Handshakes Return: Harris and Trump End the Debate Drought
Harris and Trump End the Handshake Drought
After an eight-year hiatus, Harris and Trump put their differences aside and shook hands at the 9/11 ceremony in NYC.
Trump Demands Panama Lower Canal Fees or Return It to US
Donald Trump has demanded that Panama lowers the fees for using the Panama Canal or return it to the US. The President-elect accused Panama of charging 'exorbitant prices' to American shipping and naval vessels. He warned that the canal should not fall into the 'wrong hands', specifically warning against Chinese management. Trump's comments have been met with a quick rebuke from Panama's president, who stated that Panama's sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable.
DHS Prepares for Possible Government Shutdown as Funding Deadline Looms
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warns of serious consequences for the department if Congress fails to pass legislation funding federal agencies before the funding deadline. TSA employees, FEMA workers, and Border Patrol agents could be impacted, and a shutdown could delay disaster relief for states hit by extreme weather events.
Avoiding a Government Shutdown: Latest Updates
Congressional Action to Avert a Government Shutdown
Congress has introduced a stopgap bill to fund the government until spring, as lawmakers work to reach an agreement before the midnight shutdown deadline.
Key Considerations in the Bill
Stay informed with the latest updates on the government shutdown and congressional efforts to prevent it. Be the first to know with browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Martin O'Malley's Bold Plan to Reconnect Democrats with Voters
Martin O'Malley, former Maryland Governor and 2016 presidential candidate, is running for DNC chair with a bold plan to restore the party's credibility and reconnect with voters.** After a devastating 2024 election, O'Malley emphasizes the need for a 'changemaker' and outlines his vision for a 57-state and territory strategy, world-class AI tools, and re-investing in direct voter registration.
His platform also calls for addressing the party's branding problem and creating a feedback loop for local and state officials to inform messaging and tactics.** With a short window to make his case, O'Malley highlights his extensive political career and ability to effectuate rapid turnarounds.
Biden Administration's Green Energy Policies: A Summary
The Biden Administration's Green Energy Policies: A Summary
Biden administration considering giving California permission to ban new gas-powered cars
EPA reportedly planning to grant waiver for stricter emissions standards for electric vehicles
Trump planning to target California's EV standards when he assumes office
California officials preparing to 'Trump proof' the state
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Ordered to Wear Electronic Ankle Tag
Bad news for Nicolas Sarkozy! France's highest court has upheld an appeal court decision which had found him guilty of corruption and influence peddling. The verdict? He's been sentenced to a year in prison, but will likely serve his time at home with an electronic ankle tag. This is the first time in France's modern history that a former president has been convicted and sentenced to a prison term for actions during his term. Sarkozy has been involved in several legal cases and has denied any wrongdoing. But it looks like he won't be able to escape justice this time around. What a twist!
Trump Allies Eye 2028 Run, Accuse Media of Criminal Conspiracy
Former President Donald Trump's allies are considering a controversial third term in 2028, and accusing the media of a criminal conspiracy against him.
At a recent dinner, Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon suggested that the former president could run for a third term, and threatened retribution against Trump's perceived enemies in the media and justice department.
Bannon's remarks come as Trump's legal team is under fire for allegedly tampering with witnesses in the investigation into the January 6 insurrection.
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| The Guardian | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/16/trump-allies-extreme-policies-third-term |
Democrats Elect Gerry Connolly Over AOC for Top Democrat on Oversight Committee
Democrats have elected Rep. Gerry Connolly as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, rejecting a push by some members to tap a younger generation of lawmakers. Connolly, 74, defeated 35-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was backed by progressives. The election highlights the tensions over a potential generational shift within the party, as long-serving top Democrats on other committees have also stepped down. Connolly's election places him in line to chair the committee if Democrats retake the House in 2026.
Germany Heads to Snap Elections: Key Parties and Likely Outcomes
Germany is heading to snap elections on February 23, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD lost a confidence vote in the Bundestag. The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), and the neoliberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) are set to unveil their election platforms on Tuesday. Scholz is expected to face his main opponent, conservative CDU leader Friedrich Merz, in at least two televised debates prior to the elections. The likely result of the vote is that Scholz is expected to lose the confidence vote, which could lead to snap elections on February 23. If Scholz loses, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will have 21 days to decide whether to dissolve parliament.
Nigel Farage and Elon Musk Meet: $100M Donation Rumors Swirl
Nigel Farage,** the leader of Reform UK, and Elon Musk, the world's richest man, recently held a meeting in Florida, sparking rumors of a $100M donation to Reform UK. The pair met at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort along with Nick Candy, Reform's new treasurer and a former Tory donor. Musk, a longtime critic of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has shown interest in Reform's growth and has become friendly with Farage through their links to Trump's team. While no official announcement has been made, the possibility of such a substantial donation has the political world buzzing.**What could this mean for Reform UK's future?
