

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Biden political future clouded by classified document probe
NEW YORK (AP) — Virtually everything was going right for President Joe Biden as he opened the year. His approval ratings were ticking up. Inflation was slowing. And as Democrats united behind his likely reelection campaign, Republicans were at war with themselves after a disappointing midterm season.

Rifts in Russian military command seen amid Ukraine fighting
As Russian troops wage a ferocious fight for control of strongholds in eastern Ukraine, a parallel battle is unfolding in the top echelons of military power in Moscow.


McCarthy says he will look at expunging Trump impeachment
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on Thursday that he would consider expunging one or both of former President Trump’s impeachments. “I would understand why members would want to bring that fo…


Trump Organization fined $1.6 million for tax fraud
Donald Trump’s company has been fined $1.6 million as punishment for a scheme in which some of his executives dodged personal income taxes on lavish job perks.


U.S. to hit debt limit next week, Yellen warns Congress
Yellen said that the Treasury Department would begin taking “extraordinary measures” in order to avoid default.


Biden's Delaware home is now a player in document drama
It’s President Joe Biden’s refuge from Washington — a place that’s part home office, part Sunday family dinner venue, a safe place for his treasured 1967 Corvette and a makeshift campaign studio during the COVID-19 pandemic.


GOP rep introduces bill to restart border wall construction, days after Mexican president lauds Biden
Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., is introducing legislation to re-fire construction of the wall at the southern border, warning that the U.S. has lost its sovereignty.

Biden, Trump cases pull Justice Dept. toward politics
There are now two special counsels investigating the handling of classified documents. A special counsel has been named to investigate the presence of classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home and office.


House Oversight chairman demands list of names and locations linked to Biden document searches - Washington Examiner
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) pressed President Joe Biden’s legal team on Friday for more details about how the president’s staff handled classified documents in the run-up to a public controversy over the records.Comer demanded a list of the classified papers recovered...


Judge rejects as 'absurd' Trump bid to dismiss rape accuser's lawsuit
A U.S. judge on Friday rejected as "absurd" former President Donald Trump's effort to dismiss writer E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit accusing him of defamation and battery after he denied raping her in the mid-1990s.


Schumer blasts ‘extreme’ House GOP agenda: American people don’t want Congress to ‘just’ investigate
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted House Republicans’ “extreme” agenda on Friday for focusing so heavily on investigations in its first real week of business in Congress. “You know what t…


Carrying a concealed loaded gun without a permit may soon be legal in most states
Republican leaders in Florida intend to move legislation that would make it the 26th state to allow individuals to carry concealed loaded guns anywhere without permits.


Biden, Trump cases pull Justice Dept. toward politics
There are now two special counsels investigating the handling of classified documents. A special counsel has been named to investigate the presence of classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home and office.


Trump Organization sentenced to maximum fine following tax fraud conviction
Former President Donald Trump's namesake family real estate firm was sentenced Friday in New York.

Russia says it took Soledar, Ukraine denies its capture
Russia claims that its forces have captured a fiercely contested salt mining town, in what would mark a rare victory for the Kremlin after a series of setbacks in its war in Ukraine.


Panel: State shouldn't take over Georgia county's elections
A bipartisan review panel says Georgia’s most populous county has a history of problems with its elections but has also shown considerable improvement.


President Biden will deliver his State of the Union address on Feb. 7
Biden's State of the Union address Feb. 7 will be his first appearance before a new House majority eager to block his agenda.
www.usatoday.com

Special counsel named to investigate Biden classified records that included top secret document
The White House said classified documents were found in Biden’s garage in Delaware, in addition to records from a Washington office he used after he was vice president.


George Santos said accused ‘Ponzi scheme’ he worked at was ‘100% legitimate’ when accused of fraud in 2020 | CNN Politics
Republican Rep. George Santos, said a company later accused of running a “Ponzi scheme” was “100% legitimate” when it was accused by a potential customer of fraud in 2020, more than a year before it was sued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Once the company, where he worked, came...


White House says it will not negotiate over the debt ceiling
The White House said on Friday it will not negotiate over the debt ceiling and there are no discussions underway about eliminating it.


FAA’s travel snafu comes back to bite Biden’s nominee
Following the FAA computer meltdown, Republicans on Capitol Hill renewed their attacks on President Joe Biden's pick to head the agency.


Kyiv denies Russia's claim of control over contested Soledar; Ukraine set to receive more Western tanks
Ukraine is denying Russia's claim of control over Soledar. If true, it would be Moscow's first significant victory in months.

