
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sharply split along party lines, the House launched a new investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection on Wednesday, approving a special committee to probe the violent attack as police officers who were injured fighting Donald Trump’s supporters watched from the gallery above.

Anticipation of possible Trump Organization indictments builds
Former President Trump’s inner circle and legal experts are bracing for the political and legal fallout of charges being filed against his company as soon as Thursday.Multiple news outle…


'Perfect storm': Bulletin warns of extremist violence as pandemic restrictions lift
No specific threat was mentioned for Independence Day.

Grand jury votes to indict Trump's company and CFO: Sources
Former President Trump's namesake company expects to face criminal charges by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office as soon as Thursday, sources told ABC News.

Bill Cosby released from prison after conviction vacated
Bill Cosby is to be released from prison after his conviction was vacated.

HMS Defender: Russia's Putin accuses UK and US of military provocation
The Russian president says last week's naval incident off Crimea was co-ordinated to test Moscow.


Cheney calls select committee ‘our only remaining option’ and attacks GOP leaders for appeasing Trump | CNN Politics
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney sharply criticized Republican leaders on Wednesday before voting in favor of a select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.


Republicans go all-in on immigration as a political weapon
“It’s off the Richter scale in terms of importance for the Republican electorate,” said John Thomas, a Republican strategist.


Surfside building collapse: Death toll rises to 18 after 2 children found
At least 18 people are dead and 145 others remain unaccounted for after a 12-story residential building partially collapsed in Florida's Miami-Dade County last week.

GOP senators hold Biden accountable for campaign promise to support the biofuel industry and family farmers
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, led a letter with five of her Senate GOP colleagues to the president on Wednesday, pointing out his campaign promises in support of the biofuel industry as the Biden administration weighs “bailouts” for fuel refineries.

How NYC Board of Elections’ mistake fuels Trump’s false election fraud claims | CNN Politics
The New York City Democratic mayoral primary is a total mess. The city’s Board of Elections, known for previous errors, managed to make its biggest one to date when it accidentally included about 135,000 test ballots in its initial calculation of the primary results under the city’s new...


Trump's Sarasota rally still on despite report DeSantis wants it canceled due to Surfside
Former President Trump's Sarasota rally is moving ahead despite a report Gov. Ron DeSantis' office asked for a postponement due to Surfside.
www.usatoday.com

World reacts after Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction overturned
Bill Cosby’s accusers, activists and more are reacting to the news that the comedian's sexual assault conviction was overturned.

Seventeen states have enacted 28 new laws making it harder to vote | CNN Politics
State lawmakers have enacted nearly 30 laws since the 2020 election that restrict ballot access, according to a new tally as of June 21 by the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law.


Death toll rises to 18 in Florida condo collapse, scores still missing as search and rescue continues
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to the disaster site Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this week.

Milley was one of Trump’s favorite generals. Now he’s a villain of the right.
The four-star general has been sucked back into politics as a feud between the Pentagon and conservatives escalates.


Exxon oil lobbyist in sting video identifies 11 senators ‘crucial’ to its lobbying - Washington Examiner
A senior official with U.S. oil and gas giant ExxonMobil was captured on video revealing the identities of 11 senators “crucial” to its lobbying on Capitol Hill, including a host of Democrats.The footage was obtained by Unearthed, an investigative unit of environmental group Greenpeace UK, which...


Cheney, Kinzinger are sole GOP votes for Jan. 6 select committee
Only two of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection, Reps. Liz Cheney (Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (Ill.), backed creating a select co…


Canada: 182 unmarked graves found at another residential school
Hundreds of unmarked graves discovered in recent weeks at institutions Indigenous children were forced to attend.
Exclusive: Biden's spy chief, Avril Haines, on Russian cyberattacks, the climate crisis and the intelligence community's role in domestic terrorism
National Intelligence Director Avril Haines spoke with Daniel Klaidman, editor in chief of Yahoo News, about the challenges facing the intelligence community during the Biden administration.

Fox News Poll: As July 4th approaches, fewer voters believe US is best place to live
Almost 7 out of 10 voters (69 percent) believe America is the greatest country to reside in, according to the latest Fox News survey, down from 83 percent in 2015 and from the high-water mark recorded a decade ago.

Jim Acosta booed at border after asking Trump to apologize for Jan. 6
CNN’s Jim Acosta was booed by a crowd gathered at the southern border during former President Trump’s visit there on Wednesday after he asked Trump to apologize for the Jan. 6…


NYC issues new Democratic primary results after snafu created confusion
Eric Adams, who leads by thin margin over Kathryn Garcia, filed a lawsuit Wednesday to have a judge review the count.


'Absolutely nuts': Former VP Al Gore denounces 'artificial insanity' of Trump's false election claims
The former Democratic presidential nominee described Republicans' messages about the 2020 election as 'damaging to our democracy.'
www.usatoday.com

The biggest threat to Biden's hot economy could be his own policies
As Americans resume pre-Covid activity and the Biden administration seeks even more stimulus, the president's policies may be his own biggest economic threat.

Another Oath Keeper agrees to cooperate in Capitol riot conspiracy case, admits he brought firearms
Prosecutors say Mark Grods brought firearms to D.C. and was part of the tactical "stack" formation that advanced on the Capitol that day.


Minneapolis protesters hold city council vice president ‘hostage’ to sign list of demands, she says - Washington Examiner
A group of Minneapolis protesters blocked a car occupied by a councilwoman Sunday and insisted she sign a list of demands, including a motion to drop all charges against rioters in the aftermath of George Floyd's death. City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, who identifies as the first...


Heat wave kills more than 60 in Pacific Northwest
“We cannot just turn up the AC,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wrote.

