
President Joe Biden holds hands with Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as they watch the Senate vote on her confirmation... (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first Black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his promised effort to diversify the high court.

House panel: Justice Dept. 'obstructing' Trump records probe
A congressional committee says the Justice Department is interfering with an investigation into former President Donald Trump.


Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil ban
Congress has overwhelmingly voted to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban the importation of its oil, ratcheting up the U.S. response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid reports of atrocities.

Trump says Secret Service blocked him from joining Jan. 6 march to the Capitol
The “Secret Service said I couldn’t go. I would have gone there in a minute," the former president said.


Biden bets strong job market will shield economy from slump
The Biden White House is betting the U.S. economy is strong enough to withstand the threats to growth posed by inflation and the war in Ukraine.


NY Attorney General files motion to hold Trump in contempt for ignoring subpoena
Former President Trump should be held in contempt for failing to respond to a subpoena, the New York Attorney General’s office said Thursday in a new court filing.

Kremlin spokesman admits ‘we have significant losses of troops,’ calls it ‘a huge tragedy’
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, acknowledged in an interview published on Thursday that Russia had sustained “significant losses of troops” and called it a “huge trag…


Manhattan DA: Trump criminal investigation is continuing
The Manhattan district attorney says a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump and his business practices is continuing, despite a recent shakeup in the probe’s leadership.


UN ousts Russia from Human Rights Council; Germany reportedly intercepts chatter on atrocities: April 7 recap
The U.N. General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia from the world organization’s Human Rights Council. Thursday's recap.
www.usatoday.com

Russia-Ukraine updates: US sanctions Russian military shipbuilder, diamond miner
Updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Far from Ukraine, Indonesia’s poor can’t get cooking oil
Indonesia is facing shortages as the Ukraine war and other factors send palm oil prices soaring.

'That's so wrong': Manchin disgusted by McConnell's latest Supreme Court play
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is distraught by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's latest comments about the Supreme Court.


Marjorie Taylor Greene says she reported Jimmy Kimmel to Capitol Police after Will Smith joke
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Wednesday tweeted that she had reported late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel to Capitol Police after a joke he made about her in a monologue. Greene tweete…


Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to Supreme Court, making history as first Black female justice
The Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Jackson to the high court, with three Republicans joining all 50 Democrats to approve her nomination.


Opinion | History Shows the Democrats’ Midterm Doom Isn’t Preordained
The president’s party doesn’t always suffer a thumping. But Biden’s still in trouble.


Biden praises 'historic' vote to oust Russia from U.N. council
The United Nations General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council over reports of atrocities in Ukraine.


Medicare weighs premium cut after limiting Alzheimer's drug
Medicare says it’s considering a cut in enrollee premiums, after officials stuck with an earlier decision to sharply limit coverage for a pricey new Alzheimer’s drug projected to drive up program costs.


Democratic senators at CNN Citizen event say they're optimistic climate bill can pass this year | CNN Politics
Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ed Markey on Thursday said they’re optimistic that members of their party can still come together in the Senate to strike a deal on a climate and economic tax package this year.

Trump Regrets Not Marching To Capitol On Jan. 6, Blames Pelosi For Violence
“I would have gone there in a minute," former President Donald Trump told The Washington Post. The Secret Service "said I couldn't go."
Mitch McConnell's 'Revealing' Remarks About His Moral Red Lines Stun Commentators
A reporter asked the Senate Minority leader how he could support Donald Trump after holding him "morally responsible" for the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Men accused of impersonating federal agents being investigated for possible ties to Iranian intelligence
The two men will remain in jail overnight pending a detention hearing Friday.


Haley welcomes Russia's ousting from UN Human Rights Council; says Venezuela, Cuba, China should be next
FIRST ON FOX: Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley on Thursday welcomed Russia’s suspension from the controversial U.N. Human Rights Council.
6 Republicans, including Gosar and Greene, oppose Russia-Ukraine war crimes evidence bill
The bill, which passed the House, 418-7, directs Biden to report to Congress on any efforts the U.S. has made to investigate Russian war crimes.

Democrats plan to seize on GOP opposition to Jackson
Democrats are launching a print, digital and television paid media campaign to highlight Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation to the Supreme Court. The effort was planned well before Jacks…


UN General Assembly suspends Russia from Human Rights Council
UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council.

Ex-cop testifies he and former colleague hoped to 'overturn' election on Jan. 6
Jacob Fracker, testifying at the trial of Thomas Robertson, said he thought officers protecting the Capitol the day of the riot “should have been on our side."


Iowa senator savages Biden nominee over past tweets about her appearance
Sen. Joni Ernst caught a Biden nominee by surprise during a confirmation hearing Wednesday when she produced an old tweet that seemingly mocked the Iowa Republican's appearance.


