Democrats' big spending bill gets a rebrand, 'theater' at the Rittenhouse trial and the home of the Lakers gets a new name

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     Democrats are in a race to rebrand President Joe Biden's massive safety net bill as inflation cries grow louder. Legal experts weigh in on the judge's unusual order for Kyle Rittenhouse to pick his own jury by lottery. Plus, the home of the Lakers is getting a new name.   Here's what we're watching this Wednesday morning.     Democrats rebrand massive safety net bill in face of inflation attacks Democrats are refocusing their message on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill in response to inflation concerns from voters and key centrist lawmakers as Congress moves closer to final votes on the massive spending package.   The White House and Democratic leaders are trying to rebrand the legislation as an antidote to widespread price hikes — particularly as Republicans are trying to create as much political pain as possible for Democrats over inflation and other economic concerns.    "Want to fight inflation? Support Build Back Better," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday, arguing that the bill would lower the cost of prescription drugs, child care and overall expenses related to raising families.   Biden also hit the road Tuesday as part of a major effort by the administration to tout the benefits of the massive bipartisan infrastructure law he signed earlier this week, with less than a year before the 2022 midterm elections. Wednesday's Top Stories Demand grows for digital vaccine passports as borders reopen As international travelers return to the U.S., airlines, nonprofit organizations and travel groups have finally seen an uptick in the digital health passes they had hoped travelers would use since their launch. Plus, the FDA is expected to authorize the Pfizer Covid-19 booster shot for all adults this week.  READ MORE 'Piece of theater': What legal experts make of judge's order for Rittenhouse to pick his own jury by lottery Kyle Rittenhouse was put in the odd position of randomly picking names out of a tumbler to establish the final Kenosha jury panel that will decide his fate. Legal experts weigh in on the attention-grabbing move. READ MORE Putin under pressure as Europe faces dual crises of border standoff and troop buildup Unrest flared Tuesday in the freezing forests and swamplands of the Poland-Belarus border. Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier said the migrant crisis, which Europe accuses Putin's close ally of creating, was an attempt to "distract" from Russia's troops massing near Ukraine. READ MORE Albuquerque has new response to 911 calls involving mentally ill people The New Mexico city created a third branch of public safety, in addition to the police and fire departments, staffed by behavioral health responders.  READ MORE Also in the News Frida Kahlo's 'Diego y yo' breaks records, sells for $34.9 million Either of two gunshots that struck Ahmaud Arbery could have been fatal, medical examiner testifies Gabby Petito's family starts foundation as a way to grieve, help others 'You guys saved my life': Britney Spears talks life post-conservatorship That TikTok notification about a settlement payment isn't a scam. Here's what to know. L.A.'s Staples Center, home of the Lakers, getting new name Editor's Pick Brutal killing of pet dog sparks outcry over China's strict Covid measures The apparent killing of a pet corgi by Chinese pandemic prevention workers has sparked widespread outrage in China and launched a debate on the lengths authorities will go to contain Covid-19's spread.  READ MORE Select Target is releasing new weeklong deals every Sunday ahead of Black Friday. One Uplifting Thing 'Miss Holocaust Survivor' crowned to honor women who lived through Nazi genocide With Abba's homage to youth, "Dancing Queen," playing in the background, 86-year-old great-grandmother Salina Steinfeld was crowned "Miss Holocaust Survivor" in Jerusalem on Tuesday.    Organizers say the pageant bestows glamour and respect on Jewish women whose youth was stolen by the Nazi holocaust of World War II.   Watch the video here.  Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill     FOLLOW US     Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here.     Get the NBC News Mobile App   30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy