

(AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File)
Proud Boys go to trial on sedition as Jan. 6 probe heats up
WASHINGTON (AP) — As members of the Proud Boys extremist group stormed past police lines and swarmed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, their leader cheered them on from afar, prosecutors say. “Do what must be done,” Enrique Tarrio wrote on social media. “So what do we do now?” someone asked later that day in a Proud Boys encrypted group chat.

Increasingly desperate GOP calls it a night without picking a speaker
The House adjourned after additional failed attempts to pick a speaker.


House Speaker election coverage: Chamber narrowly votes to adjourn for day
The House reconvened briefly Wednesday evening before voting to adjourn for the day rather than hold a seventh vote for Speaker. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Wednesday failed to secure the Spe…


Sitting ducks? Russian military flaws seen in troop deaths
The Russian military’s top brass is under increasing scrutiny as more details emerge of how at least 89 Russian soldiers, and possibly many more, were killed in a Ukrainian artillery attack on a single building.


'We can work together': Biden, McConnell share spotlight as House GOP fight rages
McConnell hailed a $1.6 billion bridge project for Kentucky and Ohio a legislative miracle.' Biden said it proves "we can work together."
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Biden highlights bipartisanship during House GOP chaos
President Joe Biden is holding out the promised makeover of a dilapidated bridge over the Ohio River as a symbol of what can happen when Republicans and Democrats work together.


What The 20 Republicans Who Voted Against Kevin McCarthy Have In Common
The 20 Republicans who opposed Kevin McCarthy’s bid for speaker of the House had something in common before Tuesday’s drama: They are very conservative and scor…

‘Political D-Lister’: Pro-McCarthy Nancy Mace slings mud at Matt Gaetz - Washington Examiner
Republicans are slinging mud at each other as factions try to sway support to or from Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), with pro-McCarthy Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) calling anti-McCarthy detractor Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) a "political D-Lister." Other corners of the GOP have also voiced frustration with...


US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to open a U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the Pacific.


Who is Byron Donalds, latest GOP protest nominee against McCarthy's speaker bid
Chip Roy, who nominated Byron Donalds, called him a "dear friend, a solid conservative and, most importantly, a family man"

‘You don’t have the votes’: Lauren Boebert says Trump should tell McCarthy to drop out of speaker race - Washington Examiner
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) called on former President Donald Trump to tell Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to drop out of the race for speaker of the House as the election enters the fifth round of voting. Boebert and her 19 conservative GOP allies are rallying around Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and...


In Milley’s own words: The most striking moments from his Jan. 6 interview
The Joint Chiefs chair told investigators he was worried that America's enemies saw an opening based on the chaos at the Capitol.


'Woke mind virus'? 'Corporate wokeness'? Why red America has declared war on corporate America
Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are waging war against "corporate wokeness" from CRT to ESG to score political points with their base.
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Trump breaks silence on McCarthy and House speaker drama
2024 presidential contender and former President Trump weighed in on the House speakership election, voicing support for Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., ahead of a second day of voting Wednesday.

Republicans should consider a speaker who doesn’t want the job - Washington Examiner
With a wafer-thin majority and an anti-establishment fervor holding sway, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is unable to lock up the speakership. It takes a majority of all members voting in order to become speaker, and so 90% of a slim minority doesn’t do the trick. Dissident Republicans have voted...


CNN Exclusive: A single Iranian attack drone found to contain parts from more than a dozen US companies | CNN Politics
Parts made by more than a dozen US and Western companies were found inside a single Iranian drone downed in Ukraine last fall, according to a Ukrainian intelligence assessment obtained exclusively by CNN.


GOP's McCarthy rejected for House speaker — again and again
House Republicans plowed through the second day of the new Congress, with no clear off-ramp from their political chaos over electing leader Kevin McCarthy as the new speaker.


McCarthy denied, Santos in House: 5 takeaways from the tumultuous first day of a new Congress
McCarthy's loss underscores how GOP infighting between moderates and hard-liners will complicate the GOP's majority in the House of Representatives.
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Expect more strikes 'deeper and deeper' into Russia, Ukraine’s spy chief tells ABC News
There will likely be further strikes into Russian territory, Ukraine's military intelligence head, Kyrylo Budanov, told ABC News in an interview from Kyiv.

Analysis: This Capitol drama is turning into a horror show | CNN Politics
There’s a slow motion, open-ended drama playing on the floor of the House in which Republicans cannot come behind a speaker – one of the most powerful and important jobs in US government.


