(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Legal fight over student debt a prelude to political battle
WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the possibility that the Supreme Court will reject President Joe Biden’s plan for student loan forgiveness, the White House is aiming to turn the political heat toward Republicans while deflecting criticism from disappointed borrowers.
Trump ‘successfully chilled’ FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok
FBI agent Peter Strzok on Wednesday said former President Trump and others “successfully chilled the FBI’s willingness to investigate anything” Trump-related, complicating later inquiries into the …
thehill.com
Florida Republican pitches bill to eliminate the Florida Democratic Party
"The Ultimate Cancel Act" would "cancel" the filings of any party that "previously advocated for" slavery, which the Democratic Party did more than 150 years ago.
www.nbcnews.com
Democrats ask Fox not to push 'propaganda' on 2020 election
The two top Democrats in Congress are asking Fox News executives not to spread false information about the 2020 election and are demanding that commentators who suggested that the election was stolen acknowledge on the air that they were wrong.
apnews.com
McCarthy says government must butt out of kids' education, pushes federal 'Parents Bill of Rights'
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called education the "great equalizer" as he was joined by fellow Republicans in reintroducing the "Parents Bill of Rights Act."
What we learned from the latest Fox News-Dominion case filing
Testimony and internal communications show anxious executives trying to shore up ratings while fielding concerns about false election fraud claims pushed by Trump and allies.
www.nbcnews.com
Ukraine official: Forces may pull out of key city of Bakhmut
The Ukrainian military might pull troops back from the key stronghold of Bakhmut. That's according to an adviser to Ukraine’s president.
apnews.com
Feds expand probe into migrant child labor in slaughterhouses
Authorities are now investigating how children from Central America wound up working for multiple slaughterhouse companies across the U.S.
www.nbcnews.com
Merrick Garland to senators: Fentanyl 'unleashed on purpose' by Mexican drug cartels
Merrick Garland faced questioning on separate investigations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The AG and Sen. Ted Cruz also had a heated exchange.
www.usatoday.com
Ukrainian military says Russian forces are using more experienced Wagner fighters in Bakhmut
As Russian forces continue to pound the fiercely contested eastern city of Bakhmut, the Ukrainian military said Moscow is suffering immense losses in the battle and Kyiv has not made the decision to withdraw.
Senate kills Biden ESG investment rule in stunning rebuke
The Senate on Wednesday formally killed a Biden administration rule that encourages private retirement plan fiduciaries to consider ESG factors when making investment decisions for over 150 million Americans.
Key Georgia election official rips Marjorie Taylor Greene 'conspiracies' after tense meeting
Sterling, a Republican, gained national attention when he rebuked Trump after President Joe Biden won Georgia in the 2020 election.
Exclusive: US seeks allies' backing for possible China sanctions over Ukraine war
The U.S. is sounding out close allies about the possibility of imposing new sanctions on China if Beijing provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to U.S. officials and other sources.
Joe Manchin and Jon Tester tee up Biden's first veto
The two defied Biden's threat to veto the rollback, which targets a rule allowing retirement plan managers to incorporate climate and social factors into investment decisions.
www.politico.com
China, Belarus call for cease-fire, negotiations in Ukraine
China and Belarus called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine as leaders of the two countries meet in Beijing to improve their relations. Belarusian Pre…
thehill.com
Harry, Meghan asked to leave UK home in further royal rift
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have been asked to vacate their home in Britain. Frogmore Cottage, located on the grounds of Windsor Castle west of London, had been intended as the couple’s main residence before they gave up royal duties and moved to Southern California.
apnews.com
Biden, gearing up for reelection bid, urges Democrats to tout accomplishments
"You all know how much we've gotten done, but a lot of the country still doesn't know," the president said at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference in Baltimore.
www.cbsnews.com
Russian mercenary boss says 'fierce resistance' seen in Bakhmut; Kyiv says its fighters are under 'insane pressure'
Ukraine's president signaled Kyiv is preparing its soldiers for counteroffensives and praised soldiers for defending the country under "insane pressure."
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes
Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson are two runoff competitors who could hardly be more different among Lightfoot’s leading challengers.
www.politico.com
Russia journal: Moscow mulls possible use of nuclear arms to fend off US attack -RIA
A Russian defence ministry journal says Moscow is developing a new type of military strategy using nuclear weapons to protect against possible U.S. aggression, RIA news agency reported on Thursday.
Russia unnerved by drone attacks blamed on Ukraine
Several ‘UFOs’ have hovered above Russia in recent days, worrying pro-Kremlin figures.
Ukraine clings to Bakhmut, Blinken tells Lavrov US to back Kyiv all the way
Ukrainian forces held out in the eastern city of Bakhmut against Russian attackers on Thursday, while the top U.S. diplomat told Russia's foreign minister in their first in person encounter since the invasion that the Kremlin must stop the war.
