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WASHINGTON – Citing the possibility of another serious pandemic, the Biden administration on Friday laid out a plan to transform the nation’s ability to respond to major biological threats. As staggering as the COVID-19 pandemic has been, the next one will likely be very different – and could be far worse, officials warn.

Power to be restored to New Orleans by middle of next week
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Power should be restored to New Orleans by the middle of next week, utility officials said Friday, and sheriff's deputies warned people returning to communities outside the city to come equipped like survivalists because of the lack of basic services in the aftermath of...


Biden walks storm-ravaged Louisiana: 'I know you're hurting'
LAPLACE, La. (AP) — Giant trees knocked sideways. Homes boarded up with plywood. Off-kilter street signs. Less than a week after Hurricane Ida battered the Gulf Coast, President Joe Biden walked the streets of a hardhit Louisiana neighborhood on Friday and told local residents, “I know you're...


Economy adds just 235K jobs in August as delta hammers growth
The U.S. added 235,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent as the economy appeared to falter under surging coronavirus cases, according to data released Friday by the Labor…

Misinformation on Facebook got six times more clicks than factual news during the 2020 election, study says
A new study of user behavior on Facebook around the 2020 election is likely to bolster critics' long-standing arguments that the company's algorithms fuel the spread of misinformation over more trustworthy sources. The forthcoming peer-reviewed study by researchers at New York University and the...

European countries reimpose bans on US tourists | CNN
Days after the EU removed the United States from its safe travel list, Sweden, the Netherlands and Italy have tightened restrictions on US and other arrivals.


Searches, sorrow in wake of Ida's destructive, deadly floods
ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) — Police went door to door in search of more possible victims and drew up lists of the missing as the death toll rose to 49 on Friday in the catastrophic flooding set off across the Northeast by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.


Failed China-US climate change talks ‘taking toll on the planet’
Beijing rebuffs US proposal to accelerate climate efforts, including halting financing of coal-fired power plants.

Judge shields Texas clinics from anti-abortion group's suits
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A state judge has shielded, for now, Texas abortion clinics from lawsuits by an anti-abortion group under a new state abortion law in a narrow ruling handed down Friday. The temporary restraining order Friday by state District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble in Austin in response...


Energy company: Hurricane Ida restoration could take weeks
HOUMA, La. (AP) — Full restoration of electricity to some of the hardest-hit areas of Louisiana battered to an unprecedented degree by Hurricane Ida could take until the end of the month, the head of Entergy Louisiana warned Saturday.


Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearing on Supreme Court's abortion ruling and 'shadow docket' | CNN Politics
The Senate Judiciary Committee announced Friday that it plans to hold a hearing examining Texas' six-week abortion ban and the controversial, expedited Supreme Court procedure that allowed it to take effect this week.


Louisiana AG asks why brothers of Dem governor won't investigate Ida deaths
Louisiana’s Republican attorney general has launched an investigation into four hurricane related nursing home deaths and is asking why two state officials, both brothers of the state’s Democratic governor, have not started their own investigation.

Taliban warn US against attempting to change their culture
A Taliban spokesman warned the United States Friday not to try to change their hard-line beliefs, in response to concerns over the rights of women in the new Afghanistan.


Retiring GOP senator urges party not to nominate Trump in 2024
Retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey (Pa.) urged his party to not nominate former President Trump in the 2024 presidential race. In an interview with CNBC on Friday, Toomey was asked whether he would be di…


Residents flee as Taliban intensifies battle to take Panjshir
Hundreds of families flee fighting between Taliban and resistance forces for the control of final holdout province.

The Texas Abortion Ban Hinges On 'Fetal Heartbeat.' Doctors Call That Misleading
The Texas law bans abortions after a "fetal heartbeat" is detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy. But doctors say that's not an actual medical term and it's being used inaccurately.


Extremist was released from New Zealand jail despite fears
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand authorities imprisoned a man inspired by the Islamic State group for three years after catching him with a hunting knife and extremist videos — but at a certain point, despite grave fears he would attack others, they say they could do nothing more to...


