Jen Rubin exits Washington Post, joins Norm Eisen to launch new outlet countering ‘authoritarian threat’  —  New York CNN —  Veteran opinion columnist Jennifer Rubin is becoming the latest in a long list of Washington Post figures to leave the troubled institution.

House Republicans and Trump discuss tying California wildfire aid to debt ceiling  —  The current California fires could become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.  —  A group of House Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump talked about tying wildfire aid …

NVIDIA Statement on the Biden Administration's Misguided ‘AI Diffusion’ Rule  —  For decades, leadership in computing and software ecosystems has been a cornerstone of American strength and influence worldwide.  The federal government has wisely refrained from dictating the design …

In Praise of California  —  It has its flaws — what place doesn't? — but it plays a big role in America's greatness  —  One of the unwritten rules of American politics is that it's OK to sneer at and smear our big cities and the people who live in them, while it's an outrageous act …

How Lagging Vaccination Could Lead to a Polio Resurgence  —  In its original form, the virus survives in just two countries.  But a type linked to an oral vaccine used in other nations has already turned up in the West.  —  Most American parents hardly give thought to polio beyond the instant …

Incoming Trump Team Is Questioning National Security Council Staff Over Loyalty  —  Nonpolitical career civil servants are reportedly being grilled over who they voted for, their political contributions and more.  —  LOADING  —  Incoming senior Trump administration officials …

Judge to allow release of Jack Smith's report on Trump election interference case  —  The section of Jack Smith's report that deals with Donald Trump's actions on Jan. 6 and his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss could be released as soon as Tuesday.

Pete Hegseth Is a Test  —  Inside the Senate's torturous debates over Donald Trump's worst cabinet nominee.  —  Pete Hegseth is, by every measure, an abysmal nominee to run the American military.  The Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News commentator has no experience managing enormous …

The people should own the town square  —  For any enquiry regarding this announcement, please contact press@joinmastodon.org  —  Mastodon was founded on the principles that people should be able to control their social circle online, curate their own timeline, and convene freely with any community of their choosing.

Suspect arrested with ‘flamethrower’ near LA Fire is an illegal immigrant: sources  —  The homeless man tackled and zip-tied by onlookers who say he was trying to start fires with a blowtorch near a Los Angeles wildfire is an illegal immigrant who will likely be protected by California's sanctuary city status, according to sources.

Trump's deportation vows only for ‘rabid’ Republicans and will fail, says Newt Gingrich  —  Former US House speaker says documented people, Dreamers, mothers and children must not be deported  —  Newt Gingrich, the former US House speaker and presidential hopeful, said a section …

Statement from President Joe Biden on Approving Student Debt Cancellation for Over 5 Million Americans  —  Today, my Administration is approving student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers - bringing the total number of Americans who have had their student debt cancelled by my Administration to over 5 million.

Elon Musk Is an ‘Evil Person,’ Steve Bannon Says  —  The comments highlighted rifts within the U.S. right wing and between two men who have been influential advisers to President-elect Donald J. Trump.  —  Stephen K. Bannon has launched a stinging attack on Elon Musk, calling him a …

Defense pick Pete Hegseth repeatedly criticized removing names of Confederate generals from US bases  —  Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, has voiced strong opposition to removing the names of Confederate generals from US military bases, repeatedly saying the names should be changed back.

Before Taking Office, L.A.'s Mayor Said She Would Not Go Abroad  —  Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has been criticized for being out of the country when the wildfires broke out.  Three years ago, she promised in an interview to cut back on her world travel and focus on the city.

117. Judge Cannon and the Special Counsel's Report  —  The Supreme Court could soon be dragged into one last dispute arising from the prosecutions of President-Elect Trump—this time over public release of part of the Special Counsel's final report  —  Welcome back to “One First,” …

Trump's Tariffs Are Coming and Will Include Oil, Alberta Premier Warns  — Province's leader met with president-elect at Mar-a-Lago  — Ottawa shouldn't make ‘empty’ threats to curb exports: Smith  —  Canadians should be prepared to face US tariffs once Donald Trump assumes the presidency next week …

Trump's return puts Medicaid on the chopping block  —  Under President Biden, enrollment in Medicaid hit a record high and the uninsured rate reached a record low.  —  Donald Trump's return to the White House — along with a GOP-controlled Senate and House of Representatives — is expected to change that.

‘I Think Things Are Going to Be Bad, Really Bad’: The US Military Debates Possible Deployment on US Soil Under Trump  —  Trump has said he wants to use active duty U.S. troops to quell protests and round up immigrants.  Will the military comply?  —  Two National Guardsmen stand guard outside …

U.S. Image Among NATO Allies Improved Under Biden  —  But trust in U.S. leadership still weak ahead of Trump's return  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Joe Biden leaves office next week, Gallup surveys show the reputation of U.S. leadership remained fragile across NATO member countries throughout his presidency.

Moon over Mars?  Congress is determined to kill Elon Musk's space dream.  —  The Trump ally wants the U.S. to forgo the lunar surface for the red planet.  He faces one problem: Congress.  —  Trump confidant Elon Musk wants NASA to drop its ambitious plans to return to the moon and instead head straight to Mars.

Scoop: House Dems plan $10 million opening salvo for 2026 … - Jeffries has already started to message against the legislation, labeling it the “GOP tax scam part two” at a press conference last week. … - The campaign will include TV and digital ads to “hold Republicans accountable …