President-elect Donald Trump vows to hit Canada, Mexico and China with new tariffs on their products coming into the U.S. And TSA is laying out its expectations as the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

Trump plans new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China over drugs, migrants

President-elect Donald Trump has announced some of the first executive orders he plans to issue on day one of his administration. Trump said he will make good on a campaign promise by raising tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico – the latter two being the top trading partners of the U.S. – due to illegal border crossings and drugs entering the country.

Trump made the announcements Monday night, Nov. 25, on his Truth Social platform. He targeted Canada and Mexico first. 

The president-elect said on his first day in office, he will impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from those two countries, which account for 30% of trade volumes. Trump said the tariffs will remain in effect until drugs, specifically fentanyl, and illegal immigrants stop crossing into the U.S.

pic.twitter.com/0WNezG53gX

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 26, 2024

“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,” Trump said. “We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” 

In a second post on Truth Social, Trump turned his attention to China, saying he’ll charge China an additional 10% above any other tariffs on all their products coming into the U.S. 

While he said he has had many talks with Chinese officials about drugs being sent into the U.S., Trump said nothing has changed. He added, “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”

Reaction has been coming in from the countries affected by Trump’s tariff plans. 

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said, “China believes that China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. No one will win a trade or a tariff war.” 

In a joint statement, Canada’s deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, and public safety minister, Dominic LeBlancr, said, “Canada and the United States have one of the strongest and closest relationships – particularly when it comes to trade and border security. Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border.” 

Ricardo Monreal, Mexico’s lower house leader for the ruling party, responded in a post on X, saying, “The imposition of a possible tariff on Mexican products goes against the United States–Mexico–Canada agreement and does not solve the common problems of the border between Mexico and the United States…escalating trade retaliation would only hurt the people’s pocketbooks.”   

Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee for treasury secretary — who says tariffs would not add to inflation — supports the move, but many economists forecast tariffs would increase prices for U.S. consumers. 

The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated over the summer the tariff plan Trump promised on the campaign trail, which included 60% tariffs on Chinese goods, would cost the typical U.S. household more than $2,600 a year. 

A CNBC analysis said retail chains like Five Below and Dollar Tree, along with online outlet Wayfair, would be some of the most vulnerable companies when it comes to a trade war. 

Meanwhile, multiple reports said President-elect Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday night following the social media posts. The reports said the two had a “good conversation” about trade and border security.

Federal judge dismisses Trump’s 2020 election interference charges

Special Counsel Jack Smith has dropped all federal charges against President-elect Trump in connection with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. He filed the motion Monday and a federal judge granted it within hours. 

A different judge had already dismissed the federal charges against Trump for mishandling classified documents. Smith was appealing that decision before he dropped those charges as well on Monday. 

The Justice Department’s longstanding position that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime is set to apply to Trump once he takes office again in January, which is why Smith decided to give up the cases against him. 

On Truth Social, Trump posted, “I persevered, against all odds, and won.”

FBI agent acquitted in 2020 shooting arrested on sexual assault charges

An FBI agent has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting two women, according to police in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorities there also said they believe there might be other victims out there. 

Special Agent Eduardo Valdivia, 40, is facing ten counts, including two of second-degree rape. Court records indicate the incidents happened in May and September of this year. 

Valdivia is now suspended from the FBI pending the outcome of this case. 

This is not his first brush with the law. In 2020, prosecutors charged Valdivia with attempted murder in an off-duty shooting on a metro train in Bethesda, Maryland. A Montgomery County jury found him not guilty in that case in 2022.

Macy’s says employee hid $154M in expenses, delays Q3 report

Macy’s said one employee intentionally created so many accounting inconsistencies it had to delay its quarterly report. 

While the department store chain said it saw stronger-than-expected sales from July to October this year, it also discovered a now-former employee hid up to $154 million in expenses over nearly three years. The company said the issue was related to delivery expenses in one of its accrual accounts.

Macy’s delayed its third-quarter earnings report after the retailer said an employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, prompting an investigation https://t.co/7PlNTb2qp0

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 25, 2024

While the questionable expenses only account for a small fraction of the $4.36 billion in delivery expenses during that almost three-year period, the company found the errors to be significant enough to delay reporting its full quarterly earnings. 

That report was originally set to be released Tuesday, Nov. 26. It has now been pushed back until Dec. 11.

TSA preparing for ‘busiest Thanksgiving ever’ for air travel

Thanksgiving travel is taking off and this year is expected to be another for the record books. The Transportation Security Administration said it’s ready for the rush and expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports from Tuesday through next Monday, Dec. 2.

Today we kick off our busiest travel week of the year! Flying to visit with family or friends? Start your packing with an empty bag. Leftover items from past adventures often include prohibited items. Unsure what’s allowed in your carry-on or checked bag? Send a DM to our @AskTSA… pic.twitter.com/kduiVqKY5a

— David P. Pekoske (@TSA_Pekoske) November 25, 2024

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 1, is expected to be the busiest day for air travel. The TSA estimates more than three million people are likely to pass through their checkpoints that day alone. 

Meanwhile, AAA predicts nearly 80 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home — most of them by car. 

The busiest days for Thanksgiving travel this year are expected to be Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Sunday.

Dictionary.com chooses ‘demure’ as word of the year

Dictionary.com has named its 2024 Word of the Year. This year’s pick is “demure.” 

The word went viral after a video was posted on TikTok by user @JoolsLebron in August. Dictionary.com said demure saw a nearly 1,200% increase in usage in digital web media alone from January to the end of August, mainly attributed to the video.

@commentforum

@Jools Lebron #demureoriginal #verydemure #verymindful #demure

♬ original sound – commentson

The website said while demure was traditionally used to describe those who are reserved and quiet, the new usage seen on social media is meant to describe refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior.

President-elect Donald Trump continued to stock his cabinet in quick fashion over the weekend. And as travel cranks up before Thanksgiving, stormy weather might hamper some people’s plans. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Trump rounds out his cabinet with picks to lead USDA, CDC, FDA

Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump rounded out his cabinet selections. He picked several names to fill key roles in his second administration.

Trump selected Brooke Rollins as the secretary of agriculture. Rollins served under Trump in his first term, first as the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental and Technology Initiatives and then later as the acting director of the Domestic Policy Council. 

Rollins, a Texas lawyer, is currently the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank consisting of former Trump staff members. As agriculture secretary, Rollins would oversee the 10,000 employees of the USDA and be only the second woman to lead this department. 

Trump also chose hedge fund manager Scott Bessent for treasury secretary. Bessent is the founder of investment firm Key Square Capital Management and has recently become one of Trump’s top economic advisers. 

He is a former protégé of Democratic donor George Soros and was once the chief investment officer of Soros Fund Management. As treasury secretary, Bessent would oversee Trump’s tax policies and the nation’s sanctions programs. 

The president-elect named former NFL player and Texas Congressman Scott Turner to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

During Trump’s first term, Turner served as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. Turner is currently the chair for the Center for Education Opportunity at America First Policy Institute. 

President-elect Trump also announced his choices for three top health positions. 

Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and a member of the National Academy of Medicine, has been tapped to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this role, Makary would oversee the FDA’s $7 billion budget and report to Trump’s pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

Former Florida Congressman Dr. Dave Weldon is Trump’s pick to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon is a physician and Army veteran who served in the House from 1995 to 2009. 

Finally, Trump picked Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be the next U.S. Surgeon General. The doctor is a Fox News contributor and the medical director of CityMD, a network of urgent centers in New York and New Jersey. 

All of these positions will need Senate confirmation.

Israel and Hezbollah trade attacks as cease-fire deal is in the works

As reports indicate a cease-fire deal between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah could soon become a reality, the countries traded deadly and destructive strikes. 

Monday morning, Nov. 25, reports said Hezbollah attacked Galilee from Lebanon, while Israel continued to focus on the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

⭕️ 12 Hezbollah command centers were struck by the IAF in Dahieh, Beirut, including sites used by Hezbollah's Intelligence Unit, coast-to-sea missile unit, and Unit 4400—responsible for smuggling weapons from Iran through Syria into Lebanon.

These command centers were used to… pic.twitter.com/NQ6xG6DRNN

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2024

The latest round of attacks started with an Israeli strike on Beirut Saturday night, Nov. 23, that left more than two dozen people dead, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah responded to that strike by launching more than 200 rockets and drones at Israel, marking one of the heaviest bombardments of Israel since fighting intensified in September. 

Israel said its goal is to return tens of thousands of people home, who evacuated from the northern part of the country due to rocket attacks by Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks on Beirut have led the Lebanese education ministry to postpone school there until January. 

On Sunday, Nov. 24, the European Union’s foreign policy chief said a U.S. cease-fire proposal was awaiting final approval from Israel.

At least 1 killed after cargo plane crashes, skids into home in Lithuania

At least one person is dead after a DHL cargo plane crashed while approaching an airport in Lithuania’s capital Monday morning. Officials said the plane split into pieces, then skidded for a few hundred feet into a nearby home.

A cargo plane flying on behalf of German logistics company DHL crashed near Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania, killing at least one person.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the disaster. https://t.co/1l1dAT59zY pic.twitter.com/5Ap7GKUtiW

— DW News (@dwnews) November 25, 2024

The flight had taken off from Germany and crashed around 5:30 a.m. local time while approaching its final destination in Vilnius, Lithuania. 

Officials said the person who was killed was a member of the flight crew but was not a pilot. Three other people on board were injured. Nobody on the ground got hurt. 

Officials said at least 12 people had to be evacuated from the home. 

Investigators are looking into the cause of the crash and have not yet ruled out it being an act of terrorism.

Winter storms expected across the U.S. this Thanksgiving week

As Thanksgiving travel ramps up another round of wintry weather is expected to cause some issues. 

In California, where two bodies were recovered from floodwaters on Saturday, authorities are bracing for more downpours while still dealing with flooding and landslides from last week’s “bomb cyclone.” On top of that, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, Nov. 26, with heavy snow expected at higher elevations and wind gusts potentially reaching 55 MPH. That area is expected to get up to four feet of snow by Wednesday. Nov. 27.

Periods of rain showers are expected for the Valley through Wednesday. 1 to 2 feet of additional snow up to 4 feet at the highest peaks is forecast to fall on the mountains. Make sure to travel safe and visit https://t.co/WjKBsJmSfA for updates! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/QyrmHZJFzR

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 24, 2024

Forecasters said the Midwest and Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow Monday, while the east coast will feel the effects on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. 

So far, this upcoming weekend is shaping up to have pretty clear conditions for travelers heading home.

Biden set to issue his final Thanksgiving turkey pardon

President Joe Biden will take part in a Thanksgiving tradition at the White House Monday: his final turkey pardon.

TALKING TURKEY: Just met with Peach and Blossom, the @natlturkeyfed 2024 presidentially-pardoned Turkeys. See highlights Monday on @cbsmornings 🌞 and @cbsnews 24/7. pic.twitter.com/TCeWqMDnFH

— Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) November 24, 2024

The two lucky birds getting spared this year are Peach and Blossom from Minnesota. They got to live in the lap of luxury at the famed Willard Intercontinental Washington hotel near the White House while waiting for their permanent clemency from becoming a Thanksgiving feast. 

The annual pardon of the turkeys will take place at 11 a.m. ET. The birds will then return to Minnesota to live out their days on a farm.

‘Wicked’ has best opening weekend for Broadway to film adaption

It was a magical weekend at the box office as the movie “Wicked” proved to be quite popular with audiences. 

The film, based on the Broadway hit about the land of Oz before, during and after Dorothy’s famous visit, was number one in North America. It raked in $114 million, making it the third-biggest domestic opening of the year.

The film, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is now the number one Broadway-to-film adaptation and ranks fourth for the biggest debuts for a musical in history.

President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time replacing his embattled attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz with Pam Bondi. We’ve got the details of her background. And a volcano in Iceland, once dormant for 800 years, has erupted again — for the seventh time this year. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Trump picks Bondi after Gaetz withdrawal; Hegseth responds to police report

President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new pick to be U.S. Attorney General. The announcement came just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Bondi served as Florida’s first female attorney general from 2011 to 2019. A year later, she was one of the lawyers who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial where he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate. She also served on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first term.

Bondi and Trump’s connection came under scrutiny in 2013 when she did not join a lawsuit against Trump in connection to fraud allegations toward Trump University. At the time, Trump’s foundation made a $25,000 donation to a campaign group backing Bondi. Both denied any impropriety. 

The 59-year-old Bondi currently leads the legal arm of the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute, which worked with the Trump campaign to help shape policy for his upcoming administration. If confirmed by the Senate, she would oversee the Department of Justice. 

In announcing his pick on his platform Truth Social, Trump said, “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime, and making America safe again.”

pic.twitter.com/TUeI8gUtHc

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 21, 2024

Gaetz, who resigned from Congress shortly after Trump nominated him, released a statement earlier in the day saying his confirmation was “unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition.” He also called Trump’s nomination of Bondi a “stellar selection.” 

The former Florida congressman had been the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, including accusations he had sex with a 17-year-old girl. He has denied any wrongdoing and the panel did not agree on Wednesday, Nov. 20, on whether to release its report. 

Now attention is turning to Trump’s pick for defense secretary, war veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. He met with Senators on Thursday as a newly released police report detailed allegations about an alleged sexual assault in 2017. 

The report was released to media outlets in response to public records requests. No charges were filed in the case and Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual. 

Hegseth spoke to reporters about the allegations Thursday. 

“As far as the media is concerned, I’ll put it very simple: the matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared and that’s where I’m going to leave it,” he said. 

Hegseth’s attorney said the allegations are false and Hegseth settled in 2020 only out of fear that he would lose his job at Fox News if the woman’s accusations became public.

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey concedes to Republican rival Dave McCormick

Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race is over. Democratic incumbent Bob Casey has conceded to Republican opponent Dave McCormick. 

The Associated Press called the race in favor of McCormick two days after the election. 

