HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

Friday 10.22.21

The FBI says remains found this week in Florida are, in fact, those of Brian Laundrie, whose whereabouts have captivated the nation since his fianceé Gabby Petito was found dead last month. Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On With Your Day.
 

By AJ Willingham

Biden Town Hall

President Biden participated in a CNN town hall in Baltimore last night as critical negotiations about his domestic agenda continue, divisions simmer in Congress and questions linger about America's reputation abroad. Biden said he was confident Democrats would be able to eke out a deal on his administration's bipartisan infrastructure package and a budget reconciliation bill. He also indicated he would be open to reforming the filibuster -- just not now, with so many critical domestic measures on the line. Biden also pledged to use the National Guard to address supply chain issues and to protect Taiwan in the event of a Chinese incursion, but those were later softened by White House aides.

Congress

The House voted to hold former President Trump ally Steve Bannon in criminal contempt of Congress after he defied a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. All 220 Democrats and nine Republicans voted in favor. The session got tense when GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene confronted two other House members, calling the vote a "joke." Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland for the first time since he assumed leadership of the Justice Department. Republicans grilled him on the Bannon vote and plans to open a line of communication with the FBI to report parent threats against school officials. Democrats pressed Garland on civil rights matters, including police misconduct and violence in prisons.

Coronavirus

Covid-19 cases are getting so bad in Russia, Moscow's mayor has ordered all unvaccinated citizens over age 60 to stay home for four months. The capital city is also going back under lockdown for 10 days to curb its worst-ever phase of the pandemic. Experts blame a slow vaccination drive, an overwhelmed health care system and widespread mistrust in government for the situation. Covid-19 cases are also rising in the UK, and the country's doctors are accusing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government of being "willfully negligent" in handling the situation. It's a different story in Australia, where the second-largest state of Victoria has emerged from what is locally being called the "world's longest lockdown."

Immigration

Texas and Missouri are suing the Biden administration for its efforts to stop wall construction projects at the southern US border. The lawsuit argues that Biden didn't have the authority to refuse to spend funds authorized under the previous administration for construction of the border wall. Biden ordered a pause on wall construction as one of its first actions in office and called for a review of the project and its funding. The administration has also canceled several border wall contracts. Texas and Missouri claim the administration's actions allow more migrants to enter and remain in their states.

Poland

The European Union has elevated an ongoing spat with Poland over the country's challenges to EU rule. The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly yesterday to condemn a ruling by Poland's Constitutional Tribunal that says its constitution takes precedence over some EU laws. The ruling alarmed European lawmakers and raised fears of Poland's possible exit from the bloc -- a "Polexit." However, Poland's ruling party said no such plans are in place, and support for EU membership remains high among its citizens. Still, the EU could choose to discipline Warsaw by withholding funds for Covid-19 recovery or development projects. Poland's premier called the possible punishment "blackmail."

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Less cold weather means fewer heating expenses. 

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Looks like moving's not going to get any less painful any time soon. 

5 expert tips to stress less this fall
Print them out. Recite them. Get them tattooed. Whatever helps! 

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4,158

That's how many reports of sexual assault ride share company Lyft got in 2017, 2018 and 2019, according to data in its safety report.

I am very sorry for what I did, and I have to live with it every day. If I were to get a second chance, I would do everything in my power to try to help others.

Nikolas Cruz, the gunman who killed 17 people at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. Cruz pleaded guilty this week in Florida to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder, and he issued an apology for the massacre. One victim's relative called the apology "ridiculous."

'And when she passes, each one she passes goes ...'
Start the weekend with a little bossa nova. Well, bird-style bossa nova. (Click here to view.)