Heatwave: Biden and Harris meet western governors as region in emergency
Oregon’s governor expresses dismay at ‘unprecedented’ temperatures while fierce wildfire rages in northern California ‘This is a personal issue for me as a daughter of California,’ said Kamala Harris. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Joe Biden and Kamala Harris met with governors from...

Top Republicans press IRS after Christian group rejected for nonprofit status - Washington Examiner
Republican lawmakers are demanding answers from the IRS after it appeared to disqualify a Christian group for tax-exempt status over its biblical teachings. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady of Texas and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania sent Internal Revenue Service Commissioner...


‘Not a healthy environment’: Kamala Harris’ office rife with dissent
There is dysfunction inside the VP’s office, aides and administration officials say. And it’s emanating from the top.


New Oath Keeper defendant cooperating against others in major January 6 conspiracy case | CNN Politics
A member of the Oath Keepers has cut a plea deal with prosecutors and is testifying secretly against others in the right-wing group, according to a criminal case unsealed Wednesday in Washington, DC.

Japanese official warns US of potential surprise attack on Hawaii — from Russia and China - Washington Examiner
Russia and China are coordinating military exercises to threaten not only Taiwan but also Hawaii, according to a senior Japanese defense official who warned the United States to beware of a Pearl Harbor-style surprise attack.“We have to show the deterrence towards China, and not just China but...


Rep. Clyburn says Democrats' use of 'defund the police' is 'cutting the throats of the party'
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., said Democrats' use of slogans like "defund the police" is "cutting the throats of the party" in an interview with The New York Times.
Israel asks U.S. to hold off on reopening Jerusalem consulate
Israel Foreign Ministry officials have been lobbying the State Department to hold off on reopening the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem to avoid creating difficulties for the new government, Israeli officials tell me.Why it matters: Israel's new government contains an unstable mix of parties with...

Gates Foundation pledges $2.1B for gender equality
The pledge from the Gates Foundation came on the first day of the UN Women Generation Equality Forum in Paris.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoes GOP-backed election overhaul bill | CNN Politics
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday vetoed a Republican-backed election overhaul bill that would tighten election deadlines and expand voter identification requirements, among other changes, in the latest battle between Democrats and Republicans over voting rights.


Putin says US and UK were behind Black Sea 'provocation'
Russian President Vladimir Putin says that a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft was operating in concert with a British destroyer on June 23 when the ship sailed through the Black Sea

New poll shows how Trump surged with women and Hispanics — and lost anyway
Pew Research Center's "validated voter" survey is among the most thorough examinations of the 2020 electorate to date.


Only 23 percent of Americans are hopeful for a better political system: survey
Only 23 percent of Americans say they are hopeful for a better political system, according to a new survey.The survey was released in conjunction with the launch of a national ad campaign by t…


Trump, at US-Mexico border, slams Biden for ‘open, really dangerous’ border
Former President Trump returned to the U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday, taking direct aim at President Biden for the surge this year in migrants crossing the barrier.

Dozens dead in Washington, Oregon as heat wave takes its toll
Unrelenting heat waves are still pounding the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
Online activism is spilling into the streets of Southern California, sparking a post-Trump movement
SANTA ANA, Calif. -- A week before California reopened its economy, a group of 100 or so demonstrators gathered in front of the Orange County Board of Supervisors here to decry lingering mask mandates and other health restrictions. Whipped up by a misleading campaign of social media promotion...

Who are the figures whose statues the House voted to remove? - Washington Examiner
The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to remove statues of historical figures who had racist attitudes toward black people, which manifested in their political careers. Here are the figures who will no longer be honored in the United States Capitol, as well as two who were removed last...


Wall Street registers fifth straight quarterly gain
The Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all ended the session posting fifth consecutive quarterly gains.

House approves select committee to investigate pro-Trump Capitol insurrection in party-line vote
The House passed legislation Wednesday to form a select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 riots in which Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Pelosi rebuffs McConnell's demands on infrastructure, holding firm on clearing a Democrat-only social spending plan
The California Democrat stands by her commitment to clear Biden's bipartisan deal only after Senate Democrats approve a party-line bill.

Trump Organization, CFO Allen Weisselberg indicted on tax charges
The Trump Organization and its chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg were indicted by a New York grand jury.
www.usatoday.com

US embassy in Warsaw publishes video condemning LGBT hate
A video titled #WordsMatter highlights hateful messages left under posts about equality.


Lebanon’s struggling army resorts to offering helicopter joyrides to tourists - Washington Examiner
The struggling Lebanese Armed Forces have concocted an unusual way to boost revenue: offering tourists helicopter rides. The Lebanese army announced its plan this week, with the first tours set for Thursday. Tourists are required to fill out a form — offered in Arabic, English, or French — on...


'Time we seal this border': Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott visit Texas border
The visit, called a "clown show" by the Democrats, comes as immigration authorities on the ground are seeing a spike in unauthorized border crossings.
www.usatoday.com

New York leaders announce deal on record-breaking $99B budget
“It’s a recovery budget, which means laying a foundation for our future,” de Blasio said.


Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld dies at 88
The family of former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says he has died
Florida condo collapse: 5 things to watch as Bidens visit, meet with victims' families
President Joe Biden will make his first trip to Florida in 2021 to meet families, first responders and others impacted by Surfside condo collapse.

Huge backlogs and broken printers plague IRS, taxpayer advocate reports | CNN Politics
The Internal Revenue Service still had more than 35 million tax returns to process at the end of this year’s filing season, a backlog four times bigger than at the end of the 2019 filing season.


Putin discusses Ukraine, Black Sea spat, vaccines with public
President’s annual event answering the Russian people’s questions comes amid strained ties with the West.

