Republican makes major announcement in push to grow GOP support from once-solid Dem voting bloc

Republican Florida Sen. Rick Scott's re-election campaign announced a multimillion-dollar investment in Hispanic outreach in order to shore up support from the voting bloc.

New Republican challenger to Elizabeth Warren says ‘no one has disappointed Massachusetts more’

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren now faces two Republican challengers: lawyer John Deaton and City Council president Ian Cain who launched his campaign this week.

Minneapolis ordinance imposes highest minimum cigarette price in America

The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to impose a minimum cigarette price of $15 per pack — the highest in the country.

Tennessee nears law banning adults from helping minors find, receive sex reassignment care

Tennessee lawmakers in the Statehouse passed legislation making adults who help minors obtain sex reassignment care, criminals who could be charged with a felony.

New York Times blasts Biden for 'avoiding questions' from journalists in blistering statement

The New York Times released an scathing statement calling out President Biden for his lack of access to the media as the White House's feud with the paper continues to escalate.

Early in-person voting starts for North Carolina primary runoffs

Early in-person voting began Tuesday across North Carolina for the runoff elections being held next month, including Republican primaries for one congressional and two statewide seats.

DC mayor refuses to meet with father who lost three sons to city's violent crime

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she will not be meeting with the father of three sons killed in violent crimes across the city despite his efforts to do so.,

Top adviser to left-wing California DA charged with nearly a dozen felonies

California's attorney general announced charges Wednesday against a senior official in the LA County district attorney's office for allegedly accessing police officer files.

911 call transcript details Democratic Minnesota state senator’s alleged burglary at stepmother's home

Democratic Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell was charged with first-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmom's home in Detroit Lakes.

Tennessee House tables bill that would have banned consideration of reparations

The TN House tabled until next year legislation that would have banned local governments from paying to study or distribute money for reparations for slavery.

School choice proponent warns Tennessee Republicans after school choice bill fails: 'They will lose the war'

Experts reacted to Tennessee failing to pass a school choice bill in the state after momentum was building up after several years of struggle to fulfill the effort.

Liberal CNN stars axed under previous leadership return to network's airwaves

CNN stars who were ousted under the previous leadership regime in an effort to make the network less liberal have reemerged on its airwaves in recent weeks.

Wisconsin GOP Senate candidate says Republicans 'making a mistake' by not discussing health care

Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde said Republicans are "making a mistake" by not discussing the issue of healthcare in the United States.

Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont had thousands of trees, bushes ‘illegally’ cut behind $7.5M home

Gov. Ned Lamont was hit with a citation for cutting down trees and bushes in protected wetland areas behind his $7.5 million Greenwich, Connecticut home.

More people exposed to Manhattan Project chemicals deserve compensation, advocates say

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is pushing to expand payments to those exposed to Manhattan Project chemicals in states, including Alaska, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Arizona alleged ‘fake electors’ who backed Trump in 2020 indicted by grand jury

A grand jury has indicted 11 alleged "fake electors" who backed former President Trump falsely as having won the state of Arizona in 2020, charging them with conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

New poll reveals how voters' views on abortion have changed as Dems seek to make issue a central 2024 theme

A new poll has revealed a record level of support for abortion among American voters as Democrats seek to make the issue a central theme in the 2024 election.

New poll shows Biden’s 2024 lead vanishing with Trump on trial

A new poll has found President Biden's lead over former President Trump vanished despite Trump's ongoing criminal trial in a New York City court.

New Georgia law bans minors under 16 from using social media without parental consent

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill into law that requires children under the age of 16 to have their parent or guardian’s permission to create social media accounts.

Democratic Minnesota state senator claims she was checking in on ill loved one during alleged burglary

Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell has denied the burglary allegations, claiming that she was checking on a "loved one" with Alzheimer's.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes bipartisan bill to combat squatting, election bills

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed SB 1129, which would have permitted a homeowner to request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter from their property

LA mayor break-in suspect was 'targeting' Bass, Gascon says: 'He was looking for her'

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon says the man accused of breaking into the official mayoral residence did so specifically to target Mayor Karen Bass.

George Santos ends congressional run less than 2 months into independent campaign

Former congressman George Santos announced Tuesday he is suspending his independent commission against Republican Rep. Nick LaLota for New York's 1st congressional distict.

Homeowners score victory against squatters in New York after landlord handcuffed in $1M home heist

New York lawmakers changed the definition of "tenant" Monday to exclude squatters staying on properties without permission after a rash of home takeovers.

North Carolina lawmakers reconvene to address budget, vouchers before key elections

The North Carolina Legislature begins its annual work session this week to address issues before elections this fall; their 2023 session restricted abortion and expanded Medicaid.

‘Squad’ member survives challenge from centrist Democrat after anti-Israel rhetoric threatened re-election

Rep. Summer Lee, a member of the far-left 'Squad,' survived a tough Democrat primary challenge that focused on her anti-Israel stances in Congress.

Texas Supreme Court orders Harris County to not make payments under guaranteed income program

The Texas Supreme Court ordered Harris County to not issue payments under its guaranteed income program until Attorney General Ken Paxton's fight against it is adjudicated.

Tennessee teachers step closer to carrying firearms in classroom after state lawmakers pass GOP-backed bill

House lawmakers in Tennessee overwhelmingly passed a bill to arm teachers in schools, nearly a year after a shooting at a private school left three children and three adults dead.

Tennessee teachers step closer to carrying firearms in classroom after state lawmakers pass House bill

House lawmakers in Tennessee overwhelmingly passed a bill to arm teachers in schools, nearly a year after a shooting at a private school left three children and three adults dead.