After 4 nursing home deaths, Louisiana officials investigate Hurricane Ida evacuations
843 residents from seven nursing homes across four parishes are now being moved to safety. Twelve of the residents rescued required hospitalization.
Texas Abortion Case Reflects Success of Conservative Strategy to Remake Court
When the Supreme Court declined late Wednesday to block a severely restrictive Texas abortion law, it was fulfilling the long-held ambitions of a series of committed Republican presidents, senators and conservative activists who worked unceasingly for years to cement a reliable anti-abortion...

Florida school districts file petition for hearing over withheld funds
Florida school districts on Friday filed a petition for an administrative hearing after the state withheld funds due to their decision to institute mask mandates.The Broward County, Alachua County …


Kabul airport reopens to receive aid: Qatari envoy
Qatar’s ambassador to Afghanistan says Kabul airport has reopened to receive aid and civilian flights will start soon.

Texas’s GOP-crafted voting bill hit with lawsuit
Voting rights advocates on Friday sued to block a restrictive new GOP-crafted Texas voting bill that the challengers say will make it disproportionately harder for people of color to vote.The 74-pa…


Alyssa Milano blasts ‘Texas Taliban’ over new abortion law
Alyssa Milano is blasting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and what she’s dubbing the “Texas Taliban” for enacting the nation’s most restrictive abortion law.She’s also urgi…


First on CNN: More than 100 Democratic lawmakers introduce legislation to lower Medicare eligibility age to 60 | CNN Politics
More than 100 Democratic lawmakers in the House from all wings of the caucus introduced legislation on Friday to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60.


Pelosi’s Texas visit draws GOP backlash amid Afghanistan crisis
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Texas this week to tout health care aspects of the Biden administration’s "Build Back Better" agenda – but a Republican spokeswoman said Pelosi's timing was all wrong.
This YouTube star wants to be governor. He's the best-known Democrat on the recall ballot
Kevin Paffrath's real estate advice has attracted 1.7 million YouTube followers. The Democrat is a potential contender in the recall.

"They said they were vitamins": Inmates in Arkansas jail say they were unknowingly given ivermectin to treat COVID-19
"They used us as an experiment," one inmate told CBS News. "Just because we wear stripes and we make a few mistakes in life, doesn't make us less of a human."


Taliban’s 'Commander of the Faithful' poised for big role in Afghanistan
A former anti-Soviet fighter, al Qaeda ally, and proud father of a suicide bomber known as the "Commander of the Faithful" is poised to take on a significant role as the Taliban form their Afghan government.

Biden warns corporations like Apple, Disney, and Exxon Mobil that are trying to squash his tax hikes: 'I'm going to take them on'
"It's time for working families, the folks who built this country, to have their taxes cut," Biden said following the August jobs report.
U.S. seen funding humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, but not its goverment
The U.S. Congress is likely to finance U.N. and other agencies providing humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan but there is virtually no chance it will directly fund a new Taliban-led government, congressional aides said on Friday. The United States has been a massive funder of Afghanistan...

U.S. plans to send at least two Afghan evacuees to Kosovo for more review
At least two Afghans who were evacuated to the U.S. will be sent to Kosovo for more review, but that does not mean they necessarily pose a terror threat.


Florida diner that told Biden supporters to eat elsewhere becomes so popular it runs out of food
A Florida diner that posted a sign telling Biden supporters to take their business “elsewhere” was forced to temporarily close after not having enough food to meet a surge in demand.

Michigan ballot initiative proposes strict photo ID law
It's the latest effort by conservatives, who have sought to restrict access to the ballot box around the country.


The U.S. ground war in Afghanistan is over. Now it’s the Navy’s turn.
Expect aircraft carriers to stay in the Middle East, U.S. officials say, even as the military tries to pivot to China.


John Kerry echoes China’s argument that human rights sanctions threaten climate talks
Senior Chinese officials warned John Kerry that U.S. support for human rights threatens climate change cooperation, eliciting a pledge from President Joe Biden’s climate point-man to explain their perspective to officials in Washington.


