National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
US jet shoots down unknown object flying off Alaska coast
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. military fighter jet shot down an unknown object flying off the northern coast of Alaska on Friday on orders from President Joe Biden, White House officials said.
China says it rejected U.S. call over balloon because ‘atmosphere’ wasn’t right
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized a unanimous resolution by House lawmakers condemning China’s use of the suspected spy balloon.
www.nbcnews.com
Pence subpoenaed by special counsel probing Trump
Former Vice President Mike Pence has been subpoenaed by the special counsel overseeing investigations into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
apnews.com
Border crossings in January drop to lowest point since February 2021 | CNN Politics
The number of unlawful crossings of the US-Mexico border in January marked the lowest levels of encounters since February 2021, administration officials said Friday.
www.cnn.com
Migrant encounters hit 156,274 in January as Biden admin claims new border measures ‘are working’
January saw over 156,000 migrant encounters at the southern border, officials announced Friday, as they claimed that new border measures introduced are successful.
Trump frustrated with a powerful conservative group after its outreach to Ron DeSantis
People close to the former president say he's been frustrated with Turning Point USA and its founder Charlie Kirk, although the Trump campaign and Kirk say there's no rift.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden to visit Poland for anniversary of Ukraine war
President Joe Biden will travel to Poland later this month to rally allies a year after Russia’s assault on Ukraine began. The White House announced the trip Friday.
apnews.com
AP source: Trump team turns over items marked as classified
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have in recent months turned over to federal investigators additional documents with classified markings as well as a laptop belonging to a Trump aide.
apnews.com
Schiff urges Pence to 'cooperate fully' on special counsel subpoena after skipping Jan. 6 Committee
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who sat on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, said former Vice President Mike Pence should "cooperate fully" with a subpoena.
Scott announces new Social Security, Medicare bill amid Biden feud
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) announced a new bill on Friday to increase funding for Social Security and Medicare and institute a higher standard for making cuts to the entitlement programs, following P…
thehill.com
Ukraine war live updates: Russia launches new missile strikes; Moldova’s government collapses
Explosions hit the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv Friday morning amid reports that Russia is launching another major offensive.
'Everybody's tired': South Dakota tribe sues US over crime
Violent crimes across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota have increased in recent years
'That’s not a Republican plan': McConnell distances GOP from Scott on Social Security, Medicare sunset plan
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said any idea on sunsetting Social Security and Medicare belongs Sen. Rick Scott—not the GOP.
www.usatoday.com
New classified document found in FBI search of Pence home
The FBI has discovered an additional document with classified markings at former Vice President Mike Pence’s Indiana home.
apnews.com
How they compare: Trump, Biden, Pence classified documents
There are plenty of similarities — but also major differences — among the classified-records situations of Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Mike Pence.
apnews.com
Inside Aleppo: BBC sees devastation after quake
The BBC is one of the first international outlets to report from the historic Syrian city.
www.bbc.com
Analysis: The US says Xi didn’t know about the balloon. That raises even more questions | CNN
Washington believes the balloon shot down over the Atlantic on Saturday is part of an extensive Chinese surveillance program – but that Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader in decades, may not have been aware of the mission.
www.cnn.com
'Disturbing and sad': Sen. Kyrsten Sinema blasts Republicans who shouted at Biden during State of the Union
Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema blasted Republicans who heckled President Biden during his State of the Union speech and called him a liar.
Jeffries says ‘extreme MAGA’ Republicans consider Social Security a Ponzi scheme: ‘Must stop them’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said on Friday that “extreme MAGA” Republicans view Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme,” calling on Democrats to work to protect the progr…
thehill.com
How investigators caught, tried convicted 1998 antifreeze killer
"20/20" looks at the nearly 25-year criminal probe into Julie Jensen's death at the hands of her husband.
'Sociopath', 'Sick puppy': What Mitt Romney, other Republicans have called George Santos
George Santos is facing increased political blowback, with more members of his own party like Sen. Mitt Romney publicly slamming him and urging his resignation.
www.usatoday.com
'It just rang': In crises, US-China hotline goes unanswered
When a giant Chinese balloon made an uninvited visit to the United States, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin turned to a hotline system set up with Beijing to defuse the situation.
apnews.com
DeSantis to run Disney district after 'Don't Say Gay' feud
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will soon take control of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district. Senate Republicans on Friday approved legislation to require DeSantis to appoint a five-member board to oversee the government services it provides in the company’s sprawling properties in Florida.
apnews.com
DeSantis skips White House event as he and Biden draw 2024 battle lines
Neither DeSantis nor Biden has officially announced they’re running in 2024, but they’re sparring as if the race is already underway.
www.nbcnews.com
Wagner mercenaries chief admits Russia facing Bakhmut resistance
Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted Russian troops are engaged in a fierce fight to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
George Santos says Kyrsten Sinema told him to 'hang in there.' Her office says that’s a 'lie.'