Zelenskyy says situation in Borodyanka is much worse than in Bucha
Investigators say they found 26 bodies on Thursday.


Putin Is the Only Leader They’ve Known. And They’re Done With Him.
Thousands of young, anti-war Russians are voting with their feet, fleeing to cities like Istanbul. Putin has labeled them a “fifth column.”


Here are the six Republicans who voted against investigating Russia for war crimes
The House on Wednesday passed a bill that would direct President Biden to prepare a report on the government’s efforts to collect and examine evidence related to war crimes and other atrociti…


Trump suggests he’ll decide on Pennsylvania GOP Senate endorsement in ‘about a week’
Dr. Oz and David McCormick appear to be the front-runners to land Trump's endorsement in Pennsylvania’s combative GOP Senate primary

Latest Ukraine updates: Kramatorsk attack sparks global outrage
Ukraine-Russia news from April 8: Deadly bombing spurs calls for accountability and pledges of assistance to Ukraine.

GOP takes aim at Mickey Mouse copyright over Disney opposition to Florida bill
Republican lawmakers might try to use an expiring copyright on Mickey Mouse to punish Disney for its vocal opposition to controversial Florida education legislation.


EU countries, Russia trade diplomatic expulsions as tensions rise over Ukraine
A slew of European Union countries and Russia are trading diplomatic expulsions amid boiling tensions over the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said in a st…


Rep. Val Demings backs Biden admin move to end Title 42, says COVID numbers are ‘way down’
Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., says she supports the Biden administration’s move to end the Title 42 public health order that has been used to expel a majority of migrants at the border -- in contrast to other moderate Democrats who have warned it will lead to an influx of migrants at the border.

Peru declares state of emergency on highways as protests continue
Truckers and farm workers have blocked roads across Peru in anger over rising costs of food, fuel and fertiliser.

WATCH: Mark Wahlberg promises not to 'force' faith on children
Actor Mark Wahlberg appeared Thursday on Today to talk about his religion and insisted he doesn't push it on his children.


U.S. moves to ground Aeroflot, two other Russian airlines
The Commerce Department took its first enforcement actions under the stringent export controls the Biden administration announced last month in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.


Russian retreat reveals destruction as Ukraine asks for help
CHERNIHIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian troops retreating from this northern Ukrainian city left behind crushed buildings, streets littered with destroyed cars and residents in dire need of food and other aid — images that added fuel to Kyiv's calls Thursday for more Western help to halt Moscow's next...


Denver will appeal verdict awarding $14 million to 2020 protesters, mayor says
The city of Denver plans to appeal a court verdict last month that awarded $14 million to protesters a jury found were subjected to excessive police force during 2020 rallies. Denver Mayor Michael …


New satellite imagery shows activity at North Korean underground nuclear test site | CNN Politics
New commercial satellite imagery is showing some of the clearest signs to date that North Korea is tunneling again at its remote underground nuclear test site in a way that could potentially shorten the time it needs for its next test.

BLM middleman stonewalls on $6M mansion purchase: 'I don't owe you an explanation'
The middleman who facilitated Black Lives Matter's secretive purchase of a $6 million Los Angeles mansion in October 2020 said the purchase was "all done above board," but he refused to answer any questions about his involvement in the transaction.

Appeals court OKs Biden federal employee vaccine mandate
In a 2-1 ruling, a panel reversed a lower court and ordered dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the mandate.


2024 Watch: Pompeo hints potential presidential run not dependent on what Trump decides
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discusses 2024 and former President Trump in a Fox News interview during a stop in New Hampshire
House Jan. 6 committee members face tough question of how to hold their own colleagues to account
The decline of collegiality in Congress, punctuated by the Jan. 6 riot, has long been noted. A decision on the part of the committee not to initiate a confrontation with fellow lawmakers may represent the last vestige of the lost tradition of congressional gentility.

Local conservatives revolt against Trump House favorite
The former president endorsed a 26-year-old who lives hours away from the congressional district he's running in.

The most noteworthy Republican objections to confirming Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
The Republican arguments made in opposition to the Supreme Court nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman justice on the high court, may not quickly recede from popular memory.

Judge restores Jan. 6 defendant’s gun rights over DOJ objection
Jenny Cudd of Texas had asked that the probation condition be set aside, citing threats she received after publicity about her role in the storming of the Capitol.


Jackson's historic confirmation confronts a partisanship that threatens to tear America apart | CNN Politics
Ketanji Brown Jackson's shattering of a racial glass ceiling, in a week also marked by the naked ambition of the Republicans who smeared her, the delusional demagoguery of an ex-President and a touch of the bizarre, reflected an historic and extreme Washington age.

New York attorney general wants Trump held in contempt, fined $10,000 per day
New York Attorney General Letitia James claims Trump has failed to comply with a court order to turn over documents,


Tough cookie: Judge tosses Girl Scouts suit against Boy Scouts
A turf war between the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and the Boy Scouts of America over the use of the term "scouting" in recruitment efforts was tossed out by a federal judge on Thursday.

