east of the country.
www.cnn.com
Is that Facebook account real? Meta reports "rapid rise" in AI-generated profile pictures
Publicly available technology enables anyone to create eerie deepfakes in seconds.
www.cbsnews.com
Bernie Sanders’ new challenge: Bipartisanship
The Vermont independent is taking over the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee with plans to both embrace his activist roots and work across the aisle.
www.politico.com
Step aside Florida and Ohio. Georgia is ready to be a political battleground
Is it purple? Georgia's status as a solid red state has been challenged in recent elections but not everyone is ready to say it's changing hue.
www.npr.org
South Africa's ANC party opens key conference amid scandal
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party has started its crucial national conference amid scandal and bitter divisions.
apnews.com
More adult children are living with their parents. Parents are not pleased
The share of adult children who live with their parents has ticked up in recent years. This just in: The parents don’t like it. A recent Pew survey found two-fifths of dads believe parents ho…
thehill.com
Federal judge says Biden can’t yet end Trump-era ‘Remain in Mexico’ immigration policy | CNN Politics
A federal judge in Texas has put on hold for now the Biden administration’s most recent attempt to end the so-called “Remain in Mexico” program.
www.cnn.com
Senate rejects Manchin’s energy permitting amendment to defense bill
The Senate has bucked Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) latest effort to get his energy deal with Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) attached to must-pass legislation. The chamber blocked Manchin’…
thehill.com
Disillusioned with democracy, Tunisians to elect parliament
To the outside world, Saturday’s elections in Tunisia raise several red flags: Many opposition parties are boycotting them, foreign media are banned from talking to candidates and critics say it will be harder for women to compete.
apnews.com
Several prominent journalists covering Elon Musk suspended from Twitter
Several prominent journalists that cover Twitter and its new CEO Elon Musk were suspended from the social media platform on Thursday night. Ryan Mac from The New York Times, Drew Harwell from The W…
thehill.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 296
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 296th day, we take a look at the main developments.
Twitter suspends journalist accounts without explanation, angering lawmakers and those affected
"Banning journalists for doing their jobs is not the free speech Elon Musk promised," journalist Tony Webster, who was permanently suspended Thursday, said in an email.
www.politico.com
Biden official told members of Congress that Ukraine has ability to retake Crimea
No offensive is imminent, but officials worry that a large-scale attack that threatens Russia’s hold on the peninsula could push Putin to use nuclear weapons.
www.nbcnews.com
Tennis great Boris Becker released from UK prison and has left for Germany after reports of deportation | CNN
Former world No. 1 men’s tennis player Boris Becker has left for Germany after serving just eight months of his sentence in the UK, his lawyer said on Thursday, after UK media reported he had been released from custody and was due to be deported.
www.cnn.com
How is it legal to track private planes like Elon Musk's?
Twitter’s decision to ban accounts that tracked private planes, including one tracking its new CEO, has prompted questions about what flight information is publicly available.
www.nbcnews.com
El Paso grapples with surge of migrants, braces for more
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in El Paso, Texas, described a humanitarian crisis Thursday as they grapple with the daily release of roughly 1,600 migrants to local shelters and the streets of the border city amid preparations for even larger flows if Trump-era asylum restrictions end next week a
apnews.com
36 Chinese firms added to US export blacklist
The Biden administration added 36 Chinese firms to its export blacklist on Thursday, doubling down on efforts to block Beijing’s access to advanced military and surveillance technology from the U.S…
thehill.com
FIFA rebuffs Zelensky’s request to share message of peace at World Cup final | CNN
A request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to share a message of world peace prior to kickoff at the World Cup final on Sunday has been rebuffed by FIFA, a source told CNN.
www.cnn.com
EU leaders seek to stand up to US and avoid trade war
European Union leaders have met to seek ways to stand up to the United States over its new green technologies plan that they say unfairly discriminates against European companies.
apnews.com
Conservative states target Title 42 in court, seeking to leave asylum measure in place
Conservative states are looking to force a series of quick decisions on Title 42, teeing up litigation that, if successful, could leave in place for more than a year the policy that allows the coun…
thehill.com
GOP governor takes over NCAA at ‘pivotal’ time for players rights
“The challenge is significant, but the possibilities and the opportunities, if we are successful, are enormous," said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, who will leave office on Jan. 5.
www.politico.com
Sam Bankman-Fried donated over $40 million in the 2022 election cycle. Where did it go?