Analysis: Russia may hike taxes as military spending, oil price weigh on budget
Russia is becoming too dependent on oil revenues to support its budget as it ramps up military spending, economists said, warning that the government may have to raise taxes if prices of crude fail to meet expectations this year.


UN chief: Rule of law risks becoming `Rule of Lawlessness'
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is warning that the rule of law is at grave risk of becoming “the Rule of Lawlessness.”


GOP divided in rush to impeach Mayorkas
Tensions are rising in the GOP House over how to tackle a topic many back enthusiastically: impeaching Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Republicans are largely un…


Under oath, Trump hurled insults at woman who alleges rape
Questioned for a lawsuit, former President Donald Trump hurled insults and threatened to sue the columnist who accused him of raping her in a department store in the 1990s. Excerpts of Trump's October deposition were released publicly Friday. They reveal a contentious battle between Trump and a...


US will hit debt ceiling next week, Yellen says in announcing ‘extraordinary measures’ - Washington Examiner
The United States will hit the federal debt limit next week, and the Treasury will begin taking action to keep the government from defaulting on its debt, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced. Federal debt is projected to reach the statutory limit next Thursday. In a letter to House Speaker...

Obama-era White House counsel will represent Biden on classified documents
Bauer has been a key player on Biden’s side for years.


Loudoun County attorney’s office to no longer prosecute certain misdemeanors - Washington Examiner
Crime Loudoun County attorney's office to no longer prosecute certain misdemeanors By Cami Mondeaux, Congressional Reporter January 13, 2023 09:25 AM Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Print Crime Loudoun County attorney's office to no longer prosecute certain misdemeanors By Cami Mondeaux...


Manchin opponent? West Virginia GOP governor ‘seriously’ mulling Senate run against incumbent Democrat
Republican Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia says he is “seriously considering running for U.S. Senate” in 2024, when Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is up for re-election.

Sweden: Erdogan effigy 'act of sabotage' against NATO bid
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has denounced a protest by Kurds in central Stockholm where an effigy of Turkey’s president was hung from a lamppost as an act of “sabotage” against Sweden’s bid to join NATO.


Some GOP McCarthy holdouts scoff at claims Trump swayed speaker vote outcome
Some Republicans who had held out against voting for Kevin McCarthy scoffed at claims that former President Donald Trump swayed the outcome of last week's speaker vote.

U.S. Treasury Department to take 'extraordinary measures' as government nears debt ceiling
The Treasury Department announced it will be taking "extraordinary measures" as the government is projected to hit the debt ceiling.
www.usatoday.com

Speaker McCarthy's tidy 1st week disguises trouble ahead
Republican Kevin McCarthy wrapped his first full week as House speaker in the most outwardly orderly way.


First on CNN: Afghanistan withdrawal investigation launched by top Republican on House Foreign Affairs Committee | CNN Politics
The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday requested from the State Department a vast number of documents related to the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking the official launch of the newly Republican-led panel’s investigation into the chaotic exit.


‘There would’ve been gunfire’: Officer testifies at Proud Boys trial
Top Capitol Police official describes how close Jan. 6 rioters came to igniting even worse bloodshed


U.S. will hit its debt limit Thursday, start taking steps to avoid default, Yellen warns Congress
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, "It is unlikely that cash and extraordinary measures will be exhausted before early June."

Youngkin’s political brand at risk after GOP losses in Virginia
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) political brand is facing a potential setback after a series of disappointing GOP losses in the commonwealth. The latest blow came earlier this week, when D…


Lisa Marie Presley’s final social media post details ‘grief’ and feeling ‘destroyed’ - Washington Examiner
Lisa Marie Presley’s last social media post detailed the heartache she has lived with following the death of her son. On Thursday, the only daughter of Elvis Presley died at the age of 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest. In her final Instagram post, Presley shared about losing her late son...


Two presidents are under special counsel investigations. Here's what to know.
There are currently two ongoing special counsel investigations into U.S. presidents over classified documents. Here's what to know.
www.usatoday.com

The Real Power in the New Congress Isn’t Where Matt Gaetz Thinks It Is
Josh Gottheimer believes his caucus of centrists is going to play a key role getting important bills passed in a narrowly divided House.


Analysis: Wagner Group boss courts Putin with Ukrainian battlefield success
In the twilight of the Soviet Union, Yevgeny Prigozhin was languishing in prison for theft. Now as the founder of Russia's most powerful mercenary group, he is vying for Vladimir Putin's favour by claiming a rare battlefield win in Ukraine.


