AP Photo/Scott Applewhite
Senate approves hundreds of military promotions after Republican senator ends blockade of nominees
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate in a single stroke Tuesday approved about 425 military promotions after Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over his opposition to a Pentagon abortion policy. Tuberville had been under pressure from members of both sides of the political aisle to end his holds as senators complained about the toll it was taking on service members and their families, and on military readiness.House Speaker Johnson is insisting on sweeping border security changes in a deal for Ukraine aid
House Speaker Mike Johnson tells fellow Republicans that sweeping changes to U.S. border policy will be their “hill to die on” in negotiations over President Joe Biden’s nearly $106 billion package for the wars in Ukraine and Israel and other security needs.
apnews.com
Special counsel to use Trump’s continued embrace of January 6 rioters against him at trial | CNN Politics
Special counsel Jack Smith plans to present evidence at Donald Trump’s trial next year that his continued support for US Capitol rioters helps to show he intended to inspire violence on January 6, 2021, as part of a conspiracy he led to overturn the 2020 election.
www.cnn.com
State Dept: Hamas refuses to release women hostages to prevent sharing horrors of captivity
A State Department official said Hamas is refusing to release its remaining female hostages in part because it fears what they will reveal.
White House’s urgent call for Ukraine funds hit a grim reality on Capitol Hill | CNN Politics
The Biden administration’s dire warning that the US will soon be out of money for Ukraine has run up against a grim reality on Capitol Hill, where some House conservatives have balked at supporting more Ukraine funding and Senate Republicans are insisting on making it part of a broader spending...
www.cnn.comLawyer picked to prosecute Army sexual assault is fired over an old email doubting victims' claims
The lawyer selected to be the Army’s first top prosecutor of sexual assaults under an overhaul of the military justice system has been fired because of an email he sent 10 years ago appearing to belittle victims’ assault allegations.
apnews.com
Liz Cheney says she may launch 3rd party bid against Trump, claims he could end democracy
Liz Cheney says she is weighing a third-party bid against Trump as she issues dire claims about how him returning to power could be the end of American democracy
House speaker says Jan. 6 security footage is being posted online for public access
The GOP-led House Administration Committee on Friday began by posting 90 hours of security video that had already been released to media outlets.
www.nbcnews.com
Russia rejected "significant proposal" for Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan's release, U.S. says
The State Department said "a number of proposals" have been made to secure the release of the wrongfully detained Americans.
www.cbsnews.comA second Trump administration will 'come after' people in the media in the courts, an ally says
A Donald Trump ally who worked in his Justice Department says that if the former president is elected again, his administration will retaliate against people in the media “criminally or civilly.”
apnews.comSupreme Court signals it will uphold a tax on foreign income and leave a wealth tax for another day
The Supreme Court seems inclined to uphold a tax on foreign income while leaving broader questions about a never-enacted tax on wealth for another day.
apnews.com
‘Washington, D.C. is broken’: Why dozens of lawmakers say they're leaving Congress
The once-interim House speaker is the latest lawmaker to announce they won't run for again in 2024. Some have pointed blame at D.C. and their party.
www.usatoday.com
Ukraine could lose the war if the U.S. delays military aid, top Ukrainian official says
The Biden administration has asked Congress for more than $105 billion for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. border security, but so far Republicans in the House have said no.
www.nbcnews.com
Rep. Nancy Mace has lost three senior staff members in past week
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has lost three of her senior staffers in the past week, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Too many are misreading the 2024 polls. Here’s a better way.
Analysis: Whether Biden or Trump is up by a few points, almost every survey is saying the same thing — the 2024 election is really close right now.
www.nbcnews.com
Special counsel previews trial roadmap in federal 2020 election case against Trump
In a new filing, prosecutors revealed they plan to use historical evidence of events both before and after the alleged conspiracy involving Trump's efforts to resist the peaceful transfer of power after the election.
www.cbsnews.com
Marjorie Taylor Greene alleged a male Republican got physically aggressive with her | CNN Politics
In a private meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson last week, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused fellow Republican Rep. Richard McCormick of getting physically aggressive with her, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter – a charge that McCormick has denied, saying it was a “friendly...
www.cnn.com
Federal prosecutors reveal evidence they want to use against Trump — his own words
The special counsel's office said Trump's history of calling election results "fraud" when he didn't like the outcome and his support of Jan. 6 rioters should be allowed into evidence.
www.nbcnews.com
Donald Trump town hall event pre-taped in Iowa airing tonight on 'Hannity'
GOP presidential candidate and Former President Donald Trump sat down with Fox News' Sean Hannity for a prime-time town hall. The interview was pre-recorded in Davenport, Iowa.
www.foxnews.com
Democrats are offering Republicans a border security option. Will GOP lawmakers play ball?
A group of Senate Republicans threatened to withhold support from the Ukraine supplemental if it doesn't include sweeping border security measures.
www.usatoday.com
Mike Johnson says staff blurring faces of Jan. 6 participants so they won’t be 'retaliated against' by DOJ
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said his staff is working to blur the faces of participants of the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021, delaying his plan to release the security footage.
www.washingtonexaminer.comZelenskiy cancels plan to address US lawmakers, fate of aid in balance
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy canceled plans to appeal directly to U.S. lawmakers for new aid on Tuesday, as a partisan battle over immigration policy threatened to derail President Joe Biden's request for billions of dollars for Kyiv's fight against Russia...
