
(AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

ATMEH, Syria (AP) — The leader of the Islamic State group blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout Thursday, the U.S. said — the second time in three years the United States has taken out a leader of the violent group that has been struggling for resurgence with deadly attacks in the region.ng report from Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

US says new intel shows Russia plotting false flag attack
The U.S. is accusing the Kremlin of an elaborate plot to fabricate an attack by Ukrainian forces that Russia could use as a pretext to take military action against its neighbor.


Senators close in on 'mother of all sanctions' bill against Russia
A bipartisan group of senators is within striking distance of a deal that would impose crippling sanctions on Russia.

US strike framed to spare civilians after mounting criticism
Facing criticism for civilian deaths in U.S. airstrikes, the Biden administration targeted the leader of the Islamic State group in a way that was riskier for American forces, landing dozens of U.S. commandoes outside his Syrian hideout rather than targeting him with an airstrike.


Goodell pressured by Congress to release Washington report
Former Washington Commanders employees and members of Congress are pressuring the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to release a report about the team's history of sexual harassment and its workplace culture.


‘Watered down’ anti-Cheney and Kinzinger resolution advances at RNC winter meeting | CNN Politics
Members of the Republican National Committee’s resolution committee unanimously passed a motion on Thursday to formally censure GOP Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger over their service on the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.


Inside US raid that killed ISIS leader: 'Incredibly complex,' on same scale as bin Laden operation
The U.S. Special Operations counterterrorism mission in northwest Syria Thursday that killed ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was "long planned," and on the level and scale of the U.S. operation to take out Usama bin Laden in 2011, senior administration officials told Fox News.

Russia threatens power grids if Biden moves in Ukraine - Washington Examiner
The nation’s leading expert on protecting the electric grid from attack urges governors to take the lead because the Biden administration won’t.In a new alert, Peter Vincent Pry, the executive director of the EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security, said concerns are growing that...


Biden in NYC: Nation must come together to end gun violence
President Joe Biden is pledging to New Yorkers and the nation that the federal government will step up its fight against gun violence by working more closely with police and communities to stop the surging bloodshed.


Biden details U.S. raid that took out "horrible terrorist" ISIS leader in Syria
"Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more," Mr. Biden said in remarks at the White House.


New revelations raise pressure on Barr to testify on Jan. 6
Democrats are amping up the pressure on William Barr to testify before the panel investigating the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021, saying the former attorney general has a unique window into the th…


Lawyer for Trump campaign tied to fake electors plot - Washington Examiner
Two newly surfaced memos from the aftermath of the 2020 election link former President Donald Trump's team with an effort to create fake election certificates. Jim Troupis, a lawyer hired by the Trump campaign to lead its recount effort in Wisconsin, received the memos outlining a strategy for...

‘I am doing the devils work’ — Staff at Dem firm revolt over work for Sinema
Inside Authentic, employees have aired frustrations over the contract the firm has with the Arizona Democrat. Leadership hasn’t budged on it.


As winter storm moves across US, ice becomes bigger concern
A major winter storm has left about 350,000 homes and businesses without power across the U.S. The multiday storm dumped more than a foot of snow in parts of the Midwest and caused a tornado in Alabama that killed one person and critically injured three others.


Republicans take aim at Biden's Federal Reserve nominees at tense confirmation hearing
Sarah Bloom Raskin was pressed over climate change regulation.


Former Joe Manchin aides lobbied his office, Congress on Build Back Better during lead-up to senator rejecting bill
Sen. Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat from West Virginia, is a pivotal vote in the Senate, which is split 50-50.

House panel investigating Jan. 6 gets serious — and Trump is fuming
The GOP has good reason to worry about its future.


Trump adviser says former president hungry for someone to primary challenge NH GOP Gov. Sununu
Corey Lewandowski says former President Trump asked him to potentially find a credible primary challenger to GOP Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire

South Dakota ethics board wants response from Noem by April
A South Dakota government accountability board has set an April deadline for Gov. Kristi Noem to respond to a pair of ethics complaints.

Top Harris speechwriter set to depart amid wave of staff turnover - Washington Examiner
A top speechwriting aide to Kamala Harris is leaving the White House, returning attention to the vice president’s messaging challenges over the last year and new efforts to right the ship.Kate Childs Graham, Harris’s director of speechwriting, will leave at the end of February, a White House...


Biden says ISIS leader died by suicide bomb in ‘desperate act of cowardice,’ vows to hunt terrorists down
The president gave the final go-ahead for the operation that resulted in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi on Tuesday, an administration official said.


Pelosi says it’s ‘so sad’ ISIS leader blew up civilians along with himself
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Thursday praised the U.S. military operation in Syria against the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) but said it was "sad" the terrorist blew up members of his family along with himself during the overnight raid.

Erdogan offers Ukraine-Russia peace summit to defuse crisis
Turkish president reaffirms at a meeting with Zelenskyy his offer to host a peace summit with Putin.

Massive winter storm blasts Midwest, South, Northeast with snow, dangerous ice
A massive winter storm is pushing east.

Biden vows not to 'abandon our streets' during New York City visit focused on violent crime
Mayor Eric Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said he and President Biden are in lockstep.


America's economic recovery is about to go into reverse
The Omicron variant put a massive speed bump in the road to America's recovery this winter. The first signs of trouble could show up in the January jobs report Friday.


Tense moments in Situation Room as Biden oversaw raid on ISIS leader that was months in the making
President Joe Biden watched in real time Wednesday as US commandos landed in Syria to raid a three-story home, surrounded by olive trees, where the top leader of ISIS was living with his wife and members of his family.


ActBlue still allowing BLM to solicit donations despite charity’s shutdown claim - Washington Examiner
ActBlue, the powerful Democratic online fundraising platform, continues to allow Black Lives Matter to rake in donations, even after the charity claimed Wednesday that it had "shut down online fundraising" amid legal threats from a growing chorus of states. While BLM did on Wednesday remove the...


Schumer falsely claims Supreme Court 'was all White men' until 1981, ignoring Thurgood Marshall
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer skipped over the late Justice Thurgood Marshall when he claimed Thursday that the Supreme Court was made up of "all White men" until 1981.

Seven Americans to play against USA on China’s hockey team - Washington Examiner
Eighteen of the 25 players representing China on its men's ice hockey team at the Beijing Olympics were born or raised in North America, and many have no Chinese ancestry or connection to the country. Seven of the players are American, 11 are Canadian, and one is Russian, according to a report...


