Five Big Things That Happened Today: Wednesday, November 13

1. House Democrats Pass Bill to Protect Abortion Rights

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that would protect the right to abortion nationwide. The bill, which passed 218-211, would codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision into law. It would also prohibit states from enacting laws that restrict access to abortion.

2. Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for Ketanji Brown Jackson

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court. Jackson, a federal judge from the District of Columbia, is the first Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court.

3. US Inflation Hits 40-Year High

The US inflation rate hit a 40-year high in October, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The consumer price index, which measures the prices of goods and services purchased by consumers, rose 6.2% over the past 12 months. This is the largest increase since December 1982.

4. WHO Warns of "Tsunami of Cases" of Omicron Variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly and could lead to a "tsunami of cases." The WHO said that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous variants and that it has the potential to evade vaccines.

5. Russia and Ukraine to Hold Talks Next Week

Russia and Ukraine agreed on Wednesday to hold talks next week to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The talks will be held in Paris on January 25. This is the first time that the two sides have agreed to talks since the conflict began in 2014.