![BethNotes](https://thenewsblender.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BethNotes.jpg)
News from the note…
A round up of the day’s news that might be of interest to you.
This is an OPEN THREAD, folks. Chat about any of the stories listed, share links to stories that caught your eye today, and generally have a good time discussing whatever you want.
"This Omicron variant is extraordinarily contagious. It's as contagious as measles, and that's about the most contagious virus that we've seen," CNN medical analyst Jonathan Reiner told CNN's Pamela Brown. https://t.co/QTtRS9jNhQ
— CNN (@CNN) December 19, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the omicron variant appears to be overtaking all other COVID-19 variants, including delta, calling it "something to be reckoned with" as he advised Americans who will be gathering with family for the holidays to stay "prudent." https://t.co/WQnii08P3r
— ABC News (@ABC) December 19, 2021
"We're certainly looking at the new challenges we're facing," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says about the New Years Eve Times Square Ball Drop event. A final decision will be made before Christmas. pic.twitter.com/abXuYQ3hze
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 19, 2021
Khan said that London has seen the highest jump in new cases since the pandemic began — over 26,000 on Saturday — and the omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the city.https://t.co/mPs45wDEBD
— The Hill (@thehill) December 19, 2021
"Stop the Steal" leader Ali Alexander has handed over thousands of text messages and communication records to the House Select Committee investigating January 6 — which include his interactions with former President Donald Trump's inner circle. https://t.co/ViPdVn1mwH
— CNN (@CNN) December 19, 2021
Rep. Adam Kinzinger said "it’s possible" some of his GOP colleagues in Congress are responsible for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and that the committee investigating the insurrection is not ruling out issuing subpoenas for sitting members of Congress. https://t.co/RhrjmTVTTJ
— ABC News (@ABC) December 19, 2021
All of the people reported missing in the deadly tornadoes that swept through Kentucky last week have been accounted for, Gov. Beshear says. https://t.co/Dwi4JthPMS
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 19, 2021
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin says he cannot support President Joe Biden’s sweeping social and climate spending bill, dooming the House-passed version of the bill and putting the rest of Biden’s agenda in jeopardy https://t.co/visOqGSyhE
— POLITICO (@politico) December 19, 2021
A new controversial bill in the Oklahoma state legislature will limit how slavery is taught in schools and ban teaching that "one race is the unique oppressor" or "victim" in slavery's history. https://t.co/YGiVKNqPvb
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 19, 2021
The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has risen to "at least" 146, with the figure expected to rise in the coming days as more parts of the country report casualties.https://t.co/dM2bcQO9ar
— Axios (@axios) December 19, 2021
Here's how to watch the Cold Moon, the longest and last full moon of the year
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 19, 2021
https://t.co/cJTbQ2C9qc