(AP Photo/File)
Who should lead? Democrats, Republicans struggle to decide
WASHINGTON (AP) — While President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are preparing for a possible rematch in 2024, a new poll finds a notable lack of enthusiasm within the parties for either man as his party’s leader and a clear opening for new standard-bearers.
US intercepts four Russian warplanes near Alaska
The U.S. military said it intercepted four Russian warplanes near Alaska on Monday. North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said it detected four Russian aircraft, inc…
thehill.comRussian-linked malware was close to putting U.S. electric, gas facilities ‘offline’ last year
The malware was targeted at around a dozen U.S. facilities in the weeks after the invasion of Ukraine.
www.politico.com
Third Trump attorney appears before federal grand jury investigating Mar-a-Lago documents | CNN Politics
Alina Habba appeared last month before a federal grand jury investigating the mishandling of classified documents
www.cnn.com
Biden hails inflation report, GOP says not so fast
Welcome to The Hill’s Business & Economy newsletter {beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story Biden hails inflation report, GOP says not so fast Fed…
thehill.com
Mitch McConnell's Social Security and Medicare plan is 'disingenuous': Sen. Rick Scott | Fox News Video
Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott reacts to Mitch McConnell saying Senate Republicans have 'no agenda' to revisit Social Security and Medicare on 'The Story.'
Senate Republicans fear Trump repeat as 2024 field emerges
Senate Republicans are growing increasingly worried that a crowded 2024 presidential field could ease the path for former President Trump to once again clinch the party’s nomination. The fie…
thehill.com
Justice Department tells court there’s evidence of a crime in bid to force more answers from Trump attorney | CNN Politics
Federal prosecutors investigating former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents are asking a court to force his attorney Evan Corcoran to provide additional testimony, two sources familiar with the Justice Department’s motion told CNN.
www.cnn.com
Russia declares battlefield gains as Ukraine urges faster military aid
Russia said on Wednesday it had broken through two of Ukraine's fortified defence lines in the east and Kyiv spoke of relentless Russian attacks making it "difficult for us", as Western allies announced more military aid for Kyiv including artillery rounds.
In Trump probe, US seeks to pierce attorney-client privilege
Justice Department prosecutors investigating the mishandling of classified documents at Donald Trump’s Florida estate are seeking to pierce the attorney-client privilege.
apnews.com
DOJ, citing crime-fraud exception, seeks to compel Trump attorney to testify in documents probe: Sources
DOJ investigators probing former President Trump's handling of classified documents have asked a judge to compel one of his Trump's attorneys to testify, say sources.
Police seek motive of gunman who killed 3 at Michigan State
Police say the 43-year-old gunman who killed three students and wounded five others at Michigan State University had no apparent connection to the campus.
apnews.com
U.S. tracked spy balloon after it lifted off from China, officials say
Intelligence officials said it was possible the balloon was blown off course, but by the time it came over the continental U.S., it was being controlled by China.
www.cbsnews.com
Five reasons DeSantis may not be another Jeb Bush
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has become an early favorite to secure the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination. But as his name is bandied about as a leading contender, strategists, don…
thehill.com
Court nixes Fox News' bid to end voting tech firm's suit
Fox News has lost a bid to shut down a multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit accusing the network of spreading lies that a voting-technology company helped “steal” the 2020 election from then-U.S.
apnews.com
Ukraine confronts two enemies: Russia and corruption
While the US, EU and NATO have pledged to continue supporting Ukraine, worries remain over corruption in the country.
US warns it will defend Philippines after China laser report
The United States is warning it will stand with and defend the Philippines after reports that Beijing’s Coast Guard used laser devices to temporarily blind the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard ship…
thehill.com
Slain students were 'incredibly loved,' 'tremendous' leaders
A fraternity chapter president, a science student and a student who wanted to become a pediatrician are among victims of a shooting at Michigan State University.
apnews.com
UN chief: Rising seas risk 'death sentence' for some nations
The United Nations chief is warning that global sea levels have risen faster and their relentless increase us putting countries like Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands at risk.
apnews.com
Biden hits presidential milestone as Senate confirms 100th judicial pick
The president hit the mark with the Senate's bipartisan approval of Judge Gina Méndez-Miró to the federal district court in Puerto Rico.
www.cbsnews.com
Pompeo blasts Haley, says she quit with work to be done - Washington Examiner
Former CIA director and likely 2024 presidential hopeful Mike Pompeo bashed GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, saying she left the Trump administration too early. Pompeo also fired shots at Haley in his recent book, claiming she had "plotted" with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to become...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Michigan Dems consider faster push on gun laws after MSU shooting
The party took full control of Michigan state government in the 2022 midterm election.
www.politico.com
Adam Frisch seeks 2024 rematch against Rep. Boebert after narrow loss
"We lost by a mere 546 votes in ’22 — the closest race in the country — and know we can make that up in ’24," Adam Frisch said in his campaign announcement.
www.nbcnews.com
DHS tapped left-leaning firm for potential Mayorkas impeachment efforts over southern border crisis
DHS has retained the Debevoise & Plimpton law firm in case Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faces impeachment proceedings. The firm's employees donate generously to Democrats.
