Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Biden rolls out budget plan, challenges GOP to follow suit
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — As political gridlock puts the government at risk of defaulting, President Joe Biden on Thursday made an opening bid with a budget plan that would cut deficits by $2.9 trillion over the next decade — a proposal that Republicans already intend to reject.
Trump invited to testify before NY grand jury, lawyer says
Former President Donald Trump has been invited to testify next week before a New York grand jury that has been investigating hush money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign.
apnews.com
Biden budget would lead to 'record' national debt, watchdog warns
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released an analysis of President Joe Biden's budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year, claiming it does not do enough to reduce spending.
Multiple dead in Jehovah's Witness hall shooting in Germany
German police say several people were killed and wounded as multiple rounds of gunshots were fired inside a building used by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hamburg.
apnews.com
Manhattan D.A. could be close to charging Trump
The investigation is focused on an alleged "hush money" payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
www.cbsnews.com
DeSantis privately says he'll run in 2024: Report
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has privately indicated that he plans to run for the 2024 Republican nomination for president, according to a Washington Post report published Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why is Ukraine still fighting in decimated city of Bakhmut?
Analysts say Ukraine is bleeding Russia of men and ammunition in eastern city as it prepares to counterstrike elsewhere.
Biden budget would cut deficit by $3 trillion over next decade with 25% minimum tax on richest Americans
Biden proposes to impose a minimum tax of 25% on the rich, hike taxes on oil and gas companies and raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%.
DeSantis and GOP are waging war against 'woke' ESG. Now business groups are fighting back.
Bills that would bar dealings with financial institutions that follow ESG principles have been defeated in Republican-controlled statehouses.
www.usatoday.com
Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming
Thousands of pages of documents in a recent lawsuit show that Fox News' top executives sometimes were actively involved in politics rather than simply reporting or offering opinions on it.
apnews.com
Kim supervises N. Korean troops simulating attack on South
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised a live-fire artillery drill simulating an attack on a South Korean airfield and called for his troops to be ready to respond to the enemies’ “frantic war preparation moves.”
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says war was ‘unleashed’ on Russia
Live updates on Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine.
Letter claims Mexican cartel handed over men who killed Americans
A letter claiming to be from the Mexican drug cartel blamed for abducting four Americans and killing two of them condemns the violence and says the gang turned its own members who were responsible over to authorities.
apnews.com
The FCC could choose to act against Rupert Murdoch for Fox News’ election lies, but few expect it to
The media regulator was once more adversarial and had various rules it could enforce, but there’s little in the way of expectations it will act about how Fox News misled viewers about the 2020 election.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukraine says Bakhmut battle is grinding down Russia's best units
Ukraine has decided to fight on in the ruined city of Bakhmut because the battle is pinning down Russia's best units and degrading them ahead of a planned Ukrainian spring counter-offensive, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
8-year-old Washington girl missing since 2018 found safe in Mexico: FBI
An 8-year-old girl from Washington state who had been missing for over four years after her biological mother kidnapped her was found in Mexico, authorities said.
Xi awarded 3rd term as China's president, extending rule
Xi Jinping has been awarded a third five-year term as China's president, adding to signs he might stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S. and others.
apnews.com
Biden's budget mentions fentanyl twice, 'queer' 7 times
President Biden's political priorities are on display with his new 2024 budget that mentions "equity" 63 times while only mentioning the deadly synthetic opioid "fentanyl" twice.
Judge: Trump trade adviser Navarro must surrender White House-related emails
The Justice Department filed suit in August to recover messages that Navarro handled through a personal account but refused to return to the National Archives after Trump left office.
www.politico.com
Trump says he would have fought Watergate, quitting Nixon’s ‘biggest regret’
Former President Donald Trump revealed today that Richard Nixon’s “biggest regret” was giving in to GOP pressure to resign during the Watergate impeachment crisis, a move the 45th president said he wouldn’t have made.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Putin thinks he can win because Ukraine matters more to him than us, says CIA chief
“I think he’s doubling down,” said William Burns. “I believe he’s convinced that he can make time work for him."
www.nbcnews.com
Biden's budget takes aim at fossil fuel industry with tax hikes
President Biden's budget, released Thursday afternoon, took aim at $31 billion in tax subsidies the White House said benefit the fossil fuel industry.