Homeland Security Watchdog Omitted Damaging Findings From Reports
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general and his top aides directed staff members to remove damaging findings from investigative reports on domestic violence and sexual misconduct by officers in the department’s law enforcement agencies, according to documents...

Congress votes to strip Russia's trade status, ban its oil
A pair of bills to revoke permanent normal trade relations with Russia and ban its energy imports won overwhelming support in both the House and Senate.


'Historic' and 'radical': Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to the Supreme Court spurs wide reaction
Democrats and civil rights groups applauded Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to the Supreme Court; Republicans and conservatives disagreed.
www.usatoday.com

Methane in atmosphere hits new high, rising at fastest rate recorded, NOAA says
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere remains the primary and the long-term driver of climate change, but methane is more potent in the near term.


Highlights from Senate vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, was confirmed in bipartisan Senate vote on Thursday.

UFC fighter Conor McGregor facing six driving-related offenses
UFC fighter Conor McGregor appeared in court Thursday, facing six driving-related offenses in Ireland.


Black Americans say attacks on Ketanji Brown Jackson won't dampen her moment
"This barrier-breaking moment was met with disdain that this racial barrier is being broken," said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster.


Microsoft says it disrupted Russian cyberattacks targeting Ukraine, West
Microsoft announced Thursday that it had disrupted Russian cyberattacks targeting Ukraine and organizations in the United States and European Union. A Russian hacking group called Strontium was tar…

Whitmer sues over abortion law as governors prepare for state policy free-for-all
The Supreme Court is expected to roll back or completely reverse Roe v. Wade this summer, kicking abortion policy to the states.


Thousands of railcars waiting at Ukrainian border to export goods
Thousands of railcars attempting to transport exported goods are stuck in Poland as Russian forces bar entry into Western Ukraine.

House asks DOJ to prosecute ex-Trump aides Navarro and Scavino for snubbing Jan. 6 committee
The House voted Wednesday to refer former Trump aides Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino to the Justice Department for criminal contempt of Congress.
NY attorney general seeks contempt citation for Trump in document fight
Letitia James' office has been probing alleged fraud at the Trump Organization for more than three years.

Canada's plan to boost military spending ‘falls flat’ amid high hopes
The increase doesn't meet NATO's target for its members to spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense.

U.S. Congress votes to strip Russia of 'most favored' trade status, ban its oil
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Congress voted to impose further economic pain on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, passing one measure to remove its "most favored nation" trade status and another to ban oil imports. The Senate voted 100-0 in favor of the measure removing...

US arrests yakuza leader over alleged drugs for missiles deal
Japanese organised crime boss and three Thais accused of trying to secure US-made weapons for Myanmar rebels, LTTE.

Senate confirms Biden nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court
The Senate Thursday confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and fulfilled President Biden's campaign promise to appoint the first Black woman to the high court.

Man accused of impersonating DHS agent offered one of Jill Biden's Secret Service agents an assault rifle, court records say
Secret Service agents assigned to protect first lady Jill Biden and the White House were duped by men impersonating federal agents, court records say.

'A moment like this': Senate history in Supreme Court vote
WASHINGTON (AP) — Moments before the Senate began Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation vote to become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, the chamber filled with the swell of history.


From judge to justice in 6 weeks: How Schumer got Jackson confirmed
Jackson’s confirmation came at a good time for Biden and the Senate majority leader, as Democrats face major political headwinds across the board.


California lawmakers bow to backlash and 'delete' bill taxing Big Oil
The California Legislature deleted a bill calling for a tax on Big Oil in lieu of suspending taxes at the pump following a large public backlash.


EXPLAINER: Russia is not a 'most favored nation.' What now?
WASHINGTON (AP) — With Congress voting to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban the importation of its oil, President Joe Biden's action to tighten the U.S. squeeze on Russia's economy now can intensify.


What a 11.4 million Ukraine refugee exodus looks like, in maps
In the six weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine, over 4 million people have left their homes by train, bus and car, on their way to seven countries. More than 7 million people have fled to another part of the country. See the different paths taken in our interactive.


DeSantis, Moody get dinged for 'Sweet Florida' promotion


Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil ban
Congress has overwhelmingly voted to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban the importation of its oil, ratcheting up the U.S. response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid reports of atrocities

NY attorney general files to hold Trump in contempt for refusing to produce documents
New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office filed a motion for the court to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt for failure to comply with an order to comply with a subpoena.

