Comment on Sen. DeMint forces battle within GOP over earmarks

By ZEKE MILLER, CHRIS MEGERIAN and MICHELLE PRICE, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions. Trump is expected to act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jumpstart deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers, promising that his term will bring about “a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.” Frigid weather is rewriting the pageantry of the day.

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — More than 80 people were killed in the country’s northeast over the weekend following the government’s failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army, a Colombian official said. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Twenty others were injured in the violence that has forced thousands to flee as Colombia’s army scrambled to evacuate people on Sunday, according to William Villamizar, governor of North Santander, where many of the killings took place. Among the victims are community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who sought to sign a peace deal, according to a report that a government ombudsman agency released late Saturday. Officials said the attacks happened in several towns located in the Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, with at least three people who were part of the peace talks being kidnapped. Thousands of people are fleeing the area, with some hiding in the nearby lush mountains or seeking help at government shelters. “We were caught in the crossfire,” said Juan Gutiérrez, who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú after they were forced to leave behind their animals and belongings.

By JOHN WAWROW ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. (AP) — Josh Allen rushed for two touchdowns, Buffalo’s defense forced three turnovers and the Bills advanced to the AFC championship game with a 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round on Sunday night. The Bills hung on when a wide-open Mark Andrews dropped a 2-point conversion pass from Lamar Jackson, allowing the ball to bounce off his chest with 1:33 left.

The Nuggets avoided the Rocky Mountain cold this weekend by escaping to Florida, and they picked up two wins while they were away. They’ll return to Denver to host the 76ers on Tuesday after a 113-100 win over the Magic on Sunday. Nikola Jokic amassed 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and three blocks in three quarters, his impressive efficiency against Wendell Carter Jr.

When Donald Trump walked on stage at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, D. C. on Sunday night, he seemed to relish the moment, standing in front of so many supporters who have traveled the country to attend his rallies. He stretched his arms out wide and said, “We won!” Less than 24 hours before he’ll be sworn in as President again, he promised big changes to the country in the first few hours of his second term. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] During his campaign, Trump said he would be a “dictator on day one” to surge deportations and open up lands for oil drilling.

TikTok is back, "saved" by Donald Trump. The Chinese-owned national security nightmare platform that was banned by Congress and the Supreme Court is now back on, thanks to incoming President-elect trump. The TikTok debacle follows Trump's playbook. He creates the problem, then "solves" the problem he created. Last night millions of TikTok lovers freaked out when they tried to reach their favorite social media platform.