

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema switches to independent
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced Friday she has registered as an independent, a renegade move that could bolster her political brand but won’t upend the Democrats’ narrow Senate majority. She says she will not caucus with Republicans.

Supreme Court to consider prohibition on encouraging illegal immigration
The justices took up the Biden administration’s appeal of a lower court's ruling invalidating the law for infringing on rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.


'Twitter Files': Republicans pledge 'accountability' for social media company's suppression of conservatives
Several GOP lawmakers weighed in on the latest batch of "Twitter Files" released Thursday, with one saying it is "proof" Democrats and "embedded socialists" at the social media giant are interfering in U.S. elections.

Putin says more US-Russian prisoner exchanges are possible
Russian President Vladimir Putin says more U.S.-Russian prisoner exchanges are possible. Putin spoke Friday, a day after Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was swapped for WNBA star and two-time Olympian Brittney Griner.


Ukraine war: US says Iran now Russia's 'top military backer'
Washington says it has seen reports that the countries are considering jointly producing drones.


Inside Republican Party, pressure to change course, leadership after midterm losses
The GOP's broader reckoning over former President Donald Trump and a dispiriting midterm cycle has ignited a firestorm at a Republican National Committee.

Supreme Court takes Coinbase appeal over crypto lawsuits
The eventual Supreme Court ruling in the appeal by crypto exchange Coinbase could resolve a split between appeals court on a question involving arbitration.

Germany is 'fully decoupling' from Russia, eyes China as 'systemic' rival: German minister of state
The minister of state spoke with Fox News Digital at the Aspen Security Forum, about the impact of winter on Europe's energy supply while the Russia-Ukraine war is still ongoing.

Progressives fume over party switch: ‘Typical Sinema’
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (Ariz.) decision to become an Independent has enraged progressives. They’re describing her as self-interested, disloyal and happy to blunt valuable momentum from Democrats’ ma…


Kari Lake files lawsuit riddled with falsehoods seeking to overturn Arizona election
Republican Kari Lake filed the legal challenge she's been threatening since losing the Arizona governor's race.

U.S. accuses Russia of providing weapons, fighter jets to Iran
The U.S. allegations are part of a deliberate effort by the U.S. to drive global isolation of Russia.


Opinion | Why these MAGA faithful refuse to celebrate Brittney Griner's release
Conservatives are obsessed with a patriotism litmus test rigged against Black Americans.


Ex-cop who kneeled on George Floyd’s back gets 3.5-year term
The former Minneapolis police officer who held down George Floyd’s back as one of his colleagues kneeled on the Black man’s neck has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.


Judge declines DOJ request to hold Trump team in contempt over classified documents: Sources
A federal judge has declined a DOJ request to hold Trump's team in contempt over classified documents.

Elon Musk's 'Twitter Files' reveal internal debate to remove Mike Huckabee tweet including election joke
Members of Twitter's former 2020 election enforcement slack channel considered removing an election related-joke from the platform during the election.

‘Puppies and rainbows’: Democrats’ post-election high soured by Sinema party switch - Washington Examiner
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's decision on Friday to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent is perhaps the only thing close to a sour note this season for congressional Democrats. The party is closing out 2022 riding a high after a much-anticipated red wave failed to...


Rioter who assaulted cops at Capitol gets 5 years in prison
A Tennessee man who authorities say came to Washington ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot ready for violence in a car full of weapons and assaulted officers who were trying to defend the Capitol has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars
Here's the fallout the Trump Org. conviction could wreak
The verdict could spell trouble for Trump's businesses and weaken his position in other legal battles.


What we know about the next Senate after Sinema's announcement and the Ga. runoff
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock won a Georgia Senate runoff Tuesday. Days later, Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema said she was leaving the Democratic Party.
www.usatoday.com
'I promised Arizonans something different': Sinema on registering as an independent
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, in an exclusive column, explains why she left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent.

EXPLAINER: What Sinema's switch means for the Senate
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is becoming an Independent and leaving the Democratic Party. It won’t change the balance of power in the Senate, but it could affect her own political fortunes.


Kari Lake challenges her defeat in Arizona governor’s race
Kari Lake, the Republican defeated in Arizona governor’s race, is formally challenging her loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs.


US: Russia, Iran moving toward full defense ‘partnership’
The Biden administration is accusing Russia of moving to provide advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defense systems, helicopters and fighter jets

U.S. to send $275 million in military aid to Ukraine; NATO chief worries war could become wider conflict
Ukrainian nuclear company Energoatom saying that Grad rocket launchers have been placed close to one of the plant's six nuclear reactors.

Labor costs point to corporate profit as main inflation driver
The continued drop in labor costs has economists pointing to private sector profits as a main driver of inflation, undercutting arguments from the Federal Reserve regarding its plan to bring down c…


LA City Council members walk out as embattled colleague tries to return amid outrage over leaked audio
Council member Kevin de León has been absent from meetings, hiding from protesters as colleagues call for resignation.