Updated: GOP smells blood in China Initiative shutdown


Hillicon Valley — Meta reveals Russian hacking attempts
Russian-backed hackers tried to use Facebook for disinformation campaigns targeting Ukrainians, according to a report released by the tech giant. Meanwhile, the general counsel for the National Lab…


Meta: Russian invasion driving more disinformation online
Hackers aligned with Russia broke into the social media accounts of dozens of Ukrainian military officers and were working to upload videos of defeated and surrendering Ukrainian soldiers when the plot was disrupted, according to a report Thursday from Meta that details a troubling increase in...


Moscow has avoided an economic meltdown. How long will that last?
As the U.S. and Europe impose yet another round of sanctions on Moscow, critics are renewing long-standing questions about whether they really work.


WATCH: Tiger Woods ends first round of Masters 1 under par and has hot mic moment
Tiger Woods finished 1 under par when his first round of the Masters came to an end Thursday afternoon.

Peruvian prime minister’s praise of Hitler sparks wave of protest
Aníbal Torres said his words were misunderstood but offered to apologize in person to Israeli ambassador Asaf Ichilevich Prime Minister Aníbal Torres speaks at the Congress of Peru, in Lima, Peru, March 2022. Photograph: Presidency of the Council of Ministers HANDOUT/EPA The Israeli embassy in...

OnPolitics: Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes first Black woman confirmed to SCOTUS
The Senate's historic vote was 53-47 with three Republicans joining the Democratic caucus in voting for her confirmation.
www.usatoday.com

Chrystia Freeland drops a bombshell: A thrifty budget
Finance minister pivots from spending to prudence: ‘Canada has a proud tradition of fiscal responsibility. It is my duty to maintain it.’


Manhattan DA says Trump criminal investigation continues despite two prosecutors quitting
The Mahattan DA team investigating Donald "Trump harbors no doubt about whether he committed crimes — he did," a prosecutor wrote in a resignation letter.

A GOP-controlled Senate could grind Biden's judicial nominations to a halt
The Senate has confirmed 58 of Mr. Biden's nominees to the U.S. trial courts and courts of appeals since he took office.


Anita Hill calls Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation an 'important cultural moment' | CNN Politics
Brandeis University professor Anita Hill said Thursday that Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to the US Supreme Court marked an "important cultural moment" for the court and the country.

Former Democratic congressional aide pleads guilty to increasing salary via public funds
A former Democratic congressional aide fraudulently allocated public funds to increase his salary and award himself bonuses, receiving almost $80,000 in unauthorized payments, according to the Justice Department.


Britney Spears asks judge to deny mother's request she pay more than $600,000 in legal fees
Spears' attorney argued she has spent nearly $1.7 million for her mother to live “in a large, expensive house” in Louisiana during her conservatorship.


Infographic: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and political turmoil
The tourism-reliant island nation faces one of its worst financial and political crises.

Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall shares first update since being wounded in Ukraine attack: "I feel pretty d*** lucky to be here"
Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski and fixer Oleksandra "Sasha" Kuvshynova were killed in the same attack.


WATCH: Gov. Noem tells GOP to 'get over yourself’ and listen for the sake of America
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem charged the Republican Party to listen and be willing to engage in civil conversation with others to “restore America to what its founders intended: a notion of free men and women.”


Man charged in Jan. 6 riot backs out of plea deal after fellow defendant acquitted
The acquittal of Matthew Martin was the "proverbial straw that broke the camel's back" for defendant Shawn Witzemann, his attorney said.


Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of using 'mobile crematoriums' in Mariupol
Russia is being accused by Ukrainian officials of using "mobile crematoriums" to incinerate dead civilians in the city of Mariupol.

Mitch McConnell's answer on Trump 2024 makes zero sense | CNN Politics
On February 13, 2021, Mitch McConnell said this on the floor of the Senate about Donald Trump's actions on January 6: "Former President Trump's actions preceding the riot were a disgraceful dereliction of duty."

Kentucky man charged with attempting to kill mayoral candidate
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday the indictment of a Kentucky man who allegedly shot at a Louisville mayoral candidate in February. A federal court in Louisville indicted Quint…


Opinion | No, Jen Psaki’s Move to MSNBC Won’t Taint NBC News
Biden’s press secretary is just another in a long line of political operatives who have turned broadcaster.


Live Updates | First Bushmaster vehicle is headed to Ukraine
CANBERRA, Australia — The first of 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles has left Australia for Ukraine, one week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically requested the Australian-manufactured four-wheel drives.


BLM's $6M mansion purchase prompts call for DOJ investigation: 'Disturbing information'
Black Lives Matter's reported purchase of a $6 million California mansion with charitable donations is sparking calls for the Department of Justice to investigate the politically powerful nonprofit.

Biden speaks with aid workers freed from Afghanistan
President Biden spoke by phone with humanitarian aid worker Safiullah Rauf and his brother Anees Khalil on Thursday, the White House said, days after the Biden administration secured the release of…


How each senator voted on Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court nomination
Three Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins, Mitt Romney and Lisa Murkowski, supported Jackson's confirmation to the Supreme Court.

