Smoke rises after fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel, in Kandahar, southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Sidiqullah Khan)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban completed their sweep of Afghanistan’s south on Friday, taking four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that brought them closer to Kabul just weeks before the U.S. is set to officially end its two-decade war.
Rush of troops to Kabul tests Biden's withdrawal deadline
The last-minute decision to send 3,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan to help partially evacuate the U.S.
apnews.com
Afghan women fear return to 'dark days' amid Taliban sweep
The Taliban's lightning advance across Afghanistan has stirred fears they will reimpose their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam and all but eliminate women's rights.
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U.S. envoy's years of peace negotiations go up in flames in Afghanistan. What went wrong?
Analysis: The U.S. lost any leverage with the Taliban once it made clear it was eager to pull out American troops, experts say.
www.nbcnews.com
As Afghanistan's provincial capitals fall to the Taliban, Biden remains quiet
The White House says the president is engaged and being briefed on the situation regularly.
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Pelosi faces new threat from moderate Democrats over budget
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is facing a fresh hurdle to passing President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar domestic policy aspirations.
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‘They sold us out’: Afghans in disbelief over Taliban gains
Residents of Herat and Kandahar express shock and anger at the swift fall of their cities to the Taliban.
U.S. Homeland Security warns fresh COVID-19 restrictions could spark violent attacks
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in a new terrorism warning bulletin, said violent extremists could view the reimposition of COVID-19-related restrictions following the spread of coronavirus variants as a rationale to conduct attacks.
GOP demands Biden administration act after Mayorkas calls border crisis 'unsustainable'
Top Republicans on Friday called on the Biden administration to act on the crisis at the southern border after leaked audio emerged of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling the situation there "unsustainable."
New intel reports indicate fresh efforts by Russia to interfere in 2022 election | CNN Politics
The Biden administration is receiving regular intelligence reports indicating Russian efforts to interfere in US elections are evolving and ongoing, current and former officials say, and in fact, never stopped, despite President Joe Biden’s warnings to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the...
www.cnn.com
The White House is all in on a drug price overhaul
Today: CDC panel weighs third Covid-19 shots — Biden to revamp CMS Innovation Center
www.politico.com
The Latest: UN statement would urge end to Taliban offensive
Security Council members are considering a proposed statement that would urge an immediate end to the Taliban offensive and warn that the U.N.’s most powerful body will not support any government in Afghanistan imposed by military force or restoration of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate that ruled the
apnews.com
Moderates vow to block budget to secure infrastructure funding
A group of House moderates is throwing a wrench in the Democrats’ two-prong economic agenda, threatening to block a multitrillion-dollar budget bill until party leaders enact the Senate’…
thehill.com
Taliban imposing ‘horrifying’ human rights curbs, UN chief warns
Guterres says Taliban is imposing severe restrictions on human rights in areas of Afghanistan under their control.
Gerrymandering could limit minority voters' power even though Census shows population gains
Redistricting is taking place without previous federal protections, and voters of color could lose out even as Census data shows the U.S. is now more diverse.
Activists push to disband Minneapolis police in upcoming vote
Activists have adopted public health tactics in an effort to disband the Minneapolis police department.
In U.S. redistricting fight, citizens come armed with a new weapon: their own maps
On a recent evening, Tyler Daye, an organizer with Common Cause North Carolina, hosted an online seminar for residents of the city of Wilson on an important but arcane topic: redistricting. With the help of publicly available mapping software known as Districtr, Daye clicked through maps of...
Afghanistan: ‘World silently watches this war against women’
As the Taliban advance there are feelings of grief and fear, a child rights activist in Kabul says.
www.bbc.com
New York lawmakers suspend Cuomo impeachment investigation | CNN Politics
New York state lawmakers will halt the impeachment investigation against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned this week and will leave office on August 25, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced on Friday afternoon.
www.cnn.com
Vietnam shadow hangs over Biden decision on Afghanistan
President Biden is facing a potential foreign policy and humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan as the Taliban makes rapid gains, capturing major cities and prompting concerns over the safety of U…
thehill.com
In desperation, U.S. scours for countries willing to house Afghan refugees
President Joe Biden's administration has been holding secret talks with more countries than previously known in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the U.S. government, four U.S. officials told Reuters.
Women in NY Politics Say Cuomo Was Just the Beginning
Cuomo’s replacement, Kathy Hochul, says she wants to clean up New York’s toxic culture. These women say that’s not going to be easy.
www.politico.com
U.S. immigration advocates blast 'cruel' Biden policies on asylum
Immigration advocates criticized President Joe Biden's asylum policies on Friday, saying expulsions of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and other deterrent measures were "cruel, unlawful and ineffective."
Trump: ‘It’s about time’ that ‘loser’ Cuomo resign
Former President Trump has started fundraising off New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) resignation announcement, saying “it’s about time he resigned.”The fundraising pitch Frid…
thehill.com
Man linked to Oath Keepers militia pleads not guilty to U.S. Capitol riot charge
An 18th person with links to the far right Oath Keepers militia accused of taking part in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot has been added to an indictment and pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Fred may strengthen to tropical storm as it closes in on US: Latest track
Tropical Depression Fred may restrengthen to a tropical storm Friday as it closes in on Florida.
Pelosi spokesperson calls out Trump for threatening Capitol Police officer who shot Ashli Babbit
The spokesperson for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to a statement from former President Donald Trump in which he claimed that Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot while trying to climb through a broken window in the Capitol on Jan. 6, was “murdered” by U.S. Capitol Police.
‘Landmark deportation’: Russia tells BBC journalist to go home
Russia’s state TV says move a response to London’s refusal to renew or issue visas to Russian journalists in Britain.
