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County election officials in Florida, meanwhile, are facing a potential new challenge after Hurricane Milton made landfall on its western coast late Wednesday. Other county election offices in the state similarly said this week that that they would perform fresh assessments of their election infrastructure following Milton. Chris O'Meara/AP David Jalving throws outdoor furniture into his father's pool in Fort Myers to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Marta Lavandier/AP A man in Progreso boards up an apartment building to protect it from Hurricane Milton on Monday. “We should have the most poll workers we’ve ever had here in Oconee County,” said Ryan Nowland, assistant director of Oconee County elections.

Persons: Hurricane Helene, “ I’ve, ”, Mary Beth Tipton, “ We’ve, ” Tipton, Yancey County, Hurricane Milton, “, ” Brian Corley, Milton, Robert Inman, Inman, Cliff Marr, Marr, ” Marr, Helene, Karen Brinson Bell, Bell, Corinne Duncan, Duncan, ” Duncan, Christopher Heath, Ron DeSantis, Corley, Bill Nye, CNN Kari Ewalt, Osceola, ” Ewalt, they’re, Conway Belangia, I’ve, Belangia, Connie Gore, Cecelia Smith, Crystal Vander, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Robert Turick, Turick, Rebecca Blackwell, Cristobal Herrera, Julio Cortez, Giorgio Viera, Ricardo Arduengo, Liz Kelly, Matt, Andrew West, Chandan Khanna, Nadia Zomorodian, Austin, Joe Raedle, Sean Rayford, Marta Lavandier, Jefferee Woo, Bryan R, Smith, Chris Urso, Marco Bello, Brandon Marlow, Marie Cook, Bill Ingram, Reuters Stephen Lundgren, Doug Engle, Ron Rook, Paul Hennessy, Saul Martinez, Payton Wyse, Andrew Goncharsky, Christian Burke, Lee, Connor Ferran, Fort Myers, Nicolette Mariano, Kaila Jones, Damon Higgins, Ted Carlson, McKenzie, Evan Purcell, Purcell's, Anna Maria Island, Carlson, Yamil Lage, Matthew Dominick, NASA Aurelio Ortiz, Lorenzo Hernandez, Mike Carlson, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters John Fedor, Chris O'Meara, David Jalving, Pete, Octavio Jones, Tristan Wheelock, Gerald, Martin Zetina, Gregg Newton, ” Belangia, we’ve, Ryan Nowland, “ We’re, everyone’s Organizations: CNN, Trump, Hurricane, “ Communications, Republican, Republican Gov, Voters, Osceola County’s, South, USA, AFP, Getty, AP, Daytona, Network, Reuters, Bradenton, Tropicana, Major League, Tampa Bay Rays, Celtic Ray Public, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA, Vanguard, School, Ocala, Orlando International Airport, Anadolu, Disney, Fort, Palm Beach Daily, Florida Army National Guard, Tampa General Hospital, NASA, International, Milton, Tampa International Airport, Bloomberg, AP Contractors, New Port Richey, AP Tropicana Locations: Carolina, Hurricane, North Carolina’s Yancey County, Yancey, Florida, Florida’s Pasco County, North Carolina, North Carolina’s, Haywood County, North Carolina’s Polk County, ”, Buncombe County, Asheville, Covid, Orange County, Milton, Pasco County, South Carolina, Greenville County, ” County, Martin County , Florida, Port St Lucie , Florida, Englewood , Florida, Manasota Key, Hurricane Milton, Venice , Florida, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Park , Florida, Siesta Key, Punta Gorda , Florida, North Fort Myers , Florida, Siesta, Volusia, South Daytona , Florida, Bradenton Beach, St . Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Odessa , Florida, Venice, Matlacha , Florida, Palmetto Beach, Tampa, Bradenton , Florida, St . Petersburg , Florida, Clearwater, AFP, Sarasota , Florida, Segundo, Davis, Fort Myers , Florida, Wellington , Florida, Palm, Ocala , Florida, County, Wellington, Orlando, Gulfport , Florida, Lee County, Fort Myers, Sebastian , Florida, Palm Beach , Florida, Palm Beach, Havana, Cuba, Celestún, Mexico, Port Richey , Florida, Tampa Bay, Treasure Island , Florida, St, Pete Beach , Florida, Treasure, Fort Myers Beach, Progreso, New Port, Kissimmee , Florida, Pickens County, Oconee County, Oconee

