Capitol Rioter Admits Dragging Cop Down Stairs ... Denied Bail, Allegedly Tried to Flee U.S.

1/6/21
RUTHLESS CHAOS
Storyful

The Capitol rioter caught on camera dragging a cop down a set of stairs confessed in court, and he's just been denied bail after prosecutors say he tried to flee the country.

Jeffrey Sabol, a geophysicist from Colorado, admitted assaulting an officer during the insurrection, reportedly explaining it away as a "fit of rage" ... Friday in federal court in New York.

After the failed coup, prosecutors claim Sabol traveled to NY and bought a plane ticket from Boston to Switzerland -- a non-extradition country -- in hopes of not being shipped home to face the music.

The FBI arrested Sabol Friday morning at a medical facility just outside NYC, where prosecutors say he was being held in a psychiatric center following a suicide attempt.

Sabol, a father of 3 who grew up in upstate New York, was also captured on camera holding a police baton against a cop's neck during the riots ... according to prosecutors.

In locking him up without bail, the judge reportedly said Sabol's alleged conduct was "beyond the pale" and "shocking."

Spinderella Trashes Salt-N-Pepa Biopic ... You Wrongfully Excluded Me!!!

DJ Spinderella just went off on Lifetime's Salt-N-Pepa biopic ... a project she's got nothing to do with, and she's pissed about the level of disrespect.

S-N-P's former DJ blew her top Friday, one day before the movie debuts, saying she was disappointed to learn "a decision was made to move forward with a Lifetime biopic that wrongfully excluded me from every aspect of development and production all the while using my image throughout, given that I played an integral role in the group's story and success."

Spinderella said she felt compelled to speak out because "too often, Black women who have made meaningful contributions in their industry are left out of historical narratives." She's especially mad because she says S-N-P was all about empowering women, so she "could not have dreamed that this same group would one day disempower me."

It's not all bad news ... Spinderella changed her tune near the end of her tweets to say she's in the final stages of writing her memoir, which she calls "a personal journey navigating through life, relationships, and the industry that raised me. 30+ years is a lot of content and I'm ready to share."

As we've reported ... Spin fell out with Salt and Pepa years ago, and she sued the group back in July 2019, claiming she was not getting paid royalties owed to her. Five months later ... the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice after a confidential settlement was reached, according to Spinderella's attorney, Paul Stafford.

Senator Warnock Compares First Day at Office to 2017 Arrest ... How You Like Me Now?!?!

Sen. Raphael Warnock's come a long way since he was last at the U.S. Capitol  ... and he's letting everyone know he's there to stay a bit longer this time.

The Georgia Senator and Reverend just posted a powerful tweet reflecting on his journey -- which was capped off by winning a runoff election against Kelly Loeffler earlier this month.

Warnock shared a photo of himself arriving to work at the Capitol, saying ... "The last time I was here in 2017, Capitol police were escorting me to central booking for leading a non-violent protest of an immoral budget."

He adds ... "This time they just had to show me to my office."

It's true -- Warnock, along with other pastors -- got arrested in July 2017 in the Russell Senate Office building for leading a peaceful protest against the proposed budget and efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

He was handcuffed by Capitol Police as he and the others were singing and praying. Warnock said at the time it was a small price to pay to bring attention to those who would suffer.

The Reverend was booked, fined and released, but later added ... "As a pastor, I believe that the national budget is not just a fiscal document, but a moral document. It reflects what we believe and who we are for one another. And if this mean spirited budget were an EKG, it would indicate that America has a heart condition."

Now that he's a member of Congress himself ... he's got a chance to get American on a heart-healthy track.

Donnell Rawlings Chappelle Takes COVID Seriously ... Everyone at Austin Shows Got Tested!!!

NEVER WORRIED
TMZ.com

Dave Chappelle clearly thinks there's nothing funny about potential exposure to COVID-19 -- much less contracting it -- because he went all out to keep his Austin shows as safe as possible.

That's according to his pal, Donnell Rawlings, who joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday and revealed Chappelle had strict COVID protocols in place for everyone -- from performers and staffers to servers and every single audience member.

Donnell tells us he's never worked with anyone who takes as much precaution as Chappelle. In fact, Donnell says Dave dropped a whopping $300k to have people tested in his community of Yellow Springs, Ohio for his shows there last year.

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As for how Chappelle contracted the virus ... Donnell says he doesn't know and wonders ... how does anyone really know? That being said ... he's all down for strict measures, and he's glad his comedian pal's taking it seriously.

