USA

Storm dumps record rain and heavy snow on Northern California

Many in Seattle still without power

US agency votes to launch review, update undersea telecommunications cable rules

FCC raising scrutiny of submarine cables that handle 98% of world's internet traffic

Feds outline 'necessary steps' for Colorado River agreement by 2026

They have not yet made decisions on managing river

Democrat Casey concedes to Republican McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest

Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate

Dr. Oz nominated to oversee Medicare, Medicaid

Heart surgeon and television nominated by President-elect Trump to lead health insurance programs that provide coverage for elderly, low-income Americans

From VOA Persian: US response to ICC ruling against Israeli leaders: Court has no jurisdiction

Emboldened North Korea awaits second Trump administration

In his first rhetoric aimed at Washington after the US presidential election, North Korean leader Kim expresses his determination to hold onto nuclear weapons, US analysts say

Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration for top law enforcement job

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general of the United States, former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew himself from consideration Thursday. As VOA’s Katherine Gypson reports, Gaetz was facing a tough confirmation process due to various criminal allegations.

Gaetz withdraws name for attorney general; Trump picks new nominee

Former congressman faced difficult path to confirmation, with intense scrutiny of allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use

US imposes new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank

Actions targets more than 50 other internationally connected banks

Jussie Smollett's conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned

Illinois Supreme Court rules that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after Cook County state's attorney initially dropped charges against actor in exchange for forfeiting his $10,000 bond and conducting community service