Sean Rayford/Getty Images Cars move slowly through Matlacha, Florida, on Thursday after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines. Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/AP A satellite image captures Hurricane Milton reaching the coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9. Chris O'Meara/AP David Jalving throws outdoor furniture into his father's pool in Fort Myers to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Marta Lavandier/AP A man in Progreso boards up an apartment building to protect it from Hurricane Milton on Monday. “Many areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of back-to-back impacts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” Pinellas County Consumer Protection said in a public advisory Thursday.

Persons: Milton, Floridians, ”, Ron DeSantis, Walt, Aquatica, Connie Gore, Cecelia Smith, Hurricane Milton, Crystal Vander, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Robert Turick, Turick, Helene, Rebecca Blackwell, Cristobal Herrera, Julio Cortez, Giorgio Viera, Ricardo Arduengo, Liz Kelly, Matt, Andrew West, Chandan Khanna, Nadia Zomorodian, Austin, Joe Raedle, Sean Rayford, Marta Lavandier, Jefferee Woo, Bryan R, Smith, Chris Urso, Marco Bello, Brandon Marlow, Marie Cook, Bill Ingram, Reuters Stephen Lundgren, Doug Engle, Ron Rook, Paul Hennessy, Saul Martinez, Payton Wyse, Andrew Goncharsky, Christian Burke, Lee, Connor Ferran, Fort Myers, Nicolette Mariano, Kaila Jones, Damon Higgins, Ted Carlson, McKenzie, Evan Purcell, Purcell's, Anna Maria Island, Carlson, Hurricane Helene, Yamil Lage, Matthew Dominick, NASA Aurelio Ortiz, Lorenzo Hernandez, Mike Carlson, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters John Fedor, Chris O'Meara, David Jalving, Pete, Octavio Jones, Tristan Wheelock, Gerald, Martin Zetina, Gregg Newton, ” DeSantis, “, ” Crews, Melissa Seixas, CNN’s Kate Bolduan, Joe Biden, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, Hurricane, it’s, CNN’s Andy Rose Organizations: CNN, St, Daytona, Tampa International, Sarasota Bradenton International, Coast Guard, Walt Disney, SeaWorld, USA, AFP, Getty, AP, Hurricane, Network, Reuters, Bradenton, Tropicana, Major League, Tampa Bay Rays, Celtic Ray Public, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA, Vanguard, School, Ocala, Orlando International Airport, Anadolu, Disney, Fort, Palm Beach Daily, Florida Army National Guard, Tampa General Hospital, NASA, International, Milton, Tampa International Airport, Bloomberg, AP Contractors, New Port Richey, AP Tropicana, Duke Energy, Pinellas County Consumer Protection, “, Government, FEMA, Cross Locations: Florida, Tampa, Hillsborough, Lithia, Clearwater, Johns, Orlando, Sanibel , Florida, St, Petersburg, Georgia, South Carolina, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlando, Martin County , Florida, Port St Lucie , Florida, Hurricane, Englewood , Florida, Manasota Key, Hurricane Milton, Venice , Florida, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Park , Florida, Siesta Key, Punta Gorda , Florida, North Fort Myers , Florida, Siesta, Volusia, South Daytona , Florida, Bradenton Beach, Milton, St . Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Odessa , Florida, Venice, Matlacha , Florida, Palmetto Beach, Bradenton , Florida, St . Petersburg , Florida, AFP, Sarasota , Florida, Segundo, Davis, Fort Myers , Florida, Wellington , Florida, Palm, Ocala , Florida, County, Wellington, Gulfport , Florida, Lee County, Fort Myers, Sebastian , Florida, Palm Beach , Florida, Palm Beach, Havana, Cuba, Celestún, Mexico, Port Richey , Florida, Tampa Bay, Treasure Island , Florida, Pete Beach , Florida, Treasure, Fort Myers Beach, Progreso, New Port, Kissimmee , Florida, Melissa Seixas , Florida, Pinellas County, Georgia , Tennessee, Carolinas