House Republicans refuse to join Democrats in denouncing white supremacy
More than two dozen Republicans on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee have refused to join Democrats in signing a letter denouncing white supremacy. Earlier this week, ranking m…
thehill.comBiden budget would cut deficit by $3 trillion over next decade with 25% minimum tax on richest Americans
Biden proposes to impose a minimum tax of 25% on the rich, hike taxes on oil and gas companies and raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%.
La Nina is gone. These were the deadly storms during its run
The natural temporary weather phenomenon La Nina is gone and that's good news for a disaster-weary Southeast.
apnews.com
Kim Jong Un calls for intensified drills to simulate ‘real war’
North Korean leader makes call just days before US and South Korea are due to start their largest drills since 2018.
Power restored at huge nuclear plant after Russia unleashes strikes across Ukraine
Kyiv and other major cities including Lviv, Kharkiv and Odesa have been hit by a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes overnight, Ukrainian officials said.
Takeaways from Biden's $6.9 trillion budget proposal: Tax the rich. Cut the deficit. Take on the GOP.
President Joe Biden's budget includes $5 trillion in tax increases, delivering an opening salvo in a fight with Republicans to raise the debt ceiling.
www.usatoday.com
Fox News blacked out too much in court documents, say Dominion and media outlets
A Delaware judge this month could unseal pages of information Fox News has sought to keep confidential in the Dominion defamation suit.
www.nbcnews.com
Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot, Feds say
Prosecutors are employing an unusual strategy to prove that leaders of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group orchestrated a violent plot to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.
apnews.com
At least six killed in shooting at Jehovah's Witnesses center in Germany
At least six people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses community center in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House GOP will launch probe of Jan. 6 committee and security failures around riot
A Republican-led House committee has now launched a formal probe into Jan. 6 and the previous House Jan. 6 committee's work
15 budget asks that are actually Biden's reelection pitch
The president looked to reinforce his image as an ally of working families, calling for measures to counter Chinese aggression, save Medicare from insolvency and tackle tax loopholes.
www.politico.com
Child marriage ban bill resurrected in West Virginia Senate
A bill to prohibit minors from getting married in West Virginia has been resurrected a day after its defeat in a Senate committee.
apnews.com
House GOP launches probe into Jan. 6 panel
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), chairman of the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, is leading an investigation of the dissolved Jan. 6 select committee and security failures surrounding…
thehill.com
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in Israel, stresses need for 'independent judiciary' as legal reform protests disrupt his trip
Critics say the proposed legal reforms would upset Israel's delicate system of checks and balances and slide it toward authoritarianism.
www.nbcnews.com
New York prosecutors indicate Trump criminal charges likely, report says
Donald Trump is being investigated for a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election against Hillary Clinton.
FBI tested by attacks, politically explosive investigations
The FBI finds itself in a challenging moment as it conducts simultaneous investigations involving classified documents held by former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
apnews.com
Tennessee lieutenant governor, 79, comments on young gay man's racy Instagram photos
A spokesperson said conservative Lt. Gov. Randy McNally “is a prolific social media commenter” and “enjoys interacting with constituents.”
www.nbcnews.com
New Trump book features letters from foreign leaders, celebs
Former President Donald Trump will release a new book next month that features letters from celebrities and politicians written to him through the years.
apnews.comAt least six killed in shooting at Jehovah's Witnesses center in Germany
At least six people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses community center in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House passes bill against influencing Twitter, Facebook in response to Hunter Biden story
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., proposed the legislation in response to Twitter briefly blocking links to a story about Hunter Biden’s laptop.
www.usatoday.com
US Air Force unveils new photos of B-21 Raider during Colorado symposium
The U.S. Air Force showed off two new images of the newly developed B-21 Raider bomber, manufactured by Northrop Gumman, and featuring the latest technologies.
Santos accused of orchestrating credit card skimming operation
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) has been accused of orchestrating a credit card skimming operation in which he schemed to steal information from ATM and credit cards, according to a sworn statement fro…
thehill.com
Shell CEO pay up 50% as soaring energy prices boosted profit
The pay package for Shell’s CEO jumped by half last year to nearly $12 million. Oil and gas companies have made record profits from skyrocketing energy costs that have driven a cost-of-living crisis.
apnews.com
German police: Fatalities in shooting inside Jehovah’s Witness hall
An unspecified number of people were killed or wounded, police said.
www.politico.com
MTG and Comer are organizing a trip to visit jailed Jan. 6 defendants
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., toured the facility in November 2021. Her office said some Jan. 6 defendants are being “housed in atrocious and cramped conditions.”
www.nbcnews.comAt least six killed in shooting at Jehovah's Witnesses center in Germany
At least six people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses community center in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Analysis: Nuclear submarine plan aims to give Australia strategic edge to deter China
The shift from Australia's diesel-electric fleet to nuclear-powered subs brings additional range, stealth and strike capability.
5 alleged Mexican cartel members charged in kidnapping of 4 Americans
Gulf Cartel, a powerful Mexican cartel, has allegedly taken responsibility for the kidnapping of four U.S. citizens and killing of two of them in Matamoros.
Virginia leaders cast final bid for FBI facility, tout ‘proximity’ to other agencies
Virginia’s leaders made their final push for the state to become the home of the FBI’s new headquarters, emphasizing that it would allow the agency to have close “proximity” to its other facilities…
thehill.com
Biden budget vs. House GOP: Values on display in debt fight
President Joe Biden's federal budget is a statement of his values. It's a governing philosophy that believes the wealthy and large corporations should pay more taxes to help stem deficits and lift Americans toward middle class stability.
apnews.com
Mitch McConnell wins good wishes from Trump: 'Be well'
Former President Donald Trump brushed aside his feud with Sen. Mitch McConnell on Thursday to express concern about the bad fall the Senate Republican leader took at a downtown Washington hotel Wednesday night.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Michigan man indicted for hate crime in Jewish threats case
A man charged with threatening the lives of Jewish Michigan public officials on Twitter has been indicted on a hate crime charge
Michigan legislature votes to repeal 1931 law criminalizing abortion drugs
The bill repeals sections of Michigan's penal code pertaining to "miscarriage" inducing drugs.
www.cbsnews.com
Youngkin on ChatGPT: ‘More school districts should ban it’
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin took a stance against ChatGPT in schools during a CNN townhall on Thursday evening. ChatGPT, the new AI technology that caused panic among educators over concerns abo…
thehill.com
Garcetti India nomination clouded by uncertainty after vote
A politically divided U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday advanced Democrat Eric Garcetti’s nomination to become ambassador to India but it remains unclear when, or if, the former Los Angeles mayor will be confirmed given the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against one of his former top aides.
apnews.com
Deficits and debt: Understanding the difference in Biden's 2024 budget proposal
President Joe Biden's FY 2024 budget proposal has raised debt and deficit questions. Republicans are pushing back as debt ceiling debates continue.
www.usatoday.com
Submarine scramble: Tech issues could threaten 3-nation megaplan for the Pacific
Export rules and overstretched shipyards present a host of challenges to the deal between the U.S., the U.K. and Australia.
www.politico.com
Jeffries questions report of Biden reversing border detainment policy, says Dems 'overwhelmingly' against it
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned reports Thursday that President Biden was planning to reverse his policy on family detainments at the border.
Mitch McConnell being treated for concussion after fall at DC hotel
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell remained hospitalized Thursday following a fall at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C.
Democrats urge donors to give more to replicate 2022's successful legislative election record in 2024
Democrats are asking donors for $10 million to help with state chamber elections this cycle.
www.cbsnews.com
Canadian Olympians push for opposition to Russians in Paris
A group of 42 retired Canadian Olympians are urging their country’s Olympic leaders to take a stand against Russians participating in next year’s Paris Games.
apnews.com
Florida law banning firearm sales to people younger than 21 upheld by federal appeals court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld a law in Florida on Thursday that bans firearm sales to individuals between the ages of 18 and 21.
Silicon Valley Bank scrambles to reassure clients after 60% stock wipe-out
SVB Financial Group scrambled on Thursday to reassure its venture capital clients their money was safe after a capital raise led to its stock collapsing 60% and contributed to wiping out over $80 billion in value from bank shares.
www.reuters.com
Harriet Tubman monument unveiled in Newark
Harriet Tubman was honored with a monument in Newark that replaces a Christopher Columbus statue.