It was one of the closest races in the state’s history — so close, it triggered an automatic recount under state law. Despite Casey conceding, the recount is still going on and results are expected Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our commonwealth. Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service, hard work, and personal sacrifice.

I am so honored to represent every single citizen in… https://t.co/aUxlLZJMua

— Dave McCormick (@DaveMcCormickPA) November 21, 2024

This is Pennsylvania’s fourth recount since 2004. None of the previous ones changed the outcome. 

With McCormick’s victory, Republicans will control the U.S. Senate by a 53-47 margin, picking up four seats in the 2024 election.

Alabama carries out nation’s 3rd nitrogen gas execution

An Alabama prisoner became the third person in not just the state, but the U.S. to be executed with nitrogen gas Thursday night. Carey Grayson, 50, was one of four men convicted of murdering a female hitchhiker in 1994 when he was a teenager. 

The U.S. Supreme Court denied Grayson’s final petition to halt the execution Thursday afternoon. 

In a controversial move, Alabama began using nitrogen gas this year to carry out some executions. It entails the inmate inhaling pure nitrogen through a mask until he suffocates. Critics say it is inhumane and painful, but the state maintains the method is constitutional.

NFL issues security alert after homes of Mahomes, Kelce burglarized

The NFL has issued a warning for players after thieves burglarized the homes of two of its biggest stars in the league. Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had their homes broken into within days of each other last month in the Kansas City metro area.

South American crime ring suspected in Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes robberies https://t.co/21De6ZTGMj pic.twitter.com/O3KeYiyihX

— New York Post (@nypost) November 20, 2024

The NFL put out a security alert Thursday saying the criminals target players’ homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. 

NFL officials also recommended players avoid updating social media with check-ins or daily activities until the end of the day and refrain from posting expensive items on their accounts.

Volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula erupts for 7th time this year

In Iceland, a volcano has erupted for the seventh time just this year. This latest eruption happened late Wednesday night in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Tourists had to be evacuated from the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous tourist attraction. Iceland’s official tourism site said this most recent event, which created a nearly two-mile fissure, was significantly smaller than the last eruption in August which opened a 2.5-mile fissure.

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A post shared by PBS News (@newshour)

Experts said the volcano had been dormant for 800 years before it became active again in 2021. Since then, a total of 10 eruptions have happened, including this latest one.

Ohtani, Judge named MLB’s most valuable players

Baseball superstars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge both had award-winning seasons, and now, both have been named MVPs of their respective leagues.

For the second straight year, both MVPs have won unanimously!

2023 and 2024 are the only two times that both MVPs were unanimous selections. pic.twitter.com/tkmu3IHmem

— MLB (@MLB) November 22, 2024

In a unanimous decision on Thursday, the Dodgers’ Ohtani, who became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season, claimed his third MVP title. It’s his first in the National League. He joins Hall of Famer Frank Thomas as the only two players to get MVP honors in both leagues. 

Judge received his second American League MVP in the last three years. 

The two culminated their MVP seasons by meeting in last month’s World Series, where Ohtani and the Dodgers walked away with the championship.

Ukraine has accused Russia of launching intercontinental ballistic missiles. The FBI says it thwarted an attack on the New York Stock Exchange. And the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a one-two punch as a “bomb cyclone” combines with an atmospheric river. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

Ukraine says Russia fires intercontinental ballistic missile

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during a morning attack Thursday, Nov. 21. If confirmed, this would be the first time Russia has used the powerful long-range weapon since the start of the war.

Russia’s actions follow Ukraine reportedly firing U.S. and British-made missiles at targets inside Russia this week. Russia has said Ukraine’s use of western weapons to strike inside the country would be seen as an escalation in the war. 

Ukraine said Thursday’s attack from Russia targeted critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down six cruise missiles during the attack.

‼️ The Ukrainian city of Dnipro became the first city in human history to be struck by an intercontinental ballistic missile. It is a historic turning point. An intercontinental ballistic missile used not on a firing range, but against a city of a million people. pic.twitter.com/TyXjY3TjFz

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 21, 2024

It is not clear yet what, specifically, the intercontinental ballistic missile targeted or whether it caused any damage in Ukraine.

Florida man charged in plot to blow up New York Stock Exchange

A Florida man is facing charges after being accused of planning to blow up the New York Stock Exchange. The FBI said agents arrested Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, on Wednesday, Nov. 20. 

The investigation started in February after the FBI received a tip that Yener was keeping bombmaking supplies in a storage unit. Investigators said they found bombmaking sketches, watches with timers, electronic circuit boards and other electronics that could be used for building explosive devices in Yener’s Coral Springs storage unit. 

Court documents indicate Yener also told undercover FBI agents he wanted to set off the bomb the week before Thanksgiving. He’s also quoted as saying “tons of people” would support an attack on the stock exchange and that his goal was to “reset” or “reboot” the U.S. government.

House Ethics Committee reaches ‘no agreement’ on release of Gaetz report

The House Ethics Committee was not able to come to an agreement Wednesday, Nov. 20, on whether to release the report on its investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general. 

Since 2021, the committee had been looking into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against the Florida lawmaker, though, it paused its investigation for a time while the Justice Department conducted a probe of its own. The DOJ ultimately did not file any charges due to credibility problems with the witnesses. 

The House committee ended its investigation last week after Gaetz resigned as a member of Congress following Trump’s nomination. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. 

Wednesday’s closed-door meeting in Washington, D.C. lasted a little over two hours. 

Republican Congressman Michael Guest of Mississippi, who chairs the committee, told reporters before the start of the meeting that some of the reservations he had about releasing the report were that it was not complete and had “not gone through the review process.” 

Meanwhile, ranking Democrat Congresswoman Susan Wild of Pennsylvania said the decision came down to party lines with the five Republicans on the panel siding against releasing the report and the five Democrats voting in favor of it. Wild said the committee will convene again on Dec. 5 to “further consider the matter.” 

Following the panel’s meeting, two Democratic congressmen each moved to compel a vote from the full House on the issue. 

The Trump transition team has called the accusations against Gaetz “baseless.” 

Vice President-elect JD Vance was at the Capitol Wednesday accompanying Gaetz to meetings with Republican senators. Vance was looking to shore up support prior to a confirmation hearing next year. Gaetz told reporters Wednesday night that senators have been “supportive,” and they have promised “a fair process.”

Deadly ‘bomb cyclone’ combines with atmospheric river to wreak more havoc

Parts of the west coast are now facing a new threat as a deadly “bomb cyclone” winds down: it’s now combining with an atmospheric river. The combination is expected to cause heavy downpours and lead to life-threatening flooding throughout the rest of this week.

Video from Bellevue WA of very strong wind gusts knocking down a tree onto powerlines and tree branches flying in the air.

📷: Sada Saleel #BCStormWatch #wawx #BombCyclone pic.twitter.com/Hxkp33U49u

— michael_wx_ (@michaelwx6) November 20, 2024

At least two people were killed, and more than 200,000 homes and businesses remain without power in Washington state after hurricane-force winds from the bomb cyclone roared through, triggering mudslides, blocking roads and damaging homes. 