It will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. When Is the Total Solar Eclipse? What Time Will the Total Solar Eclipse Begin and How Long Will It Last? The total solar eclipse provides an opportunity to study the sun’s corona, or the outermost part of its atmosphere. Is the Total Solar Eclipse Expected to Boost the Economy?

Persons: Bill Nelson, They've, ”, Pam Melroy, “, ” Melroy, Melroy Organizations: NASA, roosters, Eclipse, ” NASA, American Astronomical Society, Perryman Locations: North America, U.S, Mexico, Canada, Newfoundland, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas

But a big problem persists as long as the coronavirus continues to spread: long COVID. Long COVID is a condition involving new, returning or ongoing health problems four or more weeks after initial coronavirus infection. “The long COVID community and the COVID cautious community are pretty furious about it,” Hennessy says. And of the people who were aware of long COVID, more than 20% said they at least somewhat agreed with the statements “those with Long COVID may just be depressed” and “Long COVID symptoms are often just the normal aches and pains of life.”“They’re told that their brain fog or other symptoms are not real, and that’s demoralizing,” Rylance said. Young adults and children can also have long COVID, with more than 1% of kids ever having long COVID as of 2022, according to a national survey.

Persons: Long, Long COVID, –, Paul Hennessy, ” Hennessy, Mandy Cohen, didn’t, Hennessy, “, ” Jamie Rylance, hadn’t, ” “ They’re, that’s, ” Rylance, they’re, ”, it’s, Lynn Goldman Organizations: World Health Organization, Washington , D.C, Survey, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, PBS, COVID, CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, U.S . Research, New England, of Medicine, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University Locations: U.S, Washington, Washington ,

House lawmakers on Wednesday passed a government funding package ahead of a partial government shutdown slated for Saturday in an attempt to break what has become a pattern of passing stopgap bills ahead of shutdown deadlines. The package, which passed 339-85, includes six funding bills that cover several agencies, including the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice and Veterans Affairs. More than 130 Republicans endorsed the legislation, which passed under an expedited process known as suspension of the rules that requires a two-thirds majority. “The watchwords for the Senate will be cooperation and speed.”And at least one Senate Democrat is planning to vote against the package, citing a gun policy rider pushed for by Republicans. "It’s unacceptable this provision was pushed by Republicans.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Chris Murphy, Connecticut, " Murphy, Democrats shouldn’t Organizations: Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Veterans Affairs, Republicans, Union, Democrats Locations: ”, Joe Biden’s State

The Biden administration is relaxing its COVID-19 protocols and resources as the winter wave of the coronavirus appears past its peak and fading. Political Cartoons on Women’s Issues View All 53 ImagesThe developments altogether highlight the dwindling bandwidth the Biden administration lends to COVID-19 as the U.S. enters its fifth year dealing with the coronavirus. Several COVID-19 factors are decreasing in the U.S. – a likely indicator that the winter wave of coronavirus is behind us. Data shows the latest increase in COVID-19 activity was significantly less dangerous than the COVID-19 surges the U.S. saw early in the pandemic. “Despite the high levels of wastewater viral activity, COVID-19 is causing severe disease less frequently than earlier in the pandemic,” the CDC said in a recent update.

Persons: Biden, Joe Biden, – Organizations: Administration, Strategic Preparedness, ., Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: U.S, –, COVID

The ramifications of a cyberattack on a critical health care technology company are still being felt across the U.S. nearly two weeks later. Change Healthcare has acknowledged the hack, which reportedly affected billing and care authorization portals. “Our experts are working to address the matter, and we are working closely with law enforcement and leading third-party consultants such as Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks on this attack against Change Healthcare’s systems,” Change Healthcare said. “On Feb. 21, 2024, we discovered a threat actor gained access to one of our Change Healthcare environments,” Change Healthcare said. A spokesperson affiliated with Change Healthcare declined to answer whether a ransom has been paid, according to Wired.