West Virginia asks Supreme Court to allow transgender girls sports ban
A lower court blocked a law that prevents transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
www.nbcnews.com
House GOP votes to overturn Biden rule on water protections
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Thursday voted to overturn the Biden administration’s protections for thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways, advancing long-held Republican arguments that the regulations are an environmental overreach and burden to business.
apnews.com
Man convicted of 2004 murder freed based on incorrect witness identification
Sheldon Thomas, 35, was incorrectly convicted in the 2004 homicide of 14-year-old Anderson Bercy in Brooklyn, prosecutors said.
www.nbcnews.com
TikTok hires Biden-connected firm as it finds itself under D.C.’s microscope
The popular Chinese-owned app has turned to SKDK, which has a number of veterans in the administration.
www.politico.com
Supreme Court seeks funding boost from Congress for security and protecting justices
The request from the Supreme Court includes $5.9 million for an "expansion of protective activities" and $6.5 million for physical security improvements.
www.cbsnews.com
Artificial intelligence will destroy ‘laptop class’ workers
The coming artificial intelligence economic revolution will be a major shock to the world. There is a serious possibility that the next decade will bring about a series of social and economic chang…
thehill.com
No verdict yet in trial of XXXTentacion's accused killers
Jury deliberations in the trial of three men accused of murdering rising rap star XXXTentacion will be entering a third day.
apnews.com
Santos offers to co-sponsor GOP bill targeting him
GOP Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of New York, who introduced the legislation this week, swiftly rejected Santos' offer.
www.nbcnews.com
Some Alabama residents say state isn't fixing wastewater lines, advocacy groups allege racial bias
Currently, at least 30,000 homes have failing systems in the Black Belt region.
Affirmative action ban passes Arkansas Senate
The Arkansas Senate passed a bill that would ban affirmative action in state and local agencies in a comparatively narrow 18-12 vote for the state's Republican-dominated Legislature.
Here's what Biden's budget would mean — if it had a chance
President Joe Biden's new budget proposal aims to increase taxes on the wealthy and steer more money to popular programs such as Medicare. Overall, the spending blueprint released Thursday anticipates an additional $5.5 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years, plus $2.6 trillion in new spending.
apnews.com
Trump can't help but show off his letters from Kim Jong Un in his new book
The ex-president's relationship with the North Korean leader was subject of high-stakes fascination, and Trump's new book offers some insight.
www.politico.com
Slower, but still solid US job growth expected in February
U.S. job growth likely slowed to a still-solid pace in February, with the unemployment rate expected to hold at a more than five- decade low, which could see the Federal Reserve raising interest rates for longer and to a higher level to tame inflation.
www.reuters.com
Here's what's in Biden's new sprawling budget proposal
The president's budget details his priorities and economic agenda as he prepares to mount an expected reelection bid.
www.cbsnews.com
DA refutes claims that 'Rust' gun was destroyed
Prosecutors in the "Rust" criminal case refuted claims by the defense that the weapon involved in the case was destroyed.
Hyundai reviewing Russia plant after reports of Kazakhstan sale
South Korean automaker says it is considering ‘various options’ for Saint Petersburg factory.
American Airlines CEO tells pilots the carrier is prepared to increase pay to up to $590,000 a year
Delta’s pilots last week ratified a four-year contract with 34% in cumulative raises.
www.nbcnews.com
Railroad CEO 'sorry,' but avoids specifics at Senate hearing
Norfolk Southern’s CEO is apologizing to Congress and pledging millions of dollars to help East Palestine, Ohio, recover from last month's fiery train derailment.
apnews.com
‘Weaponization’ subcommittee members spar over ‘Twitter Files’
House Democrats and Republicans sparred Thursday over how Twitter handles government requests for Twitter to review posts, in the second House committee showdown over reports known as the “Twitter …
thehill.com
House Judiciary Republicans react after fiery Twitter Files hearings: Democrats ‘embarrassed themselves’
Several House Judiciary Committee Republicans sounded off on Democrats demanding that testifying journalists reveal their sources during a select subcommittee hearing.
Senate confirms Daniel Werfel as IRS commissioner
Six Republicans crossed the aisle to back Biden's nominee, while Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the lone Democrat to vote against him.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden to seek more than $2.8B from Congress for cancer fight
President Joe Biden is requesting more than $2.8 billion in the federal budget proposal he's sending to Congress to help advance his cancer-fighting goals. That's according to White House officials, who shared details with The Associated Press before Biden unveils the proposal Thursday in...
apnews.com
NASA tracks a newly discovered asteroid that has a 'small chance' of hitting Earth in 2046 | CNN
A newly discovered asteroid roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool has a "small chance" of colliding with Earth in 23 years, with a potential impact on Valentine's Day 2046, according to NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office.
www.cnn.com
Former Fox exec convicted in FIFA bribery case, other acquitted
A Brooklyn federal jury on Thursday convicted a former 21st Century Fox executive and acquitted another after a trial over an alleged scheme to bribe South American soccer officials to secure lucrative broadcasting rights.
www.reuters.com
Mother asked relative to smuggle her, daughter before 11-year-old girl went missing, police say
Diane Cojocari asked a relative to smuggle her daughter, 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari, before she went missing last November.