Writer wants Trump’s deposition in rape lawsuit made public
NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for a longtime advice columnist who says Donald Trump raped her a quarter century ago in a department store dressing room told a judge Thursday that the former president's fall deposition should be made public.


Biden to expedite deportation relief for migrants caught up in labor abuses
The Biden administration will speed up the deportation relief process for immigrants in the United States illegally who witness or experience labor abuses, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Friday.


FEMA fires group for nonsensical Alaska Native translations
Government officials say documents aimed at helping Alaska Natives apply for aid following typhoon damage last fall featured nonsensical phrases instead of useful instructions.


Walmart removes ‘inappropriate’ boots from online marketplace: ‘Inconsistent with our values’
The boots, which were offered by a third-party seller on the company’s Walmart Marketplace, were emblazoned with the letters “KKK” on the tongue of each shoe.


Analysis: Why Kevin McCarthy won’t call on George Santos to resign | CNN Politics
New York Rep. George Santos doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Despite being caught in many lies and local Republicans (specifically the Nassau County GOP) calling on him to resign, Santos still has the backing of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.


Afghan rulers urged to reverse ban on women aid workers
The vast majority of U.N. Security Council members are urging Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to immediately reverse all “oppressive” restrictions on girls and women including the latest ban on woman working for humanitarian organizations which is exacerbating the already critical humanitarian crisis i


E. Jean Carroll sexual assault lawsuit against Trump can proceed: Judge - Washington Examiner
A judge on Friday denied former President Donald Trump's bid to dismiss a lawsuit filed by author E. Jean Carroll, who has alleged the former president sexually assaulted her more than two decades ago.Trump's motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in November by Carroll was denied by U.S. District...


Trump Organization hit with $1.6 million fine for criminal tax fraud scheme
Two subsidiaries of the Trump Organization, former President Donald Trump's business, were hit with fines of $1.6 million at sentencing.

House GOP tempts fall government shutdown with longshot spending demands
Conservatives pushed for severe cuts, more transparency and an amendment-free-for-all. A potential shutdown is months away, but lawmakers are already nervous.


US launches online system to seek asylum on Mexican border
The Biden administration has launched an online appointment system for migrants as the only way to be exempt from limits on seeking asylum, its latest major step to overhaul border enforcement.


Key events in the Biden classified documents probe: Updated timeline
Here is a look at significant developments so far in the investigation of Joe Biden's handling of classified documents while out of office.

Rep. George Santos' finances are raising questions. Here's what public records show.
The New York Republican lent more money to his campaign in 2020 than he reported making. In 2021, he suddenly made a six-figure salary.
www.usatoday.com

New York Mayor: Cost of asylum seekers could hit $2B as shelters reach capacity
NYC Mayor Eric Adams called the lack of a federal response to the migrant crisis "inhumane" and "irresponsible."


Analysis: U.S. House Republicans favor message over substance in early legislation
Republicans wasted no time this week using their new majority to pass political messaging bills that appeal to conservative voters on hot-button issues, but often involved more hyperbole than substance.


GOP state Sen. Hewitt enters Louisiana governor's race
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State Sen. Sharon Hewitt announced Friday that she is running to become Louisiana's governor, making her the third Republican to enter this year's race.


Jim Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee prepare to probe matters involving two presidents — "The Takeout"
"Right now there are tons of questions," the Ohio Republican and committee's chairman said on the CBS News podcast "The Takeout."


Jan. 6 committee misled about China and Iran influence efforts in 2020 - Washington Examiner
The Democratic-led Jan. 6 committee report concealed key information about Iranian election meddling efforts in 2020 and misled about the intelligence community debate over Chinese influence activities during the 2020 election. The 2021 Intelligence Community Assessment concluded that Russia...


Biden and Kishida discuss Japan 'stepping up' security
The U.S. and Japan sealed an agreement to bolster their cooperation on space. It's the latest in a series of moves by Japan as it looks to build security cooperation with allies in a time of provocative Chinese and North Korean military action.


Delay in telling public about classified documents may haunt Biden
The president will eventually have to answer the question of why it took so long to tell the public.


McCarthy invites Biden to deliver State of the Union on Feb. 7
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Friday invited President Biden to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 7, and the president promptly accepted. “The new…


Wisconsin GOP leader proposes flat income tax; Evers opposes
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican leader of the Wisconsin Senate proposed implementing a flat 3.25% income tax rate on Friday, a plan that Democratic Gov.


