Dec 03 WATCH: McCarthy expresses optimism over virus relief bill By Associated Press House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is sounding a more optimistic tone about the chances for an end of the year COVID-19 relief package, telling reporters "there has been some movement this week."… Continue reading
Dec 03 AP: Trump aide banned from Justice building after trying to get case info By Michael Balsamo, Zeke Miller, Associated Press The official serving as President Donald Trump's eyes and ears at the Justice Department has been banned from the building after trying to pressure staffers to give up sensitive case information she could relay to the White House. Continue reading
Dec 03 Pelosi, McConnell discuss COVID-19 relief as pressure builds By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press The conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell adds to tentative optimism that a medium-sized aid package might break free after months of Washington toxicity and deadlock. Continue reading
Dec 03 U.S. plans oil, gas lease sale in Alaska's Arctic refuge By Becky Bohrer, Associated Press Conservation groups criticized Thursday's announcement as rushed and based on environmental reviews that are being challenged in court as flawed. Continue reading
Dec 03 As some pandemic aid is expected to end, what's next for hurting Americans By Sarah Skidmore Sell, Associated Press Expanded unemployment benefits, federal eviction protections and a pause in student loan payments all cease at the end of this year. Meanwhile, the pandemic shows no signs of abating. Continue reading
Dec 03 Azerbaijan says 2,783 troops killed over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict By Associated Press Hostilities ended Nov. 10 with a Russia-brokered peace deal that saw Azerbaijan reclaim the territories that Armenian forces had controlled for more than a quarter-century. Continue reading
Dec 03 VP-elect Kamala Harris picks Tina Flournoy to be her chief of staff By Kathleen Ronayne, Associated Press Flournoy's appointment as Harris' top staffer adds to a team of advisers led by Black women. Flournoy has served as chief of staff for former President Bill Clinton since 2013. Continue reading
Dec 03 Automakers prep for stronger efficiency standards under Biden By Tom Krisher, Associated Press Experts say there likely will be stronger requirements under Biden. But the new technology will push prices up, and dealers fear that buyers will still prefer SUVs and trucks. Continue reading
Dec 03 Biden picks Brian Deese for National Economic Council By Associated Press Biden said Thursday in a prerecorded video announcing the appointment that Deese is “someone who looks at hard problems and finds solutions that help make life better for American families.”… Continue reading
Dec 03 Biden facing growing pressure over secretary of defense pick By Steve Peoples, Robert Burns, Associated Press Black leaders have encouraged the incoming president to select an African American to diversify what has so far been an all-white prospective Cabinet, while others are pushing him to appoint a woman to lead the Department of Defense for the… Continue reading