Bankman-Fried is facing eight charges for financial crimes, including campaign finance violations.
www.cbsnews.comTech trade groups petition SCOTUS on Texas social media law
With Thursday's action, the Supreme Court has now received petitions from two conflicting split circuit rulings related to state laws that seek to force platforms to carry certain speech.
www.politico.com
Feds order review of power-grid security after attacks
Federal regulators have ordered a review of security standards at the nation’s far-flung electricity transmission network.
apnews.com
Democrats introduce bill to bar Trump from ever holding federal office again - Washington Examiner
Forty-one Democrats introduced legislation to ban former President Donald Trump from ever holding federal office again. Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary and former impeachment manager, authored the legislation. In the bill, Cicilline argues...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House passes bill calling for referendum on Puerto Rico statehood
The bill would allow Puerto Rico to hold the first-ever binding referendum on whether to become a state or gain some sort of independence.
www.cbsnews.com
Sister of Uvalde victim calls for assault weapons ban before Congress
Faith Mata, whose sister Tess was murdered in the Uvalde school shooting earlier this year, urged lawmakers on Thursday to pass an assault weapons ban to prevent future mass shootings. “Is it…
thehill.comUkraine launches ‘most massive strike’ on occupied Donetsk region since 2014, Russia-installed mayor says | CNN
Ukrainian forces have unleashed the biggest attack on the occupied Donetsk region since 2014, according to a Russia-installed official, in the wake of heavy fighting in the east of the country.
www.cnn.com
Kentucky to operate high-security juvenile detention centers
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky soon will operate three high-security juvenile detention centers designated to house teenage male offenders charged with serious crimes, Gov.
apnews.com
Trump to meet with Orthodox Jewish group on heels of Fuentes, Ye dinner
The former president will speak before the annual President’s Conference of Torah Umesorah at his club in Miami.
www.politico.com
California woman admits to unwittingly funding foiled plot to kidnap Iran critic
U.S. prosecutors have not accused Niloufar Bahadorifar of participating in the plot to abduct Masih Alinejad, a journalist and vocal critic of the Iranian government for its treatment of women and other issues, but said she was used as a go-between.
www.nbcnews.com
Fusion breakthrough will lead to investments, but its use won’t come overnight
The dramatic and historic breakthrough on fusion energy at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is expected to bring an injection of cash into the clean energy source — even though it’s still…
thehill.com
More women buying guns to defend themselves: "The world is changing"
An Alabama range offers a women-only self-defense firearms course.
www.cbsnews.com
Prince Harry accuses brother of spreading ‘negative’ stories about him and Meghan - Washington Examiner
Prince Harry accused his brother, Prince William, of spreading negative stories to the press about him and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in the latest bombshell from the couple's documentary series. Harry claimed William allowed his press office to spread negative stories about the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Seven scenarios for McCarthy’s Speakership vote — ranked least to most likely
All eyes are on House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as he negotiates a fragile path to the Speakership next year in the face of opposition from a handful of conservatives within his own…
thehill.com
4 people impersonate FBI agents in tactical gear during DC armed home robbery
Four people impersonate FBI agents in tactical gear during D.C. armed home robbery.
‘Only Kevin’ Republicans ramp up support for McCarthy
Efforts to support House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for Speaker are ramping up as a handful of hard-line conservatives threaten to keep him from winning the gavel in a Jan. 3 House f…
thehill.com
Why Qatar may see the World Cup as a big win despite criticism
The real spoils of the tournament for the gas-rich Gulf peninsula may be the satisfied visitors, business deals and international recognition that could lead to greater national security.
www.nbcnews.com
5 Louisiana officers charged in death of Black motorist Ronald Greene
Authorities initially blamed Greene's death on a car crash, before long suppressed body-camera video showed White officers beating, stunning and dragging the Black motorist as he wailed, "I'm scared!"
www.cbsnews.com
Majority of states call on Supreme Court to review constitutionality of CFPB funding
More than three dozen attorneys general from red and blue states on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to agree to decide the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Board’s (CFPB) fu…
thehill.com
Home prices, rents skyrocket in Turkey amid economic turmoil
Economic turmoil driven by inflation of 85% has plunged Turkey into one of its worst property crises.
apnews.com
France takes on Argentina in the World Cup Final. Here's what you need to know.
