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.

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.

Four Ways to Unbend the Media's Knee  —  You've no doubt heard by now about ABC News capitulating to Donald Trump.  With the possible exception of FBI director Christopher Wray resigning before his term was up, this is the most depressing news since the election.

How the White House Functioned With a Diminished Biden in Charge  —  Aides kept meetings short and controlled access, top advisers acted as go-betweens and public interactions became more scripted.  The administration denied Biden has declined.  —  During the 2020 presidential primary …

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 rare move, Republican senators call for Hegseth's FBI report  —  The Senate Armed Services Committee usually limits who can view these types of background checks.  Lawmakers want to see this one.  —  At least a dozen senators are pushing to see the FBI's background check on Pete Hegseth …

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.

Trump's walk back on lowering prices is a media failure  —  🍳 Public Notice is made possible by paid subscribers.  If you aren't one, please click the button below to sign up and support our independent journalism.  🍳  —  🥚 Subscribe to Public Notice 🥚

House of Laz  —  SpinCo boss Mark Lazarus has indicated in private conversations that he believes the public perception of MSNBC is that Republicans cannot get a fair shake from the network — and he wants to change that. … To be clear, Lazarus has signaled that he wants the channel to retain its core progressive identity.

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 …

Dems Troll ‘Vice President’ Trump as Musk Meddles With Government Funding Bill  —  WHO'S IN CHARGE?  —  The term “President Musk” also started trending on X, which he owns.

Where Does a ‘Remarkable’ U.S. Economy Go From Here?  —  America's economy is far outstripping its peers, but there are serious risks, including from the president-elect.  —  The U.S. economy is pulling ahead of its global peers.  Inflation is moderating, and the Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates.

Reproductive health advocates brace for return of Title X challenges under Trump  —  Reproductive health advocates expect President-elect Trump to reinstate a rule that weakened the country's sole federally funded family planning program during his first term once he returns to office next year.

Europe Has a Leadership Vacuum.  How Will it Handle Trump?  —  With Germany and France both in political turmoil, the new administration of Donald J. Trump will begin at a time of instability for the continent.  —  When President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met European leaders for dinner …