'Start Here': Venezuela violence, R. Kelly charged, pope declares war on clergy abuse
It's Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Let's start here.
1. Clashes in Venezuela
Venezuela over the weekend saw several violent outbreaks along its border between protesters and the military, as humanitarian aid was once again blocked from entering the country on the orders of President Nicolas Maduro. At least two people have been killed.
ABC News' Davi Merchan says U.S. Vice President Mike Pence plans to meet with opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia today.
2. Top Dem ready to take DOJ to court
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said his committee would subpoena special counsel Robert Mueller's final report if it's not made public -- and that the committee is ready to take the administration to court, if necessary.
Amid speculation Mueller would be delivering his report to Attorney General William Barr as early as this week, a Justice Department official with knowledge of the matter told ABC News on Friday the report is not imminent.
Meanwhile, ABC News' Tara Palmeri says Michael Cohen's upcoming public testimony is not expected to touch on any topics covered by that investigation.
3. R. Kelly behind bars
A Chicago judge ordered a $1 million bond for R. Kelly on Saturday after the singer was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sex abuse.
ABC News' Linsey Davis has the latest.
4. Church chat concludes
Pope Francis on Sunday in Rome wrapped up a historic summit addressing sex abuse in the Catholic Church, declaring an "all-out war" on abuse.
ABC News' David Wright tells us that survivors of abuse were left frustrated by the lack of concrete plans on how to deal with the issue.
Other news:
'This summit may be a dud': Bill Richardson, former New Mexico governor and U.S. ambassador to the U.N., talks about the president's next meeting with Kim Jong Un.
'I certainly don't think that the president at any point has done anything but condemn violence against journalists or anyone else': Sarah Sanders defends the president.
From our partners at FiveThirtyEight:
Trump's national emergency policy is unpopular, but not really unpopular: And that will likely matter to Republicans in Congress.
Last 'Nightline':
R. Kelly charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse: Three of the victims were younger than 17 at the time of the alleged incidents, prosecutors said. R. Kelly's attorney has previously said his client never intentionally had sex with an underage girl.
Former Uber driver claims ride-sharing app directed him to commit 2016 shootings: Jason Dalton claimed the Uber app "literally took over [his] mind and body" during his hours-long shooting spree that killed six people and seriously injured two others.
On this day in history:
Feb. 25, 1986: Ferdinand Marcos, president of the Philippines, goes into exile after 20 years of rule.
The must-see photo:
Spike Lee jumps into the arms of Samuel L. Jackson as he accepts the award for best original screenplay during the 91st Annual Academy Awards. (photo credit: Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images)
For more great photos from around the world CLICK HERE.
Hot on social:
These celebs came to slay the style game on the red carpet at the 2019 Oscars.
All right, you're off and running. Get the latest news on ABCNews.com and on the ABC News app. Details on how to subscribe to "Start Here" are below. See you tomorrow.
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