Jan. 6 security footage released to Fox News

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy has defended his decision to release security camera footage of the Jan. 6th riot to Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson. McCarthy said he “promised,” according to CNN.

During his campaign, McCarthy did promise the footage would be released, but not to the Fox News anchor specifically.

Carlson believes the footage will allow people to draw their own conclusions on the riot.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the release of the footage is a safety concern not only to Congress, but to everyone who works on Capitol Hill, according to CNN.

McCarthy’s decision to give the tapes to Carlson might be a chance to win over some of his conservative critics, as Carlson has been critical of McCarthy’s speakership. The decision could also create tensions between both sides of the aisle, and Democrats have already claimed the release is a safety issue, CNN.

Americans disapprove of Biden’s actions on Chinese relations

AP News reports only 40% of Americans approve of how Joe Biden is handling ties with China. Citizens are worried about the world’s second-largest economy and what it could do to the United States.

The Chinese spy balloons posed a threat to national security, and Chinese officials are upset at the US government’s decision to restrict the import of advanced computer chips, AP News said.

Tensions continue to grow as it is unclear if China will provide military weapons to support Russia in its war with Ukraine. AP News said Biden is managing China as competition, ensuring it does not cause conflict between the two countries.

These reports reflect the overall approval rating of Biden’s presidency, with the majority of the country disapproving of his decisions, AP News cites.

Alex Murdaugh stands trial in South Carolina

Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer accused of killing his wife and son, admitted to lying about his whereabouts in court on Thursday, according to Reuters.

The ongoing trial has gained media attention as Murdaugh was a prominent personal injury attorney in the Low County region of South Carolina. Murdaugh was previously charged with stealing money from his clients, which is believed to be a cause of the murders, Reuters said.

Murdaugh said that on the night of the murders, he was experiencing paranoia stemming from distrust in the police. The paranoia may have resulted from an opiate addiction following knee surgery, Reuters said.

The trial is ongoing.

Ukraine marks one year since start of war

Ukraine has been at war with Russia for a year now, and citizens’ lives have changed drastically. Millions of Ukrainian citizens have become refugees and the nation’s GDP shrank 35% in the last year, according to CBNC.

Russian president Vladimir Putin expected the invasion to last no longer than a few days, but is now launching an offensive attack aiming to recapture Ukrainian territory, CNBC said.

The war is the largest military conflict to occur since WWII. CNBC said it has caused various political conflicts to rise between countries. Putin recently backed out of a nuclear arms control treaty with the United States.

Zelensky has not given up hope: “It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith and unity. And this is a year of our invincibility. We know that this will be the year of our victory!” Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app, according to CNBC.