Here's the biggest news you missed this holiday weekend
Trump offers migrant aid in exchange for wall funds. No thanks, Dems say
With the partial government shutdown nearing a month, President Donald Trump on Saturday outlined what he called “a common-sense compromise” that would grant work permits to certain migrants in exchange for approval of wall funding. Democrats called the proposal a non-starter because it does not provide a path to citizenship for qualified migrants and would let Trump to pursue an expensive and ineffective wall. In response, White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said declaring a national emergency to free up funds for a border wall was still an option.
A BuzzFeed report sparked talk of impeachment. Then Mueller chimed in
President Donald Trump took an unusual step Saturday: He thanked Robert Mueller. In a rare public statement, Mueller's office on Friday criticized a BuzzFeed News report saying Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress about the timing of talks on a proposed Trump project in Russia. "I appreciate the special counsel coming out with a statement last night," the president told reporters at the White House. BuzzFeed's bombshell story had taken over the news cycle and cable news shows had wall-to-wall coverage of both the impact of the report and the legal jeopardy it put the president in. Despite worldwide coverage and big interest, Mueller's office has stayed mostly quiet on reports regarding the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Skating champion takes his life amid misconduct reports
John Coughlin, the two-time U.S. pairs figure skating champion who took his life Friday, was facing three reports of sexual misconduct against him, two of them involving minors, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to talk publicly about the matter. Coughlin, 33, was a fixture at skating competitions and rinks around the country as a coach, TV commentator and a rising star within both USFS and the International Skating Union, the sport’s worldwide federation. He was suspended Thursday evening by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and U.S. Figure Skating. When reached by USA TODAY on Jan. 7, Coughlin said allegations against him were “unfounded.”
Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.
Catholic school apologizes after video of students and Native Americans
A Catholic high school in Kentucky apologized Saturday after a widely shared video showed young men surrounding indigenous marchers in Washington, D.C. In the video, one young man wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap stands and stares at a man who drums as other young men surrounding them cheer and chant. Some onlookers appear to wear clothing representing Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky. In a joint statement, the school and Diocese of Covington said they were reviewing the incident and they would "take appropriate action, up to and including expulsion." The man drumming was later identified as Nathan Phillips, a Vietnam veteran and Native American elder of the Omaha tribe. Now a new, longer video casts some doubt on the initial backlash against the students.
Super Bowl LIII is set: New England Patriots versus the Los Angeles Rams
After both conference champsionship games went into overtime for the first time in the history of the NFL, the lineup for Super Bowl LIII is set with the record-shattering New England Patriots squaring off against the young upstart Los Angeles Rams. But the games weren't without controversy. A late missed pass interference call on the New Orleans Saints' final drive left just enough time on the clock for the Rams to march down the field to hit the game-tying field goal at the end of regulation.
The Super Bowl is set to kickoff from Atlanta on February 3 at 6:30 on CBS.
Lindsey Vonn: 'Now it’s time to listen to my body and it’s time to say goodbye'
Lindsey Vonn's surgically repaired knees don’t let her apply the power she requires to win races anymore. The pain is too severe; the psychological impact too much to bear; her pride too great. No wonder the 2010 Olympic champion is considering moving up her retirement. After failing to finish a World Cup super-G, Vonn said leaving the sport immediately “is a possibility.” She was more decisive when interviewed by Swiss TV, saying “now it’s time to listen to my body and it’s time to say goodbye.” Vonn was planning on retiring in December.
Contributing: Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's the biggest news you missed this holiday weekend
