Oxford shooting probe, Chris Cuomo investigation, COVID-19 testing: 5 things to know Monday

Third party will probe Oxford, Michigan, school shooting

An outside party will investigate events leading up to the deadliest school-related shooting in three years as questions continue to swirl throughout the devastated Oxford, Michigan, community. Oxford Community Schools Superintendent Tim Throne said he called for the third-party probe because parents have raised questions about "the school's version of events" regarding the Tuesday shooting, which left four students dead and six other students and a teacher wounded. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Sunday indicated she has offered her department's services to conduct an independent investigation. Ethan Crumbley, 15, has been charged as an adult with murder, terrorism and other crimes.

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Chris Cuomo accused of sexual harassment days before CNN firing over aiding brother Andrew Cuomo

CNN is expected to continue its investigation into Chris Cuomo's involvement in assisting his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as the politician faced sexual harassment allegations. On Saturday, Chris Cuomo was fired as an anchor on CNN his involvement in his brother’s defense and breaching journalistic ethics. Days before, a new allegation of sexual harassment against the anchor himself emerged. Attorney Debra Katz said that she contacted CNN on Wednesday regarding her client's allegations of "serious sexual misconduct" against Cuomo. The woman also believed that Cuomo "played an active role in attempting to smear women" who had accused his brother Andrew, said Katz. Cuomo's spokesman denied the allegations Saturday.

New COVID-19 testing rules for international air travel

Planning to fly into the U.S. soon? Be prepared for more stringent testing requirements going into effect Monday. The CDC is shortening the testing window all international air travelers have to take a pre-departure coronavirus test from three days to one. Previously, only unvaccinated travelers had to take a test no more than one day before travel. The reduced timeframe aims to "provide less opportunity to develop infection with the omicron variant prior to arrival in the United States," the CDC said. The new rules go into effect Monday at 12:01 a.m. EST and affect all air passengers 2 years and older flying into the U.S. from a foreign county, regardless of vaccination status or nationality. Travelers who can show proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days are exempt.

Jussie Smollett trial over alleged fake attack nears conclusion

The trial of former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett is expected to resume Monday in Chicago with the defense calling more witnesses. It is still unclear whether Smollett will testify. Judge James Linn told jurors last week he expected they would begin deliberations no later than Tuesday. Last week, two brothers testified that Smollett directed them to stage a racist, homophobic attack on him. Smollett, 39, is charged with felony disorderly conduct for what law enforcement and prosecutors believe was a false police report about the alleged attack. The Class 4 felony carries a prison sentence of up to three years in prison, but experts say if Smollett is convicted he likely would be placed on probation and might be ordered to perform community service.

Surging Patriots face key division game against Bills

The surging New England Patriots face an important game in their bid to reclaim the AFC East title when they visit the second-place Buffalo Bills in “Monday Night Football” (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Patriots (8-4) have won six in a row while the Bills (7-4) have gone 3-3 over their last six. New England had won 11 consecutive division titles but fell to 7-9 last season after star quarterback Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay and Buffalo finished first. Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones has impressed this season, completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,850 yards and 16 touchdowns. The teams will also meet in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Dec. 26.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patriots, Chris Cuomo, Oxford shooting, COVID-19: 5 things to know Monday