TOP STORIES
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TRUMP VS. THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY “The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that intelligence agencies may be withholding sensitive information from the president over fears it could be leaked.” President Donald Trump plans to have a close ally of Steve Bannon “lead a broad review of American intelligence agencies.” Trump said the series of intelligence leaks that have plagued his administration are “un-American” and “like Russia.” And here’s a look at the president’s position on leaks through the years. [HuffPost]
ANDREW PUZDER WITHDRAWS AS NOMINEE FOR LABOR SECRETARY The chief executive of CKE Restaurants, which owns Hardee’s, withdrew his nomination after seven Republican senators refused to back him. He is the 13th Cabinet pick in history to withdraw his nomination. [HuffPost]
MORE FLYNN FALLOUT This bipartisan Senate duo is pushing the Justice Department for a briefing on Mike Flynn’s contact with Russia, and Senate Republicans are more open than GOP members in the House to such a conversation. There is bipartisan support for a bill that would require congressional approval of any sanctions relief provided to Russia. And Trump has offered the job of National Security Adviser to Vice Admiral Robert Harward. It’s not clear yet if he has accepted. [HuffPost]
IMMIGRATION ENFORCERS: ‘WE CAN DO OUR JOBS AGAIN’ Border Patrol and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents say they’ve been unleashed under Trump. ICE has confirmed their arrest of a “DREAM-er” and the detention of a woman in El Paso shortly after she sought court-ordered protection from domestic violence. And this mother facing deportation has taken refuge in a Denver church. [HuffPost]
IS THIS THE END OF U.S. ADVOCACY FOR A TWO-STATE SOLUTION? “’I’m looking at two-state and one-state,’ Trump said when asked whether he would seek a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that included the creation of a Palestinian state. ‘And I like the one that both parties like. I’m very happy with the one that both parties like.’” [HuffPost]
2-YEAR-OLD SHOT AND KILLED DURING FACEBOOK LIVE STREAM IN CHICAGO Three children have been shot and killed in Chicago in four days. [HuffPost]
ALL YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS CLOSED TODAY? That’s because restaurant owners across the country are closing up shop today to support the grassroots movement dubbed “A Day Without Immigrants.” [HuffPost]
WHAT’S BREWING
MORE SENIORS THAN EVER ARE COMBINING MIND-ALTERING DRUGS “The number of Americans over the age of 65 who take at least three prescribed psychotropic drugs ― a category that includes opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics and tranquilizers ― doubled over a recent nine-year period, according to new research from the University of Michigan.” [HuffPost]
ASHTON KUTCHER TOOK TO THE HILL TO URGE THE ENDING OF MODERN SLAVERY And throw a wink John McCain’s way. [HuffPost]
TWITTER HAD A FIELD DAY WITH KATE UPTON’S ‘SWIMSUIT’ COVERS FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Where’s the suit? [HuffPost]
THE EARLY 00’s NOKIA PHONE IS MAKING A COMEBACK Now if our Razor would just be back in style... [HuffPost]
‘THE AGE OF RUDENESS’ Examining the concept of politeness in the 21st century. [NYT]
BAZINGA Looks like “The Big Bang Theory” will get two more seasons after all. [Variety]
BEFORE YOU GO
~ Why “superspreaders” prolonged the Ebola outbreak.
~ Kellyanne Conway is no longer welcome on “Morning Joe.”
~ The real MVP’s of social media? The boyfriends of Instagram. So much effort, so many lighting options.
~ “The strange case of the Russian diplomat who got his head smashed in on Election Day.”
~ Prepare yourself for the “Love Actually” reunion about to take place.
~ Hunter McGrady, the curviest woman to shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, talks body paint and body acceptance.
~ The pairing of Rosario Dawson and Eric Andre has taken the internet by surprise.
~ The first trailer for Ryan Murphy’s “Feud” is beyond your wildest dramatic dreams.
~ In case you didn’t know, today is “World Read Aloud Day.” Here’s why you should pick up a book and celebrate.
~ Meet the Macedonian teens who “mastered” fake news.
~ And in case you were wondering, this is what a “firefall” at Yosemite looks like.