Angie Craig says Biden called, Klobuchar brought beer after assault
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) says she received well wishes from President Biden — and beer from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) — after she was attacked in her Washington, D.C., apartment building’s ele…
thehill.com
Latest downed objects could well be 'benign,' US says
The White House says the three unidentified aerial objects shot down in the past week were likely benign, drawing a distinction between them and a massive Chinese balloon that earlier traversed the U.S. with a suspected goal of surveillance.
apnews.com
Court upholds fine imposed on Trump over his failure to comply with subpoena
A court upheld a $110,000 fine imposed on former President Donald Trump over his failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the New York Attorney General's office.
What we know so far about the Chinese spy balloon and the other objects the U.S. shot down
The giant spy balloon, taller than the Statue of Liberty, was shot down in U.S. airspace in early February. Three other objects were shot down in the ensuing days.
www.cbsnews.com
In a deeply divided Washington, shooting down UFOs is scrambling partisan battle lines
Biden's opponents have struggled to find a narrative on the downed objects. "No one has a playbook in politics for shooting down UFOs that are not aliens," a Democratic strategist said.
www.nbcnews.com
Unidentified flying objects might have been research or commercial balloons, White House says
One Chinese spy balloon and three unidentified flying objects have been detected and shot down near South Carolina, Alaska, Michigan and in Canada.
www.usatoday.com
Pence to fight special counsel subpoena on 2020 election
Former Vice President Mike Pence is planning to fight a subpoena by the special counsel overseeing investigations into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
apnews.com
Nominee who called Biden a ‘senile gaffe machine’ withdrawn by State Department
The State Department withdrew a nominee who called Biden a "senile gaffe machine" and accused others of toeing the line of Israel, saying it was not aware of these past comments.
SEE IT: DeSantis's office reveals sexually graphic books found in Florida schools
Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R-FL) office revealed photos on Tuesday of two sexual picture books that were found in Florida schools.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
55 Things You Need to Know About Nikki Haley
The former South Carolina governor and Trump official has navigated racial conflict throughout her private and political life — as well as the shifting politics of the Trump-era GOP.
www.politico.com
Cyclone Gabrielle moves away from New Zealand, recovery efforts begin
Cyclone Gabrielle weakened and moved away from New Zealand on Wednesday as the country started to assess the damage caused by significant flooding, landslides and high winds that left four people dead and displaced thousands from their homes.
GOP senators push back at Biden’s FCC nominee during third hearing
This story was updated at 9:54 a.m. Wednesday with a new headline. Republicans on Tuesday pushed back against President Biden’s nominee for an open seat on the Federal Communications Commission (FC…
thehill.com
Great Lakes reach record lowest ice extent for this time in the season
The Great Lakes have reached a record low ice extent for this time in the winter season, and more melting is expected.
Gun rights, TikTok, China: George Santos says 'I'm not leaving.' Here's what he's cosponsoring in Congress
A lack of committee assignments, an ethics complaint and calls for his resignation have not stopped Rep. George Santos from co-sponsoring legislation.
www.usatoday.com
Woman accused in dismemberment slaying attacks her attorney
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A woman accused in a grisly killing and dismemberment case in Wisconsin attacked her attorney Tuesday during a court hearing, moments after a judge agreed to delay her trial.
apnews.com
West Papua rebels release photos of captured New Zealand pilot
Phillip Mehrtens was taken hostage last week after landing his small commercial plane in the Papuan highlands.
California Sen. Feinstein says she won't run for reelection
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is not seeking reelection in 2024. Her announcement Tuesday signals the end of a groundbreaking political career spanning six decades in which she shattered gender barriers and left a mark on political battles over reproductive rights, gun control and environmental p
apnews.com
Kyiv clamors for fighter jets as war nears ‘critical’ phase
Ukraine has renewed its appeal to Western countries for fighter jets to help frustrate Moscow’s almost year-long invasion.
apnews.com
DiFi outage: Feinstein disputes her own retirement despite office releasing statement - Washington Examiner
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) denied that she had decided not to seek reelection in 2024 after her office put out a statement announcing her retirement. “I haven’t made that decision. I haven't released anything,” she told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. Her staffer promptly let her know a...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden faces looming economic threats with staff shake-up
Lael Brainard will serve as director of the National Economic Council, and Jared Bernstein will be nominated to chair the Council of Economic Advisers.
www.politico.com
Jan. 6 rioter who used stun gun on D.C. cop Michael Fanone pleads guilty
A California man has pleaded guilty to using a stun gun to attack a D.C. police officer who was brutally injured while defending the Capitol.
www.cbsnews.com
Girlfriend of Proud Boys leader pleaded fifth about plan to occupy government buildings
Prosecutors’ unsuccessful effort to glean information from Erika Flores stands in contrast to the Jan. 6 select committee.
www.politico.com
If unidentified flying objects were weather or science balloons, that only deepens the mystery
The National Weather Service confirmed that none of the objects shot down in recent days belonged to the agency. And science balloons are usually well-tracked, an industry leader said.
www.nbcnews.com
A 'puppet show': Why Congress votes on bills lawmakers know have little chance of passing
Most Democrats and Republicans are elected from very red or very blue districts, so there's more reward playing to the base rather than to moderates.
www.usatoday.com
Michigan State urges: ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ as gunfire erupts
Terrified students describe breaking out windows, barricading doors and hiding under blankets as police searched for a gunman who killed three students and critically wounded five others on the Michigan State University campus.
apnews.com
Adam Frisch announces 2024 campaign after losing to Rep. Lauren Boebert in one of the closest races in 2022 | CNN Politics
Adam Frisch, who narrowly lost to GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert in one of the closest races of the 2022 cycle, announced Tuesday that he will run again in 2024, potentially setting up a high-profile rematch.
www.cnn.com
China to resume visas for South Koreans after COVID row
Move comes after Seoul last week scrapped COVID-related travel restrictions for arrivals from China.
