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Congress votes to avert a shutdown and keep the government funded into early March
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress sent President Joe Biden a short-term spending bill on Thursday that would avert a looming partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies into March. The House approved the measure by a vote of 314-108, with opposition coming mostly from the more conservative members of the Republican conference. Shortly before the vote, the House Freedom Caucus announced it “strongly opposes” the measure because it would facilitate more spending than they support.
Judge loses patience with Trump lawyer in E. Jean Carroll sex assault defamation trial
Donald Trump clashed with the judge and complained about E. Jean Carroll's testimony during her first day on the stand in his sex assault defamation trial.
E. Jean Carroll defamation trial against Donald Trump
A jury will be asked to decide how much in damages former President Donald Trump must pay E. Jean Carroll for his 2019 defamatory statements about Carroll's sexual assault allegations.
Hunter Biden agrees to private deposition with Republicans after months of defiance
Hunter Biden has agreed to appear before House Republicans for a private deposition next month, ending months of defiance, who had insisted on testifying publicly.
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Trump urges Supreme Court to reject efforts to keep him off ballot, warning of "chaos" in new filing
Former President Donald Trump's attorneys wrote that the challenges to his eligibility "promise to unleash chaos and bedlam if other state courts and state officials follow Colorado's lead."
www.cbsnews.com
Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats against lawmakers last year
The number of threat investigations in 2023 increased after a dip last year, but the figure remains below the 9,625 cases the agency investigated after the Capitol riot in 2021.
www.nbcnews.comFani Willis accuses estranged wife of special prosecutor of 'interfering' with Trump election case
Judge presiding over the Georgia prosecution of Donald Trump and others for efforts to overturn 2020 election is set to hear on allegations that Fulton County DA Fani Willis has been romantically involved with a special prosecutor she hired for the case.
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Fulton County judge sets hearing over allegation DA Fani Willis had improper relationship with prosecutor
The judge overseeing the Georgia election case against Donald Trump has set a hearing over allegations Fani Willis had an improper relationship with a prosecutor.
Trump will appear on GOP primary ballot in Washington state, election officials confirm | CNN Politics
Election officials in Washington state confirmed Thursday that Donald Trump’s name will remain on the GOP primary ballot, after a state judge dismissed a lawsuit that tried to disqualify him based on the 14th Amendment.
www.cnn.comLawyers for Trump urge the Supreme Court 'to put a swift and decisive end' to ballot removal efforts
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are urging the Supreme Court “to put a swift and decisive end” to efforts to kick him off the 2024 presidential ballot.
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Fani Willis moves to quash subpoena for her testimony involving conflict of interest allegations
Fani Willis hopes to prevent a subpoena requiring her testimony in divorce proceedings of a prosecutor she hired.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Netanyahu publicly rejects US push for Palestinian state
The Israeli PM's rejection of Washington's efforts shows the growing disagreement between the two allies.
www.bbc.com
Judge in Jan. 6 case rejects Trump's effort to have special counsel held in contempt
The judge overseeing the Jan. 6 case against former President Trump has rejected Trump's effort to have special counsel Jack Smith held in contempt.
After Taiwan's election, its new envoy to the US offers assurances to Washington and Beijing
Taiwan’s top diplomat in Washington has a message for both Chinese adversaries and its American friends.
apnews.com
DOJ cites 'unimaginable horror' and 'cascading failures' in scathing Uvalde shooting report
The Department of Justice on Thursday released its report on the law enforcement response to the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Trump is building his power at home while global leaders dread his return | CNN Politics
Donald Trump has won only one 2024 Republican nominating contest. So far. But the ex-president’s political power is growing by the day, propelled by his dominance in national primary polling and the dawning sense that he might be the all-but-inevitable nominee following his resounding win in the...
www.cnn.com
No Labels files DOJ complaint about groups boycotting its 2024 presidential ballot access effort
The No Labels complaint asks the Justice Department to investigate liberal groups it says are interfering with its 2024 ballot access efforts.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden promotes internet access during visit to North Carolina, a state he hopes to win in November
President Joe Biden unveils an $82 million program for North Carolina to help connect 16,000 new households and businesses to high-speed internet, delivering an election-year pitch about policies he says are "just getting started” at improving the US.
apnews.com
Grim realization settles in over state of Ukraine war as Washington fights over funding | CNN Politics
As President Biden continues to urge top lawmakers to approve his $60 billion aid request for Ukraine, a grim realization has settled in among officials across the administration that this is likely the last chance for any new US military funding to flow to the war-torn country before the election.
www.cnn.com
New Hampshire voters respond after Haley says America has never been 'racist'
Voters at a Nikki Haley rally on January 17, 2024, respond to the presidential hopeful's comments that the U.S. has "never been a racist country."
www.usatoday.com
E. Jean Carroll defamation case: Judge denies Trump's motion for mistrial
Get live updates from the federal defamation trial of former President Trump to determine any additional damages for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll in 2019.