‘Nobody believes it’: Kari Lake files lawsuit declaring herself the winner - Washington Examiner
Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake brought forth a civil complaint Friday to overturn her election defeat and declare her the winner. Claiming that voting tabulations were rife with illegal votes, Lake is also seeking the opportunity to "inspect" Maricopa County ballots, strike...

How Russia's propaganda machine has played the Griner prisoner swap
While securing the swap may have scored points for President Joe Biden at home, the same goes for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Seven hard-line House Republicans lay out Speaker demands amid McCarthy opposition
A group of seven hard-line conservative House Republicans who have withheld support from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) bid for Speaker laid out a list of demands for the H…


Don’t worry, be a majority: Dems shrug off Sinema’s switch
Hours after Kyrsten Sinema publicly declared she'd switch her party to Independent, Democrats were already back to feeling reassured in their 51-seat majority.


Gallego, potential Arizona Senate hopeful, hits Sinema after party switch
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) on Friday slammed newly minted Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) following her decision to leave the Democratic Party, saying she is “putting her own intere…


Top progressive firm drops Sinema as a client
Authentic has dropped the Arizona senator after she announced she was leaving the Democratic Party.


Putin says Russia could adopt US preemptive strike concept
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Moscow might think about adopting what he described as a U.S. concept of a preemptive military strike, noting that it has the weapons to do the job
Evangelical minister who sought to influence Supreme Court comes under withering criticism
A conservative evangelical minister testifying before a House committee Thursday came under fierce personal attacks from Republican members of Congress angry that he has accused Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito of leaking news of a 2014 decision ahead of time.

DeSantis acolyte, GOP donor found dead amid ‘active investigation’ by law enforcement - Washington Examiner
A locally well-known Florida GOP donor and ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was discovered dead in his car Thursday evening. Businessman Kent Stermon had been under “active investigation” by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office several weeks before his death, according to authorities. He was 50...


Hunter Biden seen at ritzy NYC art gallery selling his paintings for up to $200k, despite ethics concerns
First Son Hunter Biden was spotted Friday at his ritzy SoHo art gallery exhibition with his family as a congressional ethics probe into his international business dealings looms.

U.S. to appeal dismissal of Chinese agent lawsuit against casino tycoon Wynn
The U.S. Justice Department will appeal the dismissal of a lawsuit against casino magnate Steve Wynn, who it accused of acting as a Chinese agent.


Gay man blasts his GOP lawmaker aunt who cried during gay marriage 'no' vote
The gay nephew of Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., is slamming her for her tearful rebuke of the Respect for Marriage Act.


Federal judge declines to hold former President Trump in contempt of court in classified material battle
A federal judge on Friday declined to take action against former President Trump through contempt of court for allegedly failing to comply with a subpoena.

67 journalists, media workers killed on the job this year
A new report says the war in Ukraine, chaos in Haiti and criminal groups in Mexico contributed to a sharp spike in the number of journalists killed in 2022 over the previous year.


Schumer says Sinema can keep committee assignments after leaving Democratic Party
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Friday announced he will let Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) keep her committee assignments after she dropped her affiliation with the Democratic Part…


Britain's deepening hunger crisis leaves millions resorting to desperate measures
NBC News spent a week in the seaside town of Morecambe, speaking with dozens of people about the real costs of this story of Western poverty.


Tucker Carlson tears into Griner prisoner swap
Fox News host Tucker Carlson tore into the White House over the prisoner swap that secured the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, accusing the administration of favoring Griner over former U.S. …


Ronna McDaniel locked down votes for RNC chair despite the midterm debacle. Here's how she did it.
McDaniel will have to navigate between those who think the Trump era is now and those who want it to be over.

Tennessee suspends ex-senator's law license over guilty plea
The Tennessee Supreme Court has suspended the law license of a former Tennessee state senator who pleaded guilty last month to violating federal campaign finance laws. The court suspended former Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey's law license Thursday at the request of the Board of Professional...

Kyrsten Sinema leaves Democratic Party, adding drama to tight Senate margin
The senator from Arizona said she will become an independent, days after Democrats secured a majority in the chamber.

Biden’s pause on payments has been better for these students than forgiveness | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program remains blocked by federal courts for now. But for some borrowers, the yearslong federal pandemic pause on payments delivers an even bigger benefit.

The Air Force wants to send its Reaper drones to Ukraine. The Pentagon’s not so sure.
Internal wrangling has stalled a plan to transfer older weaponry that the service has wanted to ditch.


Paul Whelan’s brother slams Trump after prisoner swap criticism
The brother of former Marine Paul Whelan, who has been imprisoned in Russia for nearly four years, slammed former President Trump on Friday after Trump criticized the Biden administration for the d…


Griner in ‘good spirits’ in US after Russian prisoner swap
Brittney Griner has returned to the United States, nearly 10 months after the basketball star’s detention in Russia made her the most high-profile American jailed abroad and set off a political firestorm.


