3 Things To Know Today

1 Omicron Variant Reaches North America As Nations Scramble Response

The new COVID Omicron variant everyone’s been hearing about in recent days has already made its way to North America. Canadian officials report two cases have been detected in Ontario. And the two people who tested positive? They had recently traveled to Nigeria. Following suit with a number of other countries around the world, the United States will be restricting air travel from South Africa and seven other countries on the continent starting today. With that in mind, President Biden will provide Americans with an update on his administration's response to the new variant later today. Meanwhile, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is condemning travel bans – and it’s understandable when you consider that no one seems to know how severe this strain may or may not be. In fact, during an appearance on NBC's “Meet the Press,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said it will take about two weeks to collect needed data.

2 Congress Facing Government Funding Deadline Upon Return

Our elected federal officials are returning to work this week…and they’ve got plenty on their plate. Top of the list? A government funding deadline, which hits December 3rd…which is Friday. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the federal government will be out of money December 15th. Now, another short-term funding extension could happen as Democrats try to get something passed using their small majorities in the House and Senate. But some – on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about Congress “kicking the can down the road.” For example, we were last at this point in October. If the debt ceiling is raised, the Treasury will enact “Quantitative easing,” which essentially, is printing more money. And unlike October, there might be more motivation to keep the money train rolling – as the federal coffers being empty would directly impact the recently enacted $1.2-trillion infrastructure law.

3 Matthew McConaughey Taps Out Of TX Governor's Race

Matthew McConaughey has decided against running for Texas’ top office. He announced that he would not seek the governorship last night in a three-minute IG video. After talking about the values of service and responsibility, as well as problems in local and national politics, the Oscar winner said it was all about understanding how much he can do - and what the cost personally might be. “As a simple kid born in the little town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that I would one day be considered for political leadership," he offers. "It’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I’m choosing not to take at this moment.” McConaughey went on to say that he’ll “continue to work and invest the bounty I have by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and foundations" he believes in. This news comes after the “Dallas Morning News” poll we recently told you about. In case you missed it, the survey founds that McConaughey is preferred in one-on-one matchups with either Beto O’Rourke or incumbent Governor Greg Abbott. Apparently, he could beat Abbott by eight points in a head-to-head matchup, and pretty much walk all over the Dem candidate O’Rourke.


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