GOP race losing energy fast
Have you noticed something about the intensity of interest in the Republican presidential race? It seems to have peaked earlier this week with the Iowa caucuses, specifically with former President Donald Trump's 51% win, 30 points ahead of second-place Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and 32 points...
www.washingtonexaminer.comHaley deserves serious consideration for No Labels presidential ticket if interested, co-chair says
A top No Labels leader says Nikki Haley “would deserve serious consideration” for the group’s nomination if it decides to run a third-party candidate for president.
apnews.com
Nikki Haley turns to unlikely duo — Gov. Chris Sununu and Don Bolduc — to help her beat Trump in New Hampshire
Two Republicans who openly quarreled over whether the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump are allies trying to win votes for Nikki Haley.
www.cbsnews.com
Long Covid explanation in new study possibly paves way for tests and treatments
Scientists say that drugs that calm a key part of the immune system should be studied in clinical trials as potential long Covid treatments.
www.nbcnews.com
Houthi rebels launch missile attack on yet another U.S.-owned commercial ship, Pentagon says
It marks the third time this week that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missile or drone attacks on a U.S.-owned merchant vessel.
www.cbsnews.com
Prosecutors ask for six-month prison sentence for Peter Navarro for defying congressional subpoena | CNN Politics
Federal prosecutors on Thursday asked a judge in Washington, DC, to sentence Peter Navarro to six months in prison for defying a congressional subpoena.
www.cnn.com
Nikki Haley brushes off Trump's name-calling and birtherism: 'He feels insecure'
During a CNN town hall in New Hampshire, Nikki Haley dismissed former President Trump's questions about her presidential eligibility.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
‘So what?’: Israeli PM Netanyahu reiterates rejection of Palestinian state
Netanyahu says that Israel must ‘maintain security control over all territory west of the Jordan River’.
These are the key takeaways from the US Justice Department’s review of the Uvalde school shooting response | CNN
The 575-page Critical Incident Review of the botched law enforcement response to the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting said the victims “experienced unimaginable horror” and “witnessed unspeakable violence” as a result of the lack of courage and “cascading failures of leadership, decision-making...
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Israel continues ‘massacres’ across Gaza amid communications blackout
Palestine Foreign Ministry accuses Israel of committing 15 “massacres”, killing 172 people amid communications blackout.
US forces strike Houthi sites in Yemen as Biden says allied action hasn't yet stopped ship attacks
U.S. forces have conducted a fifth strike against Iranian-backed Houthi rebel military sites in Yemen.
apnews.com
Former generals say Biden's electric vehicle plan is putting national security at risk
A group of retired military officials warned President Joe Biden on Thursday that his EV plan was risky for the country.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Judge tells special counsel to stop submitting court filings in DC Trump election subversion case for now | CNN Politics
Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan told special counsel Jack Smith to stop submitting court filings without her permission in the 2020 election subversion case against Donald Trump, after the former president’s legal team complained that proceedings were supposed to be on hold.
www.cnn.com
Pakistan retaliates with strikes inside Iran
Pakistan carried out retaliatory airstrikes in Iran early Thursday, allegedly targeting militant positions amid rising tensions between the neighboring nations.
Hunter Biden agrees to deposition before House Republicans in impeachment inquiry
The announcement comes after negotiations between House Republicans and Hunter Biden's attorneys in their ongoing impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden
www.usatoday.com
For the 4th time in a year, more House Democrats than Republicans voted to avert a fiscal disaster — even though the GOP controls the chamber
Despite controlling the House, GOP leaders have often relied on Democrats to support must-pass bills to fund the government or avoid a debt default.
Hunter Biden to appear for deposition on Feb. 28, House Republicans say
Hunter Biden will testify behind closed doors to the House Oversight and Judiciary committees in February, Republicans said.
www.cbsnews.comWisconsin Republican leader derides GOP impeachment attempt targeting state's top elections official
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican attempt to impeach Wisconsin's nonpartisan top elections official is nothing more than “a big show for the cameras” and will be ignored, the Assembly's GOP majority leader said Thursday.
apnews.com
Who is Trump's trial lawyer Alina Habba?
The 39-year-old former fashion executive is defending Trump's legal - and political - record.
www.bbc.comThe US has moved from shooting Houthi threats out of the sky to blowing them up before they even get off the ground
Biden has said the strikes are going to continue but acknowledged that they're not deterring the Iran-backed militant group.
Which are the armed groups Iran and Pakistan have bombed?
Iran’s raids in Pakistan near border areas were part of Tehran’s unprecedented missile launches on three countries.