Biden builds bridges with McConnell in Kentucky amid House speaker saga - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden delivered a speech about the need for bipartisan cooperation in front of a Kentucky bridge on Wednesday afternoon — with one of his biggest congressional adversaries in attendance. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met Biden at the airport and sat for his remarks...


'Fearless' Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives in Washington to lead Trump probes
Jack Smith, the U.S. special counsel named to investigate Republican former President Donald Trump, has a reputation for winning tough cases against war criminals, mobsters and crooked police officers.

Putin's call for Orthodox Christmas truce in Ukraine greeted with scepticism
Russian President Putin called for a 36-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Christmas, a move rejected by Kyiv which said there could be no truce until Russia withdraws its troops from occupied land.

Three scenarios for how the McCarthy Speakership fight could end
A historic stalemate over choosing a new Speaker has left the House GOP divided and the chamber unorganized and in chaos. After three votes on Tuesday in which Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) failed…


Soldiers' widows group calls on Putin to order major mobilisation for Ukraine war
A little known patriotic group which supports the widows of Russian soldiers has called on President Vladimir Putin to order a large-scale mobilisation of millions of men and to close the borders to ensure victory in Ukraine.

Biden: GOP speaker drama 'embarrassing' and 'not my problem'
The comments come after the House failed to elect a speaker on the first ballot for the first time in a century.


Federal judge throws out Trump lawsuit against Jan. 6 committee - Washington Examiner
The federal judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Jan. 6 committee dismissed the case on Wednesday, ruling it was irrelevant after the panel withdrew the subpoena last week. Trump sued the committee in mid-November to block a subpoena seeking his testimony as part...


Russia blames use of cellphones for deadly Makiivka attack; Putin sends new hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic
The death toll has risen following a Ukrainian strike on one of Russia's military units in the occupied city of Makiivka.

Byron Donalds defends voting against McCarthy for speaker: 'I want a resolution'
Rep. Byron Donalds defended his decision to flip his vote for House speaker away from Kevin McCarthy in the third round of voting on Tuesday.

Biden, McConnell Kentucky event is a roadmap for White House under new Congress
U.S. President Joe Biden and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell made a rare joint appearance on Wednesday at a bridge in Kentucky in a display of bipartisanship that offers a guide to how the White House hopes to govern in months to come.

Trump warns lawmakers opposing McCarthy for speaker are playing a 'dangerous game,' the deal must get done
Former President Donald Trump told Fox News Digital that GOP lawmakers must support Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House and if they continue to oppose him, they playing a “dangerous game."

Sitting ducks? Russian military flaws seen in troop deaths
The Russian military’s top brass is under increasing scrutiny as more details emerge of how at least 89 Russian soldiers, and possibly many more, were killed in a Ukrainian artillery attack on a single building

Russia's hypersonic missile-armed ship to patrol global seas
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a frigate armed with the country’s latest hypersonic weapons on a trans-ocean cruise in a show of force as tensions with the West escalate over the war in Ukraine.


New Hampshire Democrats plead with DNC: We can't change our state voting laws
New Hampshire Democrats say they have no ability to change state election laws to comply with the DNC's 2024 presidential nominating calendar mandate.
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Matt Gaetz responds after Trump urges support for McCarthy: 'Sad!'
Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz went rogue from his mentor, former President Donald Trump, after the former president endorsed GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California for House speaker.

Biden and McConnell appear together in Kentucky as House Republicans are in disarray
The simultaneous public events underscore the difference between the House and Senate approach to politics.


EXPLAINER: What to expect on Day 2 of House speaker election
The House will convene Wednesday as Republicans try again to elect a speaker for the new Congress. This comes after GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy came short of overcoming opposition from the right-flank of his party following an hourslong series of votes.


Biden: GOP speaker drama 'embarrassing,' 'not a good look'
President Joe Biden says House Republicans' inability to unify behind a speaker candidate is “embarrassing” and “not a good look” for the country

Biden mulls border stop during Mexico City trip next week - Washington Examiner
The White House is considering adding a stop at the U.S.-Mexico border as part of President Joe Biden's trip to Mexico City next week for meetings with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Justin Trudeau.Biden confirmed reports of the trip while he was on the...


McCarthy fails for second day to win U.S. House speaker vote
Republicans in the House of Representatives failed for a second straight day to elect a leader on Wednesday, as a faction of holdouts repeatedly defied former President Donald Trump's call to unite behind his ally Kevin McCarthy.

