Quick Hits

Poll finds plurality of Americans believe worst of pandemic is over.Approval coming for Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccine.Biden tells Treasury secretary he opposes wealth tax.Growing number of Americans identify as LGBTQ.Mount Etna volcano erupts, illuminating the Sicilian sky.Tiger Woods has surgery for "significant" injuries to right leg.Good News: Wisconsin restaurant owner gives $2,000 to help other restaurants in town.

Debate erupts over coronavirus vaccine supply and focus on one shot instead of twoIsrael, the most vaccinated country in the world, begins to reopenSupreme Court orders Trump tax returns to be delivered to Manhattan DAFBI arrests wife of jailed drug kingpin El Chapo Biden facing first cabinet nominee defeat as key democrats reject Neera TandenBiden approval rating at 58%San Francisco school board scrubs plan to rename Lincoln and Washington schoolsGood News: Texas family takes in delivery driver for 5 days during storm

U.S. Coronavirus death toll surges past 500,000NY Governor Andrew Cuomo under investigation for hiding nursing home death statisticsTrump to be featured speaker at CPAC conferencePresident Biden ready to negotiate with Iran over nuclear weapons programHundreds of thousands of demonstrators defy military and march against coup in MyanmarBoeing recommends grounding of 128 777 aircraft over engine concernsGood News: 92 year old man in Arkansas shovels snow off neighbor's porch

Sen. Cruz flew to Cancun for vacation amid Texas crisis. US to pay $200 million to WHO in fees withheld by Trump.COVID-19 crisis causes decline in US life expectancy.Democrats unveil WH-backed immigration overhaul bill.Serena Williams loses to Naomi Osaka in Semifinals.Citibank loses bid to get back $500 million sent by mistake.Biden makes long-awaited phone call to Israel’s Netanyahu.NASA’s Perseverance rover arrives on Mars.

Biden: US may be back to normal by next Christmas.WHO reports 16% decline in global coronavirus cases.Winter storm leaves millions of Americans without power.Democrats announce an independent probe into Jan. 6 Capitol Riots.World’s youth struggle with ‘mental health pandemic’.Kim Jong Un’s wife appears in public for first time in a year.Trump calls McConnell 'dour, sullen, unsmiling political hack'.World’s oldest ‘beer factory’ unearthed in Egypt.

NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo under fire for hiding nursing home death data.US reports lowest Covid cases since October.NAACP sues Trump and Giuliani over Capitol riot.Movement to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom grows.NASCAR fans showed up for Daytona 500 despite pandemic.70-year-old man raises more than $1 million for charity

Trump impeachment trial video shows narrow escape of lawmakers on Jan. 6.U.S. Coronavirus death toll surges past 473,000, as daily deaths and infections drop.Covid19 mutations are exploding in Florida, will soon test efficacy of vaccines.Impeachment managers close by noting Trump's lack of remorse for January 6 riot.Arrested members of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers say Trump speech sparked their mob.International investigators say Iran is producing uranium in violation of 2015 accord.President Biden "ghosting" Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.NBA Dallas Mavericks reverse course, agree to play national anthem before games.Good News: Fishermen discover simple trick to keep seabirds safely away from nets.

Several GOP Senators avert eyes from impeachment video of January 6 riot.U.S. Coronavirus deaths reach 469,000 as daily death toll drops 20% in two weeks.D.C.'s Capitol Hill remains under lockdown with heavy security.New analysis shows 60% of capitol rioters had a history of financial problems.Iran threatening again to build nuclear weapons.FBI joins Florida investigation of water system hacker.NBA Dallas Mavericks stop playing the national anthem.Photo of the day: Michigan woman finds icicle shaped like hummingbird.Good News: U.S. Coast Guard rescues 3 Cubans stranded for a month on deserted island.

Trump impeachment gets underway with argument over constitutionality.New U.S. coronavirus infection cases drop below 100,000 day for first time in months.Johnson and Johnson applies for emergency use approval from FDA.Democrats agree not to lower income levels for people receiving stimulus checks.Biden administration continues to avoid fights with democratic progressives.Evidence shows Iran and North Korea collaborated on missiles in 2020.Biden staying silent on Trump impeachment trial.Israeli company unveils lab meat grown from animal cultures and 3-D printing.Good News: CT fire department rescues outdoor ice skating.