Persons: paychecks, Chuck Schumer, Jesse Ehrenfeld, Rick Pollack, “, ”, Schumer, ” Schumer, Pollack Organizations: Healthcare, Palo Alto Networks, New, American Medical Association, Department of Health, Human Services, American Hospital Association, HHS, AHA, UnitedHealth Group, The Washington Post, Justice Department, Health, Medicare, Medicaid Services, Wired, Change Healthcare Locations: U.S, Palo, New York, Optum

Omicron subvariant JN.1 is causing nearly all new coronavirus cases in the U.S., according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strain, which was responsible for just over 3% of infections in mid-November, has virtually taken over the COVID-19 variant scene in the U.S. in recent months. It was responsible for more than 96% of new infections over the past two weeks, according to the estimates . JN.1, which is closely related to BA.2.86, or “pirola,” is also the top variant globally. But the levels, which reflect both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, are trending downward.

Organizations: subvariant, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, WHO, CDC Locations: U.S

Researchers found more than 6% of U.S. adults reported ever experiencing symptoms of long COVID as of 2022. Extrapolated to the U.S. population, it would mean more than 16 million adult Americans had experienced long COVID symptoms as of the survey. “State-level estimates might also help identify geographic disparities in Long COVID across the United States that could guide interventions to promote health equity.”Symptoms of long COVID can include tiredness, fatigue, difficulty thinking, “brain fog,” shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, menstrual changes and post-exertional malaise. The percentage of Americans who have experienced symptoms of long COVID are surely higher now than they were in 2022. Research published last week in the journal Pediatrics estimated that up to 5.8 million children have developed long COVID.

Persons: Long Organizations: U.S, U.S . Virgin, Centers for Disease Control, Pacific, West, Research, Pediatrics Locations: West Virginia, U.S, New England, South, Midwest, “, United States

The latest COVID-19 wave in the U.S. appears to have peaked and started retreating, but concerns over a new variant are always lurking. Data indicates the latest increase in COVID-19 activity was significantly lower – and significantly less dangerous – than the COVID-19 surges the U.S. saw early in the pandemic. There are also concerns beyond just surviving a coronavirus infection, such as long COVID and the risks posed by reinfection . Meanwhile, as is always the case with COVID-19, there’s the possibility a new variant could change everything. Yet despite those changes, existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections still provides good protection,” the CDC said.

Persons: That’s, ” Maria Van Kerkhove, we're, ”, reinfection, ” Van Kerkhove, ” JN Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, CDC, Washington Post Locations: U.S, –, COVID, South Africa

House lawmakers on Tuesday voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in Republicans’ second attempt to hold the official accountable for what they allege is a willful failure to handle the migrant crisis on the southern border. The House vote Tuesday coincided with a special election in New York to replace disgraced former Republican congressman George Santos. President Joe Biden also blasted House Republicans in a statement after the impeachment vote. “History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games,” the president said. If the chamber does reach that threshold, Mayorkas would no longer be Homeland Security secretary.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, Republicans ’, George Santos, Mayorkas, Mike Johnson, “, ”, Joe Biden, haven’t, Biden, Donald Trump Organizations: Homeland, Republicans, Republican, GOP, Louisiana Republican, Department of Homeland Security, House Republicans, Democrat, Senate, Associated Press Locations: New York, Mexico, Louisiana

