(AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pledged an additional $1.3 billion Thursday for new weapons and economic assistance to help Ukraine in its strong but increasingly difficult battle against the Russian invasion, and he promised to seek much more from Congress to keep the guns, ammunition and cash flowing.
Audio: McCarthy said he would urge Trump to resign
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told other GOP lawmakers shortly after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection that he would urge then-President Donald Trump to resign.
apnews.com
Republican-led states seek temporary restraining order against the Biden admin on Title 42 ahead of rollback
The additional request for a temporary restraining order filed Thursday is intended to stop any move by the Biden administration to implement the revocation of Title 42 ahead of that May 23 date -- and prove that it has been implementing Title 42.
EXPLAINER: Why Washington is boosting heavy arms for Ukraine
The Biden administration’s decision to dramatically ramp up delivery of artillery guns to Ukraine eight weeks into the war signals a deepening American military commitment at a pivotal stage of fighting for the country’s industrial heartland.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine updates: 2 US veterans who joined Ukrainian forces missing
Updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Russia-Ukraine latest updates: UN chief to meet Putin in Moscow
Ukraine news from April 22: Guterres will meet Russian President Putin on Tuesday to press for fighting to stop.
Court upholds Puerto Ricans' exclusion from benefits program
The Supreme Court has upheld the differential treatment of residents of Puerto Rico, ruling that Congress was within its power to exclude them from a benefits program that’s available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
apnews.com
Florida passes congressional map over Black lawmaker protest
Florida’s Legislature has approved a congressional map pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over the strong objections of Black and Democratic lawmakers.
apnews.com
McCarthy told fellow GOP leaders he was "seriously thinking" about telling Trump to resign after Jan. 6, recording shows
The House minority leader allegedly told GOP leaders, "I've had it with this guy," according to a New York Times report.
www.cbsnews.com
‘We Build the Wall’ leaders who worked with Bannon plead guilty to fraud
Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
www.nbcnews.com
Kyiv accuses Moscow of 'imperialism' after Russia flags interest in south Ukraine
Moscow wants to take full control over southern Ukraine, a Russian general said on Friday, a statement Ukraine said gave the lie to Russia's previous assertions that it had no territorial ambitions.
Up to 9,000 bodies feared to be in mass grave near Mariupol, Ukrainian official says
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed "success" in Mariupol but ordered his forces not to storm Ukraine's Azovstal steel plant.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden commits additional aid to Ukraine as Russia declares 'success' in Mariupol
The president said the latest aid would include $800 million in heavy artillery weapons, dozens of howitzers and 144,000 rounds of ammunition, along with more tactical drones.
www.nbcnews.com
Analysis: North Korea could ‘go small’ with tactical nukes
If North Korea resumes nuclear testing, it could include development of smaller “tactical” warheads meant for battlefield use and designed to fit on short-range missiles such as the one tested last weekend, analysts said.
Effort to boot Greene from ballot could open new avenue of attack
A judge’s decision to let an effort to block Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) from running for office proceed could open a new avenue of attack against some of the GOP’s most controversial lawmakers. Experts say it remains to be seen what the result of the single decision will be, but it’s...
Staggering Ukrainian refugee numbers show no sign of slowing
The exodus of 5 million people from Ukraine has raised questions over just how large the refugee crisis may grow as the conflict there nears the two-month mark. Russia shows no signs of abetting it…
thehill.comBiden administration jails too many asylum seekers and keeps them locked up too long, report finds
The Biden administration is unnecessarily jailing immigrants requesting asylum, detaining thousands for months, the Human Rights First report says.
Florida House Republicans compare a Democratic protest against redistricting to the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol
"January 6 was ... a few hundred clowns who acted like idiots in the Capitol. Nothing was ever at risk," Republican state Rep. Randy Fine told Insider.
US delivers ‘Phoenix Ghost’ drone designed by US Air Force specifically for Ukrainian ‘needs’: DOD
The Pentagon announced Thursday that it will deliver over 120 “Phoenix Ghost” drones specifically designed by the U.S. Air Force for Ukrainian “needs” as the war with Russia ramps up.
Obama pressures Big Tech on disinformation in Silicon Valley speech | CNN Politics
Former President Barack Obama on Thursday called on tech companies to provide greater transparency about the way they promote content and for stricter regulation of the industry to combat what he called the “disinformation problem.”
www.cnn.com
The chain of command for a potential Russian nuclear strike
Here is how Russia’s chain of command would work in the event of a nuclear weapon launch.