Santos told Newsmax that after Sen. Mitt Romney lashed out at him ahead of Tuesday's State of the Union address, Sinema told him to "hang in there, buddy”
www.nbcnews.com
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop diversity programs in hiring
The memo, from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's office, said diversity efforts in hiring "proactively encourage discrimination."
White House and Fox struggle to agree on Biden Super Bowl interview
A White House official indicated no interview was in the works after a Fox Corp. spokesperson said FOX Soul would interview the president for Super Bowl Sunday.
www.nbcnews.com
Turkey-Syria updates: Rescues continue as death toll nears 26,000
All the updates as they happened on Saturday, February 11.
Russia likely lost dozens of armoured vehicles near Ukraine's Vuhledar: UK
Russian forces likely lost dozens of armoured vehicles in a single, failed attack near the eastern Ukrainian city of Vuhledar, British intelligence said on Friday, as one pro-Russian blogger warned of a "crisis" in troop command.
Trump calls Pence a 'very honorable man' after Special Counsel Jack Smith subpoena
EXCLUSIVE: Former President Trump called former Vice President Pence a “very honorable man” after Special Counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed him as part of his investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and into Trump’s handling of classified documents after leaving office.
Biden has big plans for junk fees, a billionaire’s tax and paid leave. But can he actually enact them?
President Joe Biden is pursuing an aggressive economic agenda aimed at boosting worker power, taxing the rich, reducing fees and taking on dominant corporations. But with Republicans in control of …
thehill.com
What we can infer from the Alaska aerial object
The White House says that the U.S. military shot down an as yet unidentified flying object over northern Alaska on Thursday evening.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Santos blames ’embellished resume’ on local GOP as scrutiny continues
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) on Thursday blamed the local Nassau County GOP for his “embellished resume,” as the freshman lawmaker continues to face intense media scrutiny over his background. “I wo…
thehill.com
Trump legal team hands over classified item to Justice Department: Report
The legal team for former President Donald Trump handed over a classified folder discovered at Mar-a-Lago to the Justice Department on Friday. The team also turned over a computer belonging to a current Trump aide.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
No Super Bowl interview for Biden, White House official says
President Joe Biden is not, in fact, scheduled to give an interview to a Fox Corp. streaming service before the Super Bowl on Sunday, according to a White House official.
apnews.com
Romania counters Ukraine’s claim over straying Russian missiles
While Moldova confirmed a Ukrainian claim that Russian missiles violated its airspace, Romania issues a firm denial.
Xi Jinping fumes at US efforts to rally allies against China
Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping fumed at U.S. efforts to restrict Beijing’s access to advanced Western technology as a week of tensions over a downed Chinese balloon punctuated a wider diplomatic struggle for influence and cooperation.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden faces doubt from some voters who backed Dems in 2022
Some voters in last year's midterm elections were open to supporting Democrats even if they weren’t fond of President Joe Biden.
apnews.com
Children rescued from ruins days after earthquake, but death toll tops 23,700
Rescue crews saved a 10-day-old baby and his mother trapped in the ruins of a building in Turkey on Friday and dug several people out from other sites as President Tayyip Erdogan said authorities should have reacted faster to this week's huge earthquake.
Russia announces cut to oil output over Western price caps
Russia has announced it will cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day next month after Western countries capped the price of its crude over its action in Ukraine
Republicans back lawsuit to overturn FDA approval of abortion pill and pull the medication from U.S. market
The 22 attorneys general argued the attempt to pull the abortion pill from the U.S. market would have "devastating consequences" for women.
Washington Post's 'bizarre,' 'comical' profile of Anna Paulina Luna littered with errors, congresswoman says
The Washington Post's profile of GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida contained numerous factual errors, and was very similar to a story the New York Times declined to run.
China says House resolution condemning Beijing over balloon is "purely political manipulation and hyping up"
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China "firmly opposes" the resolution.
www.cbsnews.comNo Super Bowl interview for Biden, White House official says
President Joe Biden is not, in fact, scheduled to give an interview to a Fox Corp. streaming service before the Super Bowl on Sunday, according to a White House official.
apnews.com
'We are horrified': Republican AGs blast Garland and Wray over anti-Catholic FBI memo
A coalition of Republican attorneys general led by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed shock and outrage Friday at a leaked FBI memo that proposed investigating traditional Catholics for links to white supremacy.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Russia puts ex-Putin speechwriter on foreign agents list
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia on Friday added a former speechwriter for President Vladimir Putin to its register of foreign agents, along with one of the country's most popular singers and a prominent opposition politician who has fled abroad.
apnews.com
High-altitude object shot down off Alaska, US says
A sidewinder missile fired by an F-22 warplane blew up the object of unknown origin, the US says.
www.bbc.com
February 10, 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake news
More than 23,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, officials said.
Trump attacks Rihanna ahead of Super Bowl: ‘Without her “Stylist” she’d be NOTHING’
Former President Trump criticized singer Rihanna on Thursday ahead of her planned performance at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday. “Without her “Stylist” she’d be NOTHING. Bad everythin…
thehill.com
IRS provides '11th hour' guidance on state relief checks
The Internal Revenue Service announced Friday that it will not impose any federal taxes on most relief checks issued by states last year.