As COVID creeps closer, White House balances Biden's health with hoped-for return to normalcy
President Joe Biden, who is a tactile politician, didn’t show any concern about mingling at close quarters with those who attended White House events.

Pennsylvania GOP gubernatorial candidate backs 50% permanent gas tax cut
A Republican candidate running in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial election is seeking a hefty cut to the state gas tax.


'Grim milestone' reached in Ukraine with more than 100 attacks on health facilities and transport vehicles, WHO says
WHO said Russia's more than 100 attacks on health-care facilities and transport vehicles in Ukraine violate international humanitarian law.

Ukraine war: Is Russia committing genocide?
There is talk of genocide in Ukraine - but where is the line, and has it been crossed?
www.bbc.com

Jackson’s historic confirmation sets off celebration
Black leaders, White House officials and Democratic lawmakers celebrated Thursday’s historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. &…


Blinken pledges Russian accountability 'one day, one way,' Ukraine pleads for faster NATO aid
Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised that Russia would be held accountable for its war crimes in Ukraine following atrocities revealed in Bucha.

Alabama lawmakers vote to make providing gender-affirming care to trans youth a felony
If the governor signs the measure into law, Alabama would become the third state to block access to gender-affirming care for minors, and the first to mandate prison time.


Analysis: 3 GOP senators buck party to back Biden court pick
WASHINGTON (AP) — By announcing they will vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to the Supreme Court , three Republican senators are marking the historical moment by building legacies of their own.


Louisiana prosecutor pursues own case in Ronald Greene death
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — No longer waiting for a federal investigation that has so far taken two and a half years, a state prosecutor said Thursday that he intends to pursue his own possible charges against the Louisiana troopers involved in the deadly 2019 arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene.


House Republicans want to axe Citi contracts over bank's abortion benefits
Bank already helps workers foot the bill to travel for medical services like transplant or bariatric procedures.


Woman withdraws lawsuit accusing Snoop Dogg of sexual assault
The anonymous woman accused the rapper of sexual assault in a federal lawsuit filed just days before his Super Bowl performance in February.

Four U.S. Secret Service agents suspended over ties to phony cops
WASHINGTON/SPRINGFIELD, Virginia (Reuters) -The U.S. Secret Service has suspended four agents linked to two men accused of impersonating federal law enforcement officers who authorities said gave gifts worth thousands of dollars to agency personnel including one assigned to protect President Joe...

US moves to choke off exports to 3 Russian airlines
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration moved Thursday to choke off U.S. exports to three Russian airlines as part of what officials described as an unprecedented enforcement action. The Commerce Department said the move would prevent the airlines — Russian national flag carrier Aeroflot...


Walmart boosts annual pay for new truck drivers to $110,000
Nation's largest retailer is hiking salaries for drivers in its private fleet. Long-term drivers can earn even more, it said.


Five highlights from Jackson’s Senate confirmation vote
Members of the Senate made history on Thursday, voting 53-47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, the first Black woman and former public defender ever to have been confirme…


Cache of weapons seized from apartments of 2 men accused of impersonating DHS agents | CNN Politics
Investigators said Thursday that they had seized a cache of weapons during a search of multiple Washington, DC, apartments belonging to two men accused of impersonating Department of Homeland Security agents for more than two years.
Sarah Palin Is Back. Her GOP May Have Moved On.
Roberto Gonzalez/GettyWhen Sarah Palin announced her return to politics with a surprise bid for Congress, she might have expected a hero’s welcome from today’s MAGA foot soldiers on Capitol Hill.The former Alaska governor and GOP veep nominee was, after all, a key early endorser of Donald Trump...

Psaki dismisses Texas Gov. Abbott plan to bus illegal immigrants to U.S. Capitol as 'publicity stunt'
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dismissed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s recently announced plan to put illegal immigrants in his state onto a bus and send them to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Pa. Senate candidate Oz reports at least $100M in assets
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Before he gave up his entertainment career to run for U.S. Senate, Mehmet Oz — the celebrity heart surgeon best known as the host of daytime TV’s “The Dr. Oz Show” — amassed assets worth more than $100 million, including homes, stock, life insurance and connections to his...


Ex-officer testifies against mentor at Capitol riot trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Virginia police officer who pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol with another off-duty officer testified on Thursday that he had hoped the mob could overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election that day.


Bucha murders: German report says Russian troops discussed killings
Intercepted audio appears to show Russians talking about shooting town residents, Der Spiegel says.
www.bbc.com
Mitch McConnell On Why He Would Back Trump In 2024: Party Comes First
Mitch McConnell explained why he would support Donald Trump in 2024 despite calling him "morally responsible" for the Jan. 6 insurrection.

