Biden kicks off summit on democracy, calls on world leaders to ‘lock arms’

President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a two-day virtual meeting of some 110 countries, kicked off Thursday. Here’s what you need to know.

Gov. DeSantis pitches $99.7-billion budget

Saying that Florida is “clicking on all cylinders,” Gov. DeSantis proposed an election-year $99.7-billion budget that would funnel money to education, the environment and law-enforcement officers while giving motorists a temporary gas-tax break.

Rep. Devin Nunes tapped as CEO of Trump's new media company

The blank-check company that aims to take Trump Media & Technology Group public says two regulatory agencies are scrutinizing the deal.

Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell among Kennedy Center honorees

Honorees include Motown Records creator Berry Gordy, “Saturday Night Live” mastermind Lorne Michaels, actress-singer Bette Midler, opera singer Justino Diaz and folk music legend Joni Mitchell.

Biden, Putin to hold video call Tuesday amid Ukraine tensions

The last known call between the leaders was in July, when Biden pressed Putin to rein in Russia-based criminal hacking gangs launching ransomware attacks against the United States.

Court refuses to put Florida gambling ruling on hold

An appeals court rejected the Seminole Tribe's attempt to keep its sports betting app online after a federal judge ruled online betting in the state was not legal.

Trumps lawyers appear in court in rape accuser's lawsuit

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump appeared before a federal appeals court Friday to argue that the U.S. government should take his place as the defendant in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who accused him of rape.

The Bucs' 'Mr. December' wants teammates to maximize potential and achieve success

This is the time of the year for Tom Brady to shine. December football is when Brady raises his game and becomes even hyper-focused. No player wins more at this time of the season. Brady is 66-16 in his 22-year career, including a perfect 3-0 with the Buccaneers.

Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests

Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.

House Jan. 6 committee votes to hold former DOJ official in contempt

The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection has voted to pursue contempt charges against Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official who refused to answer the committee’s questions, even as the committee has agreed to let him come back for another try.

Trump tested positive for COVID-19 days before debate with Biden, Mark Meadows says in book

A book by Donald Trump's ex-chief of staff says Trump tested positive for COVID-19 three days before his first debate in September 2020 with Joe Biden and days earlier than that diagnosis was previously disclosed.

Racism is a 'public health threat,' Biden says in new HIV/AIDS strategy

In its new HIV/AIDS strategy released Wednesday on the annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Biden administration is calling racism “a public health threat” that must be fully recognized as the world looks to end the epidemic.

Appeals court to weigh Trump arguments to withhold records related to Jan. 6

A panel of judges on Tuesday questioned whether they had the authority to grant former President Donald Trump’s demands to stop Congress from gaining access to documents related to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

DeSantis pitches pay increase, bonuses for Florida law enforcement officers

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a $73 million increase in the state's budget to give pay raises to law enforcement officers and bonuses to first responders. The governor's announcement is part of his plan to promote Florida to law enforcement across the country "who are looking for greener pastures."

Biden COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers blocked in 10 states

A federal judge has blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on health care workers in 10 states.

‘Chanukah Sameach’ : Biden recognizes Hanukkah  2021 with well wishes

“From our family to yours, and from the People’s House to your own homes, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

Biden to recommend Shalanda Young as budget director

President Joe Biden is set to nominate Shalanda Young to head the Office of Management and Budget.

Many climate activists support Biden's move to use oil reserve

Democrats and environmentalists mostly support President Joe Biden’s decision to release a record-setting 50 million barrels of oil from America’s strategic reserve, even as the action appeared to contradict the president's long-term goal to fight climate change.