(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a startling turnabout, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Joe Manchin announced an expansive agreement Wednesday that had eluded them for months addressing health care and climate, raising taxes on high earners and large corporations and reducing federal debt.
What's in the Democrats' package on climate, health care and taxes
The Democrats' budget reconciliation package, which contains several landmark climate and health care provisions, has been signed into law by President Joe Biden. Here's what's in the Inflation Reduction Act and what it means for you.
www.cnn.com
In rare contact, US offers Russia deal for Griner, Whelan
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.
apnews.com
Fed unleashes another big rate hike in bid to curb inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by a hefty three-quarters of a point for a second straight time in its most aggressive drive in more than three decades to tame high inflation .
apnews.com
Trump threatens CNN with lawsuit over ‘defamatory’ reporting
Former President Trump on Wednesday said he planned to file a lawsuit against CNN, alleging the network has repeatedly defamed him dating back to his 2016 campaign for the presidency. “I have notif…
thehill.com
US military making plans in case Pelosi travels to Taiwan
SYDNEY (AP) — Nancy Pelosi hasn’t said if she’s going to Taiwan, but if she does she’d be entering one of the world’s hottest and most contentious spots. While U.S. officials say they have little fear that Beijing would attack the U.S.
apnews.com
More than 50 Republicans call for Biden to take cognitive test, amid Dem concerns about president's age
Fifty-four House Republicans signed a Wednesday letter to President Biden calling for him to take a cognitive test, amid growing worry about his age.
Kherson: Ukraine stepping up counter offensive to retake city - sources
A bridge used by Russian troops is said to be completely impassable after Ukrainian rocket attacks.
www.bbc.com
Pelosi to Taiwan would be career capstone, despite warnings
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched her political career being tough on China -- a new congresswoman who dared to unfurl a pro-democracy banner in Beijing's Tiananmen Square during a 1991 visit with other U.S.
apnews.com
GOP senators block bill expanding care for veterans exposed to toxins
Republican lawmakers blocked passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate Wednesday that expands healthcare coverage for military veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service. All…
thehill.com
RNC warning to Trump: If you run for president, we stop paying your legal bills, says official
Some GOP leaders are hoping the prospect of losing massive legal payments would dissuade Donald Trump from announcing a presidential run too soon.
Former Republican and Democratic officials launch new political party
The party, called Forward, will be co-chaired by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Christine Todd Whitman, the former Republican governor of New Jersey.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump is in growing legal and political jeopardy after a whirlwind week | CNN Politics
The ice may be finally beginning to crack under ex-President Donald Trump.
www.cnn.com
DOJ has multiple possible paths to Trump indictment: Here’s what it could look like
The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) apparent new focus on Donald Trump in its Jan. 6 investigation presents prosecutors with multiple possible paths to an indictment, as sketched out by the House sel…
thehill.com
U.S. judge declines to acquit ex-Trump adviser Bannon, but mulls dismissing charges
A federal judge on Wednesday declined a request to acquit Donald Trump's former presidential adviser Steve Bannon on two contempt charges for defying a subpoena from a congressional committee investigating the 2021 Capitol attack, but he left open the door to consider dismissing the charges instead.
www.reuters.com
Manchin deal would bring back canceled offshore lease sales
The reconciliation deal struck between Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would revive three recently canceled offshore oil and gas lease sales, a tough concession to make for Democrats who are hawkish on climate change and want to end the program altogether.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US, Ukraine sign pact to expand cooperation in cyberspace
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) signed an agreement Wednesday with Ukraine’s cybersecurity agency to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the c…
thehill.com
Senate passes bill to boost computer chip production in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill designed to encourage more semiconductor companies to build chip plants in the United States passed the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers raced to finish work on a key priority of the Biden administration.
apnews.com
Pelosi invites Republican lawmakers to Taiwan as China warns of countermeasures if speaker visits
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering a trip to Taiwan in spite of Chinese threats and lackluster support from President Biden's administration.
www.usatoday.com
Ukraine steps up drive to retake Russian-controlled south with air strikes
Ukraine stepped up its drive to retake its Russian-controlled south by trying to bomb and isolate Russian troops in hard-to-resupply areas, but it said on Thursday it saw evidence that Moscow was redeploying its forces to defend the territory.
www.reuters.com
Illinois Democratic Party chair fight turns ugly with accusations of racism
Rep. Robin Kelly, the first Black woman to chair the state party, is seeking a full four-year term.
www.nbcnews.com
Jared Kushner claims John Kelly shoved wife Ivanka Trump
Former President Donald Trump's second chief of staff, John Kelly, once shoved Ivanka Trump in a West Wing hallway and then apologized for it, according to her husband, Jared Kushner.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Gaetz among 20 House Republicans who voted against anti-human trafficking bill
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) was among the 20 House Republicans who voted on Tuesday against a bill that seeks to combat human trafficking. The legislation, titled the Frederick Douglass Trafficki…
thehill.com
Ukrainian ports prepare to restart grain shipments; U.S. makes offer for release of detained Americans Griner and Whelan
Russian state gas giant Gazprom is due to cut gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline again from Wednesday.
Biden and Trump seem set for 2024 rematch -- why do their bases say they want anyone else?
Possible 2024 presidential contenders are starting to hint at their ambitions as Joe Biden and Donald Trump get hit with poor poll numbers
Kim Jong Un says N Korea ‘ready to mobilise’ nuclear deterrent
North Korean leader condemns United States and South Korea in speech to mark ‘Victory Day’, the Korean War armistice.
Jim Jordan says new whistleblower disclosures reveal 'scandalous' push by FBI to pad domestic terrorism data
Rep. Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, is saying agents are being pressured by the FBI to classify cases as "domestic violent extremism" to pad numbers.
Manchin, Schumer announce slimmed-down deal on climate, taxes, health
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Wednesday said they had struck a climate, health and tax package deal — weeks after Manchin seemingly had …
thehill.com
Russia says its strike on July 24 destroyed 100 HIMARS missiles
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that its forces on July 24 had destroyed more than 100 U.S.-made HIMARS rockets in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region.
www.reuters.comRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: 'Toxic Masculinity' Should Be Top Military Requirement
"They should be like, ‘Are you a toxic male? Please sign up,'" the Georgia Republican said.
Report: Federal debt lower in 2022; still poised to climb
The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that the end of pandemic-era spending, fast economic growth and higher tax revenues have caused the federal debt this year to be lower than forecast.
apnews.com
Oversight Republicans following Hunter Biden's 'money trail' demand answers from financial adviser
House Oversight Republicans are demanding information from Hunter Biden's financial adviser Edward Prewitt regarding his suspicious business dealings flagged by U.S. banks.
US and China on a knife's edge over Taiwan ahead of Xi-Biden phone call | CNN Politics
No one can afford to look weak.
www.cnn.com
Biden throws support behind Manchin-Schumer agreement
President Biden on Wednesday embraced a deal between Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to revive key pieces of his agenda, including provisions on healt…
thehill.com
Here's what to know about the Manchin-Schumer tax deal
The three proposals are far more modest than the sprawling plan Democrats have pursued.
www.politico.com
U.S. Senate climate deal 'transformative', backers say
The nearly $370 billion in climate and energy security measures in the budget reconciliation deal U.S. Senate Democrats struck on Wednesday were whittled down from previous versions of the bill, but highly praised by backers of clean energy.
www.reuters.com
Five ways the Fed interest rate hike will impact Americans’ wallets
The Federal Reserve is showing no signs of letting up in its aggressive fight to combat rising prices, tightening wallets as it hikes interest rates at the fastest pace in decades to get a handle o…
thehill.com
Kansans vote to uphold abortion rights in their state
The proposed amendment was the first time anywhere in the U.S. that voters cast ballots on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden's call with Xi Jinping will focus on areas of U.S.-China cooperation, not just tension
"There's issues where we can cooperate with China," White House spokesman John Kirby said ahead of a high stakes call between Biden and Xi Jinping.
Democrats Outsmart Mitch McConnell With Surprise Reconciliation Deal
The Kentucky Republican said the Senate wouldn't pass a computer chip bill if Democrats pursued budget reconciliation, but it did and they are.
Justice Thomas 'unavailable' to teach at GWU this fall, no longer on faculty
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is no longer listed as a lecturer for courses at George Washington University's law school, with the university explaining that the justice is "unavailable" this fall.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Justice Thomas cancels plans to teach at DC law school
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has backed out of teaching a seminar at George Washington University's law school in the nation's capital, following student protests and the university's statement of support for the conservative justice's role on campus.
apnews.com
GOP's links to extremism surface in congressional primary
WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional candidate whose compelling personal story of military valor and unfathomable loss helped him win former President Donald Trump's support has connections to right-wing extremists, including a campaign consultant who was a member of the Proud Boys.
apnews.com
First on CNN: Human smugglers peddle misinformation to US-bound migrants on Facebook, watchdog says | CNN Politics
Human smugglers frequently misrepresent immigration policies and conditions along the US-Mexico border in Facebook and WhatsApp social media posts targeting US-bound migrants, according to a report released Wednesday by a tech transparency group.
www.cnn.com‘Holy s--t’: Surprise Senate deal sets stage for record climate change package
An aggressive effort to sway Sen. Joe Manchin managed to salvage a package that its authors say will help drive sharp cuts in greenhouse gases.
www.politico.com
Forward together: Yang announces new third party
Andrew Yang's Forward Party is merging with two groups, making it the largest third party in the United States by resources, the former presidential candidate announced on Wednesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House Republican leaders whip against semiconductor bill aimed at thwarting China
House GOP leadership is reversing course on its decision not to whip against a Senate-passed bill to provide $52 billion to invest in domestic semiconductor chip production.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
U.S. Senate Democratic deal would expand EV tax credits
A Senate Democratic deal includes a new $4,000 tax credit for used electric vehicles and other new tax credits and grants for automakers to retool factories to build greener cars.
www.reuters.com
Ukraine latest updates: UN hopes grain shipments begin soon
Ukraine news from July 28: ‘Crucial’ details for the safe passage of vessels still being worked out, UN aid chief says.
Manchin deal 'desperate attempt' by Democrats to distract voters, says member of House Republican leadership
Rep. Tom Emmer says Sen. Manchin's bill is meant to be a distraction from Democrats' economic policies, which are "directly to blame" for inflation
Fed Chair Powell: ‘I do not think the US is currently in a recession’
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is performing “too well” to be in a recession. “I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession. And the reason…
thehill.com
Hillary Clinton's former chief strategist reveals why Manchin's inflation bill won't affect midterms
Sen. Joe Manchin's agreement on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 likely won't have an impact on the midterms, former Hillary Clinton advisor says.
