AP Photo/Artie Walker, Jr.
What if Donald Trump is convicted? The 2024 Republican convention rules don’t address the issue
NEW YORK (AP) — The Republican National Committee’s rules for next year’s nominating contest and convention were released this week without addressing a question the GOP could well face next summer: Can the party’s delegates vote for a different candidate if the presumptive nominee is convicted of a felony?An appeals court reinstates gag order that barred Trump from maligning court staff in NY fraud trial
A New York appeals court Thursday reinstated a gag order that barred Donald Trump from commenting about court personnel in his civil fraud trial.
apnews.com
Newsom, DeSantis debate gets heated over COVID, tax polices: 'You did a lot of damage'
The Fox News debate between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis became heated as the two sparred about COVID-19 and tax policies.
Trump civil fraud case: Judge fines Trump $354 million, says frauds 'shock the conscience'
Get updates from the trial of former President Trump in the civil fraud suit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
House passes resolution to block Iran's access to $6 billion from prisoner swap
The House passed a bipartisan measure that would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion recently transferred by the U.S. in a prisoner swap.
apnews.com
Tuberville signals he’s backing down on most of his holds on top military nominees after bipartisan pressure | CNN Politics
GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville signaled that he is backing off of his hold on all top military nominees – as soon as next week – and will instead be focusing his blockade on a smaller number of so-called “woke,” nominees. The move comes after bipartisan pressure to cease his blanket hold on military...
www.cnn.comThousands of fake Facebook accounts shut down by Meta were primed to polarize voters ahead of 2024
Meta says it disabled thousands of fake Facebook accounts that were used to spread politically partisan content in the U.S. before the 2024 election.
apnews.com
After Musk tirade, X faces prospect of more advertisers fleeing
Social media company X faces the prospect of more advertisers fleeing and has no clear fix in sight, ad industry experts said, after billionaire owner Elon Musk lashed out at some of the biggest brands for dropping the platform.
Senate Judiciary Committee authorizes subpoenas for Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo in Supreme Court ethics probe
All 11 Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve subpoenas for Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo.
www.cbsnews.comGOP Rep. George Santos refuses to resign and warns his expulsion from Congress would set a precedent
A defiant Rep. George Santos is refusing to resign and warned on Thursday that his expulsion from Congress would establish a precedent.
apnews.com
Unsealed court ruling sheds light on Scott Perry's efforts to overturn the 2020 election
U.S. Rep Scott Perry has tried to keep the text messages from public view and from being used by federal investigators.
www.usatoday.com
The 543-word editorial that may have just upended the presidential campaign
The post by Trump calling for Obamacare’s replacement has lit a fire under Biden’s slow burn campaign.
www.politico.com
Newsom pressed on Biden's 'cognitive decline' during DeSantis debate
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) defended President Joe Biden against criticism that he lacks the mental fitness to be commander in chief during his debate with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Israel-Gaza updates: Israel says ground operation underway in southern Gaza
Updates on the Israel-Hamas war.
Explosive call is the latest reveal in bitter Kevin McCarthy, Donald Trump feud
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and former President Donald Trump had a tense phone call after McCarthy was ousted from his leadership post.
www.usatoday.com
Meta says it broke up Chinese influence operation looking to exploit U.S. political divisions
The company said it has taken down five different networks with ties to China, a sign that the country could be ramping up its propaganda efforts ahead of the U.S. election.
www.nbcnews.com
DeSantis blasts Newsom during debate over in-laws moving to Florida from California
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) lambasted Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) over family members who fled California for Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday night. The comments were part of the governor repeatedly slamming Newsom over the loss of Golden State residents who left for other states in 2021…
www.washingtonexaminer.comRussia’s Supreme Court effectively outlaws LGBTQ+ activism in a landmark ruling
Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism, the most drastic step against advocates of gay, lesbian and transgender rights.
apnews.com
Senate hearing explodes over Democrats' subpoena of conservative activists: 'Destroyed' the committee
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, blasted Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., over what he said was Durbin "destroying" the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing that ended with conservative activists being subpoenaed.
Social media posts Trump claimed were made by judge's wife were not made by her, court says
Former President Trump claimed the wife of the judge in his New York trial made several posts about him and had "taken over control" of the trial.
www.cbsnews.com
NYC congestion pricing draft shows costly commute, especially for New Jersey drivers
The plan aims to ease traffic while helping fund the MTA.
www.politico.com
DeSantis brandishes Gender Queer book at Newsom debate: 'It's pornography'
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) brought props to his highly anticipated debate against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House GOP discussing vote to formalize Biden impeachment inquiry
House Republican leaders will consider Friday holding a vote on formalizing an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, Fox News Digital has learned.
Dissent, and a generation gap, inside the U.S. government over Israel
When civilians began dying in Gaza, said one U.S. official, “we all know the tools they used to kill them,” referring to Israeli weapons supplied by the U.S.
www.nbcnews.com
Chris Christie on brink of missing next debate
The former New Jersey governor says he’s “going to make it.” But he hasn’t yet met polling thresholds to qualify, according to a POLITICO analysis.
www.politico.com
What happens next if GOP Rep. George Santos is expelled from Congress?
As a former member, the New York Republican could still access the House floor.