Canada heatwave: Hundreds of sudden deaths recorded
More than 450 fatalities have been recorded in British Columbia alone over the past five days.

Man accused of destroying media property, breaching U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 apprehended in Austin
Zvonimir Joseph Jurlina was arrested on Monday and charged with destruction of property and act of physical violence on grounds, authorities said.
www.usatoday.com

IRS ended filing season with 35M unprocessed tax returns
The IRS ended this year’s filing season with more than 35 million individual and business tax returns that have not yet been processed, according to an independent watchdog report released Wednesda…


U.S. says 'pipe bomb' found in home of ex-cop charged in Capitol attack
A Virginia man awaiting trial on criminal charges stemming from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol recently procured a pipe bomb and other weapons, a violation of his parole, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.


‘We can’t escape the politics’: Biden and DeSantis’ fragile détente tested
Both men are putting partisan politics aside amid the tragic condo-collapse in Miami.


McCarthy tasks House Intelligence Republicans to investigate NSA - Washington Examiner
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy directed Republicans on the Intelligence Committee to investigate the National Security Agency over concerns of "politicization."There has been a "disturbing trend" at the agency, the California Republican said Wednesday, following the Biden administration's...


LGBTQ civil rights group sues Florida over ban on transgender girls in sports
“We are sending a message to him, and all anti-equality officials, that you cannot target our community without retribution," Human Rights Campaign said.


Tucker Carlson claims the NSA is spying on him. The agency denies it.
"Tucker Carlson has never been an intelligence target of the Agency and the NSA has never had any plans to try to take his program off the air,” the NSA said.

Rudy Giuliani Couldn’t Seem to Get William Barr on the Phone After the Election
Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily BeastIn the weeks immediately following Election Night in November, Rudy Giuliani repeatedly tried to call then-Attorney General William Barr, in an effort to ferry the Trump legal team’s unsubstantiated and conspiratorial election-fraud allegations...

Psaki can’t name a single Republican who supports 'defund the police'
White House press secretary Jen Psaki was questioned Wednesday over comments she made alleging Republicans want to “defund the police,” but she was unable to name a single GOP member who supported the controversial line.

Ex-official who said Surfside condo was sound leaves new job
A former city official who assured leaders that a Florida condo building was in “very good shape” three years before it collapsed has left his new job

TPLF says Ethiopian gov’t claim of Mekelle withdrawal a ‘lie’
Tigrayan fighters say they forced Ethiopian troops out of regional capital but gov’t insists it was tactical withdrawal.

Rep. Adam Smith pushes back against private funding for National Guard deployment
The chair of the House Armed Services Committee criticized the move by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and said the Guard shouldn’t be treated like a “private militia.”


Myanmar releases over 2,000 activists, journalists from prison
Myanmar released from prison more than 2,000 activists and journalists who have been protesting or reporting on the military coup that occurred in February.Officials said the 2,300 people were take…


Biden pressed to aid Saudi who was held, allegedly abused by MBS
"The Trump White House did nothing — absolutely nothing — to help him," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer.


Prestigious Virginia school lowers number of incoming Asian Americans despite protests - Washington Examiner
A prestigious Virginia high school at the center of a debate about diversity and inclusion announced Wednesday that it would significantly increase the number of black and Hispanic students granted admission despite pushback from some Asian American parents who argue that it unfairly punishes...


House approves $715 billion transportation bill amid infrastructure push
The House voted on the 5-year INVEST in America Act on Thursday, as President Biden promotes his infrastructure plans.


Trump debuts at 41st in C-SPAN presidential rankings
His predecessor, Barack Obama, moved up to the No. 10 spot.


Ilhan Omar says she is focused on finding 'solidarity' with her Jewish colleagues after latest backlash
Rep. Ilhan Omar on Wednesday issued a lengthy statement highlighting the historic ties between the Black and the Jewish communities and said she's committed to finding "solidarity" with both her Jewish and non-Jewish colleagues to fight injustices.

NCAA adopts policy that allows athletes to profit off name, image and likeness
The NCAA Division I board adopted an interim policy Wednesday afternoon.
ExxonMobil lobbyists filmed saying oil giant’s support for carbon tax a PR ploy
Undercover reporter hears company worked to undermine Biden efforts and funded shadow groups to deny global heating The ExxonMobil refinery in Baton Rouge. Greenpeace said that Unearthed reporters posed as recruitment consultants looking to hire a Washington lobbyist for a major client...

Tucker Carlson Says The NSA Wants Him Off The Air. Fox News Isn't Following His Lead
The Fox News star claims the National Security Agency has seen his emails and texts and plans to leak them to force him off the air. But the network hasn't backed up those claims with any reporting.

'Faithful steward of our armed forces': Reactions to Donald Rumsfeld's death
The death of Donald Rumsfeld days before his 89th birthday has drawn reaction from former president George Bush, Sen. Lindsey Graham and others.
www.usatoday.com

DHS raises alarm over potential for violence pegged to August conspiracy theory | CNN Politics
Department of Homeland Security officials are warning that the same sort of rhetoric and false narratives that fueled the January 6 attack on the US Capitol could lead to more violence this summer by right-wing extremists.


House GOP campaign arm hits vulnerable Democrats on inflation in July 4 ad campaign
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Wednesday rolled out a July 4 digital media campaign targeting vulnerable House Democrats on the issue of inflation. The 15-secon…


Lincoln Project releases new ad highlighting Trump, McConnell rift
A new ad from the Lincoln Project is taunting former President Trump, telling him he has lost control of his political base and declaring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) the lea…


How much is a Cabinet post worth?
The bribery trial of Paul Manafort’s banker could hinge on a debate about the value of top federal jobs.


NYC Board of Elections says it counted 'test' ballots in first round of mayoral primary
The Board of Elections in New York City has admitted to counting 135,000 test ballots in their initial election results for the Democratic mayoral primary. This is the first mayoral election in New York City to use ranked choice voting. NBC News’ Jane Timm analyzes what this misstep means for...


Trump seeks spotlight at U.S.-Mexico border with attacks on Biden policies
Former President Donald Trump, in his latest effort to regain the national spotlight, traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday to accuse President Joe Biden of neglecting national security by dismantling border controls.


Durbin slams Biden admin for 'unacceptable' delays in handling DACA applications
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is unhappy with the Biden administration following the release of a quarterly report of statistics related to applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Fraternal Order of Police lobs Congress a warning on police reform talks
“Demagoguery and scare tactics have jeopardized the future of these efforts," the group's president said as bipartisan negotiations appear to totter.


Only two House Republicans vote for the January 6 select committee | CNN Politics
Only two House Republicans – Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois – voted Wednesday to create a select committee to investigate the deadly January 6 attack on the US Capitol.


Trump, on trip with GOP, slams ‘sick’ state of US-Mexico border
Former President Trump on Wednesday bemoaned what he said was the “sick” state of the U.S.-Mexico border during a trip to Texas with GOP lawmakers.”We have a sick country in many …


As SCOTUS nears end of term, unpredictable decisions contradict Dems' warnings
The Supreme Court will release its final two decisions of the term Thursday morning, and if the hot-button political issues involved are each determined by a 6-3 split between the conservative majority and the liberal minority on the court, those would be rare exceptions to how the court’s...

House creates Capitol riot committee to investigate Jan. 6. GOP Reps. Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger vote with Democrats
The two Republicans who supported the committee were Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.
www.usatoday.com

New tally shows tighter race in NYC mayoral primary
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is narrowly leading his closest rivals in the New York City mayoral Democratic primary, though the race has tightened significantly, according to new vote tota…


Haunted by tragedy and safety fears, Surfside residents debate leaving home
Chiara Mauriziano rolled a suitcase into Champlain Towers East in Surfside, Florida on Wednesday morning, returning home nearly a week after a condo tower a few hundred feet away collapsed, killing at least 16 and leaving scores missing.


Biden signs bill repealing Trump-era EPA rule on methane emissions | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a bill repealing a Trump-era rule that rolled back regulations on methane emissions – a particularly potent greenhouse gas believed to contribute significantly to the climate crisis – from the oil and gas industries.


McCarthy calls for investigation into claims NSA was spying on Tucker Carlson
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced on Wednesday that he asked Rep. Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, to look into allegations that the…


Florida building collapse reveals shortcomings of systems to protect residents, experts say
Some officials are calling for changes to building codes after Champlain Towers South collapsed, leaving at least 20 people dead and 128 missing.


Amazon requests FTC chair recuse herself from antitrust investigations
Amazon sent a request to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday asking its new chair Lina Khan be recused from any antitrust investigations into the company because of her past c…


Maine governor vetoes bill partially decriminalizing prostitution
Gov. Janet Mills said she wasn’t convinced that the bill provided “the best path forward” in dealing with Maine’s trafficking problem.


Attorney for 'QAnon Shaman' seeks his release ahead of Capitol riot trial
A lawyer for the man nicknamed the "QAnon Shaman," who faces criminal charges in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, asked a federal judge on Wednesday to release his client, saying he poses no danger to the public.

Tennessee couple paying $1 million to send South Dakota National Guard troops to border
South Dakota is receiving $1 million from a billionaire Tennessee couple to send 50 of its guardsmen and women to the US-Mexico border.
www.usatoday.com

New York’s election debacle gives an opening to 2020 deniers
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.


Cosby release infuriates survivors; lawyers hail win for Constitution
Reaction to Bill Cosby being freed from prison on Wednesday after Pennsylvania's highest court overturned his sexual assault conviction ranged from outrage to cheers. Here are some of those voices:


Dan Crenshaw doubles down on Gwen Berry criticism: 'You should like the USA'
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, doubled down on his criticism of U.S. Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry, saying Wednesday that if someone is going to represent America on the world stage, they "should like the USA."

Latinos who supported Trump were more likely to lack a college education
Biden won 69 percent of Latino college graduates' votes compared to 30 percent for Trump, but Biden got only 55 percent from Hispanics without a degree.


House votes to create select committee to investigate January 6 attack
The House will vote on a bill to create a 13-member select committee to investigate the deadly attack.


Mexican search-and-rescue team on hold near Florida high-rise disaster
Seven Mexican search-and-rescue volunteers who flew to Florida to help after a residential high-rise near Miami collapsed have been barred from the disaster site because of U.S. restrictions.

Lawmakers, advocates weigh restrictions on DOJ gag orders
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, along with media and technology companies, slammed the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its increasing use of gag orders that block communication…

Donald Rumsfeld dies at 88. The former defense secretary oversaw Iraq, Afghanistan wars
Donald Rumsfeld served under President George W. Bush and played a central role in post-9/11 wars against Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden.
www.usatoday.com

Phylicia Rashad says Bill Cosby release 'corrected' a 'miscarriage of justice'
The actor who played Clair Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" spoke out forcefully in support of her former co-star after his sexual assault conviction was overturned.


Allison Mack sentenced to 3 years in prison for role in NXIVM
The “Smallville” actress was sentenced after she pleaded guilty to blackmailing women and subjecting them to sexual humiliation.

Arkansas becomes latest state to send troops to southern border amid migrant surge
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday that his state would become the latest to send National Guard troops to the southern border -- after an appeal for help in dealing with the border crisis from Arizona and Texas.Hutchinson announced a 90-day deployment of up to 40 members of the...

Psaki on Cosby release: Biden a longtime 'advocate' in fighting 'violence against women'
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden remains an “advocate” for survivors of sexual assault following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision to throw out Bill Cosby’s conviction Wednesday.

U.S. to add third gender option to American passports
Passport applicants will also be able to self-select their gender without providing supporting medical documentation, the State Department announced.


Bill Cosby thanks fans after prison release
Actor and comedian Bill Cosby thanked his fans on Wednesday following his release from prison after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court tossed his 2018 sexual assault conviction. The 83-year-old actor t…

Federal judge blocks Indiana 'abortion reversal' law
The ruling came just before the so-called abortion reversal law adopted by Indiana's Republican-dominated Legislature was to take effect Thursday.
www.usatoday.com

'Outlandish' forecasts in Northwest suggest a feared climate reality is here decades early
This week's sizzling temperatures may herald a climate reality that scientists thought was still decades in the future.


U.S. closing 6 makeshift housing sites for unaccompanied migrant children
The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to house migrant children at four emergency sites, including a tent camp at the Fort Bliss Army base.


READ: The court opinion that overturned Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction
Pennsylvania’s state Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered Bill Cosby’s release, overturning his conviction for sexual assault.In its decision, the state Supreme Court …


Eric Adams has narrow lead in new ranked-choice count released following NYC election officials’ mistake | CNN Politics
A day after the New York City Board of Elections botched a dry run of its new ranked-choice vote-counting process, the beleaguered office released updated results that found Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams narrowly in the lead.


Historians rank Trump near the bottom of U.S. presidents as Obama rises into the top 10
Historians ranked Donald Trump lowest of any president in 150 years, but he remains the GOP's most influential figure and a possible 2024 candidate.
www.usatoday.com

After Contentious Debate, UNC Grants Tenure To Nikole Hannah-Jones
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's trustees' earlier refusal to take up her case inspired a bruising national debate over race, journalism and academic freedom.


States are so flush with funds, many are cutting taxes | CNN Politics
While states feared the coronavirus pandemic would wreak havoc on their budgets and force them to slash services, it turns out that many are doing far better than they predicted.


Woman accused of attacking Black teen in NY hotel charged with hate crime, pleads not guilty
Miya Ponsetto, who falsely accused a Black teen of stealing her phone at a New York hotel last year, was arraigned Wednesday and charged with a hate crime.

Pro-J.D. Vance super PAC goes up with ad ahead of Ohio GOP Senate bid launch
A well-financed outside group supporting J.D. Vance’s Republican campaign for the Senate in Ohio is going up with a statewide ad as the venture capitalist and the author of the best-selling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy” gets ready to announce his candidacy in the 2022 race to succeed retiring GOP...

'Times of urgent need': White House assembles Western governors ahead of wildfire season
Biden intends to ask the governors what immediate resources the federal government can supply them with to address the upcoming wildfire season.
www.usatoday.com

Biden announces new steps on wildfires: US must ‘act fast’
President Biden announced a series of steps in response to intensifying wildfires in the western U.S. on Wednesday, calling the fires “a problem for all of us” and saying the U.S. must act “f…


Democrat Murphy warns 'no path' on bipartisan infrastructure deal without additions
President Joe Biden has tried to get Republicans on board, but Democrats have begun to express opposition to some elements.


Britney Spears' father calls on court to investigate claims made during her testimony
"It is critical that the Court confirm whether or not Ms. Spears's testimony was accurate in order to determine what corrective actions, if any, need to be taken," Jamie Spears' filing said.


As prices for insulin skyrocket, Walmart launches 'affordable' brand
Walmart announced it was launching its own private brand of insulin, which the big box chain says will save customers with diabetes up to 75% on the lifesaving drug.

World Wide Web source code NFT sells for $5.4 million at Sotheby's
Tim Berners-Lee, who wrote the original source code for the web, minted the blockchain-based token, which was then auctioned off.

New York elections board says mayoral vote 'discrepancy' was 135,000 extra 'dummy' ballots, starts count over
New York elections board says mayoral vote 'discrepancy' was 135,000 extra 'dummy' ballots, starts count over

Trump audit excitement meets with fear from election officials
The new drive is worrying state election administrators, who say the efforts will further inflame conspiracy theories and erode faith in the American democratic system.


America’s economy is booming, but Republicans are miserable | CNN Business
Unemployment is shrinking. The stock market is booming. Americans are returning to the skies and even to movie theaters. And yet Republicans are deeply worried about the state of the economy.


Confusion reigns after New York City tries to release first ranked-choice tally in Democratic mayoral primary
The board said late Tuesday that it accidentally included thousands of test ballots in the results.


NYC mayoral primary in chaos after 135,000 pre-election test ballots counted
The New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday faced swift backlash over an error that resulted in 135,000 pre-election test votes being counted because they were not properly purged from the system.

The Memo: Trump’s newfound critics invite skepticism
Former Vice President Mike Pence says he was “proud” to certify the 2020 election results.Former Attorney General William Barr says he knew former President Trump’s claims of election fraud were “b…


NYC Board of Elections throws mayoral primary into chaos by counting test ballots | CNN Politics
The campaign to become New York City’s next mayor has come in for another twist.


House approves Jan. 6 riot probe as Dems fret over pro-Trump chaos agents
Two GOP lawmakers voted for a select panel on the Capitol attack, but Republicans might choose firebrand conservatives to undercut the effort.


Report: Bipartisan infrastructure deal would give a bigger boost to economy than Biden plan
An economic analysis of the bipartisan infrastructure deal that President Joe Biden embraced is more positive than a similar review of Biden's original plan.
www.usatoday.com
ICE eyes new ways to track migrants
The Biden administration is exploring ways to provide non-detention tracking and services for as many as 100,000 migrant families and 18- to 21-year-olds each year, according to a new government request.Why it matters: The request for information by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)...

Facebook antitrust victory poses big test for new FTC chief
A federal judge’s dismissal of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Facebook is posing the first big test for President Biden’s new FTC chair, Lina Khan.But the renowned B…


Biden pressed to aid Saudi who was held, allegedly abused by MBS
"The Trump White House did nothing — absolutely nothing — to help him," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer.


POLITICO Playbook: Nutso in New York
And Biden says the bipartisan bill is the last stop for infrastructure.

AP FACT CHECK: Biden distorts bipartisan infrastructure deal
President Joe Biden overstated the expected employment gains Tuesday in making his pitch for a bipartisan infrastructure proposal that he said would create “millions” of new jobs. While Biden and congressional Democrats are aiming to pass the remainder of the president's proposal in separate...

Death toll rises to 18 nearly a week after Florida condo collapse
Six more bodies have been found in the ruins of a Miami-area condominium tower, officials said on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18 nearly a week after the building collapsed.

Scientists warn of climate change intensifying heat waves
Scientists are warning that climate change is already compounding the extreme heat battering the Pacific Northwest and will do so even more as the planet continues to warm.Oregon and Washington saw…


Sen. Cotton blasts Biden – and does push-ups with Grassley – on Iowa trip | CNN Politics
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas blamed President Joe Biden for porous borders, waning support for police officers and “a crime wave of unprecedented proportions” Tuesday night in Iowa.


Democrats face questions on whether they overpromised
Democrats facing a legislative logjam and divisions over their strategy are confronting a new problem: the worry that they overpromised supporters when they won back the White House and both chambe…


NYC mayoral primary in chaos after 135,000 pre-election test ballots counted
The New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday faced swift backlash over an error that resulted in 135,000 pre-election test votes being counted because they were not properly purged from the system.

Dissents from the bench: A Supreme Court tradition missing during Covid | CNN Politics
The Covid pandemic deprived the Supreme Court of its courtroom for oral arguments, its intimate conference room for deliberations and, as is evident these days, the bench where dissenting justices can vent.


Biden to raise federal firefighter pay to $15 per hour
The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that it will raise pay for federal firefighters to at least $15 per hour as part of a broader strategy to respond to wildfires.A senior administ…

Error mars vote count in NYC mayoral primary
The Democratic primary for mayor of New York City was thrown into a state of confusion Tuesday when election officials retracted their latest report on the vote count after realizing it had been corrupted by test data never cleared from a computer system. The bungle was a black mark on New York...

Cities' plea to Biden: Help us lower speed limits
President Joe Biden frequently promises to get America moving again with new spending on roads and other infrastructure. Pittsburgh city council member Erika Strassburger hopes he can slow things down.


Tigray forces hunt down retreating Ethiopian-Eritrean troops
TPLF vows to go after forces allied to the government from the Amhara region and neighbouring nation Eritrea.

Garland: DOJ will change its regulations on seeking journalists’ records to make policy more lasting | CNN Politics
Attorney General Merrick Garland said Tuesday that the Justice Department has informed news industry leaders it will change its regulations around seeking records from journalists, in what appears to be a win for media outlets.


China expert John Culver on Beijing's military prowess - "Intelligence Matters"
Culver and "Intelligence Matters" podcast host Michael Morell discuss the decades-long modernization of Chinese military.


Family members cling to hope for survivors after Surfside condo building collapse
“We’re not going to give up,” said Sally Noriega, who has been praying for the rescue of her mother-in-law.


'Humbling': 2 generations of soldiers reflect on historic Afghanistan withdrawal
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose Leal described being in Afghanistan as the U.S. troop presence comes to an end as "a humbling experience."

Analysis: America’s longest war is ending. A nation is left wondering whether it was all worth it. | CNN Politics
America’s “forever war” in Afghanistan outlasted the first three commanders in chief of this century. But this week, Joe Biden is set to become the President who imposes closure on the US’ role in the bloody, intractable conflict.


LA mayor tours Venice homeless camp, says he won't get into 'p---ing match' with sheriff over crisis: report
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took aim at county Sheriff Alex Villanueva on Tuesday amid an ongoing political battle over how to best combat the homelessness crisis in the city's Venice neighborhood, according to a report.

Biden nominates academic Gutmann as U.S. envoy to Germany -sources
President Joe Biden has nominated academic Amy Gutmann as U.S. ambassador to Germany, three sources said on Wednesday, as the two countries seek to rebuild relations that cooled under former President Donald Trump.

Joining Trump at border, GOP congressman eyes path to power
At the invitation of Donald Trump, Indiana Rep. Jim Banks recently led a small group of House Republicans to the former president’s New Jersey golf club, where they dined on beef tenderloin, posed for photos and briefed him on strategy for the 2022 midterm elections. Banks tweeted a picture of...

Actor Allison Mack gets 3 years in NXIVM sex-slave case
“Smallville” actor Allison Mack was sentenced to three years in prison for her role in the scandal-ridden, cult-like NXIVM group
Boom Times for Lawyers as Washington Pursues Big Tech
WASHINGTON — Lawyers at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, a top corporate law firm, were abuzz on Monday as they grappled with a federal judge’s rulings about antitrust cases related to their client: Facebook. Last month, lawyers at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, one of the country’s elite law...

China is facing its worst power shortage in a decade. That’s a problem for the whole world | CNN Business
China is in the middle of a huge power crunch as extreme weather, surging demand for energy and strict limits on coal usage deliver a triple blow to the nation’s electricity grid. It’s a problem that could last for months, straining the country’s economic recovery and weighing on global trade.


