(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s aggressive push to require millions of U.S. workers to vaccinate against the coronavirus is running into a wall of resistance from Republicans threatening everything from lawsuits to civil disobedience, plunging the country deeper into culture wars that have festered since the onset of the pandemic.
UN raises alarm on Taliban crackdown on dissent, journalists
The United Nations is raising the alarm about a Taliban crackdown on peaceful protests, many of them by women demanding equal rights, and journalists covering such events.
apnews.com
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs social media "censorship" bill into law
The legislation aims to stop social media companies from banning users based solely on their political opinions.
www.cbsnews.com
Americans less positive about civil liberties: AP-NORC poll
A decade after the 9/11 attacks, Americans were reasonably positive about the state of their rights and liberties. Today, 20 years since Sept. 11, not as much.
apnews.com
Texas passes social media 'de-platforming' law
The US state makes it illegal to ban somebody from social media because of their political views.
www.bbc.com
DHS bulletin warns of potential threat of domestic violent extremists to Afghan evacuees, immigrant communities
Afghan Americans and immigration advocates worry resettlement efforts could exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiment in U.S.
www.cbsnews.com
DeSantis, Abbott risk blowback amid appeals to conservative base
Republican Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas are enacting policies in their states that are popular with the national conservative base but that risk backlash as the …
thehill.com
As flights resume, plight of Afghan allies tests Biden's vow
U.S. veterans, lawmakers and others say the relaunch of evacuation flights from Kabul has done little to soothe fears that the U.S. might abandon countless Afghan allies who risked their lives working alongside American troops.
apnews.com
Florida appeals court rules in favor of DeSantis, allowing his ban on mask mandates in schools to stand | CNN
Florida’s 1st District Court on Friday reinstated a stay on mask mandates in schools, blocking local school requirements for now, court documents show.
www.cnn.comA group of 200-plus CEOs from companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot says it 'welcomes' Biden's vax-or-test mandate
A group of the nation's most powerful executives supports Biden's plan requiring companies with over 100 workers to mandate vaccines or weekly tests.
Prosecutors: Jan. 6 defendants should expect jail time
"Misdemeanor breaches of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 were not minor crimes. A probationary sentence … should not necessarily become the default," a prosecutor wrote.
www.politico.com
Allies see rising prospect of Trump 2024 White House bid
Republicans angling for potential 2024 presidential runs are at risk of colliding with former President Trump. For months, Trump has floated the idea of a 2024 rematch against President Biden. But …
thehill.com
Republican threats to Biden's vaccine mandates unlikely to succeed, experts say
Biden’s mandates pass muster because he is filtering them through the lenses of workplace safety and federal spending powers authority, legal experts told NBC News.
www.nbcnews.com
In speech taking on Trump, Christie calls on Republicans to renounce conspiracy theories and discredit extremists "in our midst"
"We need to quit wasting our time, our energy, and our credibility on claims that won't ever convince anyone of anything," Chris Christie told Republicans.
www.cbsnews.com
Pelosi pushes speedy timeline to pass massive spending package - Washington Examiner
Top Democrats won’t waste any time advancing a massive social welfare spending package when they reconvene this month. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told fellow Democrats in a visual conference call on Friday that she hopes to begin consideration of a $3.5 trillion social welfare spending package...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Political experts weigh in ahead of Biden's address to nation on 9/11: 'No one wants to be spun'
To mark 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks, President Biden will address the nation and visit NYC, the Pentagon, and the memorial outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Appeals court blocks strict Tennessee abortion law
A federal appeals court on Friday blocked Tennessee's strict abortion law, more than a year after a district court first issued a preliminary injunction that prevented it from taking effect.
www.reuters.com
Entire police department resigns in Missouri
Officers reported a number of reasons for why they resigned.
thehill.com
Strained supply chains keep U.S. producer prices hot
U.S. producer prices increased solidly in August, leading to the biggest annual gain in nearly 11 years, suggesting that high inflation is likely to persist for a while as the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic continues to pressure supply chains.