DeSantis and Newsom lob insults and talk some policy in a faceoff between two White House aspirants
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Gov. Ron DeSantis are meeting in a nationally televised event on Thursday night.
apnews.com
Former Trump Bedminster club worker files sexual harassment lawsuit, alleges she was pressured to sign NDA | CNN Politics
A former server at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster has filed a lawsuit against the club in New Jersey alleging that she was sexually harassed by her manager and then pressured to sign an illegal non-disclosure agreement by Alina Habba, who is now an attorney for the former president.
www.cnn.com
WATCH: Karine Jean-Pierre storms out of White House press briefing when pressed by African reporter
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stormed out of a press briefing after Today News Africa reporter Simon Ateba demanded to know why he wasn't allowed to ask a question.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller surrenders to Dallas police
Buffalo Bills star linebacker Von Miller turned himself in to Dallas police on Thursday in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ukraine war live updates: Baby among civilians injured in missile strikes on Ukraine; Russia causes a stir at security summit
Ukrainian officials said the country came under attack from Russian drones and missiles overnight.
Pence’s son reportedly convinced him to stand up to Trump over January 6
Former vice-president had planned to skip process to certify Joe Biden’s election victory but changed mind after son’s plea
Biden campaign rips Trump's health care policies in new ad
The new TV ad was released after Trump said he's looking at alternatives to Obamacare, the nation's health care law.
www.cbsnews.com
Rep. Dan Goldman denies Hunter Biden laptop is 'real,' revives debunked Russian misinformation theory
Rep. Dan Goldman revived claims that Hunter Biden's laptop was falsified and contains Russian disinformation during a combative House Judiciary hearing.
FBI didn't say 'Pizzagate' is real; post distorts details of Texas arrest | Fact check
An FBI spokesperson says the bureau has made no such announcement. The claim originated on a website known to spread misinformation.
www.usatoday.com
OPEC+ agrees to deepen voluntary oil output cuts
OPEC+ oil producers on Thursday agreed to voluntary output cuts totalling about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for early next year led by Saudi Arabia rolling over its current voluntary cut.
Greene pulls resolution calling for impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
She said Speaker Mike Johnson promised her a vote at a later time.
Hard-right Republicans soften spending demands ahead of next shutdown fight
In a shift, the Freedom Caucus chairman now says his group will accept the government funding levels established in the Biden-McCarthy budget agreement.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump slams JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon for praising Nikki Haley
Dimon "is quietly pushing another non-MAGA person, Nikki Haley, for President," wrote Trump, the current front-runner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.
DeSantis v Newsom debate: governors clash on crime, abortion, guns and more
‘Slugfest’ moderated by Sean Hannity saw the Democrat and Republican speaking over each other in heated ‘shadow campaign’
Why the DeSantis-Newsom clash is the best debate of the year
www.politico.com
'The chaos and drama of the past': Haley calls for 'moral clarity' as she takes on Trump, DeSantis
2024 presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is set to launch her first TV ad of the campaign cycle, highlighting the need for what she calls a "new generation" of leadership.
www.usatoday.com
Biden lights the National Christmas Tree, taking his turn to bring holiday spirit to Washington
President Joe Biden has gotten his turn at bringing the holiday spirit to Washington. The president and his wife, Jill, participated in the annual tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House.
apnews.com
Florida Republican Party chair Christian Ziegler accused of rape
The Florida Democratic Party issued a statement calling on Christian Ziegler to step down as state Republican Party chair.
www.cbsnews.com
Ilhan Omar slams Democratic competitor for saying she's 'not cute enough'
Squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) pushed back on remarks that she was not "cute" or "attractive enough" to ignore her constituents, claiming the comment reminded her of former President Donald Trump.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
As expulsion vote nears, Santos and Miller have nasty House floor exchange
A vote on whether to expel Santos is expected Friday.
www.politico.com
Tucker Carlson once texted he hated Trump "passionately." Now he's endorsing him for president.
Tucker Carlson said he is "voting for Trump, and if they convict him, I will send him the max donations and I will lead protests," on Roseanne Barr's podcast.
www.cbsnews.comAnthony Fauci will testify before Congress on COVID origins and the US pandemic response
Former chief White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci is expected to testify before Congress early next year as part of Republicans’ yearslong investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and the U.S. response to the disease.
apnews.com
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Pfizer, alleges pharma giant lied about COVID vaccine efficacy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, alleging that the pharmaceutical giant lied about the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine.
McCarthy cursed Trump during call after ouster as Speaker: Report
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) cursed out former President Trump in the wake of his removal as Speaker in October, after the former president refused to come to his aid and denounce the removal efforts, The Washington Post reported Thursday. After Trump gave McCarthy a list of reasons...
Trump will hold a fundraiser instead of appearing at next week's Republican presidential debate
Donald Trump will be headlining a closed-door fundraiser in Florida next week as his Republican primary rivals return to the debate stage on Dec. 6.
apnews.com
Analysis: Wartime unity between the US and Israel will soon face its toughest test | CNN Politics
Each day the pause in Israel’s war with Hamas is extended saves lives.
www.cnn.comTexas judge rips into Biden administration's handling of border in dispute over razor wire barrier
A judge for now isn't stopping Border Patrol agents from cutting razor wire that Texas has put on the U.S.-Mexico border to deter migrants.
apnews.com
Kevin McCarthy warns Donald Trump he'll lose in 2024 if his campaign is focused on revenge
Kevin McCarthy made clear in an interview that if former President Donald Trump bases his reelection campaign on revenge, he will lose the 2024 race.
www.usatoday.com
Senate border deal negotiators say they're 'stuck' amid asylum and parole disputes
Senators are at an impasse in their negotiations on a bipartisan border security deal to be included in President Joe Biden’s supplemental defense spending bill.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump campaign calls DeSantis 'thirsty OnlyFans wannabe' for debating Newsom: 'Kiss of death'
The Trump campaign blasted Gov. DeSantis as a "thirsty OnlyFans" model on Thursday for agreeing to debate with California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Fox News.
