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The VICE Morning Bulletin

The VICE Morning Bulletin

Trump said to mull firing special counsel, Russian activist gets 30 days in jail, Senate reaches bipartisan deal on Russia sanctions, and more.
Photo by Sergei Savostyanov\TASS via Getty Images

Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.

US News

Trump Reportedly Mulls Firing Special Counsel
President Trump is considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, according to Christopher Ruddy, a friend of the president's and the CEO of Newsmax. "I think he is considering, perhaps, terminating the special counsel," Ruddy said. Several conservative commentators questioned Mueller's impartiality Monday, including former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who tweeted that it was "time to rethink."—PBS News / Politico

Senate Reaches Bipartisan Deal on Russia Sanctions
Senators have struck a bipartisan deal to impose fresh economic sanctions on Russia, partly in response to the country's interference in the US election. The legislation would prevent President Trump being able to lift the sanctions without congressional approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the sanctions, if passed into law, would "send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia."—NBC News

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Arizona Agrees to Tweak Execution Protocol
Arizona has made plans to stop using a controversial sedative when executing inmates on death row, part of a series of protocol changes aimed at settling a lawsuit launched by a group of death row prisoners in 2014. Dale Baich, one of the inmates' attorneys, said the state "is taking appropriate steps to decrease the risk that prisoners will be tortured to death."—VICE News

J.P. Morgan Pulls Ads Over Alex Jones Interview
J.P. Morgan Chase has pulled all advertising from NBC News until Megyn Kelly's interview with Infowars host Alex Jones airs Sunday. Kelly claimed it was necessary to "shine a light" on the conspiracy theorist, but J.P. Morgan Chase's chief marketing officer Kristin Lemkau said she was "repulsed" by the decision to give him airtime.—The Wall Street Journal

International News

Russian Activist Given 30-Day Jail Sentence
Leading Russian activist Alexei Navalny got 30 days in jail for calling on people to join an unauthorized demonstration this week. Tens of thousands protested against corruption Monday to mark Russia Day, with more than 800 detained in Moscow and another 500 detained in St. Petersburg. "The scope of the rallies was amazing," said Navalny.—AP

Panama Moves Away from Taiwan and Toward China
Panama has ended its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and established a formal link with China. Taiwan's foreign ministry stated its "anger and regret" at Panama's deference to "one China," with Taiwan recognized as merely part of the larger nation. Chinese companies are investing in shipping ports in the Central American country.—BBC News

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Dozens Killed in Bangladesh Landslides
At least 90 people have died as serious flooding continues to rock Bangladesh, after monsoon rains caused landslides in the country's southeast region Monday night. Response teams have been sent to affected areas, but the country's disaster management department warned the death toll could continue to rise.—BBC

South Korea Discovers Suspected North Korean Drone
A drone suspected of coming from North Korea took photos of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea before crashing, according to the South Korean military. "We confirmed that it took about 10 photos," said one military official after it was found in a forest near the border with North Korea.—Reuters

Everything Else

Dennis Rodman Takes Another Trip to North Korea
Dennis Rodman has flown to North Korea again, explaining his trip as a way of "trying to open a door" and "accomplish something we both need." The former NBA star's visit has been sponsored by the legal marijuana cybercurrency PotCoin.—Sky News

Jay Z Records with Damian Marley
Bob Marley's son Damian said he and Jay Z recorded music together in the studio. According to the Jamaican artist, Jay Z also visited Kingston recently and asked Marley "to show him around and give him a tour musically."—Billboard

The Weeknd Announces New World Tour Dates
The Weeknd has announced his tour will be extended, adding dozens of dates in North America, Australia, and New Zealand in the fall. "Phase 2" of the "Starboy" tour will feature support from Gucci Mane, French Montana, and Nav.—Pitchfork

Democrat Introduces 'COVFEFE Act' to Preserve Trump Tweets
Congressman Mike Quigley has introduced a bill in the House to preserve Donald Trump's tweets under the Presidential Records Act. The Democrat has dubbed it the Communications Over Various Feeds Electronically for Engagement Act—or COVFEFE, for short.—VICE

Harlem Gets Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum
A 20-story museum dedicated to hip-hop will open in Harlem early next year. Alongside historical displays, the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum will include a concert venue and sports bar.—i-D