(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
False claims of a stolen election thrive unchecked on Twitter even as Musk promises otherwise
NEW YORK (AP) — In an interview this week, Twitter owner Elon Musk said users making false claims of stolen elections “will be corrected” on the platform. Prompted by a CNBC reporter for extra assurance that would happen, Musk responded, “Oh yeah, 100%.”Democrats warn Biden against cutting debt ceiling deal with McCarthy
Senate Democrats, caught off guard by President Biden’s decision to tap two senior advisers to negotiate a debt ceiling deal with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), are warning the president not to…
thehill.com
Tensions flare in ‘weaponization’ panel hearing with sidelined FBI agents
Republicans and Democrats battled during a tense hearing Thursday over three FBI agents who Republicans say were retaliated against for blowing the whistle on bias at the agency— and who Democrats …
thehill.com
Supreme Court avoids ruling on law shielding internet companies from being sued for what users post
The Supreme Court has sidestepped a case against Google that might have allowed more lawsuits against social media companies. The justices on Thursday returned to a lower court the case of a family of an American college student who was killed in an Islamic State terrorist attack in Paris.
apnews.com
McCarthy strikes optimistic tone on debt ceiling talks: "I see the path"
The House speaker said negotiations are in "a much better place" than they were a week ago.
www.cbsnews.com
210 Democrats endorse plan to sidestep House GOP in debt limit fight
At the direction of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, 210 House Democrats have signed a discharge petition in the hopes of forcing a vote on a debt ceiling increase.
www.foxnews.com
Bill Barr says Trump's classified documents case is his biggest legal risk: "I don't think that argument's gonna fly"
Former Attorney General Bill Barr said he thinks special counsel Jack Smith will arrive at a charging decision in the Trump probes as early as this summer.
www.cbsnews.com
Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to impeach Joe Biden. The White House called her push a 'stunt'
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is seeking to impeach President Joe Biden. The White House called her push a "shameless sideshow political stunt."
www.usatoday.com
$3 billion accounting error means Pentagon can send more weapons to Ukraine
The Pentagon has overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by at least $3 billion. It's an accounting error that could be a boon for the war effort because it will allow the Defense Department to send more weapons now without asking Congress for more money.
apnews.com
GOP witnesses undermined Jan. 6 cases with conspiracy theories, FBI says
The security clearances of two men who testified at a House hearing were revoked over their actions in Jan. 6 cases, as was that of another agent who was on Capitol grounds that day.
www.nbcnews.com
McCarthy and Schumer sing lighter tune on debt ceiling as talks move forward: 'We have a structure now'
Both House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are in better spirits regarding the debt ceiling ahead of the June 1 deadline that Congress faces.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expands migrant bus operation, sending first group to Denver
In over a year, Texas has transported more than 19,000 migrants to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia on over 400 buses.
www.cbsnews.com
McCarthy shifts, voices new confidence in debt ceiling deal
Bipartisan negotiators racing to secure a debt ceiling deal voiced new confidence Thursday that they’ll locate a compromise before a federal default. But even as President Biden and Speaker K…
thehill.com
GOP pauses Blinken contempt push after gaining access to classified Afghanistan cable
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee says he is pausing an effort to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress now that the State Department is letting him view a redacted classified cable from U.S. diplomats in Kabul sent shortly before the U.S. withdrawal...
apnews.com
Freedom Caucus says ‘no further discussion’ on debt ceiling until Senate passes House GOP bill
The House Freedom Caucus is calling for “no further discussion” on legislation to raise the debt ceiling until the Senate passes the bill House Republicans approved last month that would pair an in…
thehill.com
Texas congressman pushes bill to vet taxpayer-funded migrant charities amid 'explosion' of migrant trafficking
House Republicans are investigating DHS-funded NGOs that provide services for illegal immigrants.
www.foxnews.com
Debt ceiling negotiators pushing for weekend deal, but much work remains
Top negotiators from the White House have met over the debt limit with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s emissaries at the Capitol. They were grinding through more head-to-head talks on Thursday, trying to strike a budget deal.
apnews.com
Rep. Graves is negotiating the debt ceiling and keeping the fractured GOP united
Speaker McCarthy has leaned on Garret Graves, who previously was a congressional staffer, to help keep the so-called Five Families factions of the House GOP together.
www.nbcnews.com
Top Senate Dem: Congress 'must move quickly' on artificial intelligence legislation
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Congress “must move quickly” to regulate artificial intelligence and has convened a bipartisan group of senators to work on legislation.
apnews.com
House GOP embraces FBI whistleblowers despite bureau yanking clearances over Jan. 6
The day before House Republicans hosted a hearing about the FBI's alleged retaliation against whistleblowers, the bureau sent a letter to the panel saying it had revoked security clearances for two of the witnesses.
www.politico.com
Chinese commerce minister to meet US counterpart in Washington next week | CNN Politics
China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will meet both US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai next week, the Chinese Embassy said Thursday, as the United States and China try to recalibrate strained relations.
www.cnn.com
‘Pro-Russian neutrality’: How Ukraine sees China’s emerging role
Russia’s ally signals a desire for peace, but few are convinced that Beijing has either power or pure motivations.
www.aljazeera.com
Disney scraps plans for new $1 billion Florida campus amid fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis
The Walt Disney Co. announced Thursday that it was scrapping plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.
apnews.com
U.S. Supreme Court dismisses dispute over Title 42 border expulsions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a case in which Republicans sought to keep in place a policy introduced under former President Donald Trump that had let American officials quickly expel hundreds of thousands of migrants at the U.S.-Mexican border.
www.reuters.com
'Squad' Democrat calls Marjorie Taylor Greene a White supremacist, says she wants Black people 'targeted'
The "Squad's" Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. called Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a White supremacist, and claimed she wanted Black people "targeted for harm."