House Republicans last week were thrown for a loop when their first impeachment attempt went awry. But with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise back this week from undergoing treatment for blood cancer, House Speaker Mike Johnson is ready to try again. House Republicans have accused Mayorkas of not complying with immigration law regarding the southern border with Mexico, where the U.S. has been grappling with a surge of migrants. The House has focused on Mayorkas as efforts to impeach President Joe Biden have been met with less enthusiasm. “The House Republicans need to do serious work, work that actually matter(s),” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing Tuesday.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, Steve Scalise, Mike Johnson, George Santos, Joe Biden, Biden, Karine Jean, Pierre, ” Mayorkas Organizations: Homeland, House Republicans, GOP, Republican, Democratic, Republicans Locations: New York, Mexico

The Senate early Tuesday passed a bill that includes billions of dollars for Ukraine and Israel in their wartime efforts, though its final approval is far from certain amid opposition from House GOP leadership. Twenty-two Republicans voted in favor of the measure, which also includes funds for humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Gaza. Supporters of the package have emphasized the aid is desperately needed as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces nearly two years after the country’s invasion. Republicans certainly aren’t united behind the standalone foreign aid package, either. Still, Schumer remained optimistic about the package’s future, hoping the bipartisan support in the Senate will pressure the House to act.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, America’s, Chuck Schumer, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell’s, “, ” McConnell, ”, Trump, hadn’t, Sen, Lindsey Graham of, ” Graham, Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, sidestep Johnson, Schumer Organizations: House GOP, “, NATO, ”, United States Senate, GOP, Senate Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, America

He said he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” with a NATO member country who did not meet its defense spending guidelines. How Did Trump Mischaracterize NATO Defense Funding? That stance is not tied in any way to the 2% defense spending target. Which Countries Meet NATO’s 2% Defense Spending Goal? They were:How Did Leaders and Lawmakers React to Trump’s Recent NATO Comments?

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, we're, ”, Kathleen McInnis, “, ” McInnis, aren't, it's, United States doesn't, Jens Stoltenberg, Trump’s, ” Stoltenberg, NATO Ally, Joe Biden, Nikki Haley –, –, Rand Paul of Kentucky, he’s, ” Sen, Marco Rubio, It’s, Lindsey Graham of Organizations: NATO, Trump, Press, Donald Trump View, Ukraine, Center, Strategic, International Studies, NPR, “, South Carolina Gov, Republican, CBS, Sen, GOP, CNN, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, The New York Times Locations: South Carolina, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, NATO, United States, U.S, ” U.S, Florida, Lindsey Graham of South

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan border deal that took months of negotiations, leaving billions of dollars in proposed foreign aid in limbo. It’s unclear what shape the final foreign aid bill could take and whether House Republicans will support it. “There are other parts of this supplemental that are extremely important as well: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan,” McConnell said. “First Republicans said they would only do Ukraine and Israel, humanitarian aid with border. The Biden administration this week indicated its support for a standalone foreign aid bill – a position they’ve held for months.

Persons: Biden, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Rand Paul of Kentucky, ” Paul, “, ” Sen, Brian Schatz, ”, Alejandro Mayorkas, Mike Johnson, Mitch McConnell, ” McConnell, ” Schumer, Andrew Bates, John Kirby Organizations: Republican, Democratic, Hawaii, The Washington Post, GOP, Homeland, Republicans, “, White House Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Taiwan, Gaza

House Republicans were thrown for a loop on Tuesday when a vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border failed after four Republicans voted against it. House GOP leaders displayed confidence going into the vote despite knowing ahead of time that at least a couple Republican members were going to vote against impeachment. Republicans could try to impeach Mayorkas again once Scalise returns. GOP efforts to impeach Mayorkas were vehemently opposed by the Biden administration and the Homeland Security Department. Republican senators on Tuesday indicated that they would block a procedural vote for the bipartisan border deal this week.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, “, We’ll, Tom Emmer, Tom McClintock of, John Gallagher of, Ken Buck, Blake Moore of, ” McClintock, Steve Scalise, Mayorkas, Scalise, Biden, ’, Joe Biden –, Mike Johnson, Mitch McConnell, ” Organizations: Republicans, Homeland, GOP, Republican, Tom McClintock of California, Court, Democrats, Homeland Security Department Locations: John Gallagher of Wisconsin, Ken Buck of, Blake Moore of Utah

