Caption - The Hill
President Biden’s condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a warm criminal” marked a dramatic shift in how the U.S. talks about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To officially affix the “war crimes” label to a country’s actions involves a vigorous, often decades-long legal process, and investigators are already beginning to look at Russia’s conduct.
Biden calls Putin a 'murderous dictator' and 'pure thug' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Thursday called Vladimir Putin a "pure thug" and "murderous dictator," his latest pointed attack against the Russian President as the war in Ukraine rages on.
www.cnn.com
Echoing Biden, Blinken says he believes Russia committing 'war crimes' in Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he "personally" agrees that President Joe Biden that war cimes have been committed in Ukraine.
House votes to further restrict Russian trade after invasion
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus, preparing for President Joe Biden to enact higher tariffs on more products and further weaken the Russian economy in response to its military assault on Ukraine .
apnews.com
Opinion | Putin’s Strange New Messaging on Russian TV
Russia’s flagship news broadcast is a rare window into Kremlin thinking — which is becoming muddier as the war drags on.
www.politico.com
Biden's China 'pivot' complicated by Russia's war in Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden set out to finally complete the “pivot to Asia,” a long-sought adjustment of U.S.
apnews.com
Kremlin: Biden calling Putin a ‘war criminal’ is ‘unforgivable’
The Kremlin on Wednesday said President Biden’s comments calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “war criminal” were “unforgivable,” according to&nbs…
thehill.com
Russia-Ukraine updates: US sanctions Russian military shipbuilder, diamond miner
Updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Russian morale 'flagging' and troops disillusioned in Ukraine, Pentagon says
The Pentagon has seen "anecdotal indications" that the morale of Russian troops is disintegrating after three weeks without substantial gains in Ukraine, according to a senior official.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Cowboy politician 2nd person to go on trial in Jan. 6 riot
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An elected official in New Mexico who helped found the group Cowboys for Trump is headed to trial in Washington next week on a charge related to the violent insurrection at the U.S.
apnews.com
As Ukraine war rages, diplomats near Iran nuclear agreement
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the war in Ukraine rages on, diplomats trying to salvage the languishing 2015 Iran nuclear deal have been forging ahead with negotiations despite distractions caused by the conflict.
apnews.com
Ukrainian official says Russian forces have abducted another mayor
A Ukrainian official on Thursday said Russia had captured another Ukrainian mayor from a town in northeastern Ukraine.Russian forces abducted Viktor Tereshchenko, the mayor of Velykoburlu…
thehill.com
WATCH: Arnold Schwarzenegger tells Russian people the 'truth' about Ukraine
Hollywood legend and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told the Russian people the "truth" Thursday in a video posted across his social media platforms.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Marina Ovsyannikova: Protesting journalist says Russians zombified by propaganda
Marina Ovsyannikova, who interrupted a broadcast to protest against the war in Ukraine, speaks to the BBC.
www.bbc.com
Here are the 8 House Republicans who voted against suspending normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus
The bill passed 424-8 and allows President Biden to increase tariffs on products coming from the two countries amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo considers running against Kathy Hochul despite opposition from his own party
Andrew Cuomo is speaking with allies about possibly running against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Democratic Party officials scoff at the idea.
Blinken says war crimes committed in Ukraine, U.S. experts working to document attacks
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said he agrees with President Joe Biden that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine and U.S. experts were gathering evidence to prove it. Biden told reporters a day earlier that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was a "war...
Russian TV protester resigns, turns down asylum offer
Marina Ovsyannikova says she has refused an asylum offer in France despite potentially facing further prosecution.
Lawyers duel over donations, intent at Fortenberry trial
The questioning became confrontational at times, prompting the judge to step in.
www.politico.com
Top Senate Democrats mull bill to nix credits for companies paying Russian taxes
Two top Senate Democrats said Thursday they are mulling legislation to nix the credits American companies currently get for paying taxes in Russia, after Koch Industries said it would continue…
thehill.comLive updates: Russian invasion of Ukraine
The latest:U.K. intelligence chief says Putin's Plan B is to attack Ukrainian civiliansPentagon: "We would concur" with reports that Putin is "not fully informed"Israel tries to reassure U.S. on Russia sanctionsPew: Americans give Zelensky highest approval rating of international leadersGet...
Pentagon says there was 24-hour period with no shelling observed in Ukraine; U.S. accuses Russia of war crimes
Russian attacks across Ukraine have resulted in numerous civilian deaths over the past day, Ukrainian officials have said.
North Carolina investigating Mark Meadows’ voter registration
The attorney general's office has asked state investigators to look into Meadows, who served as former President Donald Trump's White House chief of staff.
www.nbcnews.com
Russia accuses West of 'Russophobia,' threatens to 'put in place' its enemies
Moscow accuses the West of "Russophobia" and threatened to "put in place" its enemies following support for Ukraine.
Lawyer for mother of Hunter Biden's baby expects indictment
The lawyer for the mother of one of Hunter Biden's children predicted that the president's son will be indicted on charges related to his financial dealings.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
American among civilians killed in Russian attack in Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — An American man was killed in a Russian attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, where he was seeking medical treatment for his partner. The death of Jim Hill was reported Thursday by his sister.
apnews.com
Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal'; NATO chief demands Russia stop the war
Russian shelling attacks led to the partial collapse of an apartment block in Kyiv on Wednesday morning.
Hawley cites 'alarming pattern' in Supreme Court pick's treatment of sex offenders
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley on Wednesday slammed President Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, claiming he's seen an "alarming pattern" of "letting child porn offenders off the hook for their appalling crimes."
www.washingtonexaminer.comSarah Bloom Raskin's Fed withdrawal deals blow to climate activists
Climate change activists were dealt a blow on Tuesday when Sarah Bloom Raskin withdrew from consideration by the Senate for an appointment as the Federal Reserve’s top Wall Street watchdog.
Democrats worry Zelensky offered GOP key talking point
When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to members of Congress on Wednesday and pointedly highlighted President Biden’s role in helping to stop the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, so…
thehill.com
Blinken 'concerned' China may directly support Russia with military equipment
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about concerns the State Department has that China may consider sending direct assistance to Russia to help in their invasion of Ukraine.
www.nbcnews.com
American man killed in Ukraine while waiting in bread line, family says
Jim Hill of Idaho had been living in the capital city, Kyiv, but went two hours north to Chernihiv to seek medical care for his partner, his family said.
www.nbcnews.com
OnPolitics: Ukrainian men forced to separate from their families
The Ukrainian government has barred men aged 18-60 from leaving the country. Those left behind risk never seeing their families again.
www.usatoday.com
Ukraine latest updates: UN says 6.5m displaced inside Ukraine
Ukraine news from March 18: UN also estimates 3.2 million refugees have already fled the country.
U.S. soldiers alive, despite Russia 'fake news' report, U.S. military says
Three current and former members of the Tennessee National Guard falsely identified in a Russian media report as mercenaries who were killed in Ukraine are in fact alive and well, the Tennessee National Guard said on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
Zelensky accuses Germany of being ‘too late to stop war’ by hesitating to sanction Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Germany of prioritizing its economic interests over its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying German support came “too late to stop war.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
White House defends Supreme Court justice pick in face of Hawley scrutiny
The White House is pushing back on Republican scrutiny of Supreme Court Justice nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson after Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley raised questions about her record regarding child sex crimes.
www.washingtonexaminer.comThe influencers behind the Ukrainian PR machine
Lobbyists, lawyers and public relations pros have blitzed Capitol Hill and the media to push Ukraine aid.
www.politico.com
Biden team fears 'mass migration event' from axing Trump pandemic expulsion rule
The Biden administration is reportedly gravely concerned that walking back a Trump-era pandemic policy that enabled the Border Patrol to turn away most illegal immigrants immediately could prompt a "mass migration event."
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Netflix will officially start charging for password sharing in 2023
The company said it has previously encouraged account sharing but that the practices are "impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members."
www.npr.org
Alleged member of Patriot Boys militia group pleads guilty to assaulting an officer on January 6
Lucas Denney's guilty plea came after the Justice Department admitted it had forgotten to formally indict him.
www.cbsnews.com
The post-Trump era has begun
Trump’s social media app “Truth Social” is underperforming and off to a rocky start — even Trump is not an active user.
thehill.com
How dissent was crushed in Belarus
After the country’s disputed 2020 elections, thousands of Belarusians were arrested. Many were beaten and tortured.
How 2 Russian billionaires sought to bolster their reputations in the U.S.
New court documents are shedding light on how the founders of Russia’s Alfa Bank and the Luxembourg-based hedge fund LetterOne.
www.politico.com
Biden: 'I may be Irish, but I'm not stupid'
President Joe Biden poked fun at himself to open his remarks at the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon on Capitol Hill Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Minnesota man vanishes in Ukraine after Russian forces detained him, mom says
Tina Hauser said her son was trying to flee Ukraine when he was removed from a bus headed for Turkey.
www.nbcnews.com
Ohio high court strikes third set of statehouse maps, placing May primary in jeopardy
The Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected maps drawn by the Ohio Redistricting Commission for the third time, striking a major blow to Republicans who control both state legislative chambers and placing the May primary election date in jeopardy.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Republicans hammer Democrats on inflation in midterms advertising | CNN Politics
Republicans are leveraging voter frustration with high prices to hammer Democrats in midterms campaign ads.
www.cnn.com
Fox News appeals defamation ruling over election claims, countersues Smartmatic
Fox News on Thursday appealed a judge's decision to let voting systems company Smartmatic pursue a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit alleging that the network falsely accused it of rigging the 2020 U.S. presidential election against incumbent Donald Trump.
www.reuters.com
Progressives give Biden list of executive order demands including combating climate 'crisis,' racial justice
Frustrated that the Build Back Better agenda failed to pass Congress, the House Progressive Caucus has shifted gears by calling on President Biden to enact a series of their priorities on his own by executive order.
DeSantis Might Be Trump-Lite, but at Least He’s Not Trump
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/GettyWhoever said that Republicans fall in line, not in love, was wrong.In 2008, National Review’s Rich Lowry was mocked for his concupiscent comments about Sarah Palin. “Hey, I think she just winked at me,” Lowry wrote after Palin winked...
Psaki says Chinese refusal to denounce Ukraine invasion 'flies in the face of everything China stands for'
China has remained opaque on its position regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian attacks, civilian deaths and chaos in Ukraine as war enters fourth week
President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to speak Friday about Russia's invasion of Ukraine
U.S. Supreme Court nominee Jackson a tough sell on racial-bias claims
A U.S. Park Police officer said he was demoted and then fired by the agency because he is Black. A Bureau of Land Management employee accused managers at the agency of hostile treatment because she is Black. A pharmacist at a Washington hospital claimed he was dismissed from his job because he...
www.reuters.com
Little progress at talks as Russia bombards Ukrainian cities
Ukraine’s capital Kyiv came under renewed Russian shelling on Thursday as negotiators deem talks ‘complicated’.