9 Dems threaten mutiny over Pelosi’s budget plan
Pelosi can afford to lose only three votes in the House and will need near unanimity among Democrats to pass the budget resolution.
www.politico.com
Judge keeps CDC eviction moratorium in place but says freeze is illegal
The Biden administration imposed a new eviction moratorium last week, but its fate in the courts is uncertain.
www.cbsnews.com
Pelosi extends proxy voting to October
House members can continue to vote by proxy during the COVID-19 pandemic through at least Oct. 1, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced Friday.Proxy voting was set to expire on Aug. 17 under th…
thehill.com
Calls for violence online similar to before January 6 Capitol attack, DHS Intel chief says
Online extremist rhetoric is strikingly similar to the buildup to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, with increasing calls for violence linked to conspiracy theories and false narratives, Homeland Security Intelligence chief John Cohen said in an interview with CNN.
www.cnn.com
Youth-run green groups move to pressure U.S. Congress over climate
Youth-run environmental groups are gearing up to pressure Democratic U.S. Congress members to retool their $3.5 trillion spending package to fund more programs battling climate change.
Ducey calls for Mayorkas' resignation after leaked border crisis audio
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is calling on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to resign following leaked audio that showed the Biden administration official admitting the border crisis is “unsustainable.”
Afghanistan pullout: Biden's biggest call yet - will it be his most calamitous?
Joe Biden won't be seeing the "war is over" headlines that he hoped for when he made the decision to withdraw.
Global sizzling: July was hottest month on record, NOAA says
U.S. weather officials say Earth in July was the hottest month ever recorded. Friday's announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the global average temperature of nearly 62.1 degrees in July edged records set in 2016 and tied in 2019 and 2020.
apnews.comAmerica is full of ‘democracy deserts’. Wisconsin rivals Congo on some metrics
Gerrymandering allows legislators to ignore what voters really want. And experts fear it’s about to get a lot worse ‘If you think that legislators will always be accountable to the people, or that autocracy can’t happen here, you aren’t paying attention. It already is.’ Photograph: Morry Gash/AP...
Beyond Cuomo: Women on NY’s toxic political culture
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Taliban captures Afghan commander Ismail Khan after fall of Herat
The ‘Lion of Herat’ returned to the front lines in western city last month amid the growing threat from the Taliban.
Snopes suspends co-founder after plagiarism discovered
Snopes, an outlet dedicated to fact-checking, has suspended its co-founder after plagiarism was discovered in dozens of articles over several years following a BuzzFeed News investigation.Two membe…
thehill.comBlue hydrogen's cold water splash
Bill Gates partners with Biden — The gender gap on infrastructure plans
www.politico.com
Grief grips South African town after gruesome vigilante killings
Families of Black people killed in racial violence during unrest in Phoenix, South Africa are demanding justice.
Lincoln Project co-founder calls for criminal investigation into Trump’s ‘self-coup’ - Washington Examiner
Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway asserted Friday that the Biden administration should open a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election through a "self-coup." The attorney, whose wife is former top Trump adviser...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Experts: False claims on voting machines obscure real flaws
The aftermath of the 2020 election put an intense spotlight on voting machines as supporters of former President Donald Trump claimed victory was stolen from him.
apnews.com
Afghanistan’s quick unraveling jolts national security officials and threatens to stain Biden’s legacy | CNN Politics
The security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated faster than President Joe Biden and his most senior national security officials had anticipated, leaving the White House rushing to stave off the worst effects of a Taliban takeover.
www.cnn.com
DHS warns of heightened risk for attacks ahead of 9/11 anniversary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning of a heightened threat environment leading up to the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.A Friday bulletin from DHS said that while domesti…
thehill.com'This got bungled': Biden’s two tragic Afghanistan missteps
www.politico.com
A tale of two chambers: Trump’s power holds in House, wanes in Senate
The infrastructure debate dominating Capitol Hill this summer is highlighting the sharp contrast between the chambers when it comes to the influence of former President Trump over the GOP.Nearly 20…
thehill.com
'Squad' Dems hit back as moderates hold $3.5T spending plan hostage for infrastructure vote
House "Squad" Democrats hit back Friday at their moderate colleagues after nine of them said they will not vote to advance their party's $3.5 trillion budget resolution until the bipartisan infrastructure bill is signed into law.
5 foreign policy situations the White House didn't expect, from Israel, to Cuba and Ethiopia
The Biden administration's foreign policy vision has been sidetracked by crises in Haiti, Cuba and beyond.
UN chief urges Taliban to halt offensive in Afghanistan
The U.N. secretary-general said on Friday that Afghanistan is “spinning out of control” and urged the Taliban, which is capturing huge swaths of territory, to halt its offensive so they could …
thehill.comBehind the scenes of the Biden administration as the U.S. ditches Kabul
Many in the U.S. military see the race out of Afghanistan as a dishonorable withdrawal, and some State Department officials fear the U.S. may have to close the embassy in Kabul. Driving the news: Those were some of the dire soundings Axios heard in Washington yesterday, as the Pentagon made the...
Treasury sends $15 billion in August child tax credit payments
Millions of households received their second monthly payment of the expanded child tax credit this week, with the Treasury Department saying Friday $15.4 billion was disbursed.“Today 61 million chi…
thehill.com
Three Afghanistan claims from the Biden team that aged poorly - Washington Examiner
The Taliban's sweeping military victories in recent weeks have undercut the United States's final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The White House and President Joe Biden himself have maintained for weeks it is not a foregone conclusion the Afghan government will fall once the U.S. pulls out...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US Embassy in Afghanistan tells staff to destroy sensitive materials | CNN Politics
The US Embassy in Kabul is instructing personnel to destroy sensitive materials as well as items “which could be misused in propaganda efforts,” according to a management notice sent Friday to embassy staff, seen by CNN and described by another source familiar.
www.cnn.com
Asians in the U.S. are the fastest growing racial group. What's behind the rise.