Balloon furor deflates China’s commercial charm offensive
Chinese officials have been blanketing Washington with pleas for a trade detente in 2023. The balloon incident blew up their campaign.
www.politico.com
Some Ukrainian soldiers freeze sperm amid war with Russia
As Vitalii Khroniuk lay facedown on the ground taking cover from Russian artillery fire, the Ukrainian soldier had just one regret. He had never had a child.
apnews.com
Rents push up U.S. consumer prices; inflation gradually cooling
U.S. consumer prices accelerated in January as Americans continued to be burdened by higher costs for rental housing and food.
Key group dissents from House GOP bill to make Trump tax cuts permanent - Washington Examiner
House Republicans lack unanimous support for legislation to extend the Trump tax cuts because a chunk of GOP lawmakers is objecting to a key provision that limits state and local tax deductions. On Monday, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and 72 of his colleagues introduced a bill that would make...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Special counsel seeks testimony from Trump lawyer as prosecutors allege evidence of crime
A source told NBC News that special counsel Jack Smith has asked a judge to allow prosecutors to invoke the “crime fraud” exception and sidestep attorney-client privilege.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP leaders start laying groundwork for more Ukraine aid
Republicans assuming new positions of leadership in the House and Senate are not waiting for the next funding debate over Ukraine to begin making the case for why the U.S. should continue supporting the war-torn nation.
apnews.com
National Archives agrees to give personal tours to activists who say staff asked them to hide anti-abortion attire | CNN Politics
The National Archives will give “personal tours” to two activists who sued the federal records agency, resolving a days-old lawsuit the pair brought after staff at the museum told them cover up anti-abortion attire during a recent visit.
www.cnn.com
Republican FTC commissioner will resign, slams Democratic chair
The sole remaining Republican on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said Tuesday she is resigning based on disagreements with how Democratic Chairwoman Lina Khan is leading the agency. Commissioner…
thehill.com
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz declines to appear at U.S. Senate hearing
Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs a committee on labor issues, and other members of the committee asked Schultz to answer by Feb. 14 whether he would take part.
Actors strike at California medieval-themed dinner theater
From queens to knights, actors at a Southern California medieval-themed dinner theater have left the castle.
apnews.com
Feinstein corrected by staffer about retirement announcement
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) needed to be corrected by a staffer on Tuesday that her office had put out a statement announcing her decision to retire from her Senate seat. A reporter aske…
thehill.com
Biden announces reshaped economic team, naming 2 new top advisers
Lael Brainard will head up the National Economic Council, and Jared Bernstein will be chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.
www.cbsnews.com
Karine Jean-Pierre calls Biden ‘best communicator’ in White House
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred to President Biden as the "best communicator" in the White House, despite the president's history of gaffe-prone speeches.
South Korea’s Yoon calls on banks, telecoms to ease living costs
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol calls on private sector to ‘share the pain’ to ease struggles of most vulnerable.
Sen. Rick Scott slams McConnell in fight over Medicare and Social Security - Washington Examiner
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for his stance on Social Security and Medicare on Tuesday. Scott called him "disingenuous" after McConnell claimed conservatives on Capitol Hill would not touch either program. Scott defended his 12-point "Rescue...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Russian national with ties to Putin convicted of hacking U.S. companies in $90 million insider trading scheme
“The jury saw Mr. Klyushin for exactly what he is — a cybercriminal and a cheat,” U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins said.
www.nbcnews.com
Nikki Haley announces run for president, challenging Trump
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, announced her candidacy for president on Tuesday.
apnews.com
Neiman Marcus to lay off about 5% of workforce
Neiman Marcus Group said on Tuesday it would lay off about 5% of its workforce, or around 500 employees, as the luxury department store chain looks to cut costs in a tough economy.
Senators leave classified briefing with more questions than answers on UFOs, urge more public transparency
Senators were briefed Tuesday by military and intel officials on the three flying objects that were shot down over the weekend, leaving senators with more questions than answers.
India, soon world's most populous nation, doesn't know how many people it has
In two months, India is projected to become the world's most populous country with over 1.4 billion people. But for at least a year, and possibly longer, the country won't know how many people it has because it hasn't been able to count them.
‘You just can’t really afford to live like you were before’: Here’s how Americans are feeling the strain of inflation
The consumer price index (CPI) cooled for a seventh consecutive month in January, but came in slightly higher than expectations — a sign that the path to lower inflation sought by the Federal Reser…
thehill.com
China spy balloon: Three unidentified objects possibly benign, says US
The White House says the aircraft may have been "tied to commercial or research entities".
www.bbc.com
Biden taps Fed's Brainard, Bernstein for top economic jobs as part of White House reshuffle
The White House tapped Lael Brainard and Jared Bernstein to two critical roles shaping U.S. economic policy as the country grapples with high inflation.