Ron DeSantis faces his first major Iowa test in dueling events with Trump
Plenty of candidates come to Iowa as "the next big thing." But Iowans want to see whether they have "the human touch."
www.nbcnews.com
Biden to visit Canada this month to discuss defense, trade
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will visit Canada later this month, the White House announced on Thursday, where he'll address the country's parliament and meet with Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.
apnews.com
Theranos exec Sunny Balwani loses bid to delay prison term
A federal judge has rejected former Theranos executive Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani’s bid to remain free while he appeals his conviction for crimes he committed during a blood-testing scam he orchestrated with his former boss and lover, Elizabeth Holmes
Foreign minister says Pakistan in `perfect storm' of crises
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Pakistan’s foreign minister said Thursday his country is facing “a perfect storm” of troubles — an economic crisis, the consequences of catastrophic flooding, and terrorism “that is once again rearing its ugly head” as a result of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
apnews.com
Five takeaways from Biden’s $6.8 trillion budget
President Biden on Thursday unveiled his long-awaited budget request for fiscal 2024, setting the stage for what is expected to be a challenging, high-stakes spending battle over the coming months.…
thehill.com
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw vows to "make it right" in East Palestine in Senate testimony
Alan Shaw told senators that he is "deeply sorry" for the impact the derailment had on the East Palestine community and that he is "determined to make it right."
www.cbsnews.com
How Pinterest drives men to little girls' images
Pinterest’s algorithm is inadvertently curating images of young children for adults who go looking for them.
www.nbcnews.com
Malaysia ex-PM Muhyiddin charged with corruption, laundering
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged Friday with corruption and money laundering, making him Malaysia's second ex-leader to be indicted after leaving office.
apnews.com
New York prosecutors signal Trump may face criminal charges from Stormy Daniels scandal
Former President Donald Trump may be criminally charged by New York prosecutors after his lawyers were informed that he is welcome to appear before a grand jury next week.
West Virginia GOP governor signs 'religious freedom' bill
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a law Thursday described by supporters as a tool to protect religious freedom but labeled a “license to discriminate” by LGBTQ rights advocates.
apnews.com
Gulf cartel apologizes after Americans are kidnapped and killed in Mexico
The four Americans were shot at and kidnapped after crossing the border into northern Mexico for a medical procedure. Two died.
www.nbcnews.com
Fiji's former leader Frank Bainimarama released on bail
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Fiji's former leader Frank Bainimarama was released on bail Friday after pleading not guilty to a charge that he abused his power as prime minister by stopping a police investigation.
apnews.com
Manhattan DA invites Trump to testify in grand jury probe of Stormy Daniels payoff: Sources
The Manhattan DA has informed former President Trump of his right to testify before a grand jury probing his role in a 2016 payment to Stormy Daniels, sources say.
CEO of powerful Louisiana business group runs for governor
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The head of one of Louisiana’s most powerful business groups, Stephen Waguespack, announced Thursday he will run for governor in October. He told Louisiana Association of Business and Industry board members that he was resigning from his position of 10 years, as...
apnews.com
These 9 House Democrats voted to overturn a Biden administration water regulation
Nine House Democrats broke from the party on Thursday to overturn a Biden administration water regulation, siding with most Republicans on the disapproval resolution. The measure, which passed in a…
thehill.com
Tiger Woods' former girlfriend wants NDA nullified, citing sexual assault act
Erica Herman says in her lawsuit that the nondisclosure agreement should be voided because of the Speak Out Act, which protects victims of sexual assault or harassment, but does not make specific allegations against Woods.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP Leader McConnell remains in hospital after concussion
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell suffered a concussion after a fall at a local hotel and remains hospitalized “for a few days of observation and treatment,” a spokesman says.
apnews.com
Alex Murdaugh to appeal his murder convictions
Alex Murdaugh's legal team filed the notice of appeal on Thursday.
www.cbsnews.com
DOJ reveals classified messages in Proud Boys trial
Federal prosecutors inadvertently revealed classified messages to defense attorneys for the Proud Boys in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot seditious conspiracy trial.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden's former executive assistant to testify about president's handling of classified documents
A former executive assistant to President Biden has agreed to testify before Congress next month about his handling of classified documents, Fox News has confirmed.
Lawmaker says FBI wrongly sought surveillance info about him
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican lawmaker on Thursday accused the FBI of wrongly searching for his name in foreign surveillance data, underscoring the challenges ahead for U.S.
apnews.com
Oregon reversing course? Retail thefts could result in more jail time under new bill
Two bills before the Oregon Senate aim to crack down on rampant organized retail theft by funding police sting operations and keeping thieves in jail longer.
Ex-GOP Ohio speaker, lobbyist guilty in $60M bribery scheme
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former state Republican Party Chair Matt Borges were convicted Thursday in a $60 million bribery scheme that federal prosecutors have called the largest corruption case in state history.
apnews.com
Gunman kills several in shooting at a Jehovah’s Witness hall in Germany
Among the dead are four men and two women, as well as an unborn baby, authorities said. It is unclear if the baby’s mother, who was seven months pregnant, was also killed.
www.nbcnews.com
Court: Mississippi mayor wrong in veto of disputed contract
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The mayor of Mississippi's capital city acted improperly when he tried to veto a garbage-collection contract the city council had rejected, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
apnews.com‘Weaponization’ subcommittee members spar over ‘Twitter Files’
House Democrats and Republicans sparred Thursday over how Twitter handles government requests for Twitter to review posts, in the second House committee showdown over reports known as the “Twitter …
thehill.com
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder convicted in $60M racketeering case
Former Republican Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder has been convicted in a $60 million racketeering scheme dubbed the largest corruption case in the Buckeye State's history.
6-year-old who shot teacher in Virginia will not face charges, prosecutor says
The prosecution had not yet decided whether or not to hold any adults criminally responsible.
www.cbsnews.comOregon looking at allowing people in prison to vote
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A bill that would allow inmates of prisons and jails in Oregon to vote in elections moved on Thursday toward a Senate floor vote with the approval of the judiciary committee, with Republican members voting against.
apnews.com
Mexican president slams US lawmakers for suggesting military action against cartels
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador slammed U.S. lawmakers on Thursday for suggesting military action against Mexican drug cartels, after two Americans were killed in a kidnapping across …
thehill.com
Nikki Haley calls for changing retirement age for Americans who are now in their 20s | CNN Politics
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is calling for changing the retirement age for Americans currently in their 20s and limiting Social Security and Medicare benefits for wealthier Americans, staking out a position on the politically controversial issue of entitlement reform that's...
www.cnn.com
House Republicans pass bill to ban federal officials from pressuring tech platforms on content
House Republicans passed a bill on Thursday that seeks to ban federal officials from promoting censorship, a measure Republicans brought to the floor in response to what they say are efforts by the…
thehill.com
Mississippi lawmakers stop effort to take over Jackson water
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi lawmakers are giving up on an effort to create a state-dominated board to oversee the troubled water system in the state's capital city.
apnews.com
Biden says he’ll meet with McCarthy ‘anytime’ on budget
President Biden on Thursday said he was ready to meet again with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as soon as he makes public GOP priorities for the budget after Biden released his proposal for nex…
thehill.com
Tennessee governor OKs bill to cut Nashville council in half
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and Tennessee's governor signed off Thursday on cutting Democratic-leaning Nashville's metro council in half , a move that follows the council's rejection of efforts to host the 2024 Republican National Convention in Music City.
apnews.com
Biden again claims 'MAGA Republicans' called for 'defunding the police'
Presiden Biden on Thursday said that 'MAGA Republicans' want to defund police departments and the FBI at an event at the Finishing Trades Institute in Philadelphia.
Kentucky House OKs bill to regulate hemp-derived delta-8 THC
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Legislation calling for state regulation of hemp-derived delta-8 THC products won overwhelming passage in the Kentucky House on Thursday. Lawmakers said they've heard pleas from law enforcement and school officials urging action to keep the mildly intoxicating substance...
apnews.com
Playbook PM: Biden proposes, GOP disposes
And senators scour for details on Mitch McConnell's absence.
www.politico.com
Angry DC residents sound off against Constitution, say Congress has no place setting local crime policy
Washington, D.C., residents gathered to support statehood for the district ahead of the Senate vote that overturned a city law for the first time in decades.