Tom Brady wins his seventh Super Bowl title.Republican Rep. Ron Wright dies after contracting Covid-19.Crowds of maskless fans celebrate Super Bowl win.Super Bowl advertisers struggle to strike the right note. Trump’s second impeachment trial begins Tuesday.U.S. set to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council.Minimum wage hike unlikely to survive Covid relief talks.Wallet lost in Antarctica returns to owner after 53 years.

Biden administration is rejoining international agreements.U.S. is pulling it's military and financial support of Saudi Arabia in Yemen civil war. Biden: We will repair global alliances.Iran is enriching uranium again, but leaders say they are open to talks with Biden admin.Biden administration scolds Russia for jailing opposition leader Navalny.Myanmar military shuts down social media following takeover of government.Analysts note that North Korea has been eerily silent since start of Biden administration.

Data shows 2 million guns sold in U.S. in January '21, a jump of 80%.U.S. Coronavirus deaths surge past 451,000... more U.S. deaths than WW2.Optimism growing across U.S. as daily infections drop and vaccinations increase.House votes to strip Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of all committee assignments.Myanmar Military cuts off social media in wake of power grab.Russian government arrests prominent journalist for retweeting joke about Putin.Texas woman arrested for U.S. capitol riot asks judge for permission to vacation in Mexico.Good News: College student uses some of GameStop investor profits to help children.

Biden White House back-pedals after spokesperson mocks Trump Space Force.U.S. Covid19 new infections have dropped by 30% over past two weeks.Amazon's Jeff Bezos, the wealthiest human on the planet, resigns as CEO.Russian authorities arrest 1,000 demonstrators in clashes over Navalny prison sentence.Super Bowl 55 will include 22,000 live fans and 30,000 cardboard cutouts next to them.Golden Globes announces bi-coastal award ceremony hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.Newsmax anchor, unable to control Trump conspiracy supporter, walks off television set.Good News: Oregon health workers distribute Covid19 vaccines to drivers stuck on highway.

U.S. Covid19 deaths are now dropping in every U.S. State.Sir Thomas Moore, who raised $50 million famidst pandemic or British health, dead at age 100.McConnell calls Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a "cancer".GOP v. GOP fight intensifies over Liz Impeachment following her vote for Trump impeachment.Biden hosts GOP senators for Covid19 stimulus talk at the WH.Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny makes court appearance, expects lengthy jail time.Peer reviewed medical data finds Russian vaccine is 91% effective.Bad News: Punxatawney Phil sees shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter.Good News: Groundhogs in Delaware delight with viral YouTube channel.

Trump replaces impeachment lawyers, demands team argue election was stolen.Total U.S. Covid19 deaths surge past 442,000.Biden administration warns mutations may get around vaccines and could prompt new lockdowns.Zombie Nation: Health officials say 1/3 of Americans are sleep deprived and stressed.Military stages Coup D'Etat in Myanmar, takes control, throws out President.Chinese warplanes fly over Taiwan, ratcheting up tensions with the U.S.Winter storm pounds the U.S. Northeast.Good News: Cancer survivor, in Covid19 lockdown in UK, takes beautiful bird photos from window.

David Shuster talks with LGBTQ Advocate Jonathan Lovitz, Ashley Smith, Board President of the Capital Pride Alliance and Justin Li, Executive Director of Love to All Project. President Biden has signed a sweeping executive order on LGBTQ civil rights. Is there renewed hope amidst Covid19 and economic devastation? Or are there are fears that civil rights are "on hold".

Calls grow for GOP to take action against "dangerous" Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene.U.S. death toll from Covid19 surges past 430,000, daily infections though are dropping.Rep. Liz Cheney under fire from fellow members of Congress over impeachment vote.U.S. economy shrank 3.5% last year, the worst year since WW2.Homeland security dept issues warning about potential domestic terror attacks.Militiaman in Michigan who led plot to kidnap Governor is testifying against accomplices.Six Flags says world's largest, fastest roller coaster will start in NJ in 2021.Game Stop! Internet traders exploit vulnerability of Hedge Fund investors, costing them billions.Good News: Wolf moon tonight.