Suspect in Brooklyn U-Haul incident was 'suffering from a mental health crisis,' police say
A U-Haul driver was “suffering from a mental health crisis” and was off his medication when he allegedly hit nine people in Brooklyn on Monday, police said.
11 states consider 'right to repair' for farming equipment
Lawmakers in Colorado and 10 other states have introduce bills that would force farming equipment manufacturers to provide the tools, software, parts and manuals needed for farmers to do their own repairs.
apnews.com
Sen. Dianne Feinstein appears unaware of her retirement announcement during reporter gaggle: reports
Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein appeared confused Tuesday during an interaction with reporters in which she seemed unaware of the announcement that she would be retiring.
U.S. focuses on training Ukrainian troops to use less ammo
Western nations are growing concerned over their ability to quickly replenish stocks.
www.politico.com
Michigan State University attacker lied about gun in room, dad says
The troubled suspect was banned from carrying a weapon, but used to fire a gun in their backyard, his father says.
www.bbc.com
Idaho House passes bill banning puberty blockers, transgender surgeries for minors
The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to ban providing puberty blockers, transgender surgeries, and other transgender-related procedures to children.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Senate confirms Biden nominee as Puerto Rico's first LGBTQ federal judge
The Senate voted 54-42 to approve Gina Méndez-Miró, previously a Puerto Rico appeals court judge.
www.nbcnews.com
Russia holding Ukrainian children in camp network: Study
Yale study backed by State Department finds at least 6,000 Ukrainian children sent to reeducation centres.
White House tells governors 'thousands' of objects in the skies aren't aliens, could be used car lot balloons
A White House official told governors in a virtual briefing on Monday that "there are no UFOs" and "this is not an invasion of the aliens" after three flying objects were shot down over North America.
Rising toll makes quake deadliest in Turkey's modern history
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that more than 35,000 people have died in Turkey as a result of last week’s earthquakes, making it the deadliest such disaster since the country’s founding 100 years ago.
apnews.com
Whoopi Goldberg loses it over Nikki Haley's presidential campaign announcement: 'You lost your mind'
"The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg lashed out at former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley following the latter's announcement she will be running for president.
Exclusive: Alphabet spinoff Sandbox AQ raises $500 mln for cyber security, other quantum work
Sandbox AQ, a startup spun off from Alphabet Inc last year, said on Tuesday it raised $500 million as it helps customers prepare for a quantum computing future.
McCarthy calls for resignation of Architect of Capitol
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to step down or be removed by President Biden, adding to bipartisan outrage over an inspector general r…
thehill.com
Why California was over Feinstein's retirement before it happened
Adam Schiff and Katie Porter were already running. Nancy Pelosi already endorsed. The California senator was the last one to her own party.
www.politico.com
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Putin suspends key US-Russia nuclear treaty in speech denouncing West
Live updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
What to know about the five toxic chemicals released in the Ohio train derailment - Washington Examiner
The train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, this month and forced officials to release toxic fumes into the air to avoid explosion had been carrying at least five hazardous materials at the time of the accident, including a chemical linked to liver damage, Environmental Protection Agency...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
These are the victims of the Michigan State University shooting | CNN
Arielle Anderson had a gentle laugh and was full of ambitions: She was studying to become a doctor one day, her aunt said.
www.cnn.com
Judge vacates conviction of man imprisoned nearly 3 decades
A Missouri judge has overturned the conviction of a 50-year-old man who has served nearly 28 years of a life prison sentence for a killing that he says he didn’t commit.
apnews.com
NRCC gives embattled Katie Porter a Valentine vowing to ‘flip this seat’ in 2024
The NRCC sent progressive California Democrat Rep. Katie Porter a valentine this year, complete with a personalized poem and picture of the congresswoman's notorious Halloween costume.
Four killed in New Zealand as Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up begins
Cyclone Gabrielle cut off towns, washed away houses and left people stranded on on rooftops.
North Korean food shortage seems to be worsening, South Korea says
North Korea cuts rations to soldiers for first time since 2000, media report says.
Nine survivors pulled from Turkey's rubble as earthquake death toll passes 40,000
Nine survivors were rescued from the rubble in Turkey on Tuesday, more than a week after a massive earthquake struck, as the focus of the aid effort shifted to helping people now struggling without shelter or enough food in the bitter cold.
Russian forces have relocated at least 6,000 Ukrainian children to camps since start of war, new report says
The allegations against Russia detailed in the report, such as the abduction or detention of Ukrainian children, may constitute war crimes.
Biden says McCarthy is ‘a decent guy’ with ‘a tough job’ when it comes to GOP spending plans
President Biden on Tuesday called Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) “a decent guy” who has “a tough job” ahead of him as Speaker when it comes to negotiating the nation̵…
thehill.com
Administration scrambles to quell Congress’s frustration over balloon, UFOs
Senior administration officials scrambled Tuesday to quell frustrations expressed by lawmakers about a lack of timely information concerning several flying objects and a Chinese spy balloon shot do…
thehill.com
Judge says 'no mercy,' victim's families vent their anger as Buffalo mass shooter sentenced to life
The teenager who murdered 10 people in a racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo is set to be sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison,
Laser incident points to risk of clash between China and US treaty ally - Washington Examiner
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos condemned the “increasing frequency and intensity” of China's maritime aggression following a laser incident that underscores the security fears driving a new alignment of U.S. and allied democracies in the Indo-Pacific.“The consistent, petty acts of...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey undergoes prostate cancer surgery
Sen. Bob Casey underwent a successful surgery for his prostate cancer on Thursday and a statement says that no further treatment is necessary.