www.foxnews.com
How to spend Louisiana's better-than-expected revenue forecast remains up for debate
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana lawmakers received a revised sunny revenue forecast Thursday, with economists saying hundreds of millions of dollars in additional surplus funds are available to spend for this year's budget.
apnews.com
Newsom hits DeSantis over Disney withdrawal, invites expansion of company in California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) chided Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) over Disney's announcement that it would be canceling a large project in Florida, inviting the company to remain in California instead.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Education Department warns against schools encouraging private prayer, other religious activity
The Biden administration updated its guidance on prayer and other religious expression in public schools, warning school employees not to encourage or endorse such activity.
www.foxnews.com
What to know about California's approval of recommendations for historic reparations
The reparations report will reach state legislators by the end of June.
abcnews.go.com
Biden, Japan's Kishida meet ahead of G-7 summit, vowing to 'stand strong' against global threats
President Joe Biden is in Japan for global diplomacy in a nation that has already tightened its economic and national security alliance with the U.S. He met privately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before joining the Group of Seven gathering of major industrialized nations.
apnews.com
House Ethics panel will continue George Santos investigation despite indictment
The committee informed the Justice Department that it would not defer its investigation into Santos following his indictment, a source familiar with the discussions said.
www.nbcnews.com
Russia fires 30 cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets; Ukraine says 29 were shot down
Ukrainian officials say Russia has fired 30 cruise missiles against various parts of the country in the latest nighttime test of Ukrainian air defenses which shot down 29 of them.
apnews.com
Biden invites Papua New Guinea leader to D.C. after canceling Pacific island visit
The president pulled the plug on his planned visit to the nation because of the stalemate in Washington over the debt ceiling.
www.nbcnews.com
White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and California
Five major U.S. cities and the state of California will receive federal help to get unsheltered residents into permanent housing. The plan was launched Thursday and is part of the Biden administration’s larger goal to reduce homelessness 25% by 2025.
apnews.com
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduces articles of impeachment against Biden
They will be the first articles of impeachment filed against Biden since House Republicans took the majority in January.
www.nbcnews.com
Abbott confirms first bus of migrants has arrived in Colorado
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) confirmed Thursday that the first bus of migrants has arrived in Colorado. “Texas’ overwhelmed and overrun border communities should not have to shoulder the…
thehill.com
Analysis: As China's yuan drops through 7 again, the dollar is in the driver's seat
China's heavily managed yuan has dropped to multi-month lows and breached the closely watched 7-per-dollar level, and analysts who are predicting more weakness point to the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy as being the bigger driver than economic weakness at home.
www.reuters.com
More than 30 million US drivers don't know if they're at risk from a rare but dangerous airbag blast
More than 33 million people in the United States are driving vehicles that contain a potentially deadly threat: Airbag inflators that in rare cases can explode in a collision and spew shrapnel.
apnews.com
Squabble on the steps of the Capitol
Lawmakers got into a shouting match on the steps of the Capitol yesterday. It's Thursday's news.
www.usatoday.com
Debt fight, China shadow Biden's climate goals: Takeaways from POLITICO's Energy Summit
Government and industry leaders at the gathering also noted the difficulties of balancing the push for green energy vs. the nation's continued reliance on fossil fuels.
www.politico.com
Biden and G7 leaders unveil new Russia sanctions as Zelensky expected to attend Japan summit | CNN Politics
US President Joe Biden and fellow world leaders unveiled tough new sanctions on Russia as they prepared to hear in-person later this weekend from Volodymyr Zelensky, who officials said was planning a dramatic trip to Japan as he continues to appeal for military assistance amid Russia’s invasion.
www.cnn.com
Russian forces in retreat near Bakhmut, Ukraine and Wagner say
Kyiv pressed on with its biggest advance for six months ahead of a planned counteroffensive.
www.reuters.com
Navy probe prompted by suicides condemns conditions at shipyard: 'We let our people down'
A Navy investigation triggered by a series of suicides is recommending widespread improvements in housing, food, parking and internet for sailors, as well as changes to mental health and other personnel programs.
apnews.com
McCarthy praises debt limit negotiators, but GOP hardliners say talks should stop
Speaker McCarthy said in order for Congress to avoid the possible June 1 "X-date," a deal would need to be reached in principle by this weekend.
abcnews.go.com
Russian scientists criticize arrest of 'brilliant' hypersonic researchers on suspicion of treason | CNN
The arrest of three Russian scientists on suspicion of treason has been criticized by members of a Russian scientific institute, who warn the move has created a chilling effect in the community.
www.cnn.com
Chip Roy slams Air Force LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebration, says GOP should take drastic action against military
Chip Roy blasts Air Force plans to celebrate Pride Month, calls them a "ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars," says GOP should pull support from defense spending bill.
www.foxnews.com
TikTok content creators file lawsuit against Montana over first-in-nation law banning app
Five TikTok content creators have filed a lawsuit to overturn a planned ban on the video sharing app in Montana. They argued in a legal complaint filed in federal court in Missoula on Wednesday that the law is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights.
apnews.com
Biggs and Buck vote against police resolution they sponsored due to amendment
Two Republican representatives voted against their own resolution on police Thursday, citing a last-minute amendment.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Sen. Elizabeth Warren presses regulators for answers on First Republic takeover
The deal resulted in a billion-dollar loss to the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund while JPMorgan is set to earn billions, Warren said.
www.cnbc.com
US House hardliners could try to block debt-ceiling deal without 'robust' cuts
President Joe Biden and Republican U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have voiced growing confidence about striking a debt-ceiling deal to avoid a catastrophic default, but they could be tripped up by last-minute opposition from the hardline House Freedom Caucus.