www.reuters.com
Prince Andrew served with suit by Jeffrey Epstein accuser Giuffre in sex case, court filing says
Prince Andrew is a former friend of the late sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, who also socialized with Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
Sen. Menendez: South Jersey military base could gain thousands of additional Afghan refugees
Liberty Village marked by Afghans' gratitude and U.S. military's efficiency, Senator Bob Menendez said, touring the South Jersey facility.
www.usatoday.com
Trump’s House GOP enemies get boost from McCarthy’s leadership team | CNN Politics
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and his leadership team are quietly working to prop up some of the GOP incumbents targeted by former President Donald Trump, putting the California Republican directly in the crosshairs of the right as he seeks to win back the majority.
www.cnn.com
Democrats make case to Senate parliamentarian for 8 million green cards
Democrats’ long-held hopes for providing a path to legal status for millions of immigrants is now in the hands of a little-known figure: The Senate parliamentarian. Democrats pitched Eli…
thehill.com
FACT FOCUS: AZ canvass report draws nonsensical conclusions
A report released this week in Arizona’s largest county falsely claims to have uncovered some 173,000 “lost” votes and 96,000 “ghost votes” in a private door-to-door canvassing effort, supposedly rendering the 2020 election in Maricopa County “uncertifiable.”
apnews.com
Nearly four dozen Afghan evacuees flagged over security risks: Report - Washington Examiner
The Department of Homeland Security has flagged more than 40 Afghan evacuees over possible security risks.Forty-four evacuees were flagged over the last two weeks, according to DHS vetting records reviewed by the Washington Post. Fifteen of them have been transferred to Immigration and Customs...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden doesn’t require migrants at border to get vaccinated despite mandate on Americans - Washington Examiner
The Biden administration is not planning to vaccinate the nearly 200,000 migrants who are showing up on the border each month, despite imposing mandates on federal workers and private businesses nationwide.White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed during a press briefing Friday that many...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Texas ban spotlights Democrats’ generational divide on abortion and trans issues
As the left tries to stay united, its different factions are at odds over a critical word: "women."
www.politico.com
20 years after 9/11, most see some success in efforts against terrorism, but threats remain - CBS News poll
Many say U.S. troops should have left Afghanistan sooner.
www.cbsnews.com
U.S. lawmakers to vote on $10 billion for high-speed-rail grants
A U.S. House of Representatives panel plans to vote next week on legislation that includes $10 billion in government assistance for high-speed-rail corridors.
www.reuters.com
White House says 21 more Americans evacuated from Afghanistan
The White House said that 21 American citizens were evacuated from Afghanistan on Friday via a chartered flight and overland route, bringing the total Americans evacuated over the past two days to …
thehill.com
Biden Brushes Off The GOP Threats To Sue Over Vaccine Mandates
President Biden said he was saddened that some GOP governors are threatening to sue over the new mandates. To them, he said, "Have at it."
www.npr.org
'A heavy price': Two decades of war, wariness and the post-9/11 security state
Now 20 years old, and with a fourth president at the helm, the U.S. war on terrorism has changed dramatically in important ways.
www.nbcnews.com
Exclusive: Wide-ranging SolarWinds probe sparks fear in Corporate America
A U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the SolarWinds Russian hacking operation has dozens of corporate executives fearful information unearthed in the expanding probe will expose them to liability, according to six people familiar with the inquiry.
www.reuters.com
Former Giuliani business associate Igor Fruman pleads guilty to campaign finance conspiracy
"I deeply regret my actions and apologize to the court," Fruman said in Manhattan federal court Friday.
www.cbsnews.com
Congress wakes up to its staff retention problems after Covid, bomb threats and riots
While lawmakers raise the cap on employee salaries and try to increase office budgets, some staffers say this year's strain on their mental health may still push them to leave.
www.politico.com
Don’t ‘misunderestimate’ George W. Bush
The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks provides an opportunity to reassess what followed and the Bush presidency.