Open hearts, helping hands: Jill Biden's valentine to US
The handprints of military children pressed onto paper hearts will decorate a corner of the White House as first lady Jill Biden celebrates Valentine's Day.
apnews.com
Biden withdraws nominee who said Dem leader was ‘bought’ by pro-Israel groups
President Biden on Tuesday dismissed the Ivy League law professor put forth as a candidate for an international human rights organization over comments that appeared to invoke antisemitic tropes in…
thehill.com
Russia prepares ‘air fight’ as Ukraine ground war grinds on
NATO officials push for quick procurement of air defences for Ukraine as Russia eyes the skies for battlefield edge.
Military not ruling out 3 shot down UFOs may have come from 'hostile nations'
A source said the determination that the three UFOs weren’t hostile was "a determination about offensive capability not a determination as to motive or source country."
Onions put Philippines in a stew over food price inflation
Putting quality over profit during inflationary times, Manila restaurant manager Ely Cundangan has refused to mess with her signature beef marrow stew - the same amount of onions must go in the pot no matter what.
NYC Mayor Adams gets split decision in battle against rats
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has scored a split decision with a hearing officer dismissing one summons while upholding another issued by a city inspector citing him for not doing enough to keep rodents at bay from his Brooklyn townhouse.
apnews.com
Biden pays tribute to Feinstein: ‘One of the very best’ senators I ever served with
President Biden paid tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on Tuesday following her announcement that she will not run for reelection in 2024, calling her “one of the very best” senators he h…
thehill.com
Donald Trump loses $110k contempt of court appeal
The former president racked up the fine by refusing to comply with a court order.
www.bbc.com
FBI announces investigation into Harris County jail system after 32 inmates die
The FBI has announced investigations into the Harris County Jail amid the deaths of inmates.
Twitter created system that artificially boosts Elon Musk’s tweets: Report - Washington Examiner
Twitter CEO Elon Musk had the company's engineers deploy a system to boost his tweets artificially, a report claims. The Verge, citing currently employed Twitter engineers, claimed that Musk was enraged after his Super Bowl tweet got less engagement than President Joe Biden's. So, he flew to...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rumors swirl about balloons, UFOs as officials stay mum
Officials have offered few details about four aerial objects recently shot down over North America, helping to fuel conspiracy theories and conjecture on the internet.
apnews.com
Indiana Republicans inch closer to state-funded firearms training for teachers
A bill allowing the state of Indiana to fund handgun training for schoolteachers passed the state House in a largely partisan Tuesday vote.
Defense Department DEI education official claims past racially-charged tweets were 'private speech'
Kalisa Wing, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Pentagon, pushed back against racist claims she made on Twitter, in an interview with the Military Times.
February 14, 2023 - Michigan State University shooting leaves 3 dead, 5 injured | CNN
Three Michigan State University students were killed and five were injured in a shooting Monday night at two campus locations, police said. The wounded students remain in critical condition, according to the university.
www.cnn.com
Biden, Yellen warn of 'catastrophe' if debt limit not raised
President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen are warning of a potential economic crisis if Congress and the White House fail to raise the federal debt ceiling.
apnews.com
As inflation stays high, grocers push back against raising food prices
Retailers are testing their leverage with suppliers as more shoppers seek cheaper alternatives to name brands, but near-term relief isn’t likely.
www.nbcnews.com
Itochu to supply renewable energy to Meta in U.S., Amazon in Japan
Japanese trading house Itochu Corp has agreed to supply wind-generated power to Meta Platforms in the United States and solar energy to Amazon in Japan, it said on Wednesday.
Five lingering questions over Ohio train derailment, toxic spill
Residents of the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, are back in their homes this week following their evacuations over looming explosion fears after a train carrying 20 cars of hazardous mate…
thehill.com
Biden yanks human rights candidate over anti-Israel comments
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has withdrawn its pick of a human rights activist for a post at the Organization of American States for calling Israel an “apartheid state” and blasting a top House Democrat as being “Bought.
apnews.com
Inflation in America: Track where prices are rising and falling
NBC News is tracking monthly inflation levels for gas, flights, groceries and more.
www.nbcnews.com
‘Not seen as a threat’: Military intercepts ‘routine’ Russian aircraft, NORAD says - Washington Examiner
The Alaskan region of North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, tracked and intercepted four Russian aircraft that were entering and operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Monday.The Russian aircraft, which included TU-95 BEAR-H and SU-35 fighter aircraft...
www.washingtonexaminer.comHobbs withdraws nomination of Arizona health services leader
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Tuesday withdrew her nomination of Dr. Theresa Cullen to lead the state Department of Health Services.
apnews.com
January inflation hits 6.4%, missing analysts' expectations for a faster slowdown
As January consumer price data is released, economists see the U.S. central bank sticking to its plan to keep raising interest rates for now.
www.nbcnews.com
White House pressed on why Biden sent ‘Top Gun fighters’ to shoot down suspected weather balloons
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly asked Tuesday whether President Biden Biden may have overreacted in ordering several objects to be shot down from the sky.
