It's a new year but the politics of 2020 isn't going away

It is officially, finally 2021. But while everyone on Earth has had enough of the year that was, Americans need to gird themselves for a bit more 2020, at least to start, as a large portion of Republican lawmakers put their names next to President Donald Trump's effort to overturn the election.

source https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/01/politics/new-year-2021-donald-trump-joe-biden/index.html

The transformative buildings set to shape the world in 2021

The pandemic may have brought work to a halt on projects around the world, but next year is nonetheless set to welcome an exciting array of new buildings.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/anticipated-architecture-2021/index.html

California hospitals stressed to the 'brink of catastrophe' by the coronavirus surge

Overflowing hospital morgues, increased 911 wait times, beds only opening when patients die. Hospitals in California, where almost all of the state's 40 million residents are living under stay-at-home orders, are seeing historic stress points.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/31/health/california-covid-hospitals-catastrophe/index.html

Thailand bans food, drink, newspapers and magazines on domestic flights

In an effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus, Thailand has banned food, drink and any printed materials other than safety information cards on board domestic flights. The airlines will have to follow the regulations or could face possible penalty from their regulator, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-airplane-food-drink-ban-intl-hnk/index.html

21 things to look forward to in 2021 ... if everything works out

Yes, it may be tempting fate. Yes, the 2020 version of this story now reads like a depressing farce.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/31/us/2021-look-forward-things-to-look-forward-future-events-trnd/index.html

Crowds fill streets in pandemic-hit Wuhan to celebrate New Year

Large crowds took to the streets at midnight on Friday in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, celebrating the arrival of 2021 after a year marred by a deadly pandemic that killed thousands there and required the city to be locked down between the end of January and early April.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/31/asia/crowds-wuhan-new-year-intl-hnk-scli/index.html

China approves Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine

source https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-12-30-20/index.html

Trump to return to Washington early ahead of Republican plan to disrupt certification of Biden's win

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/josh-hawley-delay/

New Year's Eve fireworks are on in some places, but they'll look a lot different this year

New Year's Eve celebrations around the world will look very different this year as cities take precautions against the spread of Covid-19.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/30/us/new-years-eve-fireworks-2020-trnd/index.html

Biden White House to issue memo to halt or delay midnight regulations on January 20

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/biden-transition/

US hits record for daily Covid-19 deaths

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/us-coronavirus-1231-intp-app/

Girlfriend of Nashville bomber told police in 2019 he was building explosives in an RV, records show

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/nashville-1231-intl-app/

Senator has 'a radical idea' for Mitch McConnell

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rejected a bill to increase direct payments to $2,000, likely closing the door on any pathway to passage before the end of the Congress. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) tells CNN's Jake Tapper it's a mistake to block the Senate from voting on the bill.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/30/durbin-coronavirus-stimulus-check-bill-relief-mcconnell-intv-lead-vpx.cnn

Trump was briefed that China sought to pay non-state actors to attack US forces in Afghanistan

President Donald Trump received information earlier this month that China sought to pay non-state actors to attack American forces in Afghanistan, a senior administration official said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/30/politics/china-us-forces-afghanistan/index.html

How 2020 saw Hong Kong change forever

The past year has changed Hong Kong forever. From crushing pro-democracy protests and dissent to the implementation of the National Security Law and ousted lawmakers, for many China's tightening grip is choking the city. CNN's Ivan Watson looks into what the future holds for the semi-autonomous city.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/30/hong-kong-china-beijing-nathan-law-national-security-law-watson-pkg-intl-ldn-vpx.cnn

Woman accosts Black teen, falsely accuses him of stealing iPhone

A father captured video of a woman harassing his teenage son in a New York hotel as she falsely accused the teen of stealing her iPhone.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/12/30/woman-attacks-black-teen-iphone-new-york-jk-orig.cnn

Biden will issue memo to halt or delay midnight regulations on first day in office

On Joe Biden's first day as President, his White House will issue a memo to halt or delay midnight regulations and actions taken by the Trump administration that will not have taken effect by Inauguration Day, Biden transition spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/30/politics/biden-midnight-regulations-freeze/index.html

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister calls Beirut port explosion 'suspicious'

A probe into hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate left at Beirut's port began just hours before a massive blast rocked the site, leaving more than 200 dead and devastating the Lebanese capital, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab told CNN on Tuesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/middleeast/diab-beirut-port-explosion-intl/index.html

Thousands of people march in Nepal in bid to dissolve parliament

Thousands of opponents of Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli marched through the streets of Kathmandu on Tuesday urging him to reverse his decision to dissolve parliament and call for early elections.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/asia/nepal-protests-intl-hnk/index.html

This woman left North Korea 70 years ago. Now virtual reality has helped her return

Hyun Mi was 13 years old when she fled Pyongyang with her parents and five siblings to escape fighting on the Korean Peninsula. Chinese troops were approaching the North Korean capital and her family planned to hide further south until they passed.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/north-korea-refugees-virtual-reality-intl-hnk/index.html

Here's how Mitch McConnell is planning to kill Trump's $2,000 checks

Less than 48 hours after President Donald Trump claimed that "the Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud," the actual boss of the Senate had his say.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/politics/mcconnell-trump-senate-covid-stimulus-checks/index.html

'Critically endangered' monkey and armored slug among 503 new species named in 2020

A monkey that lives on the edge of an extinct volcano, an amphibian that breathes through its skin and an armored slug are among the 503 new species named by London's Natural History Museum this year.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/natural-history-museum-new-species-scli-intl-gbr-scn/index.html

Boston removes statue of former slave kneeling before President Lincoln after 141 years

A Boston statue depicting a formerly enslaved man kneeling beneath President Abraham Lincoln was removed Tuesday morning, according to the mayor's office.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/us/emancipation-group-lincoln-statue-removed-boston-trnd/index.html

White House coronavirus task force warns of 'unstable' data during the holidays

The White House coronavirus task force warned states of incomplete and "unstable" Covid-19 data due to the ongoing holiday season, making it difficult to track the pandemic's trajectory as concerns rise over continued or accelerated spread.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/politics/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-holiday-state-reports/index.html

Justice Department won't pursue charges against officers in Tamir Rice shooting

The US Department of Justice announced Tuesday it found insufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges against two officers in relation to the fatal 2014 shooting of Tamir Rice in an Ohio park.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/us/tamir-rice-shooting-no-federal-charges/index.html

Police officer who shot unarmed Black man shouted 'gun' before opening fire

The Columbus, Ohio, police officer who shot unarmed Andre Hill shouted that Hill had a gun before shooting him to death last week, according to a statement included in a report prepared by the Columbus police chief after the shooting.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/29/us/andre-hill-adam-coy-shooting-columbus/index.html

Sisters gave birth 90 minutes apart after sharing pandemic pregnancy experience

After going through their pandemic pregnancies together, two Minnesota sisters thought it would be pretty neat if they ended up giving birth on the same day.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/us/sisters-pandemic-births-trnd/index.html

Coronavirus has been with us for a year. Here's what we still don't know

When China first reported cases of coronavirus to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, it was described as a mysterious new strain of pneumonia. It didn't even have a name.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/health/coronavirus-unknown-facts-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Inside Europe's stunning abandoned churches

Across Europe, hundreds of churches that were once filled with worship and song are now at the mercy of the elements. With religion's role declining sharply around the continent in recent decades, the most promising outcome for many of these centuries-old structures is being reincarnated as residential or commercial properties.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/abandoned-churches-francis-meslet/index.html

Biden says his transition team has 'encountered roadblocks' from Trump appointees

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/biden-intl-122820/

Russian authorities threaten to jail Navalny if he doesn't show up in Moscow by Tuesday morning

Russian law enforcement is threatening to jail opposition politician Alexey Navalny for failing to comply with the terms of his suspended sentence in a years-old case if he fails to show up for a hearing in Moscow on Tuesday morning, his lawyer and officials said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/europe/navalny-russia-jail-threat-intl/index.html

The Columbus, Ohio, officer who killed Andre Hill has been fired

Adam Coy, the Columbus, Ohio, police officer who shot and killed Andre Hill, has been fired, according to a statement from Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/us/andre-hill-adam-coy-fired/index.html

Why Trump caved and signed stimulus bill

CNN's Phil Mattingly reports on why President Trump changed his mind and signed a Covid-19 relief bill after saying he wouldn't sign the bill without changes just days earlier.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/28/why-trump-signed-stimulus-bill-nr-vpx.cnn