Biden administration considers mandatory Covid19 tests for all domestic airline travelers.U.S. total deaths surge past 426,000.CDC says "scant evidence" that open schools contribute to Covid19 transmission.Deaths of despair prompt Nevada school district to re-open.44 San Francisco schools changing names, including those named after Lincoln and Washington.UN says 250,000 people in Mozambique in dire need of help following Cyclone.Senators Collins and Kaine urge colleagues to censure Trump as an impeachment alternative.Good News: UFC champ Dustin Poirer raises tens of thousands of dollars for needy.

New report says Covid19 has sparked record financial inequality in U.S. and across globe.U.S. coronavirus cases have dropped 21% over the past week.Biden vows to increase vaccinations to 1.5 million per day.McConnell ends block of Senate rules, agrees to deal with Schumer.Riots in Netherlands as Anti-lockdown demonstrators clash with police.Pope Francis, suffering from health problems, cancels all events.Florida offers to host 2021 summer Olympics instead of Japan.Good News: Engineers, inspired by an athlete, design pill bottle for people with Parkinsons.

Massive protests continue across Russia over arrest of corruption highligter Alexei Navalny.U.S. Coronavirus death toll surges past 420,000. Global cases reach 100 million.Moderna says it's vaccine is effective against alarming South African covid19 variant.West Virginia leads the U.S. in vaccines administered per capita.Super Bowl LV is set: 43 year old QB Tom Brady v. 25 year old QB Patrick Mahomes.House delivers Trump impeachment article to U.S Senate, trial to start in 2 weeks.FBI, law enforcement debate not charging some Capitol rioters.Good News: California biologist finds Cookie Monster image inside Brazil volcano rock.

Join David Shuster, Tal Heinrich and Randall Pinkston for a discussion about Unity.Is it really as important as President Biden says? What will it take to unify the U.S.? Is it possible to achieve unity in the U.S.?Aren't we already unified on most issues?Congress is already clashing over priorities, policies, and legislative process.

Biden issues dozens of executive orders on climate change, immigration, student loan debts.U.S. daily Covid19 deaths set another record.Biden spends most of first full day at White House focused on Covid19 challenges.Biden invokes defense authorization act to speed vaccine production and distribution.Suicide Bombings in Baghdad market kill 32 people, worst attack in Iraq in 3 years.International reaction pours in to Biden inauguration and first actions in office.Who wore it best? Bernie Sanders grumpy chic v. Lady Gaga's giant dove brooch.Good News: House cat that disappeared in California mudslide found alive after 3 years.

Trump leaving office with lowest average approval rating in polling history.D.C. on lockdown as 20,000 national guard troops take up positions for Biden inauguration.Biden prepares slew of executive orders for first day in office..U.S. death toll in coronavirus surges past 400,000.Experts say Biden goal of 100 million vaccine shots in 100 days is insufficient.Russian opposition leader Navalny returns to Moscow and is jailed.Massive snowstorm in Japan causes 130 car pile-up, one fatality.Hotline allows callers to "scream" and release tensions/frustrations.Good News: Woman gifts a car to a teenager who had been walking 7 miles to work.

Trump ban from social media ignites firestorm.Free speech: Debate intensifies over social media restrictions.Internet legislation section 230c gives web media giants immunity from liability. Free speech: Growing calls to crack down on incitement. But who is the arbiter?GOP says "cancel culture" is growing in media, politics, and academia.Media and Universities grapple with ways to open up political debate and dialogue.Sociologists say we are moving to "post truth society" where there is no universal agreement on facts.Tribalism in U.S. politics now appears to be extending to media organizations and academia.

Trump impeachment trial won't begin until week of Biden inauguration.Trump issues statement saying he opposes mob violence.U.S. Coronavirus deaths surge past 386,000.Spain and Germany set new Covid19 records.Senate Republican Leader McConnell says he is open to convicting Trump.Tensions high in Africa for election day in Uganda.U.S. jobless claims surge to highest levels since August.Thousands of National Guard deployed to U.S. capitol building.Good News: Arkansas Doctor forgives $650K of patient debt.