House Speaker election explained: What to know
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the years in which the House agreed to a resolution that allowed a Speaker to be elected by a plurality. Opposition to House GOP Leader Kevin M…


Putin deploys new Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic
President Vladimir Putin sent a frigate to the Atlantic Ocean armed with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles on Wednesday, a signal to the West that Russia will not back down over the war in Ukraine.

Cruz: House Speaker fight due to 'disappointing' election and because GOP doesn't 'follow orders' like Dems
Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said on his podcast that the ongoing House Speaker battle was due to the GOP's "disappointing" November election results.

Top geopolitical risks for 2023 include Russia, "weapons of mass disruption," report says
"The risks at the top of this list are aging dictators and tech bros," said Ian Bremmer of the research and consulting firm Eurasia Group.


Iran lashes out at France over new Charlie Hebdo cartoons
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran summoned the French ambassador on Wednesday to condemn the publication of offensive caricatures of the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.


Biden breaks silence on House speakership fight, urges Republicans to 'get their act together'
President Biden finally weighed in on the undecided House speaker's race, calling it "embarrassing" that Republicans have not united around a leader.

The Data Point: The new Congress is the third oldest since 1789
The average age of Congress has been climbing since the early 1980s.


Supreme Court asked to intervene in legal fight over New York gun law - Washington Examiner
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) is asking the Supreme Court to allow the state's new law that places restrictions on carrying concealed firearms to remain in place while legal challenges unfold in court.James' request came after an attorney for a gun owner challenging the new state...


McCarthy vows to stay in speaker's race, with Trump backing
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy says there’s no scenario in which he’ll drop his bid to become House speaker despite failing to win multiple rounds of voting Tuesday.


McConnell celebrates milestone as Senate Dems retain power
Democrats are again claiming the Senate majority, but much of the chamber’s focus is on the top Republican as Mitch McConnell becomes the longest serving Senate leader in history.


Nonprofit financed by billionaire George Soros quietly donated $140 million to political causes in 2021
A George Soros backed nonprofit put $140 million into politically charged groups in the buildup to the 2022 midterm elections.

McCarthy on track to lose 5th vote for House speaker
House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy again failed to secure the necessary 218 votes to be the next House speaker on Wednesday, splitting the vote between Rep.-elects Hakeem Jeffries and Byron Donalds.

Lightfoot's new ad attacks Garcia on 'crypto crook'


If not Kevin McCarthy for US House Speaker, then who else?
After multiple failed votes, here are the other contenders to lead the US House of Representatives.


Virginia AG launches civil rights investigation against Thomas Jefferson High School - Washington Examiner
Virginia Virginia AG launches civil rights investigation against Thomas Jefferson High School By Jeremiah Poff, Commentary Writer January 04, 2023 12:01 PM Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Print Virginia Virginia AG launches civil rights investigation against Thomas Jefferson High School By...


McCarthy floats path to Speakership with lower vote threshold
House GOP Speaker nominee Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) expressed optimism about winning the gavel Tuesday night as he emerged from meetings with allied members following three failed ball…


Workers quit at a higher rate in November, while job openings stayed high
The job market remains strong — a good sign for workers but a blow to the Fed's efforts to cool inflation.


Factbox: FACTBOX Tech firms, Wall Street lead job cuts in Corporate America
Big Tech firms and Wall Street titans are leading a string of layoffs across corporate America as companies look to rein in costs to ride out the economic downturn.

GOP senators urge House to move past 'family fight' over speaker election as McCarthy support still uncertain
Republican senators are urging the House to move past its speakership election drama, calling it a "family fight" that must be resolved quickly.

Workers quit at a higher rate in November, while job openings stayed high
The job market remains strong — a good sign for workers but a blow to the Fed's efforts to cool inflation.


GOP Kentucky governor candidate sets fast fundraising pace
Kelly Craft has set a fast pace for raising and spending campaign cash in her bid to become Kentucky's governor.


CNN Exclusive: A single Iranian attack drone found to contain parts from more than a dozen US companies | CNN Politics
Parts made by more than a dozen US and Western companies were found inside a single Iranian drone downed in Ukraine last fall, according to a Ukrainian intelligence assessment obtained exclusively by CNN.


Newt Gingrich: Kevin McCarthy opponents running the risk of ‘signing their own resignation letters’ - Washington Examiner
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned Republicans who are blocking Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from becoming the next Speaker are running the risk of "signing their own resignation letters." Gingrich labeled the 20 House Republicans who voted for other candidates as "blackmailers" and asserted...