Ukraine war: Iranian drone experts 'on the ground' in Crimea - US
Tehran has experts on the ground in Crimea helping with drone attacks on Ukraine, the White House says.


World Cup 2022: US soccer journalist harassed in Qatar for wearing rainbow T-shirt dies suddenly - Washington Examiner
Grant Wahl, a U.S. reporter covering the World Cup in Qatar who was harassed while wearing a rainbow shirt, has died suddenly, U.S. Soccer announced Friday. He died in Doha, Qatar, while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal for reasons that are not yet clear, but his brother...


Warnings on gay club shooter stir questions about old case
A California woman who warned a judge last year about the danger posed by the Colorado Springs gay nightclub shooter says the deaths could have been prevented if earlier charges against the suspect weren’t dismissed.


Sam Bankman-Fried: I hope to make money to pay people back
The former FTX boss says he would give anything to start a new business and repay crypto investors.


Flint water crisis charges dismissed against ex-Gov. Snyder
A judge has dismissed criminal charges against former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder over the Flint water crisis.


Bowman on Sinema leaving Democratic Party: ‘Bye Felicia’
Progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) appeared unfazed by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s announcement on Friday morning that she is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an Independent. …

Trump bashes Jewish leaders for not being ‘loyal’ after his dinner with Holocaust deniers
Jewish allies have been "begging" the former president to condemn Kanye West. He's now told them to shut up and bow down

Twitter Files: Donald Trump’s removal from platform explained in latest release - Washington Examiner
The latest installment of Elon Musk's Twitter Files, a release of extra documents and details regarding the social platform's internal operations, went into detail about how Twitter handled election-related information in 2020. Journalist Matt Taibbi posted details from the company's internal...


Oil spill in rural Kansas creek shuts down Keystone pipeline system
The Keystone pipeline system was shut down after an oil leak released an estimated 14,000 barrels into a creek in rural Kansas.
Elon Musk praises Kyrsten Sinema for leaving the Democratic Party: 'I hope more of our elected leaders act independently'
Sinema announced that she will be an independent in the Senate and will no longer be formally considered a Democrat.

With Title 42 ending near, Border Patrol braces for rush at US-Mexico border. Here's what we know.
The number of migrants Border Patrol agents must process will “likely be double or greater” once Title 42 is lifted, officials said.
www.usatoday.com

Major U.S. police departments plagued by officer-on-officer sexual abuse and retaliation
An NBC News review of more than 60 lawsuits costing taxpayers more than $40 million found disturbing accounts of sexual misconduct against female cops in big-city departments.


A federal judge declines Justice Department's request to hold Trump's team in contempt over classified documents
The decision was made in a closed-door hearing and comes after it was revealed that at least two documents with classified markings were found in a storage area in Florida.


Hong Kong jails pro-democracy media tycoon over fraud
A Hong Kong court has sentenced pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to five years and nine months in prison and fined him $257,000 over two fraud charges linked to lease violations.


Incoming House Foreign Affairs chairman favors heavily arming Ukraine "100%"
GOP Rep. Michael McCaul says U.S. military aid that's "destroying the Russian military" has been a "pretty good investment."


U.S. Supreme Court to consider prohibition on encouraging illegal immigration
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a bid by President Joe Biden's administration to revive a federal law that makes it a criminal offense to encourage illegal immigration after it was struck down by a lower court as a violation of free speech rights.


Opinion: Sinema’s departure is more show than substance | CNN
David Axelrod writes that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s announcement that she is leaving the Democratic Party is more of a statement about hyperpartisanship than an institution-shifting change of position.


Lawsuit against doctor who defied Texas abortion law tossed
Lawyers for a doctor who intentionally defied a Texas abortion law that the lawyers called a “bounty-hunting scheme” say a court has dismissed a test of whether members of the public can sue providers who violate the restrictions.


Democrats tell Biden to ditch ‘punitive’ immigration measures
A group of House Democrats are calling on the Biden administration to stop implementing “punitive and failed deterrence” immigration measures and instead recognize asylum as a human right. In a Dec…


Florida GOP donor, DeSantis ally under 'active investigation' weeks before death, authorities say
The death of the DeSantis donor and friend sent shockwaves through Florida political circles.

Russia wants 'hundreds' of ballistic missiles from Iran and is offering 'unprecedented' military support in return, UK envoy says
According to reports, senior Biden administration officials say Russia may give Iran air defense systems and helicopters as part of its support.

US to send Ukraine another $275M in air defense weapons, equipment
The Pentagon on Friday announced another $275 million in weapons and equipment for Ukraine, pushing the amount of military aid committed to Kyiv to nearly $20 billion since Russia first attacked th…


Russians wanted to trade Paul Whelan for an assassin over the summer, U.S. official says
Moscow said at the time it wanted "a spy for a spy."