Americans’ dissatisfaction with US abortion policies hits all-time high
Story at a glance The new poll from Gallup found 69 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the nation’s abortion policies, with many preferring less strict laws. For the first time since Gallup…
thehill.com
Missouri AG confirms investigation into pediatric transgender center
The attorney general said a multi-agency investigation was launched following “disturbing allegations” by a former case manager at the St. Louis facility.
www.nbcnews.com
US shoots down unknown 'high-altitude object' over Alaska, White House says
The U.S. has shot down what was called a "high-altitude object" over waters off Alaska, the White House said Friday.
In Post-Roe World, These Conservatives Embrace a New Kind of Welfare
Sending cash to parents, with few strings attached. Expanding Medicaid. Providing child care subsidies to families earning six figures. The ideas may sound like part of a progressive platform. But they are from an influential group of conservative intellectuals with a direct line to elected...
EPA awards $1B to clean up 22 toxic waste sites nationwide
The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is awarding $1 billion from the federal Superfund program to clean up 22 toxic waste sites across the country.
apnews.com
McConnell distances GOP from Rick Scott as Biden steps up Social Security, Medicare attacks on GOP
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that a proposal to sunset Medicare and Social Security was Sen. Rick Scott's idea, and not the Republican Party's plan.
Man held after US congresswoman Angie Craig pours hot coffee on assailant
Minnesota's Angie Craig defends herself after an assault, that does not appear politically motivated.
www.bbc.com
Nicaraguan bishop who refused exile gets 26 years in prison
Roman Catholic Bishop Rolando Álvarez, an outspoken critic of Nicaragua’s government, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison and stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship, the latest move by President Daniel Ortega against the Catholic church and his opponents.
apnews.com
Hawley launches investigation into Missouri children’s hospital, demands records of ‘gender-related treatments’ for youth
Sen. Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) office will begin investigating the Washington University Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the senator announced Thursday. I…
thehill.com
Florida Legislature expands Ron DeSantis' program to fly migrants to blue states
The measure, passed during a special session, formally creates the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program under the state’s Division of Emergency Management.
www.nbcnews.com
Pro-Western Recean set to succeed Moldova's PM who resigned
Moldova’s president tapped her defense and security adviser, pro-Western economist Dorin Recean, to succeed Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita who unexpectedly resigned Friday, 18 months into a tenure sorely tested by the war in neighboring Ukraine
Florida lawmakers approve relocating migrants to sanctuary states
A Florida bill will allow the state to transport migrants to other states, similar to when migrants were taken to Martha's Vineyard last year.
Florida expands governor's power to move migrants
Democrats says the relocations are "human trafficking", but Republicans say it's "humanitarian".
www.bbc.com
Russia steps up attacks in Ukraine with broad bombardments
Russian forces unleashed a barrage of missile and drone strikes against targets in eastern and southern Ukraine early Friday.
www.nbcnews.com
DeSantis and Trump top Biden in potential 2024 showdown in battleground Nevada: poll
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Trump both top President Biden in the key western swing state of Nevada in hypothetical 2024 election matchups.
US shoots down another ‘high-altitude object’ over Alaska
The U.S. military on Friday took down an object flying over Alaskan airspace days after shooting down a Chinese spy balloon along the South Carolina coast, the White House confirmed. John Kirby, a …
thehill.com
Prepped and eloquent, Zelenskyy wows Europe's leaders
BRUSSELS (AP) — Before the Ukraine war, Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to western European capitals as a junior partner, one of many leaders of poorer eastern countries looking for aid and attention.
apnews.com
Tests negative, Sen. John Fetterman leaves hospital
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is out of a hospital in Washington after a two-day stay following a spell of lightheadedness that prompted the visit as he recovers from a stroke he suffered last year on the campaign trail.
apnews.com
Biden, Lula focus on democracy, climate during visit
President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have met at the White House and reflected on how their nations were tested in their respective battles to preserve democracy.
apnews.com
Turkey earthquake failures leave Erdogan looking vulnerable
The biggest earthquake since 1939 raises questions over whether such a tragedy could have been avoided.
www.bbc.com
Belarus calls Poland's closing of border crossing point 'catastrophic'
Belarus on Friday condemned as "catastrophic" a decision by Poland to close a border checkpoint between the two countries, saying it could lead to a collapse on both sides of the border.
US military shoots down 'object' flying in territorial waters over Alaska
The U.S. military on Friday shot down an "object" at the request of President Biden that was flying in territorial waters over Alaska, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said.
Against ‘Buy American,’ Trudeau ministers make their case in D.C.
Canada’s top defense and industry officials tout ‘supply chain resiliency’ ahead of Biden’s trip north.
www.politico.com
Santos had bad checks theft charge expunged in Pennsylvania in 2017: lawyer
An attorney for Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) said the congressman had a charge for criminal theft in Pennsylvania in 2017 dismissed after he explained bad checks that were written stemmed from a che…
thehill.com
Ex-national security adviser Robert O'Brien is subpoenaed by special counsel in Trump probes
Special counsel Jack Smith's office wants to question O'Brien about Trump’s handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, a source confirmed.
www.nbcnews.com
District attorney to review all prior cases of former Memphis police officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced that it will review all prior cases of the five former Memphis police officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death.
Alec Baldwin says part of shooting charge unconstitutional
Alec Baldwin has asked a judge in New Mexico to dismiss a five-year firearm sentencing enhancement in the charges against him, saying it is unconstitutionally based on a law passed after the shooting on the set of the film “Rust.”
apnews.com
Fight over role of tree-trimming in Austin ice outages highlights risks to nation’s grid
Extended power outages that gripped Austin last week are raising questions about trees and urban power infrastructure — and leaving the city manager fighting for his political life. Unlike th…
thehill.com
'Imagine every disaster movie': ABC News' Ian Pannell reports from Turkey earthquake zone
ABC News' Chief Foreign Correspondent Ian Pannell spoke with "Start Here" about what he's seeing on the ground in Turkey.
US takes another step toward gearing up nuclear pit factory
The U.S. agency in charge of producing key components for the nation's nuclear arsenal has taken another step toward getting equipment installed at a New Mexico laboratory as part of a multibillion-dollar mission.
apnews.comWhite House and Fox struggle to agree on Biden Super Bowl interview
A White House official indicated no interview was in the works after a Fox Corp. spokesperson said FOX Soul would interview the president for Super Bowl Sunday.
www.nbcnews.com
Black History Month scrutinized amid conservative backlash to race in education
Educators told ABC News their fears and hopes for Black History Month amid conservative backlash against certain lessons on race.
Russian FM, Sudan's military leaders kindle ties in Khartoum
Russia's foreign minister has met with Sudan’s military rulers as the nations seek to deepen economic and political ties.
apnews.com
Migrant family separated under Trump wins asylum, but others remain in limbo
The Biden administration has reunited more than 600 children who were separated from their parents along the U.S.-Mexico border, but many families face legal obstacles.
www.cbsnews.com
GOP senators sympathetic to Romney’s call for Santos to resign
Senate Republicans, who are battling to win back the majority in 2024, worry the controversy surrounding Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) has become a liability for their party as a whole, and several a…
thehill.com
Rescuers rejoice as more quake survivors emerge from rubble
More than a dozen additional earthquake survivors have been pulled from the rubble alive in Turkey. They include six relatives who huddled in a small air pocket and a desperate teenager who grew so thirsty that he drank his own urine.
apnews.com
Turkey earthquake drone footage shows fissures slicing through land
Drone footage in southern Turkey showed fissures slicing and cracking across fields, roads, streams and hillsides, caused by a massive earthquake that struck the region at the start of the week.
Turkey earthquake: The community lost under a destroyed apartment block
A window with a butterfly print curtain is the first clue in a story about loss in a devastating quake.
www.bbc.com
‘Plausible’ Xi didn’t know about balloon: China panel chair
So what to do about China now? Rep. Mike Gallagher suggested a litany of initiatives.
www.politico.com
Florida Senate approves bill to give DeSantis control of Disney special district
The Florida Senate voted on HB 9B during a special legislative session that would give Gov. Ron DeSantis the ability to appoint a board to run Disney's special district.
US blacklists 6 Chinese entities over balloon program
The United States has blacklisted six Chinese entities it says are linked to Beijing’s aerospace programs as part of its retaliation over an alleged Chinese spy balloon that traversed U.S. airspace.
apnews.com
To tap U.S. government billions, Tesla must unlock EV chargers
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has often talked about opening his Supercharging network to competitors, but has never actually done so in the United States, where the company dominates the electric vehicle market.
DOJ, FBI targeting Catholics as 'violent extremists' under scrutiny by state AGs: 'Bigotry' is 'festering'
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and 19 of his GOP colleagues sent a letter Friday to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray demanding answers for a leaked FBI memo that says the agency was targeting Catholics as "violent extremists."
White House communications director Kate Bedingfield stepping down
Bedingfield's exit comes on the heels of Biden's longtime chief of staff Ron Klain leaving the administration.
McConnell knocks GOP Sen. Rick Scott's plan to sunset federal programs amid sparring over entitlements
"It’s just a bad idea," McConnell said. "I think it will be a challenge for him to deal with this in his own re-election in Florida, a state with more elderly people than any other state."
www.nbcnews.com
Polish leader asks court to vet bill that's key for EU aid
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said Friday he is sending a controversial new law on judicial accountability for constitutional review instead of rejecting it, because it could help unfreeze billions in European Union funds earmarked for Poland.
apnews.com
New Mexico backs deal with Texas on Rio Grande water use
New Mexico's state engineer will support an agreement with Texas and Colorado settling conflicts over diversion of water from the Rio Grande.