So much so ... Donnell said, "Dave Chappelle is addicted to corona testing people so much he violated my nose for 2 months."

TMZ broke the story ... Chappelle canceled his Austin shows at Stubb's Amphitheater following his positive test. Donnell says, "I texted Dave yesterday to check on him and I said, 'I love you, brother' and 'we are gonna get through this.' His response -- "I know we will, but dammit, I thought it was gonna be you before me!"

Antonio Brown Out For NFC Championship Game ... Bucs Announce

If Tom Brady is going to beat Aaron Rodgers, he's gonna have to do it without Antonio Brown.

The Tampa Bay Bucs confirmed the superstar WR is OUT for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Packers in Green Bay.

The 32-year-old has been nursing a knee injury he suffered in the 1st half of last week's playoff game against the New Orleans Saints.

AB barely played in the 2nd half of that game -- and sat out of practice on Thursday. In other words, it was a long shot he was going to play anyway.

MOVIN' FORWARD
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now, Tom will have to rely on his other weapons -- which include Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, Scotty Miller, Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones and more.

Yeah, TB12 has a ton of weapons -- but worth noting Brown was Tom's top target in the final 5 games of the regular season.

Green Bay was a 3.5 favorite before the Antonio Brown news. This will likely only widen the spread.

Hank Aaron Dead at 86

UPDATE

11:27 AM PT -- President Barack Obama released a passionate statement on the late legend ... praising him for being an icon and leader on and off the diamond.

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"Whenever Michelle and I spent time with Hank and his wife, Billye, we were struck by their kindness, generosity and grace -- and were reminded that we stood on the shoulders of a previous generation of trailblazers."

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"Today, Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example."

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10:07 AM PT -- Barry Bonds -- the man who famously broke Aaron's home run record -- shared a heartfelt post on the legend's passing Friday.

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"I was lucky enough to spend time with Hank on several occasions during my career and have always had the deepest respect and admiration for all that he did both on and off the field."

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"He is an icon, a legend and a true hero to so many, who will be forever missed."

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"Hank Aaron -- thank you for everything you ever taught us, for being a trailblazer through adversity and setting an example for all of us African-American ballplayers who came after you."

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"Being able to grow up and have the idols and role models I did, helped shape me for a future I could have never dreamed of."

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9:01 AM PT -- The Atlanta Braves say they're "absolutely devastated" by the death of Aaron ... calling him a "beacon for our organization."

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"His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature," the MLB org. said Friday.

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"Henry Louis Aaron wasn't just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts."

Hank Aaron -- one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- has died. He was 86.

The Hall of Famer reportedly passed away Friday morning. We're working on the details.

Hammerin' Hank is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- he famously broke Babe Ruth's home run record of 714 in 1973.

During his legendary career, he made 25 All-Star teams and won the NL MVP in 1957.

Aaron made his MLB debut when he was only 20 -- launching a 23-year career that would go down in the record books.

He retired from playing in 1976 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1982. He's also in the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame and the team retired his #44 uniform.

In fact, he's such a legend in Atlanta ... the city's mayor said Friday his death is nothing short of devastating.

"While the world knew him as 'Hammering Hank Aaron' because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career," Keisha Lance Bottoms said, "he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place."

Among his many career highlights, a World Series victory in 1957 -- the same year he won National League MVP. He also won 3 Gold Gloves, 2 NL batting titles and led the NL in home runs in 4 separate years.

Hank finished his career with an unreal 755 home runs -- a record that lasted decades until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007.

Aaron was a hero right up until the end of his life -- earlier this month, Hank and his wife Billye went to the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to get their COVID vaccine shots in the hopes of inspiring other Black Americans to follow his lead.

Aaron started off in the Negro Leagues, signing with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1951. He played with the team for 3 months -- earning just $200 per month. He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1952 and kicked around the minor leagues until 1954.

Superstars from sports, entertainment, politics and more are paying tribute to Aaron …

"Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron," Magic Johnson said. "I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader."

"While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business. Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend."

Added Bill Russell, "Heartbroken to see another true friend & pioneer has passed away. [Hank Aaron] was so much better than his reputation! His contributions were much more than just baseball. Jeannine & I send our prayers & deepest condolences to his wife & kids."

Legendary MLB slugger Frank Thomas also issued a statement on Twitter, writing, "I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!!"