National Guard refutes Russian media claims that Tennessee guardsmen killed in Ukraine
The National Guard on Thursday refuted claims it said had been made by Russian media that three Tennessee National Guard members were killed in Ukraine.Pravda, a paper …
thehill.com
Biden to call China's Xi to discuss Russia, economic issues
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will speak Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ongoing economic competition between the two countries and Russia’s war against Ukraine .
apnews.com
Lego figures of Zelensky and Motolov cocktails raise $160K for Ukraine
A small business in Chicago wants to help Ukraine build up the funding it needs to stave off Russian invaders.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden details new aid to Ukraine, promises "more in the days and weeks ahead" to help combat Russia invasion
President Joe Biden condemned Russian leader Vladimir Putin for inflicting "appalling devastation" on Ukraine.
UN votes to secure formal presence in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
Without using the word Taliban, resolution spells out new, one-year mandate for the UN political mission in Afghanistan.
An American who owns a MiG-29 isn't sure the fighter jets would help Ukraine much
A billionaire astronaut who helped train U.S. fighter pilots loves his high-performance Soviet jet but thinks it's no match for Russia's newer planes.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. antitrust enforcers won't challenge Amazon's MGM deal, dashing hopes of monopoly critics
A Democratic vacancy on the Federal Trade Commission leaves Chair Lina Khan without the votes she would need to sue to block the online giant's acquisition of the movie studio.
www.politico.com
WATCH: Cruz says Biden 'got us in this mess' because he's 'scared of Putin'
Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz accused President Joe Biden on Thursday of initiating Russia's invasion of Ukraine because the president didn't "stand up to" Russian President Vladimir Putin.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US vet jailed in Iran sues for $1 billion, alleges torture
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy veteran who was jailed in Iran for nearly two years sued the Iranian government on Thursday for $1 billion, alleging that he was kidnapped, held hostage and tortured. The federal lawsuit describes in unsparing detail the “prolonged and continuous" abuse that Michael...
apnews.comOver 100 Black Law Professionals Show Support For Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson
In February, President Joe Biden chose Jackson, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, to succeed Justice Stephen Breyer.
Russia-Ukraine war: What happened today (March 17)
A roundup of key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
www.npr.org
Drones flying into NATO territory have forced the alliance to decide how to respond -- if at all -- to incidents inside its borders
Last week, a drone flew more than 350 miles beyond Ukraine's western border before crashing in Croatia, a NATO member country. The drone was carrying a bomb, Croatian officials said, and it's still not clear whether it belonged to Ukrainian or Russian forces.
www.cnn.com
Biden takes flak for joke suggesting the Irish are dumb
President Biden took flak Thursday for making a joke during a St. Patrick's Day event in the Capitol that seemingly implied the Irish are stupid.
Survivors emerge from bombed Mariupol theatre
Officials say some survivors rescued from basement of building bombed by Russian forces in southeastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's Zelensky calls on Germany to tear down Russian wall
Ukraine's president accuses Germany of helping Russia create a new type of Berlin Wall.
www.bbc.com
White House punts questions on Hunter Biden's emails to Justice Department
The White House declined to answer multiple questions about newly corroborated documents found on a laptop believed to belong to Hunter Biden.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
IRS commissioner: Massive backlog of unprocessed returns to be eliminated by end of year
The Internal Revenue Service faces a monumental backlog of unprocessed returns, unanswered correspondence as it deals with tax season.
www.usatoday.com
Disney employees among those arrested in Florida human trafficking operation
Several Disney employees and a former judge were among the more than 100 people arrested in connection with a Florida human trafficking operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announ…
thehill.com
Deepfake video of Zelenskyy could be 'tip of the iceberg' in info war, experts warn
A fake video of the Ukrainian president claiming defeat spread on social media on Wednesday.
www.npr.org
Opinion | A No-Fly Zone Is a Calamitously Bad Idea
Zelenskyy’s bravery is something to behold. But we can’t ignore our own national security interests.
www.politico.comHunter Biden Paid Tax Bill, but Broad Federal Investigation Continues
WASHINGTON — In the year after he disclosed a federal investigation into his “tax affairs” in late 2020, President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, paid off a significant tax liability, even as a grand jury continued to gather evidence in a wide-ranging examination of his international business...
U.S. Democrats introduce bill to curb Russian crypto use amid Ukraine crisis
Democratic U.S. senators introduced a bill on Thursday that would enable the president to sanction foreign cryptocurrency firms doing business with sanctioned Russian entities and prevent them from transacting with U.S. customers.
www.reuters.com
Lawsuit: Officers spoke about killing Black Lives Matter protesters
Maryland-National Capital Park Police Officer Mark Miles filed the federal civil rights lawsuit, which alleges discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
www.nbcnews.com
Graphic: Russia's frozen billions
Russia’s central bank no longer has the power to prop up the ruble, which spells trouble for the country’s economy.
www.nbcnews.com
Fauci predicts another rise in COVID-19 cases and need for fourth vaccine shot
The United States may see another rise in coronavirus cases, Dr. Anthony Fauci said, as he also predicted there will be a need for people to get a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why the U.S. and its allies may see China as complicit in facilitating Putin's invasion
“If they say they knew, they are an accomplice; if they say they didn’t know, they were played by Russia,” one expert said. “So neither is a viable option.”
www.nbcnews.com
Warsaw mayor pleads for help with refugee crisis: 'We can't do it alone'
Rafal Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw in Poland, spoke out to say the country needs help with the refugee crisis Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused.
