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Out of the loop today? We've got what you missed.(Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
The brutal, lying CIA sometimes engages in torture — which is not effective, says a Senate report
The CIA is a rogue agency that oversteps its bounds, manages its work poorly and then lies about it when confronted. That's according to the Senate Intelligence Committee, which today released the scathing executive summary of its exhaustive report on the CIA's "enhanced interrogation techniques" used after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It concluded the techniques were more brutal than the agency claimed, poorly managed and didn't work. When asked about them, the agency lied to virtually everyone, including President George W. Bush. Republican members of the committee rebutted the report. In one instance, a detainee interrogated by the CIA falsely confessed to trying to recruit African-American Muslims in Montana — a state where blacks make up less than 1% of the population. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the chairman of the Intelligence Committee, said it was important for the report to be released to show that the nation is willing "to face an ugly truth and say never again." U.S. personnel around the world are on alert. Here are some key takeaways. Here's what Obama thinks, and here's the response from the Justice Department.
Hadley Malcolm speaks with Washington Enterprise Editor Ray Locker about the implications of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on CIA torture after 9/11. (USA NOW, USA TODAY)
Airport screenings turn up zero people with Ebola
Was it a waste? Screenings of 1,993 travelers from West Africa at U.S. airports didn't turn up anyone with Ebola, health officials said. Two travelers were later diagnosed with the deadly virus, but neither had symptoms in the air or in airports. Whether the practice is seen as overkill or necessary "in order to provide some public reassurance," it's not going away yet, says Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine in Houston. The number of Ebola cases needs to keep falling in West African countries before the screenings will stop.
In this photo released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Health Technician Nathan Wallenmeyer, left, and CBP supervisor Sam Ko conduct prescreening measures on a passenger, right, who arrived from Sierra Leone at O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 5 in Chicago.(Photo: Melissa Maraj, AP)
Will and Kate wrap up their last day in the States
It was a somber morning for Prince William and Duchess Kate, who started their last day in New York in the rain with a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. As Will held a protective umbrella over his wife, they placed flowers at the edge of one of the reflecting pools. The royal couple toured the museum, signed their names to the interactive steel beam, then had appearances throughout the city as their whirlwind USA trip wound to a close. We'd be remiss not to mention that Kate looked impeccable, even in the downpour. They were scheduled to attend a gala this evening for their alma mater, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. We'll have to put our goo-goo eyes away because the royals head back to London late tonight.
Do your fellow passengers a favor and keep your feet on the floor
People get really sensitive about personal space on planes. Remember those three (yes, three) planes diverted in late summer due to reclining seats or the lack thereof? It turns out, that's not even what fliers dislike the most about other airline passengers. It's the seat kicker. The second annual "Airplane Etiquette Study" by Expedia shows 67% of those surveyed are most annoyed by rear seat kickers, followed closely by inattentive parents and, uh, aromatic passengers. So next time you are on a plane, do most people a favor and keep your feet down, an eye on your little ones and shower — but don't spray on too much perfume or cologne.
This 2008 CitationShares ad featuring Olympian Michael Phelps played off a theme of annoying flier behaviors.(Photo: CitationShares)
Cam Newton suffers two back fractures in car accident
No one's saying if Cam Newton will miss playing time, but he is in the hospital. The Carolina Panthers quarterback has two fractures in his lower back from a two-vehicle accident near the team's training facility. Will he need surgery? "I did not get that indication," team spokesman Charlie Dayton said. Will Cam miss time on the field? "We haven't gone there." Newton was the only person in his Dodge Ram truck, which rolled over. The driver of the second vehicle was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Extra Bites
Day in Pictures: Our favorite photo from today's gallery.
A woman leaps above the snowy landscape in Jilin, China.(Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
This app will keep you safer on the interwebs by automatically changing your password. Neat!
The Victoria's Secret Angels hit the runway tonight. Here's a backstage pass.
These are the six cars and SUVs most hated by their owners.
It was a foggy morning in Dallas. Flights were delayed, meaning plenty of time for great weather photos to emerge.
Twitter | @bozsoonergirl44
Natalie Welch on Twitter
Oh, baby! A Southwest Airlines flight to Phoenix got exciting when a woman gave birth midair.
Stephanie Moseley, from VH1's Hit the Floor, was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
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Today in Christmas: Pope Francis lights a big tree with his tablet
From the Vatican, Pope Francis uses a tablet device to light the world's largest Christmas tree in the medieval Italian town of Gubbio. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
Video provided by Reuters Newslook
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This is a compilation of stories from across USA TODAY.
Contributing: Ray Locker, Erin Kelly, Donna Freydkin, Liz Szabo, Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY; Erik Brady and Jeff Gluck, USA TODAY Sports
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