Why Jake Tapper won't have Kayleigh McEnany and others on his shows

CNN's Jake Tapper reflects on press coverage of President Trump and his administration.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/27/tapper-some-reporters-bought-into-trumps-narrative.cnn

6 states facing record coronavirus hospitalizations

CNN's Nick Watt reports that one in 1,000 Americans have died from Covid-19 and that six states are facing record coronavirus hospitalizations.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/12/28/coronavirus-holiday-travel-surge-vaccine-distribution-watt-dnt-lead-vpx.cnn

Seven killed in knife attack in northeast China

At least seven people were killed Sunday morning by a knife-wielding attacker in northeast China, according to state media.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/asia/china-liaoning-stabbing-intl-hnk/index.html

Group of Alabama protesters places fake body bags on courthouse lawn

For months, a group of protesters in Alabama has been fighting for the removal of a Confederate flag and a Confederate monument that sit in front of the Marshall County Courthouse in Albertville.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/us/protesters-fake-slave-body-bags-alabama-confederate-trnd/index.html

Australia is the last Western hold out on the climate crisis. But some states and businesses are calling for change

Deep in northeast Australia's outback, underneath grassy eucalypt woodlands and vast grazing lands scattered with cattle stations, lies one of the world's largest known untapped coal reserves.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/australia/australia-renewable-energy-climate-intl-dst-hnk/index.html

A photographic history of men in love

When Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell came across an old photograph at an antique store in Dallas, Texas, they saw something of themselves reflected in the image.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/loving-photographs-nini-treadwell/index.html

Police identify 'person of interest' in Nashville explosion

Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake named Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, of Antioch, Tennessee, as a key person in the investigation into the explosion of a recreational vehicle in Nashville early Christmas morning.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/us/nashville-explosion-what-we-know/index.html

West Brom stuns Liverpool with late equalizer

Reigning Premier League champion Liverpool missed the chance to go five points clear at the top of the table as West Bromwich Albion salvaged a precious point for new manager Sam Allardyce in a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/football/premier-league-liverpool-wba-tottenham/index.html

12 climbers killed after blizzards trigger avalanche in Iran

The bodies of 12 mountain climbers have been recovered following an avalanche caused by blizzards north of the Iranian capital, Tehran, according to a Red Crescent official and Iran's state-run Iran News Agency (IRNA).

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/middleeast/iran-avalanche-climbers-killed/index.html

Why Donald Trump is already the 2024 GOP frontrunner

Poll of the week: A new Gallup poll finds that 87% of self-identified Republican voters approve of President Donald Trump's job performance.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/politics/trump-2024-analysis/index.html

From royal splits to PR crises, Queen Elizabeth had a rough 2020

2020 was a tumultuous year for most people, and that's no less true for Queen Elizabeth II.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/europe/2020-royal-year-in-review-intl-gbr/index.html

Boy, 7, went back into a burning home to save his baby sister

A 7-year-old boy named Eli saved his baby sister's life when he jumped into her room through a window to rescue her from a fire that destroyed his family's home.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/27/us/7-year-old-saves-baby-fire-tennessee-trnd/index.html

3 people killed and 3 wounded in shooting at Illinois bowling alley

Three people were killed and three wounded in a shooting on Saturday at a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois, and a suspect is in custody, according to police.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/26/us/shooting-bowling-alley-illinois/index.html

Derided in the West, spam is so beloved in Asia that one company has invented a meat-free version of it

In a brightly lit restaurant in downtown Hong Kong, the meaty smell of fried spam fills the air.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/26/asia/spam-asia-cuisine-omnifoods-dst-intl-hnk/index.html

Suicide bombing suspected in Nashville explosion as investigators search home south of the city

Investigators looking into the Christmas morning explosion in Nashville now believe the blast was likely the result of a suicide bombing, according to two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/26/us/nashville-tn-explosion/index.html

The Boxing Day questions you've probably Googled

Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, and it has absolutely nothing to do with your empty gift boxes.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/26/world/boxing-day-facts-history-trnd/index.html

CDC to require negative Covid-19 test for all passengers traveling to US from UK

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/us-coronavirus-1226-app-intl/

Boston health care worker who experienced reaction to Moderna coronavirus vaccine has history of allergies

A health care worker who experienced an allergic reaction after receiving a Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at Boston Medical Center on Christmas Eve tells CNN he has a history of allergies.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/25/health/boston-health-care-worker-allergic-reaction-moderna-coronavirus-vaccine/index.html

Duke women's basketball cancels rest of 2020-2021 season because of Covid-19 concerns

Duke University's women's basketball team will not play the remainder of the 2020-2021 season, citing health and safety concerns stemming from Covid-19, the school announced Friday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/25/us/duke-womens-basketball-cancels-rest-of-season-spt-trnd/index.html

Possible human remains found near explosion site in Nashville, law enforcement officials say

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/nashville-explosion-app-intl/

China turns off the lights in 'Christmas town' as officials race to meet energy targets

For months, factories in the city of Yiwu, known as China's "Christmas town," have been cranking out most of the tinsel, decorations and other festive ornaments now hanging on trees worldwide.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/25/business/china-power-shortage-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Philadelphia police kill gunman who opened fire on teens, killing 1

A man who fatally shot a teenage boy early Friday was killed by Philadelphia police officers who had responded to a report of a fight, authorities said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/25/us/philadelphia-shooting-teen-man-dead/index.html

Boston Celtics legend K.C. Jones has died at age 88

The word "legend" is often thrown around casually. But when it comes to K.C. Jones, there really is no other word that does him justice.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/25/us/kc-jones-death-spt-trnd/index.html

One person's 'superspreader action' caused 7 deaths and put 300 families in quarantine

• Fauci says he will practice what he preaches this holiday season

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/us/oregon-covid-superspreader-action-trnd/index.html

What happens if Trump doesn't sign the $900 billion stimulus bill

• House GOP kills bid for $2,000 stimulus checks • New $600 stimulus checks in limbo

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/politics/covid-relief-bill-programs-expiring/index.html

Influential coronavirus model projects the US death toll will climb significantly by April

More than 1 million people have received their first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine, but an influential coronavirus model projects the US death toll will climb well over a half million, topping 567,000 by April 1.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/us/us-coronavirus-thursday/index.html

See what's happening to President Trump's border wall

In the waning days of the Trump administration, construction crews are rapidly working to finish the US-Mexico border wall as President-elect Joe Biden pledges to bring construction to a halt. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/23/donald-trump-final-days-border-wall-construction-lavandera-pkg-vpx-lead.cnn

US military command turns botched airstrike into Christmas joke

The US military command posted a tweet and press release about a botched airstrike on a Al-Shabaab target in Somalia, saying Al-Shabaab had been "on the naughty list." CNN's Barbara Starr has more.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/24/military-command-botched-airstrike-joke-tweet-starr-sot-nr-vpx.cnn

Opinion: How an FBI team leader knew Blackwater defendants didn't deserve a pardon from Trump

The President of the United States has the power to grant a pardon to anyone he believes deserves one. This is an incredible power when used for good. There are cases where the US justice system gets it wrong and cases where the defendants had served their time and were now doing good things. However, none of those fact patterns are present in President Donald Trump's pardon of four Blackwater security guards serving time for their involvement in the killing of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad on September 16, 2007.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/opinions/blackwater-defendants-pardon-trump-opinion-oconnor/index.html

Prosecutor in Manafort case knew pardon was coming so he found a legal loophole

The lead prosecutor in the Mueller investigation reacts to President Trump pardoning Paul Manafort, his former campaign manager who pleaded guilty to multiple crimes.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/24/weissmann-prosecutor-mueller-investigation-manafort-pardon-reaction-vpx.cnn

For the first time all season, an NFL coach will miss a game due to Covid-19 protocols

Players, assistant coaches and coordinators have all missed National Football League games this season under league Covid-19 protocols, but never has a head coach been absent from the sidelines.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/football/detroit-lions-coach-nfl-covid-protocol/index.html

United Airlines latest to require negative coronavirus test for flights from London

United Airlines on Thursday became the fourth major airline with routes between London and the New York metropolitan area to require passengers show proof they have been tested negative recently for the novel coronavirus.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/united-airlines-uk-coronavirus-test-intl/index.html

Rush Limbaugh says he didn't expect to be alive in an emotional last show of 2020

Rush Limbaugh wrapped up his final show of 2020 with an emotional outpouring of gratitude for the support he's received during his battle with Stage 4 lung cancer.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/media/rush-limbaugh-cancer-show-close-trnd/index.html

Watch father leave daughter dozens of surprise Ring messages

When Hannah Williams bought her parents a Ring Video Doorbell, she never expected them to use it the way they did.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/24/ring-dad-present.cnn

Dr. Fauci is 80 today. Hear the Bidens sing 'Happy Birthday' to him

Dr. Anthony Fauci got a special treat as he left work Wednesday. Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad were waiting outside to serenade the good doctor ahead of his 80th birthday on Dec. 24.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/12/24/dr-anthony-fauci-80th-birthday-orig.cnn

The deadliest jobs in the US last year

Work-related deaths reached a 12-year high in 2019 at more than 5,300, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/24/business/deadliest-jobs-bureau-of-labor-statistics-trnd/index.html

Chris Christie on Kushner's father: One of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes I prosecuted

During a 2019 interview with PBS, Chris Christie explained why he decided he had to prosecute Charles Kushner, father of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, while US attorney. Trump has since issued Kushner a full pardon.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/24/chris-christie-charles-kushner-prosecution-abby-phillip-sot-ebof-vpx.cnn

US reaches out to intelligence alliance partners on suspected Russian hack

White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien held a call on Tuesday with his counterparts in an international intelligence sharing alliance to discuss the suspected Russian cyberattack on US government agencies and propose a joint statement condemning the breach, according to a senior administration official and two officials from the other nations.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/politics/us-five-eyes-russian-hack/index.html

US says Iranian-backed militias 'almost certainly' behind recent rocket attack near US embassy in Baghdad

US Central Command said Wednesday that the Sunday rocket attack on Baghdad's International Zone near the US embassy was "almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed rogue militia group."

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/politics/centcom-iran-baghdad-embassy/index.html

Wombats, snails, ferrets: The animals that brought us joy during the pandemic

The global pandemic made 2020 an exhausting year, but for many people one thing brought some much-needed relief -- animals.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/world/2020-covid-pandemic-animals-intl-hnk-dst-scli/index.html

Delta gifts employee who battled Covid-19 for months a first-class trip anywhere in the world

Janese Cockfield refused to sit idly by as her twin sister, Janice, lay in a coma 600 miles away, batting to survive Covid-19.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/us/covid-survivor-delta-gift-interview/index.html

Andrew Yang files paperwork to run for New York mayor

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has filed paperwork to participate in New York's 2021 mayoral race, according to city records.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/politics/andrew-yang-new-york-mayor-race-paperwork/index.html

Chinese swimmer Sun Yang's doping ban referred back to CAS after appeal

Chinese swimmer Sun Yang has had his eight-year ban for doping violations referred back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after an appeal to a Swiss court, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in a statement late on Wednesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/sport/sun-yang-doping-ban-cas-appeal-intl-hnk/index.html

Trump's veto of massive defense bill sets up possible override vote next week

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-trump-veto-24122020/

FBI accuses Iran of threatening US election officials

Iranian cyber actors were behind online death threats targeting US election officials, the FBI announced on Wednesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/politics/iran-behind-cyber-death-threats/index.html

NBA postpones Thunder-Rockets game due to Covid-19

On the second day of the new NBA season, a game has been postponed due to Covid-19 -- and a league star has violated protocol.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/sport/thunder-rockets-postponed-james-harden-violation-spt-intl/index.html

Visa continues its ban on Pornhub but will allow payments on some of its parent company's sites

Visa said Wednesday it will allow customers to make payments on some adult websites owned by Pornhub's parent company, MindGeek. The allowed websites, Visa says, only host professionally produced adult studio content rather than user-generated content, which it currently bans.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/business/visa-pornhub-mindgeek-ban/index.html

Trump announces wave of pardons

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/trump-pardons-23122020/

Biden team calls out Twitter over plan to wipe White House accounts' followers

President-elect Joe Biden's transition team has pushed back against Twitter's decision to not allow the millions of followers of the White House Twitter accounts to be automatically retained when the accounts are handed over to the new administration.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/politics/biden-twitter-white-house-accounts/index.html

Three French police officers shot dead after responding to a domestic violence incident

Three police officers have been shot dead and a fourth has been injured following a domestic violence incident in central France, local prosecutors told CNN affiliate BFM TV.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/europe/france-police-shooting-intl-hnk/index.html

Double murderer sentenced to 40 years in prison

An Australian man dubbed "the Claremont killer" has been sentenced to at least 40 years in jail for murdering two young women, bringing an end to one of the country's most notorious cold cases.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/australia/australia-claremont-killer-sentenced-intl-hnk/index.html

Walmart allegedly contributed to the opioid crisis, DOJ says

The Department of Justice is alleging that Walmart broke the law and contributed to the prescription opioid crisis by filling thousands of invalid prescriptions and failing to report suspicious orders of opioids, according to the department's statement.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/business/walmart-justice-department-opioids/index.html

Police officer kills Black man while body camera wasn't on: mayor

A Columbus, Ohio, police officer who shot and killed a Black man Tuesday morning didn't have his body camera turned on at the time, Mayor Andrew Ginther said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/us/columbus-ohio-police-shooting/index.html

Georgia college student who broke Cayman Islands' quarantine receives reduced sentence

The Georgia college student who broke Covid-19 quarantine rules in the Cayman Islands to visit her boyfriend has received reduced jail time after initially being sentenced to four months in prison.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/us/cayman-islands-georgia-teen-sentence-trnd/index.html

'Chaos and confusion': Stranded trucks pack UK airstrip

CNN's Salma Abdelaziz reports on the confusion and chaos as the UK-France border remains closed due to the coronavirus variant leaving thousands of long-haul trucks stranded.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/22/dover-trucks-airport-tarmac-uk-france-border-abdelaziz-sot-intl-vpx-nr.cnn

The White House coronavirus coordinator says she plans to retire

• Biden says 'our darkest days' in battling Covid-19 'are ahead of us' • Fauci says he's confident in the vaccine. Here's why • Is the vaccine right for you? Here's how to tell • Antarctica records its first Covid-19 outbreak

source https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-12-23-20/index.html

A Delta passenger who jumped out of a moving plane with a dog was allegedly about to lose control

One of the two passengers who exited a Delta flight with their dog as the plane taxied onto a runway felt he needed to leave or he would lose control, according to statements during an arraignment Tuesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/delta-plane-takeoff-exit-arraignment/index.html

Accused of seven murders, woman goes on trial in China after 20 years on the run

A woman accused of killing seven people has gone on trial in eastern China after spending more than 20 years on the run.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/china/woman-serial-killer-trial-china-intl-hnk/index.html

Pakistani human rights activist found dead in Canada

A Pakistani human rights activist living in Canada who went missing over the weekend has been found dead, Toronto Police said on Tuesday, adding they believed her death to be a non-criminal matter.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/world/pakistani-activist-canada-death-intl-hnk/index.html

'This is not a drill': Berman breaks down actions Trump is considering

President Donald Trump is looking for ways to overturn the 2020 election and is relying on a group of fringe advisers. CNN's John Berman discusses the latest developments from the White House.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/22/michael-flynn-2020-election-trump-kth-ac360-vpx.cnn

More areas in England could go into stricter restrictions, official says

source https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-12-22-20/index.html

Here's which Biden Cabinet and other top roles haven't been announced yet

President-elect Joe Biden has yet to announce several key roles in his incoming administration, including attorney general, labor secretary and commerce secretary.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/politics/biden-cabinet-not-announced/index.html

Newsmax 'clarifies' election conspiracy theories after legal threat from voting technology company

A version of this article first appeared in the "Reliable Sources" newsletter. You can sign up for free right here.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/media/newsmax-clarification/index.html

Trump issues executive order requiring 'beautiful' federal architecture

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday looking to ensure that federal buildings feature "beautiful" architecture, expressing a preference for classical architecture over modernist designs.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/politics/trump-executive-order-beautiful-architecture/index.html

Zooey Deschanel channels Katy Perry in new music video

Katy Perry's new music video has us doing a double take.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/entertainment/zooey-deschanel-katy-perry-music-video-trnd/index.html

Five high school freshmen are being called heroes for saving two children from an icy pond

Five New Jersey teens are being hailed as heroes after they saved two children from falling into an icy pond while they were sledding.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/us/nj-teens-save-kids-icy-pond-sledding-trnd/index.html