Brett Favre: US football star files for defamation over Mississippi fraud claims
The ex-player takes action after being accused of fraud over the use of public funds in Mississippi.
www.bbc.com
Police release footage in arrest of North Carolina man who died after being tased 3 times
Police in North Carolina have released body-worn camera and surveillance footage showing the arrest of Darryl Tyree Williams, who died after being tased three times.
GOP races from Medicare, Social Security third rail
The back-and-forth surrounding Social Security and Medicare this week shows that the entitlement programs remain the unquestioned third rails of American politics as Republicans back away…
thehill.com
IRS won't tax most relief payments made by states last year
The IRS says most relief checks issued by states last year won't be subject to federal taxes, providing late guidance as taxpayers have begun filing returns.
apnews.com
Live Updates I Focus turns to quake aid, as rescues continue
The United Nations has pledged a $25 million grant for people in earthquake-stricken areas of Syria.
apnews.com
Chinese balloon reconnaissance platform located, officials say
U.S. officials said Friday the Chinese balloon reconnaissance platform has been located, ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz reports.
EU lawmaker held for questioning in corruption scandal
Belgium's federal prosecutor's office says an EU lawmaker linked to a corruption scandal that rocked the bloc’s Parliament in December has been detained for questioning as police conduct further raids.
apnews.com
Former acting defense secretary thinks the U.S. should slash its military budget in half
Miller argues the Pentagon budget, now at $816 billion, could be slashed by as much as half.
www.cbsnews.com
Tennessee GOP introduces bills that would shake up Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For years, Nashville leaders have watched Tennessee's GOP-dominated Legislature repeatedly kneecap the liberal-leaning city's ability to set its own minimum wage, regulate plastic bag use and place higher scrutiny on police officers.
apnews.com
Adidas says split from Yeezy will cost it $1.3 billion
The German shoe brand expects to just break even this year, with its sales reduced by $1.3 billion.
www.cbsnews.com
Devastation, loss and hope in Antakya after earthquake
Photo slidehow of how earthquake leveled the city of Antakya in southern Turkey.
GOP lawmakers say second object shot down proves 'BS' Chinese spy balloon response
Republican lawmakers pointed to the swift takedown of an unidentified object that entered U.S. airspace on Friday to support their stance that the Biden administration waited too long to shoot the Chinese spy balloon that traversed the country last week.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
U.S. shoots down unidentified object flying above Alaska
Officials would not speculate about what the object might be and said they do not know who owns it.
DOJ recovers additional classified document from Pence’s home
Federal investigators found one additional document with classified markings during a search of former Vice President Mike Pence’s Indiana home on Friday. The Justice Department conducted a s…
thehill.com
DHS bringing on private law firm to help with potential Mayorkas impeachment proceedings
The Department of Homeland Security is gearing up for potential impeachment proceedings against Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by bringing in a private law firm.
Biden, Lula find common ground in strength of their democracies
President Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva marked the survival of their democracies in a bilateral White House meeting Friday, a common ground that led to the leaders to taki…
thehill.comFeds: Tenn. plan to forgo school funds 'political posturing'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education is criticizing a proposal floated by a top Tennessee Republican lawmaker to cut off federal K-12 funds, describing the proposal as “political posturing. ”
apnews.com
US, UN earthquake aid slow to enter Syria as border entry barriers compounds the crisis
Days after devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, only a handful of international aid organizations have been allowed into Syria, and most entry points remain closed.
Love of rare liquor lands Oregon officials in criminal probe
The Oregon Department of Justice is opening a criminal investigation into allegations that senior officials in the state’s alcohol regulatory agency violated ethics laws by diverting rare bourbons for personal use.
apnews.com
Suit settled over sale of Texas school shooter's ammo
HOUSTON (AP) — The families of those killed and injured in a 2018 Texas high school shooting have settled a lawsuit they had filed against a Tennessee-based online retailer accused of illegally selling ammunition to the student who authorities say fatally shot 10 people on campus.
apnews.com
Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger
The Justice Department could sue to oppose the airline deal as soon as March, people familiar with the case say.
www.politico.com
1 dead, 2 injured in shooting in Southern California
At least three people were shot, including one fatally, in a shooting in Southern California on Friday, authorities said.
After US shoots down object over Alaska, Republicans tell Biden, I told you so
Republican lawmakers shared their thoughts with Fox News Digital regarding the "object" the Pentagon announced was shot down in territorial waters over Alaska.
Sergei Furgal: Former Russian regional governor jailed in murder cases
Sergei Furgal - who beat the Kremlin's preferred candidate in his region - is sentenced to 22 years.
www.bbc.com
Turkey's lax policing of building codes known before quake
Turkey has for years tempted fate by not enforcing modern construction codes while allowing — and in some cases, encouraging — a real estate boom in earthquake-prone areas, experts say.
apnews.com
Biden administration creating sweeping legislation to remake asylum laws
The White House is moving behind the scenes to churn out legislation that would overhaul America’s asylum process for immigrants who arrive at the nation’s borders, according to a new report.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Hunter Biden lawyer questioning GOP oversight legitimacy, threatening lawsuits is also prolific Dem donor
Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden's attorney, has helped Democrats in more ways than one. He's also provided six figures in donations to liberal candidates and committees over the years.
