(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It didn’t take much for the White House to set Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis off. As coronavirus cases rise across the Sun Belt, President Joe Biden asked GOP governors to “get out of the way” of efforts to contain the virus.
Senate cuts off infrastructure debate, readies for final vote
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) cut off debate on the Senate's $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill Thursday night, setting it up for a final vote in his chamber as early as Saturday.Why it matters: The bill's expected passage will be a major victory for Congress and the...
Biden nudges Senate over 'historic' $1T infrastructure bill
President Joe Biden is praising the Senate for edging the bipartisan infrastructure plan closer to passage.
apnews.com
Democrats scramble to find a path forward on federal legislation on voting rights as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls new special session | CNN Politics
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has escalated the Republican push to pass new voting restrictions in the state, announcing on Thursday a second special session of the state legislature that could continue the bitter standoff with Democrats in the Texas House who broke quorum and fled to the nation’s...
www.cnn.com
Data used for drawing districts to be released next week
The U.S. Census Bureau says data from the 2020 census used for drawing congressional and legislative districts will be released next week.
apnews.com
Schumer moves to shut down debate on infrastructure bill in key step toward final vote | CNN Politics
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moved on Thursday night to cut off debate on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, paving the way for swift passage of the sweeping legislation that would enact key elements of President Joe Biden’s economic agenda, although exact timing of a...
www.cnn.comBiden responds to criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis: 'Governor who?'
President Biden made the remarks -- the latest in an ongoing war of words with the Florida governor -- at an event promoting electric vehicles.
Slashed infrastructure funding for communities hurt by highways disappoints advocates
The Reconnecting Communities Initiative aimed to help cities rectify damage caused by highways built through minority neighborhoods. The bipartisan infrastructure bill cut it by 95 percent.
www.nbcnews.com
House lawmaker suing Pelosi over mask rule says he has COVID
One of the three congressional Republicans suing Speaker Nancy Pelosi over fines for not wearing masks during a U.S.
apnews.com
Garland urges Congress to protect voting rights
The attorney general’s plea, in a Washington Post op-ed, fell on the eve of the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
www.politico.com
U.S. Senate to try to finish $1 trillion infrastructure bill on Saturday
The U.S. Senate, unable to finalize a $1 trillion infrastructure bill on Thursday, will try again on Saturday when it is scheduled to hold a vote on limiting debate and moving toward passage of the hard-fought legislation.
US urges Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi to resume nuclear talks
The state department says Ebrahim Raisi should seize the opportunity to revive a landmark 2015 deal.
www.bbc.com
Georgia to ask 185K voters if they remain active
George Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced on Thursday that the state is taking steps to update its voter rolls, contacting more than 185,000 voters who have not interacted with the…
thehill.com
Trump encourages supporters to buy misspelled ‘Trump Offical Card’
Former President Trump on Wednesday sent an email to supporters asking them to vote on designs for membership cards indicating their alliance with him, though one of the options misspelled the word…
thehill.com
'This attack happened': Medals to honor Jan. 6 responders
The Senate has voted to award Congressional Gold Medals to the Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department for protecting Congress during the Jan. 6 insurrection, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature.
apnews.com
Ashli Babbitt family lawyer says officer killed her in ‘ambush’ without warning - Washington Examiner
Ashli Babbitt was the victim of an "ambush," says the Babbitt family attorney preparing a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $10 million in damages against the Capitol Police and the officer who fatally shot the woman during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6.The flash of violence was caught on...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
DeBlasio calls on 'narcissist' Cuomo to 'get the hell out of the way' and resign
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio reiterated his call for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign days after a damning report from the state’s attorney general accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct.
Gun safety groups to Biden: Do more to get your point man confirmed
The White House says it’s pushing for the president’s ATF nominee. Activists say they could be doing a fair bit more.
www.politico.com
MyPillow magnate Mike Lindell's latest election conspiracy theory is his most bizarre yet
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has emerged as one of the most vocal boosters still pushing false claims about the 2020 election. His latest theory about vote-switching is outrageous.
White House defends travel restrictions amid reports of COVID-positive illegal migrants - Washington Examiner
The White House defended its coronavirus restrictions on legal foreign travelers amid reports that thousands of illegal migrants who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being released into the country, saying various non-governmental organizations are helping them get vaccinated."I know there...
www.washingtonexaminer.comSt. Louis man wants his guns back after governor's pardon
The St. Louis man who along with his wife was pardoned after waving guns at social justice demonstrators has filed a lawsuit to have the guns returned and to have fines the couple paid returned to them. Mark McCloskey, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, argued in a lawsuit filed...