The final game of the 2022 World Cup on Sunday is set to be its most thrilling. Defending champion France takes on Argentina as Lionel Messi seeks the one trophy missing from his glorious career.
www.npr.org
CDC study confirms not getting updated COVID booster leaves Americans vulnerable this winter
The study confirms researchers' warnings that immunity wanes with time.
New York and L.A. meet CDC criteria for masking in public. How much will masks help this winter?
Even if people are selective about wearing masks this holiday season, some masking is better than none, disease experts say.
www.nbcnews.com
Want to email your doctor? You may be charged for that
The next time you message your doctor to ask about a pesky cough or an itchy rash, you may want to check your bank account first — you could get a bill for the question.
apnews.com
Updated COVID booster prevents majority of hospitalizations, CDC data show
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the bivalent COVID-19 booster shot was effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization and emergency room visits by at leas…
thehill.com
New poll shows why some adults aren't getting the COVID booster
The most common reason vaccinated people aren't getting a COVID booster is that they don't think they need one, a survey found.
COVID-19 is about to explode in China. What that could mean for the United States.
Experts are predicting COVID cases in China will explode after the country ended its strict zero-COVID policy. Here's how the US may be affected.
www.usatoday.com
2022 Notebook: Protests, strict COVID lockdowns tested China
THE BACKGROUND: After beginning 2022 by hosting a Winter Olympics inside a COVID bubble, China faced a tough year.
apnews.com
Florida pastor accused of fraud a no-show in court due to ‘grave medical concerns’
"Mr. Edwards appears to be nonverbal," his lawyer told a judge. "I don’t know that he understood anything that I said."
www.nbcnews.com
Senate passes defense bill rescinding COVID vaccine mandate
A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense has passed the Senate and now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law
Report: Intelligence agencies didn’t move fast enough to collect Covid data
The report by Democrats on the House Intelligence Community says the CIA and other spy agencies "took too long to pivot."
www.politico.com
Health officials revise tool to track severe obesity in kids
U.S. health officials have updated a tool to track rising cases of severe obesity among children who were previously off the charts.
apnews.com
Study shows link between physical activity and lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes
Kaiser Permanente members who were more physically active prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19 had a lower risk of severe outcomes, according to research published Dec. 15, 2022, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
www.news-medical.net
China’s sudden ‘reopening’ reveals new challenges as infections soar
Mainland China's swift rollback of many Covid-related restrictions has been unexpectedly sudden, revealing a new set of economic challenges.
Intel community could be subject to subpoenas after stonewalling on COVID origins: Rep. Wenstrup
House Republicans, led by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, are considering using subpoena power to compel members of the intelligence community to answer questions on COVID origins.
More parents in the U.S. say they are against school vaccine requirements, new survey finds
As the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since 2019 continues in Ohio, a growing number of parents are opposed to school vaccination requirements, a new survey finds.
www.nbcnews.com
You can order free COVID tests again by mail
People are gathering indoors for the holidays, and there's been an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The federal government says you should test often to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
www.npr.org
Senators move to protect IVF treatments
Fertility treatment advocates fear IVF and other technologies may be endangered by the fall of Roe v. Wade and state measures with vague language and so-called personhood bills.
www.cbsnews.com
Less than 50% of nursing home residents have received omicron booster ahead of expected winter Covid wave
Nearly 161,000 nursing home residents have died from Covid since 2020.
Intravenous drips on the street and a run on peaches, as China's 'zero-COVID' turns messy
China is racing to vaccinate its most vulnerable with some analysts expecting the country's COVID-19 death toll to soar after the easing of strict controls.
www.abc.net.au
McCarthy vows to investigate reports that link COVID-19 to Chinese bioweapons program - Washington Examiner
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has vowed Republicans will declassify and investigate reports that could link a Chinese bioweapons program to the origins of COVID-19 in the next Congress. McCarthy made the assertion while commenting on the recently released House GOP report on Fox...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Senate sends Biden military bill that would lift Covid vaccine mandate for troops and authorize more Ukraine funding
The $858 billion legislation would allow for more security spending on Ukraine and Taiwan and authorize a 4.6% pay increase for U.S. troops.
www.nbcnews.com
US Monitors New Variants from China as Beijing Relaxes Zero-COVID Approach
White House issues COVID-19 Winter Preparedness Plan
www.voanews.com
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