(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
House Republicans pass US debt bill, push Biden on spending
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans narrowly passed sweeping legislation Wednesday that would raise the government’s legal debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion in exchange for steep spending restrictions, a tactical victory for Speaker Kevin McCarthy as he challenges President Joe Biden to negotiate and prevent a catastrophic federal default this summer.
Ron DeSantis is set to jump into the 2024 presidential fray in mid-May
The Florida governor is poised to launch his presidential exploratory committee next month.
www.nbcnews.com
Polarization means punishment for minority party lawmakers
Montana transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr was silenced by her Republican colleagues on Wednesday in a vote that bars her from participating on the House floor for the remainder of the 2023 session. The crackdown followed a standoff between Montana Democrats and Republicans after Zephyr gave a...
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Trump loses appeal to block Pence from testifying about direct communications | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump has lost an emergency attempt to block former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying about their direct conversations, in the latest boost to a federal criminal investigation examining Trump’s and others’ actions after the 2020 election.
www.cnn.com
Silenced transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr: What to know
The latest instance of one party deciding who can be heard during legislative debate has ended for now after a judge denied a transgender lawmaker's bid to return to the Montana House floor. Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr had been prevented from speaking on the floor since April 20 after telling...
apnews.com
House passes McCarthy's debt ceiling bill by two votes, four Republicans vote against
House Republicans on Wednesday delivered Speaker Kevin McCarthy the biggest win of his tenure leading the chamber so far by passing his bill to raise the debt limit and slash spending.
Disney sues DeSantis, calling park takeover 'retaliation'
Disney is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the Republican’s takeover of its theme park district, alleging Wednesday that the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.” The suit was filed minutes after a Disney...
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House GOP narrowly passes bill to raise debt limit and cut spending; White House called it 'ransom'
House Republicans on Wednesday passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act to increase the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion and cut federal government spending
Rep. Zooey Zephyr's town feels divide from rest of Montana
Pride flags are as common a sight in the college town of Missoula as the peaks of Montana’s Rattlesnake Mountains. The city is often described as a blue island in a vast red state and elected the state's first openly transgender legislator. But its voters were still shocked at what happened...
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Carroll testifies: ‘Donald Trump raped me and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen’ | CNN Politics
Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll took the stand Wednesday in her battery and defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump, testifying in chilling detail about the alleged sexual assault by the former president in a New York City department store.
www.cnn.com
Iran court orders US, Obama to pay $313m for ‘terrorist’ attacks
Court names US entities and officials – including ex-President Obama – ruling they played a role in directing ISIL.
Biden, Yoon warn N. Korea on nukes, unveil deterrence plan
President Joe Biden and South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol have unveiled a new plan to counter North Korea’s persistent nuclear threat.
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Supreme Court seems sympathetic to 94-year-old who brought 'equity theft' case
The Supreme Court appeared sympathetic to the appeal of a 94-year-old Minnesota woman challenging the so-called practice of governmental 'home equity theft.'
Tucker Carlson’s disparaging comments about Fox leaders led to his ouster: report
Tucker Carlson, the leading prime-time host who was ousted from his job this week, was shown the door at the cable news giant in part because of comments he made in private about his Fox News colle…
thehill.com
Judge chides Trump for calling rape trial 'made up SCAM' on social media
The post could expose the former president to yet more legal liability, the judge told Trump’s lawyer.
www.politico.com
Writer tells jury in lawsuit trial: 'Donald Trump raped me'
A writer has told a jury that Donald Trump raped her after she accompanied him into a luxury department store fitting room in 1996. E. Jean Carroll began testifying Wednesday in the trial of her federal lawsuit. Trump denies Carroll’s allegations. He has said he wasn’t at the store with Carroll...
apnews.com
Taliban unaware it killed alleged planner of Kabul airport bombing that left 13 Americans dead: US official
The official answered continuing questions posed by ABC News.
Senate Dem blocks bill to 'save women's sports' after GOP's Tuberville calls for quick passage
A Senate Democrat on Wednesday blocked an attempt by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., to quickly pass a House bill keeping biological males out of women's sports.
We Build The Wall founder sentenced to 4 years in prison
The co-founder of a fundraising group linked to Steve Bannon that promised to help Donald Trump construct a wall along the southern U.S. border has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Brian Kolfage was sentenced Wednesday for defrauding donors to the We Build the Wall...
apnews.com
Former JPMorgan exec says bank is using him as a 'PR shield' in Epstein case
The bank sued Jes Staley in March saying he should be held liable for any financial penalties it faces from lawsuits alleging it facilitated Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking enterprise.
www.nbcnews.com
Fox to hand over documents for 2nd voting machine lawsuit
Fox News has agreed to hand over thousands of documents to voting machine company Smartmatic, which is suing the network for defamation. The case is similar to Dominion Voting Machines’ lawsuit. Last week, Fox agreed to pay Dominion nearly $800 million to avert a trial. Smartmatic also says Fox...
apnews.com
‘A country on fire’: New poll finds America polarized over culture, race and ‘woke’
A slim majority disagrees America judges people by the content of their character rather than their skin color, a new NBC News poll finds, the first time since 2008.
www.nbcnews.com
House GOP passes debt limit package: Five takeaways
After a week of internal sniping, House Republicans on Wednesday approved legislation in a 217-215 vote that would slash federal spending and extend the government’s borrowing authority into next y…
thehill.comBelarusians wary of being drawn into war with Ukraine
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has welcomed thousands of Russian troops to his country, allowed the Kremlin to use it to launch the invasion of Ukraine last year, and offered to station some of Moscow’s tactical nuclear weapons there.
apnews.com
Hunter Biden investigation: Brennan condemned ‘politicization’ of intel days before laptop letter - Washington Examiner
Just days before signing an October 2020 letter baselessly linking the Hunter Biden laptop to Russia, former Obama CIA Director John Brennan condemned the “politicization” of intelligence on the podcast of Mike Morell — the ex-CIA acting director who said now-Secretary of State Antony Blinken...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Russia’s Alexey Navalny says he faces new terrorism charges despite being in prison | CNN
Jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny said he faces a new “terrorist case,” in what could mean decades more in prison for the outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
www.cnn.com
Biden warns North Korean nuclear attack on US or its allies would result in end of regime
President Biden on Wednesday warned that any North Korean nuclear attack on the U.S. or its allies would mean “the end of whatever regime” launched such an offensive as the Biden administration and…
thehill.com
Fugees rapper Pras found guilty of political conspiracy
A Fugees rapper accused in multimillion-dollar political conspiracies spanning two presidencies has been found guilty after a trial that included testimony ranging from actor Leonardo DiCaprio to former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prakazrel “Pras” Michel was accused of funneling money...
apnews.com
How Tucker Carlson's exit could financially impact Fox Corporation, according to experts
The move sent shockwaves not only in Washington D.C. but on Wall Street.
How to win in Ukraine and take back Crimea
www.politico.com
Ukraine gains an edge in Kherson as counteroffensive nears
Reports suggest Ukrainian forces may have started securing a foothold among weak Russian defences in southern Ukraine.