House impeaches President Trump for "incitement of insurrection".Trump is the first President in U.S. history to be impeached twice.World watches Trump impeachment and U.S. debate over riots.Liz Cheney, #3 ranking GOP house member, joins Democrats in impeachment vote.Senate Mitch McConnell suggests he supports House impeachment.20,000 National guard troops being deployed to U.S. Capitol to help with inauguration security.FBI says MAGA militia groups already planning Inauguration assault. U.S. sets daily record for Covid19 deaths with 4,400 over past 24 hours.

Trump shows no regret for remarks to MAGA crowd just before capitol riot.House pressuring Pence to invoke 25th amendment, impeachment vote on Wednesday.FBI warns of "Million Militia March" in Washington, D.C. between January 17-20.NFL Patriots Coach Bill Belichik spurns Trump invitation to be awarded medal of freedom.U.S. changes vaccination distribution program, all over 65 now eligible immediately.Black boxes found following crash of Indonesia passenger jet, death of 62 people.Phoenix, AZ judge says Q'Anon Shaman should receive organic food in jail.Good News: Emperor Tamarin triplets born in Vienna zoo.

House introduces article of impeachment against Trump, vote planned for Wednesday.videos/eye-witnesses show Capitol Insurrection was more sinister than first appeared.Outgoing Capitol Police chief says requests for back-up were denied. U.S. Covid19 death toll surges past 375,000.Health experts warn the Covid19 Crisis will get worse for a few more weeks.Japan and Spain dealing with record snow storms and multiple deaths.Biden plans to stop talking about Trump/capitol insurrection and focus only on Covid19.Good News: UK plumber organizes help for elderly and disabled families.

Congress confirms Biden victory hours after mob storms capitol building.Trump pledges "orderly transition" on January 20.U.S. daily coronavirus deaths set new record.Questions grow about U.S. Capitol Police.Trump cabinet urged to invoke 25th amendment and remove him from office.Nation in shock over images of banana republic in U.S. capitol.Biden faces growing political and governmental challenges.Good News: California girl gives birthday money to homeless man who returned a wallet.

GOP delays and gums up Electoral College certification in Congress.U.S. Covid19 deaths surge past 358,000.Democrats appear to win both GA Senate run-off elections, taking control of Senate.Iran threatens revenge on one year anniversary of U.S. killing of top general.Arizona shatters state record for Covid19 deaths and new cases.Scotland rejects Trump consideration of trip to his golf club there this month.NCAA considers delaying football championship because of Covid19 outbreak on OSU team.Good News: Photographer captures thousands of rare "ice balls" on Finland beach.

Trump pressures VP Pence to gum up Electoral College certification.UK imposes full lockdown, their 3rd since pandemic began last year.U.S. sees record number of Covid19 hospitalizations.GOP leaders say Trump is tearing republican party apart.FL lawmakers seeks to close down Mar-a-Lago over New Year's eve violations.Pacific Island nation of Palao has vaccinated nearly all residents.Good News: Secret Santa delivers $250 gift cards to 400 Canadian families.

Democrats urge FBI to investigate Trump GA call.Total U.S. Covid19 death toll surges past 352,000.Only 3 million Americans have received vaccine, well short of 20 million goal by 2021.More virulent, mutant strain of Coronavirus has now been found in 31 countries.Israel has now vaccinated 10% of total population, highest ratio in world.Final day of campaigning in Georgia for Senate run-off elections.Debate erupts over stockpiling of U.S. Covid19 vaccines for "2nd dose".Good News: Woman in Washington state builds app for autistic brother.

Congress passes $900 Billion relief bill, including $35 Billion for renewable energyU.S. Coronavirus deaths surge past 320,000Covid19 mutant strain spread, but vaccine companies confident their shots will handle itUSPS warns of severe delays in package delivery throughout holiday seasonTrump turns on VP Pence and WH Chief of staff Mark MeadowsSanta crashes into Sacramento Power lines, rescued by fire/EMSGood News: WV Superintendent cancels virtual learning and declares a "snow day"

New mutant Covid19 strain spreading quickly around globe, vaccine effectiveness unclear.As U.S. Covid19 deaths surge past 318,000, experts say next few months will be "hell".U.S. Congress agrees on $900 Billion economic stimulus package.President elect Biden receives Covid19 vaccine.Georgia megachurch pastor tests positive after attending WH holiday party.Sesame Street featuring Rohingya refugees.Robert E. Lee statue taken down from U.S. capitol building.Good News: Police in WV hand out gift cards instead of traffic tickets.