House Republicans have accused Mayorkas of not complying with immigration laws when it comes to the southern border. The House focused on Mayorkas as efforts to impeach President Joe Biden have been met with less enthusiasm. But due to its razor-thin majority in the lower chamber, the GOP can only lose three Republican votes to secure impeachment if all of the party is in attendance – and they’ve already lost two. The Best Political Cartoons on Congress View All 135 ImagesRep. Ken Buck of Colorado as well as Rep. Tom McClintock of California will vote against impeaching Mayorkas. “We’re whipping Republican votes,” Emmer told CNN on Monday.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, Joe Biden, they’ve, Ken Buck, Tom McClintock, impeaching Mayorkas, ” Buck, “, ” McClintock, Tom Emmer, Mayorkas, “ We’re, ” Emmer Organizations: Homeland, Republicans, GOP, Republican, CNN, Democratic Locations: Colorado, California, “

A bipartisan coalition of senators over the weekend released a long-awaited and highly anticipated bill that spans border security and international aid for Ukraine and Israel in their wartime efforts. The proposed deal would substantially change immigration laws and also provide $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. Some Republicans have grown skeptical of additional funding for Ukraine, which President Joe Biden proposed in a supplemental spending package. But GOP hard-liners insisted on border reforms before any consideration of Ukraine aid – which is how the border bill originated. Additionally, it includes $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel and some pockets of money for humanitarian aid in war-torn regions.

Persons: Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, Johnson, Don’t, Chuck Schumer, MSNBC’s, Joe ”, ”, Here’s, Joe Biden Organizations: Israel, of Homeland Security, International, Ukraine, Russia, United Nations Relief, Agency, Asylum Locations: Ukraine, Israel, U.S

The U.S. on Friday began its widely anticipated response to a drone attack that killed three American service members over the weekend with military strikes on sites used by Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria. Strikes were carried out on dozens of targets across Iraq and Syria and involved manned and unmanned aircraft, according to the Associated Press. The Biden administration promised a response to the drone strike over the weekend that also injured dozens of American personnel in Jordan. The U.S. attributed the deadly drone strike to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias. Iran this week threatened to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, ” Amir Saeid Iravani, John Kirby, ” Kirby, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin, al Thani Organizations: Associated Press, Army Reserve, U.S, Islamic, United Nations, White House, Qatari Locations: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, The U.S, Israel, Islamic Republic, Republic, Qatar

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday attempted to quell any lingering questions about his health as the Biden administration reportedly moves closer to initiating a response to the recent drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan. I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility,” Austin continued. “I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”He faced questions that were divided between potential responses to the deadly drone attack and his handling of the medical condition. Austin’s reassurances come as developments this week hinted that a U.S. response to the drone attack in Jordan is imminent. Biden earlier this week said that he knew how he wanted his administration to respond to the attack.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Biden, Austin, ” Austin, “, couldn’t, Austin’s reassurances Organizations: American, CBS, CBS News Locations: Jordan, U.S, –, Iraq, Syria

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday warned Congress about a range of threats against the U.S., from Chinese hackers to heightened terrorist risks after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The FBI director has long warned about the Chinese government’s hacking capabilities. Cyberattacks and disinformation warfare can work in tandem, Wray warned. He also noted that AI can enhance foreign adversaries abilities to collect personal data and feed it into disinformation and influence operations. Heightened Terrorist Risk“We are, since Oct. 7, in a heightened threat environment from various forms of terrorist risk,” Wray warned, alluding to Hamas’ attack on Israel last year.

Persons: Christopher Wray, ” Wray, ” TikTok, Wray, ”, “ Organizations: Wednesday, U.S, Chinese Communist Party, FBI, Intelligence Locations: Israel, U.S, China, PRC, Iran

“We do not seek another war,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing. “We’re still working our way through that right now,” Kirby said when asked if the U.S. had identified the specific militia group or groups involved. The Week in Cartoons Jan. 29 - Feb. 2 View All 4 ImagesIran has denied involvement in the attack. Reports on Monday suggested that the enemy drone was possibly confused with a U.S. drone expected back at the small desert installation. As a result, no efforts were made to shoot down the drone.