Cruz rips GOP colleagues who are ‘complicit’ with Biden spending agenda
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is taking shots at Republican colleagues who are backing a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, accusing them of being “complicit” in advancing President Biden’s mass…
thehill.com
Blinken to diplomats on 'Havana Syndrome': 'I wish we had more answers'
Government workers have been found to have mild traumatic brain injury and hearing, balance and cognitive changes after having experienced odd sounds and sensations.
www.nbcnews.com
ActBlue, Democrats' online fundraising platform, stops processing donations for Cuomo
ActBlue's decision cuts off grassroots, small-dollar donations to Cuomo, who had indicated that he planned to run for reelection.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden knocks DeSantis in response to latest tussle with Florida Republican: 'Governor who?'
President Biden continued his administration’s war of words with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over coronavirus restrictions by pretending he didn’t know who the governor was when asked a question by a reporter.
Biden's once-warm relationship with Cuomo grows chilly
The relationship between the president and the New York governor had run deep, reflecting a bond both personal and political.
www.nbcnews.com
EXCLUSIVE U.S. starts flying migrant families into Mexico far from border - source
The United States on Thursday began flying Central American and Mexican families to southern Mexico in an effort to deter migration by bolstering a COVID-era expulsion policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, a person familiar with the matter said.
White House unveils extra $3 billion in local disaster funding
The White House on Thursday announced more than $3 billion in extra funding for projects to increase state and local resilience to storms and other climate-related disasters.White House press secre…
thehill.com
White House doesn’t deny it is considering withholding funds to force vaccinations
The White House did not deny reports that it is considering leveraging federal regulatory powers to push institutions to require Americans get vaccinated
Former Trump surgeon general says politicians are ‘taking tools’ away from public health offices
Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said that politicians are “taking tools” away from public health offices to be able to control the coronavirus pandemic. Adams made the comment during an in…
thehill.com
Tucker Carlson: What the Fox News host is doing in Hungary
The controversial news host is the latest high-profile ally of Hungary's embattled prime minister.
www.bbc.com
Trump-appointed inspector general blames FEMA — not task force — for PPE chaos
Still, the report hints at the difficulty career agency officials had in explaining decisions made by the former president's political appointees.
www.nbcnews.com
McConnell rejects Democrats’ effort to get GOP to back raising the nation’s debt limit | CNN Politics
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that Democrats should expect zero help from Republicans in their effort to raise the debt ceiling, previewing a looming fight this fall over the nation’s borrowing limit, which Congress must approve.
www.cnn.com
Virginia governor says he'll let New Yorkers decide Cuomo's fate - "The Takeout"
On "The Takeout" podcast this week, host Major Garrett talked with Governor Ralph Northam about topics ranging from COVID to fellow Governor Andrew Cuomo.
www.cbsnews.com
Wildfire leaves historic, 'quirky' California town in smoldering ruins
The main thoroughfare in a historic California gold-rush town was in smoldering ruins on Thursday, hours after the state's largest wildfire engulfed the hamlet of Greenville in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Warden at jail holding Ghislaine Maxwell charged with murder - Washington Examiner
The associate warden at a federal jail in New York City where singer R. Kelly and Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell are being held was arrested and charged Monday in connection to the shooting death of her husband. Antonia Ashford, 44, of Jackson, New Jersey, who works at the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
GOP: Biden not doing enough to help Cubans access internet
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and fellow GOP politicians are accusing President Joe Biden of not doing more to help establish internet access for Cubans on the island.
apnews.com
GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn calls NC school district mask mandate ‘psychological child abuse’
North Carolina GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn spoke against a school mask mandate during a school boarding meeting Thursday, equating it to child abuse.
thehill.com
Apple to scan iPhones for child sex abuse images
Apple announces it will implement a system to scan US iPhones for images of child sexual abuse.
www.bbc.com
Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Phoenix police
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a civil rights probe into the Phoenix Police Department, including the agency's use of force.
www.usatoday.com
Long lines, stranded passengers and more than half of flights canceled as Spirit Airlines enters fifth day of "operational issues"
By Thursday evening, Spirit had canceled 55% of the day's scheduled flights.
www.cbsnews.com
What Gov. Andrew Cuomo's accusers felt, in their own words
Eleven women described to investigators hired by the New York attorney general’s office how Gov. Andrew Cuomo made them feel sexually harassed.
apnews.com
Pompeo says he never saw missing whisky, hints State Department incompetence
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo he has “no idea” about the whereabouts of a nearly $6,000 bottle of whisky that was apparently gifted to him by Japan
People fleeing Hong Kong crackdown get temporary US haven
President Joe Biden has granted temporary refuge to people from Hong Kong. The move comes as the Chinese government tries to crush the pro-democracy movement and tighten its control on a city once known for its freedom.
apnews.com
"I called the police on the police": Black family accuses Chicago police of pointing guns at young children in botched raid
Police pulled guns on two young girls who were in their beds, the lawsuit alleges.
www.cbsnews.com
DOJ opening investigation into Phoenix Police Department, city of Phoenix
The DOJ is opening an investigation into the policing practices of the Phoenix Police Department and the city of Phoenix.