Biden urges Congress to pass his economic plans after weak jobs report: 'Our country needs these investments'
Biden said passing more than $4 trillion in spending on infrastructure climate policy and the social safety net would boost job growth.

'QAnon shaman' faces more than four years in prison after pleading guilty
The protester better known as the "QAnon shaman" from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol pleaded guilty on Friday to a single felony charge in connection to the incident earlier this year.

Congresswomen urge Biden to stop pipeline in Minnesota visit
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and her progressive congressional allies urged President Joe Biden on Friday to stop construction on Enbridge Energy's Line 3 replacement, even as the project nears completion and the options to stop it dwindle. Omar was joined by U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib, of...

Elder pledges to replace Feinstein with Republican if he wins California recall election
California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder (R) pledged to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) with a Republican if he wins the Golden State’s recall election.


Biden orders review and potential release of classified documents related to September 11 attacks | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Friday signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to conduct a declassification review of documents related to the FBI's investigation of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.


GoDaddy Is Booting A Site That Sought Anonymous Tips About Texas Abortions
The company will no longer host a website that promoted itself as a way to "help enforce the Texas Heartbeat Act." Online activists and boycotters inundated the site with false reports.


Jim Jordan on possible Trump 2024 bid: ‘I think he’s gonna run’
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Thursday said he thinks former President Trump is going to run for another term in 2024. “I think he’s gonna run,” Jordan said at an event in Iowa for the Dallas County …


California Republicans launching campaign to boost trust in mail-in voting
California Republicans will launch a campaign on Friday to convince conservatives to trust the state's mail-in balloting system, hoping to boost turnout in the election to recall Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, party officials said.

The FCC Commissioner Echoing Kevin McCarthy Is Married To McCarthy’s Counsel
Brendan Carr didn’t mention this as he bolstered the GOP leader’s dubious claim that it would be illegal for telecom companies to preserve call records.

FEC rejects complaint that press contributed to Clinton campaign with favorable coverage
The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has dismissed a complaint which accused the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign of breaking the law by soliciting favorable media coverage from certain members of the press ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Biden's claim he visited Tree of Life synagogue not true, White House admits
President Joe Biden did not visit the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following the 2018 massacre despite saying that he did so, the White House said Friday.

The U.S. war in Afghanistan is over — but the war on terror continues
President Biden says the counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan will continue. Experts say it's going to be much harder.

Treasury sanctions Iranian intelligence network that sought to kidnap US journalist
The Treasury Department announced sanctions against Iranian intelligence network operatives who plotted to kidnap an Iranian-born U.S. author-journalist critical of the Tehran regime in New York City for "rendition" to Iran.


Jake Angeli, 'QAnon shaman,' pleads guilty to obstructing vote counting on Jan. 6
Angeli pleaded guilty to obstructing a civil proceeding. The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.
www.usatoday.com

‘The nation is here to help,’ Biden tells Ida survivors as he heads to storm zone
President tours Louisiana damage from the hurricane, which has claimed more than 60 lives in multiple states.


House moderates send demands on $3.5 trillion budget bill to Pelosi
A group of centrist lawmakers told the House speaker that they only want to vote on provisions that can get a majority in the Senate.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he may support Texas-like abortion law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) indicated Thursday he could support a law banning abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, saying it was "interesting" and that he was "going to look more significantly at it."Why it matters: States with Republican governments — newly emboldened by the...

‘Clear for many months’: Boris Johnson blames Biden for predictable Taliban takeover
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson characterized the Taliban’s rapid conquest of Afghanistan as a predictable consequence of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces.


'I'm not Rambo': GOP congressman defends attempted Afghanistan trip
Rep. Markwayne Mullin said he was only trying to help Americans who were stuck in Afghanistan, and "would do it again tomorrow."


White House plays nice with Manchin despite his calls for 'strategic pause' on Democrats' $3.5 trillion spending push
The White House is striking a conciliatory tone with Sen. Joe Manchin despite the West Virginia Democrat threatening the passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure, climate change, and social welfare spending packages.


