WASHINGTON (AP) — Signs of a potential end to the government shutdown are intensifying with behind-the-scenes talks. They come as the federal closure, now in its 35th day, is on track to become the longest ever, disrupting the lives of millions of Americans. Senators from both parties are quietly trying to negotiate the contours of…… MORE
WASHINGTON (AP) — In Dick Cheney’s hands, the vice presidency became a nexus of influence and manipulation — no longer the timid office where its occupants had tended their boss’s ambitions. For George W. Bush’s vice president, bunkering in secure undisclosed locations after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks was less an inconvenience than a metaphor…… MORE
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia has added Reddit and Kick to its list of social media platforms that must ban children under 16 from having accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells said Wednesday the platforms will join others like Facebook and TikTok in enforcing this rule starting Dec. 10. Platforms failing to comply could face fines…… MORE
The fall COVID-19 vaccine season is starting slowly for Pfizer, with U.S. sales of its Comirnaty shots sinking 25% after federal regulators narrowed recommendations on who should get them. Approval of updated shots also came several weeks later than usual, and Pfizer said Tuesday that hurt sales as well. Many Americans get vaccinations in the…… MORE
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies next week if the government shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck. The FAA slows down or even stops flights temporarily anytime it is short on controllers or if there is an equipment problem. There have already…… MORE