Now, the atmospheric river is expected to bring up to 16 inches of rain and snow to parts of northern California and Oregon. It will turn into wet snow at higher elevations in the Cascade Mountains creating blizzard conditions there.

DOJ asks judge to force Google to sell off its Chrome web browser

The U.S. government wants to break up Google. The Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to force the sale of the Google Chrome web browser to keep the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine. 

This comes after a landmark ruling earlier this year found Google violated U.S. antitrust law to maintain an abusive monopoly over the past decade. 

In a 23-page document, the Justice Department also called for tighter restrictions to prevent Android from favoring Google’s search engine. 

Bloomberg reported that if the move is approved by a judge, Chrome could sell for as much as $20 billion.

UConn’s Geno Auriemma becomes winningest coach in NCAA Division I history

History was made at the University of Connecticut Wednesday night. The Huskies’ Geno Auriemma became the winningest coach in NCAA Division I basketball history — men or women’s. 

No. 2 ranked UConn defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 85-41, giving Auriemma his 1,217th career win in front of a sold-out hometown crowd, 60-plus former players, and a live goat — to signify he is now the GOAT.

The GOAT with a goat 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Vs5I5Gqkl8

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 21, 2024

Auriemma surpassed legendary Stanford coach Tara Vanderveer’s record. She had set the record last season before retiring. Vanderveer took over the title of wins leader from longtime Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. 

The 70-year-old Auriemma is in his 40th season at UConn. He has led the Huskies to six undefeated seasons, 23 final fours and 11 national titles.

A key meeting of the House Ethics Committee could affect the nomination of former Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general. And President-elect Donald Trump looks on as Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches its latest Starship test flight. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

House Ethics Committee to discuss Gaetz report amid calls for its release

The bipartisan House Ethics Committee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 20, where it is expected the group will discuss whether to release a report on its investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Gaetz is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general — a position that requires Senate approval.

It is not yet known if the committee will hold a vote on the matter. Since Gaetz resigned as a member of the House after Trump nominated him, the probe has ended, but there have been continued calls from both sides of the aisle to see the committee’s findings. 

The Ethics Committee was looking into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against Gaetz.  Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and a similar Justice Department investigation led to no charges. The DOJ found the accusers lacked credibility. 

However, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, nearly 100 House Democrats came together to pen a letter urging for the immediate release of the report. The letter, led by Illinois Congressman Sean Casten (D) and sent to the committee chairman, read in part:

“Given the seriousness of the charges against Representative Gaetz, withholding the findings of your investigation may jeopardize the Senate’s ability to provide fully informed, constitutionally required advice and consent regarding this nomination. Representative Gaetz’s abrupt resignation from Congress should not circumvent the Senate’s ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.”

🚨 NEWS: I led nearly 100 House Democrats in a letter urging the House Ethics Committee to release the Gaetz report immediately.

This information must be made available for the Senate to provide its constitutionally required advice and consent. pic.twitter.com/oF7CnNMDdk

— Rep. Sean Casten (@RepCasten) November 19, 2024

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has said he’s against the public release of the report because Gaetz is no longer a member of Congress. 

A Trump transition team official said the president-elect has been “heavily working the phones” to get Republican senators to support Matt Gaetz. 

While attending the latest SpaceX launch in Texas on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Trump was asked by a reporter if he was reconsidering Gaetz as attorney general. He said, “No.” 

Vice President-elect JD Vance will be at the Capitol Wednesday for meetings with Gaetz and key GOP senators, as well as Trump’s pick for secretary of state, former Fox News host and U.S. Army veteran Pete Hegseth. Hegseth is also facing scrutiny from members of Congress. 

This all comes as reports came out Tuesday that a hacker gained access to sworn testimony of two women involved in the Gaetz investigation, including that of a woman who claimed Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 years old and another who said she witnessed the encounter. Reports said the information has not yet been made public by the hacker.

Trump picks Lutnick, McMahon, Oz for cabinet positions

As for the latest picks for the incoming Trump administration, the president-elect selected billionaire Wall Street executive Howard Lutnick as his commerce secretary on Tuesday.  

The CEO of brokerage and investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald is currently serving as co-chair of Trump’s transition team. Trump said Lutnick will lead his tariff and trade agenda. 

Trump also nominated Linda McMahon, the other co-chair on his transition team to head the Department of Education. During his campaign, Trump called for the dismantling of that department. 

McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, was the Small Business Services secretary during Trump’s first term. She has served one year on the Connecticut Board of Education.

I am honored to be nominated by @realDonaldTrump to lead CMS. I look forward to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under the leadership of HHS Secretary @RobertKennedyJr. pic.twitter.com/aYIQJHG5Ej

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) November 19, 2024

Trump also picked Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which lies within the Department of Health and Human Services. The heart surgeon-turned-television host will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice for health secretary. 

Oz unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, losing to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman.

Trump watches as SpaceX launches Starship rocket

On Tuesday, as President-elect Trump looked on from SpaceX’s Starbase in Brownsville, Texas, the company — owned by his close ally Elon Musk — celebrated its sixth successful launch of its Starship rocket. However, not every part of the plan went off without a hitch. 

After nailing it on the first try last month, the company aborted its highly anticipated booster catch attempt Tuesday. Instead, spectators watched as the booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite that, the mission was overall a success.

https://publish.twitter.com/?query=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSpaceX%2Fstatus%2F1859060296851268040&widget=Tweet

SpaceX also said Tuesday’s test flight marked the first time Starship has successfully ignited one of its Raptor engines while in space, which would be necessary for returning to orbit. 

It was the latest test for the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket, which SpaceX and NASA hope to use to get astronauts back on the moon and eventually Mars.

Netanyahu offers $5M reward for each hostage freed from Gaza

As cease-fire talks to end the fighting in Gaza continue to stall, Israel estimates around a hundred hostages remain in Hamas custody. Now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is offering a $5 million reward for anyone who returns a hostage and to provide those who do with safe passage out of Gaza.  

Netanyahu announced the reward during a visit to Gaza on Tuesday, where he was shown the Israeli military’s Netzarim corridor — a key access road and buffer zone constructed by Israel’s army to dissect northern Gaza from the southern part.

החמאס לא ישלוט בעזה. מי שיעז לפגוע בחטופינו – דמו בראשו. אנחנו נרדוף אתכם, ואנחנו נשיג אתכם. pic.twitter.com/6Coj7l410O

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 19, 2024

At the same time, Netanyahu vowed Israel would hunt down and punish anyone who hurts a hostage. 

Of the 101 captives still estimated to remain in Gaza, about a third of them are believed to already be dead.

Comcast to spin off its NBCUniversal cable channels

According to multiple news outlets, Comcast is planning to spin off its NBCUniversal cable networks into a separate company. The spinoff would include MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen, E!, Syfy and the Golf Channel. 

Comcast’s NBCUniversal division would keep the cable network Bravo, the NBC broadcast network, its Peacock streaming service, and all other assets, like NBC Sports and the Universal theme parks. 

Reports say the spinoff is expected to take about a year to complete and an official announcement could come as early as Wednesday.

