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The VICE Morning Bulletin

Charles Manson dead at 83, Mueller digs into James Comey's firing, Mugabe still refusing to step down, and more.
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Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.

US News

Mueller Wants Emails on FBI Director's Firing
The special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign asked the Department of Justice to hand over all documents related to the firing of James Comey. This is the first time Mueller has formally requested records from the department, and strongly suggests Mueller is probing possible obstruction of justice on part of the White House.—ABC News

Charles Manson Dies After Decades in Prison

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The notorious cult leader behind a series of brutal killings in 1969 died of natural causes Sunday night, having spent more than 45 years behind bars. Manson was convicted of ordering nine people killed, including actress Sharon Tate. His death sentence was changed to life in prison after California briefly banned capital punishment. Manson was refused bail 12 times.—VICE News

One Border Patrol Agent Killed, One Injured in Texas
The 36-year-old agent Rogelio Martinez died Sunday after sustaining injuries along the Big Bend Sector of the American border with Mexico. His partner was also injured in the incident, which apparently did not involve gunfire, and was said to be in serious condition. Donald Trump responded on Twitter Sunday night, stating: “We will seek out and bring to justice those responsible. We will, and must, build the Wall!”—CNN

Russell Simmons Accused of Sexual Assault in Collusion with Brett Ratner
Keri Claussen Khalighi alleged the music mogul made her perform oral sex against her will when she was 17, and said director Ratner watched it happen. She claimed Simmons then sexually assaulted her in the shower. Simmons recalled time spent with Khalighi 26 years ago, but said the acts “occurred with her full consent and participation.”—Noisey/LATimes

International News

Mugabe Still Refusing to Step Down
Officials from the ruling party Zanu-PF are expected to launch impeachment proceedings against Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe after he defied an ultimatum to resign. Following last week’s military takeover, the party officially ditched Mugabe as its leader Sunday. But the 93-year-old made a strange, defiant televised speech in which he vowed to carry on.—VICE News

Coalition Government Talks Fall Apart in Germany
German chancellor Angela Merkel’s plan for a new governing coalition was in in ruins after the Free Democrats (FDP) abandoned negotiations. The FDP’s Christian Lindner said it would be “better not to govern than to govern badly.” Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Christian Social Union (CSU) sister party could now try to form a minority government, or face another national election.—The Guardian

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South Korea Concerned North Korean Missile Threat to US Surging
South Korea's intelligence agency expressed ongoing concern Pyongyang's intercontinental ballistic missile program is becoming more dangerous to the US this calendar year. At a private conference with South Korean lawmakers, the agency also said the Northern regime has imposed a new crackdown on dissent in its military's political arm.—Reuters

Kenyan Supreme Court Endorses Kenyatta Election Win
Every judge on the panel ruled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in October’s election re-run was legitimate—despite opposition leader Raila Odinga refusing to take part in the vote, after claiming the initial election was subject to corruption. Kenyatta will be officially inaugurated as president November 28.—Al Jazeera

Everything Else

Jeffrey Tambor Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations
Following multiple allegations of sexual harassment (by both a co-cast-member and a former assistant), the star mourned the “politicized atmosphere” on the set of Transparent and said: “I don’t see how I can return.” Tambor also claimed “the idea that I would deliberately harass anyone is simply and utterly untrue.”—The Hollywood Reporter

‘Justice League’ Underperforms at North American Box Office
The movie took in $96 million during its domestic opening, the first in the DC Extended Universe franchise not to debut to more than $100 million. Thanks to a solid international showing, the film commanded $281.5 million globally.—CNN

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Bruno Mars Triumphs at American Music Awards
The singer won seven awards at Sunday’s AMAs in Los Angeles, including artist of the year and favorite pop/rock album for 24K Magic, though he didn't attend the ceremony. Diana Ross closed the show after being given the lifetime achievement award.—Billboard

Steve Mnuchin Happy to Resemble Bond Villain
The treasury secretary told FOX News: “I guess I should take that as a compliment that I look like a villain in a great, successful James Bond movie.” He was commenting on the backlash against a recently released photo showing Mnuchin and his wife holding a sheet of newly printed bills.—Bloomberg

St. Vincent Drops New Video
The artist released a music video for "Pills" off of Masseducation exclusively on Tidal. Directed by Philippa Price, the video blends old advertising footage with a series of robotic-looking models popping pills.—i-D

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