WHO chief advises men who have sex with men to reduce partners to limit exposure to monkeypox | CNN
The vast majority of cases in the growing monkeypox outbreak are among men who have sex with men, according to the World Health Organization. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised members of this community Wednesday to limit their exposure to the virus by reducing their number...
www.cnn.com
AR-15 style guns sold as a sign of manhood as shootings rise
WASHINGTON (AP) — Gun makers have taken in more than $1 billion from selling AR-15-style guns over the past decade, at times marketing them as a way for young men to prove their masculinity, even as the number of mass shootings increases, according to a House investigation unveiled Wednesday.
apnews.com
Russia Today loses fight against EU ban, Moscow warns of retaliation
State-controlled media outlet Russia Today on Wednesday lost its court fight against a European Union ban imposed in March over alleged disinformation, prompting the Kremlin to warn of retaliatory measures against Western media.
www.reuters.com
Senator Joe Manchin suddenly backs Biden climate and tax bill
Joe Manchin stuns Washington by announcing support for a measure to raise taxes and fight climate change.
www.bbc.com
Filipino lawmaker proposes punishment for ghosting
A lawmaker in the Philippines proposed a bill that would enact a criminal punishment for ghosting.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Iraqi protesters storm the parliament in Baghdad’s Green Zone
The protesters are mostly supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr and oppose a rival bloc’s nomination for PM.
Lawmakers react after Manchin, Schumer agree to reconciliation deal: 'Build Back Broke'
Republicans blasted a reconciliation bill Sens. Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer announced as a scaled-back version of Build Back Better on Wednesday evening.
Court may pare back secrecy in campus sexual misconduct suits
At issue is a lower-court judge’s denial of a former MIT student’s request that he and his accuser, another student, be identified by pseudonyms in court filings.
www.politico.com
Former Republicans and Democrats form new third U.S. political party
Dozens of former Republican and Democratic officials announced on Wednesday a new national political third party to appeal to millions of voters they say are dismayed with what they see as America's dysfunctional two-party system.
www.reuters.com
House Democrats want a new inspector general to lead probe of Secret Service texts
Reps. Bennie Thompson and Carolyn Maloney said they have “grave concerns” about Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari
Biden faces a dilemma with the stunning prisoner swap offer to Russia | CNN Politics
Is the United States really ready to let the "Merchant of Death" out of prison?
www.cnn.com
Slain journalist's family: No help from US for a full probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — A relative of slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh said Wednesday that the Biden administration's top diplomat refused her face-to-face appeal to push for a full U.S.
apnews.comGOP Sen. Joni Ernst Blocks Bill Protecting Right To Birth Control
Republican lawmakers are celebrating the end of nationwide abortion rights while blocking federal protections for birth control.
Class Divisions Harden Into Battle Lines in Arizona's Republican Primary
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. — As Shardé Walter’s family cut back on everything from camping trips to Eggo waffles to balance their inflation-strained budget this summer, she became more and more fed up with the Republicans who have governed Arizona for more than a decade. “You’ve got those...
As monkeypox surges, WHO urges reducing number of sexual partners
Advice comes days after the WHO declared the monkeypox outbreak an international health emergency amid rising cases.
Stacey Abrams meme draws comparisons on social media to infamous Hillary Clinton birthday tweet
Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams declared herself the "future governor" in a post that critics are comparing to Hillary Clinton’s infamous "future president" tweet.
Iranian tanker to retrieve oil cargo confiscated by U.S. this week
An Iranian-flagged tanker anchored off the Greek port of Piraeus is expected this week to retrieve part of its cargo of oil confiscated by the United States and sail back to Iran following a Greek court ruling, government sources said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
White House battles recession fears as dismal economic news looms
Indications that the U.S. could be tipping toward a recession continue to weigh heavily on Democrats with just over three months to the midterm elections.
www.nbcnews.com
Former U.S. congressman pleads not guilty to insider trading charges
Former U.S. congressman Stephen Buyer pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday to insider trading charges over purchases of Sprint shares before the telecommunications company merged with T-Mobile US Inc in 2018.
www.reuters.com
UK adviser warns of nuclear war risk amid communication breakdown
Stephen Lovegrove says backdoor channels that kept world safe during the Cold War have disintegrated.
Argentina's president sacks economy chief after less than a month - newspaper
Argentina's president will fire Economy Minister Silvina Batakis after just a few weeks on the job, Clarin newspaper reported on Wednesday citing official sources, as the country struggles with a growing economic crisis.
www.reuters.com
Manchin and Schumer announce deal for energy and health care bill
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Joe Manchin on Wednesday announced a deal on an energy and health care bill, representing a breakthrough after more than a year of negotiations that have collapsed time and again.
www.cnn.com
Why is Pelosi’s possible Taiwan trip fuelling US-China tensions?
Beijing has warned the US will ‘pay the price’ if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi goes ahead with visit to Taiwan.
Trump threatens 'Big Lie' lawsuit against CNN
Former President Donald Trump is threatening to sue CNN, demanding the network take down, retract, and cease and desist the use of the terms "Big Lie" and "lying" when reporting on his challenges to the 2020 election results.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Intel project could get boost after U.S. Senate OKs computer chip bill
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said the company's investment in Ohio could increase if Congress approves the legislation. It still has to go to the House.
www.usatoday.com
Bullish Dems split on best choice for Missouri Senate upset
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Democrats are feeling bullish about their chances for an upset in Missouri’s U.S. Senate race if scandal-tarred former Gov. Eric Greitens becomes the Republican nominee. But they’re divided on which of their two top candidates is the best bet for a victory in November.
apnews.com
Climate activists optimistic about Manchin-Schumer deal
Climate activists are feeling hopeful after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) reached an agreement to move forward with legislation that includes energy and cl…
thehill.comTeen bullied by Matt Gaetz raises over $200,000 for abortion rights funds
Olivia Julianna credits Republican for bringing attention to her platform after he ‘decided to body shame me publicly’
Russia tells NASA space station pullout less imminent than indicated earlier
Russian space officials have informed U.S. counterparts that Moscow would like to keep flying its cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until their own orbital outpost is built and operational, a senior NASA official told Reuters on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Moderate rebound in U.S. economic growth seen in second quarter as inflation bites
U.S. economic growth likely rebounded moderately in the second quarter as companies boosted exports and maintained a strong pace of spending on equipment, which could assuage financial market fears that the economy was already in recession.
www.reuters.com
Manchin deal includes $369 billion for 'energy security' and climate programs
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) agreed to support hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of incentives for energy- and climate-related provisions following months of negotiations over what would make the cut in the successor to Democrats' failed Build Back Better Act.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden administration expected to soon declare monkeypox a health emergency
The people with knowledge of the matter said the declaration is expected as soon as the end of the week.
www.politico.comTrump notifies CNN of 'intent to file' defamation lawsuit regarding his unproven election claims
Former President Donald Trump said in a statement Wednesday that he had notified CNN he was considering filing a defamation lawsuit against the company for its refusal to back his discredited claims that election fraud accounted for his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.
DeSantis spox pushes back following accusations in lawsuit over Florida parental rights law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's press secretary Christina Pushaw fired back against accusations about her comments in a lawsuit over the state's Parental Rights in Education law.
US rocket system enables Ukraine to pummel key supply bridge
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian troops used American-supplied precision rocket launchers to knock out a strategic bridge used by Russia to supply its forces in southern Ukraine's occupied Kherson region, officials said Wednesday.
apnews.com
Italy's conservatives strike deal over candidate for PM
The party with the most votes in Italy's centre-right coalition will choose the prime minister if the bloc wins the coming election, the alliance said on Wednesday, putting far-right leader Giorgia Meloni in pole position for the top job.
www.reuters.com
Thousands of North Carolina felons can now register and vote
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Tens of thousands of people serving punishments for felony convictions in North Carolina but who aren’t behind bars can now register to vote and cast ballots this fall after an appeals court ruling.
apnews.com
Senate passes China, semiconductor bill with House set to quickly take up measure
The Senate Wednesday passed a bill aimed at boosting U.S. competition against China, and the House will likely take it up in short order before recess.
Senate passes bipartisan bill investing $52 billion in US semiconductor production | CNN Politics
The Senate voted Wednesday to pass a long-awaited bill aimed at boosting US semiconductor production in a bid to increase American competitiveness.
www.cnn.com
TikTok spends record amount on lobbying blitz targeting House, Senate, and White House
TikTok and its Chinese parent company spent a record $2.37 million on lobbying this spring, the most the Chinese social media app ever reported spending in a single quarter.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Climate disinformation leaves lasting mark as world heats
In 1998, as nations around the world agreed to cut carbon emissions through the Kyoto Protocol, America's fossil fuel companies plotted their response, including an aggressive strategy to inject doubt into the public debate.
apnews.comPelosi's husband dumps Nvidia stock as House eyes chip bill
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband sold his shares of chipmaker Nvidia on Tuesday, days before the House is expected to consider legislation providing subsidies and tax credits worth over $70 billion to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry. In a periodic transaction report, the senior...
Republicans mock VP Harris for offering visual description at meeting with disability advocates
Vice President Kamala Harris was mocked for giving her pronouns and describing her clothes in a meeting with disability advocates.
www.usatoday.com
U.S. Senate panel approves update of children's online privacy bill
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee voted Wednesday to approve a measure that would raise the age children are given special online privacy protections to 16 and bar targeted advertising to children by companies like TikTok and Snapchat without consent.
www.reuters.com
Ernst, GOP senators slam 'Bidenomics' in floor speech as fiscal cliff climb 'getting steeper and steeper'
Sen. Joni Ernst is expected to give a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon slamming "Bidenomics" for contributing to record-high inflation.
Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson cooperating with DOJ's Jan. 6 probe, say sources
Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top adviser to then-President Donald Trump's chief of staff Mark Meadows, has recently cooperated with the Department of Justice investigation into the events of Jan. 6, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Justice Department reached out to her...
Largest pink diamond in 300 years discovered in Angola
A large pink diamond, believed to be the largest pink diamond found in 300 years, was discovered at a mine in Angola on Wednesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Man charged in Jan. 6 assault of officer who died pleads guilty to misdemeanors
A West Virginia man charged in the Jan. 6 assault of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick pleaded guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanor charges.
Atlantic Council cuts ties to Koch-funded foreign policy initiative
Business tycoon Charles Koch gave the D.C. think tank $4.5 million for the initiative, which has found a new home.
www.politico.com
Brazil's military seeks to assure Pentagon chief on October election
Brazil on Wednesday assured U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that its armed forces were focused on providing security to ensure a safe, secure and transparent election in October, Austin said.
www.reuters.com
House GOP Leader McCarthy meets with caucus on 'Commitment to America' midterm strategy
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy discussed key isssyes for a planned Republican 'Commitment to America' during a Wednesday morning conference meeting.
Judge: Bannon can argue to throw out contempt charges after conviction
A federal judge on Wednesday said he would give Stephen Bannon’s lawyers an opportunity to argue for the dismissal of criminal contempt of Congress charges, of which the former Trump White Ho…
thehill.com
Democrat Barnes emerges as favorite in Wisconsin Senate race
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes emerged Wednesday as the clear favorite in what had been a crowded Democratic field seeking to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, as his nearest rival dropped out and threw his support behind Barnes.
apnews.com
CNN Exclusive: Biden administration offers convicted Russian arms dealer in exchange for Griner, Whelan
After months of internal debate, the Biden administration has offered to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year US prison sentence, as part of a potential deal to secure the release of two Americans held by Russia, Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, according...
www.cnn.com'Kind of Wild/Creative': Emails Shed Light on Trump Fake Electors Plan
Previously undisclosed emails provide an inside look at the increasingly desperate and often slapdash efforts by advisers to President Donald Trump to reverse his election defeat in the weeks before the Jan. 6 attack, including acknowledgments that a key element of their plan was of dubious...
New Jersey family sues funeral homes for $50M for burying wrong body
A New Jersey family claiming to have been dealt a morbid shock last year after nearly burying the wrong person due to a mix-up is now seeking a whopping $50 million for their anguish.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Courts block abortion bans in Wyoming, North Dakota
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Abortion bans set to take effect this week in Wyoming and North Dakota were temporarily blocked Wednesday by judges in those states amid lawsuits arguing that the bans violate their state constitutions.
apnews.com
The guide to Trump's increasing legal threats
The former president is one of several prominent Republicans whom federal investigators are asking about. And that's among several other probes he faces.
www.politico.comRead the full text of the deal that Manchin and Schumer just struck to curb inflation, tax corporations, and fight climate change
The agreement breaks a stalemate on Biden's agenda that lasted for nearly a year. It will include climate programs and tax hikes on corporations.
Police release footage of suspects wanted in livestreamed robbery of Brooklyn bishop
The incident occurred while the bishop, Lamor Whitehead, was giving his sermon during Sunday service.
Man tied to officer's attack pleads guilty to lesser charges
A West Virginia man initially charged with assaulting a police officer who died after defending the U.S. Capitol from a mob pleaded guilty on Wednesday to misdemeanor offenses that could allow him to avoid more jail time.
apnews.com
Hunter Biden was repeatedly warned of tax problems, a CNN review of emails shows
Hunter Biden had a high-end income and lavish lifestyle. But he struggled with tax issues for years
www.cnn.com
Fed hikes interest rates another 75 basis points as recession warnings flash
The Federal Reserve announced another steep interest rate hike Wednesday, ramping up its efforts to bring inflation down from four-decade highs. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the …
thehill.com
'A horrible look': Florida Democrats bash abortion-rights groups for Fried snub
Ruth's List Florida and EMILY's List aren't backing Nikki Fried in the state's primary race for governor against Charlie Crist, who evolved years ago into a Democrat supporting abortion rights.
www.nbcnews.comDemocrats Manchin, Schumer agree on $430 billion tax, drugs, energy bill
U.S. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin said on Wednesday he has reached a deal with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on a bill to increase corporate taxes, reduce the national debt, invest in energy technologies and lower the cost of prescription drugs. Manchin has often been a roadblock to...
Victim of private spyware warns it can be used against US
WASHINGTON (AP) — Months after her father was lured back to Rwanda under false pretenses and jailed, Carine Kanimba discovered her own phone had been hacked using private spyware.
apnews.comCheney's new campaign ad focuses on opponent's claims about the 2020 election
The congresswoman from Wyoming has put a stake down on fighting against claims the 2020 election was stolen.
Jerry Jones issues apology for using derogatory term for little people
The NFL's Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has apologized for using the term "midget," which is considered a derogatory term for little people.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Beneath a portrait of Putin, some Ukrainians embrace Russian passports
As the Soviet-era melody of the Russian national anthem filled the room, a small group of Ukrainians in this city seized by Russian troops nearly five months ago swore allegiance to Moscow before being handed freshly minted Russian passports.
www.reuters.com
Who is Viktor Bout, the convicted Russian arms dealer swapped for Brittney Griner?
Convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout has been swapped by the U.S. for American WNBA player Brittney Griner who was detained in Russia earlier this year.
How a Republican is reshaping Democratic New York City's once-in-a-decade redistricting
Council Member Joe Borelli, leader of the 51-member body’s five-person Republican caucus, is playing an outsize role reforging the Council district lines.
www.politico.com
House members blast Democrats' meddling in Michigan GOP primary with ad boosting Trump-backed candidate
“The DCCC is laser-focused on holding the House majority, which we will accomplish by fighting for every competitive seat,” a Democratic campaign committee spokesperson said.
www.nbcnews.com
Manchin's latest shocker: A $700B deal
The West Virginia centrist and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer struck agreement on a party-line bill that almost everyone in Washington had given up on.
www.politico.com
Western European powers press Iran to agree to nuclear deal
BERLIN (AP) — Western European powers are pressing Iran to agree to a revival of its 2015 nuclear deal after a months-long standstill in negotiations, warning that what's on the table now is “the best possible deal.”
apnews.com
This kind of shock to the economy will have consequences | CNN Politics
Americans today need to realize that efforts to tame runaway inflation, while arguably necessary, have real consequences that can hurt. A lot.
www.cnn.com
Democrats, gun manufacturers battle over violence, white supremacy at heated hearing
Democrats battled with the leaders of several major gun manufacturing companies on Wednesday at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing focused on the role gunmakers play in gun violence acr…
thehill.com
George Floyd death: Last two ex-officers sentenced to prison
J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were convicted in February of violating George Floyd's civil rights.
www.bbc.com
Lawmakers press Pentagon for answers as military recruiting crisis deepens
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed worries as the grim recruiting numbers continue to circulate throughout the DoD and Congress.
www.politico.com
Woman hospitalized after DC shooting with nearly 100 shots fired
A woman in southeast Washington, D.C., was hospitalized Wednesday after being wounded in a shooting in which up to nearly 90 shots were fired, according to authorities.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
How the Federal Reserve's rate hikes affect your finances
WASHINGTON (AP) — Higher mortgage rates have sent home sales tumbling . Credit card rates have grown more burdensome, and so have auto loans.
apnews.com
US mortgage lender to pay $20m in redlining case
Prosecutors say staff at the company exchanged racist emails and dubbed minority communities "ghetto".
www.bbc.com
Gun-makers tell Congress mass shootings are a 'local' problem not caused by 'inanimate' firearms
Lawmakers should focus on the “type of person” likely to commit mass shootings, not the “type of gun” that person might use, Daniel Defense’s CEO said.
www.nbcnews.com
Canada says pope's apology to Indigenous not enough
QUEBEC CITY (AP) — The Canadian government made clear Wednesday that Pope Francis’ apology to Indigenous peoples for abuses in the country’s church-run residential schools didn't go far enough, suggesting that reconciliation over the fraught history is still very much a work in progress.
apnews.com
House Republicans reveal election legislation likely to be a priority in a GOP majority
House Republicans unveiled election legislation likely to serve as the leading response to concerns about the 2020 elections in a GOP majority, taking aim at “Zuckerbucks” and “ballot harvesting” w…
thehill.com
Abbott commits $1.25M for trauma counseling for Uvalde
Gov. Greg Abbott will provide $1.25 million to the Uvalde school district for counseling students and faculty impacted by the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Hawaii couple charged with stealing IDs of dead Texas kids
A U.S. defense contractor and his wife who federal authorities say lived for decades under the identities of two dead Texas children have been charged with identity theft and conspiracy
Feds get new warrant to search contents of pro-Trump lawyer’s phone
The development came in response to a legal effort by John Eastman to block investigators in the Jan. 6 probe from “rummaging” through his files.
www.politico.com
Scorching heat wave in US Northwest forecast to last longer
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The scorching heat spell in the Pacific Northwest is now expected to last longer than forecasters had initially predicted, setting parts of the normally temperate region on course to break heat wave duration records.
apnews.com
Puerto Rican statehood backers poised to take over oldest Latino civil rights group
The board of the League of United Latin American Citizens ensured Puerto Ricans could determine the new leadership by refusing to replace in-person voting with electronic voting.
www.nbcnews.com
Gas prices jump as Russia cuts German supply
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline is now operating at just a fifth of its usual capacity.
www.bbc.com
Ohioan charged in US Capitol siege gets 2 years probation
CINCINNATI (AP) — An Ohio man who admitted threatening a witness after posting videos from the U.S. Capitol riots was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation. Justin Stoll, of Wilmington, had pleaded guilty in January in U.S.
apnews.com
Senate procedural vote on burn pits legislation fails amid widespread Republican opposition | CNN Politics
A procedural vote to advance legislation aimed at helping millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits failed on Wednesday afternoon, in a surprise move that the Senate Veterans' Affairs chairman warned could cost veterans' lives.
www.cnn.com
Facebook parent Meta posts first revenue decline in history
Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta posted its first revenue decline in history Thursday, dragged by a drop in ad spending as the economy falters — and as competition from rival TikTok intensifies
Banks far from hitting Paris climate targets, groups warn
The world’s most influential banks need to substantially accelerate climate efforts if global temperature rise is to be kept within the targets of the Paris Agreement, an assessment released Thursday by an institutional investors group warned.
apnews.com
Antitrust agency takes aim at the metaverse by suing Facebook
The deal “would be one more step along that path toward dominance,” the FTC said in its lawsuit.
www.politico.com
NotedDC — Why Democrats are backing election deniers
Some Democrats are warning that the party’s push to boost election-denying candidates in GOP primaries this year risks backfiring on Democrats in November. Democrats have poured money into mu…
thehill.com
Fed makes history with second massive rate hike in as many months
What seemed unfathomable just six months ago -- a 75-basis-point rate hike by the Federal Reserve -- has now happened twice in a row.
www.cnn.com
Fed rate hikes deliver these financial benefits, experts say
Savers stand to gain from rising yields on savings accounts amid Fed rate hikes, experts said.