René Magritte’s ‘L’empire des Lumières’ sells for record $12 million

Famous René Magritte painting “L’empire de Lumieres,” or “Empire of Light,” sold at auction Tuesday for $121.2 million; a record for the late Belgian Surrealist artist. 

As one of the largest paintings in a succession of 27 works with the same title, the 1954 canvas is well known among 20th century art experts for its scale, pristine condition and subtle details.

#WorldRecord René Magritte’s seminal ‘L’empire des lumières’ shatters the record price for any work by the artist and any Surrealist work of art, selling for US$121,160,000 after nearly 10 minutes of bidding, closing out MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN Part I.#2021NY pic.twitter.com/pHdL3t82ur

— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) November 20, 2024

The painting came from the collection of the socialite Mica Ertegun.  Christie’s auction house described the artwork as the “crown jewel” of its former owner. It had been expected to sell for around $95 million. 

The New York Times reported Magritte is now the 16th artist whose work broke the $100 million threshold.

The heat gets turned up on Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, as the House Ethics Committee weighs whether to release its report. And New York City issues a historic drought warning. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

Lawyer details Gaetz accusations as committee mulls report release

President-elect Donald Trump continues to make cabinet appointments, despite some of his choices sparking controversy on both sides of the aisle.

On Monday, Nov. 18, Trump announced he selected former Wisconsin congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as his secretary of the Department of Transportation. Fox Business confirmed Duffy’s last day as an employee was Monday. 

In a statement, Trump said Duffy will “prioritize excellence, competence, competitiveness and beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports.” 

Meanwhile, one of Trump’s cabinet picks has become the topic of conversation and controversy among lawmakers in the House and Senate. 

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump’s choice for attorney general, has been under investigation by the bipartisan House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The committee is expected to hold a closed-door meeting Wednesday, Nov. 20, to discuss whether it will release a report of its findings. 

Since Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trump’s nomination, the committee’s investigation has ended but the future of the report is still in question. 

The Justice Department declined to charge Gaetz last year after its lengthy Investigation into the allegations. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. 

However, on Monday a lawyer for two women who claim Gaetz paid them for sex, said that one of his clients saw Gaetz having sex with a friend who was 17 at the time during a house party in Florida in 2017. Florida attorney Joel Leppard told multiple news outlets his client testified about what she saw to the Ethics committee. 

“She testified [that] in July of 2017, at this house party, she was walking out to the pool area, and she looked to her right, and she saw Representative Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17,” Leppard said. 

According to Leppard’s client, Gaetz stopped having a sexual relationship with the girl when he found out she was underage. 

Trump transition team spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer responded to the allegations saying, “Matt Gaetz will be the next attorney general. He’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponization of our justice system. These are baseless allegations intended to derail the second Trump administration. The Biden justice department investigated Gaetz for years and cleared him of wrongdoing.” 

While the lawyer for the two women making the accusations against Gaetz joins calls from both sides of the aisle to release the Ethic Committee’s report, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not recommend the committee do so. Johnson said since Gaetz left Congress, he does not think that would be appropriate.

Reports: Trump to join Musk for SpaceX launch in Texas

President-elect Trump is planning to attend SpaceX’s launch in Texas Tuesday, Nov. 19. 

According to reports, Trump will be there along with ally and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to see the company’s sixth test of its Starship rocket. The launch is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. 

Musk has been by Trump’s side in recent days, attending meetings last week at Mar-a-Lago and in Washington and joining the president-elect at the UFC event in Madison Square Garden over the weekend, where they received a thunderous welcome. 

Musk was recently named to lead Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency along with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court sides with Republicans on misdated ballots

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court sided with Republicans Monday, directing all the state’s county election officials not to count certain mail-in ballots. While the ballots arrived on time, they were in envelopes without the correct dates, handwritten by voters. 

The order was prompted by a request from the Republican National Committee and Pennsylvania’s Republican party. Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks County leaders voted to count hundreds of such ballots in recent days, even though the Supreme Court already said they could not be included in this election. 

This comes as the Pennsylvania Senate race is headed to an automatic recount. While the Associated Press has declared Republican candidate David McCormick the winner, saying he narrowly edged Democratic incumbent Bob Casey, McCormick’s unofficial margin of victory stands at roughly 26,000 votes. That leaves it within the 0.5% threshold required under Pennsylvania law to trigger an automatic recount.

45 pro-democracy activists sentenced to prison in Hong Kong

A court in Hong Kong sentenced dozens of pro-democracy activists to 4 to 10 years in prison Tuesday in the single largest trial under a national security law introduced in 2020. Critics say it has been used by Beijing to all but eliminate political dissent in the Chinese territory. 

The court convicted 45 of 47 defendants of conspiracy to commit subversion for organizing or participating in an unofficial primary election for the city legislature in 2020, despite government warnings not to. The other two defendants were acquitted earlier this year. 

Legal scholar Benny Tai, whom judges said was the mastermind behind the election, got the longest sentence of 10 years.

New York City under drought warning for first time in 22 years

For the first time in more than two decades, a drought warning is in effect for New York City. 

Dry conditions across the Northeast have prompted city and state officials to implement water-conservation protocols. On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams upgraded the drought warning and temporarily halted a $2 billion aqueduct repair project that had stopped drinking water from flowing from some reservoirs in the Catskill region. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also issued a statewide drought watch Monday and elevated 15 counties to drought warning status, asking residents to conserve water whenever possible. 

Dozens of fires have broken out in the New York City area over the past few weeks, as well as across the state line in northern New Jersey, because things are so bone dry.

Jersey Mike’s Subs could soon be sold in $8 billion deal

Private equity firm Blackstone could soon own the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s Subs. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deal would value Jersey Mike’s at $8 billion, including debt. 

Blackstone has a history of investing in franchise businesses. It just made a deal in April to buy Tropical Smoothie Cafe. 

Consulting company Technomic said Jersey Mike’s is the second largest sub-style sandwich company in the U.S. by sales after Subway.

With North Korea entering the war, the Biden administration is now allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russia. And President-elect Donald Trump returned to New York for a UFC showdown this weekend while also making more presidential picks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles

It’s been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the U.S. has supported Ukraine since the start, President Joe Biden is now easing limitations on how U.S.-supplied weapons can be used.

U.S. officials said the president has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles provided by the U.S. to strike inside Russia for the first time. This comes as Russian ally North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to the Kursk region.

The policy shift comes as President Biden’s time in office winds down and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to limit U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has also promised to quickly put an end to the war with Russia but has yet to say how.

Biden’s decision comes as Russia unleashed a barrage of its own missiles in Ukraine Sunday, Nov. 17. Ukrainian authorities said 10 people, including two children, were killed and dozens injured in a Russian strike on a residential building in Sumy, near the Russian border.

Earlier in the day, Russia launched its largest attack against Ukraine since August, once again targeting power plants and energy infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian authorities said at least five people were killed in those strikes.

On the social site Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired into the country, with Ukrainian air defenses downing more than 140 targets.

