The shooting at a congressional baseball practice reminds us of something we too often forget: We are one country, and we’re all in this together. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
1. Congressional shooting
Tanks were seen at key intersections in the capital of Harare, but otherwise the streets have been quiet. Mugabe’s decision to dump his vice president – a move widely seen as the first step in handing the reins of power over to his wife – seems to be the trigger that pushed the military to act.
2. Democratic National Committee
Roy Moore, the embattled Alabama Senate candidate, continued to fire back against the sexual abuse allegations against him.
His attorney, Phillip L. Jauregui, attacked the credibility of Beverly Young Nelson, who said Moore sexually assaulted her when she was 16.
Jauregui said Nelson lied when she said she never spoke to Moore again after the alleged assault. Nelson’s divorce in 1999 was handled in Moore’s courtroom, Jauregui said, so “there was contact.” The attorney also denied that Moore wrote in Nelson’s yearbook and wants a handwriting expert to examine it.
3. The Weinstein effect
Tensions in the country have been high ever since Mugabe dismissed his vice president, in a move seen by many as a way for Mugabe to appoint his wife to the position. That would put her in the driver’s seat to succeed him as the country’s leader.
The Republicans can only afford to lose two votes and still pass the bill, and throwing in a repeal of Obamacare’s individual mandate may make a few other senators waver. The House is set to vote on its tax reform bill today.
4. Russian investigation
Police say before he went around a Northern California community randomly shooting at people, Neal killed his wife and put her body under the floor in his house. He had been ordered to give up his firearms after two female neighbors sought a protection order against him after they said he had repeatedly harassed them. Neal killed one of those neighbors as well.
5. Trump in Asia
Researchers have announced that they were able to diagnose the degenerative brain disease CTE in a living person.
The study’s lead author told CNN the breakthrough was made with ex-NFL player Fred McNeill in 2012 using an experimental brain scan. Previously, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) could only be diagnosed by examining the brain after the person has died.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.
So sexy
Twitter will now remove the verification symbol from accounts that incite hate and harassment, so no more blue check marks for people like Richard Spencer.
Not joking
Cards Against Humanity is known for its pranks, but its latest stunt aims to do something quite serious: stop President Trump’s border wall.
New Popemobile?
Pope Francis has a hot new ride – a Lamborghini! – but don’t worry, the pontiff’s not going to start racing around Vatican City in it.
Just making sure
She really didn’t need the publicity, but Taylor Swift popped up in a Nashville Target anyway, to make sure her hit album “Reputation” is on the shelves.
Out of this world
Not happy with life in America? Bored with things in France? Maybe you should move to Asgardia, the world’s first nation in space.
Thanks, dad
Two-year-old Sol Ryan lost his left arm just 10 days after he was born. Luckily for him, his dad had a 3D printer.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Similar, but needs work on his form. Has to be done in one single motion & eyes should never leave the camera.”
Sen. Marco Rubio, giving President Trump tips after Trump repeatedly reached for water during his Asia speech. Rubio was roasted by Trump and others when he did the same thing during a 2013 speech.
NUMBER OF THE DAY
That’s how much Leonardo Da Vinci’s long-lost painting “Salvator Mundi’ sold for at auction, a record price for a piece of art
AND FINALLY …
‘Get out of the way, bus!’
Are you a horrible cook? That’s OK. This guy is too, but he still wants to show you how to make a pumpkin pie.