McConnell sees 'hallmarks of judicial activism' in Jackson's record but says GOP won't call her 'illegitimate'
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says that despite "judicial activism" concerns, Republicans won't try to undermine Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's legitimacy when she is sworn in as a Supreme Court justice.

Judge strikes down military's limits on service members with HIV
The ruling by a federal district judge found that the Defense Department policy that barred deploying HIV-positive service members is discriminatory.


Jackson won't be sworn in until Justice Stephen Breyer retires
The Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. Watch live and follow the latest news updates and analysis here.

Bucha killings: 'I wish they had killed me too'
A family tells the BBC how Oleg Abramov, a welder in Bucha, was shot dead outside his home.
www.bbc.com

EU countries, Russia trade diplomatic expulsions as tensions rise over Ukraine
A slew of European Union countries and Russia are trading diplomatic expulsions amid boiling tensions over the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said in a st…


Families of transgender children in Texas face decision amid restrictions: stay or move
Some parents of transgender kids say they feel increasingly under threat in Texas.
Fact check: Biden signed anti-lynching bill into law, despite false claims online
Contrary to a claim on Facebook, news footage confirms President Joe Biden signed an anti-lynching bill in the White House Rose Garden on March 29.

China used TV, TikTok stars in discreet Olympics campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — A “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” TV star, a Paralympic swimmer and a self-described “brand king” were among the Instagram and TikTok influencers who were paid by Chinese officials for a discreet campaign that promoted the Beijing Winter Olympics, new Justice Department...


US speeds entry for Ukrainians as more reach Mexico border
TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — The United States has sharply increased the number of Ukrainians admitted to the country at the Mexican border as even more refugees fleeing the Russian invasion follow the same circuitous route.


Rabid fox bites nine people on US Capitol Hill
The female fox was euthanised and her three kits were also put down due to possible exposure.
www.bbc.com
Texas governor’s plans to bus migrants to Capitol met with bipartisan criticism
Republican Greg Abbott’s botched new policy is in response to Biden’s decision to rescind hardline Trump-era immigration policy Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks during a press conference at the Texas Department of Public Safety Weslaco regional office on Wednesday. Photograph: Joel Martinez/AP...

Manhattan DA insists Trump criminal probe remains active
Former President Trump and his real estate business remain under criminal investigation by the Manhattan DA's office despite recent staff resignations, the DA says.

Abortion rights backers block 'trigger' law in Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Abortion rights proponents scored a surprising victory in Nebraska by derailing a bill that would have automatically outlawed abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturns its 1973 Roe v.


Surviving 25 nights tied to a railing - Ukrainian
Sixty-year-old Mykola Klymchuk describes scenes of horror when held by Russian soldiers in a basement.
www.bbc.com

Michelle Obama: Ketanji Brown Jackson gives Black women and girls 'a new dream to dream' | CNN Politics
Former first lady Michelle Obama praised Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday, thanking the judge, newly confirmed to the US Supreme Court, for giving Black women and girls "a new dream to dream, a new path to forge, and a future we can all be hopeful for."

Yemen president hands power to council in major shake-up
Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi tells a new leadership council to negotiate a peace deal with the Houthis.
www.bbc.com

Yellen calls for crypto regulation to reduce risks, fraud
WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says more government regulation is needed to police the proliferation of cryptocurrency and ward off fraudulent or illicit transactions.


2 killed, at least 15 injured in shooting at Tel Aviv bar
Police said there were “indications” it was a terrorist attack — the fourth deadly assault in Israel in less than three weeks.


Texas rejected more than 12 percent of mail-in ballots in March primary after new GOP law
Texas rejected nearly 25,000 mail-in ballots in the state’s March primary election, marking a significant jump in discarded votes after a restrictive voting law was passed last year under Rep…


No charges for officers in 2016 fatal shooting of California couple found unconscious in car
Marquintan Sandlin and Kisha Michael, who were Black, were killed by Inglewood police responding to a call about a vehicle stopped in traffic lanes.


Seeing Bucha atrocities is turning point for media, viewers
NEW YORK (AP) — CBS News reporter Debora Patta has covered conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, and the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Europe. She has seen violence and death at close range before.

Biden just canceled a big chunk of student debt. Here's everything he's done so far to address the $1.7 trillion crisis.
From extending the student-loan payment pause to canceling debt broadly, here's everything Biden has done on the issue to date.
Congress selects lawmakers to hammer out deal on semiconductor chips funding
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. House and Senate lawmakers said Thursday they have chosen negotiators to hammer out a deal on a bill to provide $52 billion in government subsidies for semiconductor production after months of discussion. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and Republican House...

Trans youth medication ban passed by Alabama lawmakers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity — a bill...


