What happened at Oxford? Outside party to investigate
Welcome to a new week, Daily Briefing readers! An outside party will investigate the deadly Oxford High shooting. Chris Cuomo was accused of sexual harassment days before he was fired by CNN. And the College Football Playoff is set.
Julius here with Monday's news.
🏰 New this morning: Want to go to Disney World without emptying your wallet? Here's how to save on a trip without sacrificing the magic.
🔵 Bob Dole dies:Former GOP presidential candidate and longtime senator, died on Sunday. He was 98.
🏈 Who's in? Alabama gets No. 1 seed in College Football Playoff, followed by Michigan, Georgia and Cincinnati.
🔵 Aircraft crash: Four people are dead after a single-engine plane crashes near a California airport, authorities say.
🎧 On today's 5 Things podcast, USA TODAY Sports’ Tom Schad looks at how the omicron variant might affect the Winter Olympics. You can listen to the podcast every day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your smart speaker.
Oxford superintendent calls for third-party investigation
An outside party will investigate events leading up to the deadliest school-related shooting in three years as questions continue to swirl throughout the devastated Oxford, Michigan, community. Oxford Community Schools Superintendent Tim Throne said he called for the third-party probe because parents have raised questions about "the school's version of events" regarding the Tuesday shooting, which left four students dead and six other students and a teacher wounded. Ethan Crumbley, 15, has been charged as an adult with murder, terrorism and other crimes.
Chris Cuomo accused of sexual harassment days before he was fired by CNN
CNN is expected to continue its investigation into Chris Cuomo's involvement in assisting his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as the politician faced sexual harassment allegations. On Saturday, Chris Cuomo was fired as an anchor on CNN for his involvement in his brother’s defense and breaching journalistic ethics. Days before, a new allegation of sexual harassment against the anchor himself emerged. Attorney Debra Katz said that she contacted CNN on Wednesday regarding her client's allegations of "serious sexual misconduct" against Cuomo. CNN announced his suspension the day prior. The woman also believed that Cuomo "played an active role in attempting to smear women" who had accused his brother Andrew, she said. Cuomo's spokesman said Saturday that the allegations were not true.
Just for subscribers
🔵 A normal day into a nightmare: In just 5 minutes, a gunman turned a regular day at Oxford High into a tragedy.
💉 An early glimpse of omicron's threat: High transmission likely, but vaccines provide hope.
🔵 Bob Dole's abiding legacy: A belief in hard work, an aversion to big talk and Kansas roots he never lost
🏛️ Abortion ruling's impact: Some worry decisions on same-sex marriage, contraception could be threatened if Roe v. Wade is overruled.
🏈 College Football Playoff rankings: Pitt and Group of Five teams are among winners, while Notre Dame and Baylor are on the outs.
International travelers: Be prepared for stricter COVID-19 testing rules
Starting Monday, the CDC is shortening the testing window all international air travelers have to take a pre-departure coronavirus test from three days to one. Previously, only unvaccinated travelers had to take a test no more than one day before travel. The reduced timeframe aims to "provide less opportunity to develop infection with the omicron variant prior to arrival in the United States," the CDC said. The new rules impact all air passengers 2 years and older flying into the U.S. from a foreign county, regardless of vaccination status or nationality. Travelers who can show proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days are exempt.
Jussie Smollett trial nears its conclusion
The trial of actor Jussie Smollett is expected to resume Monday with the defense calling more witnesses. It is still unclear whether Smollett will testify. Judge James Linn told jurors last week he expected they would begin deliberations no later than Tuesday. Last week, two brothers testified that Smollett directed them to stage a racist, homophobic attack on him. Smollett, 39, is charged with felony disorderly conduct for what law enforcement and prosecutors believe was a false police report about the alleged attack. The felony carries a prison sentence of up to three years but experts say if Smollett is convicted he likely would be placed on probation and might be ordered to perform community service.
Patriots look to extend winning streak in pivotal division game
The surging New England Patriots face an important game in their bid to reclaim the AFC East title when they visit the second-place Buffalo Bills in “Monday Night Football” (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Patriots (8-4) have won six in a row while the Bills (7-4) have gone 3-3 in that span. New England has found a spark in rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who has impressed this season, completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,850 yards and 16 touchdowns.
ICYMI: Some our top stories published over the weekend
📝 'You're going to have a great life:' Michael J. Fox writes on what he wishes he had known when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, for USA TODAY Opinion.
📈 Nearing retirement? You could live off dividends from these three stocks.
📅 The key to a long life? Just 'keep going': Kansas woman becomes third sibling in her family to turn 100 years old.
📸 Photo of the day: Lions celebrate their first win of 2021 📸
Detroit Lions players and coaches celebrate their win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions secured the thrilling victory after quarterback Jared Goff threw a touchdown to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown with no time left on the clock.
Check out our gallery of the best images from Week 13 of the NFL season.