SEE IT: Kanye West hit with 24-hour Instagram suspension
Self-described "genius" Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, saw his Instagram account receive a temporary suspension for violating the platform's guidelines.
www.washingtonexaminer.comU.S. Senators introduce bill to ban U.S. imports of Russian uranium
U.S. Republican Senators on Thursday introduced a bill to ban U.S. imports of Russian uranium to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. The bill https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d7d62189-d0af-478b-a079-8a14304f77cf/barrasso-russianuranianban.pdf comes as the Biden...
US allows Ukrainians fleeing war into the country through Mexico
Mexican official says at least 310 Ukrainians have reached the northern border city of Tijuana by air this month.
GOP pushes to add Russian oil ban into trade bill
A key GOP senator said on Thursday that Republicans will want to add language codifying a ban on Russian oil imports into a House-passed bill to end normal trade relations with Moscow. The Hou…
thehill.com
Biden doles out ethics waivers at greater clip than Trump, watchdog reports
President Joe Biden pledged to lead "the most ethically rigorous administration in history," but his administration has excused top officials from federal ethics regulations at a far greater rate than his immediate predecessor, a watchdog group reported Wednesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Hawley says sentences in 10 child porn cases raise red flags on Supreme Court pick
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) say Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s rulings in nearly a dozen child pornography cases are raising serious concerns about her judicial philosophy, but the…
thehill.com
Message to Moscow: Biden boosts military aid to Ukraine in public display: ANALYSIS
Just weeks ago, the U.S. had refused to detail what weapons it was providing.
January 6 defendant pleads guilty after Justice Department admitted to violating his rights | CNN Politics
A Texas man pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting a police officer with a pole during the US Capitol riot, three days after the Justice Department admitted that his speedy trial rights were violated.
www.cnn.com
WATCH: Sen. Kennedy names leader of the free world, and it’s not Biden
Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana credited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with rising to the forefront of world leadership, suggesting President Joe Biden’s actions in regard to the war in Ukraine have been a “wimp fest.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
U.S. bars ex-spies from becoming 'mercenaries,' following Reuters series
A new law bans the United States' former spies from hiring themselves out to foreign governments right after they stop working for Washington.
www.reuters.com
New Jersey Democrats may want to knock Iowa off the top of the presidential calendar
As Democrats consider selecting new states to go first in the presidential primary calendar, New Jersey pitches itself as a sensible choice.
www.npr.org
House progressives urge Biden to take slew of executive actions on immigration
Progressive House Democrats are calling on President Biden to take a number of executive actions relating to immigration, including expanding protections from deportation, ending the Title 42 public health order, and limiting detention for those who come into the country illegally.
Senators issue bipartisan call to restore donors' tax breaks
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers called Thursday for restoring the charitable deduction for donors who don’t itemize their taxes, a priority for nonprofits nationwide, but a key senator was noncommittal on the question of whether to support legislation designed to boost payouts from...
Cuomo on his future: 'I have a lot of options open, and I'm considering them'
The former governor continued to stoke speculation about a potential comeback, telling reporters who swarmed him after the speech that he hasn't ruled out a return to office — or a potential run for governor.
www.politico.com
US governors look for ways to aid Ukraine, from field hospital kits to rebuilding funds | CNN Politics
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on US officials "to do more" to help his country, governors around the US are mobilizing to bolster shipments of humanitarian aid and other supplies, including at least one state sending personal protective and medical equipment it had been...
www.cnn.com
In US Midwest, communities gear up to help Ukrainians in need
Activists and authorities in Ohio are helping those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and preparing for refugees.
Ex-RNC chairman blasts Trump: ‘Not fit to lead this nation’
Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Marc Racicot slammed former President Trump over his comments on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, writing that the ex-commander in chief is “not fit…
thehill.com
Day 22 into Russia's invasion of Ukraine: A glimmer of hope and a devastating reality
First Read is your briefing from "Meet the Press" and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.
www.nbcnews.com
Psaki dodges questions on past dismissal of Hunter Biden laptop as 'Russian disinformation'
White House Press Secretary declined to comment multiple times when asked about her past comments that reporting on Hunter Biden’s laptop in 2020 were part of a Russian disinformation campaign.
Biden administration meets with Florida LGBTQ students over 'Don't Say Gay' bill
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Dr. Rachel Levine, an assistant secretary of health and human services, reiterated the administration's support for the state's LGBTQ youths.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukrainians can be considered for asylum at U.S. border, despite pandemic restrictions
The Biden administration instructed border officials to consider exempting Ukrainians from Title 42, a pandemic restriction that prevents other migrants from seeking asylum.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden raises stakes with allegations of Russian war crimes
President Biden’s condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a war criminal” marked a dramatic shift in how the U.S. talks about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.To officially affix the “war …
thehill.com
Russia-Ukraine war in maps and charts: Live Tracker
The Russian offensive enters its 65th week, we track where battles are taking place and the human cost of war.