thehill.comPence blasts Biden's vaccine speech: 'Unlike anything I'd ever heard from an American president'
The former vice president criticized Biden's frustration at those who refuse to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
AOC rips Palin, tells her to ‘Call 1-800-CRY-NOW’ - Washington Examiner
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, told former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday to "call 1-800-CRY-NOW" as part of a spat between the two over the Texas Heartbeat Act. "I'm so sorry Sarah Palin is mad at me!" AOC wrote on Twitter. "In fact, to address this, I set up a special...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
ESPN reporter steps down over vaccine requirements
ESPN reporter Allison Williams said she will be stepping down for the college football season after she decided to not receive the coronavirus vaccine. In a statement posted to Twitter on Thursday,…
thehill.comMission 'Unfinished': Veterans Reflect on Two Decades in Afghanistan
Weeks after the twin towers fell, Tony Mayne stepped out of a C-130 transport plane flying over southern Afghanistan on a moonless night in October. He floated 800 feet down to the desert floor, then “hit like a sack of bricks,” he said. “As soon as my feet hit, my head hit shortly thereafter.”...
Ben Carson derides critical race theory at Loudoun rally, says it will 'erase' racial progress made by US
Dr. Ben Carson warned about critical race theory Wednesday, telling a crowd in Loudoun County, Va., the controversial ideology threatened to reverse racial progress Americans made.
Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban's brutal crackdown on protests
The United Nations says the Taliban used live ammunition, batons and whips on protesters, killing four.
www.bbc.com
Pressure grows on anti-Cheney primary challengers to quit after Trump endorsement - Washington Examiner
After former President Donald Trump endorsed Wyoming attorney Harriet Hageman’s primary challenge against his top congressional Republican nemesis Rep. Liz Cheney, the rest of the candidates in the crowded primary field faced immediate pressure to end their campaigns and back his pick. But while...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
More Than 45,000 Louisiana Students Could Be Out Of School Until October Due To Ida
Louisiana's K-12 students started the school year almost fully in-person. But almost two weeks after Hurricane Ida hit, more than 250,000 students are again waiting for their classrooms to reopen.
www.npr.org
Newly formed White House council to promote competition across US economy to hold first meeting | CNN Politics
A newly formed White House council to promote competition across the US economy and lower costs for American families is holding its first meeting on Friday in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
www.cnn.com
Fence goes up around US Capitol, as law enforcement braces for Sept. 18 protest
Fencing outside the U.S. Capitol was reinstalled late Wednesday ahead of the "Justice for J6" rally on Sept. 18.
"Scranton above Park Avenue": White House spoils for fight on taxes to pay for agenda
The White House plans to lean into attacks on proposed taxes to pay for President Biden's "Build Back Better" agenda as "an inflection point where leaders need to choose which side they’re on."Why it matters: Both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue are heading into an epic fall debate over the size and...
Election investigator asks Wisconsin officials to preserve ‘any and all’ records on 2020 contest - Washington Examiner
The former state Supreme Court justice hired to investigate the 2020 election in Wisconsin asked the state's elections commission to make sure "any and all" records related to the contest are preserved as he conducts the investigation. Special counsel Michael Gableman wrote to the commission...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Russia says Taliban canceled inauguration ceremony that was expected to take place on Sept. 11 anniversary - Washington Examiner
Taliban officials have canceled their reported plans to hold an inauguration event on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that spurred the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, according to a top Russian official.“There simply will be no inauguration,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Mary Trump blasts uncle’s plans to provide commentary on boxing match on 9/11 anniversary: ‘Disgraceful’
Former President Trump’s niece Mary Trump blasted her uncle’s plans to participate as a commentator in a pay-per-view heavyweight fight the same day as the 20th anniversa…
thehill.com
Biden 'disappointed' in GOP governors who plan to resist vaccine mandate: 'Have at it'
President Biden said he’s “disappointed” in the Republican governors who plan to resist his vaccine mandate and are even threatening legal action.
Republicans are laying the groundwork to lie that the California recall was stolen | CNN Politics
Polls suggest California voters are poised to defeat an effort to recall the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.
www.cnn.com
Abortions increased in at least 21 states during 2019: report
FIRST ON FOX: The number of abortions increased in more than 20 states alongside a rise in its chemical or pill form, according to a new report.