Live updates | Netanyahu says Israel must retain control of security in Gaza after the war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the military would have to retain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip long after the war against Hamas ends.
apnews.com
Jayapal issues new statement that she ‘unequivocally condemns Hamas’ use of rape and sexual violence as an act of war’ | CNN Politics
Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state said Tuesday that she “unequivocally condemns Hamas’ use of rape and sexual violence as an act of war,” following comments she made to CNN’s Dana Bash on Sunday that set off a firestorm among her Democratic colleagues in the House.
www.cnn.com
Giuliani’s no-show prevents courtroom confrontation with Georgia election workers
Rudy Giuliani is facing money damages in the election workers' defamation lawsuit.
www.politico.com
Biden argues Trump is an existential threat to America; Trump tries to point finger back at Biden
Biden on Tuesday labeled Trump an existential threat to the country's system of government as he responded to Trump's recent comments claiming it is Biden the danger
Heritage Action urges Mike Johnson to 'hold firm' against Biden's $106 billion Ukraine, Israel request
Heritage Action is weighing in on Congress' ongoing battle over supplemental funding to Israel and Ukraine with a message for House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Vivek Ramaswamy leans into a contentious issue in Iowa in a late bid for traction
The GOP presidential candidate has been devoting significant stump time to opposing using eminent domain to build carbon capture pipelines on private land in the state.
www.nbcnews.comBiden calls reports of Hamas raping Israeli hostages 'appalling,' says world can't look away
President Joe Biden is calling reports of sexual violence by Hamas militants against Israelis “appalling."
apnews.com
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.
Biden approval near lowest level of his presidency-Reuters/Ipsos
U.S. President Joe Biden's popularity was near its lowest level of his presidency this month, a sign of the challenges ahead for his re-election bid next year, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The three-day opinion poll, which closed on Sunday, showed 40% of respondents approved of...
Post purportedly from Nancy Pelosi calling for critic's arrest is fabricated | Fact check
Pelosi's spokesman said the post was never shared from her X account. The screenshot is also missing elements a legitimate post would include.
www.usatoday.com
Voting experts warn of 'serious threats' for 2024 from election equipment software breaches
Experts say an effort to access voting system software and provide it to allies of Trump poses “serious threats” ahead of 2024 elections.
apnews.com
White House calls Rep. Thomas Massie's X post 'virulent antisemitism,' urges House GOP leadership to condemn
The Kentucky Republican's post featured a popular meme format and appeared to imply that Congress was not interested in “American patriotism,” but was interested in "Zionism."
www.nbcnews.com
Rep. Glenn Thompson announces prostate cancer diagnosis
Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo treatment, the Pennsylvania Republican announced on Tuesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Schumer said he'll allow GOP to try to attach a border security amendment to the supplemental
Republicans already seem cool to the idea. "We want it to actually happen," Mitch McConnell said of border security reforms.
www.politico.com
Democrats pushing forward with Ukraine and Israel aid amid growing dispute over border funding
Supplemental aid to Ukraine and Israel has been stalled in Congress over disputes about border security funding.
www.cbsnews.com
AOC claims women will face 'genital examinations' if biological men barred from female sports
"Squad" Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that "all" underage women will be subject to "genital examinations" if biological men are barred from competing in women's sports.
Biden says he's "not sure" he'd be running for reelection if Trump weren't
President Biden made the comment during a campaign fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday.
www.cbsnews.comHigh-speed rail line linking Las Vegas and Los Angeles area gets $3B Biden administration pledge
A high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area is getting a Biden administration pledge of $3 billion to help start laying track.
apnews.comThe overwhelming majority of polled ex-members of Congress fear the 2024 election will lead to violence
83% of polled former members said they're concerned about election-related violence in 2024, including more than four-fifths of former GOP officials.
House passes resolution condemning antisemitism | CNN Politics
The House passed a Republican-led resolution on Tuesday condemning antisemitism in the United States and globally.
www.cnn.com
Israel-Hamas war updates: More than 16,200 dead in Gaza from Israeli attack
Hamas says no negotiation for captives until assault on Gaza stops as Israeli army encircles Khan Younis.
Republicans close ranks, demand Dems face border crisis as Biden Ukraine aid plan hangs in balance
House and Senate Republicans were united on Tuesday in the need for passing conservative border policies alongside all or part of President Biden's supplemental aid request.
Jack Smith wants to tell jury about Trump’s earlier attempts to sow doubt about elections
The special counsel is seeking a judge's permission to introduce evidence that may help jurors assess Trump's intent in the weeks leading to Jan. 6.
www.politico.comMajor Democratic Donor Gives $250,000 To Nikki Haley Super PAC
The former U.N. ambassador has been climbing in the GOP polls, but there's still a big gap between her numbers and Trump's.
Senate unanimously votes in over 400 military promotions held up by Tuberville blockade
The Senate unanimously voted to approve over 400 military nominations held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville's (R-AL) blockade.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
'Orange Jesus' and a note from George W. Bush: 5 takeaways from Republican Liz Cheney's book
Former Rep. Liz Cheney is one of former President Donald Trump’s most vocal critics. But she also has few kind words for other prominent Republicans in her new book.
www.usatoday.com
Florida Republican leader calls an emergency meeting over chairman accused of rape
Christian Ziegler is so far refusing to resign, despite pressure from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
www.nbcnews.com
Despite Gaza death toll soaring, U.S. unlikely to rethink weapons supplies to Israel
Facing a soaring death toll from Israel's renewed offensive in southern Gaza, the Biden administration is trying to pressure its ally to minimize civilian deaths while stopping well short of the kind of measures that might force it to listen, such as threatening to restrict military aid.
