>>Senate Poised To Pass Short-Term Spending Bill
(Washington, DC) — Senate Democrats narrowly avoid shutting down the government over a funding bill. The Senate passed the measure 63-36 just minutes before a midnight deadline. The issue at stake is a four month extension of health insurance coverage for thousands of miners. The group of Senate Democrats led by West Virginia’s Joe Manchin wanted the program extended for a year.
>>U.S. To Send More Military To Syria
(Manama) — The U.S. is sending 200 additional military personnel to Syria to help fight ISIS. Defense Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement Saturday at a conference in Bahrain. Carter told the conference on Middle East security that the new personnel would join 300 U.S. special forces already in Syria, and will include special forces trainers, advisers and explosive ordnance disposal teams. He added that Russia’s involvement in the conflict had, quote, “only inflamed the civil war and prolonged suffering of the Syrian people.”
>>Jurors See Roof Confession In Church Shooting
(Charleston, SC) — Jurors in the trial of the white man accused of murdering nine people at a black church in South Carolina hear the suspect admit to the shooting. The jury watched a videotaped confession Dylann Roof gave to FBI agents where he said he “had to do something,” because he claimed — quote — “black people are killing white people every day on the street.” He said he chose Charleston and the church because of their historic nature and because they would make an impact on people.
>>Trump Adviser: Doubtful He Would Take TV Salary
(New York, NY) — A top adviser to Donald Trump says it’s doubtful that he would take a salary for being an executive producer of “Celebrity Apprentice.” Kellyanne Conway told CNN that the President-elect is consulting with ethics advisers about whether he should continue his association with the hit reality show. “Variety” reported that Trump would remain as one of the executive producers of “Celebrity Apprentice.” Arnold Schwarzenegger is the new host of a the show, which is set to air early next month.
>>Uber Introducing Five New Violations
(Philadelphia, PA) — There are five new violations that can get you banned from Uber. From now on, customers of the ride-sharing company can be kicked to the curb for damaging the drivers’ property. This includes throwing up in the car, spilling food and smoking. Uber says that physical contact with the driver or other riders won’t be tolerated, including sex in the vehicle and flirting. Other behavior that could get your account deactivated includes using inappropriate or abusive language and contacting drivers after the ride.
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John Abrahamsen
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