This is the woman whose statue will replace that of Robert E. Lee in the US Capitol

When Barbara Johns was just 16 years old, she led a walkout at her high school to protest poor and unequal school conditions. The moment is one that many historians believe helped launch the desegregation movement in the US.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/us/barbara-johns-virginia-statue-capitol-trnd/index.html

A security guard biked more than 3 miles to return a woman's lost wallet. Now, his community is raising money to buy him a car

One couple in Hawaii got an unexpected delivery earlier this month after a security guard from a local grocery store turned up at their front door.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/22/us/security-guard-biked-miles-to-return-lost-wallet-trnd/index.html

2 passengers open Delta flight cabin door and slide out moving plane with a dog at La Guardia

Two passengers aboard a Delta flight bound for Atlanta opened a cabin door and activated the slide to exit the plane while it was taxiing out to a runway at New York's La Guardia Airport Monday morning, Delta spokesman Morgan Durrant told CNN.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/us/la-guardia-delta-flight-passengers-exit/index.html

Surviving a hotel quarantine ... with kids

Imagine spending two weeks in a strict quarantine, not allowed to go anywhere beyond a small hotel room even to eat or exercise.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/covid-hotel-quarantine-with-kids/index.html

Yoga for stress-related insomnia

Are you finding yourself tossing and turning in the middle of the night, unable to stay asleep? Or maybe you've always struggled with falling asleep, but now it's taking hours instead of 30 minutes for shut-eye to kick in.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/health/yoga-stress-insomnia-wellness/index.html

The Moderna vaccine is now in some Americans' arms as Covid-19 cases in the US pass 18M

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-moderna-vaccine-22-12-2020/

Fired Florida Covid data scientist's lawsuit calls search of her home 'retaliation'

• Biden receives first dose of Covid-19 vaccine • Millions of airline passengers ignored Covid warnings and traveled over the weekend

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/us/rebekah-jones-florida-lawsuit-invs/index.html

China aims to vaccinate 50 million people ahead of Lunar New Year

source https://cnn.it/2WyZkpe

Congress' pandemic relief deal buys time but seeds bitter battles ahead

At last.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/politics/congress-stimulus-deal-donald-trump-joe-biden-election/index.html

Winter solstice 2020: The shortest day is long on ancient pagan traditions

For six months, the days have grown shorter and the nights have grown longer in the Northern Hemisphere. But that's about to reverse itself.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/winter-solstice-2020-wxc-scn-trnd/index.html

Rockets fired at Baghdad Green Zone in 'terrorist act,' Iraq says

A rocket attack on Baghdad's diplomatic Green Zone Sunday night was "a terrorist act" that undermines Iraq's international reputation, the country's president says.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/middleeast/iraq-baghdad-green-zone-attack/index.html

The many U-turns of Boris Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson surprised the United Kingdom this weekend by announcing tough new coronavirus restrictions in some areas just days after saying such measures would be "inhuman." But at the close of an unpredictable and unprecedented year, the British leader's U-turn on holiday season travel and gatherings was just one more in a series of rosy predictions and failed promises. Here's a short review:

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/europe/boris-johnson-u-turns/index.html

Rupert Murdoch gets vaccine as Fox News pushes misinformation

CNN's Brian Stelter and Oliver Darcy discuss Fox News' continued promotion of misinformation surrounding Covid-19 vaccinations, despite Rupert Murdoch himself receiving a dose earlier this week.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/media/2020/12/20/rupert-murdoch-covid-19-vaccination-fox-news-misinformation-rs-vpx.cnn

US to announce new criminal charges Monday in Pan Am terrorist bombing

In one of Attorney General William Barr's final acts leading the Justice Department, he plans to announce on Monday criminal charges against an alleged bombmaker in the terrorist bombing of Pam Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/politics/lockerbie-pan-am-103-barr/index.html

Ariana Grande appears to be engaged after posting a telling Instagram post

Ariana Grande is now off the market, according to her Instagram account.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/us/ariana-grande-engaged-to-dalton-gomez-trnd/index.html

Schwarzenegger reveals what his European friends laughed at him for

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says his European friends laughed at him for having to put his own money into the fight for American democracy, and says the new administration needs a new Voting Rights Act.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2020/12/19/schwarzenegger-european-friends-laugh-at-him-for-donating-money-to-help-american-democracy.cnn

Mexicans making medical supplies for US fear Covid-19 risk

Already working under poor labor conditions, employees at Mexican factories manufacturing US-bound medical supplies say the coronavirus pandemic has made things even worse. CNN's Matt Rivers reports.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/20/mexico-medical-supplies-factory-workers-coronavirus-rivers-pkg-vpx.cnn

Woman wakes up to find a raccoon in her Christmas tree

Chaos ensues as Florida resident Aubrey Iacobelli tries to coax the raccoon out of her Christmas tree. Then her dog and the raccoon get into a scuffle.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/12/20/raccoon-in-christmas-tree-db-orig.cnn

Manchester United fires six goals past Leeds to continue impressive Premier League run

Manchester United continued its imperious run of form in the Premier League with a 6-2 demolition of Leeds United.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/football/manchester-united-leeds-united-premier-league-spt-intl/index.html

Pythons might become a new menu item in Florida if scientists can confirm they're safe to eat

The predator might soon become the prey if Florida scientists can confirm that Burmese pythons -- an extremely invasive species in the Everglades -- are safe for us to eat.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/us/florida-pythons-eat-study-trnd/index.html

Flights to UK canceled as health minister says new coronavirus variant is 'out of control'

The Netherlands and Belgium on Sunday imposed a ban on flights to the UK after a new variant of coronavirus, said by officials to spread faster than other strains, caused renewed restrictions in large parts of the country over the Christmas period.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/uk/uk-coronavirus-variant-intl-gbr/index.html

A pedophilia website operator has been arrested in the kidnapping of a 12-year-old California girl

A Virginia man authorities describe as a "White supremacist" and "an advocate for pedophilia" is facing charges in California and Colorado for traveling across the country to kidnap a 12-year-old girl.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/us/virginia-kidnapping-12-year-old-fresno-denver/index.html

Heated Oval Office meeting included talk of special counsel, martial law as Trump advisers clash

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/trump-oval-office-1220-app-intl/

Congress on brink of deal on $900 billion relief package after resolving key dispute

A deal on a long-awaited rescue package to deliver much-needed aid to struggling Americans suddenly was within reach after a major breakthrough Saturday night over a key sticking point: the role of the Federal Reserve to intervene in the US economy.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/politics/congress-stimulus-deal/index.html

Europe's coronavirus crisis is resurging. For months, 3 Nordic nations kept it under control — without lockdowns

Covid-19 vaccines are coming, but in most of Europe, winter is coming faster. In several countries, cases are surging again — after many countries seemed to be turning the tide.

source https://cnn.it/3h1Qwl7

Sydney to enforce pre-Christmas restrictions as mystery Covid-19 cluster grows

source https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-12-20-20/index.html

Pentagon under pressure from Trump administration to split NSA and Cyber Command

The Trump administration is pushing to make major adjustments to the Pentagon organizations charged with cybersecurity and signals intelligence, according to a US defense official.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/politics/trump-pentagon-nsa-cyber-command/index.html

Taiwan's planned submarine fleet could forestall a potential Chinese invasion for decades

Taiwan has begun building a fleet of state-of-the-art submarines as it looks to further bolster its defensive capabilities, a move analysts say could complicate any potential Chinese military plans to invade the island or install a naval blockade.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/asia/taiwan-submarine-fleet-analysis-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

Minnesota state senator dies after being diagnosed with Covid-19

Minnesota state Sen. Jerry Relph died Friday following his diagnosis and hospitalization from Covid-19.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/politics/minnesota-state-senator-dies-covid-19/index.html

Boris Johnson backtracks on Christmas rules after Covid-19 strain proves to spread faster

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/boris-johnson-christmas-app-intl/

Former Mississippi Gov. William Winter dies at 97

Former Mississippi Governor William Winter, "who championed education initiatives, job creation, and racial harmony throughout his life," died Friday at age 97, his family said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/us/mississippi-governor-william-winter-trnd/index.html

Heated Oval Office meeting included talk of special counsel, martial law as Trump advisers clash

President Donald Trump convened a heated meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, including lawyer Sidney Powell and her client, former national security adviser Michael Flynn, two people familiar with the matter said, describing a session that began as an impromptu gathering but devolved and eventually broke out into screaming matches at certain points as some of Trump's aides pushed back on Powell and Flynn's more outrageous suggestions about overturning the election.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/politics/trump-oval-office-meeting-special-counsel-martial-law/index.html