Takeaways from CNN’s New Hampshire town hall with Nikki Haley | CNN Politics
Nikki Haley’s goal in New Hampshire’s Republican presidential primary next Tuesday is to “be strong,” she said at a CNN town hall Thursday night.
www.cnn.comBiden's campaign pushes abortion rights in the 2024 battle with Republicans
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are highlighting the battle over abortion rights.
apnews.comGOP senator says some conservatives might scuttle a bipartisan immigration-Ukraine deal to stick it to Biden
"There are some that are saying, 'Hey, we don't want Biden to actually get credit for doing anything on the border," Sen. James Lankford said.
Former Rep. Justin Amash considers running for Senate in Michigan
Former Rep. Justin Amash, who left the Republican Party after backing the impeachment of former President Donald Trump, is taking the first step toward a GOP run for Michigan's open Senate seat.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
New bipartisan bill would let moms in Congress vote by proxy after giving birth
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna was told she had no options to vote after having her first child in August. She and Democrat Sara Jacobs want to change that.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump claims lack of presidential immunity will lead to presidents being 'afraid to do anything'
Donald Trump believes an absence of presidential immunity will make future presidents "afraid" to lead, causing them to be ineffective.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump election fraud judge gives Fani Willis two weeks to respond to allegations of affair
A judge gave the Fulton County prosectuor two weeks to address explosive allegations she had affair with special prosecutor in Trump election case.
www.usatoday.com
Weather-related deaths climb to 41 as winter maintains icy grip over much of US
There have been at least 41 weather-related deaths across the United States since Sunday as an arctic blast continues to unleash heavy snow and icy temperatures.
Trump lawyers warn Supreme Court of ‘chaos and bedlam’ if states are allowed to bar him from 2024 ballot | CNN Politics
Donald Trump is urging the US Supreme Court to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling that removed him from that state’s ballot.
www.cnn.com
Analysis: Why Mexico and Hungary could be key to BYD’s global domination | CNN Business
BYD, the Chinese carmaker backed by Warren Buffett, has just surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles. Now, to maintain its momentum, the company will need to chart new roads to success after conquering its home market.
www.cnn.com
U.S. vet wounded in Ukraine-Russia war urges Congress to approve more funding for Kyiv
An American veteran wounded on the Ukraine front lines calls for more U.S. funding, and says some people don't "understand the repercussions" of a Russian victory.
www.cbsnews.com
Missouri teacher accused of poisoning husband charged with attempted murder
A Missouri woman has been charged with attempted murder after her husband told police he believed she was poisoning him for several weeks, court records show.
Trump's comments about E. Jean Carroll caused up to $12.1 million in reputational damage, expert tells jury
It could cost as much as $12.1 million to repair the harm to the writer E. Jean Carroll's reputation, an expert told the jury.
www.cbsnews.comBiden on Trump’s Iowa victory: ‘I don’t think it means anything’
“The president got 50-some-thousand votes," Biden said of Trump's Iowa victory.
What is Disease X and how will pandemic preparations help the world?
WHO chief Tedros joined world leaders at the Davos summit to discuss strategies for the next potential pandemic.
House GOP is moving swiftly toward Mayorkas' impeachment as Senate focuses on a border security deal
House Republicans are laying the groundwork for impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
apnews.com
Video shows Yemen gas station explosion, not strike against Houthi militants | Fact check
The video predates strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen and has been online since September 2023.
www.usatoday.com
Trump urges Supreme Court to allow him to stay on the ballot
The former president filed a brief asking the court to rule that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment doesn’t prevent him from appearing on Colorado’s Republican primary ballot.
www.nbcnews.com
Green Beret vet vying to represent Virginia's 7th District raises $300K in fourth quarter
EXCLUSIVE — Derrick Anderson, a candidate to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District and Green Beret veteran, raised $300,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 in what is shaping up to be a competitive race for Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s (D-VA) seat. Since entering the 2024 contest 3 1/2...
www.washingtonexaminer.comSteve Garvey is running for Senate in California as a Republican — but don’t ask about Trump
The former Dodger says he would consider voting for a Democrat.
International organizations describe 'catastrophe' at hospitals in Gaza
Hospitals in Gaza are experiencing “catastrophic” situations, operating far beyond capacity amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, international organizations say.
Georgia Trump prosecutor Fani Willis faces hearing on alleged misconduct
A state court in Georgia will hear evidence relating to alleged misconduct by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who launched a case against former President Trump.
Meta is pouring money into the creation of human-level artificial intelligence, Zuckerberg says
On Thursday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the company's efforts at achieving artificial general intelligence.
www.nbcnews.comNew GOP Mom In Congress Wants Family Separation For Migrants, But Not For New Moms In Congress
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), new champion for maternity leave proxy voting in Congress, told a committee witness she wants migrants separated from children they travel with.
