US life insurance companies paid out record $100 billion in 2021
US life insurance companies paid out a record $100 billion in death benefits in 2021, most likely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reports.
US News
U.S. Supreme Court to hear Colorado case pitting speech rights v. minority groups’ rights
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments starting next week in what could be a landmark case centered on a Colorado small business owner’s free speech rights.
Senate Prays Before Legalizing Gay Marriage: ‘Lord, Give Us the Grace to Stay on the Road of Virtuous and Godly Living’
Dr. Barry Black, the chaplain of the U.S. Senate, was called to the podium at the front of the chamber on Nov. 28 to say a prayer, as is the customary practice before the Senate begins its daily sessions.
Court Decides Air Force ‘Wrongly’ Dismisses Religious Exemption Requests From Unvaxxed Airmen
An Ohio court Tuesday upheld a legal pause on separations for airmen who have requested religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine after finding that the Air Force “wrongly” relied on overly broad reasoning to turn down the waivers.
House Committee Now Has Six Years of Trump’s Tax Returns
A U.S. House of Representatives committee has obtained Donald Trump’s tax returns, following a years-long court fight with the Republican former president who accused the Democratic-led panel of being politically motivated, CNN reported on Wednesday.
House, Senate negotiators agree to add $45B to Biden’s defense budget
An emerging compromise on annual defense policy legislation will endorse a $45 billion increase to President Joe Biden’s defense spending plans, according to four people familiar with the negotiations.
San Francisco approves plan to allow police robots to use deadly force in emergency situations
San Francisco leaders voted to allow the city’s police department to use potentially lethal robots in emergency situations.
‘Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Possible,’ Drug Trial Shows
Results of a new experimental drug show that treatment of Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia – is possible, experts say.
Same-sex marriage bill passes Senate; lawmakers reject GOP religious liberty amendments
Bipartisan legislation to codify same-sex marriage under federal law passed the Senate on Tuesday with the help of a dozen Republicans, capping off months of negotiations between both parties over how to address religious liberty concerns.
Oath Keepers boss guilty of seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 case
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was convicted Tuesday of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential win, handing the Justice Department a major victory in its massive prosecution of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Billionaire Musk Says Apple Threatens Twitter
Self-declared “free speech absolutist,” Elon Musk says smartphone giant Apple has halted most of its advertising on Twitter, the social platform he purchased for $44 billion.
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, world’s largest active volcano, starts to erupt for first time in nearly four decades
The world’s largest active volcano, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, has started to erupt for the first time in nearly four decades, prompting volcanic ash and debris to fall nearby, authorities said Monday.
Senate Moves Same-Sex Marriage Bill a Step Closer to Passage
The Senate voted Monday night to advance a bipartisan agreement to the House-passed Respect for Marriage Act.
Respect for Marriage Act pending in Senate is raising constitutional concerns
Several groups argue the Respect for Marriage Act (ROMA) currently before the U.S. Senate is unconstitutional, and if enacted, will eventually be struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin pushes for new mental health agenda after mass shootings
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing a new agenda on mental health priorities following two mass shootings that left roughly 10 people dead.
Biden admin scrambles to track $20B in Ukraine aid as House Republicans warn of audits
President Biden’s administration is scrambling to track the nearly $20 billion in military aid it has sent to Ukraine as Republicans warn of impending audits when they take control of the House in January.
Biden Says He Wants Congress To Pass Gun Control In Lame-Duck Session
President Joe Biden announced his intention to push for new gun control legislation in the lame-duck session of Congress.
California school district allows After School Satan Club on elementary school premises
A California school district is allowing the Satanic Temple organization to host an After School Satan Club on the premises of one of its local elementary schools, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The Satanic Temple claims it is a nontheistic organization that seeks to teach social justice through satanic imagery.
US sending additional $400 million in Ukraine military aid, Blinken announces
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new $400 million military aid package to Ukraine on Wednesday.
US President Supports World Vaccine Passport
U.S. President Joe Biden is enthusiastic about the planned introduction of a worldwide vaccination passport despite concerns it could further limit human rights, Worthy News established.