Politics

Iowa law limits gender identity instruction, bans books depicting sex acts from school libraries

By Scott McFetridge, Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press

The new law signed by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds mandates the removal of all books depicting sex acts from Iowa school libraries. Religious texts will be exempt from the ban.

South Carolina’s new stricter abortion law paused until state Supreme Court review

By Jeffrey Collins, Associated Press

A judge on Friday put a temporary halt to South Carolina's new law banning most abortions around six weeks of pregnancy.

2 Oath Keepers who stormed Capitol on Jan. 6 sentenced to prison

By Michael Kunzelman, Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Jessica Watkins, of Woodstock, Ohio, to eight years and six months behind bars and sentenced Kenneth Harrelson, of Titusville, Florida, to four years in prison.

WATCH: Bidens host NCAA basketball champions LSU and UConn at the White House

By Associated Press

The visit had once appeared in jeopardy after Jill Biden suggested that the losing Iowa team be invited, too. But none of that was mentioned as Biden heralded the players for their performance and the way they have helped advance…

What to know about Texas’ extraordinary move to impeach GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton

By Jim Vertuno, Jake Bleiberg, Associated Press

After years of legal and ethical scandals swirling around Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, the state’s GOP-controlled House of Representatives has moved toward an impeachment vote that could quickly throw him from office.

Deadline looming, Biden and McCarthy narrow in on budget deal to lift debt ceiling

By Chris Megerian, Josh Boak, Zeke Miller, Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

Days from a deadline, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are narrowing in on a two-year budget deal that could unlock a vote for lifting the nation’s debt ceiling.

Threat of America’s credit downgrade looms over debt ceiling talks

By Paul Wiseman, Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

With one of three major rating agencies warning that America's AAA credit is at risk, the stakes are growing in the standoff in Washington over raising the nation's debt limit.

Biden releases new plan to tackle rise in antisemitism, says ‘hate will not prevail’

By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

The document released Thursday outlines more than 100 steps the administration and its partners can take to combat an alarming rise in antisemitism.

Texas lawmakers recommend impeaching AG Ken Paxton after investigation

By Acacia Coronado, Jake Bleiberg, Associated Press

The state House of Representatives could hold the vote as soon as Friday. Only two officials in Texas' nearly 200-year history have been impeached.

Connecticut House passes most wide-ranging gun safety bill since legislation passed after Sandy Hook

By Susan Haigh, Associated Press

The bill, which bars openly carrying firearms, among other changes, comes almost a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.