(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Little doubt remains about what the Supreme Court plans to do with Roe v. Wade. But uncertainty abounds about ripple effects as the court nears a final opinion expected to overturn the landmark 1973 case that created a nationwide right to abortion.
AP evidence points to 600 dead in Mariupol theater airstrike
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — She stood in just her bathrobe in the freezing basement of the Mariupol theater, coated in white plaster dust shaken loose by the explosion. Her husband tugged at her to leave and begged her to cover her eyes.
apnews.com
Biden blasts Republicans' 'extreme' MAGA agenda, touts deficit reduction
Biden charged "MAGA" Republicans with protecting billionaires at the expense of working class Americans.
www.reuters.com
What's next in the investigation of the Supreme Court leak?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts, in ordering an investigation into an “egregious breach of trust” in the leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion, tasked a relatively unknown court official to carry out what could be one of the most high-profile investigations in decades.
apnews.com
Conservative court strategy bears fruit as Roe faces peril
The conservative legal movement this week seemed on the cusp of clinching its long-sought goal of toppling Roe v. Wade, a coming-of-age moment for a well-funded and norm-shattering push to fill the…
thehill.com
Poll: Half of voters support maintaining Roe v. Wade
Only 11 percent say abortion should be “illegal in all cases.”
www.politico.com
AP sources: Donald Trump Jr. speaks with Jan. 6 committee
WASHINGTON (AP) — The oldest son of former President Donald Trump has met with the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S.
apnews.com
Supreme Court draft decision leaked to energize Democrats' base, former Clinton adviser says
The Supreme Court's draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in order to energize Democrats' base, former Clinton adviser says.
Gaetz faces backlash for ‘over-educated’ women remark
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is facing backlash after questioning how many “over-educated, under-loved” women have participated in protests supporting abortion rights after a draft ruling from the Supr…
thehill.com
'Heavy, bloody battles' as Russian troops break into steel plant: May 4 recap
Ukraine has stopped Russia’s military advance and will sign no peace deal allowing Russian troops to remain in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says.
www.usatoday.com
Russia turns to 'missile terrorism' as eastern Ukraine offensive struggles
A series of Russian airstrikes throughout Ukraine reflects a possible effort to demoralize the beleaguered civilian population, according to officials and observers, as invading Russian forces continue to struggle against Ukrainian resistance.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Jan. 6 rally participant with QAnon ties wins GOP nomination in House race
J.R. Majewski defeated two sitting Ohio legislators and will now compete against a Democratic incumbent in a district President Trump would have won by three points in 2020.
U.S. intelligence helping Ukraine kill Russian generals -NY Times
The United States has provided intelligence that has helped Ukrainian forces kill many of the Russian generals who have died in the Ukraine war, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing senior U.S. officials.
www.reuters.com
Ukraine: Russia using 'missile terrorism' in wide attacks
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Complaining that the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons,” Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country, as the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war Wednesday by proposing a ban on oil imports.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine updates: 2 US veterans who joined Ukrainian forces missing
Updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Large protests break out across the country after Supreme Court leak
Large protests have broken out across the country in recent days after a leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court showed that the bench is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, invigorating individual…
thehill.com
Biden showcases deficit progress in bid to counter critics
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday highlighted new figures showing the government's red ink will grow less than expected this year and the national debt will shrink this quarter as he tried to counter criticism of his economic leadership amid growing dismay over inflation going...
apnews.com
GOP House member draws fire over child sex predator's reelection campaign role
Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) has allowed a man convicted of soliciting sex with a minor to assist with her reelection campaign, the Washington Examiner has learned.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
New audio: McCarthy said 25th Amendment 'takes too long'
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy discussed the 25th Amendment on a call with GOP leadership days after the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and said the process "takes too long," according to an audio recording obtained by two New York Times reporters and shared with CNN.
www.cnn.com
Battles rage at Ukrainian plant as U.N. rushes to evacuate civilians
Scores of Ukrainians remained trapped on Thursday in a Mariupol steel works that has been rocked by heavy explosions as Russian forces fought for control of Ukraine's last stronghold in the ruined city and the United Nations rushed to evacuate civilians.
www.reuters.com
‘Are you going to cave?’ GOP primaries pit ‘fighters’ against ‘governing wing’
Primary clashes in states across the country will shape the potential GOP House majority.
www.politico.com
U.S. says Russian forces are largely stalled in Ukraine; Biden to discuss more sanctions with G-7
The European Union has announced proposals to sanction Russian oil imports on Wednesday, as Russia launched more attacks on eastern and southern Ukraine.
Another judge rips Wisconsin 2020 election investigator for destroying records
A judge directed Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly not to delete any records in the investigation of the 2020 presidential election in the state.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ukraine latest updates: New Mariupol evacuation mission under way
Ukraine news May 5: UN says third convoy on way to evacuate civilians from ‘hell’ of the besieged Azovstal steel plant.