The Asian population in the U.S. grew by 35.5 percent over the past 10 years.
www.nbcnews.com
Evidence presented to grand jury in Durham's Russia probe
John Durham, the federal prosecutor tapped to investigate the origins of the Russia investigation, has been presenting evidence before a grand jury as part of his probe.
apnews.com
Analysis: How the 2020 census explains Donald Trump | CNN Politics
Donald Trump got it. Years before long-awaited 2020 census data published Thursday showed a dramatic picture of a less-White, more diverse, less rural, more metropolitan nation, the ex-President built a political apparatus on the idea that America’s traditional face was changing.
www.cnn.comUS deserves big share of blame for Afghanistan military disaster
Analysis: White House accused of unfairly pointing finger at Afghan military after decades of mismanaging war effort The Pentagon spokesman John Kirby speaks during a briefing on Thursday in Washington. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP As one provincial capital after another has fallen to the...
Canada to require all air travelers to be vaccinated
The Canadian government announced Friday that it will require all commercial air travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, in addition to passengers on interprovincial trains and cruise ships.Ca…
thehill.comBiden’s mission (not yet) accomplished
www.politico.com
'Defund the police' advocate Cori Bush hired police as private security, costing officers their jobs
A new report revealed that the “Squad” member had hired two sheriff’s deputies to provide private security for her, coming on the heels of reports that the progressive had spent tens of thousands of dollars on private security while pushing defunding law enforcement.
Lockdown ends at D.C. military base after suspect is detained
A spokeswoman for the D.C. police told CNBC that the department received a phone call regarding gunshots being heard at a location east of the base.
Pentagon: Rapid Taliban gains ‘deeply concerning’
The Taliban’s rapid takeover of large swaths of Afghanistan is “deeply concerning,” the Pentagon’s top spokesperson said Friday as he acknowledged the insurgents are trying to isolate Kabul.“We are…
thehill.com
Map: Race and ethnicity across the US
This map shows the racial and ethnic makeup of the entire United States, according to the 2020 census.
www.cnn.com
Month 2 of child tax credit hits bank accounts
The U.S. Department of Treasury says the second monthly child tax credit payment has begun to be disbursed
Trump calls Cuomo a ‘TOTAL LOSER’ - Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo a "TOTAL LOSER" Friday in a letter to his supporters. "Andrew Cuomo has got real problems — he handled COVID horribly and he's DESTROYED New York — and it's about time he resigned," Trump said. FROM 'ROCK STAR' TO ROCK BOTTOM...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
How latest census data may shift balance of power in the U.S.: "Most voters don't even know about it"
Republicans' control of key state legislatures could give them the means to gerrymander Democrats out of their slim majority in the House of Representatives.
www.cbsnews.com
August child tax credit payments reach roughly 61 million kids | CNN Politics
The August child tax credit payment is in the mail – or headed directly to your bank account.
www.cnn.com
Heat waves aren't just scorching people, they are incinerating local businesses
“The hotter it gets, the more it’s about need-based shopping,” said one weather intelligence analyst.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden made 'Obamacare' cheaper, now sign-up deadline is here
Midnight on Sunday is the deadline for consumers to take advantage of a special “Obamacare” sign up period, courtesy of President Joe Biden.
apnews.com
Nebraska governor vows to continue fighting critical race theory as university rejects resolution
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told Fox News on Friday that he would continue fighting critical race theory (CRT) despite the state university's decision to reject a resolution designed to combat the contentious ideology.
Fred is likely to impact Florida as a tropical storm | CNN
Fred hasn’t dropped dead yet. Despite looking disorganized on satellite, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts the tropical depression may strengthen back into a tropical storm before hitting Florida.
www.cnn.com
Texas House sergeant-at-arms visiting homes looking for Democrats who fled: report
Reporters confirmed on Friday that the Texas House Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Black is traveling to the homes of the state lower chamber’s members who skirted voting by flying to Washington, D.C.
Afghanistan: Boris Johnson defends UK's role amid evacuation
Boris Johnson says there is "no military solution" to the situation as the Taliban advances.
www.bbc.com
States race to hand out billions in rent aid before federal deadline to use it or lose it
Tenants anxiously await a slow trickle of funds. Overall, just one-fifth of available aid has been put in renters' hands.
www.cbsnews.com
Loudoun County teacher says she has no regrets after quitting over CRT lessons - Washington Examiner
A Loudoun County, Virginia, teacher whose emotional resignation in front of the school board went viral earlier this week says she has no regrets over the incident.Loudoun County has drawn national attention as parents and administrators spar over controversial teaching material and a recent...
www.washingtonexaminer.comWhat’s next for crypto advocates
Chamber CEO rips reconciliation plan — Treasury begins to release long-awaited aid for motor coach industry
www.politico.com
‘Not an Afghanistan problem but a humanity problem’ - Gen McMaster
This is a frontier between barbarism and civilisation, a former US national security adviser says.
www.bbc.com
Volatile California governor recall has Democrats nervous about Feinstein seat | CNN Politics
It’s the Democrats’ doomsday scenario: California Gov. Gavin Newsom loses his recall race this fall, and a Senate vacancy is later filled by a GOP governor.
www.cnn.com
Pentagon: Taliban working to ‘isolate’ Kabul, but capital isn’t in ‘imminent’ danger - Washington Examiner
The Pentagon insisted that Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, is not in "imminent" danger of falling to the Taliban."Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly, David, if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Man gunned down by security guard after dispute over loud music in Memphis
Chicago resident Alvin Motley Jr. was visiting family when the deadly confrontation unfolded.
www.nbcnews.com
In Your Debt: Back to pre-pandemic spending? Don’t overdo it
The threat of COVID-19 still looms, but Americans are getting back out there and once again spending on travel, dining out, entertainment and commuting
Census data fallout: How New York Dems could create 'bloodbath' for GOP
New York Democrats are poised to strengthen their political power in Washington thanks to new census population data that could give them the ammunition to wipe away Republican congressional seats.