John Bolton wants ‘all the details’ in briefing on Trump-era balloons
The potential 2024 hopeful blasted the Biden team for referencing three Chinese spy balloons that flew during the previous administration.
www.politico.com
Judge upholds Donald Trump contempt order, sanctions in New York civil probe
A New York state appeals court on Tuesday upheld an order finding Donald Trump in civil contempt for having failed to comply with a subpoena from New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Haitian offers guilty plea in 2018 New Mexico compound raid
A Haitian woman has signed a tentative agreement to plead guilty to weapons charges more than four years after authorities arrested her and four other adults from an extended family at a squalid New Mexico compound and recovered the remains of a 3-year-old boy.
apnews.com
Ford pauses production on its F-150 Lightning truck over "battery issue"
The Michigan automaker began selling the much-anticipated EV last year and has sold 15,617 of them as of December.
www.cbsnews.com
GOP looks to move energy package next month
House Republicans are hoping to bring an energy package to the floor next month, a spokesperson confirmed. Rebekah Hoshiko, a spokesperson for House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce…
thehill.com
United flight 1722: US to investigate Boeing 777's mysterious nosedive
Passengers reportedly screamed as the flight from Hawaii plunged 1,400ft before the plane recovered.
www.bbc.com
House Republicans prepare closed-door interview with another FBI whistleblower - Washington Examiner
House Republicans will hear from another FBI whistleblower this week as lawmakers on a key subcommittee begin their investigation into the “weaponization” of the federal government.The transcribed interview, which a person familiar with the plan said was slated for Wednesday, will take place...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Oklahoma Medicaid cut will affect coverage for 300,000
Oklahoma officials announced Tuesday that 300,000 people on Medicaid — nearly one-quarter of enrolled residents — will lose coverage under new state rules.
China's Xi expresses support for Iran amid Western pressure
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expressed support for Iran during a visit by its president as Tehran tries to expand relations with Beijing and Moscow to offset Western sanctions over its nuclear development.
apnews.com
Ted Cruz recommits to 2024 Senate run
Cruz tells his supporters on a call that he is focused on his Senate seat "so we can keep Texas red."
www.cbsnews.com
South Dakota becomes the 6th state to restrict gender-affirming care for minors
Gov. Kristi Noem said the bill seeks to protect minors from “harmful” medical procedures.
www.nbcnews.com
MSU suspect's handguns were legally purchased
Updates on the mass shooting that took place at Michigan State University on the night of Feb. 13, 2023.
Missouri man accused of holding woman in basement for weeks could face 5 life sentences
Timothy Haslett Jr. was arrested late last year after a woman escaped from the home in the Kansas City area and asked neighbors for help, police said.
www.nbcnews.com
Ohio cleaning up toxic train derailment as pollution 'plume' moves downstream
Cleanup is moving quickly after a train carrying toxic materials derailed in Ohio 11 days ago, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday, while residents and observers questioned the health impacts of pollution that spilled into the Ohio River.
War for control of Haiti's capital targets women's bodies
She was 19, not ready to be a mother.
apnews.com
Nikki Haley: Meet the trailblazer challenging Trump in 2024
The former US ambassador to the UN has announced she will run for the Republican nomination in 2024.
www.bbc.com
Splintered Ohio House GOP leads to legislative standstill
The Republican supermajority in the Ohio House of Representatives has found itself divided after a contested Speaker vote, with legislation and a party platform yet to be introduced.
Artificial intelligence flies fighter jet for 17 hours straight in aviation first - Washington Examiner
An F-16-based fighter jet was piloted by artificial intelligence for 17 hours straight — an aviation first. The Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft, or VISTA, X-62A is a "one-of-a-kind" training aircraft. It's a modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble II designed for the U.S. Air Force by...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Hazmat spill on Arizona highway spurs evacuation, shelter-in-place orders
A crash involving a commercial truck tractor pulling a box trailer in Arizona has caused a hazmat spill that has shut down part of a highway and required residents nearby to evacuate or shelter in …
thehill.com
How one teen is urging legislators in Washington state to help protect kids from being exploited on vlogs
State legislators held a public hearing about a bill that would protect "the interests of minor children featured on for-profit family vlogs."
www.nbcnews.com
Virginia lawmakers again unlikely to set up marijuana sales
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize marijuana, adopting a policy change that allowed adults to possess and cultivate the drug.
apnews.com
Maine judge upholds law allowing decades-old sex abuse suits
A state judge on Tuesday upheld a Maine law that eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, allowing survivors to pursue lawsuits for sex crimes that happened decades ago.
18% drop since 2020 in people with reported medical debt
The number of people with medical debt on their credit reports fell by 8.2 million — or 17.9% —between 2020 and 2022.
apnews.com
Thousands of Ukrainian children forced into vast network of Russian camps, study finds
“The level of mass re-education is a very clear systematic attempt to erase the history, culture and language of Ukraine,” said one of the report's authors.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukraine war: The Russian student under arrest for an Instagram story
Olesya posted online about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now, she can only leave home to go to court.
www.bbc.com
Turkey-Syria quake updates: WHO greatly concerned over NW Syria
All the updates from February 15, as they happened.
Italy's Berlusconi wins another legal battle in Bunga Bunga bribe case
An Italian court on Wednesday acquitted Silvio Berlusconi over allegations of paying witnesses to lie in an underage prostitution case that has dogged the former prime minister for more than a decade.