Kansas researcher convicted of illegal secret China work
A researcher was convicted Thursday of illegally concealing work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas

Atrocities spur NATO nations to send more weapons to Ukraine
BRUSSELS (AP) — Spurred into action by reports of atrocities in Ukraine, NATO countries agreed Thursday to ramp up the supply of weapons to Kyiv, including hi-tech arms, amid concerns that Russia is about to launch a large offensive in Ukrarine's eastern Donbas region.


Jan. 6 witnesses held in contempt: Who, why and what's next
WASHINGTON (AP) — Several witnesses sought by the Jan. 6 committee investigating the insurrection at the Capitol are being held in contempt of Congress for failing to cooperate with the probe of the deadly 2021 attack, when Donald Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of Joe...


US speeds entry for Ukrainians as more reach Mexico border
TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — The United States has sharply increased the number of Ukrainians admitted to the country at the Mexican border as even more refugees fleeing the Russian invasion follow the same circuitous route.


Biden HHS Sec. Becerra suggests support for taxpayer-funded gender-altering procedures on children
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra appeared to express support on Wednesday for taxpayer funds being spent on gender reassignment surgeries on children.

Social programs weak in many states with tough abortion laws
States with some of the nation’s strictest abortion laws are also some of the hardest places to have and raise a healthy child, especially for the poor, according to an analysis of federal data by The Associated Press.


Amir Locke's mom pushes for end to 'no knock' warrants after cop not charged in son's death
Amir Locke's mother sounded off against the laws that permit "no knock" warrants after prosecutors decided not to charge the officer who shot her son.

House suspends trade relations with Russia, Belarus
The House approved legislation Thursday that would codify the Biden administration’s ban on Russian oil imports and suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. Passage of both bil…


Turkey to move trial of Khashoggi suspects to Saudi Arabia
ISTANBUL (AP) — A Turkish court decided Thursday to transfer the trial of 26 Saudis accused in the gruesome killing of Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, raising fears that those responsible for the death of the Washington Post columnist won't be brought to justice for a crime that drew...


8 dead in explosion at military camp bar in eastern Congo
A spokesman for Congo's government says at least eight people are dead in the country's east after an explosion at a bar in a military camp
Jury in Michigan governor kidnapping case ends fourth day of deliberations
Prosecutors said Adam Fox, Brandon Caserta, Barry Croft Jr. and Daniel Harris planned to abduct Governor Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home in northern Michigan, aiming to end what they perceived to be draconian restrictions championed by the Democrat to control the spread of coronavirus...

Pakistan's top court blocks PM's move to stay in power
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday blocked Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bid to stay in power, ruling that his move to dissolve Parliament and call early elections was illegal. That set the stage for a no-confidence vote by opposition lawmakers, who say they have enough support...

Ohio Right to Life backs JD Vance for open US Senate seat
Republican JD Vance received the coveted endorsement Thursday of Ohio's oldest and largest anti-abortion group, Ohio Right to Life. The announcement could distinguish the venture capitalist and author of “Hillbilly Elegy” with GOP primary voters in the crowded race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen...

Major outage forces Puerto Rico to shutter schools, offices
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — More than a million customers in Puerto Rico remained without electricity on Thursday after a fire at a main power plant caused the biggest blackout so far this year across the U.S.

Mail-order abortion pills become next US reproductive rights battleground
The FDA has dropped a requirement for the abortion drug mifepristone to be picked up in person – but some Republicans states are clamping down Pro-choice campaigners at the Oklahoma capitol. Republican legislators in many states are passing restrictions and bans on abortion. Photograph: Sarah...

Opinion: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner go their own way on January 6 | CNN
Michael D'Antonio writes that by cooperating with the Jan. 6 House select committee, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are trying to reestablish themselves as figures independent from former President Donald Trump.

Pink Floyd reunites to support Ukraine
After a decadeslong hiatus from recording new music, the band is releasing "Hey Hey Rise Up" to support humanitarian relief in Ukraine. Roger Waters isn't involved.


Judge tosses Girl Scouts' recruitment suit vs. Boy Scouts
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge rejected Girl Scouts' claims Thursday that the Boy Scouts created marketplace confusion and damaged their recruitment efforts by using words like “scouts” and “scouting” in recruitment drives.


Chicago church stands by move to 'fast' from 'whiteness' during Lent
The pastor of a Chicago area church that called on parishioners to “fast” from “whiteness” during the Lenten season is defending the controversial move amid public outcry.

McConnell: Not ‘a front page headline’ that I’d back GOP nominee in 2024
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Thursday defended his stance of supporting former President Trump as the Republican nominee in 2024 should Trump run again, saying he has “an obligation t…


Opening Day in MLB: New No. 21 patches, NL DHs and Guardians
Andrew McCutchen got the first hit of the year, up against the still-dormant ivy at Wrigley Field. He delivered as a National League designated hitter. Wearing a Roberto Clemente No. 21 patch, too.