How the vaccine gets from the lab to your arm

This is the long road Covid-19 vaccines take to get to you. All the while, staying ultra cold.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/17/covid-vaccine-transportation-orig.cnn-business

How Santa Claus will deliver presents safely in the Covid-19 pandemic, explained by kids

It's a family tradition for the Hakerem family to leave cookies out on the dining room or kitchen table for Santa Claus when he delivers presents on Christmas Eve.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/health/santa-claus-covid-safety-wellness/index.html

The Rockefeller Foundation -- founded on oil money -- is dropping fossil fuels

The Rockefeller Foundation was founded over 100 years ago using money largely made from Standard Oil. In an exclusive interview with CNN Business' Matt Egan, the foundation's current president Dr. Rajiv Shah explains why it's now dropping all fossil fuel assets.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/17/rockefeller-foundation-rajiv-shah-fossil-fuels-orig.cnn-business

Why the future looks bright for the Republican Party

On Monday, the Electoral College confirmed that Joe Biden is the President-elect. This has upset many of my Republican friends, especially those who believe President Donald Trump was cheated out of reelection.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/opinions/biden-won-republican-astonishing-victories-bond/index.html

A dog was hit by a car and peppered with shotgun pellets. Now, she's found a grateful forever family

Tammi, an adorable 9-month-old retriever, arrived at the San Antonio Humane Society last month with with multiple injuries, including shotgun pellets in her body.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/us/san-antonio-abused-dog-adoption-trnd/index.html

How World War II shaped 'It's a Wonderful Life'

It's George Bailey's crucial moment. Disheveled and desperate, he offers up a Hail-Mary prayer to a God he's not sure is listening: "I'm not a praying man, but if you're up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I'm at the end of my rope."

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/entertainment/its-a-wonderful-jimmy-stewart-world-war-ii-service/index.html

College student sentenced to 4 months in prison for breaking Covid-19 protocol

An 18-year-old college student from Georgia has been sentenced to four months in prison in the Cayman Islands after breaking the British Caribbean territory's Covid-19 protocol while visiting her boyfriend for a jet skiing competition, according to her family.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/us/college-student-prison-cayman-islands/index.html

US plans to shutter remaining consulates in Russia

The Trump administration has informed lawmakers of its plan to shutter its two remaining consulates in Russia.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/politics/us-consulates-russia-closures/index.html

How India plans to vaccinate 300 million people against Covid-19

With a Covid-19 caseload heading toward 10 million people, India is the world's second worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, trailing only the United States.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/asia/india-coronavirus-vaccine-intl-hnk/index.html

Tension rises between Pentagon and Biden transition team over meetings

President-elect Joe Biden's transition team said Friday that they did not agree to a two-week break in critical transfer-of-power discussions with Pentagon officials, despite an assertion from the acting Defense Secretary that both sides had agreed to take such a "holiday pause."

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/politics/pentagon-dod-transition-briefings/index.html

Pence announces that Space Force personnel will be called guardians

Vice President Mike Pence announced Friday that members of the Space Force military service will be called guardians.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/politics/pence-space-force-guardians/index.html

Europe fights skepticism ahead of vaccine rollout

As the European Union prepares to roll out Covid-19 vaccine, leaders are now facing a fresh challenge: convincing people to get vaccinated. CNN's Melissa Bells reports on how European countries are tackling some of the of the strongest vaccine skepticism in the world.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/18/europe-anti-vax-skepticism-france-spain-italy-bell-pkg-intl-hnk-vpx.cnn

Must-watch videos of the week

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/videos-of-the-week/

Keilar calls out GOP hypocrisy over Biden aide swearing

CNN's Brianna Keilar rolls the tape on Republicans' hypocrisy over comments made by Jen O'Malley Dillon, President-elect Joe Biden's campaign manager and incoming White House deputy chief of staff, where she used profanity to refer to congressional Republicans.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/18/jen-o-malley-dillon-biden-republicans-comments-keilar-roll-the-tape-sot-vpx-nr.cnn

Microsoft identifies more than 40 organizations targeted in massive cyber breach

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-us-cyber-attack-1218/

Covid-19 vaccines are a golden chance to redeem the European project

In the name of "science and solidarity," the European Commission has secured over 2 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines for the bloc since June.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/europe/europe-covid-vaccine-rollout-intl/index.html

'We should be less afraid to be afraid,' says historic El Capitan climber

As she pulled herself over the summit of El Capitan, Emily Harrington knew she had made history.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/sport/emily-harrington-el-capitan-climb-record-cmd-spt-intl/index.html

Chris Christie: I let my guard down for 4 days and that put me in ICU

Speaking to CNN's Chris Cuomo, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie opens up about how he got infected with Covid-19 at the White House.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/18/former-gov-chris-christie-cpt-mask-sot-vpx.cnn

NASA wants to build a lunar base by 2030. Could 3D printing with moon dust be the answer?

The last time a person stepped foot on the moon was 1972. Now, the moon is back on NASA's space agenda. This time around the agency isn't just visiting -- it's planning to stay.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/3d-print-lunar-base-moon-dust-spc-intl/index.html

A beloved teacher wore an oxygen mask for virtual classes before she lost her battle with Covid-19

Even when she was hospitalized for Covid-19 and pneumonia for three days, Philamena Belone wanted to get home so she could resume doing what she loved most -- teaching.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/us/navajo-nation-teacher-covid-19-trnd/index.html

Married couple die of Covid-19 while holding hands with their children

A married couple died together from Covid-19 complications sharing one final embrace -- holding each other's hands and the hands of their children.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/16/us/married-couple-dies-of-covid-19-while-holding-hands-trnd/index.html

She tweeted from Sweden about the plight of her Uyghur cousin. In Xinjiang, the authorities were watching

Friday, September 4 was one of the happiest days in recent memory for Mayila Yakufu and her family.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/16/china/uyghurs-silenced-abroad-intl-dst-hnk/index.html

When lawmakers buy and sell stocks, they're playing with fire

Members of Congress who own stocks might face ethical dilemmas when they shape laws that could hurt -- or help -- their portfolios. Just ask Georgia Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/16/investing/congress-stock-trading-ethics-perdue/index.html

The robot that could help make the shipping industry greener

When a ship sails through the sea, barnacles, mussels, algae, and other organisms stick to the hull of the vessel. This process is called biofouling -- and it's a big problem for the shipping industry.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/robot-hullskater-biofouling-ship-cleaning-spc-intl/index.html

Isaan road trip: Searching for normalcy in Thailand's northeast

An overweight dog naps by an open-air som tam (papaya salad) shop. The scent of chicken grilling over charcoal fills the lane. A chorus of children's voices rings out from a schoolhouse. No one is wearing a mask, though an old man dons a straw hat on his bicycle.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/isaan-thailand-northeast-road-trip/index.html

The year a computer bug threatened to bring down modern civilization

Two decades ago an existential threat brought the world together— the Y2K bug.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/16/us/y2k-computer-bug-1999/index.html

Hill leaders near deal on long-awaited Covid relief plan

Congressional leaders in both parties expressed growing confidence Tuesday evening that Washington will be able to cut a last-ditch deal to provide relief to Americans hit hard by the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic after setting aside months of partisan finger-pointing and bickering.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/pandemic-relief-government-funding-deal/index.html

How Trump is fueling the alarming growth of QAnon

It started with a Tweet from a QAnon supporter at 2:09 in the morning: #SubpoenaObama.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/us/qanon-trump-twitter-invs/index.html

Fake 'decoy' eggs are being used to track turtle poaching

The phone buzzed as the tracker came online, and a little circular blip appeared on the map. Helen Pheasey watched the dot intently as it moved inland from a beach on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/world/decoy-turtle-eggs-spc-intl/index.html

First came news of a vaccine. Now come the scams.

