Tag Archives: Politics

North Carolina Republicans push for tougher bail rules and potentially new execution methods

North Carolina Republicans push for tougher bail rules and potentially new execution methods

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislators have introduced criminal justice measures to toughen bail rules and evaluate offenders for mental health issues. This follows the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train last month. The Senate approved the bill late Monday. It now heads to the House for debate. The bill aims to prohibit cashless bail for certain crimes and reduce magistrates’ discretion in pretrial release decisions. A late amendment could also open the door to new execution methods beyond lethal injection. One Democrat criticized the amendment as immoral.… Continue Reading

Trump administration suggests ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism

Trump administration suggests ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is using the platform of the presidency to promote unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without giving new evidence. Speaking Monday from the White House, the president said women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, “during the entire pregnancy.” He also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines. The Trump administration has been under immense pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s diverse Make America Healthy Again movement to provide answers on the causes of the marked increase in autism cases in the U.S. in recent years.… Continue Reading

Trump officials praise Charlie Kirk’s faith and his mark on the conservative movement

Trump officials praise Charlie Kirk’s faith and his mark on the conservative movement

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump and his supporters will pay tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose assassination has intensified political tensions in the U.S. The memorial service Sunday in Arizona is expected to draw a large crowd to hear from Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other prominent figures. Members of the public began lining up outside State Farm Stadium before dawn to secure a spot, several hours before the start of the service. Kirk was killed this month at a Utah college, and his assassination has sparked debates about violence and free speech. Kirk founded Turning Point, a group that played a significant role in Trump’s political success.… Continue Reading

White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won’t apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won’t apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s latest plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused. That left the White House on Saturday scrambling to clarify that its new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers that soon will go into effect only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require the fee for what are known as H-1B visas — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill.… Continue Reading

Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says

Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says

WASHINGTON (AP) — An emerging TikTok deal with China will ensure that U.S. companies control the algorithm that powers the app’s video feed and Americans will hold a majority of seats on a board overseeing U.S. operations. That word comes from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a Fox News interview Saturday. A central question has been whether the popular social video platform would keep its algorithm after the potential divestment of Chinese parent company ByteDance. Congress passed legislation calling for a TikTok ban to go into effect in January. President Donald Trump has allowed TikTok to keep operating in the United States as his administration tries to reach agreement for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations.… Continue Reading

In Britain, Trump basks in a display of regal splendor with King Charles III at Windsor Castle

In Britain, Trump basks in a display of regal splendor with King Charles III at Windsor Castle

WINDSOR, England (AP) — President Donald Trump is relishing a day filled with British royal pageantry with King Charles III. Wednesday’s start to his two-day state visit included military honor guards, carriage rides and a state dinner. Trump also paid tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb. The visit began with Prince William and Kate welcoming Trump and the first lady at Windsor Castle. The day featured a grand procession, a tour of historical artifacts and a military parade. The visit is designed to strengthen ties amid Trump’s “America First” policies. On Thursday, Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss important issues.… Continue Reading

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Susan Monarez is warning senators America’s public health system is headed to a “dangerous place” under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his anti-vaccine advisers. Monarez and ex-CDC official Debra Houry describe exchanges in which Kennedy or political advisers rebuffed data supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. Monarez told the Senate health committee Wednesday deadly diseases including polio are poised to make a comeback in the U.S. Monarez says Kennedy demanded she “preapprove” recommendations from a CDC panel or face termination. The panel is expected to vote on new vaccine guidelines this week in Atlanta. Kennedy denies Monarez’s accusations he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.… Continue Reading

Appeals court rules felony offenders can’t be prosecuted for voting unlawfully by mistake

Appeals court rules felony offenders can’t be prosecuted for voting unlawfully by mistake

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a North Carolina law making it a crime for felony offenders to vote before completing their punishments without knowing they were breaking the law is unconstitutional. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a trial judge’s decision, pointing out that the law has disproportionately affected Black ex-defendants. The General Assembly changed the law so that starting in January 2024 it required intent to break the law for it to be a crime. But the law had not changed for pre-2024 voting and became the lawsuit’s focus. The unanimous appeals court ruling could be appealed.… Continue Reading

Vance hosts Kirk’s radio show and says he’ll honor his friend by being a better husband and father

Vance hosts Kirk’s radio show and says he’ll honor his friend by being a better husband and father

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance says he’ll honor Charlie Kirk by being a better husband and father. Vance commented Monday while hosting the radio program once hosted by Kirk. The founder of the Turning Point USA political organization was fatally shot last week during an outdoor appearance on a Utah college campus. Vance talked about visiting with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and said she told him that her husband had never raised his voice to her and had never been cross or mean-spirited to her. Vance said he couldn’t say the same about his own behavior toward his wife, Usha Vance.… Continue Reading

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

NEW YORK (AP) — In the days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd. It’s not the first time workers have lost their jobs over social media posts. Laws can vary across states, but overall, there’s very little legal protections for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces. And the prevalence of social media has made it increasingly common to track employees’ conduct outside of work.… Continue Reading

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