2 coaches removed from Tokyo Olympics in Belarus case
Two Belarus team coaches have been removed from the Olympics after being involved in trying to send sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya back to their country.
apnews.com
GOP threats on debt ceiling complicate big-spending plans for Hill Democrats - Washington Examiner
Republicans are putting political pressure on Democrats over their proposed go-it-alone $3.5 trillion reconciliation spending and tax bill by threatening to vote against legislation to raise the federal government’s debt ceiling. While Democrats are “extolling the virtues of their latest...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Analysis: You shouldn’t miss this massive bombshell in Trump’s ongoing election fraud lie | CNN Politics
Unless you have been living on another planet for the past six months, you know by now that Donald Trump leaned on state and national officials in the final days of his presidency to force investigations into made-up claims of widespread election fraud in the 2020 race.
www.cnn.com
'I'm not kidding': Biden says he will be the first to drive the first electric Corvette
Biden says General Motors CEO Mary Barra promised he can drive the first electric Corvette.
www.usatoday.com
Crucial ocean system could be collapsing — which would have catastrophic effects
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has been showing signs of slowing down for several years.
thehill.com
‘Holy moly!’: Inside Texas' fight against a ransomware hack
The Associated Press has learned new details about a ransomware attack that affected roughly two dozen Texas communities two years ago.
apnews.com
'We lost Greenville': Wildfire decimates California town
Officials say more than 100 homes have burned in and around the town of Greenville as California’s largest wildfire surged through the Sierra Nevada.
apnews.com
Olympic Runners Are Fast. On Tokyo's Fast Track, They're Shattering World Records
It's no accident that the track feels fast to runners. The Italian company that designed the track says its goal is to take "human speeds to levels never reached before."
www.npr.org
At river where Tigrayan bodies floated, fears of 'many more'
From time to time, a body floating down the river separating Ethiopia’s troubled Tigray region from Sudan was a silent reminder of a war conducted in the shadows.
apnews.com
‘Don’t test us’: Iran threatens ‘decisive’ response to any Israeli strike - Washington Examiner
A prominent Iranian official warned Israel not to conduct a military operation against Iran, as the rival Middle Eastern powers trade threats following an attack on an Israeli-managed oil tanker.“We state this clearly: ANY foolish act against Iran will be met with a DECISIVE response,” Iranian...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
U.S. beach volleyball's Ross, Klineman capture Olympic gold in Tokyo
The win over Australia is the first time U.S. women have won Olympic gold in the event since the 2012 London Games.
www.nbcnews.com
Hiroshima marks 76th anniversary of US atomic bombing
Hiroshima has marked the 76th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, with the mayor of the Japanese city urging global leaders to unite to eliminate nuclear weapons, just as they are united against the coronavirus.
apnews.com
From powerhouses to parity: More nations winning Olympic medals than ever before
With the number already at 63, the number of gold medal nations in a single year has shattered the previous record of 59 set at the 2016 Rio Games.
www.nbcnews.com
Troops deployed in Pakistan town after mob attacked Hindu temple
Statues damaged, temple’s door burned down by mob that said a Hindu boy, granted bail on Wednesday, committed blasphemy.
SEC move on horizon, Texas and Oklahoma coaches focus on '21
Steve Sarkisian has yet to make his debut in the Big 12, but the new Texas coach was asked on Thursday to ponder life in his next league, the Southeastern Conference.Texas and Oklahoma will move to the SEC at some point between 2022 and 2025.
apnews.com
Who is Kathy Hochul? 5 things to know about New York's first woman governor.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who took over for Cuomo, makes history as the first woman to serve as governor of New York.
www.usatoday.com
Olympic Latest: Canada wins 1st gold in women's soccer
Canada won its first Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer, beating Sweden 3-2 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.
apnews.com
Crypto industry coalesces behind bipartisan amendment
AFL-CIO’s Trumka dead — Hotels, gyms keep up aid push
www.politico.com
Tennessee’s 48-hour abortion waiting period is legal: court
A federal appeals court on Thursday issued a ruling upholding Tennessee’s 48-hour waiting period for an abortion, overturning a lower court’s previous ruling that found the rule to…
thehill.com
Almost half of all Asian roles serve as a punchline, study finds
In top grossing films from 2010 to 2019, Asian Americans were often the butt of the joke, and AAPI women were disproportionately sexualized.