Russia is providing 'unprecedented' military support to Iran in exchange for drones, officials say
“This partnership poses a threat not just to Ukraine, but to Iran’s neighbors in the region,” a senior administration official told NBC News.


Madoff prosecutor: ‘Highly unusual’ for Sam Bankman-Fried to be speaking publicly
The prosecutor who put Bernie Madoff in federal prison for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of billions of dollars said Friday it’s “highly unusual” for Sam Bankman-Fried to be…


The big shorts: John Fetterman bags cameo in Christian Bale movie - Washington Examiner
Pennsylvania Sen.-elect John Fetterman (D) ditched his signature hoodie and shorts to go full 1800s for a cameo role in an upcoming Christian Bale Netflix film. Sporting a long coat with raggedy mutton chop facial hair, Fetterman looks austere in a preview image teasing his role in The Pale Blue...


AP Investigation: Prison boss beat inmates, climbed ranks
A senior official at the federal Bureau of Prisons has been repeatedly promoted, most recently to one of the highest posts in the agency.


CNN Poll: Views of the state of the country are slightly improved, but Americans’ economic concerns remain | CNN Politics
Americans’ views of the state of the nation have bounced back slightly since earlier this year, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, but public perception of the economy remains grim. Nearly half of Americans say they’re financially worse off than they were a year ago, the survey finds, with...


University of Washington sued for withholding docs detailing professor's alleged role in DHS disinfo campaign
A watchdog group sued the University of Washington for its failure to provide documents on how one of its professors allegedly coordinated with DHS on disinformation.

NATO chief fears Ukraine war could become a wider conflict
The head of NATO has expressed worry that the fighting in Ukraine could spin out of control and become a war between Russia and NATO.


Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi on her father Paul Pelosi's recovery: "The emotional scars, I don't know if those ever heal"
Preview: In an interview airing on "CBS Sunday Morning" December 11, the documentarian talks about the brutal attack on the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and says she hasn't slept since.


AOC hits Sinema for leaving Democratic Party, registering as an independent: 'People deserve more'
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. criticized Sen. Kyrsten Sinema after the Arizona senator announced her decision to become independent.

Supreme Court to hear First Amendment case of man who promised immigrants path to citizenship
The case arrives at the Supreme Court two years after the justices settled a similar dispute over the immigration law on procedural grounds.
www.usatoday.com

The self-proclaimed kingdom that doesn't recognise Germany
Money, ID cards, flags, and even their own king: meet the Germans who refuse to recognise the state.


Helping Ukraine is 'self-preservation,' finance chief says
Ukraine's finance minister says crucial Western financial aid is “not charity” but “self-preservation" as donor countries share the price of turning back Russian aggression.


‘In to win it’: John Bolton says possible 2024 run not just ‘to make a point’ - Washington Examiner
John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under President Donald Trump, says if he chooses to run for president in 2024, he will be “in to win it.” "I would get in to win it, not simply to make a point,” Bolton said Friday. His comments come just four days after he said he


Brittney Griner updates: WNBA star reunites with wife
The U.S. has swapped WNBA star Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to a senior U.S. official.
WTO rules against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs
The World Trade Organization has rejected the 2018 import taxes that then-President Donald Trump imposed on foreign steel and aluminum, saying they violated global trade rules. Trump’s tariffs of 25% on foreign steel and 10% on aluminum outraged America’s long-standing allies, including the...

The countries where the State Department warns that travelers risk being wrongfully detained
The State Department this summer added a risk indicator to its travel advisories for Russia and several countries.


FTX founder Bankman-Fried agrees to testify at House hearing on collapse
The founder and former CEO of bankrupt cryptocurrency platform FTX on Friday said he will testify before a House committee next week despite his initial reluctance. In a Friday tweet, Sam Bankman-F…


Russian politician sentenced for Ukraine action criticism
A prominent Russian opposition figure has been sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison after being convicted on charges stemming from his criticism of the Kremlin’s action in Ukraine.


How major US stock indexes fared Friday 12/9/2022
Wall Street closed lower after a report showed inflation is slowing, though not by as much as hoped.


GOP senator to hold defense nominees over DOD’s ‘irresponsible’ abortion policy
Senator Tuberville is threatening to block Defense Department nominees until DOD rescinds its new abortion policy, which Tuberville said is 'irresponsible.'

No food in 9 days for 19 Nevada prisoners on hunger strike
A Las Vegas woman says her son and dozens of other prisoners are on hunger strike over inhumane living conditions at Nevada's Ely State Prison.


‘In to win it’: John Bolton says possible 2024 run not just ‘to make a point’ - Washington Examiner
John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under President Donald Trump, says if he chooses to run for president in 2024, he will be “in to win it.” "I would get in to win it, not simply to make a point,” Bolton said Friday. His comments come just four days after he said he


Russia hits Ukraine with missiles, warns of "clash between nuclear powers" as drones target Russian bases
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the latest strikes against air bases, including two deep inside Russia, instead labeling it "karma."