'Get on board': UK PM Sunak appeals to Lords to deliver his Rwanda asylum law
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called on the upper house of parliament to "get on board" and pass his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
US Congress speedily backs new government funding before snowstorm approaches
Lawmakers rushed through temporary funding to keep the government open ahead of a Friday deadline.
www.bbc.comThe Supreme Court wrestles with major challenges to the power of federal regulators
Lawyers for the fishermen are asking the justices to overturn Chevron that is among the most frequently cited high court cases in support of regulatory power.
apnews.comEyeing Super Tuesday, Trump Is Eager to Dispatch Rivals Sooner Than Later
With five days left until the New Hampshire primary, Donald Trump and his allies are stepping up their efforts to muscle Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis out of the Republican presidential race by casting Trump’s nomination as inevitable. The strategy reflects an urgent desire to end the race...
Andrew Yang endorses Dean Phillips for president | CNN Politics
2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang endorsed US Rep. Dean Phillips’ bid for president while campaigning with the Minnesota Democrat here Thursday.
www.cnn.com
Donald Trump says Colorado ballot ban could unleash 'chaos'
Donald Trump urges the Supreme Court to put a "swift" end to his ban from some presidential primaries.
www.bbc.com
Beto O'Rourke calls for criminal charges against Uvalde police in wake of DOJ report
Beto O’Rourke said the Department of Justice’s report on the Uvalde school shooting should include criminal charges.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Unredacted complaint alleges Meta knew of 'huge volume' of child sexual harassment on its platforms
The new allegations are part of a lawsuit against Meta over the company's steps to protect children online.
DOJ's Uvalde report finds "unimaginable failure" in school shooting response. Here are the key takeaways.
In the report, much of the blame was placed on former police chief of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, Pete Arredondo, who was terminated in the wake of the shooting.
www.cbsnews.com
Biggest NATO drills since Cold War to start next week
The drill will involve about 90,000 personnel and rehearse NATO’s execution of its regional defence plans.
Netanyahu says he told the US that he opposes a Palestinian state in any postwar scenario
The announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exposed the deep divisions that have emerged between the U.S. and Israel.
apnews.com
New Mexico governor threatened with impeachment by Republican lawmakers over gun restrictions
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is threatened with impeachment after two New Mexico Republican legislators filed a resolution Wednesday over gun restrictions.
www.cbsnews.comRepublican Dave McCormick Would Repeal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
The GOP candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania blamed the bill and other spending for inflation.
Congress holds off government shutdown for a few more weeks
Congress narrowly averted a partial government shutdown, buying extra time to agree on a set of bills that will fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year.
Ukraine war updates: Kremlin shares its view of Davos after being snubbed; Russia says Kyiv attacked Baltic oil terminal
Russia claimed that Ukraine attacked several Russian regions with drones overnight, including the northern Leningrad region, for the first time.
Trans candidate facing disqualification now cleared to run despite omitting deadname
Arienne Childrey’s candidacy had been called into question because she did not disclose her former name on qualifying petitions.
www.nbcnews.comCould it escalate? A look at what is behind Iran and Pakistan's airstrikes
This week’s airstrikes between Iran and Pakistan mark a significant escalation in fraught relations between the neighbors.
apnews.com
Shutdown averted. Again. For now.
Congress moved to narrowly avoid a government shutdown, and the DOJ released its report on the Uvalde school shooting. It's Thursday's news.
www.usatoday.com
Melania Trump gives emotional tribute to late mother at Palm Beach funeral
Melania Trump gave a moving eulogy for to her mother Amalija Knavs during a funeral Thursday at Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida.
HBCU administrator's death by suicide prompts calls for president's resignation
Calls of resignation are growing against Lincoln University of Missouri President John Moseley following the suicide death of Antoinette "Bonnie" Candia-Bailey.
House avoids government shutdown until March despite outrage over Johnson stopgap bill
The new agreement gives lawmakers an additional six weeks to finalize their must-pass spending legislation and fund the government for the 2024 fiscal year.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Macy’s is laying off workers and closing five stores | CNN Business
Macy’s is laying off about 3.5% of its workforce, or roughly 2,350 employees, and closing five stores as it continues to shrink its massive retail business for the online shopping era.
www.cnn.com
Ukraine’s harsh winter a memory but new Russian tactics sow destruction
Ukraine’s latest winter hardly resembles the cold season of 2022 beset by blackouts, but Russian attacks persist.
House Republicans set Hunter Biden deposition date for late February
The move is part of a Republican-led impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
www.nbcnews.comAfter Taiwan's election, its new envoy to the US offers assurances to Washington and Beijing
Taiwan’s top diplomat in Washington has a message for both Chinese adversaries and its American friends.
apnews.com
Hearing on Fani Willis allegations in Georgia election subversion case set for February | CNN Politics
The judge overseeing the Donald Trump Georgia election subversion case has set a February 15 hearing to consider the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to allegations of an “improper” relationship with her special prosecutor.
www.cnn.com
Scott Peterson case taken up by Los Angeles Innocence Project
The LA Innocence Project has taken up the notorious case of convicted wife killer Scott Peterson in new court filings and is seeking new evidence from the original trial.