US, Cuba hold highest-level talks in four years
The United States and Cuba have held their highest-level diplomatic talks in four years after a severe disruption in ties during the Trump administration.
apnews.com
Russia's latest sanctions target US power players including Kamala Harris and Mark Zuckerberg
Russia on Thursday barred entry to 29 more Americans including Vice President Kamala Harris, ABC News Anchor George Stephanopolous and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Biden announces a new program to help Ukrainian refugees enter the U.S.
A dedicated web portal where Americans can apply to sponsor Ukrainians refugees will launch on Monday.
Lights go out on Erdogan rival who refused to pay soaring power bills
The leader of Turkey's main opposition party said on Thursday that he will sit in the dark for a week after power had been cut at his home as he refused to pay his bills in protest of steep hikes in subsidised energy prices.
If Biden's Plan Is Like a 'New Deal,' Why Don't Voters Care?
RICHMOND, Va. — As Chris Frelke surveyed the Thomas B. Smith Community Center, he conceded that the beige-and-green cinder block structure was not much to look at. But Frelke, the parks director in Virginia’s capital, spoke with excitement describing the image in his mind’s eye: One day, there...
Trump lashes out at Georgia officials over effort to remove Greene from ballot
Former President Trump lashed out at top Georgia officials amid an effort to challenge Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-Ga.) candidacy for reeelction, though neither official was involved in a rece…
thehill.com
Biden: Public works plan can boost US that's 'fallen behind'
President Joe Biden opened a two-day visit to the Pacific Northwest by focusing more on the airport where he landed than on any of the region’s traditional, natural attractions.
apnews.com
Self-described ‘idiot scaling the wall’ sentenced to 60 days in Jan. 6 case
Clifford Meteer "still holds certain beliefs about the results of the election," his attorney said.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump sways convention races for Michigan AG, elections jobs
Former President Donald Trump’s extraordinary effort to mold Republicans’ 2022 tickets will be put to the test this weekend in Michigan, where thousands of party activists will endorse candidates including for attorney general and secretary of state.
apnews.com
Biden admin moving officers from northern US to southern border for Title 42 migrant surge, Cuellar says
Rep. Henry Cuellar said Thursday the Biden administration plans to move officers from northern part of the U.S. to deal with the border surge after Title 42 lifts.
Court rules NY Democrats gerrymandered district boundaries
A panel of five mid-level New York appellate judges have ruled that state Democrats engaged in gerrymandering when drawing new congressional district boundaries for the next decade.
apnews.com
Ukraine round-up: Putin backs off storming of Azovstal as Mariupol 'mass graves' found
Russia's president says the Azovstal steel plant must be sealed off, and satellite images suggest mass graves.
www.bbc.com
Judge pauses Montana's enforcement of law that makes it harder for transgender residents to modify their birth certificates | CNN Politics
Montana must pause its enforcement of a law requiring transgender residents to provide proof that they underwent a “surgical procedure” to change their sex in order to modify the sex designations on their birth certificates, a state judge ruled Thursday.
www.cnn.comCalifornia Republicans are convening. What to know as the state GOP tries to flip its fortunes
As California Republicans, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, gather for their convention, here's a look at the GOP and its electoral prospects.
Will rising mortgage rates cool off a hot housing market?
Sales of existing homes fell 2.7 percent in March, but rising mortgage rates and tight inventory helped push the median home price to a record $375,300.
www.nbcnews.comColumn: Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell and the rot at the heart of Trump's Republican Party
New revelations about Jan. 6, 2021, show GOP leaders in Congress — Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell — saying one thing about Trump and doing another.
Two Atlanta poll workers settle defamation lawsuit against One America
Two Georgia election workers who were the target of vote-rigging conspiracy theories have reached a settlement agreement with the far-right One America News Network in their defamation lawsuit against the outlet, according to court papers filed on Thursday. Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, a voter...
Obama points finger at tech companies for disinformation in major speech
Former President Obama placed blame on tech companies for failing to address the disinformation problem he said the industry has amplified during a speech Thursday at Stanford University. …
thehill.com
Mariupol: Putin orders forces to block off last Mariupol fighters in steel plant
The Russian president says the Azovstal steel plant will be blocked off so "not even a fly can escape".
www.bbc.com
Colorado Dem gov slams DeSantis for ‘socialist attacks’ on Disney, GOP gov hits back at ‘baseless allegations’
Polis criticized Florida in a Tuesday tweet over his support of the state legislation stripping Disney of its special self-governance powers and for DeSantis saying he was looking into legislation regarding Twitter’s poison pill to Elon Musk’s offer.