Russia-Ukraine war in maps and charts: Live Tracker
As the Russian offensive enters its 153rd week, we track where battles are taking place and the human cost of the war.
Climate concerns give national attention to Louisiana race
The election for a seat on a typically obscure regulatory commission in Louisiana, a state with a front row seat to the effects of climate change, has gained national attention as major utility companies and outside political action committees pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into the race...

China's Xi vows to buy more Mideast oil as US focus wanes
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to import more oil and natural gas from energy-rich Gulf Arab states while not interfering in their affairs.


Senator-elect Fetterman cast in Christian Bale period film for his 'face that fits in the 1830s'
John Fetterman, lieutenant governor and Senator-elect in Pennsylvania, will have a cameo in Netflix's new 1800s period film alongside well-known actor Christian Bale.
Kari Lake claims 'intentional misconduct' in lawsuit seeking to overturn AZ governor's race loss
Kari Lake, the defeated Republican candidate for Arizona governor, has asked a court to throw out certified election results.
www.usatoday.com

Turkey oil tanker logjam snarls Russia oil sanctions
Turkey emerged as a critical stumbling block to a complex international plan to deprive Russia of wartime oil revenues as the number of tankers waiting to exit the Black Sea through Turkish straits continued to rise on Friday.

FBI looking for any ties between power facility shootings in North, South Carolina
After the lights went out in Moore County, N.C., someone opened fire near a hydro facility in Ridgeway, South Carolina.


Wall Street falls as US inflation slows but remains hot
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street after a report showed inflation is slowing, though not by as much as hoped.


Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema leaves Democratic Party, registers as independent
But the Arizona senator says she won't caucus with Republicans, ensuring Democrats will retain their narrow majority in the Senate.


TotalEnergies walks away from stake in Russian gas producer
French energy giant TotalEnergies says it will walk away from its stake in Russian natural gas producer Novatek and take a $3.7 billion loss.


Is Joe Manchin next? Strategists say the West Virginian isn’t about to leave the Democratic Party
Will West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin follow Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and abandon the Democratic Party and toe a more independent line? Political strategists say that likelihood is as probable as the sun rising in the west.

Judge refrains from holding Trump team in contempt over Mar-a-Lago documents: Reports - Washington Examiner
A federal judge refrained from holding former President Donald Trump or his legal team in contempt of court Friday for defying a May subpoena demanding classified documents, according to multiple reports. Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee, needled Trump's team and the Department of Justice...


Idaho murders: Tips pour in about white car sought by police
Police say they are looking for the car and any occupants, who may have information about the case.


As wiretap claims rattle government, Greece bans spyware
Lawmakers in Greece have approved legislation banning commercial spyware and reforming rules for legally-sanctioned wiretaps following allegations that senior government officials and journalists had been targeted by shadowy surveillance software.Friday's 156-142 vote in parliament followed two days


FBI investigating an unusual suspect: Israel
The FBI is investigating the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after a Palestinian-American journalist was killed in the West Bank seven months ago, sparking controversy.
Karine Jean-Pierre Fires Back At Peter Doocy Over Russia Prisoner Swap Question
The Fox News reporter, like former President Donald Trump, questioned why the U.S. freed arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner in the exchange.

Russians laud Griner-Bout swap bemoaned by US right wing
The high-profile exchange was a rare moment of agreement between two nations locked in conflict over Ukraine.

What Sinema’s party switch means for the Senate
The reverberations from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (Ariz.) announcement on Friday that she has left the Democratic Party and is now an Independent are being felt across the political spectrum but …


Gunman in massacre of 10 Black people willing to plead guilty to avoid death penalty
Payton Gendron, 19, last month pleaded guilty to state charges of murder and hate-motivated terrorism in the May 14 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. He also faces federal hate crime charges that could result in his death, authorities said.


Elon Musk confirms political candidates were subject to 'shadow-banning' by Twitter
Twitter CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the social media giant previously "shadow-banned" political candidates running for office.

Former GOP rep says independents key to Democrats, Republicans expanding majorities
Former Rep. David Jolly, who served in the House as a Republican but later left the party to become an independent, said Friday that non-affiliated voters are the only key bloc that would help Demo…


Croatia beats Brazil on penalties in World Cup quarterfinals
Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup by beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.


Nonbinary Biden official Sam Brinton accused of grand larceny amid separate theft charges
Sam Brinton, the nonbinary Energy Department official who leads nuclear waste policy, was charged with grand larceny of an item valued between $1,200 and $5,000 this week.
Private RNC member emails reveal anger at Trump, frustration with McDaniel’s response to him
In missives sent to all 168 members, several committeemen expressed horror with the Nick Fuentes dinner. One wanted the chair to speak out.