Facebook mistakenly labels Black men ‘primates’
Social media giant apologises for ‘clearly unacceptable error’ but had previously faced allegations of racial bias.

Louisianans scramble to find fuel for generators after Ida
Storm-battered Louisiana residents and area businesses, who have endured almost a week without electricity, are having trouble finding generators or fuel to power them, making it difficult for residents to cool their homes after Hurricane Ida.


Female Afghan judge says she was hunted by men she jailed
A female Afghan judge says she was hunted by men she jailed after the Taliban took over the country.


What the Texas Law Really Means for Abortion in America
The Supreme Court case this week wasn’t about Roe or Casey. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from it.


Curtis Flowers Sues The DA Who Put Him On Trial 6 Times
The Mississippi man, who was freed in 2019 after nearly 23 years in prison, sues the district attorney who prosecuted him six times in the killings of four people at a small-town furniture store.


How unprecedented the Texas abortion law is in scope of history
The Supreme Court allowing Texas' new abortion law to be enacted is an unprecedented moment for modern abortion law in America.
Republicans seethe with violence and lies. Texas is part of a bigger war they’re waging
This extremist vigilante abortion law is of a piece with everything else Republicans are doing: overturning democracy itself ‘In this system, facts, science, history are fetters to be shaken loose in pursuit of exactly your very own favorite version of reality.’ Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty...
Tests confirm New Hampshire governor had bleeding ulcer
Tests confirmed Friday that a bleeding ulcer was the cause of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's flulike symptoms, his chief of staff said. Sununu was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day after having flulike symptoms since Wednesday. “Tests have confirmed that a bleeding ulcer caused the...

How Trump adviser Stephen Miller slowed down the entry of Afghan allies who helped the US | CNN Politics
Stephen Miller seemed floored by the idea, raised during a fall Cabinet meeting in 2018, of keeping open the doors for Afghan allies and other Middle East refugees to enter the US.


How will legal cannabis firms navigate Mexico’s business risks?
Major firms are eager to profit from a legal Mexican cannabis market, but will they be able to navigate the risks?

Senate Democrats float taxes on stock buybacks, plastics to pay for spending plan
Senate Finance Committee Democrats are looking at several tax options for paying for their social-spending bill that have not been previously proposed by the White House, including taxes on stock b…


Huge wildfire near Lake Tahoe slows as weather improves
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — Better weather has slowed the growth of the huge California wildfire near Lake Tahoe resort communities, authorities said Friday. The Caldor Fire remained only a few miles from the city of South Lake Tahoe, which was emptied of 22,000 residents days ago, along...


One hundred Afghan evacuees flagged for possible terror ties: report
Nearly 100 Afghan refugees from Afghanistan to the United States have been flagged for potential ties to terrorist organizations, including the Taliban, according to a new report.

R. Kelly accuser says she reached $200,000 settlement after herpes diagnosis
A woman testified at R. Kelly's sex abuse trial on Friday that she reached a $200,000 settlement with the R&B singer after she contracted herpes.

Biden taps former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell to lead Afghan resettlement in the U.S.
President Biden on Friday appointed Jack Markell, a former governor of Delaware, to temporarily lead the Afghan resettlement effort in the United States, per the Washington Post.Why it matters: The massive push to resettle Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule faces considerable challenges...

‘They left us so helpless, we didn’t know what to do.’
As thousands of Afghans cross into Pakistan, fleeing the Taliban, we tell some of their stories.


De Blasio announces new measures following deadly flooding in NYC
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced Friday that New York City was enacting new measures following massive flooding Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.“We have to handle this differently …


Hurricane Ida's Impact On Students Could Be Worse Than Katrina, Expert Says
Many New Orleans area students had re-enrolled in other schools within two weeks after Hurricane Katrina. This time, one expert predicts "five or six weeks of essentially no learning happening."


New York City's illegally converted apartments proved deadly in Ida's path | CNN
Most of the homes where residents were found dead in New York City after the remnants of Ida battered the region were illegally converted basement or cellar apartments, city officials said Friday.