www.reuters.com
Documents reveal how fossil fuel industry created, pushed anti-ESG campaign
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that model legislation for an “Energy Discrimination Elimination Act” was submitted by an ALEC member but rejected by ALEC…
thehill.com
Supreme Court sides with Twitter, Google in high-stakes cases on social media, terrorism
The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with social media giants in a case brought by families of victims in a terrorist attack in Turkey.
abcnews.go.com
University of California considers hiring undocumented students despite federal ban
Such a move would forward an unprecedented test to federal immigration and employment law.
www.politico.com
Feinstein's office details previously unknown complications from shingles illness
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office says she is suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a complication from the shingles virus that can paralyze part of the face.
apnews.com
House Republicans press Pentagon on alleged failure to stop 2021 bombing in Afghanistan
House Republican leaders on the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees sent a letter Thursday to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin questioning why a former Marine was told not to engage the sui…
thehill.com
US signals to allies it won't block their export of F-16 jets to Ukraine | CNN Politics
The Biden administration has signaled to European allies in recent weeks that the US would allow them to export F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, sources familiar with the discussions said, as the White House comes under increasing pressure from members of Congress and allies to help Ukraine procure...
www.cnn.com
ACLU plans to sue Texas over ban on certain medical treatments for transgender kids
Legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors from is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature. The ACLU vowed to sue.
www.usatoday.com
Debt default could trigger recession, Harris and Brainard warn
Vice President Kamala Harris and top White House economic adviser Lael Brainard said on Thursday that a default on the U.S. debt of $31.4 trillion would throw the American economy into a recession.
www.reuters.com
How major US stock indexes fared Thursday 5/18/2023
Stocks rallied into the close on Wall Street, pushing the S&P 500 up 0.9%, as several companies reported better-than-expected results.
apnews.com
‘It’s just crazy’: How the U.S.-China energy race imperils the climate fight
Beijing’s control of the technology behind batteries and solar panels is complicating Washington’s efforts to make a swift transition from fossil fuels.
www.politico.com
Los Angeles Dodgers pull drag group from Pride Night festivities after conservative backlash, sparking outcry
The Dodgers said that The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a nonprofit charity, activist and artist group, was no longer invited and would not receive a planned award.
www.cbsnews.com
Sam Brinton arrested in Maryland on 'fugitive from justice' charges
Former Biden administration nuclear waste official Sam Brinton was arrested on Wednesday on charges of being a "fugitive from justice."
www.washingtonexaminer.com
NATO reaches back to Cold War past with first major defense plans
NATO will step back to the future at its Vilnius summit in July, with leaders set to approve thousands of pages of secret military plans.
www.reuters.com
Biden campaign sees multiple 'viable pathways' to 2024 election win
President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is vowing to hold the states that won him the White House in 2020 but also compete in places it lost like North Carolina and Florida, providing what it says are “a number of viable pathways" to victory.
apnews.com
False claim the Democratic Party named Michelle Obama the 2024 presidential nominee | Fact check
The Democratic Party will be choosing President Joe Biden as its 2024 nominee, not Michelle Obama.
www.usatoday.com
Fired Biden admin Brett Blanton must give up some of his final pay after spending controversy
Brett Blanton was fired as architect of the Capitol, amid controversy over his personal use of a taxpayer-funded vehicle and questions about his adherence to agency policies.
www.cbsnews.com
How US national debt grew to its $31.4 trillion high
The debt ceiling fight in Washington is drawing attention to the $31.4 trillion debt already accrued by the United States government
abcnews.go.com
Conservatives make last-minute push for border security in debt ceiling package
House conservatives have launched an 11th-hour effort to include tougher border security measures as part of the emerging package to prevent a government default. In a letter to the bipartisa…
thehill.com
Israeli crowds chant racist slogans, taunt Palestinians during Jerusalem march
Thousands of Jewish nationalists, some of them chanting “Death to Arabs” and other racist slogans, have paraded through the main Palestinian thoroughfare of Jerusalem’s Old City.
apnews.com
Marsha Blackburn wants federal workers to 'show up' as remote work policies remain post-pandemic
EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is looking to require federal workers to come back to work after agencies allowed for flexible remote schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
McCarthy says House could vote on debt ceiling deal as soon as next week
"I just believe where we were a week ago and where we are today is a much better place," said McCarthy, sounding more optimistic than ever about a deal.
www.cnbc.com
Granholm defends support for gas pipeline, citing energy security
"These are really hard decisions," President Joe Biden's Energy secretary said.
www.politico.com
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. names Dennis Kucinich as 2024 campaign manager
The move unites two famously idiosyncratic Democrats in their long-shot quest to defeat President Joe Biden in next year's primary campaign.
www.nbcnews.com
Prolonged carrier maintenance in shipyards leads to greater suicide risk for sailors: Navy report
The report was prompted by the suicides of three sailors within a single week in April 2022.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump’s Dominance in the GOP Isn’t What It Seems
He’s presiding over a movement, not a party.
www.politico.com
New Mexico authorities describe caregivers' torture of disabled woman who died
New Mexico's top prosecutor says caregivers tortured a 38-year-old developmentally disabled woman before her death. Attorney General Raúl Torrez detailed the woman's injuries during a news conference Thursday, saying she died after being found in the back of a van as the caregivers tried to take...
apnews.com
DeSantis suggests only he could beat Biden ahead of expected 2024 launch
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) suggested on Thursday he is the only Republican who can successfully take on President Biden in 2024, and he’s reportedly preparing to launch a bid for the Repub…
thehill.com
Biden administration may sue over Korean airline merger
A DOJ lawsuit to restrict the merger of two foreign airlines would be a major step for the Biden administration.