GOP bill blocks Biden admin from banning gas stoves: ‘Regulation run amok’
Dozens of House Republicans introduced legislation this week to block the Biden administration from banning gas stoves, after a consumer protection agency hinted one might be coming.

Schumer vows to fight ‘tooth and nail’ if McCarthy pursues ‘ultra MAGA’ agenda - Washington Examiner
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Friday that the new Republican majority in the House is throwing away a chance at bipartisanship and vowed to oppose Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) if he governs to the right. Schumer accused McCarthy, who won the gavel with concessions to the...


'Fairness and double standards': How Biden's classified documents debacle could become a political, legal liability
The discovery of classified documents in Joe Biden's private office and garage raise questions about his handling, archiving of government records.
www.usatoday.com

US hostage envoy quietly traveled to Venezuela to see detained Americans | CNN Politics
The US State Department’s top official for hostage and detainee issues quietly traveled to Venezuela last month as efforts to bring home Americans wrongfully detained there continue.


Even as NY nurses return to work, more strikes could follow
Even as 7,000 nurses return to work at two of New York’s busiest hospitals after a three-day strike, colleagues around the country say it’s just a matter of time before frontline workers at other hospitals begin walking the picket line.


Trump’s 2024 bid is off to a rough start. But other Republicans aren’t eager to take him on just yet | CNN Politics
In the two months since Donald Trump launched his third presidential campaign, potential rivals have been casting doubt over his inevitability as the GOP nominee – whispering from the sidelines that he has lost his touch, that there are cracks in his base, that his strange absence from the...


Katie Porter and the ‘bad boss’ problem


U.S. strongly committed to Japan defense, Biden tells Kishida, hails military boost
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been seeking to bolster long-standing alliances amid rising concern in the country.


At least 9 dead after multiple tornadoes, severe winds tear through South
A tornado brought "significant damage" to the city of Selma, Alabama, according to the mayor's office.

Nevada GOP governor orders review, freeze of new regulations
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada's new Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo signed executive orders Thursday indefinitely freezing implementation of new state regulations or occupational licensing requirements, with some exceptions in areas such as public health and safety.


Opinion | Why Crimea Is the Key to Peace in Ukraine
Peace is only possible if Ukraine keeps Crimea. Here's why.


Kellyanne Conway in NYT op-ed: A ‘fool’s errand’ to write off Trump in 2024
Former Trump White House counselor Kellyanne Conway argues in a new op-ed published Friday that it would be “a fool’s errand” to write off former President Trump in the 2024 presidential election a…


McCarthy says House to consider expunging Trump impeachment - Washington Examiner
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he will consider expunging one or both of the impeachments against former President Donald Trump. McCarthy said House Republicans have other priorities but that he understands why some members may feel strongly about the matter, when asked about erasing...


Backpack of 6-year-old boy was searched prior to Virginia school shooting after tip about weapon
The schools superintendent in Newport News provided additional details of the Jan. 6 shooting, which left a first-grade teacher hospitalized with injuries to her hand and chest.


Soledar: Russia claims victory in battle for Ukraine salt mine town
Russia says it has captured the salt-mine town after a long battle, but Ukraine says fighting continues.


Explainer: West mulls sending German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to approve an increase in international military support for Kyiv by allowing the export of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.


Hochul backs eventual ban on gas furnaces and stoves in new buildings
Environmental groups largely hailed the proposals, with some calling for even more aggressive action.


Nighttime Israeli arrests haunt Palestinian kids, families
BALATA REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank (AP) — Yousef Mesheh was sleeping in his bunk bed when Israeli forces stormed into his home at 3 a.m.


At least 9 dead with toll expected to grow after tornadoes tear through the Southeast
At least seven tornadoes were confirmed to have hit a wide swath of Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. More surveys will be conducted Saturday.


Biden ignores shouted questions on classified documents investigation as he meets with Japanese PM
President Biden said nothing to the press pool Friday as he entered the White House with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan amid questions about his handling of classified documents.

Photo with Clinton used against jailed Belarus politician
Belarusian investigators are using a photo of an opposition politician shaking hands with former U.S.


Paul Ryan says he ‘had too much power’ as House speaker | CNN Politics
Paul Ryan, former Republican speaker of the House, said Thursday that he believes he “had too much power” while wielding the gavel.


Ashli Babbitt’s shooter housed at Andrews for six months - Washington Examiner
The U.S. Capitol Police lieutenant who shot and killed Jan. 6 protester Ashli Babbitt was housed for six months in a hotel suite reserved for top brass at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, according to newly released Air Force records.Capitol Police paid for a suite for Lt. Michael Byrd and a...