Boebert says Trump should tell McCarthy to withdraw from Speaker’s race
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) on Wednesday said former President Trump should tell Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) that he should withdraw from the Speakership race, hours after the ex-president cal…


Speaker's race: Chip Roy gets standing ovation after noting historic nominations of 2 Black Americans
Rep.-elect Chip Roy of Texas drew a standing ovation for Reps.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida and Hakeem Jeffries of New York as two Black congressmen in the hunt to become speaker of the House.

Iran releases Oscar-winning film actress held over protests
Local media are reporting that Iran has released a prominent actress nearly three weeks after she was jailed for criticizing a crackdown on anti-government protests

Murray becomes first female president pro tempore in Senate
Washington Democrat Patty Murray has become the first female president pro tempore of the Senate. That senior member of the majority party acts as Senate president when the vice president cannot be present.


GOP congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna says she was 'sexually harassed' while leaving Capitol office
Florida GOP Congresswoman-elect Anna Paulina Luna said Tuesday evening that says she was “sexually harassed” while leaving her office in the U.S. Capitol.
Early South Carolina primary gets backing from former Dem presidential staffers
A group of former 2020 state directors who worked in South Carolina joined public lobbying efforts for the first 2024 primary.


Biden wants Republican-led House to get its 'act together' over leadership
President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on lawmakers in the Republican-led House of Representatives to "get their act together," saying the messy battle to determine the chamber's leader reflects poorly on the United States.

Evacuations ordered as California storm knocks out power
Officials in California have ordered evacuations in a high-risk coastal area where mudslides killed 23 people in 2018 as a huge storm barrels through the state.


DOJ: Postal Service can keep delivering prescription abortion drugs
The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel said the mailing of mifepristone and misoprostol did not violate an 1873 law known as the Comstock Act.


Rep. Comer says Kevin McCarthy isn't "perfect" House speaker but "the right person to lead our conference at the right time"
After three rounds of voting Tuesday, McCarthy failed to get the votes needed to win.


Karine Jean-Pierre can’t explain why Biden was masked on Marine One - Washington Examiner
The White House was not able to explain Wednesday why President Joe Biden exited Marine One wearing a surgical mask — a break from his recent habits. Biden, who has repeatedly been accused of flip-flopping on pandemic policies, wore a black mask before boarding Air Force One for a trip to...


Israel's new government unveils plan to weaken Supreme Court
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s justice minister has unveiled the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system that aims to weaken the Supreme Court.


Biden praises McConnell, touts infrastructure law in Kentucky
President Biden on Wednesday made an appeal to the value of bipartisanship during a trip to Kentucky, providing a stark split-screen moment with the chaos unfolding in the House back in Washington,…


Ukraine war: Defying Russian onslaught in city 'at the end of the world'
People in Bakhmut, at the epicentre of the war, live in defiance under constant Russian bombardment.


Top House Democrat offers rare praise for conservative McCarthy opponent
House Democratic Caucus vice chair Rep.-elect Ted Lieu offered rare praise for his Republican colleague, Chip Roy of Texas, who is one of 20 GOP lawmakers who voted against Kevin McCarthy to be speaker.

Transgender Missouri inmate executed for fatal stabbing
A Missouri inmate has been put to death for a 2003 killing, in what is believed to be the first execution of a transgender woman in the U.S.


Hakeem Jeffries makes history as the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress | CNN Politics
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries made history as the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress as the 118th Congress convened in Washington.


Florida Sen. Rick Scott urges Senate Republicans 'to be bold... stop caving in,’ in new nationwide ad blitz
Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida is taking his message to “change” the GOP nationwide, as he launches a new ad explaining his unsuccessful challenge to Senate GOP Leader McConnell

NFL rallies to support Hamlin as his condition improves
NFL players and coaches are rallying to support Damar Hamlin, two days after the Buffalo Bills safety's heart stopped and he needed to be resuscitated during a game at Cincinnati.


Teacher wearing MAGA hat to school was protected speech under First Amendment, appeals court rules
The panel concluded that the school district failed to show evidence of a "tangible disruption" to school operations needed to outweigh the teacher's First Amendment rights.


Biden to celebrate acts of 'courage and patriotism' countering Jan. 6 attack
U.S. President Joe Biden will celebrate the "courage and patriotism" of people who fought back against the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol during a ceremony on Friday, the second anniversary of the attack, the White House said.