Economist Lisa Cook is poised to make history at the Fed – but first she must face a grilling from senators
Lisa Cook will be joined by Sarah Bloom Raskin and Philip Jefferson during a nomination hearing before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's abortion ban proposal stifled by Republican lawmakers
"D.C. does stuff like that, not South Dakota," Governor Kristi Noem said after lawmakers declined to consider her proposal.


GOP senators introduce bill to prevent TSA from accepting arrest warrants as valid forms of ID
Republican Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., have introduced legislation to prevent the Transportation Security Administration from accepting arrest warrants as valid forms of identification, a method the agency was using to identify illegal immigrants traveling by air.

IS chief al-Qurayshi: Why getting him mattered so much to the US
The operation which killed the head of the extremist group was unusually high-risk.


Senators worry Russia will invade Ukraine before they finalize sanctions bill
“I’m concerned that Mr. Putin’s timetable is different than ours. And he may well move before we can get this done,” said Sen. John Cornyn.


A butterfly conservatory is shutting down due to right-wing harassment
The National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, has been embroiled in political turmoil after fighting against the erection of a border wall.


LA Mayor Garcetti announces new $16 minimum wage beginning July 1 - Washington Examiner
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Thursday that the city would raise its minimum wage from $15 to $16.04 as of July 1, marking the first time the city raised the amount since 2015. "We fought to raise the minimum wage because hard work should always be met with the dignity, respect, and...


Lawmakers pressure NFL to release report on Washington's football team as former employees speak to Congress
One of the former employees who spoke before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform also came forward with a new allegation that she was sexually harassed by team owner Dan Snyder himself, which Snyder denied.


U.S. kills ISIS leader, but another is already waiting in the wings
Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi's successor has yet to be revealed, but he'll most likely be another Iraqi steeped in Islamic fanaticism, experts said.


Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Qurayshi killed in Syria, US says
Abu Ibrahim al-Qurayshi blew up himself and his family during a US operation that took months to plan.


Andrew Kerr on Fox Business: BLM has ‘duty’ to clear up money mystery - Washington Examiner
The Washington Examiner's Andrew Kerr argued that Black Lives Matter has a "duty" to its donors to explain how it has been spending their money. During a Fox Business interview Thursday, Kerr talked about his investigation into BLM that raised questions about who is in charge of the group's...


Tense moments in Situation Room as Biden oversaw raid on ISIS leader that was months in the making
President Joe Biden watched in real time Wednesday as US commandos landed in Syria to raid a three-story home, surrounded by olive trees, where the top leader of ISIS was living with his wife and members of his family.


Adams defends dinner with Cuomo
“I’m going to sit down with everyone. No stone will be left unturned to get my city back up and operating,” Adams said.


Push to oust Cheney and Kinzinger from GOP simmers in Congress as RNC debates it - Washington Examiner
A push from hard-right conservatives to oust Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger from the House Republican Conference is simmering in Congress as party leaders at the Republican National Committee debate whether to condemn the two members. Proponents believe it is important to take...


Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know about rising fear of war
The U.S. has obtained intelligence indicating that the Russian government has developed a plan to stage a fake Ukrainian attack to establish a pretext for military action.


Over 300,000 people without power amid massive winter storm
Tennessee is reporting the most outages, with more than 100,000 Memphis residents in the dark.


Michelle Obama: Democrats’ 2024 ‘break glass in case of emergency’ candidate
The former first lady is a known quantity with an authenticity that appeals to Democrats, independents, women and minority voters.


Russia has plan to stage attack as pretext for Ukraine invasion, U.S. alleges
“We don’t know that this is the route they are going to take, but we know that this is an option under consideration that would involve actors,” said deputy national security adviser Jon Finer.

McConnell: Biden Fed nominee seeking to 'bully' companies on climate
Fed nominee pledges she would follow the law.


Four senior aides to Boris Johnson quit amid ‘Partygate’ scandal - Washington Examiner
Four of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aides resigned Thursday amid fallout from the so-called "Partygate" scandal rocking his administration. Chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, private secretary Martin Reynolds, Director of Communications Jack Doyle, and Head of Policy Munira Mirza...


U.S. judge to consider Oath Keepers founder's bid to await trial in Texas
The detained founder of the right-wing Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, obtained a court order on Thursday that bolsters his effort to remain in a Texas jail while he awaits trial on charges of seditious conspiracy for his role in last year's U.S. Capitol attack.

Pelosi to offer ‘full support’ if congressional staffers decide to unionize
Employees at the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently took steps to form unions.


Georgia school district hosts BLM event featuring speaker charged with 'family violence'
A school district in Georgia hosted a Black Lives Matter (BLM) at School event that featured a speaker who has been charged with "family violence."
One Illness Reminds Democrats They Have No Votes to Spare
WASHINGTON — It was the troubling development that Democrats holding a precarious 50-50 Senate majority had long been dreading: One of their colleagues suffered a serious medical episode, leaving them one vote short of a majority with a Supreme Court confirmation vote on the horizon. Adding to...

White House glows in red, white, and blue ahead of Beijing Olympics
The White House has been illuminated in red, white, and blue Thursday night in support of athletes traveling to China for the Olympic Games.
Biden tries to find middle ground on crime and policing, but both progressives and conservatives demand more
President Biden arrived in New York CIty on Thursday afternoon to meet with the city’s new mayor, Eric Adams, and to show support for a city still grieving from the death of two officers, slain last month in the line of duty as they investigated a complaint in Harlem.

Asian shares shrug off tech-led selloff on Wall Street
Asian shares are mostly higher after a historic plunge in the stock price of Facebook's parent company helped yank other tech stocks lower on Wall Street.


Survey shows a glum California
Things look especially bleak for President Joe Biden.


South Dakota governor signs 2022’s first trans athlete ban into law
Gov. Kristi Noem had previously issued executive orders banning trans girls and women from competing on female sports teams in the state.


New DHS Cyber Safety Review Board will investigate major incidents | CNN Politics
The Department of Homeland Security has established a Cyber Safety Review Board to examine “significant cybersecurity events,” a move aimed at ramping up protection of US networks and infrastructure.


Lawsuit accuses Washington, D.C. police of keeping 'watch list' of critics
The District of Colombia's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) maintains a "watch list" of reporters, advocates and critics, and delays or denies requests for public records based on who is making the requests, a lawsuit alleged.