The newly-approved Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is slowly making its way across the US. But those eagerly waiting their turn need to beware of dangerous scams and misinformation about the vaccine's distribution.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/us/covid-vaccine-scams-trnd/index.html

Joe Biden picks Pete Buttigieg to be transportation secretary

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-biden-picks-1216/

Hungary passes anti-LGBTQ law effectively barring same-sex couples from adopting

Hungary's parliament has voted to redefine the concept of "family" in the country's constitution, a move that will effectively bar same sex couples from adopting children. The move has been met with outcry from human rights groups and LGBTQ advocates.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/europe/hungary-lgbtq-adoption-ban-intl/index.html

Trump Organization must turn over documents to NY attorney general, judge rules

A state judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump Organization must turn over documents related to a property whose tax abatements were being investigated by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/trump-organization-documents-ny-attorney-general/index.html

Ghislaine Maxwell seeks release from jail on a proposed $28.5 million bail package

Ghislaine Maxwell, accused of being an accomplice to alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, is asking to be released on a proposed $28.5 million bail package, according to court documents.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/us/ghislaine-maxwell-release-request-bail-proposal/index.html

Gmail suffers another outage

Google suffered its second outage in as many days, with its email service Gmail going down on Tuesday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/tech/gmail-outage-google/index.html

Asylum agreement between US and El Salvador is ready to go into effect

An asylum agreement between the United States and El Salvador is ready to go into effect, according to a memo obtained by CNN.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/us-asylum-el-salvador/index.html

MacKenzie Scott donates $4.2 billion to 384 organizations

MacKenzie Scott announced on Tuesday her second major charitable contribution of the year, giving away nearly $4.2 billion to 384 organizations as part of a plan to donate a majority of her fortune.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/business/mackenzie-scott-charity-donations-trnd/index.html

Wisconsin Department of Health warns against eating the 'cannibal sandwich,' a traditional holiday dish in the state

Wisconsin residents are being urged by health officials to pass on eating a traditional holiday dish this year to avoid getting sick.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/us/cannibal-sandwich-wisconsin-trnd/index.html

Broken promises: Why tens of thousands of Australians will be stranded abroad this Christmas

Anxious, angry and abandoned. Less than two weeks from Christmas, at least 39,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents are still stranded overseas due to Australia's international arrival caps.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/australians-stranded-abroad-christmas/index.html

Russian missile drill triggers false alarm at US military base in Germany

A Russian military exercise triggered an unusual warning at a critical US military base in Germany on Saturday that ballistic missiles had been launched, according to multiple US defense officials.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/politics/russia-missile-drill-false-alarm-us-base/index.html

Elector cast her vote from secret location for her safety

In a phone interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs says she cast her Electoral College vote in an undisclosed location for the safety of everyone involved after seeing an escalation of rhetoric and threats.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/14/elector-vote-undisclosed-location-bash-intv-nr-vpx.cnn

Gupta presses official on White House parties: How are we supposed to reconcile this?

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta presses Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar about the multiple White House holiday parties despite the CDC advising Americans not to hold holiday gatherings as the coronavirus pandemic rages on in the US.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/12/14/alex-azar-white-house-holiday-parties-coronavirus-gupta-vpx.cnn

FDA approves new genetically modified pig for allergy-free medical and food products

The US Food and Drug Administration said Monday it has approved a genetically modified pig whose body doesn't make a component that can trigger allergies in people.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/health/gm-pig-fda-approved/index.html

'Simply unacceptable:' Congressman exiting GOP calls out Trump's racist attacks

Rep. Paul Mitchell tells CNN's Jake Tapper that he no longer wants to be affiliated with the Republican Party and calls out President Trump's racist attacks.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/14/mitchell-son-russia-republican-party-exit-vpx.cnn

US crosses horrific milestone mid-interview

More than 300,000 people in the US have now died from Covid-19. CNN's Jake Tapper asks HHS secretary Alex Azar why the US is struggling to deal with this pandemic.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/14/covid-19-deaths-milestone-alex-azar-vpx.cnn

US Attorney General William Barr resigns

William Barr will be leaving his role as attorney general, President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday evening.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/politics/william-barr-out-as-attorney-general/index.html

Congressman cites Trump's efforts to overturn election in announcing decision to quit GOP

In an exclusive interview, Rep. Paul Mitchell, Republican of Michigan, told CNN that his disgust and disappointment with President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the election have led him to request that the Clerk of the House change his party affiliation to "independent," and to notify GOP leaders in a letter that he is withdrawing his "engagement and association with the Republican Party at both the national and state level."

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/politics/paul-mitchell-quits-gop/index.html

Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance on CNN

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made an unscheduled appearance on CNN's annual Heroes TV special Sunday to honor the year's most inspiring moments and the people who made them happen.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/us/meghan-markle-sussex-cnn-heroes-appearance/index.html

How a former British inmate helped this US basketball player get out of jail in China

When they brought him his passport, Jeff Harper thought he was getting out. 

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/asia/peter-humphrey-china-prisoners-intl-hnk/index.html

20 new species found, and lost wildlife rediscovered, in the Bolivian Andes

Scientists have announced the discovery of 20 new species in the Bolivian Andes, as well as sightings of plants and animals not seen for decades.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/americas/new-species-bolivian-andes-spc-intl-scn/index.html

How a former British inmate helped this US basketball player get out of jail in China

When they brought him his passport, Jeff Harper thought he was getting out. 

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/asia/peter-humphrey-china-prisoners-intl-hnk/index.html

A gunman is dead after a shooting at a New York City cathedral Christmas concert

Police fatally shot a gunman at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City following a Christmas concert Sunday afternoon, according to police.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/us/nyc-church-shooting-chirstmas-concert-trnd/index.html

Best-selling spy novelist John le Carré dies at 89

Best-selling British espionage writer David Cornwell -- known to the world as John le Carré -- died Saturday at 89, according to his literary agent.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/europe/john-le-carr-death/index.html

US agencies investigating hacking of government networks

The US Commerce Department confirmed Sunday it has been the victim of a data breach.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/politics/us-agencies-investigating-hacking-data-breach/index.html

US Covid-19 vaccinations expected to begin Monday as CDC head gives final nod

Vaccinations against Covid-19 can now begin in the United States.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/health/covid-19-vaccines-can-begin-cdc-recommendation/index.html

White House staffers to receive Covid-19 vaccine ahead of general public

High-ranking White House officials are set to receive some of the first coronavirus vaccines in the United States, according to a White House official and a person familiar.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/politics/white-house-coronavirus-vaccine/index.html

Pete Buttigieg emerging as leading contender for Transportation secretary

Pete Buttigieg is emerging as a leading contender to be Joe Biden's Transportation secretary, multiple sources familiar with the transition's deliberations tell CNN.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/politics/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary/index.html

Bill Gates: Presidential transition is complicating vaccine efforts

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, whose foundation has been part of the effort to develop and deliver Covid-19 vaccines, said the presidential transition is "complicating" efforts to distribute one.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/13/bill-gates-coronavirus-vaccine-presidential-transition-sotu-tapper-intv-vpx.cnn

Watch President Trump's first on-camera interview since the election

In an interview with Fox News, President Trump remained steadfast in his false claims of election fraud.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business-videos/2020/12/13/president-trump-fox-news-interview-election-voter-fraud-orig-kj.cnn

Influencers are using their clout and getting paid to promote Covid best practices for New Jersey

Consider it a uniquely 2020 public service announcement.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/us/covid-influencer-instagram-tiktok-new-jersey-vaccine-trnd/index.html

UK and EU agree to keep talking past Sunday deadline as 'no-deal Brexit' looms large

The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed -- once again -- to extend trade talks beyond a self-imposed deadline after failing to reach a compromise, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/uk/brexit-announcement-talks-extension-gbr-intl/index.html

The son of an Iraq War veteran designed an app to stop his dad's PTSD nightmares

When US Army veteran Patrick Skluzacek returned from Iraq in the mid-2000s, life was good -- every day was another welcome home party, he had a paid month off work, and he was finally back with family.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/us/son-father-ptsd-nightware-app-nightmares-trnd/index.html

Trump raised firing Barr in White House meeting on Friday

President Donald Trump raised the prospect of firing Attorney General William Barr in a meeting on Friday, but it's unclear whether he'll choose to dismiss Barr before the end of his term next month.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/politics/william-barr-donald-trump-white-house-meeting/index.html

Several people were stabbed and 23 arrested as 'Stop the Steal' protesters and counter-protesters clash in Washington, DC

At least four people were stabbed Saturday night amid post-election protests in Washington, according to the DC Metropolitan Police Department's public affairs office.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/us/stop-the-steal-protest-washington-dc-trnd/index.html

'SNL' brings out its own Dr. Fauci to talk about the coronavirus vaccine roll out

"Saturday Night Live" kicked off its latest episode with its own Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, who were trying to talk about the coronavirus vaccine while Fauci got hit in the face with women's bras.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/media/snl-dr-fauci-vaccine/index.html

Trump deal with Morocco is yet another headache for Biden team

On Thursday, Morocco became the fourth Arab state this year to announce it would establish relations with Israel. It was another diplomatic win for the Trump administration, with US President Donald Trump tweeting that it was "a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!"