Trump's Attempt to Overturn Hush Money Conviction Fails
Donald Trump's attempt to throw out his conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush money case has been denied.** A Manhattan judge ruled that the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity did not cover Mr. Trump because his actions in the case were not official acts related to the presidency. Mr. Trump has always denied a sexual encounter with ex-porn star Stormy Daniels, but was convicted of falsifying business records over a $130,000 payment to buy her silence in the lead up to the 2016 election. **He will be the first convicted criminal to enter the White House when he takes power again on 20 January.
ABC Settles Defamation Suit with Trump: What You Need to Know
ABC has settled a defamation suit with President-elect Trump for $15 million. The suit was filed after ABC host George Stephanopoulos repeatedly claimed that Trump had been 'found liable for rape' in a case involving E. Jean Carroll. However, a judge later clarified that Carroll had not proven rape as defined by dictionary.com, but only as New York law defines it. The settlement includes a charitable contribution to a Presidential foundation and museum, as well as $1 million in attorney fees. The settlement has been criticized by some as having a 'chilling effect' on Trump's critics. ABC's 'The View' ignored the settlement over the weekend.
Daniel Penny Invited to Join Trump and Vance at Army-Navy Game
Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran acquitted in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely, has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump's suite at the Army-Navy football game in Maryland on Saturday. Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide earlier this week, and Vance has expressed support for him. The game is a highly anticipated event, with both teams having strong records this year. Other notable attendees in Trump's suite include Elon Musk, Pete Hegseth, Ron DeSantis, and David McCormick.
Uncovering the FBI Informants on Jan. 6, and More Supporters Rally Around Trump
FBI Informants on Jan. 6**: The Justice Department Inspector General revealed that there were at least 26 FBI informants present at the Capitol on January 6. Four of them entered the Capitol during the riot, and 13 entered the restricted area around the Capitol.
Trump's Supporters**: America's most successful entrepreneurs are wintering in Palm Beach, with Elon Musk already having his own villa at Mar-a-Lago. Others are dropping in for dinner, including venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, who has been having dinners on the patio for the nightly pitch meeting.
FBI Director Wray to Resign, Paving Way for Trump Pick Patel
FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his resignation, effective at the end of the current administration. Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has faced criticism from the president and his allies over the FBI's handling of investigations into Trump. Trump has previously said he intended to remove Wray and replace him with Kash Patel, a former GOP congressional staffer. Patel has been meeting with senators who will vote on his confirmation. If confirmed, Patel would be the third FBI director to work under a Trump administration and take over the nation's chief federal law enforcement apparatus.
Biden Grants Record-Breaking Clemency to 1,539 People and Pardons 39 Non-Violent Offenders
President Biden has made history by granting clemency to the largest number of people in a single day. A total of 1,539 individuals had their sentences commuted, while 39 non-violent offenders were pardoned. These historic acts of clemency follow Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, earlier this month, which put pressure on him to issue additional pardons. Among those pardoned were drug offenders, military veterans, a nurse who helped lead vaccination efforts during the pandemic, and an addiction counselor. Biden has been granting clemency and commutations throughout his term, with a focus on non-violent drug offenses and those under home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump's World Tour and the State of the Democratic Party
Trump's Back on the World Stage
The Democratic Party's Struggles
Biden Grants Clemency to Nearly 1,500 People and Pardons 39 Others
President Biden announced clemencies for nearly 1,500 people and pardons for 39 others, keeping in line with America’s tradition of forgiveness.
The decision is aimed at promoting equal justice, public safety, rehabilitation, and reentry, with many beneficiaries serving long sentences under today’s laws.
Those pardoned and having their sentences commuted include a decorated military veteran, a nurse, and an addiction counselor.
Biden signaled he would commute more sentences before leaving the White House.
New Jersey Declares Limited State of Emergency Over Mysterious Drones
Mysterious drones have been causing frustration in New Jersey, prompting a limited state of emergency. Officials don't know who they belong to or why they're there. The drones have been seen near a military installation and President-elect Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course. The FBI is investigating, and local mayors are demanding action. Here's what we know so far.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Tapped for Ambassador to Greece
<|im_start|>**Kimberly Guilfoyle Tapped for Ambassador to Greece
Get ready for some major changes in the new administration! President-elect Donald Trump has just announced that Kimberly Guilfoyle will be serving as the ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, who previously dated Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., is the latest family friend to join the team.
Get all the latest updates** on the Trump administration in the CBS News app or on CBS News.
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