Eyeing China, Pentagon asks Congress to boost funds for Pacific forces
The report dated Thursday is a congressionally mandated independent assessment of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s needs, and calls for $15.3 billion in fiscal 2024, with another $71.8 billion spread out over the next four years.
www.politico.comWashington state House votes to ban assault weapons
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Democrat-led Washington state House on Wednesday approved an assault-weapons ban, advancing a measure long sought by gun-control advocates. Lawmakers passed the measure on a largely party-line 55-42 vote, The Seattle Times reported .
apnews.com
Mexican cartel says sorry for attack on Americans, bodies return to US
Mexican officials gave the bodies of the two dead men, identified as Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, to U.S. officials in Matamoros on Thursday afternoon, and they were taken across the border into the U.S.
www.reuters.com
Playbook: Biden lays budget bait for Republicans
And Biden doesn’t appear likely to endorse at all in Chicago's mayoral race.
www.politico.com
206 Democrats vote against bill banning federal officials from policing online speech
House Democrats on Thursday voted unanimously against legislation that would bar federal officials from taking steps to police online speech, a response to the Twitter Files.
House Republicans advance energy package HR 1 to counter Biden agenda
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced a major energy legislative package Thursday aimed at countering President Joe Biden’s energy agenda and facilitating greater domestic fossil fuel production.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
What’s happening at Fukushima plant 12 years after meltdown?
Twelve years after the triple reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan is preparing to release a massive amount of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea.
apnews.com
Partisan split on rail safety shows at first hearing on Ohio derailment
Democrats pounded Norfolk Southern's CEO about the toxic disaster. Republicans faulted the Biden administration's response.
www.politico.com
Robert Blake, embattled actor of 'In Cold Blood' and 'Lost Highway' fame, dead at 89 | CNN
Robert Blake, noted actor and Emmy-winner who starred in crime series "Baretta," has died, according to his daughter, Delinah Blake Hurwitz. He was 89.
www.cnn.com
Tougher riot punishments approved by legislature a 2nd time
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature gave final approval on Thursday to more severe punishments for rioters for the second time in three years — a response to 2020 demonstrations about racial injustice that while largely peaceful at times turned violent.
apnews.com
Six takeaways from Biden's big-spending budget proposal
President Joe Biden released his budget for the next fiscal year on Thursday, outlining the policy priorities that could underpin his reelection bid should he choose to run for a second term.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Robert Blake, actor acquitted in wife's killing, dies at 89
An Emmy-winning actor whose career triumphs were later overshadowed by a trial in which he was acquitted of killing his wife, Robert Blake has died at age 89.
apnews.com
Fauci defends gain-of-function research: 'It needs to be regulated'
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, defended gain-of-function research on Thursday, but he warned that the practice should be regulated.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
FDA says mammogram facilities must notify women if they have dense breast tissue
In a major effort to improve breast cancer prevention, the FDA will now require mammogram facilities to inform women if they have dense breast tissue.
Fauci says Redfield’s testimony of COVID call was ‘unequivocally incorrect’
Anthony Fauci, who led much of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said testimony from former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield that he was excluded …
thehill.com
Judge uses a slavery law to rule frozen embryos are property
A Virginia judge has ruled that frozen embryos can legally be considered property, based partly on a 19th century law governing the treatment of slaves.
apnews.com
New York governor, attorney general press pharmacy chains on abortion drug policy
Walgreens recently said it would stop offering the drugs in states where Republican attorneys general have threatened legal action.
www.politico.com
Medicaid coverage for new moms gaining support in GOP states
WASHINGTON (AP) — After years of refusing to expand Medicaid benefits for new moms, Republican officials in more than a half-dozen states are now reversing course and trumpeting that coverage as central to their conservative, anti-abortion agenda.
apnews.comA drug cost stat falls out of favor
www.politico.com
Anxiety, fear fill West Virginia transgender-health clinic
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — The tiny clinic where physicians prescribe hormones and other medications to transgender teenagers shares the same campus where West Virginia kids travel to receive treatments for rare cancer, heart surgery and other health care difficult to get anywhere else.
apnews.com