Big Oil has engaged in a long-running climate disinformation campaign while raking in record profits, lawmakers find | CNN Politics
Big Oil companies have engaged in a “long-running greenwashing campaign” while raking in “record profits at the expense of American consumers,” the House Oversight committee has found after a months-long investigation.


Iran's Raisi promises to pursue crackdown on protesters; cleric critical of execution
A prominent Sunni cleric said the death sentence of a protester violated sharia law.

France to make condoms free for anyone under 25, Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron says France will make condoms free in pharmacies for anyone up to age 25.


US blacklists Chinese company on NASDAQ over human rights, shark finning charges
The Biden administration on Friday announced sanctions against a Chinese company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, saying Pingtan Marine Enterprises Ltd. engaged in “illegal, unreported and unre…


Paul Whelan: US and Russia to explore more prisoner swaps
President Joe Biden's administration tells Paul Whelan, convicted of espionage, to "keep the faith".


Investigators, cleanup crews begin scouring oil pipeline spill in Kansas
Emergency crews on Friday were preparing to labor through the weekend to clean up the largest U.S. crude oil spill in nearly a decade, with workers descending on this farming community from as far away as Mississippi.

AOC’s Met Gala ethics violations ‘much worse’ than Maloney’s, expert claims - Washington Examiner
EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) ethical violations during her Met Gala outing last year were "much worse" than those of her colleague Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) at the same gala, a counsel to a conservative watchdog claims. Ocasio-Cortez's much-publicized appearance at the...


Fox News crew witnesses dramatic human smuggling busts by Texas authorities
Texas Department of Public Safety stopped a number of illegal immigrants seeking to escape into the U.S. interior this week, amid a historic number of gotaways.

Elton John quits Twitter blaming change in misinformation policy
The website recently rolled back a policy aimed at tackling the spread of Covid falsehoods.

Appeals court rules Catholic medical centers can’t be forced to perform transgender surgeries - Washington Examiner
A federal appeals court blocked the Biden administration's requirement that healthcare and insurance groups perform transgender procedures in a case brought by religious doctors who argued the mandate violated their religious beliefs.The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Religious...


Canceled lectures, no grades: University of California students face chaotic finals as academic workers strike
The 48,000 employees engaged in the work stoppage play a crucial role in the state's prestigious higher education system. They want better pay and benefits.

Attorney Claims Trump Would Have Immunity Even If He'd Said To 'Burn Congress Down'
Donald Trump's lawyer said a president should be shielded from lawsuits even if he was “seeking to destroy our constitutional system.”

Biden administration drafting order to clarify space rules: report
The Biden administration is reportedly working on an executive order to clarify the rules for private companies to launch rockets into space. Reuters first reported, citing U.S. officials fami…


Ex-Twitter counsel James Baker's wife registered voters for Hillary Clinton in 2016, posts reveal
The wife of James Baker, the Twitter lawyer fired by Elon Musk for his role in suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story, registered voters for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Belarus offers Ukraine grain transit without conditions: UN
Belarus also asked to be allowed to export its fertiliser products, which are currently subject to Western sanctions.

Animal shelters face a potentially fatal pet adoption crisis
The “pandemic pet” boom that captured headlines and the public imagination may have been more anecdote than fact, at least for the animal rescue community: Dog and cat adoptions actually declined i…


Sinema's holiday gift to Biden


UK cost-of-living woes stir push for more free school meals
For some children in low-income areas in England, a school lunch may be the only nutritious hot meal they get in a day.


'It hurts my soul': Brazil's Bolsonaro ends post-election silence
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro broke his silence on Friday for the first time since his election defeat on Oct. 30 and spoke to supporters calling for a military coup to stop leftist President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva taking office.

Gay nephew of Vicky Hartzler goes after her tearful speech against Respect for Marriage Act - Washington Examiner
The nephew of Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) criticized his aunt after she tearfully opposed same-sex marriage legislation in the House earlier this week. Andrew Hartzler, who is gay, called his aunt a "homophobe" in a video posted to Twitter, where he said her fears about inadequate religious...


Why You Should Be Worried About the Split in the Methodist Church
Protestants are splitting up over LGBTQ issues. In the 1840s, it was slavery that opened a rift.


Ruff seas: New York puppy escapes owner, swims across Hudson to New Jersey - Washington Examiner
A New York City puppy went on a multiday adventure after he escaped his owner and swam across the Hudson River to New Jersey, being rescued several days later. Bear, a six-month-old Leonberger-Bernese mountain mix, was out for a walk in Manhattan on Saturday when his owner, Ellen Wolpin, pulled...


‘It was all about the United States’: Democrats unrepentant as allies fume over trade rules
The Democratic lawmakers who created tax incentives for electric vehicles make no bones about their intention to benefit North American manufacturers and not their overseas competitors.