'No Labels' has now officially become a political party in Kansas, paving the way for a third-party candidate
Researchers previously noted that a third-party candidate would likely hurt Biden's reelection chances more than Trump.
U.S. attorney general meets with Uvalde families ahead of federal report about police response to school shooting
Attorney General Merrick Garland met with families affected by the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on Wednesday ahead of the Thursday release of the report.
www.cbsnews.comNorth Korea says it tested underwater nuclear attack drone in response to rivals' naval drills
North Korea says it had tested a purported underwater nuclear attack drone in response to a combined naval exercise between South Korea and the United States and Japan this week.
apnews.com
UPenn, which hosts Biden's think tank, sees Chinese donations soar, including from CCP-linked sources
The university housing President Biden's think tank recently saw its donations from China triple from its previous reporting period, records show.
Ukraine is piling pressure on China to help it end the war. But Beijing’s plans for peace are focused on Gaza | CNN
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear he would like China join his push for peace in the war with Russia. But Beijing is looking to the Middle East.
www.cnn.com
Ramaswamy ends 2024 campaign by quickly becoming Trump surrogate: 'Lead us to victory'
When Vivek Ramaswamy took the stage in Atkinson, New Hampshire, on Tuesday just one day after ending his presidential campaign, he gave a passionate speech about Trump
Death threats for a Stalin vandal prompt soul-searching in Orthodox Georgia
An icon featuring Joseph Stalin on display inside Georgia’s largest cathedral causes a furore.
Transgender candidates in Ohio could be disqualified from ballot for failing to disclose 'deadnames'
Transgender candidates running as Democrats in Ohio could be disqualified from the ballot if they do not disclose their previous names from before they transitioned.
Gangs in Haiti have attacked a community for 4 days and residents fear the violence could spread
Gang members have raided a key community in Haiti’s capital that is home to numerous police officers and has been under siege for four days in an ongoing attack.
apnews.com
Trump knocks New Hampshire primary for allowing Democrats to vote but remains confident of victory
Donald Trump held a town hall with Sean Hannity on Fox News in New Hampshire ahead of the state's primary next week.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Nikki Haley sharpens her focus on Trump before N.H. primary: Highlights
Donald Trump is maintaining his polling lead over Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis five days out from the 2024 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary.
www.nbcnews.com
Could China beat the US back to the moon? Congress puts pressure on NASA after Artemis delayed
The delay in NASA's Artemis program prompted some in Congress to fear that the U.S. goal of beating China back to the moon could be threatened.
www.usatoday.com
Biden-Harris campaign to unveil new effort to push abortion rights advocacy ahead of Roe anniversary
The move underscores the Biden campaign's strategy to tie stringent GOP-led abortion restriction efforts across the U.S. to former President Donald Trump.
www.cbsnews.com
North Korea conducts test of underwater nuclear weapon system: KCNA
North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapon system, according to the state-run outlet KCNA.
Federal judge won’t shut down Michigan attorney general’s case against 2020 fake electors | CNN Politics
A federal judge on Thursday declined to shut down Michigan’s state-level prosecution of pro-Trump fake electors who tried to subvert the 2020 election.
www.cnn.com
Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian state could complicate Senate aid package
“That statement is not helpful," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who is negotiating an immigration and foreign aid package with Republicans.
www.nbcnews.com
Congress passes stopgap bill to prevent a shutdown until March, sending it to Biden
The legislation keeps the government open on a short-term basis until March 1, when the first of two funding deadlines will hit. The second will be on March 8.
www.nbcnews.comWhat to know about the Justice Department's report on police failures in the Uvalde school shooting
A Justice Department report details a myriad of failures by law enforcement who responded to the shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas.
apnews.com
17 retired military officials raise alarm on Biden's electric vehicle push
FIRST ON FOX: A group of retired military officials are warning that President Biden's electric vehicle push will benefit China and has serious national security implications.
Trump asks US Supreme Court to keep him on ballot in 14th Amendment case
Trump filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court before arguments on Feb. 8 about whether the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" disqualifies him from being president
‘They’re going to kill us’: Sudan’s army targets civilians on ethnic basis
Army accuses civilians of spying for RSF paramilitary based on ethnic grounds, leading to arrests, torture and killings.