GOP AG offshoot group held ‘war games’ prep before Trump loss
The policy arm of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) reportedly held a two-day “war games” meeting in September 2020 to discuss strategies in the event that Trump was not reelected…
thehill.com
Biden administration appeals ruling that found DACA unlawful | CNN Politics
The Biden administration appealed on Friday a Texas court ruling that found the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program unlawful – injecting fresh uncertainty into the lives of thousands of immigrants.
www.cnn.comWhy $46 Billion Couldn't Prevent an Eviction Crisis
For once, Washington seemed to get in front of a crisis. When the first wave of the coronavirus spread across the country in the spring of 2020, it ravaged the economy, pushing millions of low-income tenants to the brink of eviction. Over the next year, Congress responded with a series of relief...
Second Amendment groups on Biden mandate: If he can force a needle in your arm, can he take your gun?
Second Amendment supporters are expressing concern over President Biden’s move Thursday forcing large employers to vaccinate their employees, fearing that the logic behind the federal edict could be applied to confiscating guns or drastically limiting gun rights.
Republicans who want Biden’s job assail federal vaccine mandate - Washington Examiner
Republicans with their eyes on the White House wasted little time ripping President Joe Biden’s executive order mandating the coronavirus vaccine nationwide, saying he overstepped his constitutional authority and is attempting to distract Americans from Afghanistan.In tweets, statements, and...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Wife of judge presiding of OSU sex abuse scandal lawsuits does business with school
Judge Michael H. Watson insisted he did not cross ethical lines but said there could be an "appearance of impropriety."
www.nbcnews.com
Taliban celebrate beheading of Afghan soldier in grisly video
EXCLUSIVE — The Taliban beheaded an Afghan soldier, then chanted praise to their leader while holding the severed head of their victim by his hair in a video posted in a private Taliban chat room.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Decades after 9/11, what became of the US’s neoconservatives?
Few willingly describe themselves as ‘neoconservative’ as the label has fallen away from popular use.
Igor Fruman, former Giuliani associate, pleads guilty to campaign finance charges
Fruman’s plea agreement does not require him to cooperate in other cases.
www.nbcnews.com
White House competition council seeks lower consumer prices
At the first meeting of a new White House council on U.S. economic conditions, participants are highlighting at least 18 actions taken to help consumers and potentially lower prices.
apnews.com
US military trial of 9/11 suspects drags on 20 years after attack
Torture, secrecy and dysfunction plague military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay with no resolution in sight.
Biden wants billions for elder care. So far, Democrats are giving less than half.
Supporters are trying to get moderate lawmakers to back more spending.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. lawmakers seek to protect election workers after Reuters investigation
Democratic Congress members called for tougher legislation to address death threats against U.S. election administrators following a Reuters report that exposed a lack of arrests in response to a wave of intimidation targeting the workers since November’s presidential election.
www.reuters.com
Measles cases halt US-bound flights of Afghan evacuees
The U.S. has halted U.S.-bound flights of Afghan evacuees after discovering a few cases of measles among Afghans arriving in the United States.
apnews.comMaricopa County Republicans rebut pro-Trump activist's false claim of 'ghost votes' in Arizona's 2020 election
In a joint statement, two Republican officials debunked a claim that voters had cast ballots from vacant lots.
Democrats plot shutdown-prevention patch into December
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer warned lawmakers that House leaders might have to add extra voting days in October to accommodate a jam-packed schedule.
www.politico.com
Schumer wants more health care funding for 9/11 first responders, survivors
The money would avoid a projected shortfall in a federal program that provides medical care for people affected by the 9/11 attacks.
www.nbcnews.comBiden and Obama to attend memorials marking 20th anniversary of 9/11
President to be joined by predecessor in downtown New YorkMemorials also planned in Shanksville and at Pentagon The 9/11 memorial in New York. Biden will travel to Shanksville from New York City on Saturday afternoon, before visiting the Pentagon for a wreath laying ceremony. Photograph: Andrew...
Psaki stands by having employer vaccine mandate while illegal immigrants get a pass
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dismissed a question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy on why American businesses with 100 or more employees are required to vaccinate workers but migrants at the southern border are not required to vaccinate.
