Johnson weighs spending plan B as Elon Musk stokes opposition  —  Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership team is quietly discussing a plan B to fund the government amid conservative opposition and vocal criticism from incoming President Donald Trump's top ally Elon Musk.

California Declares an Emergency Over Bird Flu in Cattle  —  Officials have discovered the virus in 645 dairy herds, more than in any other state so far.  —  In a stark acknowledgment of the increasing seriousness of bird flu's spread, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California declared on Wednesday …

In reversal, key House panel votes to release Matt Gaetz ethics report  —  The House Ethics Committee secretly voted earlier this month to release its report into the conduct of former Rep. Matt Gaetz before the end of this Congress, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.

Democrats missed a huge opportunity by not elevating AOC  —  In rejecting the New York congresswoman as ranking member of the Oversight Committee, Democrats sent a depressing message about their priorities.  —  House Democrats on Tuesday morning chose their caucus's committee leadership for the next Congress.

The Wrath of Trump: House Republicans Map a Case Against Liz Cheney  —  President-elect Donald J. Trump has never been shy about his desire to see his enemies punished.  But he often shows a measure of caution about taking credit for potential prosecutions himself.

In Massive Twist, Trump's Georgia Case Might Not Be Dead Yet  —  Donald Trump's forthcoming presidency might not hinder the proceedings surrounding his Georgia election interference charges, according to an attorney for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Dow plunges more than 1,100 points and marked its longest losing streak since 1974  —  New York CNN —  The Dow plunged Wednesday on a disappointing outlook from the Federal Reserve.  In the process, the blue-chip index extended its losing streak to 10 days — the longest such stretch since Gerald Ford was president.

Inside Disney's Decision to Settle a Trump Defamation Suit  —  Talks started and finished on the same day, after Disney decided that fighting the lawsuit could potentially hurt the company and protections for the press.  —  When Disney reached a settlement last week with President-elect Donald J. Trump …

Health Insurance is a Racket  —  What value do these companies add, really?  —  It's not news that many Americans dislike health insurance companies.  In fact, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was murdered two weeks ago, reportedly warned his colleagues months ago that the industry had a public relations problem.

LA Times owner asks editorial board to ‘take a break’ from writing about Trump - report  —  Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, who said paper is ‘echo chamber’, also blocked paper's board from endorsing Harris  —  Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, reportedly asked …

‘Vile and heinous’: Michigan man admits to planning mass shootings targeting gay people  — An Owosso man faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to plotting mass shootings to kill gay people.  — Mack Davis' plans were uncovered during a search of his home after he shot at his neighbors' properties over the summer.

LA deputy mayor allegedly made bomb threat to City Hall  —  The FBI is investigating the Los Angeles deputy mayor of public safety after reports show he was allegedly tied to City Hall bomb threats made earlier this year.  —  Agents searched the home of Brian Williams on Tuesday for evidence of a connection.

Trump's transition is happening over private emails.  Federal officials are nervous.  —  Agencies are weighing in-person requirement for sensitive data.  —  Federal officials say they're worried about sharing documents via e-mail with Donald Trump's transition team because the incoming officials …