Colonial Pipeline’s CEO confirms the company paid $4.4 million to the ransomware attackers. He reveals his reason behind the controversial action. Some have argued that the payment encourages the group to commit similar attacks. Is a state seceding? Several counties in Oregon vote to consider joining the state of Idaho. Lead petitioner Mike McCarter said in a statement, “This election proves that rural Oregon wants out of Oregon.” The group Citizens for Greater Idaho welcomes the proposal, inviting Oregonians. They wrote that Idaho “has [a] lower tax rate and a lower cost of living.” The Biden administration is lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. U.S. officials say it’s to strengthen ties with Germany. But there are consequences. This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in high-level dialogue with his Russian counterpart for the first time on Wednesday. The two leaders cordially discussed the many disagreements the …