White House says it's simply 'up to Americans' to choose to flee Afghanistan, despite many hiding from Taliban
Despite reports that Americans and Afghan allies are being blocked by the Taliban, the White House is saying it is merely "up to Americans" to choose to take the government's options to evacuate.
NRA victory over Biden’s ATF pick its biggest in a decade - Washington Examiner
When President Joe Biden picked gun control advocate David Chipman to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, it looked like the Senate Democrats would steamroll the GOP with votes to spare.The early count was 55 votes for Chipman, according to insiders.“It was bad and ugly...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Taliban's brutal crackdown on dissent turns deadly as evacuations continue at a snail's pace
2nd flight expected to carry about 200 more people out of Afghanistan, but as an unapologetic Taliban cements its power through violence, that's a drop in the bucket.
www.cbsnews.com
The ‘fed up’ phase of Biden’s vaccination campaign
Biden signaled the start Thursday of the most aggressive phase yet of his vaccination effort.
www.politico.com
National unity has taken a hard hit since 9/11
First Read is your briefing from "Meet the Press" and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrats haggling to get immigration changes into spending bill
The effort is a long shot but would not need Republican support.
www.nbcnews.com
January 6 committee receives "thousands" of documents before deadline
The committee had given agencies until Friday to disclose requested documents.
www.cbsnews.comHouse passes ‘historic’ clean-energy bill
www.politico.com
Russia summons US ambassador over ‘election interference’
Foreign ministry says John Sullivan presented with ‘undeniable proof’ of US tech giants violating Russian laws.
California Gov. Newsom sees surge of support as recall election looms, poll shows
California Gov. Gavin Newsom appears to be have favorable odds ahead of the state's recall election next week, according to a poll released Friday.
Biden's new tougher tone on vaccine mandates triggers GOP backlash
Taking his toughest tone yet against the unvaccinated, President Joe Biden has triggered backlash from GOP governors vowing legal battles.
House Republicans blast Biden vaccine mandate with eye on winning majority in 2022 - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden's sweeping new vaccination requirements for private-sector employees is drawing fierce criticism from House Republicans, creating a fresh campaign issue in their quest to win a majority in the chamber next year. Biden on Thursday announced an executive order requiring all...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
EXPLAINER: Biden administration takes on Texas abortion law
Abortion clinics in neighboring Oklahoma and nearby Kansas say they're still seeing a high volume of patients from Texas as a new state law there banning most abortions remains in effect.
apnews.com
Law enforcement prepared for violence, ‘mass casualty event’ ahead of January 6, email shows | CNN Politics
Hundreds of law enforcement officials were briefed on the potential for violence on January 6 from protesters planning to attempt to interrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory, and those officials discussed how to communicate in case of a “mass-casualty event,” according to an...
www.cnn.com
Lebanon’s new government only ‘a band-aid’, experts say
PM Mikati is optimistic to get Lebanon out of mire, but analysts say economic recovery is not on the horizon.
Senators Want An Investigation Of How Amazon Treats Its Pregnant Workers
Lawmakers urged the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate in a letter signed by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and 3 others.
www.npr.org
US investigating airlines over slow refunds during pandemic
The Transportation Department is detailing efforts it's making to help airline customers who didn't get refunds after their flights were canceled during the early days of the pandemic last year
Taliban spokesman says women incapable of performing government jobs - Washington Examiner
A Taliban spokesman made clear what kind of role women would play under the new regime, and it doesn’t bode well for those hoping for an inclusive government. In an interview on Afghanistan’s Tolo News on Thursday, Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi said women are incapable of performing government duties...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Afghanistan updates: US, Taliban hold first direct talks since withdrawal
The US and the Taliban held their first direct talks since the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan at the end of August in Doha, Qatar, over the weekend.
Prince Andrew served with papers, accuser's team claims
Legal documents were served to a police officer in Windsor last month, US court papers say.
www.bbc.com
Muslim Americans still face hostility 20 years after 9/11
"I try to do what I can to make sure that more of us know that this is our nation, too," one Muslim American said
www.cbsnews.com
UN chief warns Afghan economic collapse would benefit terrorists
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday an Afghan economic collapse would occur if assets weren’t unfrozen, saying the collapse would be beneficial to terrorist groups in the area.…
thehill.com
Apple wins Epic antitrust suit
The antitrust suit was filed by Epic after Apple kicked popular video game Fortnite out of its App Store in August 2020.
www.politico.com
From 9/11's ashes, a new world took shape. It did not last.