Shooting on Florida public transit bus leaves 2 dead, 2 injured
Florida police reported on Thursday that a shooting that took place on a public transit bus left two people dead and two others injured.“#FLPD & #FLFR confirms 4 people were transported as a re…
thehill.com
House panel launches probe of New Mexico 2020 election audit
WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional oversight committee said Thursday it has opened an investigation into a partisan audit of the 2020 election results that is taking place in New Mexico and was authorized by a Republican-led county commission.
apnews.com
House votes to suspend trade relations with Russia and Belarus
Biden called for congressional action in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
www.cbsnews.com
Swimmer Lia Thomas becomes first trans athlete to win Division I national title
University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas made history Thursday as the first openly transgender person to win a Division I national championship.
www.washingtonexaminer.comLawyers duel over donations, intent at congressman's trial
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry learned in 2018 that he received $30,000 in illegal campaign donations from a Nigerian-born billionaire, but the Nebraska Republican lied and misled federal investigators probing the exchange of illicit dollars, a prosecutor alleged Thursday. During opening statements...
Biden admin sets up 'war room' to prepare for looming migrant surge: report
The Biden administration is reportedly setting up a “war room” in order to prepare for a looming migrant surge in the coming months, as it considers ending Title 42.
Justice Department charges Wisconsin man who said it was 'satisfying' to attack police on January 6 | CNN Politics
The Justice Department unsealed charges on Thursday against a 23-year-old Wisconsin man who allegedly told associates it was "satisfying" to assault US Capitol Police officers on January 6, 2021, and threatened to return to Washington, DC, with paintball guns that resembled an automatic rifle.
www.cnn.com
Sen. Ernst, Rep. Gallagher: Biden should send more defensive weapons to Ukraine
WASHINGTON – Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., on Thursday expressed the need to send more defensive equipment to Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to Congress on Wednesday.
New bill seeks to ensure upcoming mental health crisis hotline serves the most vulnerable
Lawmakers want to secure funding for the new mental health crisis hotline, 988, which will serve as an alternative to 911 and aim to avoid unnecessary police confrontations.
www.nbcnews.com
Putin's chilling warning to Russian 'traitors' and 'scum' is a sign things aren't going to plan | CNN
An incendiary Stalinesque speech marked a change in Vladimir Putin's tone. Observers saw it as a sign that the Russian leader would take a vengeful turn at home and crack down more forcefully than ever on any sign of dissent.
www.cnn.com
WNBA’s Brittney Griner arrest extended to May 19: Russian media
Russia’s TASS news agency says a court near Moscow announced it has extended the detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Here are the possible new names for 9 Army bases that honored Confederates
Over 34,000 recommendations were submitted for nine installations named after Civil War rebel leaders.
www.politico.com
Mines, sandbags and roadblocks: Odesa fortifies for Russian war
Capturing Ukraine’s third-largest city would effectively cut the rest of the country off from the Black Sea.
Russian media: Detention of WNBA's Griner extended to May 19
Russia's Tass news agency says a court near Moscow announced it has extended the detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner until May 19
Pelosi monitoring health day after she and Biden attended event with COVID-positive Irish leader
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will continue regular coronavirus testing after sitting maskless Wednesday night next to the Irish prime minister, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Bill to expand New Jersey bribery law to include candidates for office gains momentum
Over the last decade, courts have dismissed charges or overturned convictions against several politicians based on the loophole, despite evidence they took bribes with the intention of granting official favors if elected.
www.politico.comTenn. senate leader won't support Texas-style abortion bill
Tennessee's Senate Speaker Randy McNally on Thursday said he does not support legislation that would ban abortions and allow almost anyone to file civil lawsuits against violators and collect damages. Earlier this week, Tennessee became the latest GOP-led state to introduce legislation...
Fewer Americans file for jobless claims last week
Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, as layoffs continue to decline amid a strong job market rebound
Some GOP states seek new police units for election probes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republicans responding to the myth of widespread voter fraud are turning to a new tactic to appease voters who believe the claims: election police. The efforts to establish law enforcement units dedicated to investigating election crimes come as Republican lawmakers and...
apnews.com
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu says he'll veto congressional map passed by own party
Sununu prefers a map that keeps both of the state's congressional districts at play, rather than creating one safe seat for both parties.
www.cbsnews.com
Zelensky’s address to Congress, annotated
Read a line-by-line analysis of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to a joint session of Congress
cnn.it
Michigan AG: ‘Paxton is a walking hate crime’
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) a “walking hate crime” after he called Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for health …
thehill.com
FBI eyeing 6 suspects after bomb threats at Black colleges
As the nation’s historically Black colleges remain on edge after receiving dozens of bomb threats in recent weeks, federal law enforcement officials said they have identified six suspects who they believe are responsible for most of the racially motivated crimes.
apnews.com
DHS evaluating Ukrainians' asylum claims on case-by-case basis: Mayorkas
Advocates say Ukrainians are being turned away at the southern border.
Is a nuclear disaster likely in Ukraine?
The IAEA and nuclear experts warn Ukrainian nuclear sites are at risk. Is a major nuclear incident possible?
Dems tout Supreme Court pick Jackson backing from GOP-appointed judges, police groups: 'Wide range of support'
Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson is supported by retired GOP-appointed Judge Thomas Griffith, and other Republican legal luminaries.