Winter storm leaves 14 dead in Tennessee, Northeast on alert
Tennessee was battered by cold weather and more than nine inches of snow in Nashville, causing state government offices to be closed.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden didn't remove bald eagle from passports; photo placed on different page | Fact check
The redesign process started under Obama and continued through Trump's term. The bald eagle was not deleted but placed on a different page.
www.usatoday.com
AP explains: Raised tensions after Pakistan and Iran exchange airstrikes in border regions
Pakistan's air force launched retaliatory airstrikes early Thursday in Iran allegedly targeting militant hideouts, an attack that killed at least nine people and further raised tensions between the neighboring nations.
apnews.com
Genetic sequence of coronavirus was submitted to US database two weeks before China’s official disclosure, documents show | CNN
The genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, was submitted to a National Institutes of Health database two weeks before its release by the Chinese government, according to documents that were shared with US lawmakers and released Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
Trump believes SCOTUS will 'intervene' in state ballots case, 'will not take the vote away from the people'
Former President Trump believes the U.S. Supreme Court will “intervene" and rule in his favor by keeping him on 2024 primary ballots across the nation despite challenges.
A Russian border city cancels Orthodox Epiphany events due to the threat of Ukrainian attacks
A Russian city near the Ukrainian border canceled its traditional Orthodox Epiphany festivities on Friday due to the threat of attacks as Kyiv’s forces pursue a new strategy with the war approaching its two-year milestone.
apnews.com
The operator of a porn site that officials say features hacked athletes, revenge porn victims and children has been charged
Kyle White is facing two counts of advertising, receiving and distributing child pornography.
www.nbcnews.com
Big Tech layoffs are back. Are other workers at risk?
Job cuts economy-wide stand at a near-historic low, but tech could be a bellwether.
New York midwife fined for giving 1,500 children homeopathic pellets instead of vaccines
The state health department found that the midwife had entered nearly 12,500 false vaccine records into its Immunization Information System since 2019.
www.nbcnews.comSouth Korea calls on divided UN council 'to break the silence' on North Korea's tests and threats
South Korea is calling on the divided U.N. Security Council “to break the silence” over North Korea’s escalating missile tests and threats.
apnews.com
Chuck Grassley discharged from hospital following infection | CNN Politics
Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for an infection, his office announced Thursday.
www.cnn.comTexas prosecutor convenes grand jury to investigate Uvalde shooting, multiple media report
A Texas prosecutor has convened a grand jury to investigate the Uvalde school shooting that killed 21 people, multiple media have reported.
apnews.com
Israeli troops push deep into Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis
The army says soldiers are engaged in "close quarter combat" after reaching the city's southernmost area.
www.bbc.comPolice in Brazil arrest a suspect in the brutal slaying of a Manhattan art dealer
Brazilian police say that a suspect has been arrested in the brutal killing of an American art dealer who was the co-owner of a prominent gallery in Manhattan.
apnews.com
Feds suggested banks search transactions for terms like 'Biden,' 'Antifa' and more after Jan 6: sources
EXCLUSIVE: Federal investigators asked banks in January 2021 to search terms beyond “Trump" and “MAGA," including “Biden," “Kamala," “Antifa" and more, a source familiar told Fox News Digital.
How much will the US Supreme Court shape the 2024 presidential election?
With a conservative majority on the bench, experts warn the justices could face scrutiny as they weigh election cases.
Whatever happened to mass student loan relief? Biden faces pressure to extend negotiations
The Education Department has tried to forgive the student loan debt of some borrowers by adjusting the law. Advocates say the changes aren't enough.
www.usatoday.com
Russia’s Lavrov rejects US proposal to resume nuclear arms talks
The foreign minister also warned that Ukraine must end its push to join NATO before any peace discussions can proceed.
What to do if you have a cough that won't go away
Experts share tips on how to respond to a lingering cough.
Nikki Haley hits Trump’s electability in ad push: 'Trump Loses'
Nikki Haley launched a digital ad hitting former President Donald Trump’s prospects of electability in a general election matchup against President Joe Biden.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
3 people charged with murdering a Hmong American comedian in Colombia
Tou Ger Xiong was found dead last month after going out to meet a woman he reportedly met on social media.
www.nbcnews.comAs the youngest Israeli hostage turns 1, his family pleads for a deal to release more from Gaza
Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv to mark the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage held in Gaza.
apnews.com
Analysis: Trump’s absurd ‘total immunity’ argument for law-breaking presidents, deconstructed | CNN Politics
In an all-caps social media post at 1:59 a.m. ET Thursday, former President Donald Trump said even presidents who “cross the line” should get “total immunity.”
www.cnn.comWhy Biden isn’t on the NH primary ballot — and other things you should know ahead of the state’s presidential primaries next week
The 2024 presidential primary season continues next week in New Hampshire, where primary voters will cast their ballots on Jan. 23. Here's your guide to everything you should know about the Granite State's primaries, including why President Biden won't appear on the ballot.
