Erin Burnett OutFront

The Biden administration is rushing to stay one step ahead of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron. Now, the administration is considering stricter testing for anyone traveling to the United States. This as we are learning new details about some of the very first patients. Plus, CNN is learning moderate Republicans are growing concerned the disgusting antics of the hard right faction of their party could threaten the GOP’s efforts to win back the majority next year.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US Health officials have strengthened booster recommendations to brace for the new coronavirus variant, "Omicron.”  President Biden said the new strain is a concern but not a cause for Americans to panic. Opening statements began today in the sex-trafficking trial for Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime companion, Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell's defense told jurors their client was a scapegoat for Epstein's abuse. Prosecutors said Maxwell was involved in a "pyramid scheme of abuse" by offering cash to poor underage girls, luring them into a web of abuse.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three men have been convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery. It was an emotional scene inside the courtroom as the verdict was read. Guilty on 23 of the 27 charges, the convicted murderers have also been indicted on federal hate crime charges. The Republican National Committee used donor money to pay legal fees for Donald Trump. Some RNC members and donors accuse the party of running afoul of its own neutrality rules and misplacing its priorities.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In order to combat rising gas prices, President Biden issued a plan to release 50 million oil barrels from the strategic reserve. Earlier today, he admitted his plan won’t solve the crisis overnight. So, is this nothing more than a political ploy?  Plus, the White supremacist organizers of the deadly rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, were found liable to pay over $26 million in damages. The jury is still deadlocked on the more serious claims of federal conspiracy.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6th select committee has issued five new subpoenas to major players in Trump’s orbit including high profile names like Roger Stone and Alex Jones. Gas prices are up a staggering 60% from last year. Police have identified and shared a possible motive for the man they say drove his car through a Christmas parade killing five people and injuring nearly 50 more.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Rittenhouse is a free man tonight after being acquitted of all charges in a polarizing trial over whether he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed two people. Soon after, President Biden remarked that he stands by the verdict and that the legal jury system in America works.  The mystery grows over the disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai. Chinese state media has released images of what they claim is Peng Shuai. Former Ambassador to China Max Baucus joins to provide insight on the official accused of sexually assaulting and raping the tennis champion.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House is set to vote on whether to advance Biden’s massive $1.9 trillion social safety net bill. The vote comes after a key Congressional Budget Office analysis which found the bill would add billions of dollars to the deficit. Does speaker Pelosi have the votes to pass this Build Back Better Act?  Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has been missing for nearly three weeks after she accused a top Chinese official of sexual assault. Steve Simon, Chairman and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, joins to discuss demands for an investigation.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House voted to censure Republican congressman Paul Gosar for posting a video depicting him killing congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, most Republican colleagues do not think he crossed the line. Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas joins to discuss the response by the GOP.  Vials of the contagious, deadly, and eradicated virus smallpox were found in a lab just outside Philadelphia. Now, the CDC says there is no indication anyone has been exposed to the virus as they continue their investigation.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial just ended deliberations for the day, without reaching a verdict. Republican congressman Paul Gosar is set to be punished for his graphic video depicting violence against Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and President Biden. Plus, a woman who backs Trump election lies is now running to oversee Michigan’s elections and she has Donald Trump’s backing.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jury deliberations begin tomorrow in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, the armed teenager who killed two people and injured a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year. Steve Bannon, President Trump's adviser, defender, and supporter is defiant after his court appearance calling his contempt charge a misdemeanor from hell. President Biden is set to begin a high-stakes meeting with the president of China this hour.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices