Impeachment inquiry hearings, Anonymous' Trump book, Bye bye, Bei Bei: 5 things to know Tuesday

Editors, USA TODAY

House impeachment hearings continue focus on Trump call

Four officials who came into contact with President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine will testify Tuesday before the House Intelligence Committee. One of the morning witnesses will be Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Ukraine expert at the National Security Council, who listened to the July 25 call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and reported concerns to the council's top lawyer. The committee will also hear from Jennifer Williams, a National Security Council aide to Vice President Mike Pence, who also listened to the July 25 call. In the afternoon, the panel will hear from Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, a National Security Council senior director for Europe and Russia.

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'A Warning': Anonymous Trump book with scathing claims to be released

A tell-all book by an anonymous author — and purported senior Trump administration official — about Donald Trump's presidency is set to be released on Tuesday. The book, titled "A Warning," paints a dire picture of Trump's presidency and suggests he might refuse to leave office even if convicted in impeachment hearings or defeated narrowly in the 2020 election. The author also says Trump is preparing his followers to see either outcome as a "coup" that could warrant resistance. White House officials have pushed back against the book's claims, emphasizing the fact that the author has chosen to remain in the shadows.

Welcome rain coming to parched, fire-weary California

Some welcome rain is on the way for portions of parched and fire-weary California beginning Tuesday. The first significant rain and snow of the season is expected in southern California, which will bring some relief from the state's abnormally dry conditions, the Weather Channel said. More than 81% of the state is considered "abnormally" dry, including a small percentage in the first stages of drought, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor. Up to an inch of rain is possible in both Los Angeles and San Diego this week. In addition to southern California, showers and thunderstorm coverage will also increase Tuesday afternoon and evening across Arizona, New Mexico and southern Utah, the weather service said.

Michelle Obama wants fans to write their own 'Becoming'

Michelle Obama is inviting readers to discover their own voices and stories through journaling in a new book out Tuesday. "Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice" is the journal companion to her memoir "Becoming," last year's top-selling book on USA TODAY's best-selling books list. "Writing is a way to process, to understand, to grow, and yes, to remember," writes the former first lady. The book, which has been featured on Oprah Winfrey's coveted list of "Favorite Things," includes more than 150 quotes, writing prompts, and even a "Becoming" playlist.

Bye bye, Bei Bei: DC panda headed to China via FedEx jet

Bei Bei the giant panda is leaving the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., for a new home in China on Tuesday. As part of an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all panda cubs at the National Zoo move to China at 4 years old. Bei Bei will make the 15-hour-plus flight aboard the appropriately named FedEx Panda Express, a custom-decaled Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft, out of Virginia's Dulles International Airport. A panda keeper and veterinarian will accompany Bei Bei on his nonstop flight to Chengdu, monitoring him and providing him treats like apples, carrots and sweet potatoes, according to the zoo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Impeachment, Anonymous' Trump book, Bei Bei leaves DC: 5 things to know Tuesday