Mike Trout added ... "You were and are an inspiration to be a better person on and off the field. We lost a true LEGEND of the game today... #RIPHankAaron 🙏🏼"

Cal Ripkin, Jr. shared his condolences, saying, "I’m saddened to learn of Hank’s passing. He was a giant in our game and inspired so many on and off the field."

"What he endured and how he persevered to surpass the all-time HR record, thought to be unbreakable, was remarkable. My thoughts are with his family and @Braves fans."

RIP

Originally Published -- 7:39 AM PT

Chuck Schumer Trump Responsible for 'Erection!!!'

HARD WORDS
CNN

Senator Chuck Schumer went in hard Friday on Donald Trump, saying he's responsible for the "erection."

Schumer was on the Senate floor when he pressed for an impeachment trial. There's conflict over when that trial will be held. Mitch McConnell wants to delay it for a few weeks, while many Democrats want the trial held STAT.

Schumer said, "There will be a trial and when the trial ends, Senators will have to decide if they believe Donald John Trump incited the erection." He realized what he had said almost immediately, and corrected himself with the word, "insurrection."

No reaction from his colleagues, but Twitter certainly noticed. One person wrote, "Well, it WAS an uprising!" Another person wrote, "There are gonna be a lot of hard questions asked during the erection hearing."

1/12/21
CRAZY TALK
TMZ.com

And, as you may recall, a few days after the Capitol riots a woman confronted Schumer and told him she was "sexually excited" by the insurrectionists.

Kellyanne Conway Cops Investigating Screaming Match ... Between Her and Claudia

Kellyanne Conway got a knock on her door after getting into a social-media-documented screaming match with her daughter, Claudia, and the people on the other side of the door were cops.

Kellyanne's 16-year-old daughter posted a TikTok video showing police speaking with her mom. KC told the cops Claudia was going through a tough time and even mentions they're going to family therapy.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... this was a welfare check. Someone called police after Claudia secretly recorded and posted a video showing her mom screaming and swearing at her.

1/19/21
TENSION THROUGH THE ROOF
Tik Tok/@claudiamconway

Our law enforcement sources say the matter is still under investigation. In fact, Kellyanne mentions an earlier police visit on November 2, which -- not coincidentally -- was the day before the Presidential election. As you know, Claudia detests Trump and is livid her mom has been a tireless supporter of the ex-Prez.

1/19/21
DRASTIC APPROACH
Tik Tok/@claudiamconway

In one of the videos, Claudia insisted she was not looking for attention but rather "looking for safety." She has accused her mom of being "physically, mentally and emotionally abusive."

10/7/20
CONWAY CHAOS
@claudiamconway / TikTok

The family has been in chaos for a while. Kellyanne's husband is an ardent Trump critic, so home life is anything but peaceful.

We reached out to Kellyanne ... no word back so far.

AOC Offers Her Office to Nat'l Guard ... After They Got Sent to Freezing Garage

Like many of her colleagues, AOC condemned the decision to force hundreds of National Guard soldiers to take their breaks in a frigid parking garage instead of the warm Capitol building, but she went a step further by offering them her office couch for a nap ... and snacks.

The National Guard members were ordered out of the Capitol Building Thursday by Capitol Police, and told to either take their rest breaks outside or in a nearby parking garage ... which resulted in some truly bad optics and, frankly, shockingly inhumane treatment.

The Guardsmen and women were packed like sardines in the parking garage -- "breathing in exhaust fumes and covid" as one reporter put it -- after spending the past several days in D.C. to protect the Capitol and provide increased security for Joe Biden's inauguration.

Though the reason behind the Capitol Police ordering the Guard to move out Thursday is unclear, it sure seems the reasoning is that they didn't want the building to look like an armed camp.  The move drew condemnation by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and some of the guard members said they felt betrayed.

The good news -- AOC's tweet and the outrage of other members apparently forced an about face ... all of the service members were allowed back inside the building for the night.

A National Guard spokesperson shed some light on what went down Thursday, saying ... "As Congress is in session and increased foot traffic and business is being conducted, Capitol Police asked the troops to move their rest area. They were temporarily relocated to the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center garage with heat and restroom facilities."

Well, there was just one restroom with 2 stalls available to the 5,000 troops who were told to leave the Capitol ... and temperatures dipped into the low 40s by nightfall.

And, if you want to know what it might be like to be exposed to the elements in D.C. ... well, just look at frigid Tom Hanks during the Inauguration show.

The troops will be allowed to take breaks indoors Friday, near the Emancipation Hall.

Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID-19 ... Cancels TX Shows

UPDATE

8:18 AM PT -- Comedian Donnell Rawlings, who was scheduled to perform on the same night as Ron White, tells TMZ ... he's tested negative and feels "good mentally and physically." He added he has no symptoms.

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The comedian also weighed in on the risks that come with catching COVID saying, "There is always some risk when you're trying to better someone's life. This is the reality of the coronavirus, you can do everything to be safe, but there is always a possibility that you can be unsafe. We did everything we could to give people a good time. Mental health and physical health are neck to neck."

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Rawlings added, "I texted Dave yesterday to check on him and I said, 'I love you brother' and 'we are gonna get through this.' His response -- "I know we will, but dammit, I thought it was gonna be you before me!" Great to see Dave's in great spirits.

UPDATE

7:34 AM PT -- Ron White, who did 3 shows with Dave and Joe last week, tells TMZ he'll go into quarantine until he's tested for COVID later Friday. He says for the shows, "every precaution was made for it to be a safe environment and it was ridiculously fun to be back on stage after 10 months." Ron adds that he feels fantastic.

UPDATE

6:01 AM PT -- 1/22 -- Joe Rogan, who was around Dave this week, says he's in the clear, "Because people are asking, I was not exposed to the person who had covid and I have tested negative every day this week. Also, the person that gave covid to Dave was NOT Elon’s partner, Grimes."

Dave Chappelle tested positive for COVID-19 and has canceled a string of shows in Austin, TX ... TMZ has learned.

A rep for the comedian tells us Dave is currently quarantined after the positive test, but he has not yet experienced any symptoms. Dave performed the first of 5 shows in Austin Wednesday night with others scheduled for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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We are told the remaining shows -- 2 of which included Joe Rogan -- have all been canceled and refunds will be offered.

Chappelle, Rogan, Elon Musk and Grimes were photographed together earlier this week at Stubb's Amphitheater ... where his shows were all scheduled.

Dave's been performing socially-distanced shows since June in his native Ohio, with rapid tests for the audience and regular tests for him and his crew.

Originally Published -- 1/21 7:33 PM PT

VP Kamala Harris Blair House Will Be Temporary Pad ... It's Got 119 Rooms!!!

While President Biden's already getting comfy in the White House, Vice President Harris can't unpack just yet ... but her temporary home is pretty rich in history.

The Veep and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will be living at Blair House ... a 19th-century row house situated across Pennsylvania Avenue from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It's also steps away from the White House.

The house -- dubbed The President's Guest House -- is usually reserved for former presidents and other dignitaries when they're in town. It consists of 4 distinct buildings merged into one ... featuring 14 guest bedrooms, 35 bathrooms and a total of 119 rooms.

It's unclear how long VP Harris will be at Blair -- the traditional Vice President's mansion at the Naval Observatory is getting a bunch of repairs -- such as new chimney liners -- at the Navy's request. Once Harris does move in, she'll be the 8th VP to live there since it was built in 1893.

Blair House is also where incoming Presidents typically stay the night before Inauguration Day, just as the Bidens did this week. Another fun fact: President Truman lived there too while the White House underwent renovations after World War II.

Harris and Emhoff own a condo in Washington but for security reasons could not stay there.

Andrew Jackson Biden Removes Portrait From Oval ... Causing Family Rift

Joe Biden's driving a wedge between some of Andrew Jackson's descendants ... there's a split in the family over the new look in the Oval Office.

The rift stems from Biden's decision to remove a portrait of our 7th president from the Oval, replacing Jackson with a painting of Benjamin Franklin. It's a change from the layout during Donald Trump's time in the Oval.

Jackson's great, great, great-granddaughter, Barbara Jackson, tells TMZ ... she approves of Biden's big change, because her relative did some really bad things.

She says Jackson did some good, but she can't get over the fact he was a slave owner and was a fierce opponent of ending slavery.

Jackson's great, great, great-grandson, Andy Jackson, tells TMZ ... he's unhappy and thinks his great-great-grandpa has a rightful place near the resolute desk.

Andy, Barbara's cousin, says President Jackson should be remembered for his accomplishments -- defeating the British in the War of 1812 and increasing suffrage -- even if history doesn't look kindly on his cruel policies on Native Americans.

There's some common ground among Jackson's relatives, who descend from his adopted son Andrew Jackson II ... they both feel the decision was ultimately Biden's to make, and they respect it.

Here's a potential tiebreaker -- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage.

Howard Kittel, the President and CEO of Jackson's former plantation turned museum, tells TMZ ... he was disappointed to see the portrait taken down, but not surprised, given Jackson's ties to slavery.