CNN exec’s ouster rattles prominent staff at pivotal time
The abrupt ouster of CNN chief executive Jeff Zucker because of a workplace relationship has left some prominent employees feeling angry and uncertain about the direction of their network at a pivotal moment.


European oil facilities hit by cyber-attacks
Multiple oil transport and storage companies across Europe have been hacked, the BBC has confirmed.


Lawmakers emerge from Russia-Ukraine briefings bracing for invasion
Lawmakers left classified briefings on Russia-Ukraine tensions Thursday warning of the potential for an imminent invasion by Moscow, as the U.S. weighs how to respond to an escalating situation tha…

Biden's New York visit a counter-punch to Republican crime jabs
President Joe Biden's meeting with New York Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday to discuss combating escalating gun crime signals Democrats want to send a message that they will not cede the issue of public safety to Republicans this election year. Republicans contend that a pandemic-era spike in...

New Jersey Supreme Court dismisses Republican challenge to congressional map
The state's highest court ruled that for all the Republicans’ complaints about the process, the lawsuit did not challenge the map itself as unlawful or unconstitutional.

Garcetti says he held his breath during maskless photos at Rams-49ers game
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti says he held his breath when he posed for photos without a mask at Sunday's Rams-49ers game.

Trump's trade war payments to farmers needed more oversight, watchdog says
The payments were designed to mitigate the effects of former President Donald Trump's trade war with China.


Five key things to know about the US raid that killed ISIS leader
The United States carried out a raid early Thursday that killed Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. The operation, carried out in Syria, comes amid concerns about a potent…


In the wake of police killings, Biden visits New York to discuss combatting gun crime
New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants federal help to stop guns coming into the state after two NYPD officers were recently killed in the line of duty.
www.usatoday.com

California delays decision on rooftop solar policy reform
California officials on Thursday said they needed more time to consider whether to adopt a controversial proposal that would reform the state's key rooftop solar power incentive.

US attorney never prosecuted Michigan man after fall Capitol security incident: 'It's alarming he's back'
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia never prosecuted Dale Paul Melvin after he drove his Chevy Tahoe onto the sidewalk of the U.S. Supreme Court near the Capitol last October.

Aldrich sexual assault scandal hits home far from Blackhawks
When Brad Aldrich brought the Stanley Cup home to northern Michigan, it was front-page news in a community that proudly calls itself the birthplace of professional hockey.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin failed to properly report a massive stock holding and payout for his wife — a Biden banking regulator nominee
The nominee, Sarah Bloom Raskin, served on the advisory board of fintech company Reserve Trust.

Biden greenlights $15 million infusion to Democratic campaign committees
The transfers follow the president’s most extensive strategy meetings to date with top party leaders on Wednesday.


Sarah Palin, New York Times clash at trial testing defamation protection for media
Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential candidate, went to trial against the New York Times on Thursday, in a highly anticipated defamation case that could test long-standing protections for American news media.

House Dems' China competitiveness bill includes immigration provisions critics warn could aid Beijing
House Democrats’ China competitiveness bill includes a number of immigration provisions and categories — policies that critics say do not belong in such a piece of legislation and that could lead to abuse by Chinese nationals.

Diehl doubles down on Trump


Republicans promise sanctions for IOC if any US athletes go missing during Beijing Olympics
EXCLUSIVE: Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher will introduce legislation Thursday night to sanction the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should any athlete, fan, member of the press or Olympic participant fall victim to "gross violations of internationally recognized human rights."

GOP’s Cawthorn calls Biden ‘geriatric despot’ on House floor
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) called President Biden an “inept, geriatric despot” in a speech on the House floor Wednesday while criticizing the U.S. deployme…


Mayor denies Dutch city will dismantle historic bridge for Jeff Bezos' yacht
Dutch city won't change rules so Bezos' superyacht can pass under Rotterdam bridge, which isn't tall enough for the 417-foot vessel.


Opinion | Why Conservatives Should Be Eager to Deter Putin on Ukraine
The skepticism of some on the right about foreign entanglements is reasonable. But letting Putin have his way in Europe would be a huge mistake.

Manchin says Build Back Better is 'dead.' Here's what he might resurrect.
In an interview, the pivotal West Virginia Democrat emphasized a desire to "fix the tax code" and discussed policies he can support.

Analysis: Rudy Giuliani hits rock bottom (again) with 'The Masked Singer' cameo
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when Rudy Giuliani was seen as a future face of the Republican Party. Now, he's a punchline.


ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi dies in US military raid in Syria
The raid happened in Syria on Thursday and had been planned for months. U.S. troops suffered no casualties.
www.usatoday.com

What is known about the ISIS leader who died during a U.S. raid in Syria
The leader of the Islamic State group who died during a U.S. raid overnight in northwest Syria was largely a mystery, with almost no known photos, never appearing in public or in the group's videos.


Pelosi says U.S. athletes should not anger 'ruthless' Chinese government at Olympics
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday the United States has a moral duty to condemn China's rights abuses but she urged U.S. athletes not to risk angering the "ruthless" Chinese government, a day before the opening of the Beijing Olympics.

Opinion | Biden Just Took Out ISIS’ Top Leader. What’s Next?
Al-Qurayshi’s death will hamper ISIS in the short term. But America's war in Syria and Iraq probably isn't ending anytime soon.


Biden to sign executive order on federal construction projects in Maryland visit
U.S. President Joe Biden will on Friday travel to Upper Marlboro, Maryland and sign an executive order related to federal construction projects, the White House said.
Biden, Adams strike up alliance as Democrats face new threat: Rising violent crime
Both men are moderate Democrats who fended off rivals on the left to win their respective offices — and Adams is enthusiastically embracing the comparison.


Lawmakers blast federal agencies over 5G standoff
Lawmakers went after federal agencies on Thursday over the tumultuous rollout of 5G technology earlier this year, accusing officials of creating a crisis by failing to communicate over aviatio…

Texas leans on new voting law to reject thousands of primary ballots
Confusing ID requirements and ban on soliciting ballots are inhibiting would-be voters and voting rights advocates Travis county election clerk Dana Debauvoir criticized the new law’s restrictions on mail-in voting. Photograph: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock Officials in Texas...

Ex-West Virginia legislator who stormed Capitol strikes plea deal
"Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!” Derrick Evans said in a video he recorded on Jan. 6, 2021.