Title 42: Becerra warns against using ‘cover of health’ to deal with migration issues
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Thursday warned against using “the cover of health” to deal with the crisis at the southern border as he defended the Biden administration’s move to lift Title 42 in May.
Biden, Harris going on in-person fundraising blitz
President Biden and Vice President Harris are ramping up their in-person fundraising at a critical point less than seven months out from the midterm elections. The activity comes as Democrats…
thehill.com
High court rules for state in case of man shackled at trial
The Supreme Court says that a federal appeals court was wrong to order Michigan to retry or release a convicted murderer because his rights were violated when he was shackled at trial.
apnews.com
Donald Trump Jr. expected to meet with Jan. 6 committee: Sources
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack is expected to meet with Donald Trump Jr. in the coming days, sources tell ABC News.
Justice Department, Sandy Hook families question Infowars bankruptcy
A federal judge is asked to postpone Friday's hearing on an effort by the right-wing provocateur Alex Jones to ward off creditors.
www.politico.com
Harris replaces chief of staff in latest VP office shakeup
Vice President Kamala Harris is naming Lorraine Voles as her new chief of staff, replacing Tina Flournoy who is leaving the administration, in the latest shakeup in her office, the White House said.
apnews.com
SCOTUS sides with family suing Spain over art taken by Nazis in 9-0 ruling
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday in favor of the descendants of a German Jewish family who are suing a museum controlled by the Spanish government over possession of a painting that had been taken by Nazis.
Many say Biden not tough enough on Russia: AP-NORC poll
Many people in the U.S. continue to question whether President Joe Biden is showing enough strength in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, even as most approve of steps the U.S. is already taking and few want U.S. troops to get involved in the conflict.
apnews.com
Honduras ex-president Hernández extradited to US
Honduras has extradited former President Juan Orlando Hernández to the United States to face drug trafficking and weapons charges.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine war: What happened today (April 21)
A roundup of key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
www.npr.org
Tulsi Gabbard demands retraction of Romney ‘treason’ accusation
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) sent a cease and desist letter to Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) over a March tweet in which he alleged her statements were “treasonous lies” and said sh…
thehill.com
Biden urged by Gold Star families to keep Iran's Revolutionary Guard on terror list
A group of 900 Gold Star family members and wounded veterans who have suffered as a result of terror attacks supported or committed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sent a letter to President Biden asking him not to remove the group from the State Department's list of foreign...
Video shows Mike Tyson in physical altercation aboard JetBlue flight
The brief clip shows the former heavyweight boxing champion appearing to try to punch someone who’s pushing him away.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukrainian tennis player says Russians vocally against invasion should be allowed at Wimbledon
A Ukrainian tennis player said in an interview aired on Thursday that Russians and Belarusians who publicly condemn the invasion of Ukraine should be allowed to play at Wimbledon. “Yes, I think thi…
thehill.com
Senate front-runner in Pennsylvania embraces Biden and progressive agenda amid Democrats' midterm dilemma | CNN Politics
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman swung by the heart of Republican country in Southwestern Pennsylvania, in the reddest of red districts, where then-President Donald Trump trounced Joe Biden by more than 55 points and MAGA signs are still apparent on seemingly every other street corner.
www.cnn.com
Yellen weighs costs of war on Russia's frozen assets
The mounting economic damage to Ukraine from Russia’s ongoing bombardment has the U.S. and its allies speeding billions in aid to the beleaguered country — and looking for other sources of cash, including Russia itself.
apnews.com
Navy opens investigation after 4 deaths by suicide among aircraft carrier crew | CNN Politics
The Navy has opened an investigation into the command climate and culture on board an aircraft carrier following the deaths of seven sailors in the last 12 months, including four by suicide, according to the Navy.
www.cnn.comYoungkin prepares to wade into national politics
Virginia's Republican governor will use new political groups as a vehicle to get involved in other state races in 2022.
MSNBC airs audio of McCarthy saying he considered asking Trump to resign
MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” aired audio on Thursday, which was shared by reporters from The New York Times, confirming that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said he was consider…
thehill.comFearing a Trump Repeat, Jan. 6 Panel Considers Changes to Insurrection Act
WASHINGTON — In the days before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, some of President Donald Trump’s most extreme allies and members of right-wing militia groups urged him to use his power as commander in chief to unleash the military to help keep him in office. Now, as the House committee...
More than 20 states ask court to block Title 42 rescission
More than 20 states filed a temporary restraining order on Thursday seeking to block the Biden administration from lifting Title 42, a Trump-era policy that allows for the expulsion of migrants at …
thehill.com
Sen. Luján ‘90%’ recovered from stroke, visits high school
Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján says Thursday that he’s 90% recovered from his stroke. The 49-year-old spoke during a visit to Santa Fe High School, part of his first public appearances since returning to Congress in March.
apnews.com
War in Ukraine: Mariupol was and will stay Ukrainian - defender
Svyatoslav Palamar, from the controversial Azov regiment, speaks to the BBC from the besieged steelworks in the city.
www.bbc.com
Feds award $420M for dam repairs and flood-control projects
Federal officials are spending $420 million to repair hazardous dams and fund flood control projects in numerous states. The projects announced Thursday by the U.S.
apnews.com
Oldest Texas death row inmate executed in police officer's death
Carl Wayne Buntion, 78, was executed Thursday for killing Houston Police Officer James Irby, a 37-year-old father of two, during a traffic stop in 1990.
www.nbcnews.com
Cancer: Huge DNA analysis uncovers new clues
An "archaeological dig" of thousands of tumours in the UK has unearthed new patterns in cancer's DNA.
www.bbc.com
What’s behind pro-Russian attitudes in eastern Ukraine?
Some say a ‘special kind of paternalism’ runs through the Russian-speaking regions full of mines, factories and plants.
Leader of effort to fund Trump's border wall pleads guilty to fraud
The case once involved Steve Bannon, who has since been pardoned.
www.politico.com
Analysis: Peru's Castillo hardens stance on mining protests as economy stumbles
Peru's leftist President Pedro Castillo has signaled a tougher stance on protests against mining companies that are roiling the Andean nation, the world's second largest copper producer, mobilizing the army in a sharp tactical shift from a previous conciliatory approach.
Supreme Court revives fight over painting stolen by Nazis
The Supreme Court is keeping alive a California man’s hope of reclaiming a valuable impressionist masterpiece taken from his family by the Nazis and now on display in a Spanish museum.
apnews.com
Trump groups amass $124 million ahead of midterm elections | CNN Politics
Donald Trump’s network of political advocacy groups reported a cash stockpile of $124 million at the end of March, putting significant resources at the former President’s disposal for the midterm elections and beyond.
www.cnn.com
Biden touts infrastructure gains in Portland
President Biden on Thursday traveled to the West Coast to tout his agenda, specifically promoting the bipartisan infrastructure law he signed late last year, while speaking at a stop in Portla…
thehill.com
US to welcome Ukraine refugees but no longer through Mexico
The Biden administration is making it easier for refugees fleeing Russia’s war on Ukraine to come to the United States from Europe while trying to shut down an informal route through northern Mexico that's emerged in recent weeks.
apnews.com
Leaders of North, South Korea exchange letters amid tensions
The government of outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in objected more strongly to the North's weapons tests this year.
www.nbcnews.com
Why the CDC issued an alert on liver damage in children
A cluster of children in Alabama were found to have liver damage.
www.npr.orgTrump groups amass $124 million ahead of midterm elections | CNN Politics
Donald Trump’s network of political advocacy groups reported a cash stockpile of $124 million at the end of March, putting significant resources at the former President’s disposal for the midterm elections and beyond.
www.cnn.com
JD Vance paid $70K by colleges he bashes as Senate candidate
Before Republican JD Vance began targeting universities as the enemy of the conservative movement, the Donald Trump-endorsed U.S.
apnews.com
Liz Cheney raised more money from deep blue areas, states than from Wyoming: report
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., benefited from a massive fundraising haul in the first-quarter of 2022, but a closer look reveals the vast majority of that money was sent her way by heavily Democratic areas and not her home state of Wyoming.
YouTuber who jumped from plane caused it to crash in order to record video of it, FAA says
The FAA said it was revoking Trevor Jacob’s private pilot certificate and that he chose to jump out of the plane “solely so you could record the footage of the crash.”
www.nbcnews.com
Deadly blasts claimed by Islamic State hit northern Afghan cities
An explosion claimed by the Islamic State at a Shi'ite mosque in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Thursday killed at least 11 people, a health official said, one of a series of blasts around the country.
