Oct 27 How a rabble-rousing, socialist priest in South Dakota inspired a tradition of direct democracy By Holly Meyer, Associated Press Thanks to a rabble-rousing, socialist priest, it's a milestone year for direct democracy in the U.S. The practice of citizen-originated ballot measures began 125 years ago when South Dakota became the first state to have them. Continue reading
Oct 27 Abortion rights supporters far outraise opponents, out-of-state money flowing to Ohio By Ali Swenson, Associated Press Supporters of a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution are far outraising their anti-abortion opponents in the months leading up to the November election. Continue reading
Oct 27 China's top diplomat visits Washington to help stabilize ties and perhaps set up a Biden-Xi summit By Didi Tang, Matthew Lee, Associated Press Before the meeting, U.S. officials said they would press Wang Yi on the importance of China stepping up its role on the world stage if it wants to be considered a responsible major international player. Continue reading
Oct 27 Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips to challenge Biden with Democratic presidential run By Will Weissert, Holly Ramer, Associated Press The 54-year-old Minnesota congressman is finally entering the race himself, telling a Friday event outside New Hampshire's statehouse, “I am today announcing my candidacy for the presidency of the United States of America.”… Continue reading
Oct 27 Israel to begin 'long' ground war in Gaza soon, internet services collapse under relentless airstrikes By Wafaa Shurafa, Josef Federman, Bassem Mroue, Associated Press Explosions from a barrage of airstrikes lit up the sky over Gaza City after nightfall Friday when the blackout in internet, cellular and landline services hit. Continue reading
Oct 27 Live updates: What's happening in the Israel-Hamas war as Israeli forces continue raids into Gaza By Associated Press The Palestinian death toll passed 7,300 as Israel launched waves of airstrikes in response to the bloody Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Continue reading
Oct 26 Many in Niger are suffering under coup-related sanctions. Junta backers call it a worthy sacrifice By Dalatou Mamane, Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press Families in Niger say they are struggling after economic sanctions imposed in response to a military coup three months ago. Landlocked Niger is one of the world's poorest countries, and neighboring West African nations have closed their borders. Continue reading
Oct 26 Watch 5:20 House of Representatives gets back to work with new Speaker Mike Johnson By Lisa Desjardins, Kyle Midura It was back to business on Capitol Hill as new House Speaker Mike Johnson spent his first full day meeting with the Australian prime minister and President Biden. Now, a major test of Johnson’s leadership awaits. Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins… Continue watching
Oct 26 Watch 6:45 How new congressional maps in Georgia and North Carolina will impact 2024 election By Amna Nawaz, Matt Loffman House Speaker Mike Johnson will face the same struggle that plagued his predecessor, a narrow GOP majority. He will have to protect it in next year's elections and redistricting could complicate that. North Carolina has new congressional maps and a… Continue watching
Oct 26 Serbia and Kosovo leaders break off talks without result despite EU push for improved relations By Lorne Cook, Associated Press Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with the leaders of France, Germany and Italy, plus the two EU officials supervising a stuttering "dialogue" between them. Continue reading