Drama, drama, drama — and we’re not just talking about Mike Pence’s weekend. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door.
1. Trump 2016
Just hours after Donald Trump agreed to pay $25 million to settle his outstanding Trump University lawsuits, Mike Pence got booed and called out at a Friday showing of “Hamilton.” Trump would not. let it. go. all weekend, but Pence said he was “not offended” by the cast’s statement. Meanwhile, Trump’s weekend meeting with Mitt Romney has set secretary of state rumors swirling.
2. Police ambushes
Two police shootings rocked two cities on Sunday: First, an officer in San Antonio was shot during a traffic stop in what is being described as a “targeted killing.” Later, a St. Louis officer was shot while in his car. The gunman was killed after a police pursuit, and the wounded officer is expected to survive.
3. Syria
Around 300 people have been killed in the last week in Syria in what has been described as the most intense bombings there in five years. Things were relatively quiet in the three weeks preceding this violence, but now Syrian regime forces are pounding the city yet again.
4. Dakota Access Pipeline
Crowds protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota on Sunday got a little unruly, setting two trucks and parts of a bridge on fire. Police bombarded about 400 protesters with tear gas and water, and officials describe the scene as an “ongoing riot.” Critics say the DAPL, an oil pipeline that would run across four states, will endanger the environment and Native American lands, and possibly contaminate water supplies.
5. Philippines
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (the guy who called President Obama a “son of a b****”) has made some interesting moves as of late. He met with Vladimir Putin over the weekend and praised the Russian president’s leadership. Could this be evidence of Duterte’s intent to align with Russia and China? Here’s more on this outspoken, unrepentant leader.
Breakfast Browse
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Green Day gets political, Drake gets lots of love
Those and other moments from last night’s American Music Awards.
Orchestra reunites Syrians who fled to Europe to escape war
Trust us, you’re going to want to read (and watch) this one.
NYC is getting a special hate crimes unit
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it has to do with the spike in hate crimes following the election.
The Dead Sea is drying out, and it’s our fault
This is why we can’t have nice things, people.
Kanye goes on weird political rant at show, cancels next night
Looks like Kanye West needs some Kanye…rest.
And finally …
This adorable little girl giggles like a maniac every time her dad steps on the gas. Let’s go full-speed into the week!