Special counsel Jack Smith returns to US weeks after being appointed Trump investigator: Report - Washington Examiner
The Justice Department’s special counsel tasked with overseeing two major investigations into former President Donald Trump has reportedly returned to the United States after staying in Europe to recover from an injury. Special counsel Jack Smith returned to the country weeks after being...


No Mega Millions winner means jackpot closing in on $1 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot is closing in on another 10 digit jackpot in the billions after no ticket matched all six numbers that were drawn on Tuesday night.

Sheriff: No foul play in 'Avengers' star snow tractor injury
The sheriff in Reno says actor Jeremy Renner's serious injuries while using a snow tractor to free a snowbound motorist on a private mountain road near Lake Tahoe appear to be the result of a “tragic accident.”


Opinion | Ukraine Is Already Paying Us Back
Our investments in Ukrainian democracy are paying off. Now is not the time to pull back.


Andy Biggs says 'DC Cartel' must end as Republicans continue negotiations for speakership
Rep. Andy Biggs said he wants to "break up the DC Cartel" in reference to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speakership.

Missouri lawmakers back at work with eye on ballot measures
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday for a session that Republican leaders have said will focus on issues including making it harder to amend the state Constitution.


Chip Roy, Jim Jordan spotted having intense discussion ahead of fourth House speaker vote
House Freedom Caucus allies Jim Jordan of Ohio and Chip Roy of Texas were seen huddled moments before the House began its fourth vote to elect a new speaker.

EU hails high gas storage levels despite Russian cuts
BRUSSELS (AP) — Natural gas storage levels in the European Union stand at nearly 84% and were higher in December than the average amount in reserve 4-6 years ago, the EU’s executive branch said Wednesday, despite Russian attempts to choke off supplies amid its war on Ukraine.


Centrist Republican says ‘preliminary talks’ with Democrats underway on Speaker deal
Editor’s note: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said some Republicans had begun “preliminary” discussions with Democrats about a deal to support a consensus candidate. A previous version o…


Germany likely missed climate target again, activists angry
Germany likely missed its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions last year, despite a massive effort by the new government to expand the use of renewable energy.


China's buildup of the surveillance state — "Intelligence Matters"
China has some 400 million cameras surveilling the streets, as well as access to a billion smartphones used by Chinese citizens, Wall Street Journal reporters Liza Lin and Josh Chin tell Michael Morell.


State legislatures are coming back. These are the lawmakers to follow.
Both Democrats and Republicans see new opportunities to advance their agenda in states where their parties solidified control after the midterms.


Rep.-elect George Santos admitted to using stolen checks in Brazil in 2008, documents show | CNN Politics
Republican Rep.-elect George Santos admitted to stealing a man’s checkbook that was in his mother’s possession to purchase clothing and shoes in 2008, according to documents obtained by CNN.


Fred Upton: Talk of Speaker candidacy is ‘intriguing’
As House Republicans search for a way out of the messy Speaker’s race, retired Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) swung the door open to the possibility that he could emerge as an alternative to GOP Leader …


France's African ex-soldiers win last battle - over pensions
Some of the last survivors in France from a colonial-era infantry corps that recruited tens of thousands of African soldiers to fight in French wars around the world will be able to live out their final days with family members back in Africa after a French government U-turn on their pension rights.


Judge slashes millions in damages due by hate groups that participated in Charlottesville rally - Washington Examiner
A federal judge has drastically reduced the amount of money in damages that some of the country's most prominent white supremacist groups were ordered to pay for their participation in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Judge Norman Moon ruled last week that the $24 million...


Texas man who met date on Bumble kidnapped and tortured woman for days
Zachary Kent Mills, 21, of Spring, is charged with felony aggravated kidnapping, according to court records filed in Harris County.


Idaho murders: Bodycam shows moment Indiana police pulled over suspect Bryan Kohberger in white Elantra
Body camera shows the moment the Indiana State Police unknowingly pulled over the University of Idaho murders suspect as he drove cross-country after the crimes.

Explainer: What happens next in Sam Bankman-Fried's fraud case
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday to fraud and other charges related to the collapse of his $32 billion crypto empire, with a judge setting an October trial date as both sides prepare to sift through mountains of evidence.

George Soros' son becomes kingmaker with top Dems as he makes multiple Biden WH visits, meets with lawmakers
Alex Soros, son of liberal billionaire George Soros, has quietly had a pipeline to President Biden's White House as he openly meets with other Democratic politicians.

Russia-Ukraine updates: Macron to send light tanks to Ukraine
The AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles will be the first Western-made tanks supplied to Ukraine’s army, France says.