Tests confirm New Hampshire governor had bleeding ulcer
Tests confirmed Friday that a bleeding ulcer was the cause of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's flulike symptoms, his chief of staff said. Sununu was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day after having flulike symptoms since Wednesday. “Tests have confirmed that a bleeding ulcer caused the...
10 Things in Politics: Cruzworld eyes 2024
And Joe Manchin said Democrats should "hit the pause button" on Biden's agenda.

US sanctions four Iranians over alleged plot to kidnap journalist
The four Iranian intelligence officials are accused of targeting a journalist and human rights activist based in the US.

Americans overwhelmingly back leaving Afghanistan, disapprove of withdrawal handling: poll
A large majority of Americans say they support President Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan but disapprove of the way the White House handled the withdrawal from the co…


"QAnon Shaman" Jacob Chansley pleads guilty in Capitol riot case
The bare-chested, face-painted man photographed in the Senate chamber on January 6 agreed to take a plea deal.


US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans
WASHINGTON (AP) — At least 50,000 Afghans are expected to be admitted into the United States following the fall of Kabul as part of an “enduring commitment" to help people who aided the American war effort and others who are particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, the secretary of homeland...


Biden says Texas' anti-abortion law is 'almost un-American' and 'sort of creates a vigilante system' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden said Friday the Texas state law that bans abortion after as early as six weeks into pregnancy is "almost un-American," pointing specifically to a provision allowing individuals to take civil action against people who help a woman get an abortion.

Durbin announces Judiciary hearing on Texas abortion law, Supreme Court 'shadow docket'
Democrats in Congress are scrambling to figure out any legislative options that could protect women in Texas seeking abortions.

Afghan women demand rights as Taliban seek recognition
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A small group of Afghan women protested near the presidential palace in Kabul on Friday, demanding equal rights from the Taliban as Afghanistan's new rulers work on forming a government and seeking international recognition.


‘Worse than it was before’: Afghan exiles lament their homeland’s fate
Afghan Americans are preparing to welcome tens of thousands of new refugees into their community, even as they reel from the bloody end of the U.S.-led war in their home country.


Former FBI agent who worked on still-secret FBI 9/11 case says hijackers had U.S.-based support network
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, former FBI agent Danny Gonzalez said "19 hijackers cannot commit 3,000 mass murders by themselves."


Calls for change after 11 people in NYC basement apartments died during catastrophic floods
The deaths of 13 people, all but two of whom lived in basement apartments, during New York City's catastrophic flooding have renewed attention on the dwellings.

Mayorkas: Afghanistan evacuation ‘will not end’ until all US citizens, allies resettled
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said the mission to evacuate American citizens, allies and vulnerable people from Afghanistan will continue until all those who wish to leave are o…


Black unemployment setback shows Fed's challenges targeting 'broad and inclusive' job growth
Attaining its goal of maximum employment has always been a tall order for the Federal Reserve but broadening the scope of that objective to one that is also "broad and inclusive" has made the task tougher still, with Friday's payrolls report standing as a case in point.


New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu hospitalized with bleeding ulcer
Tests confirmed Friday that a bleeding ulcer was the cause of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s flulike symptoms, his chief of staff said.

Oscar De La Hoya hospitalized with Covid-19 days before his return to the boxing ring | CNN
Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya has been hospitalized with Covid-19, according to social media posts from the fighter.


The Latest: Iran president calls for election in Afghanistan
TEHRAN — Iran’s president is calling for elections in Afghanistan to determine the future of the country, where he hopes peace will return after Western troops have left and the Taliban have seized control.


New Zealand police were following extremist who stabbed 6
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand authorities were so worried about an extremist inspired by the Islamic State group that they were following him around the clock and were able to shoot and kill him within 60 seconds of him unleashing a knife attack that wounded six people Friday at an...


DHS, FBI expect foreign terrorist messaging to exploit 9/11 anniversary and Afghanistan withdrawal, intel bulletin says | CNN Politics
US intelligence officials are anticipating foreign terrorist organizations will seek to exploit the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and "probably the US withdrawal from Afghanistan" in their messaging, according to a FBI, DHS, and NCTC joint intelligence bulletin obtained by CNN.