Tucker Carlson speaks out for 1st time after Fox News firing
Tucker Carlson has emerged publicly two days after Fox News fired him. He posted a two-minute monologue on Twitter Wednesday night that did not address why he suddenly became unemployed. He said one thing you notice “when you step away from the noise for a few days” is how stupid some of the...
apnews.com
Active shooters in 2022 killed or injured more than 300 people, the most in 5 years, FBI says
Although the number of individuals killed or injured by active shooters increased, the total number of incidents decreased.
www.cbsnews.com
House Foreign Affairs chair McCaul vows to continue Biden Afghanistan withdrawal probe
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said he will continue investigating the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in the name of “justice" for Gold Star families.
Judge says Nunes not defamed by story about Iowa dairy farm
A federal judge says former U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes was not defamed by articles published by Esquire magazine about his family’s Iowa dairy farm. The Des Moines Register reports U.S. District Judge C.J. Williams ruled Tuesday in favor of reporter Ryan Lizza and Esquire publisher Hearst Magazines...
apnews.com
Elon, or deepfake? Musk must face questions on Autopilot statements
A California judge on Wednesday ordered Tesla CEO Elon Musk to be interviewed under oath about whether he made certain statements regarding the safety and capabilities of the carmaker’s Autopilot features.
Schumer unable to give updated time frame on Feinstein return amid judiciary paralysis - Washington Examiner
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was not able to provide an updated time frame for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) planned return from medical leave on Wednesday, more than a week after lawmakers came back from April recess. Feinstein, the Senate's oldest member at 89, has been absent...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Zelenskyy and Xi hold first talks since Russian invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describes the talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping as ‘long and meaningful’.
Howard Stern weighs in on Tucker Carlson exit: He forgot he was ‘worker bee’ for Murdoch
Media personality Howard Stern weighed in on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s abrupt exit from the news network, saying the conservative pundit forgot he was a “worker bee” for Rupert Murdoch,…
thehill.com
'I’m here because Trump raped me': E. Jean Carroll begins trial testimony
Former President Donald Trump denies claims in a civil suit from writer E. Jean Carroll that he raped her in a New York department store, and defamed her.
Biden and South Korea’s Yoon announce agreement to deter North Korea, including deploying nuclear-armed submarine | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a key new agreement at the White House on Wednesday that aims to deter North Korean aggression, including a new US commitment to deploy a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea for the first time since the early 1980s.
www.cnn.com
Map of gun deaths shows cities have lower rates than rural counties in the U.S.
The most rural counties had a 37% higher rate of firearm deaths than the most urban counties from 2011 to 2020, an analysis found.
www.nbcnews.com
Eco groups blast Biden admin for supporting Joe Manchin's pet project
Environmental groups slammed the Biden administration for unexpectedly backing a natural gas pipeline project that has been a key priority for Sen. Joe Manchin for years.
Sudanese crowd at borders to escape amid shaky truce
Large numbers of Sudanese have been massing at a border crossing with Egypt and at a main port, desperately trying to escape the violence roiling their country.
apnews.com
Montana House Republicans ban Rep. Zooey Zephyr from House chamber for remainder of legislative session | CNN Politics
Montana’s Republican-dominated House voted Wednesday to ban Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who had said GOP lawmakers would have “blood” on their hands for passing bills restricting transgender rights and rallied protesters Monday after Speaker Matt Regier blocked her from being recognized to speak, from...
www.cnn.comTop Dem super PAC starts Biden ad blitz, pledges $75 million campaign effort
Priorities USA wasted little time jumping into the fray.
www.politico.com
Lawmakers propose rules for teen social media use
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing new rules for platforms including one that would make 13 the legal age to use social media. NBC’s Garrett Haake has the latest on the new initiative from Capitol Hill to protect children.
www.nbcnews.com
Senate votes to overturn Biden truck pollution limit
The Senate on Wednesday passed a Republican-led effort to undo a Biden administration rule that aims to cut pollution from heavy-duty trucks. The vote was 50-49. Sen Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) vote…
thehill.com
DeSantis' showdown with Disney carries political risk
In his face-off with Walt Disney Co , Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has frequently adopted the pose of a swaggering gunfighter out of the Wild West.
Congress cools on post-SVB banking overhaul
Lawmakers are all over the place on whether to increase the deposit insurance cap.
www.politico.com
Ukraine’s fate hangs in balance in 2024 clash
President Biden’s reelection bid on Tuesday set in motion an incoming clash with leading Republican candidates in the 2024 White House race over the war in Ukraine, with the outcome potential…
thehill.com
Argentina to pay for Chinese imports in yuan rather than dollars
Argentina will start to pay for Chinese imports in yuan rather than dollars, the government announced Wednesday, a measure that aims to relieve the country's dwindling dollar reserves.
U.S. planning to send a consular team to Sudan to assist fleeing Americans
The team would help fleeing U.S. citizens get on to flight or ships out of Sudan and to safety.
www.politico.com
Disney v DeSantis: Why the happiest place on Earth is suing Florida's governor
Disney's latest salvo against Ron DeSantis escalates the legal battle over its Florida theme parks.
www.bbc.com
Trump doubles down on GOP debates: ‘What’s the purpose of doing it?
Former President Trump on Wednesday doubled down on his earlier comments that he could skip Republican White House primary debates, suggesting that he’s far ahead enough in recent polling tha…
thehill.com
3 teens arrested after Colorado driver killed by thrown rock
Three teenagers have been arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection to the death of a Colorado woman, who was struck by a rock that investigators say was thrown through her windshield while she was driving. Alexa Bartell, 20, was talking on the phone with a friend when she was hit by...
apnews.com
Trump lawyers rail against DOJ in letter, reveal foreign leader briefings may be among classified documents taken from White House | CNN Politics
Two of Donald Trump’s defense lawyers now believe that classified briefings of phone calls with foreign leaders were among “all manner of documents” in 15 boxes that Trump returned to the National Archives a year after he left the presidency, according to a new letter his lawyers sent to Congress.
www.cnn.comMarjorie Taylor Greene Hints To Teachers Union Leader That Stepmoms Aren't Legit
This isn't the first time the Republican congresswoman has railed against non-biological parents.
Donald Trump trial: Judge scolds Trump for ‘inappropriate’ post on Carroll’s suit donor - Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump's attorney was scolded Wednesday by the judge presiding over E. Jean Carroll's defamation trial after Trump posted to Truth Social that his rape accuser "tried to hide" a wealthy political donor funding her lawsuit.Carroll, the former columnist who brought her...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Ukraine’s counteroffensive to begin next week, says Wagner boss
Yevgeny Prigozhin blames Russia for a lack of ammunition and warns that Ukraine is sending its best units to Bakhmut.
ChatGPT is giving therapy. A mental health revolution may be next
The prospect of AI treating mental illness is raising a myriad of ethical and practical concerns.
Ukraine launches tech cluster to boost military capability
The Ukrainian government has launched an initiative to streamline and promote innovation in the development of drones and other technologies that have been critical during Russia’s war in Ukraine. The government hopes to bring state, military, and private sector developers working on defense...
apnews.com
Chamber of Commerce gets nearly half its funding from those who give at least $1 million
Big-money donors dominate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's fundraising, prompting questions about how well the group represents small business.
DeSantis super PAC hits back at Nikki Haley following veiled Disney jab: 'Mickey Haley!'
Never Back Down, a super-PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, hit back at presidential candidate Nikki Haley after she said she would welcome a move from Disney to South Carolina.
Former Harvard Professor Charles Lieber sentenced to time served, fine for lying about China ties
Former Harvard University professor Charles Lieber was sentenced to time served and a fine for concealing China ties.