Post-Roe, Native Americans face even more abortion hurdles
Getting an abortion has long been extremely difficult for Native Americans and has become even tougher since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
apnews.com
Texas Rep Dan Crenshaw gives insight into White House briefing to Congress on unidentified objects shot down
Dan Crenshaw, a Republican lawmaker from Texas, shed light into the briefing Congress received on Tuesday regarding unidentified flying objects that were recently shot down.
Yassin's Falafel House owner raises over $188K, travels to Syria to help earthquake victims
Yassin Terou, a Syrian refugee and restaurant owner in Tennessee, launched an online campaign to directly support two nonprofit organizations for earthquake relief.
WATCH: Roseanne says being canceled ‘ruined my life’ and made her ‘unsafe’ - Washington Examiner
After her new comedy special premiered on Monday, Roseanne Barr said that her 2018 cancellation "ruined" her life and left her feeling "unsafe" in an interview. Barr, 70, joined Outnumbered on Fox News to promote the new special on Fox Nation titled Cancel This! WATCH: ROSEANNE SAYS 'WE CAN'T...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Michigan State mass shooting victims: What to know about 3 lives lost
Three students were killed and five others were wounded in the Monday night mass shooting at Michigan State University.
US military missed Lake Huron object with first missile strike
The F-16 fighter jet sent to shoot down the aerial object over Lake Huron this weekend missed with its first missile, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley confirmed Tuesday. The “f…
thehill.com
Ahead of Buffalo shooter's sentencing, residents reflect on returning to the Tops store after racist attack
“This is my store. I have no hesitation,” said one customer, Robert Archie. "You just hope that something else like that doesn’t happen again.”
www.nbcnews.com
Who is Anthony McRae, the suspected Michigan State mass shooter?
Officials are combing through the social media accounts of Anthony McRae, the suspect in the shooting at Michigan State University that took the lives of three students.
The truth is out there: UFO fever grips Congress
Senators entered a classified Biden administration briefing with big questions about the objects shot down in U.S. airspace. They left the room reiterating calls for more transparency.
www.politico.com
Nicaragua's vote to strip opponents of citizenship
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has sent 222 political leaders, priests, students, activists and other dissidents to the United States, whose release was long demanded by the international community.
apnews.com
Russian businessman found guilty in hacking, insider trading scheme
Russian millionaire with Kremlin ties turned $2 million into $21 million by trading on hacked corporate info, prosecutors said.
www.cbsnews.com
More than 100 priests suspected of abuse remain active in Portugal's Catholic Church
More than 100 priests suspected of child sexual abuse remain active in church roles in Portugal, according to the head of a commission investigating the issue.
Sen. Bob Casey undergoes "successful" surgery for prostate cancer
His doctor said the procedure went well, according to Casey's office.
www.cbsnews.com
Balenciaga designer talks ‘mistake,’ insists child porn Supreme Court case in photo was ‘coincidence’ - Washington Examiner
Balenciaga designer Demna, the creative director behind the controversial ad that features young children and props that many claimed were related to "BDSM," apologized again in a new interview. However, he maintains that the inclusion of particularly disturbing props, namely a Supreme Court...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
U-Haul driver blames 'invisible object' for deadly rampage
A U-Haul driver who police say killed one person and injured eight more when he careened onto sidewalks Monday in New York City is saying he “had enough” after seeing an “invisible object” coming toward the truck.
apnews.com
White House sees 'no indication of aliens' in the unknown objects shot down, but that won't stop chatter
With all the secrecy coming from the White House, it’s no wonder people might begin wondering if these unidentified vessels emanate from the great unknown.
4 of Congress' farmers weigh in on how to solve high food prices
Congressional farmers all agree about what's raising prices on their farms. They have different ideas about how to fix it.
www.politico.com
Biden secures landmark 100th judge, outpacing Trump
Tuesday's Senate vote marks a milestone for the president and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who are outpacing Trump at confirming federal judges.
www.nbcnews.com
Environmentalists sue to oust Nevada conservation director
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Conservationists are suing to rescind Gov. Joe Lombardo's appointment of a natural resources director they characterize as unfriendly to the environment and ineligible for the job because the Legislature raised the pay for the position while he was a state senator.
apnews.com
Winner of record $2 billion Powerball jackpot is revealed
Edwin Castro, who wanted to maintain his privacy, said he was "shocked and ecstatic" to have won the historic prize in November.
www.nbcnews.comTaiwan’s Tech King to Nancy Pelosi: U.S. Is in Over Its Head
“Fifty billion dollars – well, that’s a good start,” quipped the 91-year-old Morris Chang, warning that Washington’s new bipartisan industrial policy may not add up.
www.politico.com
Biden administration announces $231M to fund red-flag laws, other gun violence prevention
President Biden announced on Tuesday that the Department of Justice will give more than $231 million to states for crisis intervention projects, such as red-flag programs, in an effort to reduce gu…
thehill.com
Waterways along Ohio River still contaminated following train derailment carrying hazardous materials: Officials
Waterways along the Ohio River are still contaminated with hazardous materials following a train derailment that spilled multiple toxic chemicals.
NATO boss: more important Sweden, Finland join soon than together
The head of NATO said on Tuesday it was more important that Finland and Sweden's applications last year to join the alliance, seeking greater security after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, were ratified quickly than together.