Democrats in tough spot with Biden classified documents
Senate Democrats are finding themselves in a tough spot as they try to figure out how to best respond to revelations that President Biden had improperly stashed classified documents at his personal…


Who is John Lausch? U.S. attorney appointed by Trump and probing Biden documents to leave for private sector
A Trump appointee, Lausch continued as the U.S. attorney in Chicago in the Biden administration, and is now part of the investigation into the Biden documents.


Poland lawmakers back law intended to release EU funds
Poland’s lawmakers have voted to approve a new law on judicial accountability that the government hopes will meet European Union expectations and help unfreeze billions of euros in pandemic recovery funds for the country.


Graphics: How Biden's case differs from Trump's classified documents seized at Mar-a-Lago
Republicans decried a "two-tier" justice system despite significant differences between classified-document cases involving Trump and Biden.
www.usatoday.com

Justice Department wants to talk to people hired to search Trump properties for classified docs | CNN Politics
The Justice Department is seeking to question two people who searched Donald Trump’s properties in November, as federal investigators have asked whether the former president returned all classified documents to the federal government, sources familiar with the probe tell CNN.


FEMA’s help for Alaska Natives after rare typhoon was littered with mistranslations, nonsense
Residents who opened Federal Emergency Management Agency paperwork expecting to find instructions on how to file for aid in Alaska Native languages like Yup’ik or Inupiaq instead were reading bizarre phrases, including: “Your husband is a polar bear, skinny."


US stops hundreds fleeing Cuba, Haiti by sea, returns most
The Coast Guard has returned another 177 Cuban migrants who were caught off Florida’s coast to the island.


California’s homeless battle floods and storms
Few are feeling the rage of California's storms as much as the state's 170,000 homeless people.


16 Michigan GOP electors sued over documents claiming Trump won 2020 election
A number of Michigan GOP electors were named in a lawsuit after they falsely declared in official documents that former President Trump won the 2020 presidential election. In the lawsuit filed Wedn…


Top Iran diplomat says talks with Saudis could restore ties
BEIRUT (AP) — Talks between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are continuing and could eventually restore diplomatic relations that were severed years ago, Iran’s foreign minister said Friday.


U.S. rejects Bill Hwang's sandbagging claim in Archegos prosecution
The U.S. Department of Justice forcefully rejected Bill Hwang's claim that it sandbagged him by concealing its plan to charge him with fraud over the collapse of his $36 billion Archegos Capital Management LP.

More cities and states make homeless encampments a crime, leaving low-income people with few options
As the number of people experiencing homelessness increases across the country, more cities have passed laws making it illegal to sleep in public.
www.usatoday.com

Russia claims Soledar capture, Zelenskiy mocks nod to Wagner role
Russia said on Friday that its forces had taken control of the salt-mining town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine, claiming to have made its first big battlefield gain after half a year of military setbacks.


AOC fires back at critics over gas stove comments: ‘Utter Republican meltdown’ - Washington Examiner
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) fired back at critics who mocked her for showing support for a possible ban on gas stoves. In a video posted on Instagram, the progressive firebrand described the reaction to a possible ban on gas stoves as an "utter Republican meltdown." She also waved off...


Democrats want January 6 memorial in the Capitol to honor ‘democracy’s defining moment’
Democrats have proposed legislation to erect a memorial to the January 6 riot that depicts the events of that day and honors the people who "held the fabric of our nation together."

Analysis: How White House missteps exacerbated Biden’s classified documents headache | CNN Politics
Joe Biden is facing the worst political crisis of his presidency after a failed attempt at damage control over his classified documents controversy landed him with what all White Houses dread – the naming of a special counsel.


Bank of America CEO expects 'mild recession' and is preparing for worse
Brian Moynihan's statement mirrors the earnings report for JPMorgan Chase, whose economic outlook calls for "a mild recession in the central case."


Maduro's newest foe: an in-home caregiver who fled Venezuela
Like many of the 7 million Venezuelans who’ve abandoned their homeland in recent years, when Dinorah Figuera left behind her family and medical career in 2018 she was forced to accept meals from charities and hop from one low-cost shared apartment to another when she arrived in Spain.


Biden admin gives top energy post to climate activist who failed Senate confirmation over ethics concerns
The Biden administration appointed Elizabeth Klein, who has previously been questioned for potential conflicts of interest, to lead the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

US renames 5 places that used racist slur for a Native woman
The U.S. Department of the Interior has renamed five places in California, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas that previously included a racist term for a Native American woman.


