Biden declines to take a question on Israel at Ford event; Israeli Prime Minister says operations will continue “as necessary”; Ninth day of violence between Israel and Hamas; Israeli warplanes pound Gaza as Hamas rocket fire resumes; WH pushes “quiet and intensive diplomacy” amid escalating violence; Sen. Kaine: publicly calling for a ceasefire is what we’d usually do, and we should do it here;

McCarthy says he opposes January 6th commission, sides with republicans downplaying election results; Pelosi disappointed but “not surprised” McCarthy opposes January sixth commission;

Sherriff: three deputies from Pasquotank county involved in Andrew Brown Jr. will not be fired; Brown’s family attorney deputes prosecutor, says video does not show Brown using car as a weapon; Brown family attorneys: to call shooting “justified” is “an insult and a slap in the face”;

States loosen restrictions as coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths decrease; White House task force: we’re “winning the war on the virus” but must “finish the job”; About 60% of Americans 18+ have gotten at least one dose; As COVID cases fall, teens urged to get vaccinated; States push incentives to increase vaccinations; CDC warns about low vaccination rates in rural areas; Fauci: “more comfortable” with people indoors without a mask; Tomorrow: NY won’t require masks for fully vaccinated; Confusion as some places ease mask mandates and COVID restrictions while others don’t; 37% of U.S. population now fully vaccinated;

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