Democrats propose $1.75B abortion travel subsidy to get around ‘extreme’ state laws
A new Democratic bill would offer $1.75B in federal subsidies to travel to different states to get abortions after the Supreme Court left abortion policy to the states.

Judge orders Guatemalan newspaper chief to stand trial
A judge has ruled that the director of a Guatemalan investigative newspaper will stand trial on charges of money laundering, influence peddling and blackmail.


The Russia oil price cap: How it’s going and why doubts linger
Oil analysts say it’s too early to declare victory for a plan that has no precedent in history.


Supreme Court adds four more cases to docket, from crypto to the IRS - Washington Examiner
After the Supreme Court heard its last round of oral arguments this week ahead of the new year, justices decided to add four new cases to its docket Friday in disputes surrounding cryptocurrency, the IRS, immigration advising services, and federal criminal sentencing.The court's decision came...


Former federal prison warden convicted of sexually abusing inmates
Ray Garcia, 55, faces up to 15 years in prison for molesting inmates and forcing them to pose naked in their cells. He was among five workers charged with abusing inmates at facility and the first to go to trial.


Why the jobs boom could worsen inflation and help trigger a recession
Wage growth has soared, but the good news could bring more inflation and a possible recession.

Biden to call for African Union to be added as G-20 member
President Biden next week will call for the African Union to get a permanent seat as part of the Group of 20 (G-20), which would give African nations a seat at the table on key economic matters and…


US warns of expanding Iran, Russia defence ‘partnership’
Washington accuses Moscow of offering Tehran ‘an unprecedented level of military and technical support’.
Biden administration has ‘concerns’ about providing Ukraine cluster munitions
The White House is not actively considering the request, a person familiar with the issue said.


Raphael Warnock eyed as early contender for 2028 presidential race following runoff win - Washington Examiner
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) may have just won his first full term as a senator, but he's already being eyed for a 2028 presidential run.The senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church has proven he can win under tough circumstances, and his star is on the rise.Warnock was welcomed earlier this week...


House Republican bill would expand fast removals of illegal immigrants, as Title 42’s end nears
A new House bill would significantly expand the use of expedited removal to deport illegal immigrants encountered at the border, just as the Title 42 authority is ending.

US soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies at World Cup
Grant Wahl, an American journalist who helped grow the popularity of soccer in the U.S. and reported on some of the biggest stories in the sport, dies while covering a World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands.


Grant Wahl, renowned soccer journalist, dies at age 49 at Qatar World Cup
A prolific journalist, Wahl wrote for multiple outlets and was a CBS Sports contributor.


Manatee relative, 700 new species now facing extinction
An international conservation organization says populations of a vulnerable species of marine mammal, numerous species of abalone and a type of Caribbean coral are now threatened with extinction.


Brittney Griner's return reignites debate about prisoner swaps
Thursday's release of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner in exchange for a convicted Russian arms dealer has resurfaced an old question: Do prisoner swaps do more harm than good?

Intense fighting underway in eastern Ukraine as both sides suffer heavy losses
Moscow is pressing an offensive in the country's eastern region.


New Peru president appears with military to cement power
Peru’s first female president appeared in a military ceremony on national television on Friday in her first official event as head of state, an attempt to cement her power and buck the national trend of early presidential departures.


China's Xi calls for oil trade in yuan at Gulf summit in Riyadh
President Xi Jinping told Gulf Arab leaders on Friday that China would work to buy oil and gas in yuan, a move that would support Beijing's goal to establish its currency internationally and weaken the U.S. dollar's grip on world trade.
Sinema party switch jumpstarts Arizona's 2024 Senate battle
The last critical Arizona Senate race ended a month ago, and the next one is already kicking off — with pressure on Democrats to dodge a political disaster.


New abnormal: Climate disaster damage 'down' to $268 billion
This past year has seen a horrific flood that submerged one-third of Pakistan, one of the three costliest U.S. hurricanes on record, devastating droughts in Europe and China, a drought-triggered famine in Africa and deadly heat waves all over.

University of Idaho pays out $90K to settle free speech lawsuit with Christian group - Washington Examiner
The University of Idaho agreed to pay $90,000 to settle a lawsuit that was filed by three Christian students and a professor who were hit with a no-contact order after expressing opposition to same-sex marriage.The settlement, disclosed this week, resolves a lawsuit filed by Peter Perlot, Mark...


Sinema switches to independent, shaking up the Senate
The Arizona senator won't say whether she's running for reelection but said in an interview she doesn't expect a change in how the Senate operates.


Sinema left 'Arizonans behind' before leaving party, state Dems say
The Arizona Democratic Party released a statement responding to Senator Krysten Sinema's decision to leave the Democratic Party to become an independent.

Messi, Argentina advance to semifinals at World Cup
Lionel Messi’s quest to win the World Cup moves into the semifinals after Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-...suspect-connection-1988-sexual-arse-rcna60963

What is ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence text bot that went viral?
ChatGPT composes Shakespearean poetry, tell jokes and writes computer code.