Lee plays defense over criticism that his Meadows texts show he obscured what he knew about efforts to overturn 2020 election | CNN Politics
Republican Sen. Mike Lee is defending himself against criticism that he obscured what he knew about efforts to overturn the 2020 election in light of newly-revealed text messages showing he communicated for weeks about the effort with then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
www.cnn.com
2 months after Griner's arrest, mystery surrounds her case
WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is easily the most prominent American citizen known to be jailed by a foreign government.
apnews.com
Trump mocks CNN after streaming service is shuttered
Former President Trump issued a scathing statement on Thursday attacking CNN, one of his most prominent foils, after the company announced it would be shutting down its paid streaming subscription …
thehill.com
Mariupol steelworks: 'We have wounded and dead inside the bunkers'
One of the last defenders in Mariupol tells the BBC conditions are dire but they won't surrender.
www.bbc.com
Ex-Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez extradited to U.S. on cocaine, firearms charges
Officials allege Hernandez "abused his positions in the Honduran government to partner with some of the largest and most violent drug traffickers in the world."
www.usatoday.com
Biden drug control plan stresses harm reduction, treatment
President Joe Biden is sending his administration’s first national drug control strategy to Congress. White House drug czar Dr.
apnews.com
What is in the latest US military aid package for Ukraine?
New assistance includes artillery, drones and ammunition, as US seeks to help Ukrainians adapt to new phase of war.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin expanding political reach outside of Virginia
New political groups being set up by Glenn Youngkin will allow Virginia’s GOP governor to help fellow Republicans running in races nationwide this year.
Democrats Fear for Democracy. Why Aren't They Running on It in 2022?
One party is running on democracy and elections in 2022, and it is not the Democrats. Despite a broad consensus on the left that the country’s most revered institutions are in trouble, with President Joe Biden and other leaders warning gravely that protecting voting rights and fair elections is...
Bernie gave the go-ahead for 2024 memo
The Vermont senator wants it known that he must be part of any conversation about a potential open Democratic primary in 2024.
www.politico.comArizona House speaker gets Profile in Courage award
Arizona's Republican House speaker on Thursday was named one of five recipients of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for his refusal to consider overturning the 2020 election results despite massive pressure from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Speaker Rusty Bowers...
Longest Covid infection lasted more than 16 months, tests show
UK doctors who treated the patient at a London hospital say persistent infections are still rare.
www.bbc.com
Germany to provide 37 mln euros for Ukraine reconstruction - paper
Germany will provide a further 37 million euros ($40.12 million)to Ukraine for reconstruction as a result of the war, Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper reported on Friday, citing development ministry sources.
This Earth Day, Biden faces 'headwinds' on climate agenda
President Joe Biden plans to mark Earth Day in Seattle on Friday, but he's struggled to make progress on a sweeping environmental agenda.
apnews.com
Florida House passes bill stripping Disney of self governing status
The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s special governing power in the state.
No survivors after small plane crashes near General Mills plant in Georgia: Police
A small plane crashed in the lot of a General Mills plant in Georgia shortly after take-off Thursday evening, killing all aboard, authorities said.
House introduces cyber bill intended to safeguard energy sectors
House lawmakers introduced a cybersecurity bill on Thursday that would address rising cyber threats against U.S. energy sectors. The Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Program Act, a bill c…
thehill.com
Megadrought out West expected to intensify, expand east: NOAA
The megadrought that has plagued the West for several decades is not only expected to persist -- it will likely intensify and expand east.
Inside the Forecast: Who’s winning the redistricting fight?
POLITICO’s Steve Shepard demystifies this week’s election data in a new video series.
www.politico.com
New York Dems illegally drew congressional districts, appeals court rules
A mid-level appeals court in New York State ruled late Thursday that Democrats illegally drew up new congressional maps to unfairly benefit their own party.
U.S. Energy Secretary unsure if Michigan, California nuclear plants will seek subsidies
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Thursday she was unsure if two nuclear power plants with previous plans to shut will apply for subsidies the Biden administration launched this week as part of its policy to fight climate change. The administration on Tuesday opened applications...
CNN's streaming service shutting down a month after launch
CNN is shutting down its CNN+ streaming service less than a month after its launch
NFL says Black coaches' discrimination claims should be thrown out or arbitrated
The National Football League on Thursday said lawsuits by three Black coaches accusing the league of racist hiring practices should be dismissed because the claims lack legal merit, or else sent to arbitration.
French election: A battle of bad reputations for Le Pen and Macron
Fascist, dirty liberal, racist, elitist - the violent dislike in this French election is startling.
www.bbc.com
Brazil's Bolsonaro pardons political ally, snubbing Supreme Court
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that he would pardon an allied federal congressman who was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison by the Supreme Court, a move likely to heighten tensions between the nation's executive and judiciary during an election year.