Tiger is back at Masters, and it already felt like a victory
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods playing the Masters again, his shirt as pink as the azaleas at Augusta National, would have been enough reason to celebrate Thursday. It felt that way to him, too.



Pelosi positive for COVID-19, was at White House with Biden
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after appearing unmasked at a White House event with President Joe Biden. Pelosi, D-Calif., received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic, her spokesman Drew Hammill said Thursday in...


Experts say US suspension of COVID aid will prolong pandemic
LONDON (AP) — In the latest Senate package targeted at stopping the coronavirus, U.S. lawmakers dropped nearly all funding for curbing the virus beyond American borders, a move many health experts slammed as dangerously short-sighted.


Washington elite faced with a growing resurgence of COVID-19 infections
On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the latest high-profile Washington dignitary to test positive for COVID-19.

Two Biden Cabinet members among dozens of positive Covid-19 cases after elite Gridiron dinner | CNN Politics
Two members of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, becoming some of the latest high-profile Washington figures to contract the virus in recent days.


DC mayor tests positive for COVID-19, reports mild symptoms
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would “work at home while following isolation protocols.” In a series of messages posted to Twitter, Bowser said she took an at-home test Wednesday after developing “cold-like” symptoms.


Shanghai: Residents 'running out of food' in Covid lockdown
Some living in China's biggest city say they're struggling to get supplies weeks into lockdown.
www.bbc.com

Ag Secretary Vilsack joins Speaker Pelosi, Sen. Collins in testing positive for COVID as outbreak spreads among DC officials
Speaker Pelosi's and Sen. Collins's positive tests are the latest coronavirus cases to roil DC, as several government officials have tested positive.
www.usatoday.com

New wave of Covid cases hits U.S. officials, rattles Washington
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, second in line to the presidency, became the latest top official this week to test positive, following two key Cabinet officials and members of Congress.


The five states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases
The rate of new COVID-19 cases is at the lowest it’s been since last summer as the omicron wave subsides. As state governments have begun to move past pandemic-era restrictions, some health e…


Sens. Susan Collins and Raphael Warnock test positive for COVID-19
GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia joined a growing list of politicians on Capitol Hill who have tested positive for COVID-19 this week.


Seven days, 18,000 deaths: A look at omicron’s deadliest week
No week of the omicron wave saw more deaths than the week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. More than 18,400 deaths were recorded, according to NBC News’ tally.


Health Care — Pelosi among burst of new DC COVID-19 cases
The Hill illustration, Madeline Monroe/Greg Nash The White House is brushing off concerns that President Biden could contract COVID-19 as more figures on Capitol Hill and the White House become inf…


Harris presides over Senate maskless after close contact with COVID positive staffer, defying CDC guidelines
Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to violate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by presiding over the Senate without a mask despite acknowledging she had been exposed to a COVID positive individual the day before.

Covid creeps ever closer to Biden
"It’s almost impossible to isolate the president of the United States in a way that would keep him from getting sick," one pandemic expert says.


Covid cases among Washington power brokers put new focus on White House's protocols for Biden | CNN Politics
As President Joe Biden sat at a signing desk in a crowded room at the White House on Wednesday, he was flanked by lawmakers who stood shoulder to shoulder to celebrate a rare bipartisan win: a new law that will modernize the US Postal Service.

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock tests positive for COVID-19
Sen. Raphael Warnock announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 after taking a test on Thursday afternoon, according to a tweet.

House passes aid for restaurants, small businesses affected by Covid pandemic
The $55 billion bill would largely replenish a grant program created by the American Rescue Plan that provides assistance to restaurants.


Congress skips town without passing Covid relief | CNN Politics
Congress punted once again on a massive Covid-19 relief package, leaving President Joe Biden's administration in limbo on one of its top requests from Congress this spring.

FLOTUS’ Press Secretary Michael LaRosa tests positive for COVID-19
First lady Jill Biden's press secretary Michael LaRosa has tested positive for COVID-19, Fox News has confirmed.

Appeals court OKs Biden federal employee vaccine mandate
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden’s requirement that all federal employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 was upheld Thursday by a federal appeals court.


COVID cases tick up in Philadelphia as officials recommend masks indoors
Officials in Philadelphia are recommending residents start wearing masks indoors again due to a spike of COVID-19 cases.

Up to 65% of Africans have had COVID, far more than thought
The World Health Organization said that up to 65% of people in Africa have been infected with the coronavirus and estimates the number of actual cases may have been nearly 100 times more than those reported

Covid: Blood clot risk higher for six months after having virus
Lung and leg clots were much more likely in seriously ill patients, but mild cases can be affected.
www.bbc.com

'I've had long Covid for two years now'
Why are so many people still living with long Covid after two years and are there any hopes for treatment?
www.bbc.com