Biden says 'MAGA crowd' is 'most extreme political organization that's existed' in recent American history
President Biden on Wednesday, reacting to the leaked draft opinion signaling the Supreme Court’s intent to overturn Roe v. Wade, slammed Republicans, said the controversy is “about a lot more than abortion,” and warning that the “MAGA crowd” is “the most extreme political organization that’s...
Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes tried to contact Trump during the January 6 Capitol attack, court documents reveal
The allegation came from the plea agreement of one-time Rhodes ally William Wilson, who admitted to seditious conspiracy on Wednesday.
www.cbsnews.com
Abortion draft puts unusual public pressure on Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The traditionally insular Supreme Court is about to face the full force of public pressure and abortion politics as justices make a final decision on whether to throw out the landmark Roe v.
apnews.com
EU's toughest Russia sanctions yet snag on worries over oil ban
The European Union's executive on Wednesday proposed the toughest package of sanctions yet against Moscow for its war in Ukraine, but several countries worried about the impact of cutting off Russia oil imports stood in the way of agreement.
www.reuters.com
Democrats use leaked SCOTUS opinion to push bill legalizing some abortions for all 9 months
Democrats are pushing for another vote on a bill that would legalize many abortions through all nine months of a woman’s pregnancy amid the unprecedented leaked Supreme Court opinion.
Supreme Court verifies authenticity of leaked opinion in abortion case but says decision not final
The Supreme Court verified the authenticity of a leaked draft opinion in a major abortion case but said it didn't represent the final position.
www.usatoday.com
Biden touts $1.5 trillion budget deficit reduction — but he's not telling the whole story
President Joe Biden touted sizable reductions in the federal deficit in the current fiscal year as part of his administration's economic savvy.
Fed raises key rate by a half-point in bid to tame inflation
The Federal Reserve intensified its fight against the worst inflation in 40 years by raising its benchmark interest rate by a half-percentage point — its most aggressive move since 2000 — and signaling further large rate hikes to come
Roe v Wade: Anti-abortion push rocks reputation of top US court
Legal experts say likely overturning of Roe v Wade would show Supreme Court justices are ‘politicians wearing robes’.
'Long arm of Donald Trump' encircles Mitch McConnell in Senate
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) likely won't be able to steer clear of the "long arm" of former President Donald Trump should Republicans retake control of the Senate, according to one of the journalist authors of a new book taking Washington by storm.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Cisneros calls out House Democratic leadership for supporting anti-abortion Cuellar
With three weeks until the Democratic runoff, recent abortion news could be a catalyst for Cisneros' campaign.
www.politico.com
DHS disinformation board's work, plans remain a mystery
WASHINGTON (AP) — There is little credible information about the new Disinformation Governance Board. And that has made it an instant target for criticism. The board, part of the Department of Homeland Security, was announced last week.
apnews.com
An Alabama corrections officer sold her home days before she disappeared with an inmate. Now investigators suspect a romantic relationship | CNN
Extra food in his trays. Special privileges that other inmates didn't get. These are some of new clues that support beliefs that an Alabama corrections official and a murder suspect had a romantic relationship before both disappeared, a sheriff says.
Biden to talk with G7 leaders this week about further sanctions on Russia
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he would speak with other leaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies this week about potential additional sanctions against Russia over its continuing and intensifying war in Ukraine.
www.reuters.com
Ukraine war: EU plans Russian oil ban and war crimes sanctions
The measures are some of the toughest yet but Hungary has rejected them as unacceptable.
www.bbc.com
Fueled by momentum, families of hostages lobby White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — The release of Trevor Reed from a Russian prison last week was cause for unadulterated celebration for his family. For Elizabeth Whelan, the experience was far more bittersweet. When Whelan learned in an early-morning phone call from U.S.
apnews.com
Ukraine war: Russia denies it plans to declare war on 9 May
The Kremlin has so far only referred to the war in Ukraine as a "special military operation".
www.bbc.com
A timeline of the abortion debate at the Supreme Court, from Roe v. Wade to its end
The fight over the constitutional right to an abortion reached its zenith, with the Supreme Court overturning Roe.
www.cbsnews.com
Late US Sen. Orrin Hatch honored at Utah Capitol
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A procession of family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor late U.S. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, who is lying in state in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Hatch died on April 23 in Salt Lake City at age 88 from complications stemming from a stroke.
apnews.com
Two men accused of attacking DC Officer Michael Fanone on Jan. 6 set to enter into plea agreements this week | CNN Politics
Two of the alleged assailants of former DC police Officer Michael Fanone have plea agreement hearings scheduled before the DC District Court this week, bringing a partial close to one of the most high-profile assault cases of the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
U.S. indicts four people for conspiring to smuggle arms to Haiti's 400 Mawozo gang
U.S. prosecutors have indicted three Haitians and one U.S. citizen for conspiring to smuggle arms to Haiti's 400 Mawozo gang, which last year kidnapped a group of missionaries from the United States and Canada.
www.reuters.com
Trump official interfered in report on Russian election meddling – watchdog
Chad Wolf, then acting homeland security secretary, demanded changes and delayed report, risking perception of politicisation Chad Wolf, seen with Donald Trump in 2020. A whistleblower claimed Wolf ordered the report delayed because it ‘made the president look bad’. Photograph: Jim...