Transgender youth health care bans have a new target: adults
Lawmakers in at least three states this year have filed legislation meant to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for individuals as old as 26, an escalation of a battle waged nationwide…


California picks up debris from latest storm, braces for the next
Rain-soaked Californians took advantage of a break in a weeks-long deluge to haul away dead trees, restore downed power lines and prepare new stacks of sandbags before another series of storms hits the state beginning Friday.


Greek court rejects charges against aid workers
A court on the Greek island of Lesbos has rejected charges against a group of aid workers and volunteers who participated in migrant rescue operations, ruling on procedural grounds to return the case to the prosecution for refiling.


The 63 Tweets That Changed Politics — or at Least Made It Funnier
A brief history of the most groundbreaking, news-making and just plain weirdest moments on political Twitter.


NV Gov. Joe Lombardo orders indefinite freeze on new state regulations
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed an order freezing new state regulations. Agencies will be required to recommend 10 eliminations to streamline regulation processes.

High school football players hospitalized in Texas after grueling, pushup-filled workout
Rockwall-Heath High School coach John Harrell has been put on leave while the district investigates.


Czechs picking successor to Milos Zeman in presidential vote
PRAGUE (AP) — Czechs have started voting for a new president, with populist billionaire Andrej Babis leading a field of eight candidates in a two-day election to succeed Milos Zeman in the largely ceremonial post.


Democrats not waiting for Feinstein in California Senate race - Washington Examiner
California Democrats are not deferring to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) or waiting for the 30-year incumbent to reveal her 2024 plans.That includes Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), who announced her Senate bid this week. That includes Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Feinstein’s Democratic colleague in the...


House GOP flocks to cable news as new majority takes center stage
Editor’s note: Rep. Nancy Mace (S.C.) criticized then-President Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection but did not vote for his impeachment. The information was incorrect …


Pilots blast FAA for ‘environmental justice’ and ‘inclusive’ spending over system upgrades - Washington Examiner
FAA Pilots blast FAA for ‘environmental justice’ and 'inclusive' spending over system upgrades By Heather Hamilton, Trending News Editor January 13, 2023 09:19 AM Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Print FAA Pilots blast FAA for ‘environmental justice’ and 'inclusive' spending over system upgrades...


Scholz: will weigh each step carefully on Ukraine arms
BERLIN (AP) — Germany will continue to “weigh every step carefully” and consult with its allies on further weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday as he faces mounting pressure to approve German-made battle tanks for Kyiv.


Delphi murder suspect appears in court as judge rules trial will remain in county, gag order continues
Allen was charged with murder in the deaths of Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, and Liberty “Libby” German, 14, whose bodies were found in the woods near the Delphi Historic Trail.


Tesla cuts vehicle prices in bid to boost flagging demand
With its sales slowing and its stock price tumbling, Tesla Inc. slashed prices dramatically on several versions of its electric vehicles, making some of its models eligible for a new federal tax credit that could help spur buyer interest

Squad Dem launches wild rant defending 'wokeness', says Chip Roy wants 'old America' that 'enslaved Africans'
Far-left Squad member Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., launched on a wild rant against Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, claiming he wanted to go back to the "old America" that "enslaved Africans."

Illinois man gets 19 years in prison for enticing teen girl
BOSTON (AP) — An Illinois man who pleaded guilty to asking a 14-year-old Massachusetts girl to send him explicit images of herself has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.


Husband of missing Massachusetts mother allegedly threatened to kill her in 2014, police report says
No charges were filed against Brian Walshe because the victim refused to cooperate, an official said.


Washington Post fact-checker gives GOP four ‘Pinocchios’ for IRS ‘agents’ claim
The Washington Post’s top fact-checker has given the GOP four “Pinocchios” for repeated false claims about federal funding for IRS personnel under President Biden’s administ…


NATO planes to be sent to Romania to eye Russian activity
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — NATO said Friday it plans to deploy three surveillance planes to Romania next week to perform reconnaissance missions and to “monitor Russian military activity ” within the 30-nation military alliance’s territory.


In Peru, thousands march demanding president step down
The march organized by trade unions and leftist groups, took place without incident. The clashes that started in early December are the worst outbreak of violence in over 20 years.


The strategist who didn't believe in the red wave
During the 2022 election cycle, when it was common to predict a red wave, there was one person who challenged that conventional wisdom.


3 HBCUs receive funding in the aftermath of bomb threats
The Biden administration announced more than half a million dollars in grants for three Historically Black Colleges and Universities that received bomb threats in 2022.