Jill Biden wears medical boot after foot injury in Hawaii
Jill Biden is wearing a medical boot following a foot injury on a Hawaiian beach. The boot was on the first lady's left foot as she and President Joe Biden boarded a helicopter to fly from Delaware to the Camp David presidential retreat.
apnews.com
Bitter blow: UK's former hub in Afghanistan taken by Taliban
Confirmation that the Taliban captured the capital of Afghanistan's Helmand province has particular resonance in Britain
DC military base locked down until armed man detained
A military base in the nation's capital was locked down for about two hours Friday, after an armed man ran onto the grounds following a report of gunfire on local streets surrounding the base.
apnews.com
BBC condemns Russia's decision to not renew correspondent's visa
The decision to not renew Sarah Rainsford's visa is an "assault on media freedom", the corporation says.
www.bbc.com
Silence from congressional liberals as Democrats move toward SALT tax cut for wealthy - Washington Examiner
Congressional liberals have gone silent as Democrats have moved toward raising the cap on federal tax deductions for paid state and local taxes, a move that would result in large tax cuts for the wealthy. This week, Senate Democrats paved the way for raising the $10,000 cap on SALT deductions...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
GOP's Faulconer still trying to make mark as recall nears
California Republicans have long viewed Kevin Faulconer as someone moderate enough to win back the governor's office in the heavily Democratic state.
apnews.com
Authorities take second child from ‘American Idol’ contestant, prompting outrage
Syesha Mercado, who is fighting to get her toddler back, recorded deputies taking her newborn from her in an Instagram Live video.
www.nbcnews.com
ACLU sues DC, police over use of chemical irritants, stun grenades at racial justice protest | CNN Politics
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit on behalf of two photojournalists who say police hit them with chemical irritants and stun grenades while they covered racial justice protests in Washington, DC, last year.
www.cnn.com
Ex-Iowa Democratic leader takes new job in New Hampshire
Troy Price, who resigned as chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party after a disastrous leadoff caucus in 2020, is taking a new job in the fellow first-in-the-nation state New Hampshire.
apnews.comRush of troops to Kabul tests Biden's withdrawal deadline
The last-minute decision to send 3,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan to help partially evacuate the U.S.
apnews.com
Mayorkas defends U.S. border strategy as migrant apprehensions reach 21-year high
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned would-be migrants that "they will be turned back" unless they qualify for U.S. humanitarian protection.
www.cbsnews.com
Prospects ever fainter for bipartisan policing overhaul deal
Prospects seem increasingly dicey for a bipartisan Senate deal on overhauling policing practices. Deadlocked lawmakers have left the Capitol for August recess.
apnews.com
Census data: US is diversifying, white population shrinking
No racial or ethnic group dominates for people under age 18 in the newly released 2020 census figures.
apnews.com
McConnell calls on Biden to change course in Afghanistan before it's too late
McConnell urged President Joe Biden reverse course in Afghanistan as the security situation deteriorates
U.S. military sending troops to help safely remove staff from embassy in Kabul
The decision comes as Taliban forces now control two-thirds of Afghanistan and its second largest city, Kandahar, has just fallen.
www.cbsnews.com
Five takeaways from a groundbreaking census report
The United States is becoming more diverse more quickly than anticipated as minority communities grow while white populations shrink for the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday as it r…
thehill.comBiden wants to fight the climate crisis and keep gas prices low. It doesn't add up.
Days after the United Nations released a report on the "irreversible" effects of the climate crisis, Biden urged for increased fossil fuel production.
In urgent cable, US Embassy calls on Washington to evacuate Afghan staffers threatened by Taliban
The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan is urging Washington to evacuate Afghans under threat because of their work with the U.S. government, according to an internal cable
Pew survey finds partisan divide on nation's racial history
More than half of Americans say more attention to the history of slavery and racism in the U.S. is a good thing — but only 25% of GOP-leaning voters agree, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center published Thursday.Why it matters: The survey reveals deep partisan and racial divides over...
Census: Rural America shrinks as people flock to big cities
The number of Americans who live in rural areas continued to shrink in the last decade while the nation’s largest cities grew substantially, according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Cens…
thehill.com
Afghanistan ‘spinning out of control’ amid Taliban offensive: UN
‘This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war’ UN chief says in appeal to armed group sweeping through Afghanistan.
Texas law enforcement deputized to track down missing Democrats for arrest - Washington Examiner
Law enforcement officers in Texas were deputized Thursday to "immediately" begin tracking down Democratic lawmakers whose extended absence from Austin has denied the state House of Representatives a quorum for a month. The House sergeant-at-arms, who received 52 civil arrest warrants for the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Some NY Democrats pushing for Cuomo impeachment despite resignation
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will vacate office following a nation-gripping sexual harassment scandal, but despite his early resignation, he could still face impeachment.
Colorado secretary of state accuses county clerk’s office of assisting QAnon-affiliated leak of voting machine logins | CNN Politics
In announcing the revoking of some Mesa County voting machines – their logins appeared in a video by an individual affiliated with QAnon – Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold on Thursday also accused the county’s clerk, Tina Peters, of assisting in the election system security breach.
www.cnn.com
Texas Democratic lawmakers say arrest warrants do not faze them
Texas Democratic lawmakers, scattered around the country, said on Thursday they were more determined than ever to block voting restrictions in their state, after the state supreme court ruled they could be arrested for fleeing Austin in July to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass the bill.