Trump's defense at civil fraud trial zooms in on Mar-a-Lago, with broker calling it 'breathtaking'
Donald Trump’s civil business fraud trial has turned to one of the topics that has vexed him most — the disputed value of his Mar-a-Lago club.
apnews.com
Israel Gaza: Hamas raped and mutilated women on 7 October, BBC hears
The BBC has seen and heard evidence that Hamas fighters committed horrific sexual violence in Israel.
www.bbc.com
Video shows Israeli forces raising flags on roof of school, not Al Shifa Hospital | Fact check
The soldiers raised the flag on the roof of a United Nations school, not the Al Shifa Hospital, according to a spokesperson for the school.
www.usatoday.com
Wall Street opens wallets wide for 'Trump alternative' Nikki Haley at $500K fundraiser
Nikki Haley raised over $500,000 at a fundraising event with wealthy Wall Street executives.
Fighting intensifies in Gaza's south
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would have to retain open-ended security control over the Gaza Strip long after the war ends.
www.politico.com
Israel and WHO in online row over removal of medical supplies in Gaza
Israel denies ordering the UN health agency to remove medical supplies from its warehouse in southern Gaza.
McCarthy and Johnson are both conservative Christians. Only one is on the 'front lines of the culture war'
The transition of House speakership from McCarthy, a proud but subdued Christian, to Johnson, a fervently devout evangelical, highlights the religious right's dominance of the evangelical GOP coalition.
Biden tells donors: 'If Trump wasn’t running I’m not sure I’d be running. We cannot let him win'
President Joe Biden has told campaign donors that he isn’t sure he’d be running for reelection if Donald Trump wasn’t also in the race.
apnews.comLiz Cheney says she's considering a third-party presidential bid
The 2024 race has already garnered a few third-party challengers, including Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.politico.com
Israeli accounts of sexual violence by Hamas rise but justice is remote
On Oct. 7, the day Hamas attacked, the Israeli military set up an impromptu morgue of refrigerated shipping containers at the Shura defence base in central Israel to identify and prepare the dead for burial. Of the 1,200 people killed that day, authorities said at least 300 were women.
Hospitals in southern Gaza are at 'breaking point,' international organizations say
Two international organizations say hospitals in southern Gaza are at a "breaking point" with wards overwhelmed with patients.
Federal Trade Commission is investigating ExxonMobil's $60B deal to acquire a Texas oil company
Security filings show the Federal Trade Commission is investigating ExxonMobil’s $60 billion deal to acquire a Texas oil company, potentially one the largest energy industry mergers in two decades.
apnews.com
Bipartisan senators push for DOJ review after suspicious letters sent to election offices
Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) expressed concern over a rise in suspicious letters containing fentanyl or other powder being sent to election offices in multiple states recently, and the two urged the Justice Department to prioritize a review of the cases.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Small Business Republicans demand answers from Biden admin on 90-day gun export pause
Republicans on the House Small Business Committee demanded answers from the Biden Department of Commerce on the 90-day pause on issuing gun export licenses.
Biden impeachment inquiry vote expected next week, House Republican leaders say
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused the White House of "stonewalling" the investigation into the Biden family's business activities.
Senate confirms 425 military nominees after Sen. Tommy Tuberville drops his hold
Tuberville "has nothing to show for his 10 months of delay," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a scathing speech after the nominees were confirmed. Tuberville has retained his holds on roughly 11 other promotions.
www.nbcnews.com
https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-signal-further-losses-wall-st-ahead-jobs-data-2023-12-05/
Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry won't seek re-election as congressional exodus expands
Rep. Patrick McHenry will serve the remainder of his term but won't seek re-election in 2024, the North Carolina Republican is set to announce Tuesday.
'Unimaginable cruelty': Biden condemns Hamas amid reports of rape, sexual assault of women
President Joe Biden says the world must not turn a blind eye to reports that Hamas militants raped and sexually assaulted women and girls.
www.usatoday.com
Advocates want Biden to rein in Texas' immigration crackdown
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott could soon sign a law allowing peace officers to arrest people they suspect have entered the country illegally.
www.nbcnews.com
Fourth US Republican presidential debate: Who will attend, where to watch
DeSantis and Haley are in a tussle for runners-up while Trump remains a favourite for the Republican nomination.
Senate Republicans hold firm in face of last-minute White House push for Ukraine aid
Mitch McConnell insists the aid be tied to border security improvements.
Supreme Court weighs broad impacts in tax case that drew calls for Justice Alito’s recusal
Conservative Justice Samuel Alito had earlier refused to recuse himself after a lawyer involved in the case interviewed him for an article published in The Wall Street Journal.
www.nbcnews.comTexas Republicans Reject Statement Against Associating With Nazis And Antisemites
During a meeting of the Texas GOP’s executive committee over the weekend, party leaders said the language was too vague.
FBI director says terror threats elevated to all-time high since Oct. 7: 'Blinking lights everywhere'
FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senate lawmakers the terror threat against the U.S. has reached an unprecedented high level since the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel.
House Speaker Johnson wants to blur January 6 footage to protect Capitol rioters | CNN Politics
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that before publicly releasing footage of the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, the faces of the mob will be blurred to protect them from the Justice Department.
www.cnn.com
FBI director says anti-Catholic memo authors were 'admonished,' not removed
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Tuesday during a Senate hearing that employees involved with drafting a controversial memo targeting certain Catholics had been "admonished," an answer that dissatisfied Republican lawmakers.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden, in the season of giving, is poised to raise big campaign money this month
While aides and donors declined to share specific figures early Tuesday, the December haul is poised to be "a big number," said one Biden-Harris campaign bundler.
www.cbsnews.comWith George Santos out of Congress, special election to fill his seat is set for February
With George Santos out of Congress, the special election to fill his seat has been set for Feb. 13. New York Gov.
apnews.com
US announces visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence
The U.S. on Tuesday began imposing visa bans on people involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Washington officials said, after several appeals for Israel to do more prevent violence by Jewish settlers.
