Politics

Oregon GOP stages bill boycott, citing obscure law about reading level

By Ed Komenda, Associated Press

Republicans blocking bills about abortion, gun control and gender-affirming health care in Oregon this week are basing their boycott on an obscure, 44-year-old state law that requires bill summaries to be written at the reading level of an eighth- or…

Russia jails theater director amid crackdown on dissent

By Dasha Litvinova, Associated Press

A Moscow court has ordered pretrial detention for a theater director facing charges of justifying terrorism,. Friday's decision was the latest move in a relentless crackdown on dissent in Russia that spiked to unprecedented levels since Moscow's forces invaded Ukraine.

What to know about Russia's Wagner mercenaries as they threaten to leave Ukraine's front line

By Associated Press

A threat by the leader of private Russian military company Wagner to withdraw his fighters from the battle to seize a city in eastern Ukraine is another flareup in his dispute with Russia's regular military over credit and tactics.

Biden taps White House aide Neera Tanden as domestic policy adviser

By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

President Joe Biden says he's chosen Neera Tanden, currently one of his senior advisers, to be his chief domestic policy adviser. Biden says Tanden has overseen decision-making involving his domestic, economic and national security teams.

WATCH: Mayorkas says U.S. faces 'very challenging' circumstances along border as asylum limits end

By Elliot Spagat, Associated Press

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Friday that authorities faced “extremely challenging” circumstances along the border with Mexico days before pandemic-related asylum restrictions end.

Pride organizers keep eye on drag laws ahead of festivals

By Susan Haigh, Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press

Organizers of Pride festivals and parades in conservative states are under increasing pressure to censor their events or ban drag performances.

Porn industry group sues over Utah age verification law

By Sam Metz, Associated Press

An adult entertainment industry group has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Utah law that requires porn websites to implement age verification mechanisms to block minors from accessing sexually explicit materials.

Trump seeks to move New York criminal case to federal court

By Michael R. Sisak, Associated Press

They argued Thursday that the former president can't be tried in the state court where his historic indictment was brought because the alleged conduct occurred while he was in office.

Biden issues order setting path for sanctions in Sudan

By Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

President Joe Biden has signed an executive order setting the path to sanction individuals involved in the recent violence in Sudan that's left hundreds dead and thrown the African nation into chaos.

Israelis block roads in protest against Netanyahu judicial overhaul plan

By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press

Israelis have blocked roads and demonstrated against a contentious government plan to overhaul the judiciary. The protesters hope Thursday's events will ramp up pressure on lawmakers days after parliament reconvened following a month-long recess.