Rush of troops to Kabul tests Biden's withdrawal deadline
The last-minute decision to send 3,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan to help partially evacuate the U.S.
apnews.comA new low: In Biden's first year, the US is on track to resettle even fewer refugees than under Trump
Fewer than 10,000 refugees will be resettled by October, the lowest since at least 1975 and far below the cap of 62,500 set by President Joe Biden.
'Unprecedented number': Migrant encounters at southern border topped 200,000 in July
"We are encountering an unprecedented number of migrants in between the ports of entry at our southern border," DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said.
www.usatoday.com
Taliban sweep across Afghanistan's south, take 4 more cities
The Taliban have completed their sweep of Afghanistan’s south. They took four more provincial capitals Friday in a lightning offensive that brought them closer to Kabul, just weeks before the U.S. is set to officially end its two-decade war.
apnews.com
Liz Cheney’s conservative street cred is obvious on broad range of issues - Washington Examiner
CHEYENNE, Wyoming — Republican U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney says her focus right now and for the 2022 midterm elections will be to fight for the concerns of the people of Wyoming and against policies from the Biden administration that hurt her home state and country. “That means across the board, being...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
ATF nominee failed to disclose talks and events to Senate committee, including speaking on politics of agents | CNN Politics
The Biden administration’s nominee to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives failed to disclose some interviews and events dating back to 2012 on paperwork filed with the Senate for consideration of his nomination.
www.cnn.com
Algeria arrests 22 suspected arsonists over deadly blazes
President Tebboune says some fires were caused by high temperatures but ‘criminal hands were behind most of them’.
Biden backs Newsom as California recall election looms, urges residents to 'vote no'
President Joe Biden delivered his strongest endorsement to date for embattled Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, urging Californians to reject an effort to recall the governor in an upcoming special election.
Census data sets up redistricting fight over growing suburbs
The once-a-decade battle over redistricting is set to be a showdown over the suburbs. New Census Bureau data released Thursday shows rapid growth around some of the nation's largest cities and shrinking populations in many rural counties.
apnews.comColorado voting officials feud over alleged security breach
What began as an investigation into how election equipment passwords from a rural Colorado county got posted on a right wing blog has turned into a feud between the state's Democratic secretary of state and the county's conservative clerk. The elections chief for the northwestern county that...
NASA ups the odds of Bennu asteroid hitting Earth
A NASA scientist said Wednesday that the likelihood of the Bennu asteroid hitting Earth within the next century or two has increased. However, Davide Farnocchia stressed that Earthlings should…
thehill.com
Biden said in July Taliban 'overrunning everything' was 'highly unlikely'
The Washington Post’s resident fact-checker dinged President Joe Biden on Thursday for claiming that it is “highly unlikely” the Taliban regains control of Afghanistan.
Senate panel interviews former US attorney in Trump probe
Senators have met privately with a former U.S. attorney in Atlanta who resigned in January as then-President Donald Trump pressured officials to overturn his election defeat.
apnews.com
Census shows US growth driven by minorities; white pop falls under 60 percent
The growth in the American population over the last decade was driven entirely by minority communities, according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, as the number of white Ame…
thehill.com
US saw a two-decade high in border crossings in July | CNN Politics
The Biden administration is facing a “serious challenge” at the US southern border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday, saying the US has encountered an “unprecedented” number of migrants illegally crossing the border.
www.cnn.com
MyPillow CEO says he was attacked at symposium
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell says he was attacked in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Wednesday night.
apnews.comRand Paul misses deadline by 16 months to report wife's COVID-19 treatment stock purchase
Gilead Sciences produces remdesivir, an antiviral drug that has been used to treat COVID-19. Kelley Paul invested in Gilead Sciences on Feb. 26, 2020.
Supreme Court blocks part of NY eviction moratorium
The Supreme Court is blocking part of New York’s moratorium on evictions, put into effect because of the coronavirus pandemic, less than a month before it is supposed to expire anyway.
apnews.comTrump blames Biden for 'unacceptable' Taliban surge in Afghanistan
Former president Donald Trump blasted his successor Joe Biden on Thursday for putting no conditions on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and said that a violent Taliban surge in the war-torn country was "not acceptable."
Bill Gates pledges $1.5B for climate projects in infrastructure bill
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has pledged $1.5 billion from his climate investment fund to collaborate with the federal government on renewable energy projects if the White House-backed infrastructu…
thehill.com
Trump PAC hires Iowa staff as war chest builds ahead of 2024
Former President Donald Trump, however, hasn’t said whether he will run in 2024.
www.politico.comKevin McCarthy Hawks ‘Moron’ T-Shirts In Spectacular Self-Own
The top House Republican tried to own Nancy Pelosi with the shirt. It did not go well.
Trump appeals split decision in fight with U.S. House over financial records
A long-running court fight between Donald Trump and a House of Representatives committee over his financial records is heading back to an appeals court after a judge issued a split decision this week.
5 killed in shooting in Plymouth, England; gunman also dead, police say
Devon & Cornwall Police said in a statement that they responded to "a serious firearms incident" with multiple casualties.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. Encounters An 'Unprecedented' Number Of Migrants. DHS Says 'It's Complicated'
Immigration authorities encountered migrants more than 212,000 times at the border in July, the highest in 20 years — including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied children, the most ever in a single month.
www.npr.org
Life in a town taken by the Taliban in Afghanistan
BBC correspondent Secunder Kermani reports from a town in Afghanistan recently taken by the Taliban
www.bbc.comThe Democratic Senate Majority Could Hinge On California's Governor Recall
Unusual election rules could give a Republican governor elected with relatively few votes the power to replace the oldest member of a narrowly divided Senate.