South Carolina prosecutors reveal alleged motive in Murdaugh murder case | CNN
South Carolina prosecutors have put forth what they believe was Alex Murdaugh’s motive for killing his wife and son.


Fight to curb food waste increasingly turns to science
Hate mealy apples and soggy french fries? Science can help. Restaurants, grocers, farmers and food companies are increasingly turning to chemistry and physics to tackle the problem of food waste.


AOC offers to help Gen Z congressman who couldn’t find housing in DC - Washington Examiner
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) offered a helping hand Friday to incoming colleague Maxwell Frost (D-FL), who has struggled to lock down housing in Washington, D.C. Recalling that she's "been there," Ocasio-Cortez used Frost's housing woes to jab at congressional structures that are "built...


Prominent Putin foe sentenced to 8 and a half years in prison over criticism of Ukraine war
Defiant even after the sentence, Ilya Yashin said "only the weak want to shut everyone's mouth and eradicate any dissent."


Biden earned political capital this fall. He’s quietly spending it.
The president and his team are making moves ahead of a likely 2024 announcement.


Tina Turner's son Ronnie dies at 62
“Ronnie, you left the world far too early,” the music icon wrote in an Instagram post.


SpaceX gives rival's internet satellites ride to orbit
SpaceX has launched a batch of internet satellites for a competitor. Elon Musk's company stepped in to help after the London-based OneWeb halted its flights with Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.


He was canceled during the #MeToo movement. Now, he’s using YouTube to attack celebrity accusers.
Pushback against the #MeToo movement and the shifting economics on YouTube have elevated Andy Signore and other online creators to new heights.


'Disgraceful abdication': Potential 2024 contenders slam Biden's swap of WNBA player for 'Merchant of Death'
Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott slammed Biden's release of Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout in order to free WNBA player Brittney Griner, as Marine veteran Paul Whelan remains in prison.

Mauna Loa lava no longer imminent threat to Hawaii highway
Scientists in Hawaii say lava from the world’s largest volcano is no longer an imminent threat to the main highway across the Big Island. The U.S.



COVID numbers rise as health officials continue to advocate for boosters
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have surged following the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the CDC.

CDC recommends masks again in New York City, Los Angeles and other communities as COVID cases climb
Around 14% of Americans now live in counties at "high" COVID-19 Community Levels, up from 5% last week.


House COVID panel accuses Trump administration of exacerbating the pandemic in its final report
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis released its final report on Friday before Republicans take control of the House in the upcoming Congress, providing new findings on how the …


US hospitals are at their highest capacity in a year -- and it's not only due to COVID
U.S. hospitals are at their highest capacity since January 2022 and ICUs are at their fullest since February 2021, when COVID vaccines just started being rolled out.

Baby whose parents refused vaccinated blood undergoes lifesaving heart surgery | CNN
A six-month-old baby whose parents refused to allow him to undergo lifesaving heart surgery using blood from people vaccinated against Covid-19 has been operated on in a New Zealand hospital.


Biden administration funds study on how to train drug addicts to distribute COVID tests
The Biden administration will spend $1 million on a study of how to train drug addicts how to distribute COVID-19 rapid tests to fellow drug addicts.

Buttocks enhancement procedures can cost thousands, health issues
ABC News' "IMPACT x Nightline" looks at the dark side of the buttock enhancement industry.

Whelan talks will continue because Russians have ‘things they want,’ US official says | CNN Politics
The Biden administration believes the Russian government will continue to engage on detainee issues, including freeing American Paul Whelan, following the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner because “they have things they want in this world,” a senior administration official tells CNN.


White House doctors urge Americans to get updated COVID boosters
Top U.S. health officials on Friday urged Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine boosters if eligible to help ward off infections during the holiday season.
Dems’ final Covid report slams government failures. Congress may repeat them.
The Coronavirus Crisis committee lays out 30 recommendations for protecting the country during future pandemics.


More breast cancer patients can choose smaller surgery
A new breast cancer study finds many women with two or three breast tumors can get by with lumpectomy surgery instead of having their whole breast removed.


Hospital apologises after hiding surgeon's error for seven years
The trust has apologised to a woman for failing to admit a surgeon was responsible for a massive haemorrhage.


Fauci blasts ‘cowardly’ trolls harassing wife, children
Anthony Fauci in an interview with the BBC blasted the “cowardly” internet trolls who harass his wife and children, saying it’s a part of the backlash he’s experienced over the CO…


Canada: Premiers demand to meet Trudeau over health crisis
All 13 provincial leaders renew their calls for more funding from the federal government.


Should racism and discrimination be viewed as public health threats? A new study argues they should
A landmark new study in the Lancet journal argues that racism should be seen as a public health threat worldwide. Here's why.