Democratic leader; Poisoned by Putin? - CBS News Brief, Feb. 8, 2017
Opposition leader
The election of President Trump, the GOP’s firm hold on Congress and their recent big wins at the state level, have left Democrats without a clear leader. Until one emerges, the role of “most powerful Democrat” will be a topic of debate. Some Democrats have tried to fill the void, including a couple who’ve formally retired. We look at seven Dems who could help lead their party through the wilderness.
Opposition silenced
President Trump says he wants better relations with Moscow, but a prominent opponent of Mr. Trump’s Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is fighting for his life -- for the second time in two years. “Those who oppose Vladimir Putin’s regime risk not only their well-being and their freedom -- they also risk their lives,” Vladimir Kara-Murza said eight months ago. Now he’s seriously ill in a Moscow hospital.
Twister damage
Louisiana is under a state of emergency after a series of tornadoes smashed homes and businesses in the southeastern part of the state. Thousands lost power. Some of the worst damage was in the New Orleans area, including some neighborhoods hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.
Special Ops
The government of Yemen has reportedly withdrawn permission for the U.S. to launch Special Operations ground missions inside the country after a U.S. raid against an al Qaeda compound. At least 30 people were killed, including Navy SEAL Ryan Owens and Yemeni civilians.
Bible backlash
Some parents in West Virginia are fighting to put an end to a Bible class in public schools. For nearly 80 years, Bible stories have been taught in Mercer County as part of the regular school week. A new lawsuit argues the course is unconstitutional.
Downshift
President Trump’s pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency has hinted that he might want to roll back gas mileage and pollution standards implemented under President Obama. Some experts fear that could slow the shift toward more environmentally sound electric vehicles.
Financial infidelity
Some 12 million Americans have hidden a bank account or credit account from spouse, partner or significant other, research shows. Yet not all people are created sneaky; some are significantly more likely to conceal their spending habits. So which generation is most prone to financial infidelity?
More top news:
U.S.
Heavy rain, mudslides wash away homes in California
Iranian infant arrives in Portland for life-saving surgery
Dog food recalled over possible contamination with euthanasia drug
Bald eagle spotted with leg trap clamped on talon
World
Riots grip Paris suburbs after teen allegedly sodomized by cop
Australia’s mail chief made $4.3M last year
Lawsuits loom for Israeli law called “nail in the coffin” of 2-state solution
Suicide bombers target Afghan Supreme Court
Politics
President Trump gets facts backwards in claim about murder rates
Senate uses arcane rule to silence Warren in Sessions debate
9th Circuit judge hammers both sides in travel ban case
Labor nominee admits hiring housekeeper not authorized to work in U.S.
Business
Inside the most expensive home in America
Express Scripts’ CEO defends role in drug prices
Health
Opioid overdose crisis plaguing Cleveland area
Latest advice for a healthy heart
Science and tech
What it takes to tune up a car so it sounds just right
Tomb of ancient Chinese general, princess found