Former researcher alleges Harvard forced her out to preserve Facebook donations
The resulting dispute has real-world implications for academic freedom, social media and corporate influence over research.
Liz Cheney weighs third-party US presidential run, says Trump threatens democracy
U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, an outspoken critic of ex-President Donald Trump, said she is weighing a third-party bid for the White House in 2024.
Ahead of the GOP debate, Biden campaign tells voters to imagine life under Trump in 2025
President Joe Biden's campaign said its war room operation will be treating Tuesday night's Trump town hall on par with the Republican debate on Wednesday.
www.nbcnews.comUS made offer to bring home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Russia rejected it
The Biden administration says it's made a new and significant offer aimed at securing the release of American detainees Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, but Russia has rejected the offer.
apnews.com
Anthony Fauci to testify before Congress about pandemic mandates, COVID-19 origins
Dr. Anthony Fauci will testify before Congress early next year on the origins of COVID-19, mandates and other pandemic responses.
www.usatoday.com
Ukraine signals a shift toward defense as analysts ask whether 'failed counteroffensive' is over
Ukraine signaled it's shifting its military tactics to a more defensive footing after an analysis of Russia's resource capabilities, and as winter arrives.
Biden calls world to ‘forcefully condemn’ sexual violence by Hamas
The president said ‘it’s on all of us’ to denounce the attacks on Israeli hostages ‘without equivocation.’
www.politico.comJames Comer Claims Hunter Biden's Truck Payments Are Corruption
Subpoenaed bank records suggest Hunter Biden sent his father recurring payments worth $1,380 per month.
Israel faces 'most intense day' of ground war in battle for Hamas stronghold
Israel's forces are attacking a major Hamas stronghold, according to security officials, in a bid to catch or kill the masterminds of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that ignited the war in Gaza.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Qatar emir condemns ‘genocide’ in Gaza, urges ceasefire at GCC summit
Leaders of six Gulf countries and Turkey meet in Qatar, with Israel’s war on Gaza at the top of the agenda.
Biden to supporters: 'If Trump wasn't running, I'm not sure I'd be running'
President Biden told supporters he's not sure if he would be seeking a second term in the White House in 2024 if former President Donald Trump wasn't trying to win back his old job
Moms for Liberty chapter splits off over response to rape allegation against co-founder's husband
Allegations against Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler, whose wife is a Moms for Liberty co-founder, have created tensions in the conservative powerhouse group.
www.nbcnews.com
Tuberville releases Senate holds on confirming hundreds of military nominations | CNN Politics
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama on Tuesday released the bulk of his holds for Senate votes to confirm military promotions, allowing for the quick confirmation of hundreds of nominees.
www.cnn.comAir Force identifies the eight US crew lost in Osprey crash in Japan
Air Force Special Operations Command has identified the eight service members lost when their Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan last week.
apnews.com
Former DEA informant pleads guilty in 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president
Joseph Vincent pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiring to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
www.nbcnews.com
Mathematics, reading skills in unprecedented decline in teenagers
Teenagers' mathematics and reading skills are in an unprecedented decline across dozens of countries and COVID school closures are only partly to be blamed, the OECD said on Tuesday in its latest survey of global learning standards.
DOJ deviated from 'standard processes,' gave Hunter Biden 'special treatment' in probe, House GOP report says
House GOP said the DOJ deviated from “standard processes" and gave Hunter Biden “special treatment," while they consider drafting articles of impeachment against President Biden.
Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot indicted for trying to shut off engines mid-flight, avoids attempted murder counts
An off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut down engines mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines plane in October was indicted by a grand jury on 84 charges, prosecutors said.
US ‘out of money’ for Ukraine: six things to know about the aid standoff
White House urges Congress to approve extra funding for war against Russia – but hard-right Republicans are holding out
DeSantis wants to cut 1,000 jobs, but asks for $1 million to sue over Florida State's football snub
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is recommending Florida eliminate more than 1,000 state jobs in a spending proposal that cuts the current budget by more $4.6 billion.
apnews.com
College presidents face tough questions from Congress over antisemitism on campus
Colleges and universities have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
www.cbsnews.com
Former U.S. ambassador spied for Cuba for decades, Justice Department says
Attorney General Merrick Garland called it "one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent."
Greene accuses GOP lawmaker of 'assault' after he shook her shoulders on House floor
Richard McCormick said he had meant the interaction in a friendly way, and apologized when he realized she didn't appreciate his comments.
www.politico.com
Florida leaders urge state Supreme Court to uphold sports betting deal
Leaders in the Sunshine State are urging the state Supreme Court to reject a petition by West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation to strike down a sports betting agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
'Dangerous and irresponsible': FBI Director Wray defends surveillance program in contentious Senate hearing
FBI Director Christopher Wray defended an expiring surveillance program that critics oppose because of its warrantless searches of Americans.
www.usatoday.com
How to watch the fourth Republican presidential debate and what to look for
Here’s how to watch the Republican debate, including what time it starts, what channel it's on and livestream.
apnews.com
Biden trolls DeSantis, Haley, Trump with giant billboards ahead of fourth GOP presidential debate
The Biden-Harris campaign is trolling the Republican presidential candidates with giant billboards attacking their healthcare policies near the fourth GOP debate venue.
Malala Yousafzai likens Taliban's treatment of women to apartheid in Mandela lecture
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Tuesday likened restrictions the Taliban has placed on women in Afghanistan to the treatment of Black people under apartheid in a lecture in South Africa organised by Nelson Mandela's foundation.
US officials think Gaza ground operation could end by January as Biden admin privately warns Israel about its tactics | CNN Politics
US officials expect the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza targeting the southern end of the strip to last several weeks before Israel transitions, possibly by January, to a lower-intensity, hyper-localized strategy that narrowly targets specific Hamas militants and leaders...
www.cnn.comUkrainian leaders head to the US as Kyiv prepares for winter fighting
Uncertainty over aid is looming as the country seeks to rebuild its defense industry.
www.politico.com
Start of new Space Race? First private spacecraft will land on moon next month
The Peregrine Lunar Lander is primed to be the first private spacecraft to land on the moon as it opens NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
What to know about the 4th Republican presidential debate
The Republican debate on Wednesday in Alabama, airing on NewsNation, will feature a smaller field of primary candidates
Vice President Harris breaks nearly 200-year-old record for Senate tiebreaker votes, casts her 32nd
Vice President Kamala Harris has set record for most Senate tiebreaker vote, by casting her 32nd to help confirm a new federal judge in Washington, D.C.
apnews.comEx-Bernie Sanders aide slammed for saying accounts of Israeli women raped by Hamas are ‘Zionist’ propaganda
Former Bernie Sanders campaign press secretary and progressive TV anchor Briahna Joy Gray has been alleging that accounts of Israeli women being raped by Hamas are propaganda.
Alabama officer on leave after video shows her using stun gun on man who is handcuffed and crying
Police Chief Richard Black and Reform Mayor Melody Davis said they were aware of the video, and the department is “in the process of turning over all materials related to this arrest to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation.”
www.nbcnews.com
Israeli forces storm Khan Younis in south Gaza, killing scores of Palestinians
Israeli forces stormed southern Gaza's main city on Tuesday in what they called the most intense day of combat in five weeks of ground operations against Hamas militants, and hospitals struggled to cope with scores of Palestinian dead and wounded.
Supreme Court hears case that could make it harder for Congress to tax the rich | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday in a case that could both save the rich billions of dollars and hamper President Joe Biden and Democrat from imposing certain types of wealth taxes in the future.
www.cnn.com
Special counsel hits back at Hunter Biden requesting Trump, Barr subpoenas
Special Counsel David Weiss slapped down a request from Hunter Biden to subpoena former President Trump and Bill Barr as "meritless" on Tuesday.
Congress questions Harvard University president about school's policy on antisemitism
During a hearing, the president of Harvard University was asked about the institution's policies on admissions for students using antisemitic speech.
www.usatoday.com
In a rare action against Israel, US says extremist West Bank settlers will be barred from America
In a rare punitive move against Israel, the State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
apnews.com
IRS whistleblowers to testify behind closed doors amid Biden impeachment inquiry
IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley, Joseph Ziegler to testify behind closed doors Tuesday before the House Ways and Means Committee amid the impeachment inquiry against President Biden.
Peru court orders imprisoned ex-President Fujimori's 'immediate' release
Peru's constitutional court ordered the "immediate release" of imprisoned former President Alberto Fujimori, according to a court document published on Tuesday, marking the latest chapter in a dizzying legal saga for the controversial former leader.
Former top staffer of ex-congressman George Santos: "You are a product of your own making"
Naysa Woomer, the disgraced Republican's former communications director, advised Santos to own up to all his reported lies.
www.cbsnews.com
Eric Trump no longer testifying in Trump’s civil fraud trial | CNN Politics
Eric Trump is no longer testifying as part of the defense case in Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial, Trump attorney Chris Kise said in court Tuesday.
www.cnn.com
Rep. Pramila Jayapal doubles down on Hamas rape comments
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) stood by her controversial comments in which she appeared to compare Hamas's alleged deployment of sexual violence against Israeli women to Israel's response to the Oct. 7 attacks.
www.washingtonexaminer.comGlobal journalist group says Israel-Hamas conflict is a war beyond compare for media deaths
A journalist or media worker is killed every day on average in the Israel-Hamas war. The head of the global organization representing the profession says this has become a conflict beyond compare.
apnews.com
Melania Trump to speak at National Archives event swearing in new US citizens | CNN Politics
Former first lady Melania Trump is set to speak at a National Archives ceremony next week to swear in new US citizens, according to a news release from the agency.
www.cnn.com
Mom of trans athlete at center of Florida sports controversy speaks out
Mom of a trans athlete in Florida is speaking out about how she and other school employees are being investigated over her daughter's participation in a volleyball game.
As Israel-Hamas war expands, U.S. pledges more aid for Palestinians, including a field hospital inside Gaza
The U.S. government says it will help establish a field hospital in Gaza as Israel expands its war against Hamas into the south of the Palestinian territory.
www.cbsnews.comMan believed to have fired shots before a Virginia house exploded died in the blast, police say
Police say suspect who fired rounds from a duplex in Arlington, Virginia, neighborhood before home exploded is presumed dead.
apnews.comFBI says interviews of priest, choir director were part of investigation of ‘an individual,’ not Catholics
EXCLUSIVE: The FBI said its interviews of a Catholic priest and choir director were conducted during an investigation of "an individual threatening violence who has since been directed," and not a broader probe into Catholics.
Tommy Tuberville drops hold on hundreds of military confirmations
Tommy Tuberville placed the hold over a policy covering travel for military members seeking abortions.
www.bbc.com
The Free Speech Fallout from the Israel-Hamas War Could Be Dire
A First Amendment scholar is very worried about the future of speech on college campuses.
www.politico.comUS job openings fall to lowest level since March 2021 as labor market cools
U.S. employers posted 8.7 million job openings in October, the fewest since March 2021, in a sign that hiring is cooling in the face of higher interest rates yet remains at a still-healthy pace.
apnews.com
Biden concedes he is 'not sure' he would be seeking reelection if it wasn't for Trump
President Joe Biden admitted he may not have sought reelection if former President Donald Trump did not announce his own campaign for a second term.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Speaker Johnson hits back at House GOP critics in closed-door meeting
Speaker Mike Johnson responded to public criticism of his agenda by his own GOP members at a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, multiple sources told Fox News Digital.