Biden says US is open to help Ukrainian refugees
President Biden on Thursday said that the United States stands open to helping the more than 3 million people who have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion into the country began&…
thehill.com
13-year-old was driving truck in Texas crash that killed 9, including New Mexico college golfers
The child was driving the truck that swerved into a van carrying members of the University of the Southwest golf teams Tuesday night, officials said.
www.nbcnews.com
'There is literally no paper trail': How Russia experts say Putin hides a fortune
The Russian President, who has drawn international ire for his recent unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, reportedly relies on billionaire oligarchs to support his lifestyle
www.cnn.com
Biden holds virtual talks with Irish PM after positive COVID test
Irish premier’s one-on-one meeting with US President Joe Biden was held by video after Micheal Martin tested positive.
GOP indicates plans to question KBJ on handling of sex-related offenses
Senate Judiciary Republicans are circulating a document that takes aim at the Supreme Court nominee's handling of sex-related offenses, days before her confirmation hearings begin.
www.politico.com
US grew wealthier, better educated in 2nd half of 2010s
The U.S. grew wealthier, better educated, less impoverished and less transient during the second half of the last decade, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Median household income for the nation, which had been almost $59,000 from 2011 to 2015, rose to almost $65,000...
apnews.com
Could permanent daylight saving time help "jump-start" the economy?
Transitioning to year-round DST is uniting Republicans and Democrats. But the economic benefits are murky, at best.
www.cbsnews.comAmid Invasion of Ukraine, IRS Aims to Police Oligarch Sanctions
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is pressing Congress to devote more resources to the agency as it takes an increasingly central role in the Biden administration’s efforts to prevent Russia and its oligarchs from evading the punishing sanctions that the United States has imposed. Aides...
DHS relaunches independent council after ousting Trump-era officials last year | CNN Politics
The Department of Homeland Security has reinstituted its independent advisory council, nearly a year after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dissolved the existing council, ousting a board of independent advisers that included Trump-era officials.
www.cnn.com
2022 GOP showdown: New Hampshire Gov. Sununu to veto redistricting map written by Republicans
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire says he'll veto a redistricting map passed by his state's GOP controlled legislature
Reporters' notebook: Inside a Poland refugee hub
A look inside a refugee hub in Poland, from ABC News.
FBI: Accused wanted 'tyrant' Gov. Whitmer tied up on table
A key figure in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told an undercover FBI agent that he wanted to restrain the “tyrant” on a table then pose for a photo “like we just made the biggest drug bust," according to a secret recording played for jurors Thursday.
apnews.com
US Olympian Alysa Liu, father targeted in Chinese spy case
U.S. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu and her father Arthur Liu — a former political refugee — were among those targeted in a spying operation that the Justice Department alleges was ordered by the Chinese government, the elder Liu says.
apnews.com
Big U.S. gene database has volunteers from all walks of life
The National Institutes of Health released the data on Thursday to help researchers start unraveling how people’s genes, environments and lifestyles interact to drive their health.
www.nbcnews.com
UFC fighter Kevin Holland disarms gunman with chokehold at a Houston sushi restaurant | CNN
UFC fighter Kevin Holland says he used a chokehold to subdue a suspected gunman who fired a shot into the ceiling of a Houston, Texas, sushi restaurant.
www.cnn.com
Dozens of Turks remain sheltering in Mariupol mosque
While about 50 Turkish citizens have escaped the besieged city in recent days, about 30 remain.
U.S. wants prison time for rioter who said she would 'absolutely' storm Capitol again
The Justice Department said Jenny Cudd, a Texas flower shop owner, should serve 75 days in prison.
www.nbcnews.com
New Jersey lawmaker proposes barring minor traffic stops to combat 'driving while Black'
The idea, according to the bill, is to cut down on racial disparities in traffic stops.
www.politico.com‘TSA has screwed this up’: Pipeline cyber rules hitting major hurdles
The pipeline industry says a TSA staff shortage and inflexible requirements are undermining the Biden administration’s ability to protect U.S. pipelines from hackers.
Missouri could make it harder to get out-of-state abortions
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — First-of-its-kind Missouri legislation shows that anti-abortion lawmakers in Republican-led states aren't likely to stop at banning most abortions within their borders but also could try to make it harder to go out of state to end pregnancies.
apnews.com
Pelosi reads Bono limerick on Ukraine to help mark St. Patrick’s Day
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is sharing a limerick from Bono about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in which the U2 frontman likens Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a saint.“Most of us, wh…
thehill.com
NOAA spring weather outlook: High temperatures likely, drought to expand in West
The NOAA predicts prolonged, persistent drought in the West amid likely below-average precipitation for the second year in a row.
US expels another Chinese phone carrier on security grounds
BEIJING (AP) — Washington has expelled another state-owned Chinese phone carrier from the U.S. market over national security concerns amid rising tension with Beijing. The Federal Communications Commission revoked authorization for Pacific Networks Corp.
apnews.com
Over 50 House Republicans back Banks' resolution opposing Iran nuclear deal amid Russia-Ukraine war
Republicans are sending a clear signal that any nuclear deal between President Biden and Iran will evaporate as soon as they gain power in Washington.
Zelenskyy's top aide praises Biden and says he 'does more' for Ukraine 'than any of his predecessors'
Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, was impeached in 2019 for withholding nearly $400 million in military aid from Ukraine for political reasons.