What's in, and out, of Democrats' inflation-fighting package
WASHINGTON (AP) — What started as a $4 trillion effort during President Joe Biden's first months in office to rebuild America's public infrastructure and family support systems has ended up a much slimmer, but not unsubstantial, compromise package of inflation-fighting health care, climate...
apnews.com
Powell warns that path to avoiding recession has 'narrowed' as Fed hikes rates
Fed officials increased rates by three-quarters of a percentage point, bringing their main policy rate to its highest level since 2019.
www.politico.com
Twitter doesn't object to Elon Musk's proposal for trial to end deal but is concerned he'll try to delay
Twitter Inc. would agree to start an Oct. 17 trial over Musk’s bid to walk away from his $44 billion acquisition deal, but first the company wants a commitment for a five-day trial.
www.nbcnews.com
Gunmakers made over $1 billion in assault weapon sales in the past decade, congressional report finds
Gun industry executives told Congress that murderers are to blame for mass shootings, not firearms.
www.cbsnews.comW.Va. House passes sweeping ban criminalizing abortion
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia's Republican-dominated House of Delegates passed a sweeping abortion ban Wednesday that makes providing the procedure a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
apnews.comWHO chief advises men who have sex with men to reduce partners to limit exposure to monkeypox | CNN
The vast majority of cases in the growing monkeypox outbreak are among men who have sex with men, according to the World Health Organization. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised members of this community Wednesday to limit their exposure to the virus by reducing their number...
www.cnn.com
Warren returns to campaign spotlight
Wisconsin. Michigan. And soon Pennsylvania. Just over three months before the midterms, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is coming out from behind the scenes — and doing it in some of the most close…
thehill.com
Ukraine's grain is ready to go. But ships aren't. Why? Risk
Shipping companies are not rushing to export millions of tons of grain trapped in Ukraine, despite a breakthrough deal to provide safe corridors through the Black Sea.
apnews.com
Fears grow as China fumes over possible Pelosi visit to Taiwan
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be the most senior U.S. lawmaker to visit the Beiing-claimed island since Newt Gingrich went there in 1997.
www.nbcnews.com
Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon hits back at Democrat election meddling following ad attacks
Michigan GOP gubernatorial hopeful Tudor Dixon is hitting back at a Democrat-backed group following the release of attack ads against her ahead of the Republican primary.
AP Exclusive: Philippines scraps Russian chopper deal
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government has scrapped a deal to purchase 16 Russian military transport helicopters due to fears of possible U.S.
apnews.com
What the Fed's latest interest-rate hike means for your money
"Extraordinary" rate hike comes on the heels of another sharp increase in June. That means debt is about to get more expensive.
www.cbsnews.com
CDC set to make monkeypox a nationally notifiable condition
The move can offer the agency a better understanding of how far and fast the virus is spreading.
www.politico.com
Analysis: The Fed is bushwhacking through uncharted territory
For the second month in a row, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively, by three-quarters of a percentage point. That's pretty much what everyone, including Wall Street, expected to happen. But it's still a pretty big deal, and would have been downright unfathomable six months ago.
www.cnn.com
Security Council can't agree on statement lauding grain deal
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council has been unable to agree on a statement welcoming last week’s deal to get grain and fertilizer moving from Ukraine and Russia to millions of hungry people around the world, Norway's U.N.
apnews.com
Pipeline company to pay nearly $1M over California oil spill
The owner of an underwater oil pipeline that spilled some 25,000 gallons of crude into the ocean off Southern California will pay nearly $1 million in cleanup costs
Biden speaks with China's Xi for over 2 hours amid tensions with Taiwan
The call between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping came amid heightened tensions over Taiwan.
www.cbsnews.com
DOJ: Buffett company discriminated against Black homebuyers
NEW YORK (AP) — A Pennsylvania mortgage company owned by billionaire businessman Warren Buffett's company discriminated against potential Black and Latino homebuyers in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware, the Department of Justice said Wednesday, in what is being called the second-largest...
apnews.com
Mick Mulvaney will testify Thursday before House Jan. 6 committee
The former Trump chief of staff has said he believes Cassidy Hutchinson and other ex-White House staffers.
www.cbsnews.com
Analysis: How can Donald Trump win again with numbers like these?
Looking through the new CNN poll on the January 6, 2021, insurrection and the role Donald Trump played in it, I was struck by a simple, nagging question: How can anyone with these sort of numbers be elected president again in 2024?
www.cnn.com
NASA to launch 2 more choppers to Mars to help return rocks
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is launching two more mini helicopters to Mars in its effort to return Martian rocks and soil samples to Earth. Under the plan announced Wednesday, NASA’s Perseverance rover will do double duty and transport the cache to the rocket that will launch them off the...
apnews.com
Ex-cops Kueng, Thao sentenced for violating George Floyd’s rights
J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were convicted in February of two counts of violating Floyd’s civil rights.
www.politico.com
Dem governor of landlocked Colorado touts state's lack of shark attacks in fundraising push
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis celebrated Shark Week with an email touting the lack of shark attacks in his landlocked state. Polis requested $1 donations to spread the word.
Has remote work changed the travel landscape?