Pence aides decline to talk about direct conversations with Trump even as they answer other questions | CNN Politics
Top aides to Vice President Mike Pence did not discuss direct conversations with former President Donald Trump over several hours of questioning in recent interviews with the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection, three sources familiar with the probe tell CNN.


Top Senate Republican: Congress ‘probably’ headed for third stopgap bill to prevent shutdown
Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), top ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, suggested on Thursday that Congress could have to pass another stopgap bill to keep the government funde…


The Winter Olympics start Friday. Here's how to follow along
The 2022 Olympics kick off in Beijing on Friday. Here's how to watch the opening ceremony and follow NPR's coverage for the next two weeks.


Head of Puerto Rico's financial board resigns
Natalie Jaresko is stepping down after a debt-restructuring deal reduced the largest part of the island’s $70 billion public debt.


Kansas woman charged with leading an all-female ISIS battalion in Syria ordered jailed ahead of trial
Government witnesses say Allison Fluke-Ekren "wanted to die in Syria as a martyr."


Boris Johnson rocked by wave of No 10 resignations
The PM seeks to rally remaining No 10 staff, telling them "change is good", after a fifth adviser quits.


"It is really unfair": U.S. State Department cancels Fulbright program for Afghan scholars
The move leaves 140 Afghan semifinalists without access to the prestigious scholarship after almost a year of waiting.


He was exonerated in the killing of Malcolm X but his fight for justice is not over
Mohammad Aziz, who was exonerated in killing Malcolm X, reflects on the shadow the wrongful conviction cast on his life in an ABC News "Soul of a Nation" special.
California county on track to be run by militia-aligned group
Shasta county’s recall efforts highlight how distrust in the government has led to increasing extremism in local politics A ‘State of Jefferson’ sign hangs on a structure along Interstate 5 in California. Photograph: Tracy Barbutes/The Guardian A retired police chief and self-described Reagan...

‘The fight came to us’: Schumer the judicial warrior heads into SCOTUS battle
Republicans point to the majority leader as the catalyst for a snarled judicial confirmation process. Democrats see a leader who wanted to prevent the courts from leaning too far right.


'Rocked': NASA scientists brave bumpy flights into winter storms
Last weekend’s nor’easter canceled flights, forced power outages and tangled traffic throughout the Northeast. It was the hammering storm researchers had been waiting for.


South Dakota Republicans block Noem abortion ban
South Dakota Republicans have blocked Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R) bill seeking to ban almost all abortions in the state over concerns its language could interfere with another legal challenge again…


Medicare beneficiaries to get no-cost at-home Covid-19 tests
Medicare will directly pay certain pharmacies and other participating entities.


Biden repeats debunked Second Amendment cannon claim, says 'no amendment is absolute'
President Joe Biden said Thursday that “no amendment is absolute” while discussing the Second Amendment and repeated a debunked claim that cannons were prohibited at the time the amendment was passed.

Rising Brooklyn rapper TDott Woo fatally shot as gun violence plagues hip-hop community
Brooklyn rapper TDott Woo, whose legal name is Tahjay Dobson, was shot and killed outside his home in Canarsie, a residential area in Brooklyn, New York. He was 22.

U.S. reveals Russian plot to use fake video as pretense for Ukraine invasion
The U.S. believes Russia has already recruited players for propaganda video showing "staged false explosion with corpses, actors depicting mourners, and images of destroyed locations and military equipment."


Sarah Palin to resume court battle with The New York Times after Covid illness
A judge put off the trial last week to give an unvaccinated Palin time to get over any possible symptoms.


When and how the winter storm will hit major US cities | CNN
A winter storm has begun to bring heavy snow, sleet and dangerous icy conditions to dozens of major cities across the Central Plains and the Midwest.

Biden Uses New York Trip to Crush ‘Defund the Police’
LEAH MILLISAs a candidate, President Joe Biden cautiously trod the narrow path between supporting a newly invigorated abolitionist movement within the Democratic Party and working with the police unions he had worked with for decades.But as murder rates rise in large cities across the country...

Ex-head of U.S. Human Rights Campaign sues group, alleging racial discrimination
The Black former president of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group in the United States, sued the organization on Thursday, accusing it of racial discrimination in his firing last year.

Biden lands a presidential moment that may be fleeting with strike on ISIS leader | CNN Politics
The US commando raid in Syria that resulted in the death of the top leader of ISIS came at a moment when President Joe Biden was badly in need of a commander-in-chief moment with his leadership under siege at home and overseas.

GOP senator: $1.5 million private sector payout to Biden nominee ‘doesn’t smell right’
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) on Thursday challenged Sarah Bloom Raskin, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the Federal Reserve’s vice chair for supervision, over the role she played in helping R…


Congress takes up controversy over 5G service near airports
A congressional committee is looking into the controversy over the launch of new high-speed wireless service and whether it poses any threat to airline safety

McCarthy slams Biden for failing to condemn 'soft-on-crime' Dems during NYC trip, calls for GOP House majority
EXCLUSIVE: House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy slammed President Biden for failing to publicly condemn 'soft-on-crime' politicians during his visit to New York City Thursday, and urged Americans to 'entrust' Republicans with the House majority.

IS leader stayed hidden as he rebuilt his group from defeat
The leader of the Islamic State group killed in a U.S. raid overnight in northwest Syria was largely a mystery, with almost no known photos, never appearing in public or in the group’s videos.


Kruger seeks to follow path to 'impartial and fair justice'
Leondra Kruger was once a clerk to Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and she's often thought of his advice to "always work hard and do your best.”


Amazon hikes annual price of Prime membership
Higher transportation costs and wages are behind first Prime subscription price hike in nearly four years, Amazon said.


'Ghost guns' in crosshairs of Biden firearms fight
The Justice department is to crack down on homemade firearms made, bought and sold without records.

Republican Party has a split personality on the issue of vowing to appoint a Black female justice
Republican criticism of President Biden's intent to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court comes at a tenuous time — as the party tries to expand its Black outreach.Why it matters: The GOP had hoped to capitalize on Biden's lower approval ratings among Black Americans, as well as recent...

Lewandowski says Trump asked him to look for challenger to Sununu
Former President Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski on Wednesday said that Trump has tasked him with finding a primary challenger to run against New Hampshire Gov. Chris Su…


CDC data shows major disparities in Black people with HIV infections
Black people account for a much higher proportion of new HIV infections compared to other races and ethnicities, and a majority of them reside in residentially segregated and vulnerable areas, …


Ex-employees detail alleged harassment by Dan Snyder, Washington Commanders owner, on Capitol Hill
Snyder sexually harassed female subordinates for years, six former employees told a congressional committee roundtable.