Biden announces 5th wave of judicial nominees as Democrats aim to maintain quick pace of confirmations to federal bench | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden announced eight new federal judicial nominations on Wednesday as the White House seeks to maintain its rapid pace of nominations – and confirmations – to the federal bench.


Native American women face an epidemic of violence. A legal loophole prevents prosecutions.
Limits on tribal prosecutions have worsened the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, experts say. Congress is weighing a fix.


Grassley, 87, cranks out 22 push-ups at Iowa event
Sens. Chuck Grassley R-Iowa., and Tom Cotton R-Ark., showed off their push-up skills during a fundraising event in Iowa to call attention to the mental health of U.S. veterans.
Biden is fighting a 'low-intensity war' against Iran-backed militants, and it's causing tensions with fellow Democrats
Biden is facing growing accusations from fellow Democrats of waging what's effectively an undeclared war.

US days from completing formal Afghanistan withdrawal but up to 1,000 troops could remain | CNN Politics
The US could complete its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan within days, according to multiple US officials, making this a critical week in President Joe Biden’s campaign to end America’s longest war even as US military officials warn the country could devolve into civil war.


Discrepancy with test ballots disrupts NYC mayoral primary - Washington Examiner
A failure to clear roughly 135,000 test ballot images from an election management system led to significant confusion over the status of preliminary vote tallies in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, the city’s Board of Elections said Tuesday evening. Staff have removed the test...


N.J. will house trans inmates by gender identity after lawsuit
"My hope is that this policy is a step in the right direction in New Jersey's commitment to keeping people in this prison safe," Tess Borden, an ACLU of New Jersey staff attorney, said.


Thousands of EU citizens may lose legal status to live in UK
Millions of Europeans have freely lived, worked and studied in the U.K. for decades, but Brexit means that those rights are no longer automatically granted
The IRS's child tax credit portal 'looks like crap and it's not really usable' for low-income Americans trying to get $300 monthly federal payments
An expert tells Insider the tax-agency's non-filer portal is inconvenient and unusable. It could set back Biden's agenda as "it's just really bad."

Virtual care becomes a common cause in a divided Congress
Lawmakers are lining up to decide what Medicare will pay for after the pandemic is over, with sponsors of a leading Senate plan confident they have the votes to include it in a must-pass piece of legislation this year.

Rudy Giuliani Couldn’t Seem to Get William Barr on the Phone After the Election
Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily BeastIn the weeks immediately following Election Night in November, Rudy Giuliani repeatedly tried to call then-Attorney General William Barr, in an effort to ferry the Trump legal team’s unsubstantiated and conspiratorial election-fraud allegations...

Gun deaths rising in Iowa as new law removes handgun permits
Gun deaths have been surging in Iowa as a law is set to go into effect that will allow people to more easily buy handguns and carry them in public without training or a permit

House votes to create select committee to investigate January 6 insurrection | CNN Politics
The House voted Wednesday to create a new select committee that will investigate the deadly January 6 attack on the US Capitol, in a vote falling mostly along party lines that signals the political fight to come over the panel’s examination of the insurrection.


Teens Can Get Swept Into Adult Prisons. D.C.'s Attorney General Wants To Change That
Karl Racine's proposal could overhaul the way juveniles are charged as adults and offer greater opportunities for rehabilitation.


Opinion | I've Been a Critical Race Theorist for 30 Years. Our Opponents Are Just Proving Our Point For Us.
Seemingly overnight, my obscure legal specialty became a national lightning rod. What would CRT say about that?

HHS secretary praises 'progress' at Fort Bliss site for migrant kids amid claims of poor conditions
Fort Bliss has been the subject of multiple reports alleging poor conditions, including a court filing with declarations from children who described a lack of privacy, as little as one hour of recreation each day and overwhelming anxiety caused by prolonged detention.

George W. Bush on Rumsfeld’s death: ‘We mourn an exemplary public servant’
Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday mourned the death of Donald Rumsfeld, calling his former secretary of Defense “an exemplary public servant.”“In a busy and purposeful life, Don Rumsfeld…

NSA denies electronic monitoring of Fox News host Tucker Carlson
The host of "Tucker Carlson Tonight" accused the federal agency of targeting his show to get him kicked off the air
www.usatoday.com

Progress on mutual interests in spotlight as Israel FM visits UAE
Yair Lapid became the first Israeli minister in history to officially visit the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

Tucker Carlson claimed the NSA is spying on him. Even his own colleagues don’t seem to believe it | CNN Business
Fox News host Tucker Carlson made an explosive claim on his show Monday night: That he had learned through a whistleblower that the National Security Agency is spying on him and planning to leak his communications in a bid to take him off the air.


Recreational marijuana legal to possess, grow in New Mexico
It’s now legal to possess recreational marijuana and start growing the plants in New Mexico
Andrew Giuliani gets zero support for gubernatorial bid from New York Republicans
Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, received no support from state Republicans for his bid to be the next governor of New York during a secret straw poll held Monday.Driving the news: Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) got about 85% of the vote, and...

Hong Kong: How life has changed under China's national security law
Seven city residents tell the BBC how the national security law fundamentally changed their lives.


Saudi Arabia plans new national airline in move away from oil
The move is part of a plan to make the kingdom a global logistics hub, and build ports, rail and road networks.

Tigray forces regain ground, say ceasefire declaration a ‘joke’
Spokesman says forces prepared to chase their opponents well beyond northern Ethiopian region.

Rep. Clyburn, after called ‘stupid,’ backs Bernie Sanders ally’s opponent in Ohio special election
One of the Democratic Party’s top members is backing the opponent of a key Bernie Sanders ally in an upcoming special U.S. House election in Ohio, according to reports.