While some workers return to the office this year, many others continue to work remotely indefinitely. This seismic shift has changed where people live and work and, increasingly, how they travel. In the first quarter of 2022, nearly 25% of job postings at the 50,000 largest companies in the U.S.
apnews.com
FBI says man accused of attempting to kill Brett Kavanaugh said he was 'shooting for 3' justices | CNN Politics
In the weeks before traveling to the Washington, DC area, the man accused of attempting to murder Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh researched how to assassinate individuals and said he would be "shooting for 3" justices, according to a search warrant application from the FBI.
www.cnn.com
New York moving ahead with 'congestion pricing' toll plan
New York is inching toward becoming the first U.S. city to charge motorists an extra fee for entering its most congested areas
FTC sues Meta to block acquisition of VR company
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is trying to block Meta’s acquisition of a virtual reality (VR) company with a popular fitness app through a lawsuit filed Wednesday. The FTC alleged Meta’s…
thehill.com
Republican campaign arm uses 2018 Democrats' playbook, prioritizes veteran recruits to take back House
Republicans are recruiting more veterans in 2022 as they seek to regain control of Congress in the midterms, a tactic Democrats used in 2018 to win the majority in the House.
Stuart Woods, author of Stone Barrington novels, dead at 84
Stuart Woods, an author of more than 90 novels, many featuring the character of lawyer-investigator Stone Barrington, has died
Mandela Barnes gets open path to take on Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson
The race is one of Democrats’ best chances of unseating a sitting Republican from the Senate.
www.politico.com
Tony Dow, known for playing Wally Cleaver on "Leave It to Beaver," dead at 77
Actor Tony Dow was 12 years old when he took on the role of big brother Wally Cleaver on the iconic 1950s TV series.
www.cbsnews.com
US signs off on 800,000 more doses of monkeypox vaccine
Health regulators say nearly 800,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine will soon be available for U.S. distribution
Hulu reverses policy on political ads after blowback
The streaming platform Hulu will now accept advertisements on political candidates and issues following backlash from Democratic campaign organizations over it refusing to run ads on midterm electi…
thehill.com
9 Mega Millions tickets were a Mega Ball short of winning it all
A few people came close to winning it all in Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing.
www.cbsnews.com
Former DOJ official labels Trump allies ‘malevolent nincompoops’ over fake elector scheme
Former Department of Justice (DOJ) official and federal prosecutor David Laufman on Wednesday called Trump allies who plotted to overturn the 2020 presidential election “malevolent nincompoops” and…
thehill.com
Iraqi protesters break into parliament denouncing the nomination of new premier | CNN
Hundreds of angry protesters loyal to the powerful cleric Muqtada al-Sadr broke into Baghdad's heavily protected Green Zone on Wednesday, denouncing the nomination of a new prime minister.
www.cnn.comWNBA’s Griner says poor translation clouded arrest in Russia
Griner also said she received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer and was instructed to sign documents without an explanation of what they implied.
www.politico.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.
Biden emerges from COVID isolation, tells public: Get shots
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ended his COVID-19 isolation on Wednesday, telling Americans they can “live without fear” of the pandemic if they take advantage of booster shots and treatments , the protections he credited with his swift recovery.
apnews.com
Millions still without sense of smell or taste after Covid-19
Research shows 5% of people who had Covid are dealing with long-lasting loss of smell or taste, a shift one expert said could be considered "a new public health crisis."
www.nbcnews.com
43% of parents with young kids say their children will 'definitely not' get COVID vaccine
Forty-three percent of parents with children ages 6 months to 4 years old said they will "definitely not" get their child vaccinated against COVID-19, new polling found.
Biden stresses importance of COVID vaccination after testing negative
President Biden gave remarks from the White House Rose Garden after completing treatment and testing negative for COVID-19, and stressed the importance of vaccination.
Biden tests negative for COVID-19 twice, ends isolation at the White House
The president completed his five-day course of Paxlovid and five full days of isolation as of Wednesday morning, his doctor said.
www.cbsnews.com
How is the BA.5 COVID-19 variant different from other strains?
Prior infections make clear answers tricky. Currently, the CDC estimates the BA.5 and BA.4 subvariants make up 95% of COVID cases in the U.S.
www.cbsnews.com
Businesses struggle as many workers are either out sick with COVID-19 or on vacation
"That means I'm the busboy, the food runner and I'm sweeping and mopping," a Florida restaurant-owner said.
www.cbsnews.com
House passes bill to expand COVID-era telehealth services
The House passed a bill Wednesday to expand telehealth services that were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation, titled the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act, passed…
thehill.comHannity: Biden Recovered From ‘Much, Much Weaker’ COVID Strain Than Trump
Fox NewsAfter President Joe Biden gladly announced Wednesday that he tested negative for COVID-19 and is no longer isolating, Fox News host Sean Hannity called it “good news,” only to then say the strain of the virus that Biden fought off was “much, much weaker” than the one then-President...
Biden compares his COVID recovery to Trump's: 'He had to get helicoptered to Walter Reed'
Biden said he was able to work while he had COVID-19 because he was vaccinated during his Rose Garden remarks Wednesday.
Biden recovers from COVID, compares his mild case to Trump's more serious illness
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden celebrated his recovery from COVID-19 on Wednesday with an appeal to Americans to get vaccinated and a comparison of his mild symptoms and work-from-home performance to the more serious case experienced by his predecessor. Biden, who is 79, ended...