Passport rush blamed on US policy stalls adoptions in Haiti
Children are stuck in orphanages across Haiti, unable to leave the increasingly volatile country and start new lives with adoptive parents.
apnews.com
Congressional Hispanic Caucus considering ousting leader over sudden staff exodus
"At this point George Santos has more people working for him than Nanette," one CHC member commented.
www.cbsnews.com
Israeli police: 2 killed, 5 wounded in Jerusalem car-ramming
Israeli police say a suspected assailant rammed his car into several pedestrians in east Jerusalem, killing two people, including a six-year-old, and injuring five others before being shot and killed.
apnews.com
Biden administration proposes more stringent efficiency standards for refrigerators, clothes washers
The Energy Department on Friday proposed to require new household refrigerators and clothes washers to meet a more stringent sets of energy efficiency standards. It said that the move will save ene…
thehill.com
Texas' Abbott slams 'easy bail for criminals' after fentanyl traffickers released on bond
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed outrage that four suspects arrested for operating a fentanyl lab in Houston were released on bond just a day after their arrest.
Walmart pushes back as major product suppliers ask for higher prices
The retail giant is pitching its own private-label products to shoppers as less-expensive alternatives to suppliers’ name-brand goods.
www.nbcnews.com
Military commander tells Senate panel on Chinese spy balloon: "We think before we shoot"
Senators questioned Pentagon officials about why the spy balloon was not shot down over Alaska.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden attorneys helped transfer previously unknown 'boxes' of files from Boston law office, emails show
Emails between President Joe Biden’s attorneys and the National Archives detail efforts to coordinate the transfer of a previously unknown cache of documents held at a Boston law office last November.
www.washingtonexaminer.comLive Updates I Focus turns to quake aid, as rescues continue
The United Nations has pledged a $25 million grant for people in earthquake-stricken areas of Syria.
apnews.comNicaraguan bishop who refused exile gets 26 years in prison
Roman Catholic Bishop Rolando Álvarez, an outspoken critic of Nicaragua’s government, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison and stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship, the latest move by President Daniel Ortega against the Catholic church and his opponents.
apnews.com
1869 shipwreck of vessel with "checkered past" found in Lake Superior
The ship sunk twice and sank another ship before the incident that left it underwater for good.
www.cbsnews.com
Pence FBI search lasted 5 hours, recovered one additional classified doc
The FBI search of former Vice President Pence's Indiana home on Friday lasted five hours and resulted in one document with classified markings and six additional pages, not marked classified.
15-year-old boy killed in stabbing at high school in St. Paul, Minnesota
Police arrested a 16-year-old boy suspected of carrying out the killing, a police spokesman said.
www.cbsnews.com
EPA's refinery exemptions denial not subject to Congressional Review Act, GAO says
The determination closes the door on potential efforts by lawmakers to use the law to undo the agency's action.
www.politico.com
UN human rights chief calls for special forces to Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The U.N.’s human rights chief on Friday urged the international community to consider deploying a specialized armed force to Haiti, warning that violent gangs are creating a “living nightmare” for thousands of people.
apnews.com
Russian Olympic participation 'can't be covered up'
Russian participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics "cannot be covered up with pretend neutrality or a white flag", says Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky.
www.bbc.com
Cambodia's Hun Sen receives support pledges on Beijing visit
BEIJING (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen received multiple assurances of Chinese economic and political support during a meeting Friday in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
apnews.com
Pentagon pressing Congress to restart programs monitoring Russian movements in Ukraine: report
The Pentagon wants Congress to restart funding on two top-secret programs meant to allow U.S. special operations forces to employ Ukrainian operatives to watch Russian military movements and counte…
thehill.com
Turkey and Syria face threat of 'secondary disaster' as dramatic rescues offer relief
Emergency services, volunteers and families have toiled despite diminishing hopes for those still trapped in subzero temperatures four days after the devastating temblor.
www.nbcnews.com
Pro-Western Recean set to succeed Moldova's PM who resigned
Moldova’s president tapped her defense and security adviser, pro-Western economist Dorin Recean, to succeed Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita who unexpectedly resigned Friday, 18 months into a tenure sorely tested by the war in neighboring Ukraine.
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Florida GOP hands DeSantis wins on Disney, migrants ahead of likely ’24 bid
During a five-day special legislative session that concluded Friday, the Republican-dominated House and Senate approved seven bills, including high-priority measures.
www.politico.com
Archives wanted Boston Biden docs, not believed classified
As the National Archives became aware of classified documents in President Joe Biden’s old office at a Washington think tank, Archives officials were also interested in papers that had been shipped to a law office in Boston by the president’s personal attorney.