In the ghastly rubble of ground zero's fallen towers 20 years ago, Hour Zero arrived, a chance to start anew.
apnews.com
Will teen gaming clampdown deal a knockout to China’s esports?
The attractiveness of a professional gaming career could wane for China’s teens after government restricts gaming times.
Gov vetoes North Carolina bill limiting K-12 racial teaching
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed two bills on Friday that would have limited how public school teachers can discuss certain racial concepts and raised penalties on those who engage in violent protests. The vetoed education bill was part of a national effort by Republicans in...
MI5: 31 late-stage terror plots foiled in four years in UK
The terror threat to the UK remains "a real and enduring thing", the head of the security service says.
www.bbc.com
Democrats try to push forward with plan to legalize 8 million immigrants through budget bill
The legalization plan would benefit undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, farmworkers, Temporary Protected Status holders and essential workers.
www.cbsnews.com
Ransomware group that carried out major attacks reappears after brief absence | CNN Politics
A Russian-speaking cybercriminal group responsible for a series of ransomware attacks on major US firms brought some of its infrastructure back online this week in a sign that it could be back in business, according to cybersecurity experts.
www.cnn.com
House Democrats advance legislation expanding Medicare benefits and enacting paid family leave - Washington Examiner
House Democrats on Thursday approved at the committee level several healthcare reform proposals making up President Joe Biden’s "Build Back Better" agenda, including a boost to health benefits for seniors and a program for 12 weeks paid family and medical leave. The Ways and Means Committee...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Governor promises to fight Biden to 'gates of hell' as GOP states mount vaccine mandate defense
Republican-led states are gearing up to sue the Biden administration over the president’s “unconstitutional” mandate requiring businesses with more than 100 employees enforce vaccinations.
Biden's vaccine mandate could be a shot in the arm for U.S. economy, experts say
Economists say mandating widespread vaccinations could help the nation's economy recover faster from the Delta variant.
www.cbsnews.com
Natural gas blocked from Democrats’ clean electricity plan - Washington Examiner
House Democrats have decided to keep natural gas out of the “Clean Electricity Payment Program,” the centerpiece climate policy of their $3.5 trillion infrastructure and social spending reconciliation package, delivering a big win for environmental activists.Democrats on the Energy and Commerce...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
A Judge Rules Apple Must Make It Easier To Shop Outside The App Store
The ruling could force Apple to revamp its business model for apps on iPhones and iPads. Fortnite maker Epic Games had sued Apple, saying App Store policies were an abuse of power and hurt developers.
www.npr.org
Lebanon gets new government amid deepening crisis
The country's richest man becomes prime minister, ending more than a year of political paralysis.
www.bbc.com
Judge loosens Apple's grip on app store in Epic decision
A federal judge ordered Apple to dismantle a lucrative part of the competitive barricade guarding its closely run app store, but rejected allegations that the company has been running an illegal monopoly that throttles competition and innovation.
apnews.com
Farm calls police on Black couple it believed stole 6 apples
A Massachusetts tourist farm called police on a Black couple it accused of stealing apples and is now apologizing after the family went public in a blog post
EXCERPT: On 9/11, reporting from Taliban-controlled Kabul
The following account from Kathy Gannon, now news director for Afghanistan and Pakistan for The Associated Press, is excerpted from the book “September 11: The 9/11 Story, Aftermath and Legacy,” an in-depth look at AP’s coverage of 9/11 and the events that followed.
apnews.com
California moves to return seized beach to Black couple's descendants
California lawmakers voted unanimously to give the prime beachfront property to descendants of the Black couple. They were stripped of their resort for Blacks amid racist harassment a century ago.
www.cbsnews.comCalifornia Moves to Outlaw 'Stealthing,' or Removing Condom Without Consent
The California state Legislature this week approved a measure that would make the state the first to outlaw stealthing, the act of removing a condom during sex without a partner’s consent. The bill, which was approved unanimously Tuesday, awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat...
20 years later, fallout from toxic WTC dust cloud grows
Two decades after the collapse of the World Trade Center, people are still coming forward to report illnesses that might be related to toxic dust that billowed over the city after the terror attack.
apnews.com
Nord Stream 2: Gazprom says new pipeline to Germany is ready
Nord Stream 2 will double Moscow's natural gas exports to Germany, bypassing Ukraine.
www.bbc.com
California Could Soon Require Free Menstrual Products In Public Schools
The bill, which builds on a 2017 law aimed at low-income schools, heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature. It's part of a larger push for affordable access to pads, tampons and other items.
www.npr.org
Denmark becomes only European country with no COVID curbs
New infections have eased as vaccination rates have climbed, reaching more than 70 percent of the overall population.
Unsolved Murdaugh shootings yield misconduct claim, conflicting accounts — and more questions
Events unraveling around two unsolved slayings in South Carolina only scratches the surface of a winding saga embroiling the Murdaughs, a prominent legal family.
www.nbcnews.com
NYC subway breakdown blamed on 'power off' button being hit
Officials say a recent power outage that disrupted half of New York City’s subway system for several hours and stranded hundreds of passengers was likely caused by someone accidentally pressing an “Emergency Power Off” button.
apnews.com
Fighter pilot reflects on would-be 9/11 suicide mission
On Sept. 11, 2001, rookie F-16 pilot Heather Penney was tasked with flying into hijacked flight 93 to stop it before it reached Washington, D.C.
Smart glasses launch: Ray-Ban Stories
Ray-Ban and Facebook collaborated over a new pair of smart glasses you can use to take photos and listen to music.
www.nbcnews.com
Legendary horse trainer charged again following Kentucky Derby scandal
“NYRA has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the sport of thoroughbred racing.”
thehill.com
Biden presses states to require vaccines for all teachers
Hoping to prevent another school year from being upended by the pandemic, President Joe Biden visited a Washington middle school Friday to promote his new plan to require vaccinations for up to 100 million Americans.
apnews.com
Nearly 74% of eligible Americans have at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.
Analysis: Biden takes fight to unvaccinated in virus battle
WASHINGTON (AP) — They’re a source of frustration. A risk to their fellow citizens. A threat to the nation’s economic recovery.
apnews.com
Mississippi health officials plea for vaccination after 'significant' number of COVID-19 fatalities in pregnant women
Mississippi health officials are urging expectant mothers to get vaccinated after a "significant" number of COVID-19 fatalities in pregnant women.
Republicans attack Biden's COVID vaccine plan and threaten court challenges
Conservative critics face polls showing that vaccine mandates are popular and court rulings that give the government the authority to impose them.
www.usatoday.com
GOP governors pledge to sue over Biden's business vaccine mandate
"Have at it," President Biden said of legal challenges.
www.cbsnews.com
Analysis: Biden's six-step Covid plan, explained
The US Covid situation is as dire as ever, with 1,500 people dying each day -- an average of 150,000 new cases each day.
San Francisco Schools Have Had No COVID-19 Outbreaks Since Classes Began Last Month
The city's health department said 90% of children ages 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated. There have been 227 cases reported among staff and students, but the vast majority are occurring outside school.
www.npr.org
New CDC studies show waning vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization in elderly
Two of the analyses suggest that as the Delta variant spread this summer, the shots became less effective at keeping people 75 and older out of the hospital.
www.politico.comWhite House defends Fauci from new attacks over China grants
The White House said Thursday that it stands by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top medical adviser to President Biden, who has faced renewed attacks this week from conservatives over the extent to which the U.S. biomedical establishment funded potentially dangerous research into bat coronaviruses in...
Is Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate a law? What happens to those who don't get the shot?
Biden's pathway to enforce the COVID-19 mandate is through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
www.usatoday.com
Ex-French health minister charged over COVID handling
Agnes Buzyn charged with ‘endangering the lives of others’, in one of the first such cases worldwide.
Republicans vow mass disobedience and lawsuits in fight against Biden vaccine mandate
As Biden moves on from relying solely on vaccine persuasion, GOP lawmakers and media personalities jumped to depicting the policies as "tyranny."