Persons: ”, John Kirby, Biden, Kirby, “ We’re, ” Kirby, Joe Biden Organizations: House, U.S ., Iran, Department of Defense, U.S . Navy Locations: Iran, Jordan, U.S, Iraq, Syria, Red, Israel, Gaza

Republicans in Congress are ramping up pressure on the Biden administration to strike Iran in retaliation after three U.S. troops were killed and dozens were injured in a drone attack that officials have linked to Tehran on Sunday in Jordan. The eventual U.S. response to the attack has raised concerns about escalating conflict in the region, which is already growing as the Israel-Hamas war continues. But GOP lawmakers are sure to be critical of the president as a rematch of Biden and former President Donald Trump appears more likely in the 2024 election. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas originally posted “Target Tehran” before clarifying that he was not calling on the Biden administration to bomb Iranian civilians. White House spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed the calls as “attempts by far right congressional Republicans to politicize our national security.”

Persons: Biden, Lloyd Austin, Jens Stoltenberg, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Steve Scalise, ”, ” Sen, Lindsey Graham of, Tom Cotton, Cotton, Sen, John Cornyn of, Andrew Bates Organizations: Defense, Pentagon, NATO, Congress, Biden Administration, Target, Republicans Locations: Iran, Tehran, Jordan, Israel, U.S, America, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Arkansas, John Cornyn of Texas, Target Tehran

But with regard to endorsements, Haley hasn’t necessarily benefited from the Trump holdouts, notably because they haven’t gone as far as to endorse her for the nomination. So while the holdouts might bother him on a personal level, they likely don’t have much influence over the Republican nomination in 2024. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellMcConnell has said he has “essentially stayed out” of the GOP nomination process. 2 Republican, had endorsed Scott as a candidate for the GOP nomination. He’s in a commanding position, and I’ve said all along I’ll support the nominee,” Thune said about Trump on Wednesday.

Persons: Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Haley, she’s, ” Haley, ”, Trump, Nikki ‘ Birdbrain ’ Haley, ” Trump, MAGA, Haley hasn’t, Chris Sununu, –, Ron DeSantis, Sen, Tim Scott of, Marco Rubio, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham of, John Barasso of, John Cornyn of, Deb Fischer, Nebraska, Mitch McConnell McConnell, McConnell, Mitt Romney, Utah Romney, Romney, hasn’t, Joe Biden, West Virginia Democratic Sen, Joe Manchin, Susan Collins of Maine Collins, Collins, John Thune of, Scott, Thune, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Thune, I’ll, Schumer, ” Sen, Joni Ernst, Iowa Ernst, Ernst Organizations: Republican, South Carolina Gov, Trump, Iowa, Donald Trump View, Republican Party, True American Patriots, New Hampshire Gov, Florida Gov, GOP, Capitol, West Virginia Democratic, John Thune of South Dakota Thune, Senate, Biden Locations: New Hampshire, “, South Carolina, Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida , Arkansas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Barasso of Wyoming, John Cornyn of Texas, Utah, John Thune of South Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa

Alabama on Thursday is expected to perform the first execution in the U.S. with nitrogen gas, barring any last-minute intervention from courts or the state. I remain confident that the Supreme Court will come down on the side of justice, and that Smith’s execution will be carried out tomorrow,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said on social media on Wednesday. What Is a Nitrogen Gas Execution? The execution involves a mask that will be strapped to Smith’s face and deliver nitrogen gas. Alabama is one of three states where nitrogen hypoxia is an authorized execution method, but it’s the first to attempt to use it.

Persons: Kenneth Smith, Smith, Smith’s, Steve Marshall, Kenneth Eugene Smith, Ravina Shamdasani, Elizabeth Sennett, Charles Sennett Organizations: U.S, Supreme, United Nations, Records Locations: Alabama, U.S, United States, America

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