An incredibly damning quote from Mitch McConnell on January 6 | CNN Politics
Mitch McConnell knew that what happened on January 6, 2021, was deeply wrong. And that blame for the riot that day lay at the feet of then-President Donald Trump.
www.cnn.com
Third suspect arrested in South Carolina mall shooting
Police have arrested a third suspect named in an Easter weekend mall shooting in South Carolina that wounded nine people
How this year's GOP primaries could give Trump's Republican rivals a boost in 2024
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed a slew of candidates this year who are about to face competitive Republican primaries. And should his chosen candidates wind up losing those races, the results could cause him serious trouble ahead of a likely 2024 presidential run.
Mike Tyson repeatedly punches a passenger mid-flight, a video shows
The former heavyweight champion is seen in the video leaning over his seat on a JetBlue flight from San Francisco to Florida and unleashing a flurry of punches on the passenger.
www.npr.orgJan. 6 panel piecing together details of final Trump-Pence call
Several Donald Trump allies listened in from the Oval Office, but Mike Pence's side of the call remains elusive.
Why Disney has its own government in Florida and how control of it could change | CNN
Here’s a look at the history of Reedy Creek, why it has become the focus of another special legislative session in Florida, and how proposed changes would give Gov. Ron DeSantis more control over Disney’s Orlando-area theme parks.
www.cnn.com
Russians accused of burying 9,000 civilians in mass grave near Mariupol: April 21 recap
The mayor of the besieged port city of Mariupol claims Russian troops are burying Ukrainian civilians in order to cover up “military crimes.”
www.usatoday.com
Jan. 6 committee’s bombshells hiding in plain sight
www.politico.com
White House brings on retired three-star general to help coordinate Ukraine assistance | CNN Politics
The White House has brought on a retired three-star general to help coordinate the hundreds of millions in military assistance that the United States is sending to Ukraine.
www.cnn.com
Attorney says feds subpoenaed Hunter Biden paternity documents, including tax returns: "They wanted every record"
"They wanted every record relating to Hunter Biden we had," attorney Clint Lancaster told CBS News.
www.cbsnews.comFlorida lawmakers vote to dismantle Disney’s special privileges over 'Don't Say Gay'
The legislation could spell the end of special benefits afforded to Disney since the 1960s that allow it to self-govern the land surrounding its Disney World theme park in Central Florida.
www.politico.com
4 found dead in Duluth home were killed by relative in murder-suicide
Taylor Cole-Skogstad, 29, is suspected of killing his aunt, uncle and two young cousins while they slept before he fatally shot himself, state officials say.
www.nbcnews.comAOC: 'Jan. 6 was a trial run'
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said Wednesday that the attempted insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, was thwarted only because Democrats controlled the House of Representatives.
Nikki Fried defends gun rights of medical marijuana users in lawsuit against Biden admin: 'Discriminatory'
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is suing the Biden administration over what she describes as an "irrational, inconsistent, and incoherent" federal rule that blocks medical marijuana users from buying firearms or obtaining a concealed weapons...
Ukrainian officials and satellite images point to evidence of mass graves outside of Mariupol
Russian President Vladimir Putin orders blockade of Mariupol steel plant "so a fly cannot get through" as Ukrainian forces continue to resist.
US airlines say they've reached a turning point in recovery
U.S. airlines say they have hit a turning point: After a lousy first quarter, they expect to be profitable as Americans return to travel in the biggest numbers since the start of the pandemic
‘All Salvadorans at risk’: Inside El Salvador’s gang crackdown
President Nayib Bukele says his gov’t is stamping out gang violence, but experts document pattern of arbitrary arrests.
Colorado Dem gov slams DeSantis for ‘socialist attacks’ on Disney, GOP gov hits back at ‘baseless allegations’
Polis criticized Florida in a Tuesday tweet over his support of the state legislation stripping Disney of its special self-governance powers and for DeSantis saying he was looking into legislation regarding Twitter’s poison pill to Elon Musk’s offer.
Court orders first gender-affirming surgery for a transgender federal prisoner
Cristina Nichole Iglesias has been battling the Federal Bureau of Prisons in court for years.
www.nbcnews.com
Amber Heard's lawyer focuses on Johnny Depp's texts: "Let's burn Amber"
Depp has been on the stand in Fairfax County Circuit Court since Tuesday afternoon.
www.cbsnews.com
Orsolya Gaal murder: Who is handyman David Bonola?
The man accused of repeatedly stabbing Queens mom Orsolya Gaal and then stuffing the woman’s body into a hockey duffel bag and dragging it more than a half-mile shouted "f--- you" on Thursday while being led out of a New York City police precinct in handcuffs.
CNN+ to shut down weeks after its launch
Chris Licht, the incoming president of CNN, is slated to talk with CNN+ staffers about the decision at noon on Thursday.
www.politico.com
OnPolitics: Why is Putin declaring victory in Mariupol?
