House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is facing questions from his leadership team over his plans to release security footage from the January 6th Capitol insurrection. GOP leaders are supportive of the move, but some are concerned about the potential exposure of sensitive security protocols and the optics of appearing to downplay the attack. The footage's release is seen as an important step in understanding the events of January 6th and holding those responsible accountable.
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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting Beijing for a three-day state visit to upgrade their countries' ties to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership". This visit has raised concerns from US officials that Beijing may be considering aiding Moscow in its ongoing assault on Ukraine. During the visit, the two leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, and sign a number of cooperation documents. The visit is expected to further strengthen the two countries' ties and could lead to increased economic cooperation.
Rupert Murdoch, chairman of Fox Corp., acknowledged in a recently unsealed deposition that some Fox News commentators endorsed false allegations of election fraud by former President Donald Trump and his allies. This is part of a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against the cable news giant by Dominion Voting Systems. Former President Donald Trump has recently renewed his attacks on Fox News, accusing the network of downplaying his popularity over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). The lawsuit against Fox News is ongoing and Murdoch has yet to comment on the matter.
The White House has issued guidance to all federal agencies to remove the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from all government-issued devices within 30 days. This follows a bill passed at the end of last year requiring federal agencies to remove the app due to security concerns. Within 90 days, agencies must include in contracts that the app cannot be used on devices and must cancel any contracts that necessitate its use.
China has accused the United States of "disinformation" and a "double standard" for considering sending Russia artillery and ammunition for its war in Ukraine. The US 7th Fleet has flown a P-8A Poseidon over the waterway that separates China and Taiwan, which Beijing has seen as "deliberately disrupting the regional situation" and jeopardizing peace and stability. China has released a peace plan Friday on the war's first anniversary and is actively promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue.
Rupert Murdoch, chairman of Fox Corporation, has admitted under oath that several Fox News hosts promoted false conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election. This revelation came as part of a $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which is suing the news giant for promoting claims that its voting machines were used to deny former President Donald Trump the election. Murdoch rejected that Fox News endorsed Trump's election lies, but conceded that certain hosts had promoted falsehoods about the 2020 presidential contest being stolen. The lawsuit is ongoing, and Fox News continues to face criticism for its promotion of false conspiracy theories and its willingness to spread misinformation.
Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Leodis Andrellton Jackson. Palmer announced the news on Instagram, noting that the name was inspired by a mix tape Jackson made for her. She also expressed her joy at being a mother, noting that her son was born during Black History Month.
On February 17th, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) experienced a security breach, compromising sensitive information. The USMS is currently working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate the incident and to protect the affected system. They are also notifying those affected and providing resources to protect their personal information. This breach is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for individuals to take steps to protect their personal information.