Several Democratic lawmakers shared painful personal stories about their decisions to undergo abortions. At a House hearing Thursday on abortion rights, Rep. Cori Bush spoke publicly for the first time about being raped at 17 on a church trip and becoming pregnant. "I felt alone, but I also felt so resolved in my decision," Bush told the panel.

 

View this email online by Korva Coleman and Carol Ritchie First Up Jacquelyn Martin/AP Here's what we're following today:   Several Democratic lawmakers shared painful personal stories about their decisions to undergo abortions. At a House hearing Thursday on abortion rights, Rep. Cori Bush spoke publicly for the first time about being raped at 17 on a church trip and becoming pregnant. "I felt alone, but I also felt so resolved in my decision," Bush told the panel. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delayed a vote on a bipartisan infrastructure bill as Democrats haggled over a separate but politically linked spending bill. The second measure covers domestic issues like health care and climate change, but moderate Democrats are balking over its $3.5 trillion price tag.  With only a few hours to spare, Congress passed a short-term government funding bill and avoided a partial government shutdown, kicking the deadline down the road to Dec. 3.  Merck said its new COVID-19 pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 50% in people recently infected with the coronavirus. The company said it will soon seek authorization for its use from health officials in the U.S. and around the world. School board meetings have exploded with vitriol and chaos across the country in recent months over masks, vaccines and teaching race and history. School leaders are pleading with President Biden for federal help as they face threats of violence. Five Midwestern governors are joining up to create a network for people to charge their electric vehicles. The bipartisan plan aims to improve the economy while reducing toxic emissions from cars and trucks. The Facebook whistleblower who revealed damning internal documents about the company ’s handling of hate and misinformation on the platform is expected to reveal her identity on Sunday. Experts say Facebook may target her with legal action. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Picture Show Jeff Bates/Courtesy of the Columbus Museum of Art Artist Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson used fabric, paint, clay and found objects to make works that celebrate simple objects and everyday tasks. When she died in 2015, she left her art-crammed house to the Columbus Museum of Art — which has a new exhibit celebrating her work. Today’s Listen Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS A decade ago, jazz icon Tony Bennett and pop superstar Lady Gaga struck up one of the greatest Odd Couple partnerships in music history. Their latest album, Love For Sale, comes with a poignant twist: It may be Bennett's final album.  Listen to hear how their partnership bloomed or read the story here. Before You Go Saildrone Government researchers sent a sailboard drone into Hurricane Sam, and it sent back video footage that gives a new and terrifying view of the ocean's fury. A California beachfront property was seized from its Black owners in 1924. Now the family will get it back. A troubled student debt relief program for teachers, police officers and other public service workers will soon get the makeover that borrowers have been demanding. A 96-year-old woman who worked at a Nazi concentration camp has been caught after attempting to flee her war crimes trial in Germany. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from Illinois Public Media - WILL (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more!