Senators unveil bipartisan proposal to require Supreme Court to adopt code of conduct
Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have introduced a bipartisan bill to require the Supreme Court to create a new code of conduct for itself after ProPublica revealed that con…
thehill.com
Bipartisan Senate bill would require Supreme Court to impose code of conduct
The legislation would also require the Supreme Court to appoint an official to handle complaints alleging violations of the code or federal laws.
www.cbsnews.com
Uganda’s Museveni says being LGBTQ should not be criminalised
Latest comments suggest president is trying to tone down proposed anti-homosexuality law, one of the world’s toughest.
Mississippi River flooding prompts evacuations, sandbagging
Some residents along the Upper Mississippi River evacuated their homes this week while others scrambled to prepare for near-record flooding. A small number of people had to leave their homes in Wisconsin. Others were stacking sandbags Wednesday in Iowa in anticipation of flooding this weekend...
apnews.com
Rural America dips into its wallet as airlines drop service
At least 324 airports have seen service cuts since January 2020, and more than 14 airports have lost commercial service completely.
www.politico.com
Cluster bombs would be ‘very effective’ for Ukraine, NATO commander says - Washington Examiner
Ukraine could make “very effective” use of so-called cluster munitions that the United States has declined to provide, according to the top U.S. military officer in Europe.“We call it dual-purpose because it releases bomblets, some of which are anti-personnel fragmentation grenades and some of...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Bipartisan Senate bill would push ticket sellers to disclose fees upfront
The TICKET Act from Sens. Cantwell and Cruz outlines a comprehensive series of requirements for primary and secondary ticketing vendors to disclose fees.
NRA sues Democrat governor over Washington state's new 'blatantly unconstitutional' gun ban
The NRA-ILA filed a lawsuit in Washington state on behalf of private parties and the Second Amendment Foundation over Gov. Jay Inslee banning semiautomatic firearms.
Tucker Carlson Breaks Silence After Fox News Firing
Tucker Carlson has broken his silence since Monday’s surprise announcement that he was fired from Fox News. In a more-than-two-minute video posted to his Twitter, the former host of Tucker Carlson Tonight began by saying that stepping “outside the noise for a few days” has shown him “how many...
Cops with department at center of racist texts probe allegedly beat Latino couple
Juan Laspada and his fiancée said they were waiting for an Uber when Antioch, California, police officers pulled up and asked if they were OK, according to the suit. They allege officers later punched them.
www.nbcnews.com
Exclusive: US allowed JPMorgan payment route for Russian grain export
The United States gave JPMorgan permission to process payments for agricultural exports via the Russian Agricultural Bank, but the arrangement was no substitute for reconnecting the bank to the SWIFT system, two Russian sources told Reuters.
New bill would crack down on companies that break child labor laws
Democrats in Congress want to bar businesses with serious records of child exploitation from USDA contracts.
www.cbsnews.com
These four House Republicans voted against the GOP debt limit bill
Four House Republicans opposed the conference’s debt ceiling and spending cuts bill on Wednesday, breaking from the party on a key piece of legislation that GOP leaders see as their opening offer i…
thehill.com
Biden’s big bet to take on coal power
Courts, technology questions and Democrats' headwinds in 2024 could hamper the proposal to slash power plants' carbon pollution.
www.politico.comBlackRock adds Treasuries as debt ceiling jitters intensify
BlackRock has been buying U.S. Treasuries in anticipation of an economic slowdown and a protracted fight between the U.S. government and Congress around the debt limit, BlackRock Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income Rick Rieder said on Wednesday. A U.S. debt default, though...
Rights group denounces ‘brutal’ protest crackdown in Peru
Human Rights Watch has issued a report condemning Peru’s reaction to protests following a presidential impeachment.
What's in the GOP bill to lift debt limit, cut spending
House Republicans are pushing their top priorities in a bill to raise the debt limit. The GOP bill that passed the House on Wednesday would suspend the federal debt limit through March 31 or by $1.5 trillion, whichever comes first. It would also roll back many of President Joe Biden's policies...
apnews.com
Disney-DeSantis battle heats up
The Walt Disney Company is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and other state officials after months of conflict …{beacon} Evening Report Wednesday, April 26 © AP/Greg Nash, The Hill …
thehill.com
'We are not a deadbeat nation': White House calls on GOP to raise debt limit after vote
If the debt limit is not raised, a default would impact all Americans. A recession and stock market crash could also follow, economists said.
www.usatoday.com
Why the Senate isn't jumping at the opportunity to end the debt crisis
As the House GOP struggles to pass its plan, Washington could soon look to the chamber with a track record of bipartisan deals — where nothing is happening.
www.politico.com
GOP-led House passes bill to hike debt limit and slash spending
The bill is going nowhere in the Senate. But Wednesday's successful vote marks a symbolic win for Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who struggled to unify Republicans behind a debt plan.
www.nbcnews.com
Taiwan drills to focus on piercing blockade, get 'Five Eyes' intelligence link
Taiwan's annual military drills this year take into account China's recent war games and focus on breaking a blockade, the defence ministry said on Wednesday, as a senior security official said Taiwan now had a "Five Eyes" intelligence link.
'We need to communicate better,' GOP congresswoman says amid debt ceiling fight
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) discussing the debt ceiling battle and special interest groups in an interview with Chuck Todd.
www.nbcnews.com
Hunter Biden lawyers meet with DOJ prosecutors about pending criminal probe
Hunter Biden has been under criminal investigation since 2018 by the U.S. Attorney in Delaware, who was appointed to that post by former President Donald Trump.
Arnold Schwarzenegger says his father was among millions ‘sucked into a hate system’ by lies | CNN Politics
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday spoke out against antisemitism and hate, pointing to his family history in the hope it would stand as an example for others.
www.cnn.com
Exclusive: Peter Thiel, Republican megadonor, won’t fund candidates in 2024, sources say
Tech billionaire and Republican megadonor Peter Thiel, an early backer of former President Trump who later broke with him, has told associates he is not planning to donate to any political candidates in 2024.
Nikki Haley Predicts Joe Biden Will Die Within Five Years
Haley's grim prophecy foreshadows what's likely to be a major Republican attack on the 80-year-old president.
Sinema brings Arizona leaders to Washington to pressure Senate action on border crisis - Washington Examiner
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) hosted a panel of local officials from Arizona in Washington this week as part of an effort to bring their stories on the impact of the border crisis into public view and pressure the Biden administration to do more.The Democratic-turned-independent senator led a...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Manchin signs onto GOP effort to overturn Biden truck pollution rule
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is joining Republicans in an effort to overturn a Biden administration rule that aims to limit pollution from heavy-duty trucks. Manchin, in a statement on Wednesda…
thehill.com
Elizabeth Holmes delays going to prison with another appeal
Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes has avoided starting her more than 11-year prison sentence on Thursday by deploying the same legal maneuver that enabled her co-conspirator in a blood-testing hoax to remain free for an additional month. Holmes’ lawyers on Wednesday informed U.S. District...
apnews.com
Far right laments Tucker Carlson’s ouster and loss of its shot at the mainstream
Carlson’s show echoed conspiracy theories and disinformation that gained traction on extremist forums like 4chan — and that would otherwise not have appeared on Fox News.
www.nbcnews.com
Judge sides with magazine, throws out Nunes' defamation suit
A federal judge in Iowa has ruled against former Republican U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, who claimed Esquire magazine defamed him in articles about his family's dairy farm.
Bidens host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for state dinner
The Bidens welcomed South Korea President Yoon and Mrs. Kim to the White House for an official state visit and dinner – the second of Biden’s presidency.
www.usatoday.com
US nuclear subs to dock in South Korea to deter Pyongyang: Biden
US and South Korean leaders pledge to up deterrence during second official state visit of Biden’s presidency.
‘Fired up, fed up:’ Frost and Tennessee’s Justin Jones lead youth rally outside Capitol
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) rallied outside the Capitol on Wednesday with Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville), in a call for gun control and an end to “attacks on democracy.” “We’…
thehill.com
Brazil court suspends Telegram for not complying with order on neo-Nazi groups
A Brazilian court on Wednesday ordered a temporary suspension in the country of the encrypted messaging app Telegram until it complies with an order to share information on extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform.
US nuclear-armed submarines to resume visits to South Korea for first time in 30 years
Yoon Suk-yeol meets Joe Biden in Washington amid concerns in South over North’s nuclear buildup
House passes GOP debt limit bill, as McCarthy tries to draw Biden into negotiations
The Limit, Save and Grow Act passed after Kevin McCarthy struck two 11th hour backroom deals with GOP holdouts. It has little to no chance of becoming law.
Senators begin difficult process of crafting bipartisan spending bills amid debt-limit chaos
Sens. Patty Murray and Susan Collins are in the early stages of developing government funding legislation that they eventually hope could get buy-in from both Congress and the White House.
www.politico.com
Ukraine's Zelenskyy upbeat after talk with China's Xi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have had a “long and meaningful” phone conversation in their first known contact since Russia invaded Ukraine. In the call, Beijing said it wanted to send an envoy to Kyiv to serve as a mediator to pursue a “political...
apnews.com
Taiwan shares intelligence with Five Eyes, spy chief reveals - Washington Examiner
Taiwan shares intelligence with the United States and the rest of the so-called Five Eyes bloc of American allies, according to Taiwan’s spy chief."Yes, and in real time,” Taiwanese National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said during an appearance before the Taiwanese...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trans Montana representative says Republicans who censured her are 'on the wrong side of democracy'
Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D-Mont.), a transgender woman, was censured and barred from the House Floor for telling colleagues who voted against gender-affirming care that they would "see blood on [their] hands." She discusses the implications of these disciplinary actions on Meet the Press...
www.nbcnews.com
Ukrainians mark Chernobyl disaster amid nuclear threats
Workers at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant have marked the 37th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear disaster amid an ongoing war and nuclear threats. They somberly laid flowers at a monument for victims at the site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeated warnings about the...
apnews.com
‘Weaponizing its power’: Disney accuses DeSantis of retaliation in federal lawsuit
"Disney expressed its opinion on state legislation and was then punished by the State for doing so," the lawsuit states.
www.politico.com
Pence says Trump’s stance on Social Security, Medicare ‘identical to Joe Biden’s’
Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized former President Trump’s stance on Social Security and Medicare, saying it is “identical” to President Biden’s position. Pence told The Dispatch in…
thehill.com
Transgender lawmaker censured by Montana House Republicans
Transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr has been censured by Montana House Republicans over criticism of gender-affirming care ban.
White House slams passage of House GOP debt limit bill: ‘No chance of becoming law’
The White House on Wednesday blasted House Republicans after a vote to pass legislation pairing a debt limit increase with broader government spending cuts, calling the bill dead on arrival and urg…
thehill.com
Minnesota lawmakers eye pre-registering 16, 17-year-olds to vote
A Minnesota proposal would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote, and link driver's licenses and government program enrollment to automatic registration.
Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Tucker Carlson
The reports are littered with fuzzy sourcing.
www.politico.com
The man in a hurry: King Charles III rushes to make a mark
King Charles III is a man in a hurry. After waiting nearly 74 years to become king, Charles has used his first six months on the throne to meet faith leaders across the country, reshuffle royal residences, stage his first overseas state visit and hold a sleepover at Windsor Castle that included...
apnews.com
Tucker Carlson breaks his silence but does not address his departure from Fox News | CNN Business
Tucker Carlson broke his silence on Wednesday evening, posting a short video online after his abrupt firing from Fox News earlier in the week, but did not directly address his departure from the network nor his future.
www.cnn.com
DeSantis-backed New College board scraps 5 professors tenure
The New College of Florida trustees now dominated by conservatives appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis voted Wednesday to deny tenure to five professors, overriding concerns by faculty and students that the decision poses a threat to academic freedom.
apnews.com
Americans stuck in Sudan to make ‘life or death decisions’ express anger at US government | CNN Politics
As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, there is mounting anger among Americans who feel abandoned by the US government and left to navigate the complicated and dangerous situation on their own.
www.cnn.com
Rush of diplomacy could be pivotal for Ukraine, Russia
High-level meetings in Washington and New York this week could have wide-reaching implications for the war between Ukraine and Russia, geopolitical hotspots like Taiwan and the South Pacific, …
thehill.com
A 94-year-old grandmother lost her home. Should the government have profited from her setback?
The Supreme Court appeared to side Wednesday with a 94-year-old grandmother who received no payout when the county sold her home for back taxes.
www.usatoday.com
Biden 2024 launching seven-figure ad campaign in six key battlegrounds - Washington Examiner
Just one day after launching, President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection effort is debuting a new ad campaign in a number of key battleground states.The campaign itself, a seven-figure buy that NBC reports will run in 15 television markets across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
UN: Delaying help to combat Haiti's gangs may impact region
The U.N. special envoy for Haiti is urging immediate deployment of a specialized international force to counter escalating gang violence and develop the understaffed and ill-equipped police force, warning that delays could lead to a spillover of insecurity in the Caribbean and Latin America. But...
apnews.com
'Trump raped me,' E. Jean Carroll testifies in battery, defamation case
Testimony begins Wednesday in the civil defamation and battery trial of former President Trump, who is accused of raping writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.
What’s in Tucker Carlson’s future? Plenty of options
Tucker Carlson’s shocking exit from Fox News has media and political circles buzzing over where he might land. Carlson, who amassed a large and loyal conservative following at Fox, is likely…
thehill.com
‘I’m here because Donald Trump raped me,’ Carroll says on witness stand
E. Jean Carroll began her testimony in her lawsuit alleging battery and defamation against Donald Trump.
www.politico.com
Crenshaw resolution condemns Mexican president for threatening to meddle in US elections
Rep. Dan Crenshaw is introducing a resolution to condemn Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for remarks in which he threatened to meddle in US elections.
Biden: I'll meet with McCarthy — but not on debt limit
The president says he’s open to talking, but on the budget first.
www.politico.com
Senate GOP votes down bill calling on VA to study marijuana as PTSD, pain remedy
Senate Republicans on Wednesday defeated a bill calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to research marijuana as a remedy for post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Senators vo…
thehill.com
Remains of Korean War hero identified 73 years later
The remains of a Korean War hero were identified.
2024 race won't be like 2020. That's good and bad for Biden
As President Joe Biden seeks a second term, he won’t have to endure glitchy Zoom connections, or stage forgettable, socially distanced rallies.
apnews.com
Nukes, Ukraine and semiconductors top Biden-Yoon agenda
The two leaders are signing an agreement that will send U.S. nuclear-armed subs to South Korea for the first time in decades.
www.politico.com
94-year-old grandmother receives Supreme Court support over property forfeiture rights
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared to favor 94-year-old Geraldine Tyler who says Minnesota violated her rights in seizing her home for unpaid taxes.
US official says Chinese cloud companies like Huawei could pose threat
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Wednesday that Chinese cloud computing companies like Huawei Cloud and Alibaba Cloud could pose a threat to U.S. security and vowed to review a request to add them to an export control list.
Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says war was ‘unleashed’ on Russia
Live updates on Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine.
Supreme Court draws fire for ethics inaction
The court doubled down on its decision not to adopt a formal code of conduct, prompting a swift response from ethics experts.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrats warn GOP would punish needy in overreaching immigration bill
The Republican bill would bar funding for organizations aiding any noncitizen, including those in the country legally, trafficking victims and Afghan refugees.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP senators urge Biden to sanction Chinese firm Huawei Cloud - Washington Examiner
Nine Republican senators urged the Biden administration on Tuesday to impose sanctions and take other action against Huawei Cloud and other cloud service providers that they believe pose a threat to national and economic security. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and eight others sent a letter to the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rick Scott wants to take $80 billion from IRS to put toward armed guards at schools
Also, in response to the Uvalde shooting, a bill is pending in Texas that would let schools offer stipends of up to $25,000 to staffers who also become armed campus "sentinels."
www.cbsnews.com
Trump lawyers: Notes for calls with foreign leaders are among classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago
The new detail was revealed in a letter from Trump’s lawyers to Congress.
www.politico.com
GOP leaders blink, make last-minute changes to debt bill
House GOP leaders are making changes to their debt ceiling bill, bowing to pressure from Midwestern Republicans upset over the elimination of biofuel tax credits and conservatives who wanted to tie…
thehill.com
Swalwell, Nehls clash at child migrant hearing over alleged Chinese spy ties: 'You don't get to say that s---'
Two members of Congress had a fiery exchange on Wednesday when Rep. Troy Nehls accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of having a "checkered past" before withdrawing the remark.
Rep. Judy Chu says inflammatory China rhetoric can hurt Asian Americans
“Rhetoric used around economic competition with Asian countries can result in harm and even murder of Asian Americans here at home,” Chu said at the launch of a Vincent Chin-dedicated organization.
www.nbcnews.com
Facebook parent Meta posts solid 1Q results, stock soars
Facebook parent company Meta’s first-quarter results surpassed Wall Street’s modest expectations on both profit and revenue while the monthly user base of its flagship platform inched close to 3 billion. Meta Platforms Inc. said Wednesday it earned $5.71 billion, or $2.20 per share, in the...
apnews.com
Hunter Biden's attorneys meet with the DOJ
CBS News had previously reported a meeting was expected.
www.cbsnews.com
Louisiana 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances out of committee
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — As several conservative states adopt legislation that prohibits school employees from teaching or discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom, Louisiana advanced its own “Don’t Say Gay” bill Wednesday.
apnews.com
Angelina Jolie, snowboarder Chloe Kim among guests at South Korea state dinner
Angelina Jolie, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, HGTV stars Joanna and Chip Gaines, and Broadway star Norm Lewis are among the guests expected at the White House for the South Korea state dinner. Th…
thehill.com
DeSantis plans to launch 2024 exploratory committee as early as May: Sources
Ron DeSantis is set to take a major step closer to running for president against Trump, with plans to launch an exploratory committee as early as May, sources said
Immigrants waiting 10 years in US just to get a court date
Some asylum-seekers who crossed the border from Mexico are waiting 10 years just for a court date. The Border Patrol released people with notices to appear at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. The move saved the Border Patrol untold hours processing court papers, but it left the...
apnews.comRoy Wood Jr. talks all things WHCD: ‘There will be Clarence Thomas jokes’
West Wing Playbook caught up with Wood ahead of Saturday’s gala to talk about dinners past and present.
www.politico.com
GOP revolts against bill to study cannabis to help veterans with pain and PTSD | CNN Politics
A group of Senate Republicans Wednesday unexpectedly rejected efforts to advance a bipartisan bill that would direct the Veterans Affairs Department to carry out studies and clinical trials on the use of cannabis to treat veterans’ chronic pain and PTSD.
www.cnn.com
Airlift brings used Christmas trees to rehab Louisiana marsh
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It’s a Christmas holiday tradition — a few months after Christmas — that benefits the Louisiana environment.
apnews.com
Michigan GOP faces existential crisis: ‘The state party is dead’
Michigan’s Republican Party is grappling with disunity and disarray as it looks to regain lost political ground ahead of 2024. The state party is facing a slew of negative headlines painting a pict…
thehill.com
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson formally announces presidential bid
Hutchinson leveled a series of criticisms at the Biden administration in announcing his run for the GOP nomination next year.
www.nbcnews.com
Debt ceiling: Here’s what you should know as threat of default looms | CNN Politics
The clock is ticking faster on the nation’s debt ceiling drama. The US hit its debt ceiling in January, triggering the Treasury Department to start taking extraordinary measures to prevent a default. Here’s what the situation is all about.
www.cnn.com
Whistleblower tells Congress that govt is delivering migrant children to human traffickers
A whistleblower told a House subcommittee on Wednesday about the horrors of child migrant exploitation at the border and called for Congress to act to tackle the crisis.
Climate solution: Green hydrogen company Ohmium raises $250M
In what could prove a milestone for an industry that hopes to address climate change, the Silicon Valley company Ohmium announced Wednesday it has raised $250 million to expand production of machines that can make clean hydrogen.
apnews.com
Pope allows women to vote at bishops meeting for first time
Pope Francis, in a historic move that could lead to more inclusiveness in decision-making in the Roman Catholic Church, will allow women to vote for the first time at a global meeting of bishops in October.
How McCarthy mollified the right on his debt plan — for now
Conservative strategizing about the House GOP's bill began soon after the speakership battle, at Sen. Rick Scott's dining room table.
www.politico.com
Democrats push 4 gun control bills through Pennsylvania House
Pennsylvania House Democrats on Wednesday advanced four gun control bills, which are unlikely to pass in the Republican-led state Senate.
Supreme Court on ethics issues: Not broken, no fix needed
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is speaking with one voice in response to recent criticism of the justices' ethical practices: No need to fix what isn't broken.
apnews.com
Black hole seen expelling jet in first direct image captured - Washington Examiner
Astronomers revealed the first image showing a jet being expelled from a black hole’s outer boundary. The black hole, which is 6.5 billion times larger than the sun, is at the center of galaxy Messier 87, located 55 million light years away from Earth. FIRST IMAGE OF A BLACK HOLE REWORKED WITH...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Former Fugees member Pras Michel convicted on 10 felony counts in conspiracy trial
Michel was accused of conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions using foreign funds, witness tampering and failing to register as a foreign agent.
www.nbcnews.com
Why some Republicans see Carlson’s departure as a good thing
Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s sudden departure from the cable network is being greeted as good news by Republicans who support U.S. intervention in the war in Ukraine. Carlson was one of the…
thehill.comAmericans stuck in Sudan to make ‘life or death decisions’ express anger at US government | CNN Politics
As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, there is mounting anger among Americans who feel abandoned by the US government and left to navigate the complicated and dangerous situation on their own.
www.cnn.com
House China Committee demands answers from FBI on Chinese police stations in US
The House China Committee demanded answers from FBI Director Christopher Wray about the bureau's efforts to address alleged secret Chinese police stations operating in the U.S.
Trump allies who stole from border wall donors sentenced to prison
Two founders of an online fundraising scheme to help former President Trump build a border wall were sentenced to prison Wednesday for participating in a fraud scheme that stole hundreds of thousan…
thehill.com
Company seeks first-time restart of shuttered nuclear plant
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A company that tears down closed nuclear power plants wants to do in Michigan what has never been done in the U.S.: restore a dead one to life.
apnews.com
Ex-Proud Boys head rails against DOJ in Twitter Spaces event as case heads to jury
Enrique Tarrio, one of five Proud Boys charged with seditious conspiracy, said the Justice Department is using "locker room" talk against Jan. 6 defendants and trying to "manipulate" their rhetoric.
www.nbcnews.com
Myanmar's neighbours, some ASEAN members hold secretive talks on crisis
Government and think-tank representatives from Myanmar and its neighbours, including India and China, held talks in New Delhi on Tuesday as part of a secretive effort to de-escalate a bloody crisis in the army-run Southeast Asian nation, two sources said.
Mark Bryant counts US shootings. He no longer remembers the names
After years of counting the dead, Mark Bryant says he's grown numb to the toll of US gun violence.
www.bbc.com
Adams focuses on fiscal prudence with $106.7B budget
The mayor expects months of tense negotiations with lawmakers to ratify a final product before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
www.politico.com
Why China is trying to mediate in Russia's war with Ukraine
Chinese leader Xi Jinping says Beijing will send an envoy to Ukraine to discuss a possible “political settlement” to Russia’s war with the country. Beijing has previously avoided involvement in conflicts between other countries but appears to be trying to assert itself as a global diplomatic...
apnews.com
5 school staffers charged after boy told to eat own vomit
Five staff members at a suburban Indianapolis school have been charged with neglect or failure to report neglect after a 7-year-old special education student was told to eat his own vomit in February
New image reveals violent events near a supermassive black hole
Expanding upon the historic first images of black holes, scientists on Wednesday unveiled the first picture showing the violent events unfolding around one of these ravenous cosmic behemoths, including the launching point of a colossal jet of high-energy particles shooting outward into space.
Google's persistent ad slump weighs on Alphabet's 1Q results
Google’s advertising malaise persisted during the first quarter while the internet company also grapples with advancements in artificial intelligence technology that threaten to undercut its dominant search engine. An unprecedented downturn in Google’s digital ad revenue – the company’s main...
apnews.com
North Dakota limits bathroom use for transgender people
Dorms and living facilities controlled by North Dakota's board of higher education are affected, as well as correctional facilities for youths and adults.
www.cbsnews.com
4 arrested for allegedly yelling racial slurs, assaulting Black Lehigh University student
Pennsylvania police have arrested four men accused of yelling racial slurs at a Black Lehigh University student before chasing him into his dorm.
Judge puts Missouri rule limiting transgender care on hold
A Missouri judge has temporarily halted a first-of-its-kind rule restricting access to gender-affirming health care just hours before it was set to take effect. A judge on Wednesday put the Republican attorney general’s emergency rule on transgender health care on hold until at least Monday...
apnews.com
Why is Trump afraid to debate? - Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump is unarguably the man to beat in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Beyond that, he is the 900-pound gorilla of Republican politics, capable with his endorsement of changing primary outcomes — even or particularly if giving nominations to poor...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rocket that landed in the wrong country recovered | CNN
Authorities in Sweden have retrieved the payload of a research rocket that landed by error in neighboring Norway.
www.cnn.com
Two Bannon associates sentenced to prison in border wall scheme | CNN Politics
Two associates of former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon were sentenced to more than seven years in prison collectively in connection with defrauding donors of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a border wall scheme, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern...
www.cnn.com
UK blocks Microsoft-Activision gaming deal, biggest in tech
British regulators have blocked Microsoft’s $69 billion deal to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard over worries that it would stifle competition in the cloud gaming market. The Competition and Markets Authority said Wednesday that “the only effective remedy” to the substantial loss of...
apnews.com
Supreme Court's new ethics declaration stops short of concrete action
It’s rare for the justices to comment publicly on ethics issues. This week’s joint statement largely echoes what they’ve said before.
www.politico.com
'Donald Trump raped me,' accuser E Jean Carroll tells New York court
In emotional testimony, she says she is trying to "get her life back" after the alleged 1996 rape.
www.bbc.com
GOP bill would repeal Biden policy forcing people with good credit to subsidize high-risk mortgages
Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., unveiled the Free Market Mortgage Act of 2023 on Wednesday to stop a new Biden administration regulation that, if implemented, would force lower-risk mortgage borrowers to help subsidize lower rates for high-risk borrowers.
California Democrats propose tax changes for businesses
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democrats in the California Senate on Wednesday said they want to raise taxes on some of the largest corporations so they can cut taxes for nearly every other business.
apnews.com
Haiti police condemn vigilante killings amid gang violence
Police are pledging to crack down on unrelenting gang violence that has paralyzed swaths of Haiti’s capital, and are pleading with Haitians to end a string of grisly vigilante killings
Stock market today: Bank fears send Asia shares mostly lower
Asian shares mostly fell Thursday, echoing a decline on Wall Street, as worries about the U.S. banking sector and inflationary pressures weighed on investor sentiment.
apnews.com
Air Force suspends leaders of alleged Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira's unit
Jack Teixeira of Massachusetts is accused of leaking hundreds of classified Pentagon documents.
www.cbsnews.com
Elon Musk talks AI, Tesla with Democratic leader Schumer
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla and social media platform Twitter, discussed artificial intelligence issues and electric vehicles with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday.
Republicans use debt ceiling bill to push work requirements for millions receiving Medicaid and food stamps | CNN Politics
House Republicans are using the debt ceiling standoff to advocate for one of their longstanding goals – requiring more low-income Americans to work in order to receive government benefits, particularly food stamps and Medicaid.
www.cnn.comPrison sex abuse must be rooted out, Justice official says
Sexual abuse in the nation’s federal prisons must be rooted out. That's the message the Justice Department’s second-highest-ranking leader carried to prison wardens gathered for their first nationwide training since revelations that a toxic, permissive culture at a California prison allowed abuse to
apnews.com
Top Homeland Dem lashes out at Republicans for bill's use of 'aliens' to refer to migrants
Ranking Member Bennie Thompson criticized Homeland Security Republicans for using the word "alien" to describe noncitizens in its border security package on Wednesday.
Montana House Republicans ban Rep. Zooey Zephyr from House chamber for remainder of legislative session | CNN Politics
Montana’s Republican-dominated House voted Wednesday to ban Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who had said GOP lawmakers would have “blood” on their hands for passing bills restricting transgender rights and rallied protesters Monday after Speaker Matt Regier blocked her from being recognized to speak, from...
www.cnn.com
2nd American dies amid violence in Sudan, White House official says
A second American has been killed in the violence in Sudan, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed on Wednesday.
South Korean President Yoon meets with Tesla's Elon Musk
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday in Washington to call for investment in his country, Yoon's office said.
Lawyer for ex-Fox News producer says law enforcement interested in recordings
Former Fox News producer Abby Grossberg has roughly 90 audiotapes, her lawyer said.
www.cbsnews.com
Florida moving fast to pass DeSantis-backed bill targeting illegal immigrants - Washington Examiner
The Florida legislature is moving swiftly to rein in the freedoms and benefits it had previously bestowed upon illegal immigrants in an effort to make the state less attractive to noncitizens who have slipped across the southern border.On Tuesday evening, the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Minneapolis NAACP sues city over police spying allegations
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis NAACP sued the city of Minneapolis on Wednesday over allegations that police officers used phony social media accounts to spy on activists without a legitimate public safety purpose.
apnews.comGoldman Sachs sees late July deadline for hiking debt limit
The Treasury Department is expected to update its projection of the so-called “X date” as soon as this week.
www.politico.com
Democrats dismiss concerns about Biden's age following re-election announcement: 'Seems to be doing fine'
President Biden is already the oldest chief executive to sit in the Oval Office. By Election Day, he'll be 81. Here's what Democrats on Capitol Hill have to say.
House votes to pass debt ceiling bill | CNN Politics
The House voted Wednesday to pass a bill raising the nation’s debt ceiling, after days of wrangling Republican lawmakers to unify behind the package, which would bolster House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s position at the negotiating table with the White House.
www.cnn.com
Funding to support oral histories in boarding school era
The National Endowment for the Humanities is supporting an effort to record oral histories and digitize records on Indigenous boarding schools. It is contributing $4 million to ensure stories from descendants and survivors can educate future generations. The National Endowment for the Humanities...
apnews.com
Biden took 'hard look' at his age, would run even if Trump wasn't
For the first time since his video announcement, Biden addressed questions about his 2024 reelection bid.
Alabama bill would give parents $6,900 for private schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Alabama are proposing giving parents thousands of dollars in publicly funded education vouchers to pay for private school or homeschooling expenses for their child, the latest in a wave of GOP school choice proposals across the country this year.
apnews.com
Montana transgender lawmaker barred from House floor after 'hate-filled testimony'
A transgender Montana lawmaker was barred from the House floor for the rest of the 2023 session after Republicans say that the individual presented a "hate-filled testimony" on a transgender medical care ban for minors.
House GOP voting on their debt ceiling plan after McCarthy caves on last-minute compromise
House Republicans are set to vote as soon as Wednesday to raise the nation's debt ceiling, after Kevin McCarthy made 11th hour compromises
Philippines: The paradise islands caught in the US-China crosshairs
The BBC travels to far-flung Philippine islands that find themselves caught in a US-China flashpoint.
www.bbc.co.uk
Montana transgender legislator silenced after 'blood on your hands' comment
Montana statehouse Republicans on Wednesday silenced Democratic transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr from floor debates for breaking decorum after she said lawmakers who backed a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors would have "blood on your hands."
North Dakota governor vetoes 1 library bill, signs another
North Dakota's governor vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have required librarians under threat of criminal penalty to screen sexually explicit materials from children, but signed another barring explicit materials from the children's sections of local and school libraries.
apnews.com
Former Sudanese minister Ahmed Haroun wanted on war crimes charges freed from Khartoum prison | CNN
A once powerful member of the former Sudanese government wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity has been freed from prison in the capital Khartoum.
www.cnn.com
US nuclear weapons modernization plan spurs cost questions
The U.S. agency that oversees the nation's nuclear arsenal is moving ahead with plans to modernize production of key components that trigger the weapons. But some watchdog groups and members of Congress are warning of more delays and cost overruns. The National Nuclear Security Administration...
apnews.com
Biden insists he will meet with McCarthy but not to talk about debt ceiling: 'Not negotiable'
President Joe Biden said once again that he is willing to meet with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy but not if that meeting is about whether or not the debt ceiling is extended.
El Salvador tries ex-leader Funes in absentia for gang truce
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — El Salvador opened a trial Wednesday against former President Mauricio Funes alleging that he had negotiated a truce with the country’s powerful street gangs when he was president, but the trial will proceed without Funes who lives in Nicaragua.
apnews.com
Transgender Minnesota lawmaker introduces bill removing anti-pedophile language from state's Human Rights Act
A transgender state lawmaker in Minnesota introduced a measure that would remove language from the state's Human Rights Act that currently states pedophiles are not a part of the protected “sexual orientation" class.
Sudan crisis: Fighting flares up despite ceasefire
Explosions and gunfire are reported near the capital even as attempts are made to extend the truce.
www.bbc.com
When could the U.S. default? Economists say debt ceiling "X date" coming sooner than expected
With revenues down 35% so far this year, banks have started moving up their estimates of when the U.S. could hit the so-called X-date
www.cbsnews.comTurkish president cancels campaign stops over health issue
Turkey's president has canceled a day of election campaigning to rest at home, a day after he was forced to briefly interrupt a television interview over a stomach complaint.
apnews.com
Appeals court denies Trump bid to block Pence testimony to Jan. 6 grand jury
The former president was seeking an emergency order.
www.politico.com
Ex-Harvard professor Charles Lieber gets house arrest over China ties
Charles Lieber receives the sentence after being found guilty of lying about his Chinese connections.
www.bbc.com
Biden's 2024 candidacy set to receive massive $75M boost from Democratic super PAC
President Biden's re-election prospects will receive a $75 million boost from major Democratic super PAC Priorities USA, the group announced Wednesday.
Brazil judge orders temporary suspension of Telegram
A federal judge in Brazil on Wednesday ordered a temporary suspension of messaging app Telegram, citing the social media platform’s alleged failure to provide all information Federal Police requested on neo-Nazi chat groups. The move is regarded as part of the country’s push against a rise in...
apnews.com
DC police chief retiring, will join FBI
D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee is leaving after leading the department since early 2021, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced on Wednesday. Multiple outlets report he is taking a job with the FBI. Co…
thehill.comClosing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell $2.77 to $74.30 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude for June delivery fell $3.08 to $77.69 a barrel.
apnews.com
Parents of gunman who killed five at Louisville bank: 'We wish we could undo it'
In an exclusive interview with NBC News' Savannah Guthrie, the parents of 25-year-old shooter Connor Sturgeon said they are "heartbroken."
www.nbcnews.comGroups call on EPA over nitrate in southeast Minnesota water
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Several groups are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to take emergency action to reduce nitrate levels in groundwater in eight southeast Minnesota counties.
apnews.com
Biden energy secretary doubles down on electrifying US military's vehicle fleet by 2030: 'We can get there'
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said she supports efforts to require the U.S. military to implement an all-electric vehicle fleet by the year 2030, saying she believes “we can get there."
2 men sentenced to years in prison for fraudulent border wall fundraiser tied to Steve Bannon
Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato previously pleaded guilty to several federal crimes related to siphoning funds from the online fundraising scheme.
www.cbsnews.com
Black parents seek schools affirming their history amid bans
Amid bans on teaching controversial topics related to race, Black families have embraced schools that affirm their African American heritage. Bans have been enacted in at least 16 U.S. states since 2021. Some parents in Georgia have found solace in Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute, a...
apnews.com
Appeals court rejects Trump’s effort to block Pence from testifying in Jan. 6 probe
Trump can still appeal to the Supreme Court but has not indicated whether he will.
www.nbcnews.com
First Republic plumbs new lows, options dwindle
First Republic Bank's market value plunged again on Wednesday as investors waited to see if it would be able to find buyers for assets and engineer a turnaround without government support.
