Morning Brief: January 5

It's a new year and the Keystone Pipeline is still being hotly debated. As the Senate prepares for it's new Republican majority, and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, this week, NY Senator Schumer lays out the Democrat's plans for pipeline legislation. With McConnell saying Senate Republicans will immediately approve the pipeline, Schumer's hoping there'll still be enough Democratic votes to sustain a presidential veto.

NEED TO KNOW

Chinese Maoists Given New Life [New York Times]

Mitch McConnell's Goals for the Senate [Washington Post]

NYPD Cops Silently Protest the Mayor at Officer's Funeral [NY Daily News]

Plans to Stop Overnight PATH Services Bothers Riders [New York Times]

Rift Between NYPD and Mayor de Blasio Up to Him to Fix [NY Daily News]

SPORTS

Weekend

The Rangers beat the Sabres 6-1 on Saturday.

The Islanders fell to the Oilers yesterday 5-2.

The Devils defeated the Flyers 5-2 on Saturday.

The Nets were beaten by the Heat 88-84 yesterday.

The Knicks fell to the Bucks 95-82 yesterday.

Tonight

The Nets host the Mavericks, 7:30.

The Knicks @ Memphis, 8:00.

WEATHER

Mostly sunny and chilly, 37/23. [Full Forecast]

ON STAGE TONIGHT

• Steve Earle (with Willie Watson) @ City Winery

TODAY IN HISTORY

On this day in 1933, construction on the Golden Gate Bridge began.

WFUV's Morning Brief is published each weekday morning at 5 a.m. Do you have an event or news item that should be included? Email JColtin@wfuvnews.org or leave a comment below.