TOP STORIES
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THE HICCUP IN THE REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN “Senate Republicans look at their tax bill as a key win for the GOP ― a sweeping rewrite that Republicans can point to proudly in upcoming elections. But there’s one big problem lawmakers are ignoring: Voters don’t like the bill.” Here’s why Republicans scrambled to rewrite portions of the bill yesterday. A vote is still expected today. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook]
WHITE HOUSE SAID TO BE WEIGHING REPLACING SECRETARY OF STATE REX TILLERSON WITH CIA HEAD MIKE POMPEO Sen. Tom Cotton would then take over as CIA Director. [HuffPost]
TRUMP HAS REPORTEDLY URGED SENATE REPUBLICANS TO END THE SENATE RUSSIA PROBE They said no. [HuffPost]
THE ACQUITTAL OF AN UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT IN THE SAN FRANCISCO KILLING OF KATE STEINLE Has reignited the debate over sanctuary cities. President Donald Trump renewed his call for a border wall following the verdict. [HuffPost]
RUSSIAN TROLLS REPORTEDLY LINKED CLINTON TO FAKE NEWS ABOUT SATANIC RITUALS “Hundreds of thousands of fake social media messages generated by an army of Russian trolls during last year’s presidential campaign spewed racism, inflamed conflict in American society and falsely linked Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and associates to satanism and satanic rituals in an effort to influence the outcome of the election.” [HuffPost]
MATT LAUER SPOKE OUT THURSDAY The former “Today” show host issued a statement apologizing for his behavior, but pushed back on the veracity of all of the allegations. His questionable interviews of Sandra Bullock and Anne Hathaway have resurfaced in light of the allegations. His ex-wife has come to his defense, while CNN President Jeff Zucker, who was previously executive producer at “Today,” said “I didn’t know this Matt.” [HuffPost]
WHAT’S BREWING
EXPERTS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE CENSUS “The U.S. Census Bureau is significantly scaling back its preparations for the 2020 census, which experts say could compromise the agency’s ability to accurately conduct its constitutionally mandated count of people. An inaccurate census could have drastic consequences, with the potential to hit minority communities the hardest.” [HuffPost]
THE EVOLUTION OF MEGHAN MARKLE From her standing up for women at the age of 11 to her style ― she did much better with those early 2000s trends than we did. She and Prince Harry had their first public outing following their engagement announcement. And her sorority portrait proves she’s always been princess-ready. [HuffPost]
TURNS OUT THE WHITE HOUSE HAS A MICE PROBLEM And an ant and cockroach problem. [HuffPost]
THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS RACE IS BEYOND STACKED With a fair amount of your TV favorites. [HuffPost]
UH OH ‘GAME OF THRONES’ FANS Here’s what Jason Momoa ― who played Khal Drogo ― had to say about the final season: “It’s going to be unbelievable. It’s going to **** up a lot of people.” [HuffPost]
HOW TO MANAGE THAT INEVITABLE COLD After you’re down for the count. [HuffPost]
BEFORE YOU GO
Russell Simmons has stepped down from his businesses in light of another sexual assault claim.
Bette Midler says Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera has never apologized for groping her in the 70s.
Vice media has fired three employees over sexual misconduct claims.
Japan’s Emperor Akihito will become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in two centuries April 30, 2019.
How those anti-Islam videos probably ended up in Trump’s Twitter feed, and a look at how the State Department warned they could endanger embassies.
Are special operations now the “new American front of war?”
Did you feel the 4.1 magnitude earthquake that shook the East Coast?
Comedian Jim Nabors, who played the bumbling Gomer Pyle, has died at the age of 87.
Trump set to announce gutting of two Utah monuments Monday.
The internet could not handle the Beyonce, Ed Sheeran collaboration on the remix of Sheeran’s “Perfect.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s words about Trump are coming back to haunt him.
Kesha opened up about the drain of the holidays for people with mental illness.
“Why a generation in Japan is facing a lonely death.”
Are “The Walking Dead” characters killing zombies wrong?
Selena Gomez opened up about getting back together with Justin Bieber.
Here’s how to make sure Santa sends you a letter with a North Pole postmark.
What to know about the advantages of eloping.
About that viral study “proving” dogs are smarter than cats...
All Prince George wants for Christmas is beyond adorable.
Riverdale fans, you can now snag some “Jingle Jangle” at Trader Joe’s.
How to email like your boss.
Ina Garten’s response to the royal engagement? It’s the “magic powers” of roast chicken.
The death of meaning in the phrase “body positive.”
As 2017 draws to a close, we are all these dogs, mournfully asking for help as they’re stuck in a storm drain.