Massachusetts, Maine to partner on large inland wind farm
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Massachusetts intends to finance up to 40% of a wind power project in far northern Maine, potentially giving the state the partner it needs to make the project a reality.


FBI raises reward money for unsolved RNC, DNC pipe bomb attempt to $500K
The FBI raised the award to $500,000 for information on the suspect accused of placing pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC headquarters two years ago, a day before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Coinbase vulnerable to drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud, regulators say
Cryptocurrency exchange fined $50 million for failing to comply with New York laws aimed at deterring crime.


These 21 Republicans did not support McCarthy on Day 2 of the Speaker’s vote
Twenty-one Republicans opted against supporting Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on day two of the Speaker’s race, denying him the gavel on the fourth ballot. McCarthy received 201 votes on Wednesday…


Dem-turned-GOP congressman fires back at AOC's 'coalition government' proposal
New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican who used to be a Democrat, fired back at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's, D-N.Y., proposal for a "coalition government."

In DC and Tallahassee, a split-screen moment for the Republican Party - Washington Examiner
IN DC AND TALLAHASSEE, A SPLIT-SCREEN MOMENT FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. Two contrasting realities of the present-day Republican Party were on display on Tuesday. In the House of Representatives, 20 members of the GOP's so-called chaos caucus blocked the efforts of 202 fellow Republicans to elect...


Evers meets with mayors of Wisconsin's 5 largest cities
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers met with the mayors of Wisconsin’s five largest cities behind closed doors for about an hour on Wednesday, one of the first official acts of his second term.


United said it had this woman’s bag. She tracked it to a residential address | CNN
When Valerie Szybala’s bag never arrived with her United Airlines flight, the airline told her it had it safe and ready for delivery. But her Airtag said otherwise – and she tracked it to a residential address in Virginia.


U.S. proposes hiking fees for work-related immigration applications to fund asylum program
Unlike a Trump administration plan, the proposed rule would not dramatically increase application fees for immigrants seeking to become U.S. citizens.


Buffalo Bills return to work after Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field | CNN
The Buffalo Bills were holding meetings and a walk-through Wednesday before their Week 18 game against the New England Patriots – less than two days after Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a nationally televised game.


UAE top diplomat back in Syria as relations continue to thaw
BEIRUT (AP) — The United Arab Emirates' top diplomat met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday, his second visit to Damascus as relations continue to thaw between the two countries.


Damar Hamlin's collapse is the latest in history of medical emergencies in sports
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin is not the first= to suffer a health emergency on or off the field. Here are six other athletes who also needed medical attention.

South Korea: Talks with US on management of nukes underway
South Korea maintains Seoul and Washington are discussing its involvement in U.S. nuclear weapons management in the face of intensifying North Korean threats, after President Joe Biden denied the allies were discussing joint nuclear exercises.


'Circular firing squad' derails GOP in new Congress
Senate Republicans see chaos across the Capitol as an ominous sign as the party tries to regroup for 2024.


State senator embarrassed at public intoxication arrest
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A state senator in South Carolina charged with public intoxication after being found in his parked SUV in a strip mall lot said he is embarrassed and that law enforcement acted properly taking him to jail for several hours.


'Not about prom king': Marjorie Taylor Greene ravages Freedom Caucus colleagues over House Speaker demands
Republican Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene lashed out at her Freedom Caucus colleagues over their demands during negotiations over who they will support for House Speaker.

U.S. college scam mastermind gets longest 'Varsity Blues' probe sentence
The architect of the largest U.S. college admissions fraud scheme ever uncovered was sentenced on Wednesday to 3-1/2 years in prison for helping wealthy parents secure the admission of their children to elite universities through cheating and bribery.

NM Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to undergo knee replacement surgery in WA
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will travel to Washington to undergo knee replacement surgery. The Democratic governor will replace her right knee with an artificial joint.

Turkish, Russian forces could 'expand' Syria joint patrols
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s defense minister said Wednesday that Turkish and Russian troops could “expand” their joint patrols in northern Syria as part of efforts to bring security to the region.


Coinbase to pay $100 million to resolve New York investigation of due-diligence lapses
The state says a former child predator and a corporate embezzler were able to conduct transactions on the platform before the company discovered the activities.


Some 200,000 turn out over 3 days to view Benedict's body
Pope Francis has praised Pope Emeritus’ Benedict XVI’s “acute and gentle thought” on the final day of public viewing of his body in St.