UN court sentences Milosevic aides to 12 years for war crimes
UN war crimes court convicts former Serbian spy chiefs Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic.

60 charged with running California-based meth network
Sixty people have been charged with running a California-based drug ring that sold methamphetamine around the country and in Australia

Big Tech is booming again, and the bull run appears to be far from over | CNN Business
So much for big tech stocks falling out of favor.

Trump contempt for White House Covid taskforce revealed in new book
Nightmare Scenario reports dismissive attitude to key bodyUS politics – live coverage Mike Pence listens as Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House. Photograph: Patrick Semansky/AP Amid chaos at the White House as the coronavirus pandemic worsened, Donald...

Highest gas prices of 2021 cast shadow over holiday weekend road trips
The national gas price average has reached its highest level so far this year and shows now sign of reprieve ahead of the Independence Day holiday travel weekend.

Twitter faces new case for child pornography after India map row
Police file multiple cases against social media firm for allegedly promoting child pornography and ‘hurting sentiments’.

Murkowski has the moxie to take on Trump. Will she?
The Alaska Republican swatted her GOP challenger, boosted by the ex-president, as "somebody with a pulse." But she's also mum about reelection.


Texas inmate executed for killing wife, father-in-law
A Texas inmate has been executed for an attack that killed his pregnant wife, 5-year-old daughter and father-in-law more than a decade ago


Are your sniffles the result of a common cold, or could it be Covid?
Doctors say even fully vaccinated people need to pay attention to Covid-19 symptoms, such as headache and congestion.


In Wisconsin, 95% of COVID-19 deaths since March were among unvaccinated
In Wisconsin, 95% of COVID-19 deaths since March were among locals who were unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, state health officials said.

Your pets can catch Covid from you, and cats appear more susceptible than dogs
The more time a cat spent with its owner, the higher the risk of infection, new research finds.


CDC director: Vaccinated people ‘safe’ from delta variant, do not need to wear masks
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that fully vaccinated people are “safe” from the current variants and do not need to wear masks, dou…


Trump COVID testing czar says WHO rejected US choices for origins investigation - Washington Examiner
The COVID-19 testing czar for former President Donald Trump said the World Health Organization rejected three qualified U.S scientists for the WHO-China joint COVID-19 origins study conducted in early 2021, with the only American picked for the team being longtime Wuhan lab collaborator Peter...


Pentagon: More than half of service members vaccinated against COVID-19
Just more than half of all service members are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19, with the Navy the most vaccinated service and the Marine Corps the least.About 68 perce…


U.S. still weighing travel curbs, does not see eventual vaccine rule -White House
The United States is still weighing its COVID-19 travel restrictions for international visitors, but does not intend to ultimately require coronavirus vaccinations for entry, the White House said on Wednesday.

He rejected the COVID-19 vaccine and almost died. Now he's preaching its virtues to Congress.
Joshua Garza almost died of COVID-19 after rejecting the vaccine. Now he’s preaching its virtues before Congress.

The Delta variant has now been detected in all 50 states and Washington, DC | CNN
The Delta variant of Covid 19 has now been detected in all 50 states and Washington, DC, according to the latest tally from CNN.


Arkansas vaccine incentives not working: Health officials
Arkansas' attempt to get its lagging vaccination numbers up through a million dollar incentive program has failed to deliver real results.

Australia Covid: Seventh city locks down amid vaccine chaos
As cases spread to new at-risk areas, government leaders send mixed messages about vaccination.


House Republicans hold own hearing on COVID-19 origins
GOP lawmakers on Tuesday held their own hearing on the origins of COVID-19 and demanded House Speaker Nancy Pelosi convene a bipartisan one, also urging the House to pass a bill to declassify all intelligence related to the virus.

Man pleads guilty to stealing $24 million in COVID relief
A Florida man has pleaded guilty to stealing $24 million in COVID-19 relief money by using fake identities and shell companies to fraudulently apply for financial assistance

Singapore wants to stop counting Covid cases | CNN
As countries around the Asia-Pacific region tighten restrictions once again to curb potential breakouts of the Delta coronavirus variant, Singapore has laid out a new vision for life to return to normal.


North Korea’s Kim fumes about ‘grave lapses’ in pandemic defences
Several senior officials replaced for ‘incompetence and irresponsibility’ in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID.

U.S. medical stockpile running low as Delta variant threat looms
The nation is still short hundreds of millions — or more — surgical masks, gloves and gowns.

Jill Biden teams up with NFL great to push vaccinations
Jill Biden played offense Tuesday in the fight against COVID-19, teaming up with an NFL Hall of Fame running back to encourage Texans to get vaccinated against the disease. “We're in the fourth quarter, and the game is far from over,” Smith said after the tour as they addressed a group of...
Paul keeps up complaints over handling of COVID-19 pandemic
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul complained bitterly Tuesday about the government's COVID-19 response but did not single out former President Donald Trump for blame, instead accusing Kentucky's governor and Dr. Anthony Fauci of encroaching on personal freedom. In a home state appearance in Greensburg...

Poll: Workers more likely to be vaccinated if employers offer paid time off
A recent poll found that American workers are more likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if their employers offer paid time off for them to get and recover from the shots, indicating a potential…


California Bans State Travel To Florida And 4 Other States
The ban was prompted by laws in the states that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community, California's attorney general announced Monday.


More than 80 teens and staffers at an Illinois summer camp got Covid-19 | CNN
More than 80 teens and adult staffers from a Central Illinois summer camp tested positive for Covid-19 in an outbreak that has impacted people across three states, officials said.

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