Politics

Man in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot says group was ready to use grenade launcher to fight security

By Ed White, Associated Press

Kaleb Franks says the group was prepared to use a grenade launcher and machine gun against any resistance from Whitmer's security officers at her vacation home.

Arizona lawmakers vote to restrict transgender athletes, surgeries

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press

The bill already passed in the state Senate and with Thursday's vote, Arizona appears poised to join a growing list of Republican-controlled states trying to restrict transgender rights.

Federal regulators pulls back plan to assess climate impact of gas pipelines

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

Amid pushback from industry and lawmakers in both parties, federal energy regulators on Thursday scaled back plans to consider how natural gas projects affect climate change and environmental justice.

Americans want Biden to be tougher on Russia according to AP-NORC poll

By Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press

President Joe Biden is in Brussels to meet with key allies and coordinate a stronger response to Russia's assault on Ukraine. But a new poll shows Americans have yet to rally around Biden's leadership.

Jan. 6 committee set to hold a contempt vote for 2 former Donald Trump aides

By Eric Tucker, Associated Press

The House committee investigating the Capitol riot has set a vote for next week to consider contempt of Congress charges for two aides of former President Donald Trump.

Federal judge sides with 12 disabled kids seeking masks in schools

By Sarah Rankin, Associated Press

A federal judge says 12 Virginia schoolchildren who are particularly vulnerable to getting sick from COVID-19 can seek a "reasonable accommodation" such as requiring their classmates to wear masks.

U.N. blames Russia for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, urges aid

By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press

The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution blaming Russia for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians and the homes, schools and hospitals critical to their survival.

Supreme Court reject Texas college official's claim that censure violates free speech rights

By Associated Press

A unanimous Supreme Court has ruled against an elected public college official in Texas who complained his colleagues' censure of his actions violated his free speech rights.

U.S. pledges to accept 100,000 Ukraine refugees, expand sanctions on Russia

By Chris Megerian, Lorne Cook, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

The White House says the United States will expand its sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine by targeting members of the country's parliament and the central bank's gold reserves.

Either loved or hated, Balkans split over Madeleine Albright's legacy

By Dusan Stojanovic, Associated Press

A monument in Kosovo, a snake named after her in Serbia. Madeleine Albright was either loved or hated in the Balkans for her pivotal role during the region's 1990s wars.