ATF director refuses to define 'assault weapon,' says it's up to Congress
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Director Steve Dettelbach refused to define the term "assault weapon" during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, saying that should be left to Congress.
Jolie, Salonga, Chloe Kim glam up state dinner for SKorea
Actor Angelina Jolie, home improvement duo Chip and Joanna Gaines and Olympian Chloe Kim are among scores of people from politics, business, sports and entertainment who gathered at the White House for a black-tie dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon is on a state visit at...
apnews.comUS nuclear-armed subs heading to South Korea
Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & NatSec newsletter{beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story US nuclear-armed subs heading to Sout…
thehill.com
Severe weather, including hail, threatens Texas and Florida
Severe storms, including a tornado threat, are forecast for parts of Texas, while a large swath of Florida is under watch for damaging, giant hail.
John Stamos tried to get Olsen twins fired from ‘Full House’ | CNN
John Stamos and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are like family now, but that wasn’t always the case.
www.cnn.com
One prisoner dead as Mississippi manhunt continues
Another prisoner, Jerry Raynes, has been captured as police continue to search for two remaining men.
www.bbc.comHow major US stock indexes fared Wednesday 4/26/2023
Wall Street closed lower again, though a rally for Microsoft and some other Big Tech stocks helped limit the losses.
apnews.com
Kremlin warns of more asset seizures after move against Fortum and Uniper
The Kremlin said it could seize more Western assets in retaliation for moves against Russian companies, after taking temporary control of assets belonging to two European state-owned utilities.
Biden to North Korea: A nuclear attack would be 'the end' of Un's regime
President Biden held a joint press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, where he said a nuclear attack by North Korea against the U.S. or allies would be 'the end' of that regime.
Two U.S. Air Force commanders suspended in unit of accused intelligence leaker
The U.S. Air Force has suspended two commanders from the National Guard unit where accused classified intelligence leaker Jack Teixeira served, a USAF spokesman said on Wednesday.
Trump 'raped me': E. Jean Carroll testifies about alleged attack at trial
Carroll alleged in a lawsuit that Trump attacked her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. The former president has called her claim a "lie" and a "hoax."
www.nbcnews.com
Ukraine war: Sniper kills fixer and wounds Italian reporter in Ukraine
Bogdan Bitik is killed and Corrado Zunino hit by suspected Russian fire in the Kherson region.
www.bbc.com
Fukushima’s fishing industry survived a nuclear disaster. Will it survive what’s next? | CNN
With the deadline for the planned water release looming, Fukushima’s fishers fear that the move will undermine consumer confidence in their catches and once again threaten the way of life they have fought so hard to recover.
www.cnn.com
Coroner: Lake Mead bones were Vegas man missing since 1998
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Human remains found last summer at drought-stricken Lake Mead have been identified as a Las Vegas man missing since July 1998, authorities said Wednesday.
apnews.com
Analysis: Guns: States are moving in polar opposite directions | CNN Politics
With almost all gun legislation a nonstarter on a divided Capitol Hill, states are charting wildly divergent paths. Some states are doing everything they can to restrict access to certain weapons. Others are doing everything they can to make guns as accessible as possible without much government...
www.cnn.comMicrosoft, Chipotle rise; Activision, Old Dominion fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes Wednesday: Microsoft Corp., up $19.95 to $295.37.
apnews.com
A church is canceling people’s medical debt for pennies on the dollar. It wants others to join in | CNN
US churches are coming together to create outsized relief for debt-strapped members of their communities. Church leaders say debt forgiveness is a modern, but very effective way to do good – and it has a firm basis in scripture.
www.cnn.com
Biden pressed about age in 2024 race, admits he 'can't even say the number'
President Biden claimed he "can't even say the number" when it comes to his age after reporters pressed him on the issue during a joint appearance with South Korea's president.
Rapper MoneySign Suede dies in California prison stabbing
Authorities and his lawyer say rapper MoneySign Suede has died after being stabbed in a shower at a California prison. The rapper's real name was Jaime Brugada Valdez. The Huntington Park 22-year-old was found in the shower area of the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad Tuesday night and...
apnews.com
What to know about XBB.1.16, the 'Arcturus' variant
The subvariant accounts for nearly 10% of new Covid cases in the U.S.
www.nbcnews.com
Kansas abortion providers face new rule after veto overriden
Kansas health care providers could face criminal charges over accusations about their care of newborns delivered during certain abortion procedures. That's because the Republican-controlled Legislature on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of new legislation. The new law takes...
apnews.com
Tips for dealing with allergies as the season gets longer
Allergy season is starting 20 days earlier and lasting 10 days longer than it did in the 1990s, with some experts blaming climate change.
www.cbsnews.com
First pill for fecal transplants wins FDA approval
U.S. health officials have approved the first pill that uses healthy bacteria from human waste to prevent dangerous gut infections — an easier way of performing so-called fecal transplants. The Food and Drug Administration approved the treatment Wednesday for adults who have trouble fighting off...
apnews.com
Republicans grill teachers' union head on COVID classroom closures
A divided House panel on Wednesday alternately questioned and defended Randi Weingarten on COVID-19 school closures
Mexico's president admits he briefly fainted due to COVID-19
Mexico’s president has acknowledged he did “briefly faint” over the weekend before he was diagnosed with COVID-19, something his spokesman had previously denied. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Wednesday that his doctors had been concerned enough to administer a liter of rehydration...
apnews.com
Missouri judge temporarily blocks limits on gender-affirming care for trans youth and adults from going into effect | CNN Politics
A state judge in Missouri temporarily blocked the state’s limits on gender-affirming care for minors and adults in the state on Wednesday, putting them on hold just hours before they were set to go into effect.
www.cnn.comMore adults think access to abortion should be easier, Pew report finds
The number has grown most significantly in states that implemented bans or new restrictions on abortion after the Dobbs decision last year.
www.politico.com
Texas woman who nearly died after being denied an abortion slams GOP senators at hearing
Texas resident Amanda Zurawski called out Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn after being denied an abortion nearly resulted in her death.
www.usatoday.com
Menopause symptoms cost billions in medical expenses and lost days of work, study suggests | CNN
Symptoms linked to menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances can add up to billions of dollars in medical expenses and lost productivity in the workplace, according to a study published Wednesday in journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
www.cnn.com
Ex-UCLA gynecologist sentenced to 11 years in sex abuse case
A former gynecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually abusing female patients over the course of a 35-year career. Dr. James Heaps has been in custody since a jury convicted him in October of three counts of sexual battery by...
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Amphetamines often prescribed along with depression and anxiety medications, new study finds
Drugs like Ritalin are being given off-label to counteract the side effects of psychiatric prescriptions, a study suggests.
www.nbcnews.comBan on COVID vaccine mandates clears North Carolina House
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — State agencies and local governments in North Carolina would not be allowed to deny employment to someone who refuses to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or prove they've been vaccinated, under legislation passed Wednesday by the state House.
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Fauci says time to ‘move forward’ from COVID
Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter{beacon} Health Care Health Care The Big Story Fauci says it’s time to ‘move forward’ from COVID Former chief White House medica…
thehill.com
Feds wrote $128M in duplicate checks to docs, report finds
The federal government wrote duplicate checks to doctors who provided care for veterans, costing taxpayers as much as $128 million in extra payments, according to a new watchdog report out this week. In nearly 300,000 cases, private doctors were paid twice — once by the Veterans Health...
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