Work-from-home whiplash
www.politico.com
Everything you need to know about the 2020 US census release
The Census data shows changes to the demographic makeup of the country over the past decade. What's in the data and what's changed since 2010.
www.usatoday.com
Victims identified after five killed in rare mass shooting in England | CNN
At least five people have been killed and a suspect found dead after Britain’s worst mass shooting in over a decade took place in Plymouth, southwest England, police have said.
www.cnn.comWisconsin Republican pursuing 2020 'audit' took taxpayer-funded trips to attend a conference with MyPillow's Mike Lindell and to Arizona to observe Cyber Ninjas' 'audit'
Lindell, a conspiracy theorist allied with former President Donald Trump, is facing a defamation suit over his false 2020 election claims.
Round one of child tax credit payments slashed hunger rates, U.S. data shows
The monthly payments of up to $300 for each kid under five and up to $250 for each kid under 18 are the result of one of the most sweeping provisions in the American Rescue Plan.
www.politico.com
Pompeo to headline fundraiser for Youngkin
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will headline a fundraiser for Virginia gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin in Washington, D.C., next month amid speculation Pompeo is exploring a potential 2…
thehill.com
New Mexico Dem governor using up to $5M in coronavirus relief to boost farm workers’ pay: report
New Mexico plans to use as much as $5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to boost the pay of chile pepper pickers and processors to $19.50 an hour, according to reports.
Pelosi announces House staff can now make almost $200K
The maximum salary last year was $173,900, according to the Congressional Research Service.
www.nbcnews.com
Every two days, US wildfires are consuming an area the size of Washington, DC. And there’s no let up in sight | CNN
The dozens of wildfires that have scorched the western US this summer have consumed on average 30 square miles – almost half the size of Washington, DC – on a daily basis, the US Drought Monitor said Thursday.
www.cnn.comJuly saw highest number of illegal border crossings in 21 years
The number of migrants detained along the U.S.-Mexico border exceeded 200,000 for the first time in 21 years in July, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement data released Thursday.Why it matters: Biden officials had predicted that the summer heat would lead to a...
'Field of Dreams' comes alive in Iowa: They built it, and MLB came
The game amid the cornfields ended in cinematic fashion, as the Chicago White Sox outslugged the New York Yankees, 9-8.
www.nbcnews.com
Climate-fueled wildfires take toll on tropical Pacific isles
WAIMEA, Hawaii (AP) — A metal roof sits atop the burned remains of a homestead on the once-lush slopes of Hawaii's Mauna Kea — a dormant volcano and the state's tallest peak — charred cars and motorcycles strewn about as wind-whipped sand and ash blast the scorched landscape.
apnews.comU.S. to expand online asylum registration amid 'unprecedented' border arrivals
The United States will expand an online asylum registration system in the hopes migrants will apply remotely amid "unprecedented" border arrivals, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Thursday. The online system allows people to register to apply for asylum from phones or...
Harris meets with CEOs to drum up support for child care proposals -White House
Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the importance of affordable childcare for improving U.S. competitiveness during a meeting with top executives of seven companies including Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and Etsy (ETSY.O) on Thursday.
Judge kicks off key hearing in Boy Scouts bankruptcy case, cites organization's "unusual" agreement
An attorney for the Boy Scouts of America said the group's national board never adopted a resolution approving an $850 million agreement that is the linchpin of its bankruptcy plan.
www.cbsnews.com
LGBTQ Adults Are Facing Hunger At Almost Twice The Rate As Others, New Data Shows
LGBTQ Americans in a new Census survey reported higher rates of food and economic insecurity, indicating the community is experiencing a particularly heavy financial toll from the pandemic.
www.npr.org
Biden adviser Anita Dunn leaves the White House
Top Biden adviser Anita Dunn is leaving her position at the White House
Texas law enforcement enlisted to end Democrats' holdout
Republican officials in Texas say law enforcement has now been enlisted to help bring Democrats back to the state Capitol and end a standoff over a GOP voting bill.
apnews.com
Britney Spears' father, Jamie Spears, to step down as conservator
The pop star's attorney had made ousting Jamie Spears a priority.
Taliban seizes Kandahar as advance picks up speed
The Taliban’s military offensive is escalating in Afghanistan, raising concerns regarding the stability of the Afghani government once American forces complete their withdrawal from the region, and…
thehill.com
After Data Is Posted On Conspiracy Site, Colorado County's Voting Machines Are Banned
Colorado officials are pointing the finger at the Mesa County clerk, who's currently attending a conference promoting claims that the 2020 election was rigged.
www.npr.org
Texas communities and border agents scramble to shelter migrants amid COVID-19 concerns
Communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are scrambling to house a growing number of migrants seeking legal asylum.
www.cbsnews.comGOP Strategist Arrested for Underage Sex Trafficking
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty/TwitterAnton Lazzaro, a young Republican strategist and former congressional campaign manager in Minnesota, was arrested on underage sex trafficking charges Thursday morning, according to federal law enforcement.Lazzaro, an...