President Joe Biden pushed back on Putin's claim, saying, “There’s no evidence yet that Mariupol has completely fallen.”
www.usatoday.com
Mortgage rates just hit a 12-year high | CNN Business
Mortgage rates continued to rise this week, reaching their highest level in more than a decade.
www.cnn.com
Austin City Council postpones vote on $1.18M guaranteed income plan after council members raise questions
The vote on a $1.18 million guaranteed income plan in Austin, Texas, was delayed on Thursday after council members raised questions about the proposal.
Johnny Depp put on defense on texts, drug use in Amber Heard defamation suit
Actor Johnny Depp faced nearly six hours of cross-examination Thursday, the third day in a row in his defamation case against actress Amber Heard.
Elon Musk vows to 'defeat the spam bots' or 'die trying' if Twitter bid succeeds
Elon Musk confirmed on Thursday that the first thing he is going to do after winning the bid is eliminating the spam bots from Twitter.
CDC issues health alert on rare cases of hepatitis in children
Investigators have not yet found a link between the cases.
www.cbsnews.com
Supreme Court rules Puerto Ricans don't have constitutional right to some federal benefits | CNN Politics
Congress can exclude residents of Puerto Rico from some federal disability benefits available to those who live in the 50 states, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
www.cnn.com
Rates for measles, other vaccinations dip for kindergartners
The decrease in routine vaccinations has experts concerned that measles cases could rise.
www.nbcnews.com
Opinion | The Cost of Not Indicting Trump Now Is a Presidency Without Guardrails
None of the mechanisms to deter a rogue president would work to restrain a reelected Trump.
www.politico.com
Best Buy recalls 772,000 air fryers after more than 100 catch fire, burn or melt
Product sold across the U.S. and Canada can overheat, and has been linked to minor property damage and two injuries.
www.cbsnews.com
Pentagon chief to host Ukraine-focused defense talks in Germany next week
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Germany next week to hold Ukraine-focused defense talks with allies at Ramstein Air Base, the Pentagon’s top spokesperson said Thursday. The Ukraine De…
thehill.com
Fire at Russian military research facility kills six, injures dozens of others
A fire at a Russian military research facility northwest of Moscow killed six people and wounded dozens of others on Thursday.
Sustainable companies combat the carbon footprint of fast fashion
Out with the old and in with the new. Spring is here and so are new trends in what we wear.
FBI says Proud Boy tried to derail Jan. 6 investigating by menacing agent
Barry Bennett Ramey was arrested and accused of pepper-spraying officers at the Capitol, calling a FBI special agent later and reading out the agent's home address.
www.nbcnews.com
Texas carries out first execution of 2022, while Tennessee governor grants temporary reprieve due to preparation 'oversight' | CNN
Texas executed its oldest death row inmate by lethal injection on Thursday, shortly after the governor of Tennessee granted a temporary reprieve in what would have been the state’s first execution since the pandemic began.
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Columbia University to publicly mark its historic ties to slavery, racism
The markers include signs at residence halls named for slaveowners John Jay and Samuel Bard, noting that they had connections to the university.
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CBS to host star-studded White House correspondents’ dinner after-party
Paramount is getting in the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner game with a starry bash tied to the return of the major Washington soiree after two years of cancellations due to t…
thehill.com
New Jersey starts legal recreational marijuana sales today
New Jersey cannabis consumers celebrated Thursday's first day of legalized pot selling and toking up for adults in the Garden State.
Black voters continue to back Biden despite sting of inflation
But rising prices have disproportionately affected marginalized groups, including African American and Latino communities, recent polling and research finds.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden cleans up after confusing mask mandate for Title 42
President Biden issued a rare statement clarifying what he meant to say earlier on Thursday after he gave an answer to a reporter’s question that confused two issues his administration is juggling …
thehill.com
Kamala Harris' chief of staff Tina Flournoy to exit administration
"We are done for now" with staff changes, a person familiar with the comings and goings in Harris' office tells CBS News.
www.cbsnews.com
Two Atlanta poll workers settle defamation lawsuit against One America
Two Georgia election workers who were the target of vote-rigging conspiracy theories have reached a settlement agreement with the far-right One America News Network in their defamation lawsuit against the outlet, according to court papers filed on Thursday.