Trudeau vows to defend abortion rights after U.S. Supreme Court move
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to defend abortion rights as the decades-old battle over the issue exploded anew this week in Canada's southern neighbor, with the U.S. Supreme Court apparently set to overturn the decades-old ruling that legalized the procedure nationwide.
www.reuters.com
Rep. Cuellar attacked on his anti-abortion stance by opponent Jessica Cisneros in Texas Democratic runoff
Cisneros' attack is the latest example of how a leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's pending abortion ruling could shake up the midterm elections.
www.nbcnews.com
'Corrupt to core' Caribbean premier gets bond in drug case
MIAMI (AP) — The premier of the British Virgin Islands, whom U.S. prosecutors described as “corrupt to the core,” was given a $500,000 bond that could see him released from prison as he awaits trial on charges tied to a U.S.
apnews.com
Oath Keeper from NC pleads guilty to seditious conspiracy
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring with other members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group to forcefully halt the peaceful transfer of power after President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.
apnews.com
Mayorkas denies knowing his 'disinformation czar' called Hunter Biden laptop 'Russian disinformation'
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says he didn't know about Nina Jankowicz's online presence.
New Mexico wildfire burns through ‘sacred land’
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes after the large fire tore through centuries-old villages.
Candidate booted from ballot sues Tennessee GOP
Former congressional candidate Robby Starbuck is taking the Tennessee GOP to court for booting him from the 5th District primary ballot last month.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Feds extend work permits for hundreds of thousands of immigrants
The federal government on Tuesday extended temporary work authorization for a broad array of immigrants who are awaiting their final immigration papers. United States Citizenship and Immigration Se…
thehill.com
House leaders stick with Rep. Cuellar despite abortion stand
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Just a day after Democrats forcefully recommitted to protecting abortion rights, a U.S. House leader swooped into Texas on Wednesday to defend and stand side-by-side with Rep. Henry Cuellar, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress.
apnews.com
Abortion fight puts spotlight on governors
The leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion striking down landmark precedents that protect the right to an abortion has upended the nation’s capital and the battle for control of the U.S. House and…
thehill.com
Democrats skeptical SCOTUS will save them in November
One Democratic pollster said the issue “will help at the margins,” but to retain control of Congress “we need inflation to go away.”
www.politico.com
Biden approves disaster declaration for wildfire-hit New Mexico
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a disaster declaration for parts of drought-parched New Mexico hit by wildfires and ordered federal aid be made available for recovery efforts, the White House said.
www.reuters.com
Bill Gates on Elon Musk feud and Jeffrey Epstein meetings
The Microsoft tycoon talks to the BBC about divorce, conspiracy theories and Elon Musk.
www.bbc.com
Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western arms
Kyiv says Russia intensifying its assault with attacks reported on railway stations used to transport Western arms.
UK's Johnson to meet Japan's Kishida to bolster defence, trade ties
Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday to bolster defence and trade cooperation, part of Britain's post-Brexit policy to deepen ties with nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
www.reuters.com
Schiff and CNN among those sued by Hunter Biden computer repairman: Report
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and several news outlets are being sued by the Delaware computer repairman who tipped off authorities about Hunter Biden’s laptop.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
'MAGA crowd' is Biden's new nemesis, as Democrats confront post-Roe political reality
After a day of political tumult, President Biden on Wednesday took aim at what he called “the MAGA crowd,” a term that references former President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Five times the Supreme Court reversed a precedent
The leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion this week that would overturn the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade has raised fresh questions about when, if ever, a court ruling can safely be considere…
thehill.com
Texas Rep. Shelby Slawson, author of ‘Heartbeat Bill,’ reacts to leaked SCOTUS Roe opinion
A Texas lawmaker who authored the state’s “heartbeat bill” weighed in on the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, saying such an impactful would rightfully return the debate to the state level.
Third Oath Keepers defendant pleads guilty to sedition in Capitol riot case
William Todd Wilson, a 44-year-old military and law enforcement veteran, has agreed to cooperate with authorities.
www.nbcnews.com
Oklahoma joins Texas in offering glimpse of "post-Roe" world
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma joined Texas this week to form a region that parts of a nation divided over abortion care might look like if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
apnews.com
Location data broker SafeGraph stops selling information on visits to abortion providers
The Supreme Court is poised to reverse the Roe v. Wade ruling that gives people a constitutional right to abortion, a leaked opinion shows.
Anger outside Mississippi's last abortion clinic
Activists from both sides of the debate say they will fight on whatever the US Supreme Court rules.
www.bbc.com
Menendez reiterates call for DOJ to probe former Florida lawmaker
Sen. Bob Menendez previously sent a letter to former Assistant Attorney General John Demers in 2020 to request an investigation into the matter.
www.politico.com
White House says Biden has been ‘struck’ by Trump’s ‘hold’ on GOP
President Biden has been “struck” by the “hold” former President Trump has on the Republican Party, the White House said Wednesday, after he warned earlier in the day that the “MAGA crowd” is the “most extreme political organization that’s existed” in recent American history.
Pentagon halts burning of ‘forever chemicals’
The Defense Department will temporarily stop burning toxic “forever chemicals” until it formally issues a guidance for how to dispose of the substances, according to a new memo. In the memo, dated …
thehill.com
Democratic candidate urges party to drop support of centrist over abortion views
A left-wing Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) is urging party leaders to drop their support of the incumbent over his views on abortion.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Sweden says it received U.S. security assurances if it hands in NATO application
Sweden has received assurances from the United States that it would receive support during the period a potential application to join NATO is processed by the 30 nations in the alliance, Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in Washington on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Biden says Olympians brought a bit of unity to weary nation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday hailed Team USA for bringing a bit of unity to a pandemic weary nation as he hosted a White House celebration with about 600 athletes from this year's Winter Olympics in Beijing and the coronavirus-delayed Summer Games held in 2021 in Tokyo.
apnews.com
Democrats look to turn races for governor into referendums on abortion
A looming Supreme Court ruling on abortion is already having an impact on a number of key gubernatorial races this fall.
Reporter's Notebook: Supreme Court leak rattles Washington like an 'October Surprise' — in May
Democrats hope to weaponize the Supreme Court's potential decision on abortion precedent in this fall’s midterms
US ramps up training of Ukrainian forces
The U.S. military is ramping up its weapons training for Ukrainian forces, with hundreds now being trained on artillery systems, drones and radars, defense officials said Wednesday. The…
thehill.com
Rhode Island top court upholds state abortion rights law
Rhode Island's highest court on Wednesday upheld a state law guaranteeing its citizens' right to abortion, just as abortion rights at the national level appear to be in jeopardy.
www.reuters.com
What you should know about the EU plan to ban Russian oil imports
The European Commission has proposed a plan to phase out imports of Russian crude and refined oil.
Republicans launch inquiry into Biden ally who brokered controversial ICE contract
House Republicans have launched an investigation into the role that a Biden-Harris transition team official played in the government’s award of hundreds of millions of dollars in immigration contracts to his organization — as well as millions of dollars that auditors concluded the contractor wasted.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden announces Sept conference on hunger, nutrition, health
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House will hold a conference on hunger, nutrition and health in September to notch progress on the Biden administration's goals of ending hunger, improving nutrition and physical activity and reducing diet-related diseases.
apnews.com
Democrats clash over return to office as NYC cubicles sit vacant
The split means there’s no shared vision for the post-pandemic future of the nation’s largest metropolis, whose office workers have returned at a slower rate than in most other big cities in the U.S.
www.politico.com
Roe draft supercharges battle for state control
Campaigns are already conducting polling related to the impact of a court ruling on the general election.
www.politico.com
EU takes major step toward Russian oil ban, new sanctions
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's top official on Wednesday called on the 27-nation bloc to ban oil imports from Russia and target the country’s biggest bank and major broadcasters in a sixth package of sanctions over the war in Ukraine .
apnews.com
Donald Trump won Ohio for J.D. Vance. Can he score victories in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia?
The former president faces more tests of his political strength in upcoming GOP primaries in battlegrounds Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.
Bulgaria, where some are pro-Russian, divided after gas cutoff
Moscow’s move amid its war on Ukraine has fortified a growing separation between the long-standing allies.
Florida's DeSantis announces massive initial ad reservation with focus on Hispanic voters, in re-election run
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida’s reserves over $5 million in media time to run ads directed at Spanish-speaking voters as he runs for re-election this year.
Georgia High School Association uses new law to implement anti-trans sports ban | CNN Politics
Transgender high school students in Georgia were banned Wednesday from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identities after the state's high school association used a controversial new law to implement the restriction.
More than a show vote? Senate Dems weigh their Roe plans
Their preferred vehicle to respond to the Supreme Court breach is all but sure to fail. Whether more abortion debate will follow remains unclear.
www.politico.com
Jim Jordan: FTC chairwoman could be influenced by left-wing group on Twitter bid
The Federal Trade Commission could be unfairly biased against Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter due to its chairwoman's previous employment at a left-wing group, according to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Abortion battles in states fire up after Supreme Court leak
The Supreme Court’s apparent intention to abolish a nationwide right to abortion, spelled out in a draft opinion leaked this week, will expand the battlefield of the nation’s most highly charged culture war, taking it to states where abortion access has long been assured.
apnews.com
Fox News Poll: Majority favors ban on sex, gender discussions for young children in schools
Over half of registered voters would support a law that bans teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation with students before fourth grade
It's impossible to wall off reversing Roe from landmark marriage and contraception rulings | CNN Politics
Justice Samuel Alito, in his draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, tries to make clear it should not necessarily impact other decisions such as the right to marry a person of a different race or same sex and the right to contraception, which rely on some of the same threads of legal...
Ukraine’s ‘finest hour’: UK’s Johnson addresses lawmakers in Kyiv
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced another military aid package as he spoke to legislators via video link.
Geraldo Unloads on Gutfeld in Fight Over Abortion: ‘You Insulting Punk!’
Fox NewsGeraldo Rivera and Greg Gutfeld got into a squabble on Wednesday about abortion in light of how the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.On the Fox News roundtable show The Five, Rivera began by accusing the three justices nominated by former President Donald Trump—Neil...
Families of detained Americans to Biden: Put patriotism over politics
Families of more than a dozen Americans detained abroad pressed the administration of President Joe Biden on Wednesday to act more decisively to secure the release of their loved ones and called on the government to "put patriotism over politics."
www.reuters.com
Amber Heard says Johnny Depp struck her when on drugs
Taking the stand, Amber Heard alleges a pattern of violence from the Pirates of the Caribbean star.
www.bbc.com
With abortion in jeopardy, minority women have most to lose
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — If you are Black or Hispanic in a conservative state that already limits access to abortions, you are far more likely than a white woman to have one. And if the U.S. Supreme Court allows states to further restrict or even ban abortions, minority women who already face...
apnews.com
Dossier author Christopher Steele looms large over Durham trial
Christopher Steele looms large over John Durham’s trial against Michael Sussmann as the special counsel says the dossier author is at the “intersection” of Trump-Russia collusion efforts, while the Democratic lawyer calls the evidence about him an unfair “lightning rod.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Opinion | Abortion Might Not Be the Wedge Issue It Used to Be
After years of partisan sorting on abortion, there probably aren’t many voters motivated by that issue left to turn out.
www.politico.com
Explainer: Can pill prescriptions overcome U.S. state abortion bans?
If Roe v. Wade falls, they will be able to ban it altogether, experts say.
www.reuters.com
Justice Department charges 12 medical professionals for allegedly fueling the opioid epidemic in Appalachian region
A 24-year-old patient died from a morphine overdose after a dentist allegedly wrote three opioid prescriptions for the patient in five days.
www.cbsnews.com
Iowa Democrats seek to keep caucus the 1st presidential test
Iowa Democrats have begun making their case for why the Iowa caucus should remain the first step in the party's presidential nominating process
Madison Cawthorn Says 'Blackmail Won't Win' After Nude Thrusting Video Leaks
The GOP congressman said the NSFW clip of unknown provenance simply showed him "being crass with a friend."
Hariri’s absence leaves Sunni voters unsure ahead of Lebanon poll
Experts say Saad Hariri’s absence from upcoming Lebanese election created a ‘political void’ for the Sunni community.
Brazil's Lula says Zelenskiy 'as responsible as Putin' for Ukraine war
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Russia never should have invaded Ukraine, but he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is as much to blame for the war as Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
www.reuters.com
Steven Mnuchin calls Putin's Ukraine invasion a 'giant miscalculation'
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called Russia's invasion a "giant miscalculation" by Vladimir Putin while at the Milken Institute Global Conference Tuesday.
Georgia high school athletes must compete in sports aligning with sex at birth
Georgia high school sports officials announced Wednesday that the state's athletes must compete in athletic competitions aligning with the sex they were assigned at birth.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Experts divided on what Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial could mean for #MeToo movement
Story at a glance Johnny Depp’s defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard has now entered its fourth week, with the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star’s lawyers resting their case on Tuesday. …
thehill.com
US quietly expands asylum limits while preparing to end them
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Biden administration has begun expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans to Mexico under pandemic-related powers to deny migrants a chance to seek asylum, expanding use of the rule even as it publicly says it has been trying to unwind it, officials said Wednesday.
apnews.com
Over 63 million abortions have occurred in the US since Roe v. Wade decision in 1973
More than 63 million abortions are estimated to have taken place in the U.S. since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, according to one analysis.
Ukraine war: Zelensky plea as Russians seek Mariupol endgame
The Ukrainian president appeals for fresh UN help as Russians reportedly enter the city's last holdout.
www.bbc.com
Biden asks Congress to help provide Afghan refugees a pathway to become US residents | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden has asked Congress to provide tens of thousands of Afghan refugees with a pathway to become legal permanent residents of the United States, according to a proposal included in the supplemental budget request he sent to lawmakers last week.
Anger at Greek court verdict over LGBTQ activist killing
LGBTQ activists denounce acquittal of police officers who had been charged over killing of a queer activist in Athens.
Crypto super PAC muscles into Pennsylvania Senate race
The group, which is supporting Democrat John Fetterman, has booked more than $200,000 in ads in the run-up to the May 17 primary.
www.politico.com
Ukraine asking U.S. for anti-ship missiles, drones, rocket launchers
Ukraine wants U.S.-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles or similar weapons to free up the use of the Black Sea port of Odesa, which is under a de facto Russian blockade.
www.nbcnews.com
US resumes limited visa processing in Cuba after 4 years
The U.S. Embassy in Havana has resumed processing visas for Cubans, though on a limited basis, more than four years after stopping consular services on the island amid a hardening of relations. The resumption comes as the number of Cubans trying to emigrate illegally to United States surges. A...