An Oregon teen saw 3 people die after they slid on ice into a power line. Then she went to help
Majiah Washington noticed a flash outside her home after a dangerous storm coated Portland, Oregon, in ice.
apnews.com
Northern Ireland grinds to a freezing halt over public pay dispute
Unions representing approximately 170,000 of the region’s 225,000 public sector workers called the 24-hour strike.
Top conservative group hammers House Republicans for passing short-term funding bill
Heritage Action, a top conservative group, is hammering the House GOP for passing a bipartisan bill to avoid a government shutdown.
Snubbed by Netanyahu, Red Cross toes fine line trying to help civilians in Israel-Hamas conflict
The International Committee of the Red Cross has been losing influence, funding and staff. Now, disparaging remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are the latest headache for the humanitarian aid group.
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House votes to avoid government shutdown after Speaker Johnson bucks GOP rebels
The House of Representatives passed a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown on Thursday.
Sept. 11 victim's remains newly identified through DNA testing
The medical examiner's office announced Thursday it has positively identified a 9/11 victim's remains.
Video of Hillary Clinton blaming climate change for election loss is altered | Fact check
The video's audio has been altered. The original video shows Clinton made no such comments.
www.usatoday.com
Thai man faces a record 50 years in jail for insulting the monarchy
Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, one of the strictest in the world, carries a jail sentence of up to 15 years for each perceived violation, a punishment rights groups say is extreme.
www.nbcnews.comAI is the buzz, the big opportunity and the risk to watch among the Davos glitterati
Artificial intelligence is easily the biggest buzzword for world leaders and corporate bosses diving into big ideas at the World Economic Forum’s glitzy annual meeting in Davos.
apnews.comTrump lawyers warn Supreme Court of ‘chaos and bedlam’ if states are allowed to bar him from 2024 ballot | CNN Politics
Donald Trump is urging the US Supreme Court to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling that removed him from that state’s ballot.
www.cnn.com
France denies Russian claim of mercenaries in Ukraine
Moscow said on Wednesday that its forces had carried out a strike on a building housing ‘foreign fighters’ in Kharkiv.
In northern Kentucky, a glimpse into the GOP voters who may be tricky for Trump
People like Mike Combs who help tell the story of Campbell County, Kentucky -- which voted for Trump and Andy Beshear
Alleged brick attack victim charged with theft after raising more than $40,000
Roda Osman posted on social media in September alleging that she was assaulted by a man who hit her with a brick after she turned down his advances.
www.nbcnews.com
Matt Rosendale eyeing launch for Montana Senate run just before March deadline
Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) is eyeing to launch a campaign for the Montana Senate right before the March filing deadline.
www.washingtonexaminer.comStock market today: Asian stocks track Wall Street gains and Japan’s inflation slows
Asia markets mostly advanced Friday after Wall Street recouped most of the week’s earlier losses and Japan reported slowing inflation, which may keep its ultra-low interest rates steady.
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U.S. says Houthis launched missiles at tanker ship but no damage caused
The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a U.S.-owned tanker ship that hit the water nearby but caused no injuries or damage.
No Labels alleges 'conspiracy' by opponents to use 'intimidation, harassment' to block ballot access
No Labels, the centrist group that's moving toward potentially launching a third-party unity presidential ticket, asks the Justice Department to investigate possible "conspiracy."
What the designation of ‘terrorist’ means for Yemen’s Houthis
Experts say that Biden’s re-designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group is unlikely to curb Red Sea attacks.
The police response to the Uvalde shooting was riddled with failures, a new DOJ report says
Police officials who responded to the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas “demonstrated no urgency," according to a new Justice Department report.
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Proposed Oklahoma bill would single out Hispanic gang members as ‘terrorists’
State Rep. Justin Humphrey has since apologized for zeroing in on Hispanic people and plans to change the language in the bill.
www.nbcnews.comSmall plane that crashed off California coast was among a growing number of home-built aircraft
A small airplane that crashed into the ocean off the California coast has been identified as one of tens of thousands of home-built aircraft that are part of a high-flying hobby taking off across the country.
apnews.com
Lawmakers see hope in bipartisan border-Ukraine talks after White House meeting
Lawmakers left a White House meeting on Wednesday with a sense of cautious optimism over there being room for a deal on border security and Ukraine aid.
Measles outbreaks are occurring in some pockets of the US. Here's why doctors are concerned
Two decades after measles was considered eliminated, outbreaks are occurring in some pockets of the U.S. Here's why doctors are concerned.
Netanyahu’s apparent rejection of a post-war Palestinian state adds to tensions with Biden administration | CNN Politics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday appeared to reject the idea of creating a Palestinian state, a statement that could contribute to growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.
www.cnn.comWhat to know about overdraft fees as the White House cracks down on them
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new rules that would lower overdraft fees, with President Joe Biden calling the charges “exploitative.”
apnews.com
House, Senate GOP leaders urge SCOTUS to halt 'dangerous precedent,' defend Trump's ballot access
GOP leaders, including Sens. Ted Cruz and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, support former President Trump's case against the Colorado Supreme Court's ballot removal, arguing for congressional authorization.