Larry Nassar victims seek $130M in claims, accuse FBI of turning 'blind eye' to abuse allegations | CNN
Thirteen sexual assault victims of disgraced former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar on Thursday filed claims against the FBI totaling $130 million.
www.cnn.com
Jersey City will ignore AG's memo on police cannabis use, Fulop says
Fulop tweeted Wednesday that police leadership will issue a directive informing the city's roughly 1,000 officers that they cannot use cannabis, whether on or off duty.
www.politico.com
Woman drops paternity lawsuit against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, wants DNA test | CNN
The woman who sued Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, asking the court to establish that he is her biological father, dropped the lawsuit Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
Factbox: What is the special tax designation Disney might lose?
A Florida bill that would eliminate the special tax district that gives the Walt Disney Co the ability to govern its theme parks won approval from lawmakers on Thursday, sending the legislation to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.
Main hospital in Ethiopia's Tigray's region runs out of food
The main hospital in Ethiopia's war-ravaged region of Tigray has sent home 240 patients after food supplies ran out last week, officials said.
'Discriminatory': Puerto Ricans decry Supreme Court ruling allowing exclusions
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the only dissenter, said “there is no rational basis” to deny federal benefits to disabled U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico.
www.nbcnews.comFact check: 2017 'Morning Joe' clip misrepresented in viral posts about Elon Musk
The MSNBC segment is from 2017, years before Musk's takeover bid. Host Mika Brzezinski was referring to then-President Donald Trump.
Blowback against ending Covid border ban grows among Democrats in tight races
At least a dozen vulnerable incumbents and candidates in the midterm elections have come out against the president's decision to lift a public health rule, known as Title 42.
www.nbcnews.com
Fauci fears judge's ruling on travel mask mandate may set "dangerous precedent"
The president's chief medical adviser criticized the "disturbing" decision by "a judge with no experience in public health."
www.cbsnews.com
When will vaccines be authorized for kids under 5? Here's what we know
There is hope that parents will be able to vaccinate their kids under five years old soon — perhaps as early as June, according to top Biden administration officials.
China’s GDP, dubious COVID statistics and East Timor’s election
We gather the numbers from the week’s biggest economic and business news stories so you can impress your friends.
Philadelphia to drop mask mandate days after reinstating it
Philadelphia will end its indoor mask mandate less than a week after reinstating it, city health officials said Thursday night.
United CEO says it’s ‘very unlikely’ travel mask mandate will return
The Justice Department has said it will appeal a ruling striking down the requirement.
www.politico.com
Fauci: Judge’s decision to strike down travel mask mandate could set ‘disturbing’ precedent
Top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Thursday said a judge’s decision this week to strike down a federal mask mandate on public transportation systems could set a “distur…
thehill.com
Kindergarten vaccination rates dip below target for 2020-2021
Kindergarteners' vaccine coverage dipped below the national target during the 2020-2021 school year, raising concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.
Australia's opposition leader sidelined with COVID amid election fight
Australia's opposition leader Anthony Albanese has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to isolate for seven days in the middle of the country's election campaign in which the Labor party is battling to regain power after nine years.
‘Best therapeutic choice’: WHO backs Pfizer’s COVID antiviral
UN health body says Paxlovid ‘strongly recommended’ for patients with non-severe disease at risk of hospital admission.
Boston urges masks as battle brews over transit rule
Boston urged people to start wearing masks Thursday and the Biden administration weighed its next legal step in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes court fight over the abrupt end of the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit. The Boston Public Health Commission noted a rise in...
U.S. extends COVID vaccine requirements for non-citizens at land borders
The United States government said on Thursday it was extending a requirement that non-U.S. citizens crossing land or ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders must be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Biden issues clarification after Title 42, mask mandate question mix up
President Biden was forced to clarify his response to a question Thursday after he appears to have mixed up the approaching termination of Title 42 with a judge's decision this week to toss out the CDC's travel mask mandate.
COVID outbreak as nearly 100 prom goers test positive
Dozens of high school students in California contracted COVID-19 after attending their prom.
Fauci says vaccine approval for those under 5 likely not until June
A COVID-19 vaccine for children under five might not be approved for emergency use until June, Anthony Fauci said on Thursday. Fauci, the chief medical adviser for President Biden, told CNN’s…
thehill.com
Philadelphia to end mask mandate, days after reinstating it
The city's restored mandate had gone into effect Monday.
www.politico.com
LA officials settle with Sameday Health over allegations it faked COVID-19 test results
A COVID-19 testing company will pay more than $20 million after being accused of faking test results, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced Thursday. Feuer announced that Los Angeles-based…
thehill.comDOJ, CDC fight back on travel mask mandate injunction
The Department of Justice said it was appealing a Florida court ruling that ended the travel mask mandate.
www.politico.com