Unruly U.S. air passenger incidents fall to lowest level since 2020
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Wednesday the rate of unruly air passenger incidents dropped to its lowest level since late 2020 after a U.S. judge ended a government transportation mask mandate on April 18.
www.reuters.com
LA hospital sued for racism in death of Black mother
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The husband of a Black woman who died hours after childbirth in 2016 sued Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday, saying she bled to death because of a culture of racism at the renowned Los Angeles hospital.
apnews.com
Biden highlights deficit reduction, says U.S. will pay down national debt for first time in 6 years
The president emphasized how strong job gains have increased total incomes and led to additional tax revenues that have improved the government's balance sheet.
www.cbsnews.com
Berlin says it will work for EUFOR Bosnia extension amid Russia concerns
Germany will work for an extension of the EU's peacekeeping mission in Bosnia as concerns mount about instability spilling over from the Ukraine war, but has not yet decided whether to provide troops, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said.
www.reuters.com
Top US cyber officials warn against underestimating Russia’s cyber capability
U.S. Cyber Command Director Gen. Paul Nakasone on Wednesday challenged the prevailing narrative that Russia hasn’t launched destructive cyberattacks against Ukraine amid its military invasion. Naka…
thehill.com
TurboTax agrees to pay after 'misleading' low income US taxpayers
Intuit, the owner of TurboTax, will pay $141m (£113m) over ads targeted to low-income Americans.
www.bbc.com
Abrams raises $11.7 million in Georgia governor's race
ATLANTA (AP) — Donors gave a towering $11.7 million to the campaign of Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams in the three months ended April 30, her campaign for governor announced Wednesday. Abrams, who is unopposed in the May 24 primary election for her party's nomination, said she had more than $8...
apnews.com
FL judge says Biden border policies merely a ‘speedbump’ for migrants as catch-and-release lawsuit advances
EXCLUSIVE: Florida's lawsuit against the Biden administration over its so-called "catch-and-release" policy advanced Wednesday, with a federal judge saying that Biden's policies have turned the southern border into "little more than a speedbump" for illegal immigrants.
Can abortion galvanize Latino Democratic and Republican voters?
Democrat and Republican Latino political consultants and organizers said that the abortion issue following the leaked Supreme Court draft can energize voters.
Otoniel: Colombia drug kingpin extradited to US
Dairo Antonio Úsuga, better known as Otoniel, was captured in October, ending a seven-year manhunt.
www.bbc.com
Trump flexes and the center shrinks: 5 takeaways from a key primary night
Trump took a risk on J.D. Vance in Ohio and it paid off.
www.politico.com
Stanford University given $1.1 bln by venture capitalist for climate change school
Stanford University received $1.1 billion, its largest ever gift, from venture capitalist John Doerr to fund a new school focused on climate change, fueling a debate about whether billionaire donations are enough to combat the climate crisis.
www.reuters.com
US women could get abortions in Canada if Roe v. Wade falls, Canadian minister says
A Canadian minister says American women could cross the border to get abortions Roe v. Wade falls and states ban the practice.
EXPLAINER: What's the impact if Europe cuts off Russian oil?
The European Union's executive commission has proposed phasing out imports of Russian oil within six months.
apnews.com
'They're still coming': Cases of unusual liver damage in kids on the rise in the U.S.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital has treated at least six otherwise healthy children with sudden hepatitis, adding to the more than 200 cases reported worldwide.
www.nbcnews.com
Opinion | Why Abortion May Not Stay a ‘State’s Rights’ Issue for Very Long
It’s not clear who will gain from the political fallout, and abortion may not stay a “state’s rights” issue for very long.
www.politico.com
Shareholders allege Netflix misled market about continued subscription growth
Netflix shareholders filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing the streaming giant of misleading the market about its subscription growth after the company reported losing 200,000 subscribers in the first q…
thehill.com
The Satanic Temple requests that Boston fly its flag after Supreme Court ruling | CNN Politics
The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts is requesting that Boston fly its flag, after the Supreme Court ruled this week that the city had violated the First Amendment rights of a Christian group when it denied them flying their flag outside of City Hall.
Why fears are rising ahead of Russia’s Victory Day on May 9
Western officials speculated that Russia’s Victory Day on May 9 could see the escalation of the country’s assault on Ukraine. Russia honors May 9 as the day the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany …
thehill.com
For marine biologist, Haitian gangs make work dangerous
PEPILLO SALCEDO, Dominican Republic (AP) — In a blue bay that spans the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, fishermen from both countries recently aired grievances in a rare face-to-face meeting thanks to the efforts of marine biologist Jean Wiener.
apnews.com
Biden warns LGBTQ+ children could be next target of Republican ‘Maga crowd’
President warns of new attacks by Trump-dominated political party after supreme court ruling draft leak on abortion Joe Biden delivered remarks on economic growth, jobs, and deficit reduction at the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images Joe Biden has warned of new...