Medicare opens up access to free at-home COVID-19 tests
The Biden administration says people with Medicare will be able to get up to eight free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month, starting in early spring.


Michigan man parks car illegally outside of Supreme Court after being arrested in October for similar actions
Dale Paul Melvin parks car outside of Supreme Court after being arrested in October for doing similar.

A newly identified 'highly virulent' HIV strain is 'no cause for alarm,' scientists say
The newly identified, more infectious strain of HIV likely began circulating in the Netherlands in the 1990s and responds well to treatment, according to researchers.


Classified State Dept email: Hunter Biden undercut US anticorruption efforts in Ukraine
The email discussed concerns of the US standing against corruption while a member of a prominent political family sits on the board of a company at the center of anti-corruption allegations.
Biden approval rating drops to a new low of 41%, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
President Joe Biden's public approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency this week, a danger sign for his Democratic Party which risks losing control of Congress in the Nov. 8 elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll. The national poll, conducted Feb. 2-3, found that...

IRS is shifting 1,200 employees from other duties to whittle down a tax return backlog
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is shifting 1,200 employees from other duties to help address potential processing delays for 2021 tax refunds and a backlog of 2020 returns as the agency struggl…


Couple sues fertility clinic, claiming doctor inseminated woman with stranger's sperm
An Ohio couple filed a lawsuit against a fertility clinic after they claim that a sperm mixup resulted in their daughter not being biologically related to the man who raised her.


Susan Sarandon facing backlash for ‘mocking heroes’ in anti-cop Twitter post | CNN
Susan Sarandon is facing backlash from law enforcement for a Twitter post she shared comparing the officers gathered at slain NYPD Detective Jason Rivera’s funeral to fascists.


US alleges Russia planning false flag operation against Ukraine using 'graphic' video
US officials alleged Thursday that Russia has been preparing to "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" of Ukraine by creating "a very graphic propaganda video" that would depict a fake attack by Ukraine against Russia.


President Biden, NYC Mayor Eric Adams release plans to curb gun violence
President Joe Biden and New York City Eric Adams have put out detailed plans on combating the growing gun violence issue in the country.

For Uyghur torchbearer, China's Olympic flame has gone dark
At the age of 17, Kamaltürk Yalqun was chosen to help carry the Olympic flame ahead of the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.


Black, Republican Virginia delegate says Black Caucus rejected him
Black Virginia state delegate speaks to Fox News about rejection from state's Black Caucus.

War Powers Caucus leader demands Biden get congressional approval before military action against Russia
EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans from the War Powers Caucus are reminding President Biden of Congress' sole power to declare war as the Biden administration plans to send troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia.

Some Trump endorsements spark frustration and fractures in GOP
Donald Trump recently extended an enticing offer to Vernon Jones: drop your flailing gubernatorial bid to run for a US House seat in Georgia, and you'll earn the former President's endorsement.


Meta, formerly Facebook, faces historic drop as stock tanks
Meta is putting a lot of virtual eggs — and billions of dollars — into the metaverse basket, and Wall Street is spooked.


Freedom Convoy: No plans to call in military, says Trudeau
Organisers say they plan to stay in Ottawa until Covid-19 health mandates are lifted nationwide.


US oil prices hit $90 a barrel for the first time since 2014 | CNN Business
US oil prices jumped above $90 a barrel on Thursday for the first time in more than seven years.
Boston Fed, MIT release technical research on central bank digital currencies
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) unveiled on Thursday long-awaited technical research and open-source code that could be used as the groundwork for a potential central bank digital currency. The research does not suggest that the U.S...

Winter storm: 1 dead in Alabama tornado, 130,000 in the dark in Tennessee
Freezing rain has brought down power lines and plunged much of the region into darkness.


Oklahoma National Guard teaming up with troopers to help stranded drivers
Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma National Guard are working together to help drivers who find themselves stranded in the snow.

Bridgeport NAACP asks DOJ to investigate police department following Lauren Smith-Fields and Brenda Lee Rawls cases
Bridgeport NAACP is calling on the Department of Justice to investigate police department following Lauren Smith-Fields and Brenda Lee Rawls cases.

MacKenzie Scott donates $133.5 million to educational nonprofit Communities In Schools
The donation could help millions of students who have had their education impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


State Department warns Russia, China alliance to backfill severe economic sanctions will fail: 'Putin knows'
The State Department on Thursday warned that, if Russia invades Ukraine, any attempts to offset harsh sanctions against the Kremlin by bolstering the Russia-China alliance will be insufficient.

Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prison
The former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.


How to prevent early birth? Study explores sugarless gum
A new study raises the possibility that simply chewing sugarless gum might make a difference in reducing early births.

Georgia Republicans' move to redraw local voting maps raises cries of power grabs
(Reuters) -Republican state lawmakers in Georgia are pushing legislation to redraw electoral maps in three counties in a move that would effectively override local officials who have traditionally wielded that power in what has become a battleground state. Democrats and voting rights activists...

Don Euro: Italian ex-priest jailed for extortion
Luca Morini was known for his frequent requests for contributions from his parishioners.


Biden admin barred India travel from union workers, career officials, but allowed top political appointees
A new court ruling exposed that the Biden administration allowed international travel to India for political appointees while blocking travel for career officials and labor union workers, which the administration has pledged to support.

Biden administration 'botched' Afghan evacuation: Senate Republican report
“The United States will have to deal with the fallout of this failure for years to come,” said Republican Sen. James Risch of Idaho.


ESPN to have all-woman crew for Warriors-Jazz game next week
Beth Mowins made ESPN history in 2017 when she was the first woman to call a “Monday Night Football” game.


New York Legislature OKs gerrymander that could net Democrats 3 more seats
Nationally, Democrats have called for banning gerrymandering, but in Albany, they drew partisan maps that could help them.


Analysis: DeSantis strategizes for his future while Trump obsesses over his election loss
Donald Trump is still waging his hopeless fight to win the last White House race. But his possible heir apparent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, already seems to be trying to triumph in the next one.


Shares of Facebook parent Meta plunge 23% on lower profits
Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, saw its stock plunge in after-hours trading after reporting a rare decline in its fourth quarter profit due to a sharp increase in expenses.