www.nbcnews.com
NYU Researchers Were Studying Disinformation On Facebook. The Company Cut Them Off
Facebook disabled the academics' accounts and blocked their access to its platform, saying they had violated its terms of service by collecting data about political ads.
www.npr.org
Appeals court upholds conviction of ex-Dallas officer in murder of neighbor Botham Jean
Amber Guyger will become eligible for parole in 2024 in the 2018 shooting.
www.nbcnews.com
'We did it': Crouser's gold a tribute to his fallen grandpa
TOKYO (AP) — Ryan Crouser wrote the note and brought it to the stadium just in case. “Grandpa. We did it. 2020 Olympic champion!” it said.
apnews.com
Black New Yorkers strike back at city program that seized their properties for developers
The plaintiffs say the program unfairly aided gentrification and pushed Black and Latino residents out of their homes and neighborhoods.
www.nbcnews.com
Japanese mayor apologizes after biting Olympic gold medal - Washington Examiner
A Japanese mayor bit off more than he could chew and was forced to apologize Thursday after chomping down on an Olympic gold medal, grossing out its recipient and the millions of viewers who were watching.Softball pitcher Miu Goto placed her gold medal around Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura's neck...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Police searching for multiple suspects after 15-year-old fatally shot in Virginia
Police are on the hunt for several suspects after a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in Virginia earlier this week, authorities said.
Eating more colorful foods may reduce risk of cognitive decline
Foods like strawberries, oranges, eggplants and grapefruits contain compounds called flavonoids.
thehill.com
Step 1: Do a Google search. Ransomware hacker goes rogue, leaks gang's plan.
Ransomware hackers have sparked international action, but they are often informal enterprises that can turn on one another.
www.nbcnews.com
Vogue’s first transgender woman to appear on cover says it’s ‘kind of a big deal’ - Washington Examiner
The September cover of Vogue magazine will feature its first plus-size Asian American model and its first transgender woman model."There are limits to what 'representation' can do. Obviously, it’s a big deal being the first trans woman on the cover of Vogue, but it’s also hard to say exactly...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Protests against mandated COVID-19 vaccines pop up across US
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.
FDA expected to recommend boosters for immunocompromised Americans within weeks: Source
The recommendation for booster shots for immunocompromised people is expected by early September, if not sooner, a government official said.
Australia borders: Citizens living overseas could be 'trapped' if they return
Australians who live overseas will require exemptions to leave Australia if they return home.
www.bbc.com
Americans oppose vaccine passports for restaurants
A majority of Americans oppose requiring Americans to show proof of vaccination to dine at restaurants
CNN Fires Three Employees For Coming To Work Unvaccinated
The memo was obtained by The Associated Press after its contents were first tweeted by CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy. CNN offered no details on the firings, or where the employees were based.
www.npr.org
Delta Is Surging. Here's What You Need To Know To Stay Safe
The highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading fast and driving new cases and hospitalizations. Here's what you need to know to keep yourself and your kids from getting sick.
www.npr.org
Analysis: NFL kicks off amid nation's rising COVID-19 rates
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — As COVID-19 and Delta variant positives increase across America, the NFL kicks off its first preseason since 2019 expecting the usual crowds.
apnews.com‘Good for him’: White House keeps Trump at arm’s length in COVID-19 vaccine push - Washington Examiner
The White House isn’t urging former President Donald Trump to help get vaccine shots into arms as it confronts an uptick in COVID-19 cases across the country, including in states where Trump allies said he could help.While press secretary Jen Psaki credited South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
AFT president says union is now ‘looking at vaccine mandates’
New York State’s largest teacher’s union has also said it will oppose efforts to require educators to get vaccinated against Covid-19 before they return to school next month.
www.politico.com
Arkansas hospital exec says health care workers are walking off the job amid spike in COVID-19 cases
Health care workers in Arkansas are starting to walk off the job as instances of short staffing and burnout continue to increase in the state.
thehill.com
Thousands jam Philippine vaccination sites over false news
Thousands of people have jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown.
apnews.com
Novavax delays COVID-19 vaccine authorization submission until fourth quarter
Novavax will delay submitting its COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use authorization until the fourth quarter of this year, the company announced Thursday.The Maryland-based drug maker previously sai…
thehill.com
Italy to require teachers to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination
The Italian government on Thursday enacted a requirement for teachers to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before entering a classroom.
thehill.com
Do you need to wear a mask where you live? Understand the CDC's new guidance
The CDC advises wearing masks indoors if hospitals are overloaded and the coronavirus is spreading widely where you live. Find out the level of virus transmission in your county.
www.npr.org
California mandates vaccines for health care workers amid delta variant surge
The California Department of Public Health said Thursday it would implement what officials described as a “first in the nation” mandate that health care workers be fully vaccinated by the end of September.