Norman Mineta, transportation secretary in 9/11 era, dies
Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta passed away Tuesday at the age of 90.
Kidd Creole of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five sentenced to 16 years for fatal stabbing
The rapper fatally stabbed a man after the two exchanged words. He argued self-defense in the 2017 killing in New York City.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukrainian children in U.S. custody find unlikely sponsors as war rages back home
The Department of Health and Human Services is currently housing 30 unaccompanied children from Ukraine in shelters across the country, a U.S. official tells CBS News.
www.cbsnews.com
Atlanta agrees to pay nearly $1M to man shot by officer
The city of Atlanta has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to a North Carolina man who was shot and injured by a police officer as he was leaving an event downtown in February 2017
GOP senator calls gender-affirming surgeries for minors ‘almost grotesque’ during hearing
Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra over health care for transgender youth at a budget hearing on Wednesday, during which he characterized gender-aff…
thehill.com
Judge overseeing Chauvin civil rights case accepts plea deal
The judge overseeing the federal civil rights cases of four former Minneapolis police officers in the killing of George Floyd has accepted the terms of Derek Chauvin’s plea agreement and will sentence him to 20 to 25 years in prison
Facebook parent to slow hiring as costs mount
Meta Platforms Inc is slowing the growth of its workforce as the Facebook parent looks to rein in costs, the company said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
CNN Poll: Most Americans have a dismal view of the US economy | CNN Politics
The US public's view of the nation's economy is the worst it's been in a decade, a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS finds, with many Americans also saying they feel financial strain in their own lives.
Escaped Alabama inmate Casey Cole White threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend and her sister if he ever got out of prison, authorities say
The statement comes after the manhunt for Casey Cole White and assistant director of corrections Vicky White stretched into its sixth day.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden previews midterm offensive as he attacks 'extreme' MAGA Republicans in deficit speech
Biden goes on midterm offensive in attacking 'extreme' Republican MAGA agenda.
Judge mocks New York Democrats’ redistricting ‘Hail Mary’ case
The hearing, held in Manhattan but conducted primarily by conference call, was the first step in Democrats’ last-ditch attempt to save the lines approved by the Legislature earlier this year.
www.politico.com
Mississippi abortion clinic director responds to SCOTUS draft: 'It didn't come as a shock to a lot of us here'
Abortion-rights advocates are responding to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion.
'We're in danger of running out of food.' Higher prices and demand squeeze food banks
About 65% of the 200 food banks in the Feeding America network reported seeing a greater demand for food assistance in March compared with the previous month, with an average increase of 15% more people. Food banks and pantries around the US are also contending with higher costs and supply chain...
www.cnn.com
Biden to sign executive order, national security memo to advance quantum technologies
President Biden is expected to sign an executive order and national security memo to advance quantum information science so U.S. in a position to “leapfrog" ahead of adversaries and mitigate risks.
Trevor Reed's father advocates outside White House for other detained Americans
Trevor Reed’s father on Wednesday demonstrated outside the White House in solidarity with families of other Americans detained overseas.
Funerals and wine bars: Kyiv's return to normalcy isn't normal at all
Putin’s forces may have retreated from Ukraine’s capital, but the war still touches every aspect of life.
www.politico.com
Dave Chappelle attacked onstage by armed man while performing at L.A.'s Hollywood Bowl
The controversial comic laughed off the incident after being tackled, and video appeared to show the person who charged him being beaten onstage.
www.cbsnews.com
Inside the GOP effort to scrub a Trump-backed candidate from Tennessee's ballot
It wasn’t long after former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement for Morgan Ortagus in Tennessee’s newly drawn 5th Congressional District that a
Bipartisan U.S. Senate group discusses clean-energy tax cuts
A bipartisan group of at least a dozen U.S. senators met on Wednesday to review tax credits for clean energy initiatives, as a part of broader legislation to boost U.S. energy independence and address climate change, lawmakers said.
www.reuters.com
Amber Heard testimony continues in Johnny Depp defamation trial: Key takeaways
Heard took the stand for the second day in the high-profile case.
Plaintiff in landmark same-sex marriage case worries marriage equality is at risk if Roe falls | CNN Politics
Jim Obergefell, the gay rights activist and named plaintiff in the 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, argued Wednesday that a constitutional right to marriage equality is at risk if the high court decides to overturn Roe v. Wade.