Texas crash victims included new students just branching out
Self-disciplined and competitive, Jackson Zinn was all business on the golf course. Despite his big heart for helping others, he could be tough on himself if he wasn't shooting in the 60s. Family pastor Rick Long of Grace Church in Arvada, Colorado, said Zinn had just wrapped up a tournament...
apnews.comhttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...dterm-final-exams-are-Peice of work-rcna20492
As crisis in Ukraine grows, aid agencies rush in supplies
RZESZOW, Poland (AP) — As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth week, aid agencies continue to ramp up their efforts to bring much-needed relief supplies to civilians affected by the fighting, and also to over 3.2 million refugees who have fled the country since the conflict began.
apnews.com
Hope that many survived Ukraine theater attack as intel suggests Russia's ground war is stalled
"The bomb shelter held" one local official said after a theater said to be sheltering more than 1,000 people was reduced to rubble in the port city of Mariupol.
www.cbsnews.com
Irish prime minister's COVID case scrambles St. Patrick's Day plans in Washington
President Joe Biden had to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin virtually Thursday for St. Patrick's Day after Martin tested positive for COVID-19.
Shoppers took a breather last month after January spending spree
Retail sales rose less than half a percent in February, compared to 4.9 percent the month before, and online sales recorded a loss.
www.nbcnews.com
EPA names part of Hackensack River to Superfund list
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Sediment in a stretch of the Hackensack River in northern New Jersey has traces of arsenic, lead and other contaminants and was named Thursday as a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site, federal and state regulators said.
apnews.comFight over Dr. Oz's Turkish citizenship is latest twist in Pennsylvania Senate race
Celebrity surgeon and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz says that he will renounce his Turkish citizenship if elected.
Russia-Ukraine war: Key things to know about the conflict
Russian forces largely bogged down outside major cities in Ukraine have turned to shelling them from a distance, including dozens of confirmed attacks on health facilities during the war that on Thursday entered its fourth week.
apnews.com
How Poland's business community is helping Ukrainians
Small and medium sized firms, including recruiters, are organising support for arriving refugees.
www.bbc.com
In 1st big campaign do, Macron unveils vision for 2nd term
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his proposals to boost the economy, fight inequality and improve France’s reactions to global crises if he wins a second term in next month’s elections
Some GOP states seek new police units for election probes
Republicans promoting claims of widespread voter fraud in at least two politically important states are turning to a new tactic to appease voters who falsely believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen
Ketanji Brown Jackson's Harvard ties scrutinized over affirmative action case
Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson faces calls to recuse herself from a major case involving Harvard University’s use of race as a factor in admissions.
After Zelenskyy "challenged" U.S., White House is sending Ukraine javelin missiles, anti-aircraft systems, ammunition and "switchblade" drones
President Biden announced an additional $800 million in military assistance will go straight from the U.S. to Ukraine.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump's EPA chief Scott Pruitt weighing Senate run in Oklahoma
Pruitt's tenure at the EPA under Trump was pockmarked by ethics scandals that lent the appearance of Pruitt trying to benefit personally from his office.
www.cbsnews.com
Race to host 2024 Republican convention: Salt Lake City out, Milwaukee, Nashville finalists
It's down to two cities in the race to host the 2024 Republican National Convention: Nashville and Milwaukee.
EXPLAINER: Could Ukrainian 'neutrality' help end Russia war?
GENEVA (AP) — In talks between Russia and Ukraine toward a possible cease-fire after three weeks of intense fighting, negotiators are exploring prospects of possible “neutrality” for Ukraine, a former Soviet republic that has been moving closer to NATO in hopes of membership — infuriating Moscow.
apnews.com
Hot spring forecast: Drought deepens in West, flooding ebbs
There’s no relief in sight for the West’s record-shattering megadrought, which will likely only deepen this spring, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its seasonal outlook Thursday.
apnews.com
Airline giant Delta warns oil increases mean higher ticket prices
The jump in oil prices since Russia invaded Ukraine is set to lead to higher airfares.
www.bbc.com
In California's dusty oil country, Ukraine war brings faint hope of keeping wells flowing
President Biden's ban on the importation of Russian crude has ignited both hope and frustration in California's dusty oil country.
Anna Sorokin, subject of 'Inventing Anna,' says she may have lied a little | CNN
Anna Sorokin, whose life as a fake German heiress is dramatized in the hit Netflix series "Inventing Anna," is speaking out from behind bars.
www.cnn.com
EXPLAINER: Driver in Texas crash was 13; is that legal?
From the logging roads of the Pacific Northwest to the farm country of the Great Plains and beyond, it's not uncommon for people in rural parts of the U.S. to learn to drive when they're young, sometimes even before they reach their teens.
apnews.comFederal judge sets Aug 1 trial date for government challenge of UnitedHealth deal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The federal judge hearing the Justice Department's fight to block UnitedHealth Group's $8 billion deal to buy Change Healthcare said on Thursday that the trial would start on August 1. The Justice Department filed a lawsuit to ask a judge to stop the deal in February...
Russia gives Sberbank licence to issue, exchange digital assets
The move may open new opportunity for the major lender to blunt the effect of Western sanctions.
