Politics Headlines
North Dakota House expels lawmaker accused of misconduct
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota House on Thursday voted to expel a lawmaker accused of threatening and sexually harassing women at the Capitol, the first time in state history a lawmaker has been expelled.
California Legislature OKs plan aimed at in-person learning
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers on Thursday approved a $6.6 billion plan aimed at pressuring school districts to return students to the classroom before the end of the school year.
What a difference a year makes: California poised to reopen
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — This April should look very different than the last for California’s nearly 40 million residents, with a new plan from the governor that will speed up reopening a year after he imposed the nation’s first statewide coronavirus shutdown.
Alaska senator wants Dunleavy apology after scathing letter
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska state senator sought an apology Thursday from Gov. Mike Dunleavy for a scathing letter in which he accused her of misrepresenting the state's COVID-19 response and said his administration would no longer participate in hearings she leads.
Settlement OKs return of indoor youth sports in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Indoor youth sports can soon resume in California after Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration agreed on Thursday to settle a lawsuit brought by two high-school athletes.
Nevada GOP brings election complaints to secretary of state
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Pro-Trump demonstrators convened in front of the Nevada Capitol to hand-deliver complaints of election fraud to Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske and demand she investigate them.
Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stay
WASHINGTON (AP) — Worried about continuing threats, the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police appealed to congressional leaders Thursday to use their influence to keep National Guard troops at the Capitol, two months after the law enforcement breakdowns of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection.
Pew survey shows hardening American attitudes toward China
BEIJING (AP) — New polling from the Pew Research Center shows strong negative attitudes among Americans toward China, with almost nine out of 10 adults seeing the country as hostile or a danger to U.S. interests.
Unsuccessful Impeachment petitioners face thousands in fees
FRANKFORT, Ky (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear’s legal team has submitted a bill seeking nearly $18,000 in reimbursement from people who unsuccessfully pushed for his impeachment over his actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to expenses submitted to lawmakers.
BYU students back LGBTQ community, 1 year after code change
PROVO, Utah (AP) — Students at Brigham Young University wore rainbow colors this week in support of the LGBTQ campus community, a year after the school said what it characterized as “same-sex romantic behavior” was prohibited and would lead to discipline under school code.
Highlights: What's changed in the Senate's COVID relief bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats on Thursday came out with their version of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill. A look at some of the major changes in the bill now being considered by the Senate versus what passed the House last week.
Accuser says talk of Cuomo as AG spurred her to come forward
NEW YORK (AP) — One of the women who accused New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexually harassing her at the workplace said she was motivated to come forward after another woman contacted her sharing similar allegations and following the Democratic governor’s name being mentioned as a potential cabinet position nominee for President Joe Biden.
Judge questions Arizona's approach in deal over prison care
PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge considering whether to fine Arizona again over inadequate health care for prisoners has warned the state against offering any of its past excuses for why it hasn't followed through on its promises to improve care for inmates.
House OKs George Floyd Act as Democrats avoid 'defund' clash
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed the most ambitious effort in decades to overhaul policing nationwide, avoiding a potential clash with moderates in their own party who were wary of reigniting the “defund the police” debate they say hurt them during last fall's election.
Refugees' flights cancelled as Trump policy remains
SAN DIEGO (AP) — More than 260 refugees who were vetted, approved and booked to come to the United States have had their flights canceled by the State Department over the past two weeks because they do not qualify under restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trump, refugee resettlement agencies say.
Kansas to vaccinate meat plant workers; rules upset counties
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas plans to give thousands of meatpacking plant workers their first COVID-19 vaccines by the end of next week, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday, as at least a few counties pushed back against state inoculation rules that carry the threat of having doses withheld for not complying.
Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritism
MIAMI (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state health officials came under deeper scrutiny amid revelations that seniors in a wealthy enclave in Key Largo received hundreds of life-saving vaccinations as early as mid -January, giving ammunition to critics who say the Republican governor is favoring wealthy constituents over ordinary Floridians.
Police request 60-day extension of Guard at US Capitol
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Capitol Police have requested that members of the National Guard continue to provide security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months, The Associated Press has learned. Defense officials say the new proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon, and negotiations between the department, the police and congressional authorities are ongoing.