Wisconsin, North Carolina latest states to ban TikTok on government-issued devices
Govs. Tony Evers of Wisconsin and Roy Cooper of North Carolina, both Democrats, are among the most recent in the nation to have signed off on TikTok bans for government devices.

EU inaugurates first mainland satellite launch port
The European Union wants to bolster its capacity to launch small satellites into space with a new launchpad in Arctic Sweden.


What to expect at Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger's next court hearing
Bryan Kohberger's next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 — a move meant to give his defense team more time to prepare.


Southwest CEO says all options 'on the table' after carrier's meltdown
"I have put everything on the table here because it just can't happen again," Southwest chief executive Bob Jordan said.


Senate candidate Katie Porter responds to toxic workplace allegations, says she expects 'people to work hard'
California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, the embattled congresswoman looking to ascend to the Senate, responded to toxic workplace accusations as she tries to soften her image.

Israel's outgoing army chief rebukes far-right government
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's outgoing army chief on Friday warned against plans by Benjamin Netanyahu’s new coalition to grant more control to pro-settler lawmakers and make other changes to the Israeli security establishment, joining a loud chorus of criticism against the most right-wing government in


Oklahoma executes man who killed couple in 2003
Scott Eizember broke into A.J. and Patsy Cantrell's home to lie-in-wait for his ex-girlfriend, who lived across the street, and killed the couple when they came back, prosecutors say.


Apple CEO Tim Cook to take more than 40% pay cut
Apple CEO Tim Cook will take a more than 40% pay cut this year from a year earlier as the company adjusts how it calculates his compensation

Husband of missing Massachusetts mother Ana Walshe was accused of threatening to kill her and a friend in 2014, police report shows | CNN
Nearly a decade before Ana Walshe went missing, the mother of three told police the man who would later become her husband, Brian Walshe, threatened to kill her and a friend, according to a police report.


Ethiopia says Amhara regional forces start leaving Tigray
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia’s military says members of the Amhara region special forces have started leaving the country’s Tigray region two months after a peace agreement in the Tigray conflict.


Satellite images show destruction from fighting in Ukraine's east
Devastation is clear when comparing pictures of the same area around Soledar and Bakhmut taken in August and again this month.


S. Korean police seek manslaughter charges over deadly crush
South Korean police are seeking charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligence against 23 officials for a lack of safety measures they said were responsible for a crowd surge that killed nearly 160 people.


Trump Org. fined $1.6 million for criminal tax fraud
Former President Donald Trump was not personally charged in the scheme and defense attorneys said he was not aware of it.


Migrant entry numbers into Europe hit six-year high
The European Union's border and coast guard agency says that the number of attempts by migrants to enter Europe without authorization reached around 330,000 last year.


What does Russia’s military shake-up mean for the war in Ukraine?
The appointment of Valery Gerasimov signals Moscow’s failing war effort and fraught domestic politics, analysts say.

Adidas loses New York trial against Thom Browne over three-stripe design | CNN
A Manhattan jury on Thursday said Adidas AG had failed to show luxury brand Thom Browne Inc’s use of stripes on its clothing infringed the sportswear giant’s signature three-stripe trademark.


McCarthy’s House of Pain - Washington Examiner
The battle earlier this month over who would be speaker of the House was the longest and messiest the country has seen in generations. House Republicans took 15 ballots to elect Kevin McCarthy, a longtime GOP leader who had been eyeing the position for a decade. The public airing of party...


Sunak pledges to work constructively with Scotland's leader
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to work constructively with Scotland’s leader despite tensions over her administration’s wish for a new independence referendum.


Japan estimates Fukushima water release to start in 'spring or summer'
The Japanese government gave an estimation for when the water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be released into the sea, saying at a cabinet meeting held on Friday it could happen sometime "around this spring or summer."


Ronna McDaniel sidesteps publicly debating her RNC chair rivals
Conservative media entities have asked for all candidates to appear at an open forum. Two accepted. McDaniel declined.


Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket sold in Maine
Mega Millions jackpot prize surged to $1.35 billion, the second-largest prize in the game's history, but one lucky person in Maine has matched all the winning numbers.

Japan eyes delay of Fukushima plant water release
Japan has revised the timing of a planned release to the sea of treated radioactive wastewater at the Fukushima nuclear plant to “around spring or summer,” indicating a delay from the initial target, after factoring in the progress of a release tunnel and the need to gain public support.