Russia rejects offer to release jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich, US says
The Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested in Russia on espionage charges, which he has denied.
www.bbc.com
OnPolitics: Liz Cheney says her "only regret is supporting Donald Trump."
Liz Cheney was once a rising leader in the GOP. She now says she may be ready to forge a new third party
www.usatoday.com
McAuliffe backs Richmond Mayor Stoney in 2025 Virginia governor race
While his endorsement will not come as a surprise to many in the commonwealth, it may be a significant boost.
www.politico.comStock market today: Most of Wall Street slips following mixed data on the economy
Most stocks slipped on Wall Street, but the market hung near its highest level in 20 months following a mixed set of reports on the economy.
apnews.com
FBI director says bureau is working ‘around the clock’ against potential attacks inspired by Hamas | CNN Politics
FBI Director Christopher Wray plans to say Tuesday that the bureau is working “around the clock” to “identify and disrupt” potential attacks by individuals inspired by the Hamas attacks on October 7, according to a copy of his prepared remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
www.cnn.com
US imposes rare punishment on Israeli settler violence against Palestinians
A number of Israeli settlers culpable for violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank will be banned from entering the United States, the State Department announced Tuesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Atmospheric river threatening West Coast with floods, heavy rain
An atmospheric river is going to inundate much of the West Coast over the next several days.
Speaker Mike Johnson says he's blurring Jan. 6 footage so rioters don't get charged
"We don’t want them to be retaliated against and to be charged by the DOJ,” the House speaker said. His office later noted that DOJ already has the raw footage.
www.nbcnews.com
Prince Harry challenges 'unfair treatment' over UK security in London court
Prince Harry has been subjected to unlawful, unfair and unjustifiable treatment by the British government over the decision to take away his police protection when he is in Britain, his lawyer told London's High Court on Tuesday.
A trial deciding if JetBlue can buy Spirit — and further consolidate the industry — nears its end
JetBlue says it needs to buy Spirit Airlines to compete with bigger airlines in a post-Covid travel world.
apnews.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul sets date for special election to replace Santos following expulsion
The special election to replace former Rep. George Santos in New York's 3rd Congressional District will be held on Feb. 13, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) announced on Tuesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Zelenskyy set to brief Senate on Ukraine’s aid needs ahead of supplemental vote
Senators will also get a classified briefing on Ukraine and Israel from top foreign policy and military leaders.
www.politico.comHeritage Action urges Mike Johnson to 'hold firm' against Biden's $106 billion Ukraine, Israel request
Heritage Action is weighing in on Congress' ongoing battle over supplemental funding to Israel and Ukraine with a message for House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Prince Harry security decision unfair, High Court told
The Duke of Sussex's lawyers are challenging the Home Office over the decision to downgrade his protection.
www.bbc.com
Brazil reinforces border with Venezuela and Guyana over Esequibo tensions
Brazil's military is reinforcing its northern border due to rising tensions between its neighbors Venezuela and Guyana over Venezuela's claim to the Esequibo region, the Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday.
'Say it to my face': Ron DeSantis knocks Donald Trump as a 'keyboard warrior' for skipping debates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis bashed former President Donald Trump for being a "keyboard warrior," urging him to debate "one on one" in an interview.
www.usatoday.com
Stock 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
US sanctions individuals implicated in West Bank attacks
The US says it will impose visa bans on Israelis and some Palestinians over ongoing West Bank violence.
www.bbc.com
FBI chief makes fresh pitch for spy program renewal and says it'd be 'devastating' if it lapsed
FBI Director Christopher Wray is making a fresh pitch for the reauthorization of a U.S. government surveillance tool set to expire at the end of the year
Supreme Court appears hesitant to rubber-stamp Biden’s future wealth tax plans
The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared ready to uphold a 2017 tax on U.S.-owned companies' profits from foreign investments while also appearing hesitant to issue a broad decision that would give the go-ahead for the Biden administration's wealth tax plans.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Blinken announces policy to restrict visas to US for extremists in West Bank | CNN Politics
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new policy Tuesday to prevent extremist Israeli settlers responsible for violence in the West Bank from coming to the United States.
www.cnn.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
Tuohy family accuses Michael Oher of extortion in latest 'Blind Side' court docs
The Tuohy family is accusing Michael Oher, the subject of the film "The Blind Side," of allegedly trying to extort them for millions in new court docs.
8-year-old boy with disabilities assaulted and pinned facedown by Wyoming school officer, lawsuit says
The second grader struggled to breathe when he was put in a prone restraint and was left bleeding on his face in the February 2022 incident at Freedom Elementary in Cheyenne.
www.nbcnews.com
Nikki Haley wants to reform Social Security and Medicare. Donors are paying attention | CNN Politics
As she woos her party’s wealthy donors, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is promoting a policy that sets her apart from her closest competitors for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination: A willingness to stake out positions on the politically fraught issue of overhauling the nation’s...
www.cnn.com
Situation in Gaza 'getting worse by the hour' - WHO
A World Health Organization official in Gaza said on Tuesday the situation was deteriorating by the hour as Israeli bombing has intensified in the south of the Palestinian enclave around the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.
Man charged with murder in Philadelphia store stabbing that killed security guard, wounded another
Prosecutors in Philadelphia have charged a man with murder and other counts in the fatal stabbing of a department store security guard and wounding of another.
apnews.com
House Oversight GOP release document showing payments made by Hunter Biden to his dad; documents say they were for a car | CNN Politics
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee released a document showing payment from Hunter Biden’s business entity, Owasco PC, to President Joe Biden when he was not in office, but neglected to include evidence that the president’s son was repaying his father for a car.
www.cnn.com
Illinois town clears path for $2 billion Chinese-owned EV battery plant
An Illinois town approved zoning changes and cleared the way for a Chinese-owned electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant costing $2 billion on Monday night.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
‘A declaration of independence’: How NewsNation landed a Republican debate
Experts say the choice of NewsNation as host for the latest Republican debate signals a fractured US media landscape.
Israel probes claims share traders knew of Hamas attack in advance
Investors betting against Israeli shares may have made large sums, an academic study suggests.
www.bbc.com
How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 12/5/2023
Most stocks slipped on Wall Street, but the market hung near its highest level in 20 months following a mixed set of reports on the economy.
apnews.com
Biden allies desperate for him to win New Hampshire primary to 'avoid... humiliation': report
President Biden is refusing to campaign in New Hampshire's Democratic primary “to avoid embarrassment," according to a recent Los Angeles Times report.
Why lifesaving tests for organ transplant patients are now out of reach for many
As the Biden administration has sought to streamline organ transplants, patients and doctors worry lack of access to tests puts patients at risk.
www.usatoday.com
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Dec. 18
The Supreme Court says retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will lie in repose at the court on Dec. 18.
apnews.com
Schumer demands Massie take down 'antisemitic' meme
"This is antisemitic, disgusting, dangerous," the Senate majority leader said in his post.
www.politico.com
Essential herbicide, but at what cost? Paraquat remains in US despite bans elsewhere
Concerns have been raised alleging that a herbicide allowed for use in the U.S. by the EPA may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
US announces visa bans after warning Israel on West Bank settler violence
US has called on Israel to act against violent settler groups in the occupied West Bank.
How Hispanic voters’ growing political power in Nevada could offer hope to the GOP | CNN Politics
Antonio Munoz remembers admiring Ronald Reagan as a child, in a Las Vegas very different than it is today.
www.cnn.comClosing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for January delivery fell 72 cents to $72.32 per barrel Tuesday. Brent crude for February delivery fell 83 cents to $77.20 per barrel.
apnews.com
Nelson Mandela and how young South Africans view his legacy
A decade after Nelson Mandela's death, young South Africans are increasingly re-evaluating his legacy.
www.bbc.com
House GOP eyeing bribery, abuse of power for impeachment articles against Biden based on debunked Ukraine conspiracy theories | CNN Politics
House Republicans driving the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden are looking at potential charges of bribery, abuse of power and obstruction, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan told reporters Monday, though the charges are largely based on already-debunked claims about Biden’s...
www.cnn.comU.S. imposes new round of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a Belgian involved in procuring electronics for the Russian military, his companies and a group of Belarusian firms and people tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
apnews.com
Biden says Hamas raped, mutilated women during Israel assault
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that Hamas had repeatedly raped women and mutilated their bodies during its Oct.7 assault on southern Israel, citing survivors and witnesses of the attacks.
Silicon Valley’s AI boom collides with a skeptical Sacramento
California hosts both major AI firms and a Legislature intent on regulating them.
www.politico.com
Israel constructs large pumps to flood Hamas terror tunnels with seawater: Wall Street Journal
Israel has assembled five large pumps that would flood Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza with seawater, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials familiar with the plan.
Gold Bars found in Sen. Bob Menendez's New Jersey home linked to 2013 robbery, NBC reports
Investigators have now tied at least four gold bars found in Sen. Bob Menendez's home to one of his co-defendants, according to an NBC investigation.
www.usatoday.com
Man who lived at Virginia home that exploded is presumed dead, police say
“Based on the preliminary investigation of the incident, we believe the resident of the home, James Yoo, 56, of Arlington, is the involved suspect,” Arlington County police Chief Andy Penn said.
www.nbcnews.comFrontier Airlines settles lawsuit filed by pilots who claimed bias over pregnancy, breastfeeding
Frontier Airlines has settled a lawsuit filed by female pilots who said the airline discriminated against pregnant and breastfeeding employees.
apnews.com
House explodes in Arlington, Virginia, while police serving search warrant, officials say
The blast occurred as police were executing a search warrant, according to a police spokesperson.
US restricts visas for Uganda, Zimbabwe officials, citing repression
The United States on Monday expanded a visa restriction policy on Ugandan officials to include those it believes are responsible for undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda, while also announcing a new visa restriction policy for officials in Zimbabwe.
CNN to host GOP presidential town halls in Iowa | CNN Politics
CNN will host two town halls in Iowa next week featuring Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy less than five weeks out from the state’s Republican caucuses, the network announced Tuesday.
www.cnn.comMoody's cuts China credit outlook to negative, cites slowing economic growth, property crisis
Moody’s said the downgrade, its first for China since 2017, reflects risks from financing troubles of local and regional governments and state-owned enterprises.
apnews.com
Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians date back decades, but what are the key issues?
www.bbc.com
Jonathan Majors trial: Grace Jabbari testifies against ex-boyfriend in domestic violence case
Grace Jabbari, the accuser in the misdemeanor assault case against actor Jonathan Majors, took the stand as the first witness on the second day of the trial Tuesday.
Spread of gang violence wrecks Sweden's peaceful image
Several passers-by are among those killed in gangland shootings and bombings beyond the big cities.
www.bbc.comArgentina's President-elect Milei replies to Musk's interest: 'We need to talk, Elon'
Elon Musk has shared a video in which Argentina’s President-elect Javier Milei says equality should never come before freedom.
apnews.com
3 suspects arrested in murder of Phoenix man whose family says was targeted for being gay
Family and friends of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon have said they believe he was the victim of a hate crime.
www.nbcnews.com
Special election date set to replace Santos
Republicans have been in the process of screening dozens of potential contenders.
www.politico.com
Hundreds of lawsuits allege decades of sexual abuse at Rikers Island
Nearly 500 lawsuits filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act allege abuse of prisoners at Rikers Island.
www.nbcnews.com
Jack Smith plans to use Trump support of Jan. 6 defendants against him
Special counsel Jack Smith is gearing up to present evidence in former President Donald Trump's criminal election subversion trial that his support of defendants from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot shows he intended to spark violence that day.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why did China’s state media make a sudden turn towards friendlier US ties?
Control over China’s media narrative seen in swift turn towards US friendship ahead of Biden-Xi meeting at APEC summit.
Presidents of universities grilled on efforts to counter antisemitism on campus
The presidents of several universities testified before the GOP-led House Education Committee to answer to criticism they’re not doing enough to counter antisemitism.
UK interior minister signs new Rwanda treaty to resurrect asylum plan
Britain signed a new treaty with Rwanda on Tuesday which it said would overcome a court decision blocking its plan to deport asylum seekers to the East African country, a ruling that dealt a huge blow to the government's immigration policy.
Supreme Court won’t resolve case concerning self-appointed ‘tester’ of Americans with Disabilities Act | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court said Tuesday that it won’t resolve a case it heard earlier this term concerning whether a self-appointed “tester” of the Americans with Disabilities Act can sue hotels over alleged violations of the civil rights law if she doesn’t intend to stay at them.
www.cnn.com
NCAA president proposes new Division I tier where schools can pay athletes
NCAA President Charlie Baker says he wants the association to create a new tier of Division I athletics where highly resourced schools would be required to offer at least half their athletes a payment of at least $30,000 per year
Israel-Gaza latest news: Israel says troops in 'heart of Khan Younis' after bombarding south Gaza - BBC News
As Israel enters the major southern city, the UN warns "no place is safe in Gaza".
www.bbc.com
What to expect after CVS changes drug pricing formula
The move will simplify costs and make drug pricing more transparent, CVS said.
Kelsey Grammer BBC interview reportedly cut short as talk turned to his support of Donald Trump | CNN
“Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer had an interview with the BBC cut short this week after the conversation turned to his support for former US President Donald Trump, according to a radio host.
www.cnn.com
Democrats working on resolution condemning Hamas’ use of sexual violence | CNN Politics
Two House Democrats are planning on introducing a resolution this week condemning Hamas’ use of sexual violence and rape against Israeli women in the wake of Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s comments to CNN’s Dana Bash that upset a number of her Democratic colleagues.
www.cnn.com
North Carolina Rep. McHenry, who led House through speaker stalemate, won't seek reelection in 2024
North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry won't seek reelection to the U.S. House next year after all
Gavin Newsom cancels tree lighting ceremony amid pro-Palestinian protests
The holiday celebration will be virtual after the governor's office cited security concerns.
www.politico.com
£42k raised as gameshow contestant shares MND battle
Donations pour in after Brad Wale shared his dream to fulfil his bucket list on Deal or No Deal.
www.bbc.co.uk
Florida discontinues manatee winter feeding program after seagrass conditions improve
Wildlife officials say a two-year experimental feeding program for starving Florida manatees will not immediately resume this winter as conditions have improved for the threatened marine mammals and the seagrass on which they depend
Pentagon unsatisfied with Tuberville lifting of most holds on DOD nominees
Department of Defense officials are encouraged but not satisfied by Sen. Tommy Tuberville's announcement that he would release his hold on most of, but not all, military promotions and nominations, which he has blocked for nearly a year.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Indonesia's Marapi volcano eruption leaves 22 dead; one still missing
The death toll from Indonesia's Marapi volcano eruption jumped to 22 on Tuesday as rescuers found more climbers who had perished near the crater, the head of the West Sumatra rescue agency said on Tuesday, up from 13 earlier in the day.
Los Angeles police expand probe of 3 homeless slayings to outside Southern California
Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, is accused of fatally shooting a Los Angeles County employee in his garage and killing three homeless men in four days.
www.nbcnews.com
Suspect James Yoo believed killed in Virginia house explosion
Police were trying to serve a search warrant at a home in Arlington when it exploded.
www.bbc.com
New York City man indicted in Times Square antisemitic attack: Prosecutor
A 28-year-old New York City man has been indicted on hate crime charges stemming from an October antisemitic attack on a 23-year-old Israeli tourist in Times Square.
Godzilla Minus One: The Japanese film that’s 2023’s best action-blockbuster
Monster movie Godzilla Minus One is taking the US by storm, after reportedly being made for a mere $15m. Does it show where Hollywood is going wrong, asks Caryn James.
www.bbc.com
Peruvian constitutional court orders release of former president
Alberto Fujimori was sentenced in 2009 to 25 years in prison on charges of human rights abuses.
www.politico.com
Denny Laine, Wings and Moody Blues musician, dies age 79
The guitarist and singer worked alongside Sir Paul McCartney and co-wrote the hit Mull of Kintyre.
www.bbc.com
Suspect indicted on multiple hate crimes in alleged attack on Israeli tourist in Times Square
Yehia Amin is charged in the indictment with two counts each of first-degree stalking as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime and third-degree stalking as a hate crime, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg said.
www.nbcnews.com
Cyclone Michaung hits India's south after 13 killed in floods, rain
Cyclone Michaung barrelled into the southern Indian coast on Tuesday with intense winds, its arrival preceded by torrential rains and flooding that killed at least 13 people, as officials assessed the damage.