www.politico.com
Kagan chides Sotomayor for Supreme Court Warhol ruling that will 'stifle creativity'
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan chided her liberal colleague Justice Sonia Sotomayor for her majority ruling that she said would "stifle creativity" and leave "in shambles" a fair use test that is often used in copyright cases.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
As Biden meets with world leaders at G-7 Summit, US puts new sanctions on Russia
The U.S. announced new sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine as President Joe Biden attended the Group of Seven Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
www.usatoday.com
Montana TikTok creators shrug off state's ban on app
Montana is first US state to ban the app, but influencers there don't seem too concerned.
www.bbc.com
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell 97 cents to $71.86 a barrel Thursday. Brent crude for July delivery fell $1.10 to $75.86 a barrel.
apnews.com
Supreme Court sides with photographer who sued Andy Warhol estate in copyright feud
Rock 'n' roll portrait photographer Lynn Goldsmith won her Supreme Court case against the Andy Warhol Foundation, claiming they violated copyright laws.
www.foxnews.com
California lawmakers block bill making oil companies liable for some health problems
California legislative committees in the Assembly and Senate blocked two big climate bills Thursday. One would have made the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets more ambitious.
apnews.com
Democratic bill targeting Monmouth County sheriff and GOP chair advances
The bill would bar county constitutional officers from serving as chairs, co-chairs or vice chairs of county political parties.
www.politico.com
‘Single biggest threat’: Warren, Tester warn against bank consolidation
New regulations to police the industry could backfire by undermining smaller lenders, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana cautioned.
www.politico.com
What really happened during Prince Harry and Meghan's New York car chase? | CNN
There’s no denying the echoes to the late Princess Diana’s 1997 death in a car crash in Paris. More than 25 years on, her son and his wife were pursued through the streets of New York City this week in what their team called a “near catastrophic” car chase.
www.cnn.com
Why a government default could be worse than a government shutdown
All the hand-wringing over a potential government default if Congress doesn’t increase the national debt limit has conjured up images of past government shutdowns.
apnews.com
Durham report contradicts 'guarantee' from Maxine Waters that Trump colluded with Russia
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., once said she guaranteed President Donald Trump colluded with Russia – claims contradicted by the release of Special Counsel John Durham's report.
www.foxnews.com
Body camera footage shows pursuit of gunman in deadly New Mexico shooting
Body camera footage released by police showed a tense but quick pursuit of a gunman who was randomly firing at homes and cars earlier this week.
abcnews.go.com
Judge not inclined to shut down pipeline, pleads with Wisconsin tribe to work with oil company
A federal judge signaled Thursday that he won't order an energy company to shut down an oil pipeline. A Wisconsin tribe argumes that rapid erosion could expose the line and cause a massive oil spill on reservation land.
apnews.com
Texas announces first bus of immigrants to Denver, vows to continue until Biden acts
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) announced on Thursday that the first of multiple buses of immigrants arrived in Denver, Colorado. This comes days after Title 42's end.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Genome data sheds light on how Homo sapiens arose in Africa
Our species arose in Africa more than 300,000 years ago, with the oldest-known Homo sapiens fossils discovered at a site in Morocco called Jebel Irhoud, located between Marrakech and the Atlantic coast.
www.reuters.com
Elizabeth Holmes: Inside the routine at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas
Here's what we know about the Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, where Holmes will serve her 11-year sentence.
www.bbc.com
Group of North Koreans defect, cross border into South Korea
A group of North Koreans crossed the Northern Limit Line in a fishing boat on May 6, South Korean authorities confirmed Thursday.
abcnews.go.com
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise on hopes for US debt deal, but China declines
Asian shares are mostly higher as hopes grow that the U.S. Congress will reach a deal to avoid a default on the nation’s debt. Benchmarks rose in Friday morning trading in Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney. Chinese shares fell on worries about the extended COVID-19-related lockdown, inflationary pressures...
apnews.com
Heated exchange between lawmakers during alleged FBI whistleblower hearing
Lawmakers clashed over the testimony of former FBI agents that Republicans claim to be whistleblowers in a House Judiciary Committee hearing.
www.usatoday.com
Gov. Lujan Grisham: 'I will use every tool in my toolbox' to block nuclear waste storage in New Mexico
The U.S. currently has no permanent repository for the radioactive waste from the fleet of nuclear power plants that provide about one-fifth of the nation's electricity.
www.politico.com
Banning TikTok vs. protecting Twitter | CNN Politics
Americans’ commitment to freedom of speech is colliding with their dislike of the Chinese government and their addiction to social media.
www.cnn.com
Disney scuttles $1B Florida development plan amid feud with DeSantis
It’s yet another escalation in the long fight.
www.politico.com
Youngkin sparks renewed 2024 speculation with Reaganesque video
A campaign-style video that makes pointed references to former President Ronald Reagan, a still-popular GOP figure, is reigniting questions about Gov. Glenn Youngkin's (R-VA) political future as more Republicans announce presidential campaigns.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Democratic Party of Oregon fined over $500,000 donation report
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon elections officials have fined the Democratic Party of Oregon $15,000 for wrongly reporting the source of a hefty campaign donation last year.
apnews.com
Nevada’s GOP governor vetoes three gun restriction bills
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) vetoed three pieces of legislation Wednesday that would have placed additional restrictions on gun ownership and purchasing in the state. “I will not support legislatio…
thehill.com
Parents of Uvalde shooting victims visit school for 1st time since massacre
Nineteen children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School. Parents of victims visited the site on Thursday for the first time since the shooting.
abcnews.go.com
May 18, 2023 Russia-Ukraine news
Explosions were heard in Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions in the early hours of Thursday, as authorities activated air defenses against a nationwide attack.
www.cnn.com
Tweet storm: How Supreme Court siding with Twitter affects internet's future
The Supreme Court's decision to side with Twitter and Google in two cases that threatened to upend the internet means Big Tech companies can rest easy knowing they still enjoy protections from being sued over content posted to their platforms by users.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Texas, Florida laws have Latinos rethinking where they live
Legislation in Florida and Texas to crack down on undocumented immigrants is prompting some Hispanics to reconsider where they live and work. In Florida, videos of empty workplaces began to go vira…
thehill.com
US inks modest trade deal with Taiwan in show of support in the face of pressure from China
The United States has reached a modest trade agreement with Taiwan. The pact signals Washington’s support for the island democracy as it comes under increasing pressure from China.
apnews.com
U.S. can't quit China in the climate fight, ex-Obama official says
“We can't decouple even if we wanted to,” former Assistant Defense Secretary for Operational Energy Sharon Burke said.
www.politico.com
Biden judge withdraws nomination after Democrats fail to find the votes: 'Wake-up call'
President Biden’s judicial nomination for Michael Delaney is likely to be withdrawn, according to reports that say he could not earn enough votes to advance out of committee.
www.foxnews.com
Markey blasts decision to host climate summit in UAE
“If you just take them in their own words, then this is going to be a lost opportunity,” Sen. Ed Markey said.
www.politico.com
Should Congress get paid if the US defaults on its debt? These lawmakers say no.
A new bipartisan bill would block lawmakers from getting paid if the U.S. government defaults on its loans or shuts down.
www.usatoday.com
Democratic senators urge Biden to use 14th Amendment to avoid debt default
A group of U.S. Senate Democrats called on President Joe Biden to prepare to invoke the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment to avoid a debt default if negotiations with Republicans fail, according to a letter released on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
2 construction workers killed in massive fire at Charlotte site
A massive five-alarm fire at a Charlotte construction site sent smoke into the air and killed two workers.
abcnews.go.com
As China, Russia, and Trump challenge the old rules of global politics, G7 aims to shore them up | CNN
The old rules of politics are being smashed all over the world.
www.cnn.com
Voter ID bill facing Republican infighting advances out of committee
A legislative committee has finally advanced a bill to comply with a voter ID requirement approved by Nebraska voters last November, but with infighting among Republicans, it’s unclear whether lawmakers have time to pass the bill before the session ends early next month.
apnews.com
Bob Lee murder suspect pleads not guilty
Nima Momeni, a fellow tech executive, entered the plea in a San Francisco court.
abcnews.go.com
New glimpse into documents case suggests a fateful new reckoning is looming over Trump | CNN Politics
Latest revelations from the special counsel’s probe into ex-President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents deepen a sense that a grave political moment is approaching.
www.cnn.com
McCarthy approval ratings at all-time high amid debt ceiling fight
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s approval ratings have reached an all-time high after increasing by 10 percentage points since taking over as the No. 1 House Republican in January, according to a new poll.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Bill to force schools to inform inquiring parents about transgender children fails in New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A bill that would have required school officials to disclose to inquiring parents that their child is using a different name or being referred to as being a different gender was defeated Thursday in the New Hampshire House.
apnews.com
DeSantis to launch presidential campaign May 24, sources say
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to make his 2024 presidential bid official next week, but will hold a bigger launch event later.
www.cbsnews.com
UN warns that urgent funding needed to avert catastrophic hunger in northeast Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — At least $396 million is urgently needed to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition in northeastern Nigeria from turning into a “full-blown catastrophe,” the United Nations office in the West African nation said Thursday.
apnews.com
Attorneys file motion to dismiss case against 'Rust' armorer
Attorneys for "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have filed a motion Thursday to dismiss her case in the fatal on-set shooting of the film's cinematographer.
abcnews.go.com
Alberta wildfires hit gas flow out of Canada to US, spiking prices
Alberta officials on Thursday warned more wildfires could spread in next few hot and dry days, even as firefighters make progress in tackling widespread blazes that have slowed the outflow of natural gas from Canada into the United States, spiking prices.
www.reuters.com
Strip club dancers to form only US topless union
Performers at the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in North Hollywood pass a unanimous vote to unionise.
www.bbc.com
Teen charged with hacking DraftKings bragged 'fraud is fun,' feds say
An 18-year-old Wisconsin man was charged for a scheme to hack and sell access to user accounts at DraftKings.
www.cnbc.com
Controversial judicial pick asks Biden to withdraw after failing to win Dem support
Several Judiciary Committee Democrats were resisting supporting Michael Delaney, in part because of his past work defending a school in a civil lawsuit over sexual assault.
www.politico.com
UN official hopes for breakthrough on Russian food, fertilizer shipments
A top U.N. official says he hopes for a breakthrough soon after months of efforts to ensure that Russian food and fertilizer can be shipped to developing countries struggling with high prices.
apnews.com
Disney scraps $867m Florida plan amid Ron DeSantis feud
The decision comes as a legal battle between the company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis escalates.
www.bbc.com
Jobless claims fall in sign layoffs are still rare
The number of new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped by 22,000 to 242,000 last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Senate passes resolution disapproving of Biden admin’s public charge rule on immigrants, welfare
The Senate passed a resolution of disapproval in regards to the Biden administration's public charge rule -- which deals with immigrants, green cards and welfare.
www.foxnews.com
Mexico leader defiant after high court rules tourist train, other works not national security issues
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday the government cannot simply decree tourist trains or other public work projects to be issues of “national security,” but hours later President Andrés Manuel López Obrador published a similar order in defiance of the decision.
apnews.com
US Avenger an 'important boost' for Ukrainian air defense, top commander says
The U.S. Avenger air defense systems are being used to protect Ukrainian cities, according to a top commander.
abcnews.go.com
Professor attempts to fail students after falsely accusing them of using ChatGPT to cheat
A professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce attempted to fail all his students in an animal science class after he incorrectly concluded they used ChatGPT to complete their assignments, accord…
thehill.com
Big Tech carves loopholes out of state kids’ safety laws
Tech companies have quietly carved out exemptions in kids’ online safety bills in Arkansas and Utah, even as they publicly oppose the underlying measures.
www.politico.com
SCOTUS hands down decision on tech companies with affirmative action, debt relief next
The high court ruled in favor of big tech companies like Google and Twitter in the first of multiple decisions coming at the end of the term.
www.usatoday.com
10K bridges similar to Pittsburgh one that collapsed should be checked for corrosion, report says
Investigators looking into the collapse of a Pittsburgh bridge last year want transportation officials nationwide to examine more than 10,000 other bridges with similar steel construction.
apnews.com
The world's largest lakes are shrinking dramatically, and scientists say they have figured out why | CNN
More than half of the world’s largest lakes and reservoirs have lost significant amounts of water over the last three decades.
www.cnn.com
Ukraine's damaged Patriot missile battery repaired following Russian attacks
The Department of Defense said it helped repair a United States-provided Patriot missile system in Ukraine, confirming publicly for the first time that the highly touted and expensive equipment was damaged by Russian aerial attacks earlier this week.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Satellite images show extensive destruction in Ukraine's embattled city of Bakhmut
Images from space show wiped out neighborhoods still burning from the long, intense battle for Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.
abcnews.go.com
John Fetterman's office has doctored several of his quotes to make him sound more coherent, review finds
A Fox News Digital review has found Sen. John Fetterman's office is doctoring his quotes to make him sound more coherent as questions linger about his health following a stroke.
www.foxnews.com
Former Mississippi state senator Johnny Morgan dies in Arkansas plane crash
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — The pilot killed after his small plane crashed Wednesday in northwest Arkansas has been identified as former Mississippi state Sen.
apnews.com
Cruz opens a probe into Anheuser-Busch over Dylan Mulvaney partnership
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) opened and called for an investigation into Anheuser-Busch over its collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, saying that the company was potentially marketi…
thehill.com
Pakistani police besiege Imran Khan's home as deadline for him to hand over suspects expires
Pakistani police are keeping up their siege around the home of Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline given to the former premier to hand over suspects sheltered inside expired.
apnews.com
Bowman rips Greene for ‘reckless,’ ‘dangerous’ remarks about Capitol encounter
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) criticized Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Thursday for “reckless” and “dangerous” remarks after she said she felt “threatened” following …
thehill.com
Meet the Wall Street executive funding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine group
Mark Gorton, who also created LimeWire, says he's helped fund presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine group.
www.cnbc.com
Insight: Traitor next door? Fear stalks Kherson after Russian occupation ends
Six months on from the occupation, neighbours distrust neighbours. Traitors could be anywhere.
www.reuters.com
Will dashboard AM radio be saved? Bipartisan bill would require automakers to keep it in new cars
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to keep AM radio in the nation’s cars. A bipartisan group in Congress has introduced the “AM for Every Vehicle Act.” It would require automakers to keep AM radio in new cars at no additional cost.
apnews.com
Pro-Ramaswamy PAC lands Michael Biundo as senior adviser
Biundo had been courted by both former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
www.politico.com
Israel fires on Palestinians protesting ‘flag march’ in Gaza
Protests were held along the Gaza-Israel border in protest at the Israeli far-rights provocative march in Jerusalem.
www.aljazeera.com
Roseanne talks comeback from cancel culture: ‘I thought they wanted me to kill myself’
Roseanne Barr said there were people who were concerned for her safety following the 2018 cancellation of her sitcom reboot, Roseanne.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Pence ‘not terribly surprised’ to see Disney cancel Florida contract amid feud with DeSantis
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday chided Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) over his battle with Disney after the company announced it was nixing plans for a $1 billion project in the state t…
thehill.com
Pentagon leaker shared sensitive info with people in foreign countries, prosecutors say
Prosecutors asked a court to continue detaining Jack Teixeira, saying foreign adversaries would "salivate" at the prospect of helping him evade law enforcement.
www.cbsnews.com
Here are the restrictions on transgender people that are moving forward in US statehouses
Hundreds of measures targeting transgender people have been proposed in statehouses this year, and several have moved forward this week. Here's what's happening.
apnews.com
NYC may house illegal immigrants at infamous prison: 'We are considering everything'
New York City is reportedly considering opening up Rikers Island prison to house illegal immigrants after running out of available shelter space for asylum seekers.
www.foxnews.com
Harry and Meghan: Agency refuses to hand over photos
Backgrid says the couple demanded photos taken of them during a paparazzi pursuit through New York.
www.bbc.com
Feinstein's primary caregiver: Pelosi's daughter
A quiet caretaking arrangement has raised questions about whether Nancy Pelosi has the ailing senator's personal interests at heart.
www.politico.com
High school student suspended after filming teacher using racial slur
The 15-year-old sophomore at Glendale High in Springfield was suspended under a district policy that prohibits students from recording faculty members without their approval.
www.nbcnews.com
China's loans pushing world’s poorest countries to brink of collapse
A dozen poor countries are facing economic instability and even collapse under the weight of hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign loans, much of them from the world’s biggest and most unforgiving government lender, China.
apnews.com
Mick Jagger's daughter Jade arrested in Ibiza
Jade Jagger, the daughter of Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, has been arrested on the Spanish island of Ibiza for attacking police officers, a police source said on Thursday without providing further details.
www.reuters.com
Ron DeSantis signs bills restricting access to treatment and gender-affirming surgery
Governor Ron DeSantis signed bills restricting gender-affirming surgery for minors ahead of Pride Month.
www.usatoday.com
Supreme Court sidesteps ruling on scope of internet companies' immunity from lawsuits over user content
The justices skipped discussion of the scope of legal immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
www.nbcnews.com
Intel leak suspect was warned repeatedly about mishandling classified info
Jack Teixeira was seen taking notes on classified intelligence information and putting them in his pocket, Justice Department lawyers alleged in court filings Wednesday.
www.nbcnews.com
Syria's Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for regional summit, sealing his return to the Arab fold
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived on Thursday in Saudi Arabia to attend a regional summit that is expected to seal Syria's return to the Arab fold, marking his first visit to the oil-rich kingdom since Syria’s conflict began in 2011.
apnews.com
Tuberville finds himself at center of storm on abortion, white nationalism
Editor’s note: Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) says she supports Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) hold on military promotions. A previous version of this story contained incorrect information. Sen. Tomm…
thehill.com
World leaders warn China and North Korea on nukes as Ukraine's Zelenskyy travels to G7 summit
Leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies warned China and North Korea against building up their nuclear arsenals, pivoting to major northeast Asian crises ahead of the arrival later Saturday of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The focus on Asia at the Group of Seven summit comes...
apnews.com
Democrats target GOP calls to 'defund' FBI with push for more funding
House Democrats are calling on their Republican colleagues to increase funding for federal law enforcement agencies, denouncing calls from the Right to defund the FBI.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Chick-fil-A's first-ever restaurant is closing | CNN Business
Chick-fil-A’s first-ever restaurant is closing after more than a half-century in business.
www.cnn.com
Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle addresses controversies, challenges facing the agency
The Secret Service's departure rate was 48% last year due in part to the job's high demands.
www.cbsnews.com
Cruz reacts to report revealing Zodiac killer's identity, after viral joke claiming him as a suspect
Cruz is returning to the viral internet meme that gained popularity during the 2016 presidential race about how he might have been the Zodiac killer.
www.foxnews.com
After convention chaos, Minnesota DFL committee gives initial nod to ban those engaged in violence
The executive committee of Minnesota's Democratic Farmer Labor Party gave initial approval to bylaws that will permanently ban people who engage in or incite violent acts from participating in party activities.
apnews.com
338Canada: High stakes and deadlock in Alberta
The Conservative and NDP leaders square off Thursday in the only debate of the campaign.
www.politico.com
Greene plans to file articles of impeachment against Biden
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) announced plans to file articles of impeachment against President Biden on Thursday, alleging he has violated his oath of office in not securing the country’s bo…
thehill.com
Biden campaign lays out initial plans to win again in 2024
Joe Biden's reelection strategy was described in a memo released by his campaign Thursday, as his approval ratings remain mired in the 40s.
www.cbsnews.com
Jordan takes on Dems in contentious exchange over whistleblower testimony
Democrats and Republicans clashed over rules during Thursday's FBI whistleblower hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, leading to minutes of bickering.
www.foxnews.com
FACT FOCUS: Who’s to blame for the national debt? It’s more complicated than one culprit
As political leaders work to reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling, some online have pointed fingers as to who is to blame for the national debt. One online claim argues former President Donald Trump increased the debt “more than any other President in American history.”
apnews.com
Shell company stock hijacker Mark Miller sentenced to year in prison
Mark Miller, a Minnesota home contractor, is the last of three men to be sentenced for securities fraud involving dormant shell companies and penny stocks.
www.cnbc.com
117 Democrats vote 'no' on bill condemning efforts to defund the police
The House on Thursday passed a resolution to support police and condemn efforts to defund or abolish local police, but 117 Democrats voted against it.
www.foxnews.com
North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum likely to run for president
Gov. Doug Burgum has begun hiring political consultants as he nears a decision to launch a dark-horse bid for the presidency, CBS News first reports.
www.cbsnews.com
Couples 55 and older will be able to contribute more than $10,000 to health savings accounts
HSAs are touted as a way to set aside money for medical expenses tax-free. The average HSA created in 2005 is now worth more than $50,000.
www.nbcnews.com
Federal appeals court nominee withdraws in rare judicial defeat for Biden
In a rare judicial defeat for President Joe Biden, Michael Delaney is withdrawing his nomination for the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a letter sent to the White House on Thursday, Delaney said it is “appropriate for me to withdraw my name.”
apnews.com
House Republicans advance bill increasing veteran spending but reducing key medical fund
House Republicans advanced an appropriations bill Wednesday that would increase spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by $18 billion from last fiscal year but significantly reduce a …
thehill.com
1 in 3 gun violence survivors says they live in fear, feel unsafe, new study says
One-third of survivors said they live in fear and feel unsafe due to their experience with gun violence, according to a new study by Everytown for Gun Safety.
abcnews.go.com
Biden campaign claims Dems have 'never been more united' despite polls, concern over president's abilities
President Biden's re-election campaign claimed Democrats have "never been more united," despite concern from members of the party about the president's ability to serve.
www.foxnews.com
Jewish Democrats call on McCarthy to censure Gosar over staffer’s reported beliefs
Several Jewish Democrats in Congress called on Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to censure Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday, following reports that one of the Arizona congressman’s staff…
thehill.com
Tennessee governor signs off on eliminating community boards with police oversight power
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday signed off on legislation that will gut Tennessee's community oversight boards and instead replace those panels with review committees that have no power to investigate police misconduct allegations.
apnews.com
That Gen Z midterm boost for Democrats might be real
A new analysis from the Democratic data firm Catalist helps explain how Democrats staved off disaster in 2022.