1/14/21
LINCOLN OUT!!!
C-SPAN

There's also a Lincoln bust that was removed from the White House, but it wasn't Biden's doing. It got carried away in the final days of Trump's presidency.

Lamar Odom Crushes Boxing Training Session ... Ahead Of Celeb Fight

GOIN' FOR THE WIN
TMZSports.com

Here it is -- the very first footage of Lamar Odom training for his highly-anticipated celebrity boxing match ... and the dude looks like he's ready to go!!

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the 41-year-old, 2-time NBA champion has inked a deal with Celebrity Boxing to step into the ring this summer at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

While LO's opponent hasn't been announced (yet), it hasn't stalled the dude's preparations ... teaming up with big-time trainer Xavier Biggs to help him prep for the fight.

In the footage -- obtained by TMZ Sports -- Odom is seen working on his jabs ... which may seem like standard workout stuff ... until you hear the sound he makes when his gloves hit the mitts.

FYI -- Biggs is the go-to guy for stars like Kevin Hart and Usher ... so whoever's going against the former Laker has their work cut out for them. After all, have you SEEN Kevin Hart lately?!

Of course, Odom is the first NBAer to take the ring since Nate Robinson got knocked out by YouTuber Jake Paul ... and we're assuming he's hoping it ends up better for the hooper this time around.

While Celebrity Boxing's Damon Feldman has yet to make Odom's opponent official, we're getting word it's a MAJOR household name ... but who knows, after seeing this footage??

Folks might reconsider.

Gigi Hadid My Baby's Got a Name ... Say Hello to Khai!!!

The wait is finally over, Gigi Hadid has revealed the name of her daughter with Zayn Malik ... Khai.

Gigi made the not-so-subtle announcement Thursday, updating her Instagram page bio to include "Khai's mom." Fans were quick to notice the change, and went crazy for the news.

A source close to the couple tells us Khai's name is a tribute to Gigi's grandmother -- on her dad, Mohamed's side -- who was named Khairiah. The name Khai also means "crowned" in Arabic whereas Zayn's last name "Malik" means "King" ... so baby Khai's name translates to "crowned king".

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Gigi gave birth to Khai in September, and while she's shared a couple faceless photos of her new daughter, the public was left in the dark when it came to the baby's name.

It was just before Thanksgiving when Gigi shared a photo of herself holding Khai in a blanket with the caption, "A whole new kind of busy & tired ... but she’s da bestie so she got Christmas decorations early." Included was a photo of a decorated Christmas tree.

Khai is both Gigi and Zayn's first child.

Alisa Reyes on 'All That' 'Memba Her?!

New York native Alisa Reyes was only 13 years old when she shot to stardom after she was cast as one of the original wacky kids in the '90s children's sketch comedy show "All That" on Nickelodeon.

"All That" was packed with young talent on the rise including Nick Cannon, Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Amanda Bynes, Angelique Bates and Danny Tamberelli ... and spawned some iconic spin-off shows like "The Amanda Show," "Kenan & Kel" and "The Nick Cannon Show."

The program was revived in 2019 and even featured some of the classic castmates like Lori Beth Denberg and Josh Server.

Guess what Alisa Reyes looks like now at 39 years old!

Dr. Anthony Fauci Unchained!!! No More Anti-Science B.S.

1/21/2021
FAUCI FEELIN' FREE

Dr. Anthony Fauci held his breath for months with Donald Trump, but he's now fully exhaled and is having a hard time hiding his glee over the change in administrations.

The infectious disease guru made it clear at the White House coronavirus briefing Thursday ... SCIENCE RULES!!

The good doc made it clear ... there were times working with Trump when he felt uncomfortable -- fact is, you could see it all over his face. He was walking a tightrope because if he disagreed with 45 he could end up getting pink-slipped, which would have been bad for the country.

The best evidence of this, he said, is Trump touting hydroxychloroquine. He didn't want to squarely contradict Trump, because of Trump's temper ... he clearly feels comfortable giving Biden the straight take.

Fauci shaded Trump, by saying the mantra of the Biden Administration when it comes to coronavirus is simple ... "If you don't know the answer, don't guess. Just say you don't know the answer."

Dr. Fauci says getting back to facts and letting the science speak for itself in approaching the pandemic is a "liberating feeling."

As you may know ... President Biden and Dr. Fauci have also already teamed up to rejoin the World Health Organization, restoring ties that were cut by Trump.

Old news is old news!
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