New York man pleads guilty to hate crime charges in head-stomping death of Chinese immigrant
Yao Pan Ma, 61, suffered a traumatic brain injury from the 2021 attack and never regained consciousness. He died eight months later from his injuries.


Suspect charged with murder in assassination of Japan's Abe
A Japanese court says prosecutors have formally charged the suspect in the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with murder.


Russia says it has taken control of Soledar in eastern Ukraine
The capture of the salt mining town would represent a morale-boosting breakthrough for the Kremlin after repeated setbacks on the battlefield and rare signs of disquiet at home.


Sri Lankan court orders ex-leader to pay victims of bombings
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ruled that inaction by the country’s former president and four others led to Easter Sunday bomb attacks in 2019 that killed nearly 270 people and ordered them to pay compensation for violating the basic rights of the victims and their families.


Here’s what Damar Hamlin's cardiac workup might look like
Cardiologists reveal what doctors might have done to determine the cause of Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest after he collapsed on the field during a football game.

Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis, dies at 54
Singer Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," Elvis Presley, died on Thursday at the age of 54 after being rushed to a Los Angeles-area hospital, her mother said.


Robbie Bachman, drummer of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, dead at 69 | CNN
Robbie Bachman – the drummer of Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive – has died at age 69, his brother and bandmate Randy Bachman announced via Twitter on Thursday.


Bolivia: Opposition blockades push for leader's release
Trucks are snarled and people in the Santa Cruz region have to find ways to skirt blockades that opposition leaders set up across the area considered to be Bolivia's economic engine to protest the detention of Gov.


India urged to close airspace to Myanmar warplanes after attacks
Fortify Rights said Myanmar’s air force ‘dropped bombs on both sides of the Myanmar-India border’ in raids this week.

Lisa Marie Presley wrote about grief in her last post before her death
Presley's son, Benjamin Keough died in 2020, and in her final Instagram post before her death, she spoke about grief.


What to know about late Lisa Marie Presley's family
The late Lisa Marie Presley had four children: Riley Keough; Benjamin Keough; Harper Lockwood and Finley Lockwood.


Why flu and strep A can be so serious in children
As the CDC monitors a rise in strep A cases, experts explain why testing positive for the flu can increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.

Why no Pi? Variants are still stuck on Omicron even as coronavirus continues to mutate | CNN
You may have heard that there’s a new Omicron spinoff that’s quickly gaining ground in the United States. Maybe you wanted to ask your doctor about it or search for more information online – but what was it called again?


Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 accounts for 43% of U.S. COVID cases - CDC
The fast-spreading Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is estimated to account for 43% of the COVID-19 cases in the United States for the week ended Jan. 14, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed on Friday.


Germany to scrap mask mandate in long-distance transport
Germany's health minister says the country will soon drop a mask mandate on long-distance trains and buses.


Satellite images hint at Covid outbreak’s true toll in China
Social media users have questioned the government’s reporting, pointing to the recent deaths of prominent artists, scientists and academics.


All U.S. veterans in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free care
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible for the free emergency mental health care.


Affordable Care Act open enrollment ends Sunday amid record sign-ups | CNN Politics
Those who want Affordable Care Act coverage for 2023 have only a few days left to sign up. Open enrollment ends on Sunday, January 15 on the federal exchange and most state-based marketplaces.

Pentagon mulls back pay for troops kicked out over Covid vaccine mandate
More than 8,400 service members were discharged for refusing the shot.


Study shows convalescent plasma works for immune-compromised Covid-19 patients, but it can be hard to find | CNN
Convalescent plasma – a once-celebrated treatment for Covid-19 that has largely fallen out of favor – does work well for people who are immune-compromised, according to a study published Thursday.


China set for historic demographic turn, accelerated by COVID traumas
Living under China's stringent COVID-19 restrictions for the past three years had caused Zhang Qi enough stress and uncertainty to consider not having babies in the country.


Naloxone is reaching more people than ever | CNN
As drug overdose deaths hover near record levels in the United States, naloxone is reaching more people than ever, and possible policy shifts could make it more accessible this year. But experts say the overdose-reversing medication is not a panacea for the country’s opioid epidemic.


Kansas Gov. Kelly's COVID diagnosis was false positive
Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's recently-disclosed COVID-19 diagnosis turned out to be a false positive, according to her office. She will return to the Statehouse Friday.

Old mice grow young again in study. Can people do the same? | CNN
All mammals hold a backup copy of cellular youth, a new study says. All we have to do is trigger the switch to turn back the clock, researchers say.
