The special relationship between the UK and the U.S. just changed its status to “it’s complicated.” The president shot back at Prime Minister Theresa May after she said he was wrong to share anti-Muslim videos tweeted by a U.K. far-right group. He tweeted that May should “focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine!” Just one problem -- he directed his post not at the British Prime Minister’s official Twitter account, but at a private accountthat has six followers and has tweeted just nine times since February 2009. We’ve got 99 problems and here’s another -- a government shutdown is still looming as Congress continues to hash out a funding bill. Money, cash, woes -- a 52-48 party line vote on tax reform on Wednesday starts up to 20 hours of debate on the Senate’s plan with a final vote expected on Friday. There are few signs any Dems will vote yay. It’s a hard knock life for Jared Kushner these days. The former Secretary of Everything may not run this town tonight. He met earlier this month with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team as part of the investigation into Russia's meddling in the election and the first son-in-law’s role appears to be shrinking. Lastly, The Beat DCteam attended a highly entertaining and informative symposium in DC last night featuring the great urban philosopher JAY-Z, who pontificated on racial harmony, criminal justice reform, and mental health. And yes, a certain person on the team may have screamed every lyric verbatim in tandem with the rapper, much to the dismay of her suitemates. Can I live? Allow me to reintroduce myself … we’re kicking off Thursday with these dope Beats...
- Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL) talking possible 2020 run.
- Congressional Black Caucus meets with FBI over “Black Identity Extremist” report.
- WH Initiative on AAPIs has a new Executive Director.
- Perez, Richmond, and Clyburn not saying whether Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) should resign. Breaking this morning -- he has been hospitalized.
- Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) offers tax bill amendment to expand child tax credit.
- Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) asks ex-staffer’s attorney to release the lawmaker from confidentiality rules so he can offer details of a settlement.
- Congressman Al Green (D-TX) is adamant about an impeachment vote before Christmas.
- LGBTQ Latina expected to announce Texas gubernatorial run.
- Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) settles World Series bet with colleague Ted Cruz (R-TX).
- DOJ shuts down questioning over affirmative action.
- Meet the new Managing Director of Fox News Digital.
- First Black spacewalking astronaut named CEO of STEM nonprofit.
- A Latina enters race to replace Gutiérrez.
- North Chicago doctor sets eyes on DC.
- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) gets another GOP challenger.
- Higher Ed bill sets asides funding for minority-serving schools, but there’s a catch.
- House passes bill sponsored by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to eliminate “negro” and “oriental” from federal regs.
- Latino judge allows DNC to depose ex-WH Press Secretary Sean Spicer on whether he violated rules on election night.
- Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) lead effort to increase funding for Hep-B research.
- Vernon Jordan to return to alma mater as commencement speaker.