Officials: Northwest heat may have killed 1; ER visits spike
Officials are investigating one possible heat-related death in Oregon from a Pacific Northwest heat wave.
apnews.com
US to reduce personnel at embassy in Afghanistan as more cities fall to Taliban | CNN Politics
The United States is withdrawing personnel from its embassy in Kabul amid the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, leaving only “a core diplomatic presence,” the Biden administration announced Thursday as more cities fell to the Taliban.
www.cnn.com
Los Angeles judge dismisses sexual battery charge against Harvey Weinstein | CNN
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charges against him in Los Angeles.
www.cnn.com
Washington state has first live 'murder hornet' sighting of 2021
There was one previous confirmed sighting of the invasive threat, which kills honeybees, this year, but it was dead.
www.nbcnews.com
Metabolism peaks at age one and tanks after 60, study finds
Middle-aged spread cannot be blamed on a waning metabolism, according to researchers.
www.bbc.com
What the Census results tell us about the future US electorate | CNN Politics
More 2020 Census results are in, and it’s clear that the trends we have been seeing over the last few decades show no signs of slowing down. You might say that we’ve crossed a tipping point of sorts that may have major political implications moving forward.
www.cnn.com
AIPAC accused of Islamophobia after attacks on Ilhan Omar
‘AIPAC is putting Rep Omar’s life at risk with repeated Islamophobic attack ads,’ says Omar aide.
A Tropical Storm Is On Track To Sweep The U.S. Gulf Coast This Weekend
Tropical Depression Fred is expected to regain strength slowly before making landfall as a tropical storm in the Florida Keys on Saturday.
www.npr.org
Toddler shoots, kills mom during video call after finding gun, Florida police say
The 21-year-old woman was shot in the head during a Zoom call, and Altamonte Springs police believe a toddler found an unsecured gun.
www.nbcnews.com
North Korea airs Olympics coverage days after it ends
Korean Central Television airs a women's football match that was actually played last month.
www.bbc.com
Lee Jae-yong: Samsung heir released from prison on parole
Critics say the move raises fresh questions about the preferential treatment of business leaders.
www.bbc.com
Pennsylvania man charged with homicide after human head found in freezer
Donald Meshey Jr., 32, also faces counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and abuse of a corpse.
www.nbcnews.com
Chisox, Yanks go deep into corn; Field of Dreams hosts more
The New York Yankees, the Chicago White Sox and fans all over were in awe at the scene at the Field of Dreams game.
apnews.com
What we thought about metabolism may be all wrong, new study suggests
Metabolic rate remains stable all through adult life, from age 20 to 60 years old.
www.nbcnews.com
2 new species of massive sauropod dinosaurs found in China, a 1st for the region
Scientists have discovered two new species of dinosaurs in a region where dinosaur fossils had never been unearthed.
Nearly 600 patients wait for hospital beds in Houston following surge in COVID cases
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.
96% of ICU beds across Texas are full as COVID cases surge: "Some wait hours, some wait days"
According to the Texas Department of Health, there are only 321 ICU beds left open for the 30 million people in the state.
www.cbsnews.comDeSantis, faced with covid surge, urges Floridians to use Regeneron antibody treatment given to Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is vowing to begin dispensing Regeneron monoclonal antibodies - the treatment given to President Donald Trump when he had the coronavirus - through mobile clinics amid a record-breaking stretch of new cases and hospitalizations that have ravaged the state. DeSantis, a...
More US cities requiring proof of vaccination to go places
In a growing number of places across the United States, people will be required to show proof of being vaccinated against the coronavirus to teach school, work at a hospital, see a concert or eat inside a restaurant.
apnews.com
‘Your child will wait for another child to die.’ Amid Covid-19 surge, Dallas County has no pediatric ICU beds left, county judge says | CNN
Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are surging and in Dallas County, Texas, there are “zero ICU beds left for children,” county judge Clay Jenkins said in a news conference Friday morning.
www.cnn.com
27 vaccinated people test positive for COVID on Carnival ship
27 vaccinated people test positive for COVID on Carnival ship
CDC officially recommends third vaccine dose for immunocompromised
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday officially recommended an additional dose of coronavirus vaccines for certain people with compromised immune systems, clearing the way…
thehill.com
Covid-19 hospitalizations are surging again, but they’re different this time | CNN
Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US have been growing for more than a month, and at the current pace – more than 2,500 patients added each day over the past week, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services – the US will surpass January’s record high in about a month.
www.cnn.com
US allows extra COVID vaccine doses for some. Now what?
Americans at high risk from COVID-19 because of severely weakened immune systems are now allowed to get a third vaccination in hopes of better protection.
apnews.com
US reports nearly 1 million vaccinations in past day, most since early July
The United States on Friday reported almost a million new COVID-19 vaccinations from the previous day’s total, the biggest one-day tally for vaccinations since early July.About 918,…
thehill.com
Florida to launch antibody treatment "strike teams" as COVID-19 patients flood hospitals
Florida hospitalizations are at an all-time high.
www.cbsnews.com
ICE ramps up vaccination of immigrants in U.S. custody, but thousands have refused
In the past six weeks, ICE has reported over 5,000 new coronavirus cases among immigrants in its detention facilities.
www.cbsnews.com
Three Florida teachers die of Covid, says union
They are said to have died from Covid-19 related complications - days before the school year begins.
www.bbc.com
Stanford announces mandatory COVID-19 testing for students regardless of vaccination status - Washington Examiner
Stanford University announced Wednesday it will require COVID-19 testing for all students coming to campus regardless of their vaccination status. Students living on campus, university off-campus housing, or commuter students will be required to submit to COVID-19 testing every week starting...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Staff vaccinations required at Chicago Public Schools
Staff members have until Oct. 15 to prove their vaccination status, and exempt employees will be required to test throughout the school year.
thehill.com
FEMA funeral assistance tops $1 billion to families of Covid victims | CNN Politics
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s funeral assistance program has distributed more than $1 billion to those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 since the application process began in mid-April, the agency announced Friday.
www.cnn.com
Wildfire smoke associated with increase in severe COVID-19 cases and death, new research suggests
Scientists are learning more about how widespread wildfires could be associated with severe COVID-19 cases in regions that experience fires on a regular basis.
Hundreds of students in Palm Beach County forced to quarantine because of COVID days after school starts
As of Friday, there were a total 134 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across more than 50 K-12 schools in the district and over 1,000 students have been sent home due to exposure.
www.cbsnews.com
Short-staffed hospitals battling COVID surge after opting not to staff up
Hundreds of financially struggling hospitals, frugal about staffing prior to the pandemic, furloughed, laid off or reduced pay for health care workers this year.
Online mask sales increase amid delta variant surge
Mask sales have climbed in August as the delta variant spreads among unvaccinated communities, leading to a higher number of COVID-19 cases.In the week beginning Aug. 4, mask sales rose 40 percent …
thehill.com
How long will your COVID-19 vaccine last? And when will you need a booster?
"We believe, sooner or later, you will need a booster for durability of protection," Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
Biden promotes vaccines with ‘Dude With Sign’
The White House has teamed up with yet another social media figure to promote the COVID-19 vaccine, this time partnering with the man behind the popular page “Dude With Sign.&#…
thehill.com
Extra COVID vaccine OK'd for those with weak immune systems
U.S. health regulators have authorized an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in people with weakened immune systems to better protect them from the virus.
apnews.com
Biden eyes tougher vaccine rules without provoking backlash
Even as President Joe Biden becomes more aggressive in pressuring Americans to get vaccinated, he has refrained from using all his powers.
apnews.com
Biden on anti-mask ordinances: ‘This isn’t about politics – this is about keeping our children safe’ | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Thursday hit out at anti-masking protesters for politicizing the Covid-19 pandemic, saying he was particularly disturbed by scenes at a school board meeting in Tennessee earlier this week.
www.cnn.com
FDA gives OK to third vaccine dose for immunocompromised people
The onus will now shift to the CDC, which must decide whether to formally recommend the extra doses.
www.nbcnews.com
New Orleans to require vaccine, negative COVID-19 test for indoor activities
The mayor of New Orleans on Thursday announced that vaccines or proof of a negative COVID-19 test will be required to enter indoor venues, including bars, restaurants, gyms and music halls, as…
thehill.com
Greene waves off concerns of hospital overcrowding: ‘We can’t live forever’
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Thursday waved off concerns over hospitals exceeding capacity due to COVID-19, saying “we can’t live forever.”
thehill.com
WHO urges China to share raw data on early COVID cases
UN agency says cooperation and transparent data ‘vitally important’ to prevent future pandemics.
Nation's largest teachers union backs vaccine mandates
The decision comes as school officials are battling with parents and governors over mask-wearing requirements and a surge of infections among children.
www.politico.com
Mississippi's Hospital System Could Collapse Within 10 Days Under COVID's Strain
COVID-19 cases are overwhelming the South. Arkansas set a record for hospitalizations, while officials in one Florida county are urging residents to "consider other options" before calling 911.
www.npr.org
Fauci: ‘Inevitably’ everyone will need boosters eventually
Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said Thursday that “inevitably” everyone will need booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine eventually because like any vaccine, its p…
thehill.com
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Indiana University's vaccination requirement
Eight students asked the court for an emergency order, arguing that the risks of vaccination outweigh potential benefits for those in their age group.
www.nbcnews.com
As delta variant surges, COVID hospitalizations rise 30% over previous week
COVID cases over the last seven days are up 24% over the week before, hospital admissions are up 31% and deaths are up 22%, the CDC director said Thursday.
Kentucky governor to school officials trying to skirt state’s mask mandate: ‘Good luck’
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) wished officials who were considering defying a recent statewide mask mandate in schools “good luck,” and vowed that the state would hold them accountable.“…
thehill.com
Houston among Texas school districts set to defy governor's ban on mask mandates
The largest school district in Texas -- Houston ISD -- is among those poised to defy the governor's ban on school mask mandates.
It's Time To Up Your Mask Game
From double-masking to getting a tighter seal, these suggestions and simple at-home hacks can make your mask a better barrier against the surging delta variant.
www.npr.org
These 8 states make up half of US Covid-19 hospitalizations. And the surge among the unvaccinated is overwhelming health care workers | CNN
As experts race to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 by encouraging vaccinations and mask wearing, hospital systems in a handful of states are now straining to keep up with the surge.
www.cnn.comNearly 600 patients wait for hospital beds in Houston following surge in COVID cases
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.
Oklahoma faces lawsuit over ban on mask mandates for schools
Oklahoma is facing a lawsuit from parents and a medical association over the state’s ban on mask mandates in schools.The lawsuit filed Thursday by the Oklahoma State Medical Association seeks to st…
thehill.com
Ningbo: Global supply fears as China partly shuts major port
The closure of a terminal at Ningbo-Zhoushan port came after a worker was infected with Covid-19.
www.bbc.com
80 students potentially exposed to coronavirus after child with positive test attends Nevada school
Eighty students from a school in Reno, Nev., could have been exposed to the coronavirus after a fellow student who received a positive test attended school two days later, according to CN…
thehill.com
In Yemen’s north, Houthis face virus with outright denial
CAIRO (AP) — For three days last month, Nasser joined hundreds of others jammed into emergency rooms in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, searching for a hospital bed for his mother, who was struggling to breathe.
apnews.com
Supreme Court justice won't block college vaccine mandate
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has refused to block a plan by Indiana University to require students and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
apnews.com
Colleges charge unvaccinated students fees up to $750 to foot additional COVID-19 testing
Despite the raging virus, vaccine mandates have become a hot button issue.
NBA Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood tackles COVID vaccine mistrust in communities of color
Spencer Haywood is teaming up with a medical school in Las Vegas to tackle the mistrust of the health care system prevalent in some communities of color.
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