VP Pence receives Covid19 vaccination.U.S. Covid19 deaths surge past 312,000.Cyber attack that infiltrated a dozen U.S. government agencies dubbed "worst in history".California facing Covid19 vaccine distribution problems as state reels from pandemic.End of year evictions bring new challenges. Scientists searching for ET's detect radio waves from star closest to sun.Rudy Giuliani is now hawking cigars and gold coins.Good News: Florida man pays off utility bills for 114 neighbors.

Several U.S. states ban indoor dining, as daily Covid19 death toll sets record of 3700+.Total U.S. Covid19 deaths top 308,500.French President Emanuel Macron announces he is positive for Covid19.Most U.S. companies have been profitable in '2020 most American families struggling.Alexandria Ocasio Cortez takes verbal jab at democratic leaders Pelosi and Schumer.Astronauts harvest radishes on ISS.Massive snowstorm sets records across U.S. Northeast.Good News: Arielle Hixson gets married despite pandemic.

Experts say vaccine won't slow overall pandemic surge for months.UK facing new strain of Covid19, researchers unsure about spread or vaccine capabilities.U.S. FDA approves moderna vaccine, negotiations underway for more Pfizer vax in 2021.Trump tells McConnell it's too early to give up on the 2020 election dispute.Scientists studying why say cats get Covid19 but always recover quickly. Actor Tom Cruise explodes at crew for violating Covid19 social distancing protocols.Good News: Canadian teenager explains quantum tunnelling, wins $250,000 video prize.

Coronavirus fatigue in U.S. coming at the worst time.Intensive vaccination education effort underway.Attorney General William Barr resigns.McConnell finally congratulates President elect Biden on "victory".Putin congratulates Biden, Brazil's Bolsonaro and NK's Kim Jong Un still silent.Biggest snow storm in years predicted to hammer U.S. northeast starting Wednesday.Good News: 900 customers at MN Dairy Queen pay it forward with car behind them.

U.S. vaccine program begins with shots for dozens of medical workers.U.S. Covid19 death toll surges past 300,000.Electoral college meets, gives majority of votes to Biden.Trump left with few options following loss at U.S. Supreme Court.Record hospitalizations at hundreds of U.S. hospitals.2020 has been the year in sports when everybody lost.Cleveland Indians baseball team changes name.Missile alert at U.S. base in Ramstein, Germany.Good News: Antonio Mora's birthday!

U.S. records first day of +3,000 Covid19 deaths.Morocco and Israel announced peace deal.Trump administration ramping up federal executions.NYC rental prices have plummeted to lowest level in a decade.Iceberg threatens island off tip of South America.Halo health band criticizes user's health and voice out loud.Good news: Toronto community comes together to save popular pub.

NY considers mandatory Covid19 vaccinations.U.S. hospitals and morgues overflowing as Covid19 cases smash records.U.K. warns that vaccinations can prompt harsh reactions in people with strong allergies.Satellite photos show Iran is moving nuclear facility underground.U.S. Supreme Court rejects GOP election lawsuit in Pennsylvania.Elon Musk moving his companies from California to Texas.Tom Brady nutrition company received $960,000 government bailout.Good News: two dads bake cookies for Covid19 caregivers.

UK begins Covid19 vaccine inoculations.U.S. just recorded it's deadliest week since pandemic began.Trump under fire for turning down offer from Pfizer for additional doses.Biden names Lloyd Austin Secretary of Defense, will be first African American to hold position.Paris 2024 adds breakdancing as Olympic sport.Apple under fire for shipping Iphone12 with no charger or earbuds.Some CA restaurants call their outdoor dining a "peaceful protest" to get around closures.Good News: Medical school applications are up +18%.