Melania Trump gives eulogy at mother's funeral
Donald Trump skipped a court session in his defamation trial in New York to attend the funeral.
www.bbc.com
‘So sad and scared’: Asylum fears mount as White House hints at border deal
Biden White House wants lawmakers to approve Ukraine aid, which Republicans have premised on new asylum restrictions.
Trump, awaiting ruling, says presidents must have 'complete and total' immunity
A three-judge federal appeals court panel is expected to soon decide whether to dismiss Trump's federal election interference case based on his presidential immunity claims.
www.nbcnews.comCDC expands warning about charcuterie meat trays as salmonella cases double
Federal health officials are expanding a warning about salmonella poisoning tied to charcuterie meat snack trays sold at Sam's Club and Costco stores.
apnews.com
Why Trump is likely to have more leeway for outbursts in criminal trials
The former president's heated exchange with a federal judge this week comes as trial proceedings loom in four criminal cases ahead of the 2024 election.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump emerges as new obstacle to Senate immigration deal as GOP tension grows | CNN Politics
Senators working feverishly to cut a high-stakes immigration deal are now running into a new problem: Former President Donald Trump.
www.cnn.comIsraeli company gets green light to make world's first cultivated beef steaks
Aleph Farms of Israel has received the preliminary green light from health officials to produce and sell the world's first steaks made from cultivated beef cells, not the entire animal.
apnews.comFormer Rep. Justin Amash considers running for Senate in Michigan
Former Rep. Justin Amash, who left the Republican Party after backing the impeachment of former President Donald Trump, is taking the first step toward a GOP run for Michigan's open Senate seat.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Japan mission is latest effort to land on the Moon
Officials hope the Slim spacecraft's precision navigation technologies will make a soft touch-down.
www.bbc.com
Jim Carrey’s birthday dinner was the ultimate comedy MVP photo op | CNN
As Jim Carrey himself once said, “It’s party time.” As seen in an iconic group photo, Carrey did just that while celebrating his 62nd birthday with famous friends.
www.cnn.comAstronauts from Turkey, Sweden and Italy launch to space station on latest chartered flight
Turkey’s first astronaut along with a Swede and Italian launched Thursday to the International Space Station on a chartered SpaceX flight.
apnews.com
Madonna is being sued for starting recent Brooklyn concerts over two hours late | CNN
Madonna is being called to task by a pair of ticketholders for exhibiting ‘flippant difficulty’ in starting her recent string of Brooklyn “Celebration Tour” concerts on time, court records show.
www.cnn.com
Senate Dems sink amendment to halt Palestinian aid until Hamas' hostages are released
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., proposed an amendment to the short-term spending bill that would have frozen aid to Palestine until Hamas hostages are released.
Can Iran and Pakistan contain cross-border tensions?
Pakistan launches strikes inside Iran, saying they were retaliation for attacks by Tehran on targets in Pakistan.
Florida GOP lawmakers seek to ban rainbow flags in schools, saying they’re bad for students
State lawmakers have introduced more than a dozen anti-LGBTQ bills in Florida since the start of the year.
www.nbcnews.com
How major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 1/18/2024
Wall Street bounced back to recoup almost all the losses it suffered earlier in the week. The S&P 500 rose 0.9% following back-to-back drops that kicked off this holiday-shortened week.
apnews.comFact Check: Trump falsely claims Democrats can vote in New Hampshire’s GOP primary | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump is peddling false claims about voting rules for next week’s New Hampshire primary, as he tries to blunt Nikki Haley’smomentum in the state.
www.cnn.com
Kenya cult leader charged with ‘terrorism’ over starvation deaths
Paul Mackenzie and 94 others charged over deaths of followers whose bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest.
Shawn Barber: Former world pole vault champion dies aged 29
Canada's former world pole vault champion Shawn Barber dies at the age of 29 from medical complications.
www.bbc.com
Trump court cases look like 'pile-on' to some Americans, CNN legal analyst admits
Elie Honig, a CNN legal analyst, argued on Thursday that the many cases against Donald Trump do start to feel like a "pile-on" to some Americans.
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for February delivery rose $1.52 to $74.08 per barrel Thursday. Brent crude for March delivery rose $1.22 to $79.10 per barrel.
apnews.com
Kristin Smart's family files lawsuit against Cal Poly, citing negligence in initial investigation
The family of murder victim Kristin Smart has filed a lawsuit against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
www.cbsnews.com
La Kena: Notorious Mexican cartel leader captured
José Alberto García Vilano has been linked to the killing of two US citizens last year.
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