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March for Life visitors to National Archives told to 'remove or cover' pro-life attire: lawsuit
The American Center for Law and Justice has filed a lawsuit against the National Archives alleging that visitors were ordered to remove or cover pro-life clothing.
Florida to place leadership of Disney's special operating district under DeSantis' control
The Reedy Creek Special Improvement District is also being renamed.
www.nbcnews.com
What climate law? Voters clueless about Biden's top achievement
The president is hitting the road to get the message out on the Inflation Reduction Act, an effort that may be crucial to his hopes for 2024.
www.politico.com
Quake brings chance for Syria's Assad to ease isolation
Experts say Syria’s embattled President Bashar Assad may try to use this week’s deadly earthquake as an opportunity to ease his country’s international isolation.
apnews.com
Biden’s moonshot examined: Researchers say cancer cure is a long ways off
The White House is pressing ahead, saying a combination of research on cures and prevention efforts will end the scourge.
www.politico.com
Marty Walsh replacement race splits Democrats even before labor secretary announces exit
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has not confirmed reports he's leaving the Biden administration to run the NHL Players’ Association, but Democrats are already jockeying to line up his replacement.
www.washingtonexaminer.comUS test launches unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile
An unarmed U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile has been launched from California in a test of the defense system.
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Marty Walsh isn't gone yet. That's news to many Democrats.
Politicos are already maneuvering to line up support for their preferred successor.
www.politico.com
Russia hits targets across Ukraine with missiles, drones
Russia has used strategic bombers, cruise missiles and killer drones in a barrage of attacks across Ukraine.
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Marina Ovsyannikova: Anti-war Russian journalist recounts dramatic escape
Maria Ovsyannikova, who protested live on air last year, is now in France but still fears for her life.
www.bbc.com
Second New Jersey council member shot dead in a week, officials call it ‘dreadful coincidence’
A New Jersey council member has been shot and killed for the second time in just over a week in what officials are calling a “dreadful coincidence.” Authorities responded to multiple 911 call…
thehill.comBiden prepares largest Pentagon budget in history as spending cuts loom
Lawmakers have threatened defense cuts in larger battle over the debt ceiling.
www.politico.com
Zelenskyy tells summit 'no place' for Russia at Olympics
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told a group of sports ministers there should be “no place” for Russian athletes at next year’s Paris Olympics while the Russian war in Ukraine continues.
apnews.com
Top Democrat on House Weaponization Subcommittee blasts GOP-created panel: 'Weaponization of Congress'
The top Democrat on the House Weaponization Subcommittee said there is a “difference” between “legitimate oversight and weaponization of Congress,” slamming the committee as one that will be used to “showcase conspiracy theories and advance an extreme agenda.”
China says House resolution condemning Beijing over balloon is "purely political manipulation and hyping up"
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China "firmly opposes" the resolution.
www.cbsnews.com
17-year-old drank urine to survive 94 hours trapped in rubble of Turkey quake
A 17-year-old boy is sharing his story of survival after spending 94 hours trapped in the rubble.
Rep. Angie Craig releases new statement on attack: ‘I was very, very lucky’
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) released a new statement on Friday in the wake of the previous day’s assault, noting that she feels “very fortunate” to have escaped the attack with few injuries. “My mor…
thehill.com
Texas AG settles with former aides who reported him to FBI
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has agreed to apologize and pay $3.3 million in taxpayer money to four former staffers who accused him of corruption in 2020, igniting an ongoing FBI investigation into the three-term Republican.
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U.S. shoots down "high-altitude object" over Alaska at the direction of President Biden, White House says
The president's main concern about this latest object was the threat it potentially posed to civilian flights, the White House said.
www.cbsnews.com
Assam: India child brides desperate after mass arrests
Women in Assam are protesting after thousands of men were held in connection with child marriages.
www.bbc.com
Biden Cabinet member lawyers up as GOP threatens impeachment
Mayorkas and DHS have hired a law firm that helped House Democrats in their impeachment effort of then-President Donald Trump.
www.politico.com
US sanctions Bulgarian officials, firms for corruption
The Treasury Department is imposing sanctions on five current and former Bulgarian officials, as well as five entities accused of illicit personal gain and undermining the country’s democratic institutions.
apnews.com
CNN’s Don Lemon sings song known as Black national anthem on air ahead of Super Bowl
CNN anchor Don Lemon serenaded the network’s audience on Friday with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” known widely as the Black national anthem. During a taped interview with ac…
thehill.com
‘The Americans Got Together and Decided to Drown You in the River’
A young Black engineer sought opportunity in the Soviet Union. He ended up at the center of an international incident.
www.politico.com
Corruption endangers world's shrinking fisheries
WASHINGTON (AP) — As Indonesia’s fisheries minister, Edhy Prabowo was tasked with protecting one of his country’s most precious resources: baby lobsters so tiny one can fit on the tip of a finger.
apnews.com
1st officer in Nichols arrest accused of brutality at prison
Years before a Memphis police officer pulled Tyre Nichols from his car on Jan. 7, the officer was accused of taking part in the savage beating of an inmate at a county prison.