Rep. George Santos defends himself in fiery debate ahead of vote to expel him from Congress
George Santos defended himself on the House floor in a testy debate on his incoming expulsion vote.
www.usatoday.com
Former Trump golf club worker was sexually harassed by supervisor, then conned into signing illegal NDA, lawsuit says
Trump attorney Alina Habba duped Alice Bianco into signing the non-disclosure agreement in 2021, according to a suit filed this week in New Jersey.
www.nbcnews.comTommy Tuberville moves the goalposts on his military blockade, signaling he's tired of running defense for his unprecedented move
The Alabama Republican and former football coach signals he's ready to end his blanket efforts.
Blinken urges Israel to comply with international law and spare civilians in war against Hamas
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging Israeli leaders to respect international law as Israel wages its war against Hamas in Gaza.
apnews.com
Trump gag order in New York fraud trial reinstated as appeals court sides with judge
A New York appellate court has reinstated a limited gag order barring former President Donald Trump from making public comments about court staff in his ongoing civil fraud trial.
www.cbsnews.comProgressives criticize MSNBC for canceling Mehdi Hasan show
Hasan's show was canceled as part of a broader reshuffling of MSNBC's weekend lineup.
www.politico.comBiden hosts the Angolan president in an effort to showcase strengthened ties as Africa visit slips
President Joe Biden is hosting Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in the Oval Office as he seeks to reaffirm his commitment to Africa.
apnews.com
Blinken steps up call for Israel to spare civilians in strongest remarks yet
The top diplomat delivers the strongest US remarks yet in Israel on protecting Palestinian civilians.
www.bbc.com
Senate Democrats authorize subpoenas for Leonard Leo and Harlan Crow in Supreme Court ethics probe | CNN Politics
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to authorize subpoenas for conservatives Leonard Leo and Harlan crow in its probe into ethics controversies at the Supreme Court.
www.cnn.comCongress is eying immigration limits as GOP demands border changes in swap for Biden overseas aid
Republican demands to stop the flow of migrants at the Mexico-U.S. border have left Congress scrambling.
apnews.com
Cornel West’s plan to grow his 'embryonic' campaign: 'Be like jazz and improvise'
Critics — and even some admirers — doubt whether the famed philosopher and first-time candidate is up to the task of running for president on his own.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump campaign slams DeSantis as 'thirsty' ahead of Newsom debate
Former President Donald Trump's 2024 election campaign lambasted Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) as a "thirsty, third-rate OnlyFans wannabe model" ahead of the governor's Thursday night debate against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden administration asks Supreme Court to keep abortion access in red-state emergency rooms
Soon after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Biden administration required hospitals to provide emergency abortion care in some cases.
www.usatoday.com
US Supreme Court signals it could limit SEC in-house enforcement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday signaled skepticism toward the legality of certain proceedings conducted in-house by the Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce investor-protection laws - a case that gives them an opportunity to further undercut...
Biden facing growing internal dissent over Israel's Gaza campaign
It has stirred an extraordinary level of criticism from within the president’s own administration.
www.bbc.comMediators scrambling for Israel-Hamas truce extension, as hostages-for-prisoners swaps get harder
Hamas freed eight Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
apnews.com
Wyden to block Senate vote on new NSA, Cyber Command lead
The senator is pledging to stop a vote on Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh to lead the agencies until the NSA releases details on potential surveillance of Americans.
www.politico.com
Democrats call for resignation of Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler amid sexual battery allegations
The Sarasota Police Department has launched an investigation into Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler related to sexual battery allegations.
George Santos defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote in US House
A damning ethics report on the Republican has all but assured he will be removed from the US House.
www.bbc.com
Lead water pipes still pose a health risk across America. The EPA wants to remove them all
Local utilities across the country would have to dig up and replace aging lead water pipes within 10 years under a Biden administration proposal.
www.usatoday.com
Wisconsin state Senate Democratic leader plans to run for a county executive post in 2024
The Wisconsin state Senate's top Democrat has decided to leave the body to run for local office next year.
apnews.com
Israel-Hamas war live updates: Gaza cease-fire extended a day; Jerusalem shooting kills 3
Follow NBC News' latest coverage of the Israel-Hamas war: Truce extended a day, Jerusalem shooting attack kills three.
www.nbcnews.com
Florida Republican Chairman Christian Ziegler under investigation for sexual battery
Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler is under criminal investigation by the Sarasota Police Department over an accusation of sexual battery, confirmed Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Crypto ally Rep. Patrick McHenry fights for industry-backed regulation bill
McHenry's crypto bill faces stiff opposition from powerful Democrats, including Senate Banking Committee chairman Sherrod Brown (Ohio).
How the truce between Israel and Hamas was extended another day – and why it could end soon | CNN Politics
A deal to extend a truce between Israel and Hamas into Thursday went down to the wire after Hamas declined for hours to produce a list of hostages that had 10 women and children on it – a condition that Israel insisted must be met.
www.cnn.com
Fight over greenlighting controversial surveillance program unites progressives, conservatives in Congress
Rumors of a plan to stop a controversial surveillance program from expiring by linking it to Congress' annual defense bill has both progressives and conservatives up in arms.
How Qatar swayed Israel and Hamas to make a truce work
As world leaders feted Qatar for brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas last week, its negotiators doubled down on their mediation efforts, fearful the ceasefire was about to collapse before it started.
Wartime Israel shows little tolerance for Palestinian dissent
More than 270 Palestinian citizens have been arrested in an Israeli crackdown on free speech and political activity since the Hamas attack.
apnews.com
Palestinian arrest on Fox News broadcast was out of order, not staged | Fact check
The arrest wasn't staged. Unedited footage shared online by the reporter in the video shows the man undressing and being arrested.
www.usatoday.com
Rand Paul used Heimlich maneuver on choking Joni Ernst in GOP lunch | CNN Politics
Republican senators were alarmed and relieved when they learned that their colleague Sen Joni Ernst had chocked during a party lunch on Thursday and was rescued by Sen. Rand Paul who gave her the Heimlich maneuver.
www.cnn.comInspector general investigating decision to relocate FBI headquarters to Maryland
A federal watchdog is investigating how the Biden administration chose a site for a new FBI headquarters.
apnews.com
Kevin McCarthy on George Santos: 'Something's going to come out on this guy'
Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in an interview that he had a gut feeling something was going to come out of embattled Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y..
www.usatoday.com
Slick videos or more 'authentic' content? The Israel-Gaza battles raging on TikTok and X
Pro-Palestinian TikTok posts gain traction with Gen Z, while slicker Israeli content is popular on X.
www.bbc.comThe last days of Hamas’ office in Qatar?
There’s a gnawing fear that closing Hamas’ political outpost would complicate any future backchannel between the U.S., Israel and the group.
www.politico.comRep. George Santos claims the House is in 'chaos' as he faces third expulsion vote
House lawmakers move towards another expulsion vote against Rep. George Santos as faces multiple felony charges concerning his campaign.
www.usatoday.com
Sen. Tommy Tuberville signals he may drop some holds on military nominees next week
The Republican senator told reporters he wants to get as many people as possible promoted “in the next week or so” but did not specify how many promotions he would let through.
www.nbcnews.com
AOC's rocky relationship with Nancy Pelosi detailed in new book
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have had several tense moments in their nearly five years serving in Congress together, according to a new book.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rolling Stone, other liberal outlets jubilant over Kissinger's death at age 100: 'GOOD RIDDANCE'
Multiple media outlets and a porn star turned heads with their condemnations of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger following his recent passing.
Florida Democrats enrage long-shot Biden challenger Dean Phillips by excluding him from the ballot
Long-shot President Biden challenger Rep. Dean Phillips is weighing legal action against the Florida Democratic Party, after his campaign was kept off the presidential primary ballot in the Sunshine State.
Hungary will not agree to starting EU membership talks with Ukraine, minister says
The chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says Hungary will not support any European Union proposal to begin talks on making Ukraine a member of the bloc.
apnews.com
GOP Rep. George Santos, facing possible expulsion, defends himself on House floor
He argued removing him without his being convicted set a bad precedent.
Myanmar's military is losing ground against coordinated nationwide attacks, buoying opposition hopes
A major offensive against Myanmar's military-run government by an alliance of three militias of ethnic minorities has been moving at lightning speed, inspiring resistance forces around the country to attack.
apnews.com
Florida GOP chair under investigation related to sexual battery allegation | CNN Politics
Christian Ziegler, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, is under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department related to an allegation of sexual battery from October.
www.cnn.com
Uncertainty persists as clock ticks on pause in Gaza fighting
Negotiations continue to extend Gaza truce amid report of gunfire, explosions in the north of besieged enclave.
The Weird, Dysfunctional and History-Changing Relationship Between Kissinger and Nixon
The two mens’ legacies are forever intertwined. But that didn’t mean they always got along.
www.politico.com
Vivek Ramaswamy turns his fire on the GOP’s early-state governors
The presidential contender criticized popular Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on the trail this week after trashing New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu earlier this month.
www.nbcnews.com
Ken Paxton sues Pfizer over alleged misrepresentation of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday the state was suing the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer for allegedly misrepresenting the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine and attempting to silence public discourse on the vaccine.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Eight more hostages out; fragile Israel-Hamas truce faces Friday deadline: Live updates
Extensions of the cease-fire were becoming more difficult to broker, and both Israel and Hamas appeared poised to take up the fight.
www.usatoday.com
Will Tesla's truck recover from its shattering start?
Tesla boss Elon Musk says the new cybertruck will "change the look of the roads".
www.bbc.com
White House quietly walks back Biden's comment on adding conditions for sending assistance to Israel
White House says U.S. will not place conditions on assistance to Israel during its war with Hamas, walking back a comment from President Biden suggesting otherwise.
Russian missile strikes in eastern Ukraine rip through buildings, kill 2 and bury families in rubble
Ukrainian officials say Russian missiles tore through apartment buildings in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region during the night.
apnews.com
Liberal columnist praises 'patriotic' Newsom for 'shadow campaign,' slams Democrats for backing Biden
A liberal Washington Post column praised Gov. Gavin Newsom as "patriotic" for running a "shadow campaign" against Biden and slammed Democrats who have stuck with Biden in 2024.