Senate Dem leader meets with Biden to talk Supreme Court
President Joe Biden had Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer over to the White House on Wednesday to talk about how to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court.


Trump Jan. 6 comments renew momentum behind riot probe
Former President Trump is renewing the momentum behind the probe into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, adding fuel to the panel’s various lines of inquiry and plans for reform as he simmers over t…


Governor hopeful goes all-in on Trump … in Massachusetts
Gov. Charlie Baker's decision not to run for a third term opened a moderate lane for gubernatorial candidates. Geoff Diehl didn't take it.


Ukraine crisis: US to deploy more troops to Eastern Europe
Pentagon stresses US forces are not going to Ukraine, but to bolster security of NATO nations in Eastern Europe.

President Xi Jinping, China's 'chairman of everything'
The last time the Olympics came to China, Xi Jinping oversaw the whole endeavor. Now the Games are back, and he is running the entire nation.


Mississippi governor signs bill legalizing medical marijuana
The state is the 37th in the nation to establish a medical marijuana program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.


Rudy Giuliani’s reveal on ‘Masked Singer’ prompts walk-off by judges: reports
Two judges on Fox’s “The Masked Singer” walked off the set in protest after it was revealed that former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was a contestant, Deadline and TMZ r…


Democrat senator's illness won't affect SCOTUS nominee consideration, Schumer says
A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the upcoming prolonged absence of Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., will not affect the Senate's schedule for confirming President Biden's pick to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.

US special operations forces conduct raid in northwestern Syria, Pentagon says; civilians reported dead
U.S. special forces carried out what the Pentagon said was a large-scale counterterrorism raid in Syria. First responders said 13 people were killed.
www.usatoday.com
Supreme Court approval rating tanks as Biden weighs Breyer replacement
Data: Pew Research Center; Chart: Baidi Wang/AxiosAmericans' disapproval of the Supreme Court has been rising, with 44% now having an unfavorable opinion, according to new survey results from Pew Research Center.Why it matters: The shift comes as President Biden weighs a replacement for Justice...

Two 'alternate electors' sue Jan. 6 committee to block subpoena
Arizona GOP Chair Kelli Ward and her husband, who are both doctors, argue that turning over their phone records would violate their patients' rights to privacy.


George W. Bush donated thousands to Trump impeachment supporters Cheney, Murkowski
Former Republican President George W. Bush donated to two prominent critics of former President Trump who both voted to impeach him toward the end of his term.

Top Republicans leery of major Supreme Court fight as some conservatives itch for battle | CNN Politics
Sen. Kevin Cramer had just arrived at the US Capitol on Monday night when he found Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the floor of the Senate.

What is Biden's take on Tesla? White House straddles EV growth, union jobs as petition goes viral
The White House straddles EV growth and union jobs as a petition demanding that Biden acknowledge Tesla's leadership in the technology goes viral.
www.usatoday.com

Former Navy captain pleads guilty to taking nearly $68,000 in bribes
A former Navy captain pleaded guilty on Wednesday to accepting nearly $68,000 in bribes from a foreign defense contractor to benefit his ship husbanding company.Donald Hornbeck, 61, admitted to rec…

Split on the right: Breitbart joins Facebook and Google in opposing news media bill
Staffers of the conservative outlet have urged GOP lawmakers to oppose a bill that would help news publications demand compensation from social media giants.


Russia crisis exacerbates US political divisions
The White House forcefully criticized a GOP senator on Wednesday for language it said parroted Russian talking points, as fault lines between President Biden and his staunchest GOP critics deepened…


‘Barrage of attacks’: Civilians killed in US raid in Syria
Six children and four women among 13 people killed as US special forces launch raid in Idlib, first responders say.

Biden nominee ensnared in debate over 'woke' Fed
The tensions underscore the political perils for the Fed.


Economist Lisa Cook is poised to make history at the Fed – but first she must face a grilling from senators
Lisa Cook will be joined by Sarah Bloom Raskin and Philip Jefferson during a nomination hearing before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.
EPA: New mail-delivery fleet needs more electric vehicles
A U.S. Postal Service plan to replace its huge fleet of mail-delivery trucks has too few electric vehicles and falls short of President Joe Biden's goals to address climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday. In a sharply worded letter, the EPA says the Postal Service...

Winter storm packing snow, freezing rain moves across US
A winter storm is bringing a mix of rain, freezing rain and snow to the central U.S. Airlines canceled thousands of flights, officials are urging people to stay off roads and schools are closed.


Ukraine tensions: Russia condemns destructive US troop increase in Europe
Extra US troops will go to Poland, Romania and Germany amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.


EXPLAINER: Why Europe lacks voice, power in Ukraine crisis
Many European Union nations are wary about spending big on their militaries. They remain scarred by losing tens of millions of lives on their soil in two world wars.


Burning North Carolina fertilizer plant contains enough ammonium nitrate to ignite "one of the worst explosions in U.S. history," fire chief says
Ammonium nitrate is the same chemical compound behind the massive 2020 Beirut port explosion.


Justice Department could pursue charges against states involved in fake electors scandal
The Justice Department could pursue criminal charges against states involved in the fake electors scandal. NBC News’ Hallie Jackson is joined by NBC justice correspondent Pete Williams to discuss how the January 6 committee has already subpoenaed 14 people from these states.


Trump meddles in Georgia race to get candidate to back his 2020 falsehoods
Former President Donald Trump has offered Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Vernon Jones his endorsement in a congressional contest if Jones agrees to exit the GOP primary for governor to instead run for Congress, according to two people familiar with the matter, both of whom said Trump's...


Alphabet stock's big day could mean a windfall for Nancy Pelosi's husband
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, an investment manager and options trader, could be up big on Wednesday with Alphabet's equity pop.
Trump interference exacerbates GOP split on election reforms
The former president's charge that nine Republicans working to reform the Electoral Count Act are "RINOs" isn't making their efforts any easier.


De Blasio reportedly considering run for House seat
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. House, just one month after his term expired in the Big Apple.The New York Post and Politico both reported on …


UAE says it destroyed three drones with ‘hostile’ intent
Defence ministry says it has intercepted drones in UAE airspace, the fourth incident in three weeks.

From heartbreak to TikTok stardom: The amazing journey of the LSU Tiger Girls
One year after not being allowed to compete, LSU's dance team took home the 2022 UDA National Championship with a routine dedicated to fighting sexism in college athletics.


