Fight over teaching ‘Beloved’ book in schools becomes hot topic in Virginia governor's race  —  RICHMOND — A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 1987 has suddenly become the hottest topic in the Virginia governor's race, as Republican Glenn Youngkin charged that Democrat Terry McAuliffe blocked parents …

Top Democrats aim to strike a deal on Biden's social spending plan within hours  — Democratic leaders said they were closer than ever to reaching a deal on President Joe Biden's plan to invest in the social safety net and climate programs.  — Agreement on the bigger Democratic bill …

Five points for anger, one for a ‘like’: How Facebook's formula fostered rage and misinformation … Five years ago, Facebook gave its users five new ways to react to a post in their news feed beyond the iconic “like” thumbs-up: “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad” and “angry.”

At least five former Trump White House staffers are talking to the House January 6 committee  —  Pelosi: Those who defy Jan 6 subpoenas should go to jail  —  (CNN)At least five former Trump administration staffers have voluntarily spoken with the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, CNN has learned.

Exclusive: Billionaires back new media firm to combat disinformation  —  A new public benefit corporation backed by billionaires Reid Hoffman, George Soros, and others is launching Tuesday to fund new media companies and efforts that tackle disinformation.  —  Why it matters …

Dave Chappelle Says Hannah Gadsby Is ‘Not Funny.’ The Laughter At Her Show Taping Suggests Otherwise  —  “Not only did I laugh, but I laughed so hard I might have peed a little,” one audience member told Jezebel.  —  Alerts  —  As Dave Chappelle moves into his third week of defending his Netflix special …

Men shot by Rittenhouse can be described as ‘rioters’ and ‘looters’ but not ‘victims,’ judge rules ahead of trial  —  Kyle Rittenhouse's lawyers can refer to the men he shot as “rioters” and “looters,” but prosecutors still may not call them “victims” at any time during the teen's upcoming murder trial, a judge ruled Monday.

John McWhorter Argues That Antiracism Has Become a Religion of the Left … When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission.  —  WOKE RACISM  —  How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America  —  Growing up in the 1990s, I was raised to be optimistic about American society.

‘Reasonable questions’ over financing of Donald Trump's Scottish resorts, court hears  —  There are “reasonable questions” surrounding the money used by Donald Trump to purchase his Scottish properties and the continuing source of the wealth used for their financing, a court has heard.

U.S. Gives Harshest Public Rebuke Yet on Israeli Settlement Plans  —  In discreet talks held by senior government officials and the Prime Minister's office, U.S. State Department expresses ‘deep concern’ over plans to build 3,100 new units in the West Bank and opening bids up for over 1,300 further units

In case at center of political firestorm, judge finds teen committed sexual assault in Virginia school bathroom  —  In a case that has generated a political firestorm, a Virginia juvenile court judge found sufficient evidence during a trial Monday to sustain charges that a teen sexually assaulted …

The Department of Justice Is Letting the Coup Plotters Get Away  —  While Congress is investigating the events of January 6, why isn't the DOJ doing the same—and more?  —  Early yesterday, Rolling Stone published an explosive report which claims two of the people who helped plan the January 6 …

Greenpeace co-founder joins climate change skeptics  —  Polar bears would not exist today without climate change, and they may even be thriving because of current climate trends.  That's what the co-founder of Greenpeace told scientists, economists, and academics who took part …

Pushing election lies, TPUSA audience member asks Charlie Kirk when they can “use the guns” and “kill these people”  —  Audience member to Charlie Kirk: “When do we get to use the guns? ...  That's not a joke.  I'm not saying it like that.  I mean, literally, where's the line?

Texas governor signs bill banning transgender girls from female sports in schools  —  Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday signed into law a bill banning transgender girls from participating in female sports at public schools, joining a wave of similar measures emerging from Republican-controlled statehouses across the country.

Covid Cases Keep Falling  —  Covid cases have been falling in every region of the U.S., offering hope.  —  It is time for one of The Morning's occasional updates on the state of the pandemic.  Today's is focused on the U.S. and organized around three main points.  —  1. Covid's retreat continues

'It's absolutely getting worse': Secretaries of state targeted by Trump election lies live in fear for their safety and are desperate for protection  —  (CNN)"I am a hunter — and I think you should be hunted," a woman can be heard saying in a voicemail left for Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs in September.

Faster Buses on 5th Avenue?  Not if Business Leaders Get Their Way.  —  A busway in the heart of Manhattan is now uncertain after a major real estate developer expressed opposition to the plans to Mayor Bill de Blasio.  —  On the second Friday in October, Mayor Bill de Blasio met at City Hall …

Why I'll Keep Saying ‘Pregnant Women’  —  Who can get pregnant?  It sounds like a trick question.  For centuries, English speakers have talked about “pregnant women” without a second thought, but a vocal and growing movement wants to replace that phrase with the more inclusive pregnant people.

Ron DeSantis' seeks COVID vaccine mandate special session  —  Nothing can hide Florida's descent into Crazyville.  Not the “Don't Tread on Florida” alligator signs held by Gov. Ron DeSantis' supporters at his latest COVID-19 policy proposal announcement.  Not the state's new Ivy League …

Could Reconciliation Deliver a Tax Cut to the Rich?  —  While much of the discussion surrounding the Build Back Better reconciliation package has focused on tax increases on the rich, the final legislation could potentially deliver a tax cut to high-income households - at least in the first two years.

Houston vs. Atlanta Is Rob Manfred's Nightmare World Series  —  The MLB commissioner yanked the All-Star Game out of Atlanta and punished the Astros for their cheating scandal.  Fans are not expected to be forgiving in either city.  —  HOUSTON—Sometime in the next week or so …