Trump gag order in fraud case reinstated by New York appeals court
A New York appeals court reinstated a gag order on Donald Trump in his civil fraud trial before Judge Arthur Engoron set closing arguments for mid-January.
‘Country of promises’: Brazil’s struggle to lead climate policy at COP28
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is slated to helm Brazil’s largest-ever delegation, but he faces criticism at home.
COP28: Poor countries win 30-year fight for climate cash
COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber pulled off an unexpected victory securing long-awaited climate disaster help.
www.bbc.comPope says he has acute bronchitis, doctors recommended against travel to avoid change in temperature
Pope Francis said he is suffering from acute, infectious bronchitis and that doctors recommended he cancel his planned visit to Dubai.
apnews.com
Money laundering investigator warned of Hunter Biden's 'unusual,' 'erratic' payments from China in 2018
A bank investigator responsible for detecting and combating money laundering warned in 2018 of “unusual" and “erratic" activity related to wire transfers to Hunter Biden from China.
US Coast Guard leaders long concealed a critical report about racism, hazing and sexual misconduct | CNN Politics
For nearly a decade, US Coast Guard leaders have concealed a critical report that exposed racism, hazing, discrimination and sexual assault across the agency.
www.cnn.com
Manchin makes his border pitch: Expand worker visas, don't get hung up on parole
While the West Virginia centrist is not part of the gang of senators trying to negotiate an immigration deal, he is trying to help triangulate a solution.
www.politico.comPeruvian rainforest defender from embattled Kichwa tribe shot dead in river attack
A Kichwa tribal leader has been shot to death in an area of the Peruvian rainforest that’s seen high tension between Indigenous people and illegal loggers.
apnews.com
Marco Rubio rebuffs ceasefire demands, calls for Israel to destroy Hamas: 'Vicious animals'
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) rebuffed an activist's call for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying Israel should instead do everything in its power to destroy Hamas.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Pending home sales drop to a record low, even worse than during the financial crisis
They fell most steeply in the West, which is where homes are most expensive. Sales were down everywhere compared with a year ago.
www.nbcnews.com
Putin says Kissinger ‘deserved’ his ‘reputation around the world'
Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected on the life of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in a statement from the Kremlin released Thursday.
Video shows Adele held Mexican flag, not Palestinian one, during performance | Fact check
Videos show Adele was carrying a Mexican flag during a performance. The performance also predated the start of Israel's 2023 war with Hamas.
www.usatoday.com
Lori Vallow booked on murder charge in fatal shooting of her 4th husband
Lori Vallow, who was convicted of killing two of her children in a so-called doomsday plot, was extradited to Arizona and booked for another homicide.
Playbook PM: Santos sings his swan song
And world leaders react to Kissinger's passing.
www.politico.com
Panama celebrates court order to cancel mine even as business is hit
For weeks, Panama was shaken by its largest protest movement in decades as residents decried a mining contract.
Georgia gas tax back in effect as focus moves to legislature to take action
Gas prices in the Peach State are set to rise beginning Thursday after the emergency suspension of the state's gas tax expired. The focus now turns to the Georgia legislature for further action.
www.washingtonexaminer.comA friendship forged over 7 weeks of captivity lives on as freed women are reunited
In the depths of captivity in Gaza, they formed an unlikely but prized friendship. Danielle Aloni and her 5-year-old daughter Emilia had been seized from a kibbutz by Hamas in its Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel.
apnews.com
'A living nightmare': Palestinian-American student injured in Vermont shooting breaks silence
Kinnan Abdalhamid, a Palestinian-American student who was injured in a shooting in Vermont, spoke out for the first time since the incident on ABC's "The View."
US says Mexican drug cartel was so bold in timeshare fraud that some operators posed as US officials
U.S. authorities say a Mexican drug cartel was so bold in operating frauds targeting elderly Americans that the gang's operators posed as U.S.
apnews.com
Scott and two dozen GOP senators demand classified assessment on Biden plan to deter Iranian aggression
EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Tim Scott and two dozen GOP senators requested a classified assessment on the Biden administration’s plan to “deter" Iranian aggression
Somali maritime police intensify patrols as fears grow of resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden
Somalia’s maritime police force has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Aden following a failed pirate hijacking of a ship earlier this week.
apnews.com
Nearly 100,000 Gaza buildings may be damaged, satellite images show
Images commissioned by the BBC reveal the damage in Gaza before the recent temporary truce started.
www.bbc.com
Top Oversight Democrat slams GOP for keeping Hunter Biden hearing out of public view
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, slammed his Republican colleagues for rejecting Hunter Biden's offer to publicly testify on Dec. 13.
Released Palestinians allege abuse in Israeli jails
Palestinians tell the BBC they were beaten and had dogs set on them while in Israeli detention.
www.bbc.com
Former N.J. Trump golf club worker says she was sexually harassed, tricked into signing NDA
The allegations date back to 2021.
www.politico.comCities must replace harmful lead pipes within 10 years under new Biden administration plan
Most U.S. cities would have to replace lead water pipes within 10 years under strict new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
apnews.com
Fauci set to be grilled by House GOP majority for first time
Dr. Anthony Fauci is sitting for two seven-hour interview sessions in January with the House Republican-led select committee on the coronavirus pandemic.
Asia factory activity weakens, uncertainty on China clouds outlook
Asia's factory activity remained weak in November on soft global demand, surveys showed on Friday, with mixed signs on the strength of China's economy clouding the outlook for the region's fragile recovery.
‘We’re not here to beg’: Gaza residents’ anger over steep rise in prices
People hoping to buy essentials like food, warm clothes during the pause in Israel’s bombing frustrated by price hikes.
Russia's foreign minister faces Western critics at security meeting and walks out after speech
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov faced Western critics while attending international security talks Thursday in Northern Macedonia.
apnews.com
Crew members aboard Osprey that crashed off coast of Japan still missing, Pentagon says | CNN Politics
The eight airmen who were aboard an Air Force CV-22B Osprey that crashed off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan, on Wednesday are still missing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday.
www.cnn.comGambian man convicted in Germany for role in killings under Gambia's former ruler
A German court has convicted a Gambian man of murder and crimes against humanity for involvement in the killing of government critics in his West African homeland.
apnews.com
US reveals date of first moon return in 51 years — with one key difference
The United States is returning to the moon on Jan. 25 after 51 years away from the lunar body.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Scott Perry’s texts reveal details about efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in 2020 | CNN Politics
As US Rep. Scott Perry was making clear he wanted to contest Donald Trump’s loss of the presidency in the 2020 election, his conversations with a Justice Department official took him inside the president’s management of the agency.
www.cnn.com
Victim in deadly home invasion identified as Hollywood social activist Michael Latt
The man fatally shot by an intruder in his Los Angeles home on Monday night has been identified as Michael Latt. Latt was the founder and CEO of Lead With Love.
Gilgo Beach suspect's wife's cheek swab matches her DNA on victims
A DNA sample taken from the estranged wife of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer matches her genetic material that was found on the remains of victims.
A new study says about half of Nicaragua's population wants to emigrate
A new study says that about half of Nicaragua's population of 6.2 million want to leave their homeland because of a mix of economic decline and repression from President Daniel Ortega's government.
apnews.com
'I hate that I helped' George Santos, Congressional fabulist
The congressman's constituents, friends and staffers spoke to the BBC about their disillusionment.
www.bbc.com
Judge denies Texas request to bar Customs and Border Protection from cutting razor wire at border
A federal judge has denied Texas’ request to bar Customs and Border Protection agents from cutting or removing razor-wire.
Argentina won't join BRICS as scheduled, says member of Milei's transition team
Argentina will not be joining the BRICS bloc of developing economies next year as scheduled, a senior official in President-elect Javier Milei’s team said.
apnews.com
Governors Ron DeSantis, Gavin Newsom face off in unusual debate
Florida's Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential candidate, took on California's Gavin Newsom, who is a Biden surrogate and not a 2024 candidate, in a debate moderated by Fox's Sean Hannity.
www.cbsnews.comThe UK's former health secretary testifies at COVID inquiry that he argued for an earlier lockdown
Former British health secretary Matt Hancock has told the U.K.’s COVID-19 inquiry that Britain’s government would have saved many lives if it acted sooner and imposed a national lockdown three weeks earlier than it did in March 2020.
apnews.com
Senate Judiciary issues subpoenas to Leo, Crow in SCOTUS ethics probe as Republicans boycott
No action was taken on nearly 200 amendments from Republicans.
www.politico.com
North Korea's Kim calls for military readiness against any 'provocation'
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his military to be ready to respond to any "provocation" by the enemy, state media said on Friday, after Pyongyang vowed to deploy stronger armed forces and new weapons along its border with the South.
Relief as Thai hostages return home amid fears for those still held in Gaza
Group of 17 Thai nationals return from a total of 23 who have been released by Hamas, with nine still captive in Gaza.
Paraguay official resigns after signing agreement with fictional country
A Paraguayan government official has been replaced after it was revealed that he signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of a fugitive Indian guru’s fictional country, who also appear to have duped several local officials in the South American country.
apnews.com
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene backs off forcing vote on second Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment resolution
GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was assured by House Speaker Mike Johnson that the process would move forward in committee.
www.cbsnews.com
'No walls to protect them': Gaza families brace for winter
Over a million people have fled to United Nations Relief and Works Agency shelters, the U.N. said. These shelters cannot cope with the influx.
How Dr Anthony Fauci delivers 'inconvenient truths' to world leaders
In an interview with the BBC, America's former top doctor shares how he navigated polarising conversations with seven US presidents – and what life is like now.
www.bbc.comUK government intervenes in potential takeover of Telegraph newspaper by Abu Dhabi-backed fund
Britain’s government says it's asking media and market competition officials to look into a potential Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph newspaper.
apnews.com
The George Santos show in Congress begins to wind down
UAPs, subpoenas and more headline a busy Thursday on Capitol Hill.
www.politico.com
Mom claims video game companies are intentionally addicting kids
An Arkansas mother has filed a lawsuit, claiming video game companies are intentionally designing games to addict children.
Santos expulsion effort opens debate on use of historically rare punishment
With the House expected to vote on the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY) this week, his likely ouster could open the door for more efforts by lawmakers to use the historically rare procedure to punish their colleagues.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
High-profile murders inspire calls for justice at Mexico’s ‘muxe’ festival
Members of Mexico’s third-gender community used their annual celebration to push for answers after two prominent deaths.
Planet-forming disk spotted around star in another galaxy for the first time | CNN
Astronomers have spotted a massive young star in a neighboring galaxy called the Large Magellanic Cloud. The star is surrounded by a disk where planets may form.
www.cnn.comMembers of global chemical weapons watchdog vote to keep Syria from getting poison gas materials
The annual meeting of members of the global chemical weapons watchdog has called on countries to prevent the sale or transfer to Syria of raw materials and equipment that could be used to create poison gas and nerve agents.
apnews.com
Some Republicans sound alarm after Trump revives focus on Obamacare | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as Obamacare, has alarmed some Republicans scarred by the GOP’s failure to deliver on promises to dismantle the law and who view the issue as a political loser with the American...
www.cnn.com
Montana's first-in-the-nation ban on TikTok blocked by judge who says it's unconstitutional
A federal judge has blocked Montana's first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state while a legal challenge to the law moves through the courts
'Let us be a lesson', say Kazakhs wary of return to nuclear testing
As Russia warns of the rising risk of nuclear war, communities close to the vast Soviet-era nuclear testing site in northern Kazakhstan have a message for leaders.
Protesters shove their way into congress of Mexican border state of Nuevo Leon, toss smoke bomb
The legislature of the northern Mexico border state of Nuevo Leon says protesters broke through doors, took over the floor of the state congress and launched a smoke bomb.
apnews.com
Historian: You can't study diplomacy in the U.S. "without grappling with Henry Kissinger"
Henry Kissinger, one of the most influential and controversial diplomats of the 20th century, died Wednesday at age 100.
www.cbsnews.com4 migrants who were pushed out of a boat die just yards from Spain's southern coast
Four migrants have died yards from shore in southern Spain after being forced out of the boat they were traveling in.
apnews.comOpinion | Behind China’s Plans to Build AI for the World
The U.S. needs to be more ambitious in building global AI, not just regulating it — or risk losing out to Beijing.
www.politico.comFormer Myanmar colonel who once served as information minister gets 10-year prison term for sedition
A former high-profile Myanmar army officer who had served as information minister and presidential spokesperson in a previous military-backed government has been convicted of sedition and incitement.
apnews.com
Michigan Catholic parish urges federal court to allow morality test for employees
A Catholic Church in Michigan is asking a federal appeals court to revive its lawsuit against the state over a policy that could bar the parish from hiring only employees who agree to abide by Catholic moral teaching.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rep. George Santos remains defiant as House to vote on expulsion this week
New York Rep. George Santos has repeatedly resisted pressure to resign his seat in Congress amid allegations he stole from donors to his campaign.
www.cbsnews.com
WHO keeping closer watch on BA.2.86 strain as a dearth of data makes predictions difficult | CNN
The World Health Organization has notched up the status of the coronavirus strain BA.2.86 and its offshoots, naming it a “variant of interest,” although the organization says the current risk from this family of viruses appears to be low.
www.cnn.comScotland bids farewell to its giant pandas, who are returning to China after a 12-year stay
Edinburgh Zoo visitors had a chance to see and bid farewell to giant pandas, who are returning to China after more than a decade in Scotland.
apnews.com
House Republican threatens Jack Smith over Trump investigation: 'His days are numbered'
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) threatened special counsel Jack Smith by saying his "days are numbered" after his two indictments of former President Donald Trump.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Russian court bans ‘LGBT movement’ as ‘extremist’
Russia’s Supreme Court has issued a ban on the activities of the ‘international LGBT movement’ in the latest crackdown.
Harvard, NYC schools added to DOE probe on antisemitism, Islamophobia
Harvard University and the New York City Department of Education are now being investigated for complaints of antisemitism and Islamophobic discrimination on campus.
China says US arms sales to Taiwan are turning the island into a 'powder keg'
The Chinese defense ministry's top spokesperson has said that the U.S. should stop interfering in both Taiwan and the South China Sea. Senior Col.
apnews.comAOC's rocky relationship with Nancy Pelosi detailed in new book
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have had several tense moments in their nearly five years serving in Congress together, according to a new book.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
South Korean farmers scuffle with police at protest over dog meat ban
About 200 South Korean farmers who breed and raise dogs for human consumption held a rally on Thursday near the presidential office in the capital Seoul, demanding the government scrap a plan to ban the controversial centuries-old practice.
A Pakistani province aims to deport 10,000 Afghans a day
Authorities in a Pakistani province are setting targets for police to arrest and deport hundreds of thousands of Afghans they say are in the country illegally.
apnews.com
US lawmakers seek probe of Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics
A bipartisan group of 11 U.S. House lawmakers on Thursday asked the Biden administration to investigate and potentially sanction Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics, citing national security concerns.
Alternative healer faces manslaughter charge over woman's death at a UK slapping therapy workshop
An alternative healer who advocates a technique known as “slapping therapy” has been charged over the death of a woman at one of his workshops in England.
apnews.com
White House cuts briefing short after disruption from reporter
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shut down her briefing with national security spokesman John Kirby after one correspondent would not stop speaking over another reporter.
www.washingtonexaminer.comGermany arrests French woman who allegedly committed war crimes after joining IS in Syria
German authorities say they have arrested a French woman who allegedly committed war crimes in Syria after joining the Islamic State extremist group.
apnews.com
Wisconsin ex-race car driver could play spoiler to GOP's plans to oust Tammy Baldwin
MILWAUKEE — National Republicans believe they’ve found a credible candidate to challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in Wisconsin next year.
www.washingtonexaminer.comThe oil baron running the climate talks — and the US envoy who's had his back
The Biden administration's public embrace of the United Arab Emirates oil chief running the global climate talks brings political risks. Can it yield a deal to slash fossil fuel pollution?
www.politico.comInflation in Europe falls to 2.4% as interest rates pack a punch. But the economy has stalled
Europeans are again seeing some relief as inflation dropped to 2.4% in November, the lowest in more than two years.
apnews.com
Japan 'concerned' US continues to fly Ospreys despite grounding request
Japan is concerned that the U.S. military is continuing to fly its V-22 Osprey aircraft despite its request to ground them until their safety is confirmed after a fatal crash this week, Tokyo's top government spokesperson said on Friday.
