UK’s Johnson orders probe of staff party during lockdown

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologized and ordered an inquiry after a leaked video showed senior members of his staff joking about holding a lockdown-breaching Christmas party. The video has poured fuel on allegations that government officials flouted coronavirus rules they imposed on everyone else. A video aired by broadcaster ITV…

Congressional Leaders Reach Deal to Hike Debt Limit

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have reached a deal to lift the nation’s debt limit. The agreement announced Tuesday will allow Democrats to increase the nation’s borrowing authority without any votes from Republicans, and likely averts another last-minute rush to avoid a federal default. The House passed legislation overwhelmingly along party lines a few hours…

China Attacks Potential US Diplomatic Boycott of Olympics

BEIJING (AP) — China is threatening to take “firm countermeasures” if the U.S. proceeds with a diplomatic boycott of February’s Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Monday accused U.S. politicians of grandstanding over the issue of not sending dignitaries to attend the events that China hopes will showcase its economic development.…

Biden warns Russia’s Vladimir Putin against Ukraine invasion

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is vowing to make it “very, very difficult” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to take military action in Ukraine, saying his administration is putting together a comprehensive set of initiatives to curb Russian aggression. The president offered the measured warning to Putin amid growing concern about a Russian buildup…