Man accused of intentionally driving off a cliff with his wife and 2 children faces attempted murder charges | CNN
All four occupants were trapped inside the smashed car, officials said.


Severe rain and atmospheric river storm threaten California - Washington Examiner
An atmospheric river storm off the West Coast is threatening flooding and heavy rain for the Golden State in the coming days. The storm comes as California has been battered by rain for the past week, as much of the state still suffers from severe drought. MAN DELIBERATELY DROVE TESLA OFF...


UK's Sunak vows to halve inflation, tackle illegal migration
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to halve inflation, grow the U.K. economy and stop illegal immigration Wednesday as he set out his Conservative government's priorities in his first major speech of 2023.


Opinion | What the Kevin McCarthy Debacle Really Says About Republicans
The GOP is the self-loathing party.


Colorado funeral home owner accused of selling body parts and giving clients fake ashes is sentenced to 20 years in prison
Megan Hess' attorney said Hess was motivated by a desire to advance medical research. A U.S. attorney scoffed at the argument.


U.S., New York sue Credit Acceptance, allege predatory auto lending; shares slide
Credit Acceptance Corp was sued on Wednesday by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said the subprime auto lender engaged in predatory lending by driving low-income borrowers into used-car loans it knew they could not afford.

Pakistan orders malls to close early amid economic crisis
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani authorities on Wednesday ordered shopping malls and markets to close by 8:30 p.m. as part of a new energy conservation plan aimed at easing the country's economic crisis.


Reporter calls out Biden for complaining of 'poison' politics while smearing Republicans as 'segregationists'
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced scrutiny after President Biden called for an end to "poison" politics despite smearing Republicans as racists in 2022.

Dave & Buster's co-founder James "Buster" Corley has died
James "Buster" Corley was remembered as "an innovative and creative force," who believed "everybody is somebody," a representative for the company said.


Maine governor celebrates inauguration with heating aid win
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature cleared the way for $450 relief checks to help residents struggling with high winter heating costs Wednesday before decamping to the Augusta Civic Center to hear Democratic Gov.


Los Angeles County to pay Black family $20 million to buy back wrongly seized beach
Los Angeles County will spend $20 million to purchase a prime beachfront property from the heirs of an African-American couple who were given the land back a century after local officials unjustly stripped it from them.

NV Gov. Joe Lombardo calls for unity at inauguration ceremony
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo held his first inaugural address Tuesday. He said some areas were unnecessarily divided when it comes to politics, but people must strive to rise above it.

Jeremy Renner shares photo from hospital after being run over by his own snowplow
He posted on social media Tuesday: “I’m too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all.”


White House gun violence program with philanthropies ends
A little known Biden administration initiative to reduce gun violence that was funded by philanthropic foundations wrapped up in December with a celebration hosted in Washington.


State Freedom Caucus Network expanding reach across US, as more states set up groups
The State Freedom Caucus Network was set up at the end of 2021 and has expanded across more than a dozen states -- with more than three states joining on Wednesday.

What caused Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest? Doctors say his heart likely healthy before collapse
The right hit at the wrong time may have triggered a rare phenomenon known as commotio cordis, heart experts suggest.


California braces for more ‘brutal’ flooding and mudslides as experts warn it won’t quench historic drought | CNN
Parts of drought-plagued California are facing an onslaught of powerful storms to start the new year, bringing flooding rainfall and even mud and debris flows to the state.


Putin puts warship armed with hypersonic missiles on combat duty
The Admiral Gorshkov frigate will sail to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Moscow says.

Oil falls more than 5% on global economy worry, China COVID cases
Oil fell by more than $4 a barrel on Wednesday, posting the steepest percentage loss in the first two trading days of any year for over 3 decades, as investors worried about fuel demand as the global economy slows and COVID-19 cases grow in China.

Myanmar army leader touts election plan on Independence Day
Myanmar’s ruling military leader has pardoned over 7,000 prisoners, including some political detainees, and detailed plans for an election later this year during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of independence.


'Feels like summer': Warm winter breaks temperature records in Europe
Record-high winter temperatures swept across parts of Europe over the new year, bringing calls from activists for faster action against climate change while offering short-term respite to governments struggling with high gas prices.

Fed minutes: Officials cited strong hiring to justify hikes
Federal Reserve officials suggested at their most recent meeting that a continuing streak of robust hiring could keep inflation elevated and was a key reason why they expected to raise interest rates this year more than they had previously forecast.


House Dems say Republicans are in a state of 'chaos' as speaker battle continues
House Democratic Caucus leadership on Wednesday called out Republicans for the "chaos and confusion" seen so far this week as they work to find a consensus House speaker candidate.