US adult smoking rate fell during first year of pandemic
NEW YORK (AP) — The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw more Americans drinking heavily or using illicit drugs — but apparently not smoking. U.S. cigarette smoking dropped to a new all-time low in 2020, with 1 in 8 adults saying they were current smokers, according to survey data released...
apnews.com
Europe says no Mars rover launch this year because of war in Ukraine
The European Space Agency’s ruling council decided to suspend cooperation with Roscosmos.
www.nbcnews.com
Police: Missouri motel shootout leaves officer, gunman dead
Authorities say a police officer and a gunman died following a shootout at a motel in eastern Missouri that left another officer wounded
Peru court orders ex-President Fujimori freed from prison
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru's Constitutional Court on Thursday approved the release from prison of former President Alberto Fujimori, who is serving a 25-year sentence for murder and corruption charges.
apnews.com
NASA's new moon rocket rolled out to launch pad for dress rehearsal
The Space Launch System moon rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA.
www.cbsnews.com
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame responds to Dolly Parton withdrawing nomination
Parton had requested she be removed from consideration for induction this year.
Sunny Balwani: Elizabeth Holmes' former partner goes on trial
Sunny Balwani was considered the "enforcer" at Theranos and was its enigmatic founder's lover.
www.bbc.com
Dozens of whales die in New Zealand stranding
Marine mammals die at Farewell Spit on the South Island, the site of at least 10 strandings in 15 years.
A small Alabama city was devastated by a tornado. Here's why FEMA didn't help.
After natural disasters, FEMA often rejects aid to vulnerable communities where survivors have few other paths to recovery, an NBC News analysis found.
www.nbcnews.com
House Dems block energy independence bill; GOP energy expert slams move as 'unconscionable'
House Democrats on Wednesday blocked consideration of a Republican bill aiming for U.S. energy independence from Russia amid the Ukraine war. A former environmental engineer now running for Congress in New Mexico condemned the move as “unconscionable” in comments to Fox News Digital.
Ukraine war: Russians grieve for fallen soldiers
Two weeks since the last official death toll, funerals of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine continue.
www.bbc.com
Man suspected in San Diego 1988 cold case killing identified as tow truck driver who died in fire
"Thirty-four years is a long time to be in a state of grief and immense sorrow,” a relative said. “Not knowing almost consumed me.”
www.nbcnews.com
Cargo ship sinks in stormy Persian Gulf. Crew member missing, officials say.
A car-carrying cargo ship sank on Thursday in Persian Gulf, as stormy weather caused rough seas.
At least 5 killed in massive Missouri crash involving 20 tractor-trailers
Officials are still investigating the number of people injured.
www.cbsnews.com
The AP Interview: Health chief warns of COVID funds shortage
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the nation yearning for a new normal after its long struggle with the coronavirus, U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra warned Thursday that vaccines, tests and treatments will be “stuck on the ground” unless Congress provides the additional funds the White House has demanded.
apnews.com
COVID cases predicted to rise in coming weeks because of new BA.2 variant
Experts fear COVID-19 cases in the United States will rise in the next few weeks as the new BA.2 variant continues to spread throughout the country.
More boosters, more variants, but less concern: Americans face future of COVID pandemic - CBS News poll analysis
Few say it's over, but Americans venture out.
www.cbsnews.com
Fauci says officials need more than $22.5B for COVID-19 response
President Biden’s chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said in an interview aired on Thursday that officials need more than the $22.5 billion that the White House originally requested from Cong…
thehill.com
More than 30 companies to start making Pfizer's COVID pill
The U.N.-backed Medicines Patent Pool says that nearly three dozen companies worldwide will soon start making generic versions of Pfizer’s coronavirus pill
White House sticking to Biden's testing protocol despite Covid scares
Reporters questioned the president's press secretary after second gentleman Doug Emhoff’s positive test and then Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s Covid case.
www.politico.com
Moderna seeks FDA authorization for 4th dose of COVID shot
WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Moderna asked the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to authorize a fourth shot of its COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for all adults. The request is broader than rival pharmaceutical company Pfizer's request earlier this week for the regulator to approve a...
apnews.com
Biden COVID coordinators leaving in April, Jha to take over
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients and his deputy Natalie Quillian are leaving the administration next month, the White House announced Thursday. They will be replaced by Dr.
apnews.com"We trust the COVID vaccine," heads of top medical groups say in ads targeting parents
The Biden administration's new advertising push comes as shots have slowed to record lows, leaving millions of children unvaccinated.
Pelosi renews case for COVID-19 funding after her own exposure to the virus
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed frustration with lawmakers who objected to COVID-19 relief funding later stripped from the recent omnibus bill, renewing her case for additional funds after her own exposure to the coronavirus.
www.washingtonexaminer.comDems search for next steps on Covid aid as headaches pile up
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said more money is now required, as Democrats struggle to line up necessary Republican support.
People with 'medium COVID' are caught in a gray area of recovery with little support
Even if you don't have long COVID, it can still take weeks to recover — much longer than the isolation period implies. Millions of Americans are finding that this still majorly disrupts their lives.
www.npr.org
Biden's St. Patrick's Day scrambled by Irish PM's COVID case
WASHINGTON (AP) — Call him a disappointed extrovert. President Joe Biden had to settle for meeting virtually Thursday with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin after the visiting leader’s positive test for COVID-19 scrambled plans to mark St.
apnews.com
White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients is leaving his job | CNN Politics
White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients will leave his job next month, President Joe Biden announced Thursday, after more than a year leading the US efforts to vaccinate Americans and manage the federal government's response to coronavirus surges and as the US shifts to a new phase...
www.cnn.com
Biden names new COVID-19 response coordinator with Jeff Zients stepping down
White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients is stepping down from his post in April and will be replaced by Dr. Ashish Jha.