California will try to enshrine right to same-sex marriage
California lawmakers are going to try to officially repeal a 15-year-old voter initiative meant to ban same-sex marriage in the state.
apnews.com
Jan. 6 rioter accused of attacking Officer Michael Fanone pleads guilty
Daniel Rodriguez, who is accused of attacking Fanone with a Taser during the riot, pleaded guilty to related charges Tuesday.
www.nbcnews.com
Vermont advances bill allowing assisted suicide for noncitizens
The Vermont state House's Human Services Committee has advanced a bill that would make assisted suicide available to non-U.S. citizens.
US arrests 4 tied to assassination of Haitian president
U.S. authorities have arrested four more people in the slaying of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, including the owner of a Miami-area security company that hired former soldiers from Colombia for the mission.
apnews.com
Michigan State University shooting: Police investigate why the suspect targeted the school
Three people are dead and five wounded, some with life-threatening injuries, in a shooting on Michigan State University's campus.
www.nbcnews.com
Missouri man accused of holding woman captive indicted by grand jury on kidnapping, rape charges
Timothy M. Haslett is accused of holding a woman captive for a month in his Missouri basement has been indicted by a grand jury on charges including kidnapping and rape.
‘I Feel Like We’re Backing Up, Instead of Moving Forward’
The Supreme Court Justice who upheld the right to an abortion in South Carolina is worried about the future of women in her state.
www.politico.com
Airline SAS network hit by hackers, says app was compromised
Scandinavian airline SAS said it was hit by a cyber attack Tuesday evening and urged customers to refrain from using its app but later said it had fixed the problem.
Fake pro, college sports memorabilia worth millions seized
The South Carolina Secretary of State says more than 600 fake championship rings for professional and collegiate sports were confiscated by law enforcement agents last week during a raid of a South Carolina memorabilia store.
apnews.com
A fraternity leader, a high school hoops star and an aspiring doctor are mourned after MSU shooting
Three students were killed and five others were wounded after a gunman opened fire on Michigan State University's campus Monday night.
www.nbcnews.com
United flight came within 800 feet of ocean during post-takeoff dive, report says
A United Airlines flight leaving Hawaii in Dec. 2022 experienced a steep dive and came within 800 feet of hitting the Pacific Ocean after takeoff, according to a recent report.
thehill.com
EPA outlines $27B 'green bank' for clean energy projects
The Biden administration is outlining how states and nonprofit groups can apply for $27 billion in funding from a “green bank” that will provide low-cost financing for projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions.
apnews.com
Kidnapped New Zealand pilot shown in Indonesia rebels’ photos and videos
A separatist rebel leader in Papua province said Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who was taken hostage last week, would be safe “as long as Indonesia does not use its arms.”
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. 'disappointed' in Mexico's new GMO corn decree -ag secretary
The United States said on Tuesday it was "disappointed" in the Mexican government's announcement the previous day which walked back a deadline to ban genetically modified (GM) corn for animal feed and industrial use in the country, but retained its plans to ban the corn for human consumption.
How vulnerable is Medicaid in the debt ceiling battle?
www.politico.com
WHO hopes to test an experimental Marburg virus vaccine amid outbreak in Equatorial Guinea
The World Health Organization convened an urgent meeting to evaluate vaccine candidates after nine deaths and 16 suspected cases were reported.
www.nbcnews.com
How one judge could throw abortion pill access into question nationwide
An anti-abortion group has asked a federal district judge in Texas to order the FDA to pull a pill used in medication abortions off the market.
www.nbcnews.com
FDA panel to consider change to how overdose treatment is sold
Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter{beacon} Health Care Health Care The Big Story FDA panel to consider change to how overdose treatment is sold On Wednesday, a Fo…
thehill.com
Study finds link between ‘free sugar’ intake and cardiovascular disease | CNN
Eating high amounts of free or added sugars could increase risk for cardiovascular disease, a new study has found.
www.cnn.com
COVID-19 Shot Appears to Reduce Diabetes Risk, Even After Omicron
The elevated risk for diabetes seen following COVID-19 early in the pandemic has continued with the Omicron strain, but vaccination appears to attenuate the risk.
www.medscape.com
Diabetes increases risk of severe COVID illness, hospitalization by up to 40%, study says
People who have diabetes and elevated blood sugar levels face a significantly higher risk of being hospitalized with severe illness from COVID-19, per a new review.
Fenty ad spotlights former Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico's love story
After revealing their marriage in November, Mariana Varela of Argentina and Fabiola Valentín of Puerto Rico are helping debut Rihanna's new perfume.
www.nbcnews.com
WHO abandons plans for crucial second phase of COVID-origins investigation
Sensitive studies in China were intended to pinpoint the source of the pandemic virus.
www.nature.com
Gen Zers want to date more ‘organically.’ Some say Instagram brings them closer to that goal.
YPulse, a youth research firm, said in a recent study that 2 in 5 young people say they met their partners through social media.
www.nbcnews.com
Coronavirus Today: Outdoor dining in jeopardy
The pandemic has changed many things, including outdoor dining.
www.latimes.com
Parents now question whether COVID mask mandates did more harm than good
On the heels of a new review of mask studies, many parents are questioning some of the COVID measures taken over the past three years, particularly mask mandates in schools.