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/politics/trump-morocco-analysis-intl/index.html

Virgin Galactic unexpectedly aborts test flight of space plane

Virgin Galactic's supersonic rocket plane was scheduled to fire into the upper atmosphere Saturday, but after climbing more than 40,000 feet over New Mexico attached to its mothership, the space plane made an unexpected turn toward home rather than shooting skyward.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/tech/virgin-galactic-test-flight-scn/index.html

Covid-19 vaccine developer AstraZeneca agrees to buy rare disease firm Alexion for $39 billion

Leading Covid-19 vaccine developer AstraZeneca agreed on Saturday to buy Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $39 billion.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/business/astrazeneca-alexion-39-billion/index.html

Trump made big in-roads in Hispanic areas across the nation

One of the most notable early results on Election Night came from Florida's heavily Hispanic Miami-Dade county. President Donald Trump lost it to President-elect Joe Biden by just 7 points, after losing it by 29 points in 2016.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/politics/trump-hispanic-vote/index.html

Review largely blames Iowa caucus problems on Democratic National Committee

An internal review of the 2020 Iowa caucuses found that the reporting app used in February was largely successful and that the main source of delay in reporting results, as well as other mishaps, was intervention by the Democratic National Committee, according to a report released Saturday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/politics/iowa-caucus-review/index.html

Two LA County sheriff's deputies involved in the fatal shooting of Andres Guardado relieved of duties following unrelated investigation

The two Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies involved in the shooting death of 18-year-old Andres Guardado in June have been relieved of duties in response to an unrelated traffic investigation, the department announced in a Friday statement.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/us/andres-guardado-deputies-relieved-of-duty/index.html

Man was taken into custody after he climbed onto the wing of an airplane preparing to takeoff in Las Vegas

A man was taken into custody after he climbed onto the wing of an Alaska Airlines plane at the Las Vegas airport Saturday, an airport spokesman said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/us/las-vegas-airport-plane-wing-man-custody/index.html

LEGO won't make modern war machines, but others are picking up the pieces

This is a story about a multibillion-dollar international conglomerate, arms manufacturers, a German peace group and renegades who make miniaturized weapons systems out of small shops.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/lego-military-sets-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Analyst on Russian misinformation around Covid-19 vaccine

CNN national security analyst Samantha Vinograd discusses the risks of disinformation around the coronavirus vaccine and warns Americans to be on "high alert."

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/12/coronavirus-vaccine-trump-biden-transition-vinograd-presidential-brief-nr-vpx.cnn

Videos show packed crowds at Mexico art festival

The five-day Art With Me festival drew hundreds of attendees in mid-November. The organizers have apologized after images and video posted on social media revealed packed crowds of people without masks in Mexico's hipster resort town of Tulum. CNN's Matt Rivers reports.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/travel/2020/12/12/tulum-mexico-music-festival-covid-19-rivers-pkg-vpx.cnn

This mosaic is shining a new light on the 'Dark Ages'

A newly dated mosaic at Chedworth Roman Villa, England, has upended experts' understanding of the 'Dark Ages' in Britain. Historians previously thought the mosaic industry to be dead during the economic collapse after the Roman Empire's retreat.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/style/2020/12/10/roman-mosaic-dark-ages-jba-lon-orig.cnn

Dolly Parton saved her 9-year-old costar from an oncoming car

When she's not helping fund vaccine research or supporting the Black Lives Matter movement or inventing a successful meme, the monarch of country music Dolly Parton is apparently saving lives.

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Iran executes dissident journalist Rouhollah Zam

Dissident Iranian journalist Rouhollah Zam was hanged in Iran on Saturday morning, according to state television IRIB.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/12/middleeast/iran-execution-journalist-rouhollah-zam-intl/index.html

US FDA issues emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-us-fda-vaccine-1212/

Star of Netflix series 'Cheer' indicted on new child pornography and sex charges

"Cheer" star Jeremiah "Jerry" Harris has been indicted on new federal charges that allege he enticed minors to engage in sexual activity, including soliciting them to send him sexually explicit photos or videos of themselves, according to the indictment.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/11/us/jerry-harris-cheer-child-porn-sex-charges/index.html

Supreme Court rejects Texas' and Trump's bid to overturn election

The Supreme Court rejected a bid from Texas' attorney general -- supported by President Donald Trump -- to block the ballots of millions of voters in battleground states that went in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/11/politics/supreme-court-texas-trump-biden/index.html

Must-watch videos of the week

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/videos-of-the-week/

Chef Ina Garten talks cuisine and cocktails with Anderson Cooper

Chef and author Ina Garten, known as Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa," gives Anderson tips on cooking and cocktails. Watch "Full Circle" next week Tuesday - Friday at 6p E.T.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/12/11/food-network-barefoot-contessa-ina-garten-acfc-full-episode-vpx.cnn

Anderson Cooper: Here's what this vain and selfish man is now doing

CNN's Anderson Cooper breaks down the various efforts by President Trump and the GOP to overturn the election results.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/11/trump-ag-lawsuits-election-loss-kth-sot-vpx.cnn

Dr. Anthony Fauci explains importance of vaccine approval process

In the wake of vaccine advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration voting to recommend the agency grant emergency use authorization to Pfizer and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Anthony Fauci explains why the approval process matters.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/11/fauci-coronavirus-vaccine-approval-process-fda-cdc-cuomo-cpt-vpx.cnn

Biden said Republicans used 'defund the police' against Dems

President-elect Joe Biden expressed skepticism about his powers to implement his agenda by executive action in a private virtual meeting with civil rights leaders, according to a recording reported by The Intercept.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/11/joe-biden-barbara-lee-civil-rights-leaders-sot-vpx-ebof.cnn

Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon worries Boris Johnson 'planning' on no-deal

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says chance of a UK-EU deal is "vanishingly small" and worries that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is "planning" on a no-deal Brexit.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/10/amanpour-brexit-nicola-sturgeon-brexit-independence.cnn

Chinese tech companies bet big on India. Now they're being shut out

India and China's fast-growing tech sectors have been caught in the crossfire of an intense geopolitical standoff this year. While both will suffer from the showdown, Chinese tech companies have more to lose.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/tech/india-china-tech-tensions-intl-hnk/index.html

Bhutan parliament decriminalizes homosexuality, to delight of activists

A joint sitting of both houses of Bhutan's parliament approved a bill on Thursday to legalize gay sex, making the tiny Himalayan kingdom the latest Asian nation to take steps towards easing restrictions on same-sex relationships.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/asia/bhutan-decriminalizes-homosexuality-intl-hnk/index.html

Body cam footage shows raid on former Florida Covid data scientist's home

Florida state police released body camera videos Thursday afternoon showing officers waiting before they entered the home of a former state data scientist and the testy confrontation that followed when she exited -- providing new context about a controversial police raid that has attracted national attention this week.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/us/florida-rebekah-jones-body-cam-invs/index.html

A surfer was attacked and killed by a shark in Hawaii, forcing the suspension of a surfing competition

A surfer who was attacked by a shark in Hawaii on Tuesday has died, prompting the suspension a women's professional surfing competition in Honolua Bay.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/us/surfer-attacked-and-killed-by-shark-in-hawaii-trnd/index.html

From roadside eatery to big city darling: How one Taiwanese turkey rice vendor made it big

For decades, Liao Shou-fang has been hawkishly presiding over his turkey rice eatery -- Rou Bo -- to make sure every dish is served exactly the same way.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/taiwan-turkey-rice-rou-bo/index.html

The Wan Chai connection: The Washington-accused drug lords, gun runners and dictators' financiers tied to one Hong Kong district

The Hong Kong neighborhood of Wan Chai may be home to the most eclectic and densest concentration of US-sanctioned enterprises anywhere on the planet.

source https://cnn.it/3n6h8U4

Activists are fighting for a renewable future in Sub-Saharan Africa. Chinese coal projects threaten to dirty those plans

When the Ghanaian government agreed to coordinate with Shenzen Energy Group, a Chinese energy company, to build a 7,000-megawatt coal power plant in the country's Ekumfi district, Chibeze Ezekiel was concerned.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/business/africa-coal-energy-goldman-prize-dst-hnk-intl/index.html

Democratic congressman says he did not share sensitive information with suspected Chinese spy

Rep. Eric Swalwell told CNN Wednesday that he was "shocked" when the FBI informed him several years ago that he was targeted by a suspected Chinese intelligence operative as part of a broader effort to establish ties with US politicians, reiterating that he immediately cooperated with federal investigators who were looking into the individual in question.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/politics/swalwell-targeted-china-spy/index.html

SpaceX's Mars rocket exploded. It was still a success

A giant experimental rocket built by Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully soared eight miles above the company's testing facilities in South Texas on Wednesday and came back down as planned, before crashing into the ground in an enormous plume of flames and smoke.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/tech/spacex-starship-40000-foot-test-flight-scn/index.html

A Covid-19 survivor spent months tracking down the 116 health care workers who saved his life

When he awoke from a month-long coma, one of Jeff Gerson's first thoughts was that he wanted to thank the people who saved his life.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/health/covid-survivor-thanks-who-saved-him-trnd/index.html

Feds investigating Hunter Biden's business dealings in China

President-elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, said Wednesday in a statement that he learned his tax affairs are being investigated by the US Attorney's Office in Delaware.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/politics/hunter-biden-tax-investigtation/index.html

All 50 states and DC have now certified election results

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have now certified their presidential results, according to CNN's tally, as the Electoral College process moves forward with the meeting of electors on Monday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/politics/2020-election-results-certified/index.html

Trump asks Supreme Court to invalidate millions of votes in states he lost

President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to block millions of votes from four battleground states that voted for President-elect Joe Biden.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/politics/trump-supreme-court/index.html

Sun launches explosion of electromagnetic energy towards Earth

A spectacular display of the northern lights is possible Wednesday night as far south as Pennsylvania and Oregon.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/us/northern-lights-display-wednesday-night-scn/index.html

Trump vowed to save coal. This happened instead

President Donald Trump promised he would save the US coal industry. But as his tenure winds down, the industry is struggling through some of its darkest days, plagued by falling demand, bankruptcies and job losses.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/business/coal-country-pain/index.html

Champions League match resumes with powerful show of solidarity after alleged racist incident

The suspended Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir began with a powerful show of solidarity, less than 24 hours after it was marred by an alleged racist incident involving a match official.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/football/champions-league-paris-saint-germain-istanbul-basaksehir-resumed-spt-intl/index.html

Raid on Florida Covid data expert's home was American over-policing in action

Want to see American over-policing in action? Watch Rebekah Jones' home being invaded by Florida cops: They burst in, shouting orders and pointing guns, like it's a military raid. It was a hyper-aggressive and totally unnecessary maneuver for carrying out a search warrant related to an alleged computer crime.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/opinions/rebekah-jones-florida-police-covid-filipovic/index.html

500 people showed up for a concert at an Ohio nightclub that defied local COVID-19 restrictions, authorities say

A nightclub in Columbus, Ohio, was temporarily shut down and is accused of public health violations because up to 500 people attended a concert headlined by R&B singer Trey Songz over the weekend, authorities said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/us/trey-songz-ohio-nightclub-covid-citations-trnd/index.html

Supreme Court rejects Pennsylvania Republicans' attempt to block Biden victory

source https://www.cnn.com/collections/intl-biden-1208/

Singapore 'cruise to nowhere' turns back after passenger tests positive for Covid-19

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship has returned to port in Singapore after a passenger tested positive for Covid-19.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/royal-caribbean-cruise-singapore-covid-intl-hnk/index.html

White House works to rally support for UAE arms sale

The Trump administration is working to rally support in the Senate for its controversial high-dollar arms sale to the United Arab Emirates ahead of a vote to block that transfer.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/politics/kushner-uae-arms-sale-senate/index.html

Chuck Yeager, pilot who broke the sound barrier, dies at 97

US Air Force officer and test pilot Chuck Yeager, known as "the fastest man alive," has died at the age of 97.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/us/chuck-yeager-death/index.html

Couple weds in full PPE hours after bride tests positive for Covid-19

Traditional Indian wedding finery gave way to hazmat suits and masks in a remote north Indian village, after the bride tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before the marriage, a local health official said.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/india/india-covid-wedding-intl-hnk-scli/index.html

Battles over Biden appointments signal a larger struggle over his strategy

The progressive uprising against a wide range of potential Joe Biden administration nominees reflects not only old ideological divisions among Democrats but also a new struggle over how the incoming president should advance his objectives in a closely divided Washington.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/politics/biden-cabinet-appointment-battles/index.html

More than 1,000 Black women urge Biden to choose more Black women for his Cabinet

More than 1,000 influential Black women on Monday signed an open letter to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, urging their transition team to consider -- and appoint -- more Black women to hold positions in Biden's Cabinet.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/politics/black-women-joe-biden-cabinet/index.html

South Korea and Japan called in the military to fight Covid. As winter looms, they aren't taking any chances

South Korea and Japan may have coronavirus numbers that would be the envy of much of Europe and the United States, but they aren't taking any chances as winter brings with it a dangerous spike in infections.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/asia/south-korea-japan-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html

Brazilian airline GOL will resume Boeing 737 Max passenger flights on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Brazilian airline GOL will become the first airline in the world to fly passengers on the Boeing 737 Max in almost two years, the airline announced late Monday.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/business/first-boeing-737-max-flight-gol-airlines/index.html

US humanitarian migration protection extended for Honduras and other countries

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez announced on Monday that Temporary Protected Status -- a form of humanitarian relief -- would be extended for Hondurans in the United States.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/world/honduras-tps-iota-eta-intl/index.html

CNN anchor rails against GOP for 'coddling' Trump

CNN's Jake Tapper says President Trump's recent attacks on fellow Republicans and false claims surrounding the election are not out of character for the President, and have been strengthened by Trump allies enabling him throughout his presidency.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/11/08/tapper-ender-trump-white-house-election-gop-sotu-vpx.cnn

Frustrated restaurant owner blasts shutdown in viral post

A Los Angeles business owner who was forced to shut down her restaurant feels restaurants and small businesses are being unfairly targeted by California's new and stricter stay-at-home order. CNN's Paul Vercammen reports Angela Marsden came to grab supplies from her closed restaurant, when she came across an outdoor dining area—almost identical to hers—set up next to her restaurant's parking lot for a film shoot.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/12/06/california-restrictions-restaurant-owner-angela-marsden-vercammen-nr-vpx.cnn

These 2 countries are embracing Covid-19 'immunity passports'

Hungary and Iceland have lifted quarantine restrictions for travelers who have recovered from Covid-19. While this could help kickstart the global economy ahead of vaccinations, some say there are serious risks. CNN's Scott McClean reports.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/06/hungary-iceland-covid-19-immunity-passports-mclean-pkg-vpx.cnn

These women received hate messages after organizing Black Lives Matter rallies

They've always felt silenced and out of place, but in June these three British women made their predominantly White towns confront their racist pasts.

source https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/03/black-lives-matter-rural-britain-activists-uk-sfc-lon-orig.cnn

Trump's pandemic blindness and election denial darkens America's desperate winter

Donald Trump's final-days denial is darkening America's winter of sickness and death, damaging democracy, hampering Joe Biden's nascent presidency and jeopardizing Republican hopes of clinging to the Senate.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/politics/donald-trump-pandemic-election-results-joe-biden/index.html

Non-fatal drug overdoses in children under 15 on the rise, study finds

While overall drug overdoses among youth are infrequent, non-fatal overdoses were on the rise in children under the age of 15 between 2016 and 2019, a new study finds.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/health/child-drug-overdose-increase-wellness/index.html

Chadwick Boseman receives posthumous 'Hero for the Ages' award at MTV Movie & TV Awards

The late Chadwick Boseman was honored at Sunday's MTV Movie & TV Awards: Greatest of All Time.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/06/entertainment/chadwick-boseman-posthumous-award-mtv-movie-tv-awards/index.html

Floyd Mayweather will box YouTuber Logan Paul in February

Retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced Sunday he will return to the ring in a "super exhibition" against YouTuber Logan Paul.

source https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/06/us/floyd-mayweather-logan-paul-match-spt-trnd/index.html

What coronavirus means for India's 'big fat weddings'

Blessing and Sheryl Jossy wanted to hold a wedding extravaganza across three cities.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/indian-weddings-covid-intl-hnk-dst/index.html