Twitter says it will relax ban on political advertising
Twitter says it will ease up its 3-year-old ban on political advertising. It's the latest change by Elon Musk as he tries to pump up revenue after purchasing the social media platform last year.


Pence joins Trump in backing McCarthy in House speaker race
Former Vice-President Mike Pence spoke out Wednesday to address the ongoing civil war within the GOP regarding who will ascend to Speak of the House.

Syria opposition uneasy after Turkish outreach to al-Assad regime
Turkey says there is no change in its Syria policy after opposition groups urge Ankara to reaffirm support for them.

Japan's PM Kishida vows deeper alliance with US on defense
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday pledged to deepen his country's alliance with the United States under Japan's new defense policy that breaks from its exclusively self-defense-only stance in the face of growing regional tensions.


McCarthy loses House speakership in 4th round, splitting votes with Jeffries, Donalds
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy again failed to secure the necessary 218 votes to be the next House speaker in a fourth round of voting Wednesday.

NYC mayor, a vocal rat opponent, faces more fines for rat infestation at Brooklyn property | CNN
New York Mayor Eric Adams was hit with new fines over a rat infestation at one of his properties in Brooklyn, just one day after a different rodent infestation ticket at the same property was dismissed.


After months of calm, Yemen looks anxiously to the new year
A six month truce set the tone for 2022, with Yemen’s warring parties largely avoiding direct conflict.

Facing migration flood, US resumes services at Cuba embassy
Grappling with the biggest flood of Cuban migrants in decades, the United States reopened their long-closed legal pathway on Wednesday by resuming all visa services at its embassy in Havana.


Biden's visit to Kentucky bridge highlights infrastructure push
President Joe Biden used his Wednesday visit to the Brent Spence Bridge connecting Ohio and Kentucky as an opportunity to push for further federal infrastructure investment.


New Covid strain is the most transmissible yet, WHO says
The global health body is now trying to figure out how severe the sub-variant is.


Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 could drive new Covid-19 surge in US | CNN
The CDC estimates that XBB.1.5 has more than doubled its share of the Covid-19 pie each week for the last four, rising from about 4% to 41% of new infections over the month of December.


China Covid: WHO warns about under-representing Covid deaths
The health body says it is worried about the risk to life and again urges Beijing for better data.


FDA finalizes rule expanding availability of abortion pills
U.S. health officials have finalized a rule change that broadens availability of abortion pills to many more pharmacies, including large chains and mail-order companies.


US pharmacies can now sell abortion pills
Certified pharmacists are now allowed to sell abortion medication after a federal rule change.


COVID in China: What's going on inside the country and why are others imposing new travel restrictions?
While there's no clear evidence yet of a dangerous new variant emerging, cases are surging, and that carries risks for both China and the world.


US life expectancy falls to lowest levels since 1996 due to COVID, drug overdoses: CDC
Two new CDC studies published Thursday found life expectancy fell to 76.4 years in 2021, the lowest recorded since 1996 -- mostly due to COVID and drug overdose deaths.

EU urges pre-flight COVID-19 tests on passengers from China
The European Union has “strongly encouraged” its member states to impose pre-departure COVID-19 testing of passengers from China, in a move that is likely to upset Beijing and has already been criticized by the global airline industry.


COVID-positive Chinese tourist goes on the run in South Korea
The man tested positive for the virus upon arriving in Seoul and was taken to a quarantine facility, but then he made off for reasons that remain unclear.


California trying to find, compensate sterilization victims
California officials want to pay reparations for government-forced or coerced sterilizations, but are having a hard time finding victims

China vows "countermeasures" to "unacceptable" new COVID restrictions on Chinese travelers
A Foreign Ministry official said Beijing was "firmly opposed to attempts to manipulate the COVID measures for political purposes."


WHO says China data underrepresents COVID surge and deaths
China's COVID-19 data is not giving an accurate picture of the situation there and underrepresents the number of hospitalisations and deaths from the disease, a senior official at the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

New York doctors now required to prescribe naloxone to some patients on opioid painkillers
This strategy — now in place in at least 10 states — is part of an effort to curb accidental opioid overdose deaths by patients who take these powerful medications.


China COVID data shows no new variant but under-reports deaths, WHO says
Data from China shows that no new coronavirus variant has been found there, but also that the country under-represents how many people have died in a rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak, World Health Organization (WHO) officials said on Wednesday.
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