NYC reopens elementary schools.UK prepares vaccine distribution.Data finds education disparity.Iran supreme leader facing health issues.Bob Dylan sells catalogue for $300 Million.Israeli alleges deal with aliens.Good News: Family in Adelaide, Australia wakes up to Koala next to ornaments

Despite record Covid19 numbers, Fauci says Thanksgiving impact in U.S. has yet to arrive.U.S. Covid19 death toll surges past 278,000. CDC predicts 200,00 more deaths this winter.Europe battling a 2nd Covid19 wave that is deadlier than the first.Joe Biden says he will ask all Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days.App alerts residents of Rio DeJaneiro, Brazil to shootings and potential stray bullets.U.S. labor department reports 5th straight month of economic slowdown.Painting that appears all white is expected to sell at auction for $3.5 million.Good News: Justin Timberlake buys a special van for a disabled fan.

The U.S. daily Covid19 death toll is the worst of the pandemic.Obama, Clinton, Bush pledge to take vaccines in public. Los Angeles and a dozen other cities urge residents to stay home.Record infections reported across Europe and Asia.Trump ally urges martial law and a new election.Biden and democrats support bipartisan Covid19 relief bill.Meteorite causes fireball and sonic boom detected across 7 states.Good News: Canadian rescues American family.

UK becomes first Western country to approve Coronavirus vaccine.CDC changes quarantine guidelines for people possibly exposed to virus.U.S. hospitals and morgues overflowing as case numbers and deaths surge.Israel dissolves existing parliament, is headed towards 4th election in 2 years.U.S. Attorney General Barr says DOJ/FBI found no widespread evidence of election fraud.Santa Ana winds prompt new fire concerns in California, utilities shutting down power lines.Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art discovered on cliffs in Amazon rainforest. Good News: Couple ditches wedding to serve meals to needy on Thanksgiving.

Trump lawyer sparks outrage after suggesting a whistleblower should be shot.U.S. Covid19 hospitalizations surge past 100,000, twice the number from a month ago.U.S. task force recommends health care workers and elderly receive first vaccines.McConnell pledges to consider Covid19 relief bill by end of December, democrats skeptical.UK considers a vaccine "passport" for passage into British bars and movie theaters.Drone strike reportedly kills top Iranian commander in Syria.First lady Melania Trump unveils WH Xmas decorations for 2020.China tests jet engine capable of flying at Mach 16.Missing FL sailor rescued 86 miles from the coast, clinging to his overturned boat.

Trump alleges DOJ/FBI were part of election conspiracy against him.Moderna say it's vaccine will be ready in U.S. on December 21.Health officials warn of post thanksgiving Covid19 surge.Iran vows to retaliate against Israel following assassination of nuclear scientist.Biden names economic team that pledges to push worker friendly policies.Biden injures ankle. Transition says he was injured chasing one of his dogs.Tyson v. Jones proves aging boxers can still fight.Good News: NH woman buys groceries of strangers.

U.S. record infection rate has now made contact tracing impossible.U.S. death toll surges past 260,000.Preparations across Middle East for possible U.S. attack on Iran.Biden now receiving intelligence/security briefings.GA Senate races intensifying focus on Raphael Warnock.U.S. food insecurity at highest levels in decades.Soccer legend Diego Maradona, dead at the age of 60.Good News: Paralyzed soccer gymnast leads a successful tea company.

Trump instructs the General Services Administration to help Biden transition.U.S. Daily Covid19 infections are up 49% in two weeks.AstraZeneca vaccine recipients who received a half dose fared better.Researchers believe Covid19 mutation in the spring fueled the pandemic.Sharp reaction across the middle east to Netanyahu visit to Saudi Arabia.Uganda arrest of opposition leader sparks riots, clashes with police, and deaths of 45 people.GM reverses opposition to CA auto emissions restrictions.Researcher identify key psychological traits needed for Mars mission participants.Good News: MLB, thanks to the Miami Marlins, now has its first woman General Manager.

Biden nominee for secretary of state marks return to global engagementU.S. health officials, fearful of further Covid19 spread, issue final Thanksgiving pleaAstraZeneca is the latest vaccine maker to report encouraging final human trial resultsNASA launches satellite that will monitor the earth's ocean levels for 5 yearsFederal Judge in Pennsylvania rules the Trump lawsuit is without meritTrump campaign distances itself from lawyer Sydney Powell Photo of the Day: Pope Francis meets with NBA players to discuss social justiceGood News: Utah man plays violin from ICU to say "thank you" to medical staff