Israeli strike in Beirut kills Hezbollah’s top spokesman

An Israeli strike on a neighborhood in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top spokesman, according to the militant group. 

Mohammed Afif was an adviser to the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, whom Israel killed in an attack on Beirut in September. Afif had been responsible for Hezbollah’s media relations since 2014. 

Lebanon’s health ministry said no evacuation warning was issued before the strike, which happened in the middle of the day, and four people were killed.

🔴ELIMINATED: Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif

Afif was a senior Hezbollah military operative, in contact with senior officials and directly involved in advancing and executing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.

Messages broadcasted… pic.twitter.com/Iw3WFynSIz

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a “precise, intelligence-based strike” that “eliminated the terrorist Mohammed Afif, the chief propagandist and spokesperson of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”

Trump attends UFC event in New York City, makes more picks for 2nd term

Over the weekend, President-elect Trump returned to Madison Square Garden to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view event. It was the first time Trump was back at the New York City venue since his rally last month and he received roaring applause from the UFC crowd Saturday night, Nov. 16, including chants of “USA!” 

Trump was joined by friend and UFC President Dana White, as well as some of the names he’s recently picked to join his administration, including Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also in attendance.

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The president-elect also shook hands with Joe Rogan, one of the commentators for the event. Trump was a guest on Rogan’s podcast in the days leading up to the election. 

Trump’s weekend also involved filling more key positions in his administration, including nominating Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a Denver, Colorado based fracking company. 

He also picked current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the agency’s chairman. Carr recently made headlines after claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live violated FCC rules. 

More nominations from the president-elect are expected to come this week.

Biden becomes first sitting president to visit Amazon rainforest

President Biden made history Sunday, Nov. 17, becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest. 

While there, Biden met indigenous leaders and visited a museum at the gateway to the amazon. He also toured the drought-shrunken waters of the Amazon River’s greatest tributary and signed a U.S. proclamation designating Nov. 17 International Conservation Day, highlighting his commitment to the preservation of the region. 

He also touched on concerns the incoming Trump administration might change U.S. climate policy. 

“It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January,” Biden said. “I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so.”

Today I issued an official proclamation to support the conservation of nature around the world.

Because the fight to protect our planet is a fight for humanity. pic.twitter.com/dIhhaTxDh9

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 18, 2024

That was the most that Biden publicly referenced President-elect Trump during his South American tour. 

The transition was briefly mentioned during Chinese president Xi Jinping’s remarks on Saturday, Nov. 16 during his final meeting with Biden. While he also did not mention Trump by name, Xi appeared to signal his concern over what the new administration could mean for China’s relationship with the U.S. During his campaign, Trump promised to levy 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.

Reports: WBD, NBA settle with 11-year deal; ‘Inside the NBA’ to air on ABC

Warner Brothers Discovery is back in the game when it comes to the NBA. Though the company will no longer be airing games on its TNT network after this season, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets report the two sides have come to an agreement to keep NBA programming in the Warner Bros. family.  

The reports said the new deal will settle Warner Brothers Discovery’s breach of contract lawsuit, which it filed against the league after the NBA signed rights deals with Disney’s ESPN, Comcast’s NBC, and Amazon. 

This 11-year agreement will see NBA content remain on Warner Bros. Discovery’s digital platforms Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. It also gives Warner Brothers Discovery the right to distribute games overseas in places such as northern Europe and parts of Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil.  

Reports said Warner Brothers Discovery also struck a deal with Disney to license its popular TNT show “Inside the NBA,” featuring former-players-turned-commentators Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley starting next season. The show will air throughout the season on ABC and ESPN.  

The deals are expected to be officially announced this week.

Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live for Tyson vs. Paul

Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live to watch the boxing match between former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul Friday night, Nov. 15. The fight peaked at 65 million concurrent streams. 

After eight rounds, the 27-year-old Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson in a unanimous decision.

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Netflix also said 50 million households watched the co-main event that saw Katie Taylor retain her championship against Amanda Serrano. The streaming giant said that would make it the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in United States history. 

Netflix said more information, like total viewers, will be released later this week. 

Netflix’s future live sporting events will include NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE weekly programming starting next year.

President-elect Trump has named RFK Jr. as his Health and Human Services Secretary. And fight fans are ready for a streaming spectacle: former champ Mike Tyson will return to the ring to take on social media star Jake Paul. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

Trump calls RFK Jr. a ‘great mind’ after health secretary nomination

Reaction is coming in from both sides of the aisle after President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in his upcoming administration.

Trump himself took the stage Thursday night, Nov. 14, to commend Kennedy during an America First Policy Institute gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. 

“[Kennedy is] another one, who’s a great guy and great mind and so popular, and I think he’s right, he wants to make people healthy,” Trump said. “It’s driven him pretty wild over the last number of years, and the Democrats didn’t treat him well. He was doing fantastically well.”

“Today I nominated him for, I guess if you like health and you like people that live a long time, it’s the most important position RFK Jr.,” Trump said.

Kennedy responded to the nomination earlier in the day, posting on X in part, “We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic disease epidemic.”

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A post shared by RFK Jr. (@robertfkennedyjr)

The 70-year-old Kennedy is a former Democrat, who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race. He would oversee a group of health agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. 

The position requires Senate confirmation. So far, the nomination has received both praise and disapproval from lawmakers as well as some of Kennedy’s own family members. 

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R) called Kennedy “a brilliant, courageous truth-teller whose unwavering commitment to transparency will make America a healthier nation.” 

Meanwhile, critics of Kennedy pointed to his previous comments questioning vaccinations. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D) said in a statement, “Mr. Kennedy’s outlandish views on basic scientific facts are disturbing and should worry all parents who expect schools and other public spaces to be safe for their children.” 

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey (D) just posted three words: “Dangerous. Unqualified. Unserious.” 

Kennedy is also the founder of the Children’s Health Defense, which is described by media outlets as the leading anti-vaccine group in the nation. 

When pressed on the subject of vaccinations by both NBC News and NPR in interviews earlier this month, Kennedy said if put into this type of role he is “not going to take away anybody’s vaccinations.”

President-elect Trump adds more names to his cabinet

President-elect Trump made more news at the Mar-a-Lago gala Thursday night, announcing he will be nominating North Dakota Gov. and former presidential candidate Doug Burgum for interior secretary. Trump said a formal announcement will come Friday, Nov. 15. 

Also on Thursday, Trump nominated Doug Collins as Veterans Affairs secretary. The former Republican congressman from Georgia and Iraq war veteran was a supporter of Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2019. 

Trump also named three of his lawyers to positions in the Justice Department. 

Trump nominated Todd Blanche for deputy attorney general. Blanche has led Trump’s defense in three of his criminal cases. 

He appointed Emil Bove as principal associate deputy attorney general. Bove was an attorney on Trump’s New York and Florida cases. 

Finally, John Sauer, who won the presidential immunity case at the U.S. Supreme Court, is Trump’s pick for solicitor general.

House Ethics Committee cancels meeting on Matt Gaetz investigation

The Republican-led House Ethics Committee canceled its meeting over the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, according to multiple outlets citing sources. Gaetz resigned from Congress earlier this week after President-elect Trump announced he’s nominating Gaetz for attorney general. 