LA Mayor Eric Garcetti offers breathless defense of maskless photo with Magic Johnson - Washington Examiner
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti claimed that he held his breath and lowered his mask briefly in defending a photograph he posed for last weekend with legendary NBA player Magic Johnson and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. Garcetti, a Democrat, said he took "personal responsibility" for the...


Biden nominee faces scrutiny over fintech work, compensation
Sarah Bloom Raskin, President Biden’s nominee to serve as vice chair of supervision at the Federal Reserve, is expected to get some tough questions at a Thursday confirmation hearing over her work …


Chicago Teachers Union leader, vocal critic of Lightfoot, says he won’t seek re-election
The president of the Chicago Teachers Union, who has been a vocal critic of Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot – at one point calling her "relentlessly stupid" -- says he won’t seek a fifth term, according to a report.

White House says it's no longer calling potential Russian invasion of Ukraine 'imminent'
The White House says it will no longer describe a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine as "imminent," suggesting the word sent an unintended message when officials used it last week.


GOP makes new offer in funding talks
Senate Republicans pitched a new offer to Democrats in government funding talks, signaling a step forward in negotiations as leaders face a time crunch with weeks remaining until current funds are …


Flights canceled as states from New Mexico to Vermont brace for winter storm
A severe winter storm is expected to affect states from New Mexico to Vermont, with the National Weather Service warning of "hazardous" conditions.


High court conservatives target O'Connor, Kennedy opinions
For years the Supreme Court moved to the left or right only as far as Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy allowed.


Digital warfare tech at sea helping US foes evade sanctions
MIAMI (AP) — Technology to hide a ship's location previously available only to the world's militaries is spreading fast through the global maritime industry as governments from Iran to Venezuela — and the rogue shipping companies they depend on to move their petroleum products — look for stealthier


McCarthy digs at Swalwell over Democrat’s China competitiveness bill - Washington Examiner
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy took an obvious swipe at Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California reportedly being targeted by a Chinese spy while arguing against the House Democrats’ bill that aims to boost U.S. manufacturing and competition with China. The House this week is...


New York Democrats advance new congressional map that heavily favors Democratic Party
Their map could result in four fewer Republicans in the state's congressional delegation.


New York City Mayor Eric Adams dines with disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo - Washington Examiner
New York City Mayor Eric Adams dined with disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday at a local restaurant, according to multiple reports. The two-hour dinner between the two Democrats took place in a private room at Midtown's Osteria La Baia restaurant, sources told the New York Post. “Mayor...


Here’s why presidents send US troops abroad | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden has approved the deployment of 3,000 US troops to Poland, Germany and Romania to bolster NATO countries in Eastern Europe.


Chinese exiles: Boycott Winter Olympics over Uighur ‘genocide’
Dissidents join rights groups in warning against any effort by Beijing to use Games as ‘sports-washing opportunity’.

Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prison
The former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.


Freedom Convoy: GoFundMe pauses donations to Canada truckers
The protest could require military intervention, the police chief of Ottawa meanwhile suggested.


San Francisco apologizes for historical anti-Asian racism; 4th California city to do so
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution apologizing to Chinese-Americans in the city for historical racism, becoming the fourth California city in the last year to do so, according to a report.

Millions of low-income Americans eligible for tax refund boost this year
Childless workers this year can claim an Earned Income Tax Credit worth up to $1,500 — triple the usual amount.


Al Franken says Whoopi Goldberg isn’t antisemitic, pointing to name change - Washington Examiner
Former Sen. Al Franken defended Whoopi Goldberg over controversial Holocaust remarks that got the co-host of The View suspended for two weeks, pointing to her name as proof that she isn't antisemitic. "I know Whoopi," Franken, who is Jewish, said during a CNN appearance Wednesday. "She's not...


Adulterated cocaine kills 20, sickens 74 in Argentina
Apparently adulterated cocaine has killed 20 people and seriously sickened 74 others in Buenos Aires, sending Argentine authorities on a frantic search for the remainder of the deadly batch before it is consumed.


A website claimed to sell popular songs as NFTs. Some artists say the site never got their permission.
Following the backlash, the website HitPiece on Wednesday displayed a seven-word statement on its homepage: “We Started The Conversation And We’re Listening.”


ISIS leader dies during U.S. special forces raid in Syria, Biden says
Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi died after detonating a suicide bomb that also killed members of his family as U.S. forces closed in, the president said.


Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know about rising fear of war
The United States is bolstering its military presence is central and eastern Europe in response to fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.


Heavy snow falling as storm system threatens to leave a treacherous mix of wintry precipitation for millions from Plains to Northeast | CNN
A mammoth storm dropping significant snowfall Wednesday threatens to paralyze parts of the Midwest and South with ice, snow, dangerously cold temperatures and power outages for days.


International Space Station to crash into the Pacific Ocean in 2031, NASA announces
NASA plans to bring the International Space Station down into an uninhabited part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo when its decades in orbit are done.


Austin and Blinken testify about Afghanistan withdrawal behind closed doors - Washington Examiner
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified about the military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan on Capitol Hill in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.The two Biden administration officials told...


Aussies say famed British explorer's ship found, Americans say not so fast
Cook sailed the HMS Endeavour around the South Pacific in a pioneering voyage before landing on the east coast of Australia in 1770.


Juveniles investigated in bomb hoaxes against black colleges
The six minors reportedly used sophisticated technology to disguise the origin of their calls.


Race is on to save the Great Salt Lake: Will it be enough?
The largest natural lake west of the Mississippi is shrinking past its lowest levels in recorded history, raising fears about toxic dust, ecological collapse and economic consequences.


A Florida man took his grandson magnet fishing. Police are now investigating what they reeled in | CNN
A Florida man and his grandson couldn’t believe their eyes when they reeled in more than just some scrap metal and bottle caps during a magnet fishing weekend trip.


Pakistani forces battle gunmen after Balochistan checkpost raids
At least four soldiers and a civilian killed in two raids overnight on security posts in southwestern province.

Facebook removes ‘Convoy to DC 2022’ group - Washington Examiner
Facebook shut down a group early Wednesday that truckers were using to coordinate a convoy from California to Washington, D.C. Convoy to D.C. 2022, which reportedly had over 130,000 members and was being used to plan a protest of vaccine mandates in parts of the United States, was inspired by a...


