Politics

Biden commemorates Transgender Day of Visibility, calls GOP bills 'hateful'

By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

President Joe Biden said Thursday that his administration is “standing up” for transgender Americans against “hateful bills” being passed at the state level and that he is committed to advancing equality across society.

Vote counts begin in Amazon union elections in New York, Alabama

By Haleluya Hadero, Associated Press

If a majority votes in favor of a union at either location, it would mark the first successful U.S. organizing effort in Amazon history.

Russia demands natural gas payments in rubles, leaves a loophole

By Frances D'Emilio, Geir Moulson, Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree demanding payment for natural gas in rubles but appeared to temper the order by allowing dollar and euro payments through a designated bank.

WATCH: State Department affirms intel that says Putin is misinformed about Ukraine

By Associated Press

The State Department says they have confidence in the intelligence information they are getting regarding Russian president Vladimir Putin being misinformed by advisers about his military’s performance in Ukraine.

WATCH: Defense Secretary Austin 'not comfortable' with lack of action against sexual assault, says spokesperson

By Associated Press

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is "not comfortable" with the efforts so far to confront sexual assault or harassment in the military, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters during a news briefing on Thursday.

WATCH: White House is 'hopeful' Congress is close approving $10 billion COVID bill

By Associated Press

Lawmakers moved to the brink Thursday of shaking hands on a scaled-back bipartisan compromise providing a fresh $10 billion to combat COVID-19, a deal that could set up final congressional approval next week.

Ukraine power company says Russians are leaving Chernobyl site after radiation exposure

By Nebi Qena, Yuras Karmanau, Associated Press

The site operator says the exit comes after soldiers got "significant doses" of radiation from digging trenches at the highly contaminated site.

WATCH: Biden announces use of strategic oil reserves for 6 months to control gas prices

By Zeke Miller, Josh Boak, Associated Press

Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the U.S. imposed steep sanctions on Russia.

Biden orders release of 1 million barrels oil a day from strategic reserve to hit brakes on gas prices

By Zeke Miller, Josh Boak, Associated Press

President Joe Biden is ordering the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to control energy prices.