The meeting, which was scheduled for Friday morning, Nov. 15, before Gaetz resigned, was supposed to focus on the investigation into multiple allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, and obstruction. 

Now, there are calls from both sides of the aisle to make the results of the investigation public anyway, especially from senators who will be tasked with whether to approve Gaetz’s nomination.

Tropical Storm Sara brings dangerous torrential rain to Honduras

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall late Thursday in northern Honduras, bringing torrential rain as it skirts the country’s coast. Authorities there have warned of the potential for dangerous flash flooding and landslides, with the country’s president saying it could “become a catastrophic event.”

The slow-moving nature of Tropical Storm Sara while over the land will unleash tremendous rainfall, flash flooding and mudslides. https://t.co/6yxr2J2Xvz pic.twitter.com/Lji4aoxKzF

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) November 14, 2024

Honduran officials have issued the highest-level warning along the country’s northern coast and activated the national police and military for rescue and relief efforts. Sara is expected to move inland, making landfall over Belize on Sunday, Nov. 17, before dissipating over the Yucatán Peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

This marks the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.

Annual UFO report finds 21 cases that can’t be explained

The Pentagon investigated more than 700 sightings of UFOs — or UAPs, as the government prefers to call them — last year, according to a new report released Thursday.  

UAP stands for unidentified anomalous phenomena and of the hundreds of reports last year, they cannot plausibly explain the source of 21 of them. 

Pentagon officials maintain they’ve found no evidence of alien activity, but the government’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) said it takes every report seriously and investigates each one.

If none of this UAP stuff exists, if it’s all false, why at every turn are people trying to stop transparency? You can’t talk about fight club if there’s no fight club. pic.twitter.com/otPGNbwu71

— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) November 13, 2024

Of the new reports the AARO has received, nearly 50 have already been closed as everyday items, such as balloons, birds or drones. The government agency expects to resolve another 243 cases by identifying them as one of those objects. 

More than 400 of the new reports were put into an active archive because there was not enough data or evidence to keep investigating.

Tyson vs. Paul in Netflix’s first live streaming boxing event

History will be made Friday night, Nov. 15, as Netflix is set to stream the boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. It will be the first live boxing event for the streaming giant and the first professional match for the 58-year-old Tyson since 2015. 

The two faced off during a final weigh-in on Thursday, with Tyson slapping Paul. The eight-round match at AT&T Stadium in Texas was postponed from July after Tyson suffered an inflamed ulcer weeks before the bout.

Reports indicate both competitors are expected to have a big payday. Tyson, who has a record of 50-6, will reportedly make $20 million and the 27-year-old Paul, who has a record of 10-1, will make $40 million. 

Paul’s startup, Most Valuable Promotions, teamed up with Netflix to bring the fight together. 

Netflix currently has more than 282 million paid subscribers worldwide and Paul predicts at least 25 million of them will tune in. If that comes to pass, it’ll make this the most watched boxing match of all time.

President-elect Donald Trump has made his selection for attorney general: Rep. Matt Gaetz. Why it might be an uphill battle for the Florida congressman to get confirmed. And we now know in a clean sweep, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives. Who GOP lawmakers voted to lead them in the next term. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

Gaetz resigns from Congress after being picked as Trump’s attorney general

President-elect Trump selected more names for key cabinet positions on Wednesday, Nov. 13, including nominating Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general. That choice is being met with opposition from some Senate Republicans — who would need to confirm the pick.

Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives just hours after the nomination came out. 

“I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said of Gaetz’s decision. “That caught us by surprise a little bit. But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, ‘Well, you can’t have too many absences.’ So, under Florida state law there is about an eight-week period to select and fill a vacant seat.” 

Johnson said Gaetz’s resignation started the clock for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to call for a special election to fill the vacancy, which will narrow Republicans’ slight majority in the House. 

In making his nomination, Trump called Gaetz a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney…who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.” 

If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz would be in charge of the same department that investigated him for years over sex trafficking allegations. Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and the DOJ last year ultimately decided not to press charges. 

A bipartisan House Ethics Committee is in the final stages of its own investigation into Gaetz. Gaetz told the committee in September he was done cooperating with its investigation. 

His resignation would put an end to that investigation, as the Ethics Committee does not have jurisdiction over former House members. 

Trump’s announcement came during the House Republicans’ closed door leadership election, with lawmakers telling several news outlets that there were “audible gasps” in the room when they heard the pick. 

In response to Gaetz’s nomination, multiple senators went on record not throwing their full support behind the decision. One senator told Fox News Gaetz “will never be confirmed” and another said it “ain’t gonna happen.” 

Gaetz’s office has not responded to the criticism. Gaetz himself issued a statement on social media in response to the nod from the president-elect, saying, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”

It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General! pic.twitter.com/dg0iQ0bA6Y

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 13, 2024

Johnson wins nomination for speaker as GOP takes House majority

The landscape of Congress in the new year became clearer on Wednesday with Republicans winning enough seats to control the House. Victories in Arizona and California gave the GOP the 218 seats needed to make up the majority in the chamber. 

Republicans will now have control of the House and the Senate when President-elect Trump takes office. GOP lawmakers voted on leadership in both chambers Wednesday.

It is a new day in America.

Congratulations to the members of our House GOP leadership team, @SteveScalise, @GOPMajorityWhip, @RepLisaMcClain, @RepRichHudson, @repkevinhern, @RepBlakeMoore, and @RepHouchin.

I’m humbled and honored to have been unanimously selected again by… pic.twitter.com/H2cHInDbGI

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 14, 2024

House Speaker Mike Johnson won the nomination to remain on the job for another two years. A full house vote will take place in January. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and GOP Whip Tom Emmer were also reelected in their leadership roles. 

In the Senate, Republican John Thune of South Dakota was elected as the next majority leader. The fourth-term senator will replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell.

Pennsylvania Senate race heads to a recount

While Republicans have won enough seats to take control of Congress, Pennsylvania’s Senate race is headed for a recount as Democratic incumbent Bob Casey refused to concede to his Republican rival, Dave McCormick, despite the race being called by the Associated Press.

Across our Commonwealth, close to 7 million people cast their votes in a free and fair election.

The American democratic process was born in Pennsylvania and that process will play out. pic.twitter.com/R2RirIa09j

— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) November 12, 2024

While provisional and mail-in ballots are still being counted, unofficial results show the race to be within the one-half of 1% margin which automatically triggers a recount under state law. Currently, McCormick leads Casey by less than 30,000 votes. 

Despite Casey refusing to concede, McCormick was on Capitol Hill Wednesday for freshman orientation, where he and other new lawmakers met with outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Suspect dead after explosion outside Brazil’s Supreme Court

Security concerns are heightened in Brazil after an explosion outside the country’s Supreme Court less than a week before G20 leaders are set to meet in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s Supreme Court is in the nation’s capital, Brasilia about 700 miles northwest of Rio. 

Authorities said a man killed himself while detonating explosives in Three Powers Plaza, which is home to all three branches of Brazil’s government, after unsuccessfully trying to get into the Supreme Court with the explosives.

Suspected bomber dead after trying to enter Brazil’s top court ahead of G20 https://t.co/cvqYMOaEaw pic.twitter.com/3hp0heORJ0

— New York Post (@nypost) November 14, 2024

The vice-governor of the country’s federal district said the suspect blew up a car near Congress before heading to the Supreme Court. Police have not identified the attacker, but they believe he was working alone.

Teen ‘serial swatter’ behind hundreds of hoax threats pleads guilty

A prolific teenage “serial swatter” from California, has pleaded guilty to making hundreds of hoax calls about mass shootings and bomb threats to schools, religious institutions and government officials nationwide. 

The Department of Justice announced Wednesday Alan Filion, 18, pleaded guilty in a Florida federal courtroom to four counts of making interstate threats. He faces up to 20 years in prison, as each charge carries a five-year maximum sentence. 

Officials said from August 2022 to January of this year, Filion made more than 375 swatting and threat calls in various parts of the country including Maryland, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Washington, Texas and Florida. 

“Swatting” is when someone makes false accusations to send a large number of law enforcement rushing to a location where there is essentially nothing going on. 

Prosecutors said Filion formed a business out of “serial swatting,” advertising his services on social media for a fee.

Biden to become first sitting president to visit Amazon rainforest

With just weeks to go in his term, President Joe Biden is about to make history in the coming days. While in Brazil this weekend ahead of the G20 summit, he will become the first-ever sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest. 

President Biden will meet with local, indigenous and other leaders who are working to preserve the region as it faces deforestation. In July, the Biden administration put $47 million toward the Amazon Fund, as part of the $500 million the president committed in April 2023 to fight deforestation. 

The president will kick off his trip to South America Thursday, Nov. 14, with a visit to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

President-elect Trump has created the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. And new details on a deadly massive explosion at a Kentucky food dye plant. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024.

Musk, Ramaswamy to lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency

President-elect Donald Trump is ready to usher in a new era in Washington, as he’s set to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House Tuesday, Nov. 13, as part of the peaceful transition of power. Trump has created a new agency focused on regulating government spending, to be headed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO and staunch Trump supporter Elon Musk.

Trump announced Musk’s position Tuesday, Nov. 12, along with the formation of the Department of Government Efficiency, “DOGE” for short — a nod to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. 

Trump said Musk will be joined by entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in leading the department. The president-elect said the two businessmen will help his administration “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”

Trump added the department will provide guidance from outside the government and “send shockwaves through the system.” The statement said Musk and Ramaswamy’s work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Musk, who also owns X, said on the social media site Tuesday night that all actions of the department will be posted online for “maximum transparency.”

pic.twitter.com/4K0ruu7UMS

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024

Both Musk and Ramaswamy endorsed Trump during the 2024 campaign, with Ramaswamy doing so after dropping out of the race in January. 

Along with meeting President Biden at the White House Wednesday, President-elect Trump is expected to also meet with Republicans at the Capitol as the GOP prepares to take control of both chambers of Congress, though some House races have still yet to be called.

Trump picks Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense

Also on Tuesday, Nov. 13, President-elect Trump filled more key positions in his administration, including naming Pete Hegseth his secretary of defense. 

The 44-year-old Army veteran is currently the host of Fox News channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend.” Hegseth joined the network in 2014.  

Hegseth is a Princeton and Harvard Business School graduate. He served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay and is still a member of the Minnesota Army Reserve.

pic.twitter.com/jVxEwyJkzO

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2024

In a statement, Trump said Hegseth is “tough, smart and a true believer in America first.” He added, “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice — our military will be great again, and America will never back down.” 

Hegseth wrote a book that came out earlier this year titled “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” 

Trump also filled other roles Tuesday, including selecting lawyer William McGinley as White House counsel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel, real estate investor Steve Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East, and former Congressman John Ratcliffe as CIA director. Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence in the first Trump administration.

Republican senators to choose new majority leader

While control of the House of Representatives remains undecided, the Senate is firmly in the hands of Republicans after last week’s election and now they’re getting ready for another vote. 

Senators return to Capitol Hill Wednesday, where Republican lawmakers will choose a new majority leader. Three contenders are vying to replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who’s led the GOP in the chamber since 2007. 

Current Republican whip, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is running against former whip Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Florida’s Rick Scott, who was just reelected for a second term. Senate Republicans met behind closed doors Tuesday night to hear arguments for each candidate ahead of the vote. 

It’s worth noting, Elon Musk is openly supporting Sen. Rick Scott for the leadership role.

House Oversight Committee holding second UFO hearing

The House Oversight Committee is meeting Wednesday to once again talk UFOs. The hearing, which calls the objects by their new preferred name, is titled “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth.” 

The meeting has sparked renewed calls for transparency about what the government knows about UAPs.

Arrogant bureaucrats in D.C. spend your money and withhold information on UAP while our nation's best pilots give a different story. How does the government expect to gain our trust when they don't trust us with the truth? pic.twitter.com/un2RzRfwrE

— Rep. Tim Burchett (@RepTimBurchett) November 12, 2024

Among the witnesses for Wednesday’s hearing will be Navy Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, who has spoken in the past about his experiences with UAPs. 

The hearing, which is only the second of its kind, will be broadcast live and starts at 11:30 a.m. ET. 

You can find more about the hearing in Straight Arrow News’ full report here.

2 dead in Louisville plant explosion, nearby homes damaged

New information is emerging about the explosion at a food dye plant in Louisville, Kentucky Tuesday afternoon. CBS and NBC News have reported two people have died, and at least nine others were badly hurt. 

Authorities said two people had to be rescued from inside the plant Tuesday, but all employees have been accounted for. 

The explosion, which happened in the city’s Clifton neighborhood, damaged nearby homes and residents were evacuated. One homeowner said it was a huge explosion and his entire house shook.

Today was a tough day for our city but we will get through this. I’m praying for everyone who was impacted and I’m incredibly thankful for the first responders who rushed in to save them. pic.twitter.com/cRbmqblph0

— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) November 13, 2024

The mayor of Louisville said employees who were inside the building “reported normal activity when the explosion occurred.” The cause is under investigation. 

This is not the first explosion to happen at that factory. One worker died after a tank exploded in 2003, when the plant had a different owner.

Kraft Heinz pulls school-approved Lunchables off the menu

Lunchables are no longer on the menu for U.S. schools. Kraft Heinz announced Tuesday it is no longer offering the two versions of the meals it created specifically for schools. 

The school-specific meals made their debut last school year. Kraft Heinz said they were protein-enriched and had reduced levels of saturated fat and sodium to meet the requirements of the national free and reduced-price school lunch program. 

However, the meals got pushback from nutrition experts, who were concerned the school versions of Lunchables would confuse parents into thinking store-bought versions were healthier than they are. Then in April, Consumer Reports said it found the school-approved Lunachables actually contained more sodium than their store-bought counterparts. 

In a statement, Kraft Heinz said its decision to pull school Lunchables was due to lack of demand.