Women’s March to hold nationwide events to respond to Texas abortion law
The Women’s March announced on Friday it will hold nationwide mobilization events next month to protest the new restrictive abortion law in Texas. The events, which the group is billing …


Texas judge hands narrow win to abortion providers fighting new 6-week ban
A Texas state judge on Friday temporarily blocked an anti-abortion group from enforcing Texas’s new 6-week abortion ban against Planned Parenthood, handing a narrow legal victory to abortion …


Latino voters could be key to Gavin Newsom keeping his job | CNN Politics
If California Gov. Gavin Newsom is able to keep his job and avoid a recall later this month, he could have Latino voters to thank for it.


Republicans press FBI for update on Capitol riot investigation
Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., led a letter with four of his House Republican colleagues to FBI Director Christopher Wray bringing up the report and requesting the “same briefing” their colleagues reportedly had received.

Ida evacuee's thought: ‘How am I going to get out of this?’
MANVILLE, N.J. (AP) — One after another, storm evacuees in Manville, a central New Jersey town along the rain-swollen Raritan River, told the same story: an urgent late-night knock on the door, a wall of water crashing into their apartments, being rescued by boat and taken to higher ground.


Texas Right to Life temporarily barred from enforcing 6-week abortion ban against Planned Parenthood
Under the order, the anti-abortion rights group is banned from "instituting private-enforcement lawsuits" against Planned Parenthood itself, as well as its doctors, staff and patients.


The Latest: UN chief to hold meeting on Afghanistan funding
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations chief will convene a ministerial meeting in Geneva on Sept. 13 to seek a swift scale-up in funding to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where nearly half the country’s 38 million people need assistance.


Pentagon spokesman declines to name ISIS terrorists killed in airstrike, says 'no question' target was 'valid'
The U.S. killed ISIS-K terrorists in two separate airstrikes amid President Biden's chaotic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, but Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declined to give their names.
U.S. Supreme Court's rightward lurch put Roe v. Wade on the brink
During a 2016 presidential debate, then-candidate Donald Trump made a statement that seemed brash at the time: If he were elected and got the chance to nominate justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion would be overturned. By this time next year, with...

How Progressives Are Knocking Out Local Judges Across the Country
Progressive activists are challenging “tough on crime” judges in a place they have long avoided: the voting booth.


Senate panel will hold hearing on Supreme Court handling of Texas abortion case
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin wants to address the Supreme Court's "abuse of the shadow-docket.'"


Colorado county election official allegedly pressured employees to not cooperate with investigation into security breach | CNN Politics
County administrators in Colorado have opened an investigation into an election official after employees complained she was pressuring them not to cooperate with a joint local, state and federal criminal investigation into an election system security breach discovered last month, a source told CNN.


Companies loosen job requirements but challenges remain
NEW YORK (AP) — Landing a waitressing job or bartending gig at a Lost Dog Cafe in Northern Virginia had never been easy.


Biden doubles down on $3.5 trillion plan that Manchin, moderate Dems oppose: 'Not about short-term stimulus'
President Biden argued for his economic agenda in comments following the release of the latest jobs report.

Biden pledges to support communities ravaged by Hurricane Ida: 'I promise to have your backs until this gets done' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden visited Louisiana on Friday to survey damage from Hurricane Ida, after almost a week of the deadly storm ravaging the eastern half of the United States.


Three men guided millions through horror of Sept. 11, 2001
NEW YORK (AP) — “Turn on your television.” Those words were repeated in millions of homes on Sept. 11, 2001. Friends and relatives took to the telephone: Something awful was happening. You have to see.


EXPLAINER: The language, reach of new Texas abortion law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The nation's highest court has allowed a Texas law banning most abortions to remain in effect, marking a turning point for abortion opponents who have been fighting to implement stronger restrictions for nearly a decade.