www.politico.com
‘He’s not doing his job’: Americans grade Homeland Security chief’s performance amid Title 42 fallout
Americans in Austin, Texas, shared their assessments of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Fox News and revealed if they think he should resign.
www.foxnews.com
Ukraine could join ranks of ‘frozen’ conflicts, U.S. officials say
How Ukraine could become the next South Korea.
www.politico.com
Sam Zell, billionaire real estate investor, dies
Sam Zell, a Chicago real estate magnate who earned a multibillion-dollar fortune and a reputation as “the grave dancer” for his ability to revive moribund properties has died due to complications from a recent illness
abcnews.go.com
Trial over Kari Lake’s last challenge to loss in Arizona governor’s race ends for 2nd day
The trial over Kari Lake's challenge to her defeat in the Arizona governor's race will go for a third day. Attorneys for the defendants, which include Gov. Katie Hobbs, asked the judge on Thursday to enter a judgement despite without hearing from their witnesses.
apnews.com
Austrian actor Helmut Berger, movie star in the 1960s and 1970s, dies at 78
Austrian-born actor Helmut Berger, a European movie star in the 1960s and 1970s who rose to prominence with roles in films by Italian director Luchino Visconti, has died
abcnews.go.com
Perseverance rover captures new images of ancient river evidence | CNN
The Perseverance rover has captured new images that appear to show evidence of a fast-flowing river that once fed into Jezero Crater, the site of an ancient Martian lake.
www.cnn.com
Supreme Court hands Twitter, Google wins in internet liability cases
The Supreme Court on Thursday punted the issue of determining when internet companies are protected under a controversial liability shield, instead resolving the case on other grounds. The justices…
thehill.com
CNN's Amanpour criticizes network's decision to hold Trump town hall
Christiane Amanpour, the veteran international correspondent who has been at CNN for 40 years, became the network's most prominent journalist to publicly criticize the decision to host Donald Trump for a town hall in New Hampshire last week.
apnews.com
Texas man pleads guilty to firearms offense linked to Mexico murder, kidnapping case
A Texas man pleaded guilty to smuggling a firearm that authorities linked to the deadly kidnapping involving four U.S. citizens near the border in Mexico.
abcnews.go.com
'Save the party!' Reps. Jamaal Bowman, Marjorie Taylor Greene argue outside Capitol
Rep. Jamaal Bowman got into an argument with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene outside the Capitol over George Santos' recent indictment.
www.usatoday.com
Watch: Rep. Higgins pushes activist away from press conference in D.C.
The debt ceiling debate could put health insurance in jeopardy for millions
A Republican plan to link Medicaid coverage to certain work requirements could result in an estimated 1.5 million people losing health insurance coverage, according to the CBO.
www.nbcnews.com
FDA advisers back RSV vaccine for pregnant women that protects their newborns
Federal health advisers are backing a first-of-its-kind RSV vaccine to protect newborns by immunizing their moms late in pregnancy. The virus fills hospitals with wheezing babies each winter.
apnews.com
Powerful new obesity drug poised to upend weight loss care
A diabetes drug being tested for weight loss is poised to further upend obesity care
abcnews.go.com
Rhode Island governor signs bill to fund abortion coverage for state workers and Medicaid recipients
Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee has signed a bill into law that would let state funds be used to pay for health insurance plans that cover state workers and Medicaid recipients seeking abortions.
apnews.com
Who pays for medical bills after mass shootings?
Costs for injuries after mass shootings fall on taxpayers and employers, experts said.
abcnews.go.com
WHO recommends new COVID shots should target only XBB variants
A World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group on Thursday recommended that this year's COVID-19 booster shots be updated to target one of the currently dominant XBB variants.
www.reuters.com
1 in 5 older adults skipped or delayed medications last year because of cost
Rising inflation and high prescription drug costs are thought to be responsible.
www.nbcnews.com
Abortion: Pressure grows on Virginia as new bans arise in the south
Virginia could become the only southern state to allow abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
www.bbc.com
Gorsuch slams pandemic emergency power as intrusion on civil liberties
Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch on Thursday slammed the use of emergency power during the pandemic as a mass intrusion on civil liberties. The high court on Thursday dismissed as moot a case seek…
thehill.com
Saving the farm: Heartland clergy train to prevent agriculture workers’ suicides
Factors largely outside of farmers’ control – from the increasingly unpredictable weather to growing costs of everything from fuel to loans – make the threat of losing the beloved family farm a constant worry.
apnews.com
States with abortion bans could drive away young doctors, especially OB-GYNs, survey finds
A majority of surveyed medical students said they would likely not apply for residency in states with strict abortion laws — for both their patients and themselves.
www.nbcnews.com
I got bitten by a tick. What's my risk of getting sick?
Although tickborne diseases have been on the rise across the U.S., researchers said common infections aren't transmitted quickly.
abcnews.go.com
Woman who refused tuberculosis treatment found in contempt of court weeks after arrest warrant
The Washington state woman, identified in court documents as V.N., is not yet in custody and did not appear at a scheduled court hearing on Friday.
www.nbcnews.com
2 doses of mpox vaccine were 86% effective against infection: CDC
A new CDC report published Thursday found the mpox vaccine was 86% effective at preventing infection when patients received both doses.
abcnews.go.com
Colorado cardiologist accused in sexual assault case is named by 9 more women he met on dating apps
At least nine women accused Dr. Stephen Matthews of drugging them. All but one believe they were sexually assaulted or cannot remember their time with him.
www.nbcnews.com
7 inmates hospitalized after potential fentanyl exposure at Washington state jail
A medical incident at a Washington jail prompted a significant emergency response and sent seven inmates to the hospital after a potential fentanyl exposure.
abcnews.go.com