Ohio train derailment: State Republican urges Sherrod Brown to return donations from railroad company
A Republican in Ohio urged Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on Wednesday to return the donations he received from Norfolk Southern following the train derailment in the state last month.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Death toll from Greece’s deadliest train crash rises to 43
Greek prime minister blames ‘tragic human error’ for the country’s worst rail accident near central city of Larissa.
Biden administration approves potential sale of missiles for F-16s to Taiwan | CNN Politics
The Biden administration has approved an estimated $619 million potential arms sale to Taiwan, including hundreds of missiles for F-16 fighter jets, in a move that will likely further inflame already heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.
www.cnn.com
Chicago mayor's race shows impact of crime in COVID's wake
Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas ran a campaign laser-focused on public safety and support for the police as he advanced to a runoff.
apnews.com
Bill to give Biden authority to ban TikTok advances in House
The bill allow any president to impose sanctions against any company that “knowingly provides or may transfer sensitive personal data” to any foreign person or company.
Biden rallies Democrats as GOP pushes him toward 1st veto
President Joe Biden is imploring House Democrats to go out and sell the Democratic accomplishments of the last two years to voters.
apnews.com
Biden extends 'national emergency' due to 'extraordinary threat' Russia's actions against Ukraine pose to US
President Biden on Wednesday extended the executive order declaring a "national emergency" pertaining to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as challengers advance to runoff
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for reelection amid widespread criticism over her leadership and an increase in crime in the city.
www.usatoday.com
Trump set to headline diminished gathering of conservatives
The annual Conservative Political Action Conference was once one of the premier gatherings on the GOP campaign calendar.
apnews.com
Cindy McCain tapped as head of World Food Program
The United Nations will announce Thursday that McCain will lead the body — putting a close ally of President Joe Biden at the top of the world’s largest humanitarian group amid war and food crises.
www.politico.com
Biden administration lawyer may have saved student loan forgiveness plan at Supreme Court, experts say
The Supreme Court could rule within months on a $400 billion student loan forgiveness plan by the Biden administration.
Trump is poised for a CPAC love fest or face plant. There is no in between.
Many of the other 2024 candidates aren’t showing and the hall is expected to be filled with MAGA fanatics. But what if it’s not a coronation?
www.politico.com
Biden mocks Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: ‘Isn’t she amazing?’
BALTIMORE — President Biden mocked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Wednesday, sarcastically asking a room full of House Democrats during their annual retreat in Baltimore “isn’t she ama…
thehill.com
Biden roasts Marjorie Taylor Greene over fentanyl row: 'Isn't she amazing'
President Joe Biden mocked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) for blaming him for two fentanyl deaths that occurred under the Trump administration.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden strikes campaign tones in speech to House Democrats
The president criticized Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen. Rick Scott and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
www.nbcnews.com
U.S. officials clashed over asylum restriction, and its legality, before Biden proposed it
The White House's top lawyer said a sweeping asylum restriction was at high risk of being declared illegal in court.
www.cbsnews.com
White House: Eli Lilly’s insulin price cap shows why GOP should stop attacking the Inflation Reduction Act
The White House said Eli Lilly’s move to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 for patients shows why Republicans should stop trying to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act.
Poll: Most Black voters disapprove of DeSantis blocking Black history course, approve of Biden
Black voters highly approve of President Joe Biden and disapprove of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis banning Black history, a new poll found.
www.usatoday.com
Tesla says it will cut costs of next generation cars in half
Tesla says it will cut the cost of its next generation of vehicles in half, largely by using innovative manufacturing techniques and smaller factories.
apnews.com
East Palestine train derailment site workers are getting sick, union says
Union representative Jonathon Long wrote to the Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration that rail workers at the Norfolk Southern derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio, are experiencing symptoms of illness.
Finland's Parliament gives final approval for NATO bid
Finland’s Parliament has given final approval for the Nordic country’s historic bid to join NATO. Lawmakers in the 200-seat legislature voted 184-7 to allow for Finland’s accession to the Western military alliance.
apnews.com
Sanders prepares subpoena for Starbucks CEO to face questions on labor practices
"Unfortunately, Mr. Schultz has given us no choice," Chair Bernie Sanders said in a statement.
www.politico.com
McCarthy to bring CBO director for House briefing as debt talks inch forward
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) will bring the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Phillip Swagel, in for a full House briefing next Wednesday to discuss its recently r…
thehill.com
White House again accuses congressional Republicans of attempting to defund police
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took aim at congressional Republicans on Wednesday, accusing them of defunding the police.
McCarthy, GOP introduce measure to protect 'parents' rights'
House Republicans have introduced a bill to give parents more of a say in school curriculum. They're calling it the “parents’ bill of rights.”
apnews.com
At least 57 dead, dozens more injured in Greek train derailment
At least 57 people were killed and dozens more injured in a head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train in Greece late Tuesday.
Tesla flags lower costs, but Musk does not unveil cheaper car
Chief Executive Elon Musk fails to announce much-awaited affordable electric vehicle at company’s latest investor day.
US agency seeks input on gas stoves in step toward regulation
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted Wednesday to seek public input on the dangers of gas stoves, opening a path for regulatory action, even as the head of the commission reiterated the commission has no plans to ban the household appliances.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Supreme Court: Why Kavanaugh, Barrett may be key to student loan forgiveness cases
Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett lobbed tough questions at both sides during the student loan forgiveness arguments.
www.usatoday.com
Why a DC crime bill is creating big problems for Democrats
Senate Republicans are trying to put the squeeze on Democrats ahead of an expected vote on legislation next week that would undo parts of a District of Columbia crime bill. The bill would eliminate…
thehill.com
Biden speaks at House Democrats' conference as 2024 elections approach
The event allows House Democratic lawmakers to outline priorities for the new year and set a plan to try to retake the chamber after they lost power in 2022.
The Memo: Lightfoot is latest Democrat to fall to anger over crime
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is the latest Democrat to fall to public concerns over crime. Lightfoot suffered an ignominious fate Tuesday when she failed to even make the runoff in her bid for a se…
thehill.com
Suspect accused of putting explosive in luggage at Pennsylvania airport appears in court
Marc Muffley, 40, was taken into custody by the FBI Monday night.
www.cbsnews.com
Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says
A prosecutor says Alex Murdaugh’s theft of millions of dollars was about to be revealed so he killed his wife and son to buy time to figure a way out.
apnews.com
Ukraine denies sending attack drones into Russia territories
Ukraine on Wednesday denied sending attack drones deep inside Russia, after several unmanned aircraft allegedly targeted civilian infrastructure and at least one drone crash-landed just outside of …
thehill.com
Pence won't commit to supporting Trump if he's the nominee
Former Vice President Mike Pence sat down with CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns in Michigan.
www.cbsnews.com
Senate overturns federal rule on ESG investments, Biden vows to veto
President Joe Biden has said he plans to issue the first veto of his presidency.
GOP rams through TikTok ban bill over Dem objections
As House Republicans push for quick action on a Chinese-owned app that’s “too dangerous to be on our children’s phones,” Democrats fret over unintended consequences.
www.politico.com
Please clap: Jeb Bush throws Trump a lifeline in looming battle against DeSantis
Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) may have unintentionally aided his archnemesis former President Donald Trump, who is trying to hold off Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in the fight for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Lake appeals loss in governor’s race to state Supreme Court
PHOENIX (AP) — Kari Lake, the Republican who lost the Arizona governor’s race to Democrat Katie Hobbs, has asked the state Supreme Court to review her challenge of election results that has so far been rejected by the courts.
apnews.com
Chicago police superintendent exits after mayor's election loss
All eight rivals of Mayor Lori Lightfoot had vowed to fire David Brown.
www.politico.com
These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to oppose inflation estimates bill
Four House Republicans broke from the GOP on Wednesday to oppose a bill that would require inflation estimates for certain executive orders signed by President Biden, a measure that Republican lead…
thehill.com
Republicans probe EPA on why East Palestine waste sent to Indiana after Dems objected to Michigan
A pair of Indiana Republican lawmakers sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking why the East Palestine cleanup was paused after Democrat lawmakers complained.
Rescuers comb wreckage of Greece's deadliest train crash
Emergency workers are searching late into the night for survivors and bodies after a passenger train and a freight train crashed head-on in central Greece.
apnews.com
Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days
Emergency crews are scrambling to shuttle food and medicine to residents of California mountain communities stranded by back-to-back winter storms.
www.cbsnews.com
Manchin and Tester vote with GOP on ESG measure, set to force first Biden veto
Two Democratic senators voted with the GOP on a measure to roll back a Labor Department rule in what is set to force President Joe Biden’s first use of executive veto power.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Delta pilots approve new contract with 34% raises
The deal for Delta pilots includes 34% raises over the next four years.
McCarthy defends the 'exclusive' Jan. 6 video trove he gave FOX News host Tucker Carlson
McCarthy vowed to eventually make some 42,000 hours of sensitive Capitol Police security videos available to the broader public “as soon as possible."
www.usatoday.com
Stocks, dollar power higher on 'slow and steady' rate hopes
Wall Street stocks reversed losses to end higher on Thursday, and U.S. government bond yields tempered gains, as investors digested strong economic data and signals of a measured interest rate approach from the Federal Reserve.
China, Belarus presidents call for establishing peace in Ukraine
Xi Jinping and Alexander Lukashenko call for the ‘soonest possible’ peace deal for Ukraine.
Supreme Court student loan hearing: What you need to know
Student loan forgiveness finally has its day in the Supreme Court. Here’s who qualifies for Biden’s plan and how long the payment pause will last.
apnews.com
Dem leaders Schumer, Jeffries send Rupert Murdoch letter demanding Fox stop spreading election lies
Schumer and Jeffries sent the letter after Murdoch's testimony in the Dominion lawsuit, when he admitted Fox knowingly promoted false election conspiracies.
Prosecutors say Alex Murdaugh was the only one with motive, means and opportunity to kill his wife and son | CNN
State prosecutors said in closing arguments of Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial Wednesday that he was the only person who had the motive, means and opportunity to kill his wife and son in June 2021 – and that his lies afterward betrayed him.
www.cnn.com
How Trump allies and wealthy donors helped to fuel the GOP fight against ESG investing platforms
The GOP fight against ESG investing at firms like BlackRock has ties to allies of former President Trump, wealthy Republican donors and state treasurers.
Parents would have new power over their kids' education under House GOP bill
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Republicans on Thursday introduced The Parents Bill of Rights
RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California board
A California panel has denied parole for Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan. Sirhan’s lawyer Angela Berry says the parole board decided the 78-year-old prisoner still lacks insight into what caused him to shoot the senator and presidential candidate in 1968.
apnews.com
‘We were very lucky’: Near-collisions spark new worries for air travel
This year has already seen six near-miss incidents involving airliners.
www.politico.com
FBI counterintelligence leader won’t say if Hunter Biden laptop letter harmed trust with public
The head of FBI counterintelligence refused to say whether 50 former intelligence officials signing the letter baselessly alleging Russian involvement in the Hunter Biden laptop stories in October 2020 harms the trust the public has for the U.S. intelligence community.
www.washingtonexaminer.comDeSantis may remove another Florida prosecutor from office
Florida’s Constitution gives the governor the power to suspend elected officials for various reasons, including neglect of duty and malfeasance or commission of a felony.
www.politico.com
Liz Cheney joins University of Virginia as professor
In her new role, Cheney said she hopes to "contribute to finding lasting solutions that not only preserve, but strengthen our democracy."
www.cbsnews.com
Severe weather in the South leaves 5 dead in Kentucky
Five people are dead in Kentucky after severe weather brought thunderstorms and wind gusts which reached up to 75 miles per hour in the state.
House Democrats gather to chart path toward 2024 majority with wins from last Congress
BALTIMORE — House Democrats are gathering in Baltimore for their annual issues conference this week to chart a path back to the majority in 2024. It’s an operation they say can be achieved by capit…
thehill.com
Nigeria president-elect faces vote doubts, poverty, violence
The newly elected president of Nigeria is the first person chosen to lead the country with less than 50% of the vote.
apnews.com
‘Repugnant’: US rebukes Israeli remark on Palestinian village
US State Department condemns Israeli minister’s call for Huwara to be ‘wiped out’, calling it a ‘disgusting’ incitement.
Ted Cruz tries to trip up Biden’s FAA pick
The Texas Republican hammered Phil Washington, a non-pilot, with technical questions about planes such as Boeing's troubled 737 MAX.
www.politico.com
Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee amid special counsel probes
His testimony came as his department grapples with a number of politically sensitive investigations that are likely to be brought up by senators during the hearing.
www.cbsnews.com
Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM
At least 43 people died in the head-on collision between a passenger service and freight train.
www.bbc.com
GOP tempts ‘24 Democrats with war on ‘woke’
In a divided Congress, the anti-ESG movement is bringing people together — just a little bit.
www.politico.com
Lori Lightfoot's critics sound off on Chicago mayor losing re-election: 'Crime doesn’t pay'
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was defeated in Tuesday's mayoral election and failed to qualify for the runoff. Her critics were pleased with the outcome.
From condoms to cosmetics, China sales grow as lockdowns end
The world's top consumer and luxury goods companies have seen sales of everything from cosmetics to condoms grow in China since Beijing ended strict COVID-19 curbs, another sign that the world's No. 2 economy is reviving after the pandemic.
Twitter's new 'violent speech' policy similar to past rules
Twitter has unveiled a new policy prohibiting violent speech. But overall it appears very similar to the rules against violent threats it had on the books before Elon Musk took over the social media platform.
apnews.com
Senior McCarthy aide, House Oversight chairman each met with mother of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt
Babbitt was shot and killed by police as she breached a set of doors to the Speaker's Lobby in the House of Representatives on Jan. 6, 2021.
www.cbsnews.com
Former US Senator Santorum joins North Carolina House to push constitutional convention
Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum has joined North Carolina's House GOP to push a convention of states. The Constitution requires agreement from 34 to call for a convention.
LA man wrongly imprisoned for decades declared innocent
A Los Angeles man who spent more than 38 years behind bars for a 1983 murder he did not commit has been declared innocent.
apnews.com
SpaceX launches international crew of astronauts on space station mission | CNN
SpaceX and NASA launched a fresh crew of astronauts on a journey toward the International Space Station on Thursday, continuing the public-private effort to keep the ISS fully staffed.
www.cnn.com
WATCH: NBA player claims governors are trying to rid schools of black history
The Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green sounded off on Black History Month during a post-game press conference Tuesday.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Mortgage demand from homebuyers drops to a 28-year low
Mortgage demand dropped for the third straight week as interest rates moved higher again.
Modi govt allowed Adani coal deals it knew were ‘inappropriate’
The Modi govt brought in laws that helped the Adani Group keep its ‘coal-scam era’ deals.
Trump ties GOP in knots over Medicare and Social Security
The former president is assailing his primary opponents for entertaining entitlement cuts in the past — and exacerbating divisions among Hill Republicans in the process.
www.politico.com
Supreme Court appears ready to let New Jersey exit mob watchdog
New York is trying to save the commission from New Jersey’s exit, a move that would effectively kill it.
www.politico.com
Two more House Republicans call for home-state Rep. Santos to be ousted
Two more House Republicans are calling for fellow New York Rep. George Santos (R) to be ousted from his position, throwing their support behind an effort to expel him over the extensive list of fal…
thehill.com
South Korea promises to boost exports, attract tourists
South Korea's government on Thursday promised to boost exports and attract tourists as the country's statistics agency released January data that showed gloomy prospects for the economy.
Bill Maher: ‘I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level’
Bill Maher says he’s scared of former President Trump “on a very personal level” and “what he would do” to the comedian if he were to win the 2024 White House race. “I am afraid of Trump on a very …
thehill.com
Sen. Dianne Feinstein away from Washington due to "health matter"
A spokesperson said the senator hopes to return to Washington, D.C., "soon."
www.cbsnews.com
Record retail theft puts pressure on Australian supermarket giants
Retail theft has hit record levels in Australia, government statistics show, putting pressure on grocery giants Woolworths Group Ltd and Coles Group Ltd that are already struggling with soaring supply costs and freight blockages.
Yosemite National Park closed indefinitely due to 15 feet of snow in some regions
The gates at Yosemite National Park have been shuttered due to extreme weather and climate conditions for a second time in less than a year.
Karine Jean-Pierre dodges question on Lori Lightfoot's re-election loss, blames GOP for crime surge
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre avoided a question about Lori Lightfoot's loss in the Chicago mayoral election and appeared to blame Republicans for rising crime.
Israeli protesters clash with police, confront PM's wife
Israeli police have extracted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife from a hair salon besieged by anti-government protesters.
apnews.comWhite House says solution to TikTok in the works, would not say whether service would be banned
The White House addressed concerns about TikTok and spoke about a bipartisan plan to act against the social media platform, though they would not say if the app would be banned.
Supreme Court sympathetic to New Jersey's plea to break compact with New York
The Supreme Court appeared poised to allow New Jersey's request to exit a decades-old interstate agreement after New York objected to it leaving the interstate pact.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Democratic mayors lead course correction on psychiatric commitments
The policy, which has long enjoyed Republican support, was once anathema to the Democratic Party.
www.politico.com
China wants AI to rival ChatGPT. Censorship makes that tricky
Chinese firms including Baidu and Alibaba are racing to roll out versions of the chatbots taking tech world by storm.
"Tragic human error" caused fatal train collision, Greek prime minister says
A fatal head-on collision between two trains in central Greece was primarily due to "tragic human error," the Greek prime minister said Wednesday.
China says EU TikTok ban will harm business confidence
China says a ban on the use of TikTok by official European Union institutions will harm business confidence in Europe.
apnews.com
California Senate race: LA Mayor Karen Bass endorses Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee
The candidates are vying for the seat that Dianne Feinstein has held since 1992. She has served longer than any other woman in the U.S. Senate.
www.usatoday.com
Opinion | Rupert Murdoch Rides the Trump Tiger — and Gets Eaten
The Dominion lawsuit has exposed the powerlessness of the Fox News titan.
www.politico.com
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signs campus carry gun bill
Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill allowing people with concealed carry permits to take firearms onto public college and university campuses.
www.cbsnews.com
North Korea's Kim demands more farmland to boost food production
There are warnings of an impending food crisis.
House Republicans renew push to reimburse Texas for 'Operation Lone Star' border security push
House Republicans from the state of Texas are renewing a push to reimburse the state for its efforts to secure the border -- calling for $4.4 billion in funding.
Texas bill will no longer aim to ban Chinese citizens from buying homes, state senator says
Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst says when the bill reaches committee Wednesday, it will be modified to remove restrictions on people buying homes.
www.nbcnews.com
California bill would help protect nannies, house cleaners
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California households that employ cleaners or nannies could soon be required to comply with safety standards similar to other workplaces under a bill proposed in the state Legislature.
apnews.com
Former Ohio House Speaker denies dinners with energy execs during corruption trial
Former Republican Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, contradicting FBI testimony, denied hosting dinners with executives where a bribery scheme was allegedly conceived.
Republicans vow to block Biden FAA pick as Democrats double down
Senate Democrats on Wednesday rallied behind President Biden’s long-delayed pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while Republicans vowed to block the nomination. The Senate …
thehill.com
Taiwan says 19 Chinese fighter jets entered its air defence zone
A total of 25 Chinese warplanes and three warships were monitored operating off the Taiwanese coast.
Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart
A teacher who spotted the bug took it home - then realised during a class how unusual it was.
www.bbc.com
White House says it has no backup plan if student loans gambit fails
The White House said on Thursday it has no backup plan if the Supreme Court strikes down its $400 billion student debt transfer.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
OnPolitics: Who won't be at CPAC as notable as who will be
Some prospective GOP presidential candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, aren't attending the high-profile conference.
www.usatoday.com
British RAF chief calls it 'unacceptable' for China to recruit western military pilots
Britain's air force chief says it was "unacceptable" its former pilots were being recruited to train Chinese military, and intelligence agencies in Australia and Britain had shared information to warn pilots against working for Beijing.
Kremlin rejects Ukrainian denials of attacks on Russia
Top Ukrainian official says Kyiv ‘does not strike’ at Russia and is waging a defensive war, a claim rubbished by Moscow.
Farm state Republicans raise alarm over Trump’s new China trade proposal
An early Trump campaign proposal is getting rare and public pushback from some Republican lawmakers — who argue rural Americans would pay the price, again.
www.politico.com
Taiwan military to get $619 million U.S. arms boost as China keeps up pressure
The arms sales are likely to further sour already tense ties between Washington and Beijing.
Video appears to show Texas drag bill author dressed in drag
A social media user shared a video that appears to show Texas state Rep. Nate Schatzline wearing a black sequined dress while skipping through a park.
www.nbcnews.com
Michigan Senate votes to enshrine LGBTQ protections into state's civil rights law
The Michigan state Senate voted Wednesday in favor of a proposal to expand the state's civil rights law to include the LGBTQ community under anti-discrimination policies.
9th Circuit denies emergency bid to halt Nevada lithium mine
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the highly-contested construction in Nevada of the largest lithium mine in the U.S.
apnews.comRepublicans probe EPA on why East Palestine waste sent to Indiana after Dems objected to Michigan
A pair of Indiana Republican lawmakers sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking why the East Palestine cleanup was paused after Democrat lawmakers complained.
Peruvian man found carrying mummy at least 600 years old in food delivery bag
A man stopped for drinking in a park in Peru was found to be in possession of more than just a container of alcohol.
Vietnam Communist Party nominates Vo Van Thuong as new president - sources
Vietnam's Communist Party has nominated Vo Van Thuong as the country's new president, two party sources said on Wednesday, following the sudden forced resignation in January of his predecessor as part of a sweeping anti-corruption campaign.
"Don't let him fool you too." Prosecutor makes a final push to the jury to convict Murdaugh
The prosecution wrapped up its closing arguments Wednesday in the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh. The defense will make its final arguments on Thursday.
CPAC schedule 2023: Who is speaking
The Conservative Political Action Conference returns to the Washington, D.C., area for the first time since 2020 and will feature several prominent conservative politicians and figures.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and make all available efforts to increase grain production.But experts say it won’t effectively address a worsening food shortage.
apnews.com
Air Force relieves six officers after failing safety inspection at nuclear base
The officers, stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, were not involved in the handling of nuclear weapons.
www.cbsnews.com
2 survivors of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre become citizens of Ghana, foundation says
Two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre became Ghanaian citizens, the Justice for Greenwood Foundation, Inc. announced on Tuesday.
What explains mysterious poisonings of schoolgirls in Iran?
The persisting lack of clarity has led to wide-ranging speculation as to who is poisoning the students.
New Mexico nomination spurs concerns among Native Americans
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s governor is standing firm in her decision to nominate a former tribal leader who once faced sexual assault charges to head the state’s Indian Affairs Department, fueling anger among Native American advocates who have been working to address violence and missing
apnews.comWhat’s not in Ron DeSantis’ new book
The 250-plus page volume, like many political autobiographies, is selective with parts of his political ascent.
www.politico.com
Christie: Trump grand jury foreperson ‘did a lot of damage’ to case
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said on Wednesday that the foreperson of the Georgia special grand jury investigating former President Trump’s efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 electio…
thehill.com
New York City could pay Black Lives Matter protesters $21K each over rights 'violations' in 2020
New York City could pay Black Lives Matter protesters arrested in 2020 thousands of dollars each as part of a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit.
Cuba blasts US govt for granting asylum to pilot of stolen plane
Cuban authorities have accused the U.S. government of being "complicit in piracy" for granting political asylum to a pilot who fled to Florida on a small "kidnapped" plane last October.
Man paralyzed by officer who mistook gun for Taser sues
A Florida man is suing after being paralyzed by a police officer who mistook his handgun for his Taser and shot him in the back.
apnews.com
Biden and House Democrats head to Baltimore to plot 2024 strategy
The president will speak at the annual House Democratic retreat as the party works on a message that celebrates its legislative victories and can win back the House.
www.nbcnews.com
CDC says 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at Asbury University religious revival
The unvaccinated person attended the gathering while contagious on Feb. 17 and 18.
www.cbsnews.com
Who is Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect?
The 70-year-old has won the presidency of Africa’s most populous nation with 8.8 million votes.
Liz Cheney lands teaching gig as Trump critic weighs 2024 bid
Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) is taking a professorship at the University of Virginia as she mulls her 2024 plans.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
House passes bill to require inflation estimates for executive orders
Editor’s note: The estimate of inflationary effects of an executive order would be required before the order is enacted. An earlier version of this story mischaracterized a portion of the bil…
thehill.com
Sen. Mike Lee suspended by Twitter; Musk says error
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said he is "seeking answers" after his personal Twitter account was suspended Wednesday.
States consider 'safe injection sites' to prevent overdoses
Lawmakers in Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada are considering allowing what are often called “safe injection sties" where people can use drugs under the supervision of trained staff who could reverse an overdose.
apnews.com
18-year-old charged in fatal shooting of Chicago police officer
A Chicago police officer was shot and killed Wednesday while responding to a call about a person with a firearm, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Georgia officials confronted with key questions as wealthy Atlanta suburb pushes to secede
A measure calling for an Atlanta suburb to secede and become its own city gained some traction this week.
East-West showdown looms at G-20 FMs meeting in India
Fractured East-West relations over Russia’s war in Ukraine and increasing concerns about China’s global aspirations are set to dominate what is expected to be a highly contentious meeting of foreign ministers from the world’s largest industrialized and developing nations this week in India.
apnews.com
Hungarian PM's party backs ratification of Finland, Sweden NATO entry
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party will back the ratification of Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO, the party's parliamentary group said on Wednesday, as lawmakers began the process after a months-long delay.
Senate group wades into tough talks on Social Security
A bipartisan group of senators is treading carefully into the politically difficult discussion of making changes to Social Security to extend its solvency. Senators from both parties wh…
thehill.com
Rail unions tell Biden officials workers have fallen ill at Norfolk Southern derailment site
Leaders from 12 unions met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
www.nbcnews.com
Fettered by Fetterman: Sidelined senator presents Democrats with major problem
Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-PA) Senate win last year gave Democrats an outright majority in the upper chamber after two years of nominal 50-50 control.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Fight in high school classroom leaves one dead, one injured
A fight between students in a classroom in California left one student dead and one injured, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan confirmed in a p…
thehill.com
2 get prison for plot to bomb California Democratic HQ
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Two California men who pleaded guilty to plotting to firebomb the state Democratic Party’s headquarters and other buildings in Northern California after the defeat of former President Donald Trump were sentenced Wednesday to federal prison.
apnews.com
3 Kansas City officers shot while executing search warrant; man found dead after hourslong standoff
Three police officers have been shot in Kansas City, Missouri, according to the city's mayor, Quinton Lucas.
DeSantis is championing medical freedom. GOP state lawmakers like what they see.
The Florida governor and likely presidential candidate has secured a place for the movement in the conservative mainstream.
www.politico.com
Democrats, Republicans aim to block Biden admin's action protecting Chinese solar companies
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are working to pass time-sensitive legislation that would roll back a rule allowing Chinese solar panel makers to skirt U.S. trade laws.
California bill could mean more mentally ill people detained
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — More people in California could be detained against their will because of a mental illness under a new bill backed Wednesday by the mayors of some of the nation's largest cities, who say they are struggling to care for the bulk of the country's homeless population.
apnews.com
US State Department approves potential sale of F-16 munitions to Taiwan- Pentagon
The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 munitions and related equipment to Taiwan in a deal valued at $619 million, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.
Ex-Georgia football star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash that killed teammate and staffer, arrest warrants allege
Warrants are out for Carter's arrest for reckless driving and racing in connection with the crash that left two dead in January.
www.cbsnews.com
China Select Committee hearing highlights partisan divide on Beijing-countering strategy
Republicans focused on Beijing as an existential threat, while Democrats pushed strengthening U.S. competitiveness.
www.politico.com
No bail and no brains: Seattle judge releases accused mass shooter
Usually, when we talk about cashless bail, we're talking about suspects who go on to commit murders after they're released — not the ones already accused of killing one innocent bystander and shooting six other people (including a child) in the downtown area of a major city during rush hour. But…
www.washingtonexaminer.com
West Virginia House passes bill to ban child marriage
The West Virginia House passed a bill that would ban child marriage for anyone younger than 18. Currently, anyone as young as 16 can get married with parental consent.
N.C. senators vote for medical pot at appropriate time
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Some North Carolina legislators voted twice this week at an appropriate time — 4:20 p.m. — for legislation that would legalize marijuana for medical use in the state.
apnews.com
The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. What will it take to close it?
Story at a glance New data from the Pew Research Center detail the progress made in closing the gender pay gap since 1982. The results show disparities in pay remain largely unchanged since the ear…
thehill.com
GOP introduces bill to boost parents' classroom rights in latest education war salvo ahead of 2024
House Republicans introduced a "Parents Bill of Rights," the latest salvo in a charged fight over who decides what is taught in classrooms and why.
www.usatoday.com
Ford suspends electric F-150 Lightning production for another week following battery fire
Ford is suspending production of its electric F-150 Lightning pickup for another week after a battery issue that resulted in one of the vehicles catching fire.
Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok
A growing number of governments have banned the popular video-sharing app TikTok from devices issued to staff as privacy and cybersecurity concerns increase. A handful have imposed nationwide bans on the app.
apnews.com
Dollar firms after U.S. labor data suggests more rate hikes
The dollar strengthened on Thursday after unemployment claims pointed to a still strong U.S. jobs market and other data showed growing labor costs, indicating the Federal Reserve has further to go in raising interest rates to tame inflation.
Cruz, Roy demand answers from Garland on FBI allegedly secretly recording progressive anti-abortion group
Texas Republicans Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. Chip Roy demanded answers from AG Merrick Garland about accusations the FBI secretly recorded a progressive anti-abortion group meeting.
Luxury EV maker Lucid appears to have a demand problem
Lucid plans to build just 10,000 to 14,000 vehicles in 2023, despite factory capacity to build more.
What is ESG investing and why do some hate it so much?
After starting as a niche corner of the finance world, ESG investing has since exploded to become a major force on Wall Street _ and the latest front in the nation’s cultural schism.
apnews.com
Eight Iowa state GOP lawmakers propose constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage
Eight Republicans in the Iowa state House have proposed an amendment to their state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage, arguing that the state should only recognize marriages between one…
thehill.com
New Orleans mayor recall organizers score deal that could lower signature requirement
The group hoping to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell scored a big win as election officials agreed to move 25,000 voters to the inactive list.
General Motors cuts 500 salaried employees
GM follows other major companies, including competitors, in downsizing headcounts to preserve cash and boost profits.
Midwest could add more ethanol to gasoline under EPA plan
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states beginning in 2024 under a rule proposed Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency.
apnews.com
Chip Roy rips fellow Republicans for lack of action on the border
Rep. Chip Roy (Texas) on Wednesday delivered a searing indictment of his fellow Republicans for what he said is their lack of action on border security, ripping lawmakers for not delivering on thei…
thehill.com
A rush of homes go under contract in January, but it's unlikely to last
Signed contracts on existing homes jumped 8.1% last month compared with December, according to the National Association of Realtors.
COVID-19 conspiracies soar after latest report on origins
Online speculation about the origins of COVID-19 is soaring after a new report from the Energy Department concluding the coronavirus that caused the disease leaked from a China lab.
apnews.com
COVID pandemic subcommittee to hold hearing on alleged lab leak in China
The hearing looks designed to echo revived accusations that the COVID virus came from a lab leak in China.
www.usatoday.com
Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap
Eli Lilly will cut prices for some older insulins later this year and immediately give more patients access to a cap on the costs they pay to fill prescriptions.
apnews.com
What's likely behind mysterious 'Havana syndrome' that plagued US diplomats
Hundreds of U.S. personnel have said they experienced painful symptoms.
GOP divided on how to respond to ‘lab leak’ report
The spectrum of responses played out on Tuesday across nearly a dozen hearings and legislation markups.
www.politico.com
Senate passes bill demanding pandemic origin info be made public
The COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, which compels the director of national intelligence to “make available to the public as much information as possible about the origin of COVID–19,” passed the Senate unanimously.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Intel agencies: No sign adversaries behind 'Havana syndrome'
U.S. intelligence agencies say they cannot link a foreign adversary to any of the incidents associated with so-called “Havana syndrome,” the hundreds of cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American personnel around the world.
apnews.com
Covid origin: Why the Wuhan lab-leak theory is so disputed
The claim Covid-19 leaked from a Chinese laboratory dates from early in the pandemic. Here's what we know.
www.bbc.com
What's the 'Z Division'? A secret team of scientists searches for answers on COVID-19's origins
Energy Department scientists conclude COVID-19 pandemic started from lab leak in China. Other intelligence officials reached a different conclusion.
www.usatoday.com
Colon cancer rates keep rising in younger age group, new study finds
"I would have never ever imagined that this was cancer," says a woman who was diagnosed at just 44 years old.
www.cbsnews.com
Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak
Britain’s former health minister is denying wrongdoing after a newspaper published extracts of private messages he sent in the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.
apnews.com
FBI chief Christopher Wray says China lab leak most likely
Other US agencies have come to different conclusions from the FBI on how the pandemic began.
www.bbc.com
A psychology expert shares the 7 toxic signs of 'highly insecure' people—and how to deal with them
Workplace psychology expert Stefan Falk has spent 30 years helping companies navigate difficult relationships. Through his research, the most challenging types of people tend to have insecure traits. Here's how to identify and deal with them.
Texas Republican proposes making feminine products tax free
Texas Republican Caroline Harris has introduced a bill making feminine products such as tampons and menstrual pads sold in Texas exempt from taxation.
China dismisses FBI statement on COVID-19 lab leak theory
For the second day in a row, China is dismissing U.S. suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic may have been triggered by a virus that leaked from a Chinese laboratory.
apnews.com
World's largest pro-life group asks Congress to investigate Planned Parenthood profits from abortion pills
The pro-life group 40 Days for Life wants Congress to investigate the distribution of abortion pills at retail pharmacies and whether Planned Parenthood is profiting from the sales.