A hard, bloody winter awaits Ukrainian and Russian soldiers, say experts
Neither side is ready to give up, and neither can win in the medium term, but negotiations could come next year.
Don't eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows
As the number of illnesses and recalls tied to a deadly salmonella outbreak grows, the CDC says not to eat pre-cut cantaloupe if don’t know source.
apnews.com
EPA proposes requirement to remove lead pipes from US water systems within 10 years | CNN
The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years, aiming to accelerate progress toward achieving a goal of the Biden administration.
www.cnn.comStock market today: Asian shares slip after Wall Street ends its best month of '23 with big gains
Asian shares have slipped after Wall Street closed out its best month of the year with big gains in November. U.S. futures rose while oil prices dropped.
apnews.com
What causes fire embers to spread more quickly
One of the most dangerous factors in wildfire spread comes from the fire itself, as tiny embers travel for miles in the wind and threaten to ignite new fires.
Cyberattack caused 'temporary disruption' to Staples online ordering
Office retail company Staples was hit with a cyberattack, the company announced in a post on their website Thursday.
Pro-Trump lawyer cooperating with investigators in multiple 2020 election investigations
Former President Donald Trump's ex-attorney, who was charged alongside Trump in the Georgia racketeering indictment, is working with investigators on a similar 2020 election subversion investigation in Nevada and Arizona.
www.washingtonexaminer.comSome OPEC+ members will cut the oil that they send to the world to try to boost prices
Saudi Arabia will extend a cut in the amount of oil it sends to the world after a series of reductions by members of the OPEC+ alliance.
apnews.com
Two Hamas gunmen open fire at Jerusalem bus stop, killing three
Two Hamas gunmen killed three people at a Jerusalem bus stop during morning rush hour on Thursday, and Israel reiterated its commitment to wiping out the Palestinian Islamist faction, whose Oct. 7 killing spree triggered the Gaza war.
6-year-old honored for saving mom who had a stroke and seizure
A 6-year-old Mississippi girl was honored helping to save her mother, who had a seizure and stroke.
Israel intercepts rocket as gunfire, explosions in north Gaza reported
Israel's military said it intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza early on Friday while Hamas-affiliated media reported sounds of gunfire and explosions in the north of the coastal strip shortly before a deadline to extend a seven-day truce was set to expire.
Congressmen ask DOJ to investigate water utility hack, warning it could happen anywhere
Three members of Congress are asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate how hackers breached a water utility system near Pittsburgh.
apnews.com
Why it's best to skip questions about why someone's not drinking this holiday season
Notice someone turning down alcohol at your holiday gathering? Skip the questions about why, and offer support instead, experts say. Here's how.
www.cbsnews.com
Henry Kissinger's life in photos
The controversial former secretary of state and national security adviser lived to be 100.
www.cbsnews.com
Tesla’s Cybertruck hits the market with a higher price tag and plenty of challenges | CNN Business
Tesla CEO Elon Musk presided over the delivery of the company’s long-awaited Cybertruck, four years after it was first unveiled. But while there wasn’t much new information since the original presentation, a new price went live on Tesla’s website shortly after.
www.cnn.comStock market today: Asian shares mostly higher ahead of US price update, OPEC+ meeting
BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday ahead of an update on U.S. consumer inflation and a meeting of oil producers in Vienna.
apnews.com
Airbnb’s silent killer: 19 carbon monoxide deaths in the last 10 years, but the company still doesn’t require detectors
Family members and representatives of people who died said the company has not done enough and called for it to mandate that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in every rental.
www.nbcnews.com
One identical twin went vegan while the other didn’t. See what happened | CNN
Twins who ate vegan diets for two months were healthier than their identical siblings who ate a meat and vegetable diet, a study found.
www.cnn.comClosing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for January delivery fell $1.90 to $75.96 per barrel Thursday. Brent crude for January delivery fell 27 cents to $82.83 per barrel.
apnews.com
Suicides by firearm reach all-time high, rising 11% since 2019: CDC
A new CDC report published Thursday found suicides by firearm reached an all-time high in 2022, with an estimated 27,024 Americans dying of suicide by firearm.
How major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 11/30/2023
Stocks ended mostly higher on Wall Street and closed out November with big gains. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% Thursday.
apnews.com
"Zoom fatigue" may affect the brain and heart, study finds. An expert explains how to prevent it.
Get drained from Zoom meetings? You're not alone — and a recent study showed video calls can prompt physical signs of stress in the body. Here's how to avoid "Zoom fatigue."
www.cbsnews.com
Israel says more hostages released by Hamas as temporary cease-fire holds for 7th day
Six more hostages were released late Thursday, following two released earlier in the day, Israel said, as a short-term truce deal between Israel and Hamas neared its one-week mark.
www.cbsnews.com
