US News
Speaking at his first joint address to Congress, President Trump said he'd create a new office to assist victims of crimes committed by immigrants. VOICE—Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement—will operate within the Department of Homeland Security. Trump also said he would look to introduce a "merit-based" immigration system.—CNBC NewsWhite House Considers Pulling Iraq from Travel Ban
The Trump administration is considering removing Iraq from the list of Muslim-majority countries impacted by a reworked travel ban, according to US diplomats. Both the Pentagon and the State Department have reportedly encouraged the White House to drop Iraq from the ban, given the military ally's role in fighting ISIS.—CBS News
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FBI Reportedly Made Deal to Pay Former British Spy
The FBI is said to have reached a financial deal with the former British spy who compiled a dossier on Trump's alleged ties to Russia. According to multiple sources, the deal with former MI6 agent, Christopher Steele, would have had him continue his work on behalf of the feds but ultimately fell apart.—The Washington PostUber CEO Caught on Camera Arguing with Uber Driver
Travis Kalanick has apologized after a video emerged showing the Uber boss arguing with one of his own drivers. Driver Fawzi Kamel is heard complaining about falling rates on the dashboard recording, to which Kalanick responds, "Bullshit… Some people don't like to take responsibility for their own shit." Kalanick now says he's "ashamed" of his behavior.—Bloomberg NewsIraq Forces Said to Have Blocked ISIS Escape Route
Government forces have reportedly cut off the last major route out of Mosul as they battle ISIS for control of the western section of the city. A highway leading to the ISIS stronghold of Tal Afar, 25 miles west of Mosul, has been blocked near the village of Badush, according to an Iraqi paramilitary source.—BBC NewsRussia and China Veto Syria Sanctions at UN
Russia and China have both blocked a UN Security Council resolution drafted by the UK, US, and France to slap sanctions on the Syrian government over its suspected use of chemical weapons. Russian president Vladimir Putin said sanctions would be "completely inappropriate" while peace talks were taking place in Geneva.—Al Jazeera/Reuters
The FBI is said to have reached a financial deal with the former British spy who compiled a dossier on Trump's alleged ties to Russia. According to multiple sources, the deal with former MI6 agent, Christopher Steele, would have had him continue his work on behalf of the feds but ultimately fell apart.—The Washington PostUber CEO Caught on Camera Arguing with Uber Driver
Travis Kalanick has apologized after a video emerged showing the Uber boss arguing with one of his own drivers. Driver Fawzi Kamel is heard complaining about falling rates on the dashboard recording, to which Kalanick responds, "Bullshit… Some people don't like to take responsibility for their own shit." Kalanick now says he's "ashamed" of his behavior.—Bloomberg News
International News
Government forces have reportedly cut off the last major route out of Mosul as they battle ISIS for control of the western section of the city. A highway leading to the ISIS stronghold of Tal Afar, 25 miles west of Mosul, has been blocked near the village of Badush, according to an Iraqi paramilitary source.—BBC NewsRussia and China Veto Syria Sanctions at UN
Russia and China have both blocked a UN Security Council resolution drafted by the UK, US, and France to slap sanctions on the Syrian government over its suspected use of chemical weapons. Russian president Vladimir Putin said sanctions would be "completely inappropriate" while peace talks were taking place in Geneva.—Al Jazeera/Reuters
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French Officer Accidentally Shoots Two at Hollande Speech
A judicial investigation has been launched after a security sniper shot and wounded two people listening to a speech by French president François Hollande in Villognon. The police officer is said to have fired twice, by accident, though the incident left the two victims with just minor injuries.—APDuterte Signs Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Firebrand president Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has signed the Paris Agreement, the landmark pledge to cut carbon emissions and stop global temperatures rising more than 3.6 degrees. If the Senate now ratifies, Philippines will have committed to a 70 percent cut in its carbon emissions by 2030.—ReutersThe Obamas Sign Huge Book Deal
Penguin Random House has agreed to a publishing deal with Barack and Michelle Obama—reportedly worth in the neighborhood of $60 million—with the power couple set to write a book each. CEO Markus Dohle said the books would be "of unprecedented scope and significance."—The GuardianLady Gaga to Replace Beyoncé at Coachella
Lady Gaga is set to step in and headline Coachella after Beyoncé pulled out on the advice of her doctor. Gaga tweeted an updated lineup with the message: "Let's party in the desert!"—BillboardComedy Superstars to Headline New Festival
Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman, and Jerry Seinfeld will headline a new three-day comedy festival in San Francisco this June. Hannibal Buress and Broad City stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer will also perform at the first Comedy Central Presents Colossal Clusterfest.—Rolling StoneKanye Drops 17-Minute Slow Jam
Kanye West has released a 17-minute slow jam on Soundcloud. The track is a looped rework of J. Holiday's song "Bed" and was used during the recent Yeezy Season 5 fashion show in New York City.—i-DFeds May Try to Shut Down Cannabis Cup
A federal prosecutor has apparently warned the Native American tribe hosting this year's Cannabis Cup festival that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. The Moapa Paiute Tribe is trying to smooth things out before this weekend's event.—VICE
A judicial investigation has been launched after a security sniper shot and wounded two people listening to a speech by French president François Hollande in Villognon. The police officer is said to have fired twice, by accident, though the incident left the two victims with just minor injuries.—APDuterte Signs Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Firebrand president Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has signed the Paris Agreement, the landmark pledge to cut carbon emissions and stop global temperatures rising more than 3.6 degrees. If the Senate now ratifies, Philippines will have committed to a 70 percent cut in its carbon emissions by 2030.—Reuters
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Penguin Random House has agreed to a publishing deal with Barack and Michelle Obama—reportedly worth in the neighborhood of $60 million—with the power couple set to write a book each. CEO Markus Dohle said the books would be "of unprecedented scope and significance."—The GuardianLady Gaga to Replace Beyoncé at Coachella
Lady Gaga is set to step in and headline Coachella after Beyoncé pulled out on the advice of her doctor. Gaga tweeted an updated lineup with the message: "Let's party in the desert!"—BillboardComedy Superstars to Headline New Festival
Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman, and Jerry Seinfeld will headline a new three-day comedy festival in San Francisco this June. Hannibal Buress and Broad City stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer will also perform at the first Comedy Central Presents Colossal Clusterfest.—Rolling StoneKanye Drops 17-Minute Slow Jam
Kanye West has released a 17-minute slow jam on Soundcloud. The track is a looped rework of J. Holiday's song "Bed" and was used during the recent Yeezy Season 5 fashion show in New York City.—i-DFeds May Try to Shut Down Cannabis Cup
A federal prosecutor has apparently warned the Native American tribe hosting this year's Cannabis Cup festival that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. The Moapa Paiute Tribe is trying to smooth things out before this weekend's event.—VICE