Apple delays iPhone photo-scanning plan amid fierce backlash
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Apple is indefinitely delaying plans to scan iPhones in the U.S. for images of child sexual abuse following an outcry from security and privacy experts who warned the technology could be exploited for other surveillance purposes by hackers and intrusive governments.


Fact check: Biden spoke to Tree of Life rabbi, but his claim about visiting the synagogue is false | CNN Politics
In public remarks on Thursday to Jewish leaders in advance of the High Holy Days, President Joe Biden spoke at length about the "scourge of anti-Semitism."


U.S. investigates "child bride" cases among Afghan evacuees
These Afghans are now in U.S. custody both in the U.S. and in facilities abroad.


Biden surveys Hurricane Ida damage in Louisiana
The president received a briefing from local officials on Ida's impact and delivered remarks ahead of an aerial tour of hard-hit communities.


POLITICO Playbook: It’s Bernie vs. Pelosi on reconciliation
And states consider copycat laws on the heels of the Texas abortion ban.


Ahmaud Arbery's family welcomes indictment of ex-prosecutor over handling of son's death
The parents of Ahmaud Arbery welcomed the indictment of a former district attorney for allegedly shielding one of the men involved in their son's death from arrest.

Afghan evacuation raises concerns about child trafficking
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials are looking into reports that in the frantic evacuation of desperate Afghans from Kabul, older men were admitted together with young girls they claimed as “brides” or otherwise sexually abused.


EXPLAINER: How California could recall Gov. Gavin Newsom
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s Sept. 14 recall election could remove first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. Just over 5 million mail-in ballots — the form of voting most Californians use — already have been returned out of 22 million sent to registered voters.


Lyft, Uber to cover fees for drivers sued under Texas law
Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft say they will cover the legal fees of any driver who is sued under the new law prohibiting most abortions in Texas

Fact check: Sen. Joni Ernst falsely claims Biden has 'not once' expressed gratitude to troops who fought in the last 20 years | CNN Politics
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a veteran of the war in Iraq and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, falsely claimed on CNN on Wednesday that President Joe Biden has never expressed gratitude or empathy toward the American troops who have served overseas during the last two decades.


Thai PM Prayuth wins confidence vote amid criticism on virus
BANGKOK (AP) — Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha won votes of confidence in Parliament on Saturday, helping to steady his government after it had come under intense criticism for bungling its response to the coronavirus pandemic.


Three-time Super Bowl champion David Patten dies in motorcycle crash at age 47 | CNN
David Patten, who helped the New England Patriots clinch three Super Bowls between 2001 and 2004, died Thursday, according to a statement from the Patriots.


Rocket 'terminated' in fiery explosion over Pacific Ocean
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — A privately designed, unmanned rocket built to carry satellites was destroyed in an explosive fireball after suffering an “anomaly" off the California coast during its first attempt at reaching Earth's orbit.


Passenger accused of punching Southwest flight attendant faces federal charges | CNN
The passenger accused of punching a Southwest Airlines flight attendant and breaking three of her teeth on a May flight now faces federal felony charges.


Afghanistan withdrawal, Hurricane Ida, Caldor Fire: This Week In Pictures
Find this week's top photos from around the globe in ABC News' This Week in Pictures slideshow

With no tourist handouts, hungry Bali monkeys raid homes
SANGEH, Indonesia (AP) — Deprived of their preferred food source — the bananas, peanuts and other goodies brought in by tourists now kept away by the coronavirus — hungry monkeys on the resort island of Bali have taken to raiding villagers’ homes in their search for something tasty.


'Very brutal': In Ethiopia, Tigray forces accused of abuses
DEBARK, Ethiopia (AP) — As they bring war to other parts of Ethiopia, resurgent Tigray fighters face growing allegations that they are retaliating for the abuses their people suffered back home.


When some of your favorite shows are returning with new episodes | CNN
The fall TV season is almost here, so what better time to highlight some of television's most-anticipated returns?