Japan border policy keeps thousands of foreigners in limbo
Hundreds of thousands of foreigners have been denied entry to study, work or visit families in Japan, which has kept its doors closed to most overseas visitors during the pandemic.


Luján will return to Senate in 4-6 weeks 'barring any complications' after stroke | CNN Politics
Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who recently suffered a stroke, will be back in the Senate in 4-6 weeks, "barring any complications," according to a person close to the senator.

Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores speaks out against NFL's alleged discrimination
Brian Flores opened up to ABC News about his lawsuit against the NFL over claims of discrimination against Black coaches.

Ottawa officials say they’re looking at ‘every single option’ to help end the trucker protest as demonstrations enter 6th day | CNN
The ongoing protest by Canadian truckers over Covid-19 health restrictions is now an “unlawful” occupation of the country’s capital, Ottawa officials said Wednesday.


White House taps three outside advisers as Supreme Court battle shapes up - Washington Examiner
The White House has tapped three outside advisers to usher President Joe Biden’s eventual Supreme Court pick through the confirmation process for the court, a high-stakes appointment for Democrats who have urged the president to move quickly.Biden’s pledge to nominate a black woman to fill...


Former Louisville officer sentenced to 2 years in prison for striking protester in head with baton
Cory P. Evans, 34, pleaded guilty to using unreasonable force against a man on his knees during a May 31, 2020, protest over the death of Breonna Taylor.


The illegal Brazilian gold you may be wearing
A special task force is conducting raids deep in the Amazon to target what it calls "blood gold".


Ohio judge again blocks law requiring cremation or burial of fetal remains
The order marks the second time in the past year the judge has halted implementation.


Covid: New Zealand unveils phased border reopening plan
It first allows fully jabbed New Zealanders in Australia to return, later expanding to other visitors.


'Sham' interviews and mistaken Bill Belichick texts: 6 takeaways from Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL
“In certain critical ways, the NFL is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation,” the racial discrimination suit says.


Fugitive who was arrested and released in Texas after escaping Louisiana jail captured again
Dakeylon Berry is accused of committing violent crimes in Houston after fleeing Louisiana.


Authorities searching for 2-day-old baby in Tennessee after mother found fatally shot
An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday for the newborn, Kennedy Hoyle.


Washington Football Team reveals new team name, the Commanders
After two years of speculation, the Washington Football Team revealed its new name and new look on Wednesday as the Washington Commanders.

Delivery service to pay $50,000 to employee fired after refusing to work Sunday - Washington Examiner
A Florida delivery service agreed to pay $50,000 to an employee who was fired for not showing up to work for a Sunday shift after requesting time off to attend church services. The Tampa Bay Delivery Service, a delivery company used by Amazon, was ordered to pay $50,000 and offer "other relief"...



Scientists demand new investigation of COVID-19 origins ahead of Beijing Olympics
An open letter from 20 international scientists demands a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Covid-19's origins ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

Strained US hospitals seek foreign nurses amid visa windfall
Many American hospitals are looking abroad for health care workers, saying they're facing a dire shortage of nurses amid the slogging pandemic.


The CDC is finally recognizing ‘natural immunity’ — legislators should follow suit
Now that CDC recognizes the protective effect of prior infection, it is time to update vaccination policies and school or work-entry requirements across federal and state or county governments.


When you should be using your at-home COVID tests
There are plenty of rapid tests now. So what do we do with them?

Iowa announces upcoming end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced on Thursday that the state’s public health emergency proclamation for COVID-19 will end in February.“We cannot continue to suspend duly enacted laws …


Australia revisited - a country changed by Covid
Nick Bryant returned to Australia to find a more inward and fractured nation than the one he left behind.


COVID inequity: In Africa, at-home tests are scarce, costly
Unlike rich countries, African nations have very limited access to COVID-19 tests, especially at-home tests.


Europe entering Covid pandemic 'ceasefire', says WHO
The WHO's Europe director says the continent may soon enter a "period of tranquillity" from Covid.


Insight: Why Biden has eased up on Facebook over COVID misinformation
When U.S. President Joe Biden accused Facebook of "killing people" by spreading vaccine lies in July, many experts and researchers hoped it marked the beginning of a White House battle against a flood of misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic coursing through the United States.

Do you still need a mask? Here's how the CDC determines if you should wear one.
Though Covid cases and hospitalizations are falling fast in the U.S., two key metrics are still too high to ditch mask recommendations.


Virginia’s GOP governor wants to join parents’ lawsuit against school mask mandates | CNN Politics
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is asking a circuit court for one of the state’s most populous counties to allow him to join in a lawsuit filed by a group of parents who oppose their local school board’s mask mandate.


Starbucks expects price increases, citing inflation, COVID pay and staffing costs
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson addressed impacts of inflation, COVID-19 related pay and staffing costs on an earnings call this week.

COVID hospitalizations amid omicron 23 times higher among unvaccinated than those who got boosters: report
A new report found during the omicron wave, unvaccinated Americans had higher rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalization than fully vaccinated people with boosters.

Texas hospital fighting COVID-19 surge in community with high comorbidity rates
Statewide in Texas, intensive care units are still running low, with 8% of beds available currently statewide.

COVID creates logistical hurdles for one-on-one Supreme Court nominee meetings with senators
There's no nominee yet, but some senators already disagree about whether virtual meetings would be an option.


How much Covid immunity is out there? Figuring out is crucial — and complicated
Understanding what protections our immune systems have built up so far is key to knowing how the world could emerge from the pandemic.


‘Take back life’: More nations ease coronavirus restrictions
Many countries that have been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus are easing their tough and often unpopular restrictive measures to fight COVID-19.


Students protest book bans by distributing 'Maus,' 'Beloved'
Voters of Tomorrow will distribute Toni Morrison’s "Beloved" and Art Spiegelman’s "Maus."

Restaurant owners pleading for Congress’s help following Omicron surge
The U.S. economy is growing at its fastest rate since 1984. However the restaurant industry is taking the biggest hit since the pandemic began, especially after the Omicron surge. NBC News’ Maura Barrett reports on how business owners are pleading with Congress to do more to keep their...


Long after lockdowns, India’s youth still struggle to find work
Nearly 36 million Indians aged 18-29 were unemployed in 2021, while many others have settled for less paying jobs.

Pa. AG investigates restaurant accused of pushing bogus Covid cures
The owner's daughter allegedly used the restaurant's Facebook page to push ivermectin and hydroxychlorquine to treat Covid-19.

Last edited: