National Politics

The 2024 presidential race is a long way off, but it’s being fought right now, not by candidates and not in front of voters, but with legislation and in the courts. Republicans are pushing hard at the state level to generally make it more difficult to vote, and say they want to make the vote

South Carolinian William Robert Norwood III is facing federal charges after allegedly telling a family member he assaulted and stole gear from police officers during the Capitol riot. “I’m dressing in all black,” Norwood wrote under the name “Robbie” on January 5, the day before the riot and insurrection, according to text messages cited in

President Joe Biden said Tuesday the United States would have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for every adult American by the end of May, dramatically accelerating his timeline but acknowledging the country must still be vigilant against the virus. He also announced he would direct states to prioritize teachers in their vaccination plans, reemphasizing a commitment

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley on Monday defended his role as the only US senator to oppose every one of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees, insisting that he evaluates each pick individually. “I take them one at a time, if there is someone I think will be good to Missouri, that I can defend to my

In an epic struggle over voting rights, the future political influence of the diverse generations now aging into the electorate could pivot on the fate of legislation the House is expected to consider this week. Even as Republican-controlled states, drawing on former President Donald Trump’s groundless claims of massive fraud in 2020, are advancing a

New York state lawmakers are moving to repeal Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expanded executive powers related to the coronavirus pandemic, the top figures in the legislature announced Tuesday. The bill, announced by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, was introduced on Tuesday. Under the legislation, the governor will no longer be

In a critical voting rights case, conservative Supreme Court justices on Tuesday suggested they were ready to uphold two provisions of an Arizona voting law that Democrats argue violate the historic Voting Rights Act. Supporters of voting rights are fearful that the court’s new 6-3 solidified conservative majority will weaken a key provision of the

New York state lawmakers are moving to repeal Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expanded executive powers related to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a legislative source. Under the bill to be introduced by legislative leaders in both houses this week, the governor will no longer be able to issue new executive directives. Any modifications or renewals

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday he’s lifting the mask mandate in Texas, even as health officials warn not to ease safety restrictions. Abbott made the announcement during a Lubbock Chamber of Commerce event where he issued an executive order rescinding most of his earlier executive orders like the mask mandate. Also announced Tuesday, Abbott said

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who holds the key to President Joe Biden’s nominee for budget director, is pushing the White House about some of the new administration’s policies that have a direct impact on Alaska’s economy, namely on energy matters, according to the second-ranking Senate Republican leader. Murkowski has been sharply critical of some of

A third woman has accused Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of unwanted advances in 2019, The New York Times reported Monday, adding to an escalating crisis facing the governor in the wake of two sexual harassment allegations. The woman, Anna Ruch, told the Times that Cuomo approached her during a crowded wedding reception in

“Questions have been raised …” “I never intended … to offend …” “… I think I am being playful …” “… some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted …” “To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.” If it weren’t already a well-known truism in Albany and

FBI Director Chris Wray told lawmakers Tuesday that the FBI has not seen any evidence indicating that the rioters who took part in the January 6 US Capitol attack were “fake Trump protesters,” knocking down a baseless claim that has been pushed by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in recent weeks as he has sought to

President Joe Biden made an aggressive pitch to Senate Democrats for his relief plan, telling them during a virtual meeting Tuesday that they all need to accept some provisions they might not like but also must demonstrate to the American people they are responding to the devastating public health and economic crises, according to a

In a critical voting rights case, conservative Supreme Court justices on Tuesday suggested they were ready to uphold two provisions of an Arizona voting law that Democrats argue violate the historic Voting Rights Act. Supporters of voting rights are fearful that the court’s new 6-3 solidified conservative majority will weaken a key provision of the