British Virgin Islands premier gets $500,000 bond in drug case
Federal Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes rejected prosecutors’ argument that Andrew Fahie might flee the U.S. and possibly engage in criminal activity if he is freed.
www.nbcnews.com
France elections: Left forms coalition to fight Macron
Four French left-wing parties agree in principle to form an alliance for June's parliamentary elections.
www.bbc.com
After Vance, five Trump endorsements to watch
Donald Trump scored a victory Tuesday night in Ohio, where GOP Senate nominee J.D. Vance won the Republican primary largely on the back of the former president’s support. The nominating conte…
thehill.com
Chauvin to receive 20 to 25 years in prison after judge accepts plea deal
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will receive 20 to 25 years in prison after a judge accepted a plea deal he struck with prosecutors in December. In December, Chauvin pleaded g…
thehill.com
Elon Musk asked to testify on Twitter by UK Parliament
LONDON (AP) — A British parliamentary committee scrutinizing draft online safety legislation has invited Elon Musk to discuss his plans to buy Twitter and the changes he's proposing for the social media platform.
apnews.com
U.S. says it is now preparing for a world both with and without an Iran nuclear deal
The United States is now preparing equally for both a scenario where there is a mutual return to compliance with Iran on a nuclear deal, as well as one in which there is not an agreement, the State Department said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Former Supreme Court law clerks worry Roe leak could sow distrust among justices and staff members
Two former clerks said the bombshell leak could affect how opinions for sensitive cases are drafted and circulated internally.
www.nbcnews.com
Autopsy: Woman migrant found on border wall choked to death
An autopsy says a Mexican woman found hanging on the border wall in Arizona choked to death in an accident when she became entangled in climbing gear
Pelosi says vote on more Ukraine aid could come as soon as next week
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Wednesday that votes on legislation to provide the embattled Ukrainians with billions of dollars in additional aid to fend off Russian forces could take place a…
thehill.com
Missing corrections officer 'willingly' participated in inmate's escape, sheriff says
Authorities believe that an Alabama corrections officer "willingly" participated in the escape of a capital murder suspect.
Dave Chappelle releases first statement about 'unsettling' attack | CNN
A representative for Dave Chappelle has released a statement regarding an audience member who attacked him Tuesday night while the comedian was performing at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Man suffers life-threatening injuries after "structural collapse" at Boston building; 2 others hospitalized
After several hours, the third victim was extricated by authorities and taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
www.cbsnews.com
4 teens accused of dragging woman to death plead not guilty
Four teens accused in the dragging death of an elderly New Orleans woman whose arm was severed during a carjacking have pleaded not guilty
Alabama officer accused of helping inmate escape no longer employed by sheriff's office
Vicky White, 56, is wanted on a charge of permitting or facilitating the escape of inmate Casey White on Friday.
www.nbcnews.com
Mayorkas pushes back on Republican concerns about DHS disinformation board | CNN Politics
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday defended his agency's new working group dubbed the "Disinformation Governance Board" against criticism that it would censor or investigate free speech.
Former top Mossad officer on Israel's security challenges - "Intelligence Matters"
Host Michael Morell speaks with Zohar Palti, former senior Mossad officer, about Israel's approach to the Iran nuclear issue and Tehran's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
www.cbsnews.com
Senator brings up family's abortion story, as future of Roe v. Wade in jeopardy
Sen. Gary Peters spoke to ABC News Live about his family's personal abortion story and the risks that other mothers face if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Mayorkas clarifies role of new DHS disinformation board
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday gave some of his clearest explanations yet for the role of the department’s new Disinformation Governance Board that has been targeted by…
thehill.com
Jamestown: America's first English settlement now endangered
Preservation groups warn that Jamestown, Virginia, may not survive another generation because of climate change.
www.bbc.com
The Trump-endorsed candidates who have won their primaries
Former President Trump scored perhaps his biggest victory of the primary season Tuesday when Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), arguably his most vocal critic, lost her primary against attorney Harriet Hage…
thehill.com
Dolly Parton, Eminem and Duran Duran join Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The star had asked not to be included, but will be still inducted alongside Eminem and Duran Duran.
www.bbc.com
COVID-19 hospital admissions, deaths forecast to rise in the US for first time in months
The projected increases come after weeks of steady upticks in infections across the country.
Covid's toll in the U.S. reaches a once unfathomable number: 1 million deaths
"It's an exponential number of other people that are walking around with a small hole in their heart," one widow said.
www.nbcnews.com
Blinken tests positive for COVID; has mild symptoms
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner and related events over the weekend.
apnews.com
WHO: COVID continues to decline, except in Americas, Africa
The World Health Organization says the number of newly reported coronavirus cases and deaths continued to fall in the last week, continuing a global decline that first began in March
Shanghai reports 13 new COVID-related deaths for May 4, versus 16 a day earlier
China's eastern financial hub of Shanghai reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths for May 4, down from 16 a day earlier, the local government said in a statement on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
Edwards getting 4th COVID-19 shot as storm season nears
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards encouraged state residents to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as hurricane season approaches, saying at a Wednesday afternoon news conference that he was about to get his second booster — his fourth COVID-19 shot overall.
apnews.com
Just 18% of parents willing to vaccinate their kids under 5 right away, poll shows
Meanwhile, 27% of parents said their child will “definitely not” get vaccinated.