Florida school mask debate headed for appeals court battle
The battle over mask requirements in Florida schools is headed for a new legal phase following an appeal by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of a judge’s ruling that a blanket ban on mask mandates exceeds the state's authority

FDA retirements reignite debate over Biden booster plan
The retirement of two top federal vaccine regulators has intensified the spotlight on the Biden administration’s plan for booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines, reigniting the debate about its c…


Biden: ‘There’s no question’ the delta variant weighed down jobs report
President Biden on Friday acknowledged a disappointing August jobs report that he blamed largely on the surge in COVID-19 cases, while arguing his administration’s broad plans have been effective a…


A trio of conservative radio hosts died of Covid. Will their deaths change vaccine resistance?
"There's no question ... when you read he [Phil Valentine] has it and then three weeks later he's dead, it will get your attention," a conservative host said.


Booster shots hitch: Some may miss the Sept. 20 start
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's plans to start delivery of booster shots by Sept. 20 for most Americans who received the COVID-19 vaccines are facing new complications that could delay the availability of third doses for those who received the Moderna vaccine, administration officials...


As COVID surges, more Florida school districts revolt against governor's mask rules
In a scene replayed across the United States, angry parents and activists streamed into a meeting of the Florida's Lake County school board on Thursday where it considered whether to mandate mask-wearing for students and staff due to COVID.


Moderna expected to miss Sept. 20 deadline for booster approval
Top health officials told the White House they need more time to review Moderna's application because data was "inadequate and needs strengthening.”


Delta variant’s spread hampers Labor Day air travel, industry recovery
The airline industry’s recovery has been grounded by the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, prompting U.S. travelers to cancel travel plans for Labor Day weekend. Air travel neared pre-pandemic l…


Efforts grow to stamp out use of parasite drug for COVID-19
WASHINGTON (AP) — Health experts and medical groups are pushing to stamp out the growing use of a decades-old parasite drug to treat COVID-19, warning that it can cause harmful side effects and that there’s little evidence it helps.


COVID-19 updates: 345 children currently hospitalized with coronavirus in Texas
The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.
Analysis-FDA vaccine advisers face thorny question: Are COVID-19 boosters needed?
Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are expected to discuss two key questions when they meet on Sept. 17 to consider a COVID-19 vaccine booster campaign this fall: Is protection from the initial shots waning, and will boosters help? The debate will likely be heated following the...

Biden admin delays booster rollout for some Covid vaccines
The booster plan has caused turmoil within FDA and among public health experts.


California hospitals running out of ICU beds: health officials
Some California hospitals are running out of intensive care unit beds as the delta variant continues to spur COVID-19 cases in the state, The Associated Press reported.Hospitals in the ce…


Rev. Jesse Jackson's wife home from Chicago hospital after coronavirus battle
Jacqueline Jackson, wife of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., returned home from a Chicago hospital on Friday after a two-week-long battle with the coronavirus.

Alaska Airlines offers $200 to vaccinated employees
Unvaccinated employees will be required to follow new testing protocol, including a vaccination education course.


Wyden eyes taxes on billionaires, executive pay to fund spending plans
Senate Democrats are still in the early stages of deciding how to raise taxes and haven’t even settled on how much revenue they need.


U.S. to deliver over 500K Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses to Kosovo
Vice President Kamala Harris told Kosovo's president about the delivery on Friday.


Parents of disabled kids sue over Iowa ban on mask mandates
A group of parents of disabled students has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to strike down Iowa’s law banning schools from requiring masks, arguing it endangers their health and denies equal access to education

Brazil starts booster shots while many still await a 2nd jab
SAO PAULO (AP) — Some cities in Brazil are providing booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, even though most people have yet to receive their second jabs, in a sign of the concern in the country over the highly contagious delta variant.


The Latest: New Zealand has 1st virus death in over 6 months
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand reported its first coronavirus death in more than six months on Saturday, while the number of new cases continued to trend downward. Health authorities said the woman who died was in her 90s and had underlying health problems.


US hiring slows as delta variant weakens travel and tourism
WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers added just 235,000 jobs in August, a surprisingly weak gain after two months of robust hiring and the clearest sign to date that the delta variant’s spread has discouraged some people from flying, shopping and eating out.