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California AG's wife appointed to oversee husband's budget as ethics experts raise red flags
California Attorney General Rob Bonta's wife has been appointed to lead a budget committee that oversees the spending of the state's Department of Justice.
Ethiopia's social media blocked amid church split tensions
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Widespread tensions caused by a rift within Ethiopia's Orthodox Christian church have resulted in the suspension of access to social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook and Telegram.
apnews.com
How Biden's climate spending could transform Nevada
Nevada is receiving billions of dollars in support from the Biden administration to boost electric vehicles and batteries, a development that is set to upend the state's economy and influence the nation's clean energy targets.
www.politico.com
'BIG WORDS': Biden official takes dig at GOP governor following joke during major announcement
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm appeared to overreact to a joke by GOP Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo this week during an event announcing a green energy loan for a Nevada company.
Have China hawks flown the coop?
Former ambassador and storied senator issues a warning.
www.politico.com
Brazil police target group laundering cash from illegal gold
Brazil’s Federal Police performed eight searches Friday targeting money laundering derived from illegal gold mining in Roraima state, where Indigenous Yanomami people are in a health crisis.
apnews.com
Top House Republicans scrutinize SEC investigation of failed crypto exchange FTX
GOP leaders in the House Financial Services Committee requested communications between the SEC and the DOJ on the arrest of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Cruz releases three bills taking on China following spy flight being shot down
Texas GOP Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced three bills this week taking on teh CCOP after the Chinese spy balloon made its way across the continental U.S. before being shot down.
New White House comms director as re-election decision nears
President Joe Biden is getting a new communications director at the White House as he inches closer to an expected re-election campaign.
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Why the Beltway Loves the Second Gentleman
Kamala Harris may be struggling with Washington insiders, but they’re making her once nerdy husband the most high-profile vice-presidential spouse in history.
www.politico.com
Damar Hamlin calls trainer the 'savior of my life' in new interview
Watch the Michael Strahan interview with Damar Hamlin on Monday at 7 a.m ET on "Good Morning America."
New Mexico House passes gun storage measure
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill that would make it a crime to store a firearm in a way that allows a child to access it has narrowly passed the New Mexico House of Representatives, with rural Democrats joining Republicans in voting against the measure.
apnews.com
Norovirus appears to keep spreading as rate of positive tests exceeds last year's peak
The highly contagious virus' symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.
www.nbcnews.com
Judge extends deadline in lawsuit seeking to pull abortion pill mifepristone from U.S. until Feb. 24
The abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America, in an analysis published Friday, said 40 million women could lose access to the abortion pill.
A calorie-restricted diet may slow aging in healthy adults, science shows
Researchers still don’t know exactly why cutting calories may slow aging, but there is evidence it prompts changes at the cellular level.
www.nbcnews.com
In lawsuit challenging FDA approval of abortion pills, state attorneys general weigh in
A decision from a Trump-appointed judge could come later this month in a lawsuit alleging that the FDA’s approval of two abortion medications was unlawful.
www.nbcnews.com
Why the toxins from the Ohio train derailment could have posed deadly threats for residents nearby
The toxins that burned in the wreckage of the train derailment in Ohio had the potential to be deadly if officials did not order evacuations in the region.
Norovirus outbreaks are increasing across the US: Which regions have it the worst?
Outbreaks of norovirus generally peak between November and April of any given year, though early reporting from labs across the country shows an earlier uptick when compared to the previous norovir…
thehill.com
Texas lawsuit could threaten nationwide availability of abortion pill
Medication abortion accounts for the majority of abortions in the U.S.
www.cbsnews.com
Baby killed and another injured in strollers sold by major retailers, consumer safety agency says
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning parents their children could be at risk of death or injury while using Baby Trend’s Sit N’ Stand Double and Ultra Strollers.
www.nbcnews.com
Missouri AG calls for moratorium on puberty blockers for children
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called for a halt on authorizing puberty blockers for children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital on Friday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Fungal infections are becoming more common. Why isn't there a vaccine?
Vaccine researchers are focused on a small group of fungi responsible for the vast majority of fatal infections in the U.S.
www.nbcnews.com
Health crisis leads scores of Yanomami to roam the streets
Years of neglect during the previous government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro led to a health crisis in Brazil's Indigenous Yanomami population.
apnews.com
The high cost of insulin has led to a flourishing black market
To save money on insulin and diabetes equipment, people are turning to online groups where strangers offer their extra supplies.
www.nbcnews.com
National Archives apologizes for asking people to cover up anti-abortion messages
The National Archives and Smithsonian apologized this week after several museums asked March for Life participants to cover or remove attire displaying anti-abortion messages. The actions by offici…
thehill.comArgentina worried over Russian women traveling to give birth
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine officials are expressing concern over the large number of pregnant Russian women who have recently entered the country to give birth as a way to obtain an Argentine passport, claiming three Russian spies who were recently detained in Slovenia were citizens of
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