FDA may authorize vaccine for kids much faster than expected
The agency is being “extremely meticulous.”
thehill.comWhite House says Biden, Xi discussed origins of COVID probe
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the investigation into the origins of COVID-19 during a call on Thursday with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, according to the White House. "They did discuss a range of trans-national issues including COVID-19, and understanding its...
South Africa vaccinates children in test of China’s Sinovac jab
Global study to enroll 2,000 participants in South Africa and 12,000 others in Kenya, Philippines, Chile and Malaysia.
Biden vaccine mandates: Republicans angry, business groups muted
Republicans on Friday vowed to fight U.S. President Joe Biden's new vaccine mandate covering big companies and federal employees, but business groups that often agree with them on issues like taxes are not joining in.
www.reuters.com
CDC studies find vaccines still offer powerful protection against severe Covid
Despite some evidence that the delta variant may slightly reduce their effectiveness, the shots continue to keep people out of the hospital.
www.nbcnews.comPOLITICO Playbook: Joe Biden’s Covid 180
And Congress is waking up to its staff retention problems after an unprecendented year.
www.politico.com
Analysis: Biden's vaccine mandate signals a White House done with persuasion
President Joe Biden and his aides have concluded something in recent weeks: The Mr. Nice Guy approach isn't working.
www.reuters.com
Virginia COVID-19 economic recovery below average, health recovery above average - Washington Examiner
Virginia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has remained below average when compared to other states, but it’s health recovery has been slightly above average. According to a new report from the financial website WalletHub released Wednesday, the commonwealth’s overall recovery was...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Hawley pens scathing letter to Biden admin demanding answers about 'unlawful' vaccine mandate
Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley called on Department of Labor Secretary Martin Walsh in a Friday letter to block an order by President Biden that would allow for a sweeping vaccine mandate.
Are COVID hospitalizations high where you live? Look up your hospital
COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to strain U.S. hospitals in certain places, while the burden is easing up in other areas. Look up your local hospital to see how it's faring.
www.npr.orgAstraZeneca vaccine creator: Many may not need booster shots
A leading scientist behind the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine says booster shots may be unnecessary for many people.
apnews.com
Citing high shot rates, Danes end COVID-19 restriction
Denmark’s high vaccination rate has enabled the Scandinavian country to become one of the first European Union nations to lift all domestic COVID-19 restrictions
Florida ban on masks in schools has been reinstated for now
School boards with mandates in place now face penalties.
thehill.com
Biden to GOP critics looking to challenge new vaccine requirements in court: ‘Have at it’ | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden challenged Republicans to test his new vaccine requirements in court Friday as he stressed his administration’s commitment to keeping students safe as he visited a Washington, DC, middle school on Friday.
www.cnn.com
What constitutes a "sincerely held" religious exemption to a vaccine mandate?
Simply saying, "I believe in God, I can't be vaccinated" won't get you an exemption, labor attorney says.
www.cbsnews.com
Covid: President Biden's comments on vaccines fact-checked
The US president said he was "frustrated" with the nearly 80 million Americans still not vaccinated
www.bbc.com
DC congresswoman bizarrely denies letting zebras loose
Washington, DC’s delegate to Congress, Democrat Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, bizarrely denied letting five zebras loose from a private zoo into the city’s suburbs.
Key parts of Biden's plan to confront delta variant surge
President Joe Biden has unveiled a new “action plan" plan to confront the COVID-19 surge that’s being driven by the spread of the delta variant
apnews.com
Virus claims Black morticians, leaving holes in communities
MULLINS, S.C. (AP) — When the last mourners departed and funeral director Shawn Troy was left among the headstones, he wept alone.
apnews.com
Milwaukee Public Schools offers $100 to students who get vaccinated
Milwaukee Public Schools, the largest school district in Wisconsin, has voted to offer a $100 incentive to students who get the COVID-19 vaccine.
DC Mayor Bowser sparks backlash by posting indoor maskless photo
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser received backlash Friday for forgoing her mask while at an in-door event – a violation of her own mandate.
