National Politics

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

President Joe Biden is set to announce on Tuesday that drugmaker Merck will help manufacture a vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson, administration officials familiar with the matter said, increasing production capacity as the third authorized shot begins going into arms. The arrangement between two competitors is unusual and underscores the urgency in manufacturing and

President Joe Biden is expected to huddle with Senate Democrats on Tuesday as the chamber gears up to pass the White House’s top legislative priority: a major pandemic relief plan. Biden is slated to join Senate Democrats virtually during their caucus lunch Tuesday afternoon, a meeting that comes as Democrats face pressure to stick together

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

Congress began debate Tuesday on a sweeping ethics and elections package pushed by Democrats that seeks to dramatically overhaul the nation’s rules for voting and funding political campaigns. Although the so-called For the People Act is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House, it faces stiff headwinds in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority

Vernon Jordan, a civil rights leader and close adviser to former President Bill Clinton, died Monday evening. He was 85. A cause of death was not immediately released. Jordan died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and family, Jordan’s niece Ann Walker confirmed to CNN. According to Walker, Jordan had his favorite dinner

The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on seven Russian officials in response to the poisoning and imprisonment of opposition leader Alexey Navalny. It was among a series of steps the new administration announced Tuesday in its first significant move against Moscow since Joe Biden became President. Senior administration officials stressed that the action was being