Conservative group builds ‘America First’ coalition to fight 'radical left's extreme positions and agenda'

America First Works has united a coalition of conservative groups dedicated to spreading a winning message and fighting together ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Democratic Minnesota state senator charged with first-degree burglary after breaking into stepmother's house

Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 47, was charged with first-degree burglary in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on Tuesday, authorities said.

'Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona' is one American community's route to revival

Winslow, Arizona achieved fame through The Eagles' hit song "Take It Easy." Downtown Winslow "died" due to the interstate in 1979 but has leaned on the famous song for new life.

GOP governor rips Biden's top education official ahead of state visit: 'Empty words'

“We welcome you to our state, but we fear that this visit will only serve to highlight some of your administration's worst mistakes."

6 Republican candidates for governor of Indiana to debate ahead of primary

Six Republican candidates for governor of Indiana will participate in a debate on April 23, 2024. Current Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has reached his term limit, has not made an endorsement.

Proposal to let parents be fined for kids' crimes heads to Tennessee governor's desk

A proposal that would allow judges to levy up to $1,000 in fines against parents for their child's criminal offenses is headed to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's desk for approval.

Tennessee school voucher program plans come to an end after Gov. Lee admits defeat

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's plans to expand school vouchers and allow families to access public funds for private schooling has come to an end as legislative leaders do not reach an agreement.

Hong Kong implements ban on Styrofoam products and single-use plastic

Hong Kong has enacted new legislation to curb the use of single-use plastic cutlery and Styrofoam products, aiming to tackle pollution, officials said.

RFK Jr railing against 'racially rancid' voter ID laws in unearthed writings

Independent White House hopeful Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. railed against voter ID laws in resurfaced writings and interviews done ahead of the 2008 presidential election.

Russia has grounds to seize Western assets after US legislative move, top lawmaker says

Top Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Monday warned of potential consequences of the passing of the "REPO Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Katherine Maher's past political activity flies in the face of NPR's ethics handbook

A review of NPR's ethics handbook shows that Katherine Maher's conduct before being appointed the outlet's president and CEO show several violations of its policies.

Satanic Temple co-founder challenges Florida Gov DeSantis to debate on religious freedoms

The Satanic Temple co-founder, Lucien Greaves, challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a debate on religious freedoms after being singled out for not being a religion.

Democrats hold major 2024 advantage as House Republicans face further chaos, division

Democrats hold a massive cash advantage just over six months from Election Day in the race for which party will control the House of Representatives.

'Commonsense' proposal would strengthen homeowners' ability to boot squatters: 'It's insanity'

A Republican legislator in Pennsylvania has put forward what she calls a "commonsense" bill to address the squatting crisis that has spread across the United States.

Bill Maher pans NPR, 'Portlandia character' Katherine Maher following newsroom turmoil

HBO's Bill Maher took aim at NPR and its boss Katherine Maher following the bombshell essay penned by ousted editor Uri Berliner about how far left the newsroom has gotten.

Police called to ND forensic examiner's office on day she was fired over homicidal, suicidal remarks

Police were reportedly called to the office of then-North Dakota Forensic Examiner Dr. Barrie Miller on the day of her firing, where she was reportedly making "homicidal comments."

New York lawmakers nearing passage of $237B budget plan

New York's Democrat-controlled Legislature is on the verge of passing a $237 billion budget after nearly three weeks of continued delay.

WATCH: Anti-Biden protester derails Kennedy interview with blood-curdling screams

Prominent Kennedy family member Kerry Kennedy's interview on CNN was derailed by an anti-Biden protester unleashing blood-curdling screams.

Vulnerable House Dems do a U-turn on illegal immigration after calling crisis 'non-existent threat'

Three House Democrats, all of whom dismissed concern about the southern border crisis and voted against measures to enhance border security in the past, are now giving attention to the issue.

Wikipedia co-founder blasts successor Katherine Maher, says NPR should 'let her go right away'

Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger is urging NPR to purge its CEO, former Wikimedia chief Katherine Maher, for her past comments being critical of a "free and open" internet.

California bill aims to ban no-pet policies, animal fees at rental housing properties

A proposed California bill aims to ease the struggle of pet owners in finding rental housing by prohibiting no-pet policies and additional fees for pets.

NBC News chief being paid by Walmart, Pepsi 'clearly a problem' as network's ties to both companies go deep

NBC News chief Cesar Conde's financial ties to Walmart and Pepsi are fueling questions among critics, including one insider who says it doesn't "smell right."

Missouri lawmakers vote to expand tax credit-backed private school scholarships

Missouri legislators voted Thursday in favor of a bill to expand private school scholarships. If enacted, it would allow up to $6,375 in spending per child.

Florida bill allowing public school chaplains becomes law

Florida school districts will be able to allow volunteer chaplains to counsel students under a bill signed into law Thursday by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Lawsuit challenges Kentucky youth vaping crackdown

A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new Kentucky law intended to curb the use of vape products by minors has been filed in Franklin Circuit Court.

WATCH: New Biden campaign ad makes subtle claim about president's mental fitness

The Biden campaign has released a new ad that includes a subtle claim about the president's mental acuity, including calling him "sharp as a knife."

Dems will make state sanctuary for kids' gender transitions, abortion over GOP protest

Maine could soon shield from liability those who perform abortions or gender surgeries for minors from other states under a bill heading to Gov. Janet Mills' desk.

Anti-cop, anti-Israel rhetoric from staffers threatens Dem’s ‘moderate’ image

Campaign staffers for Texas Senate candidate Colin Allred have made their positions on a number of controversial political issues clear in recent years.

Kennedy family chooses politics over family with endorsement in 2024 presidential race

Members of the Kennedy family endorsed President Biden, effectively snubbing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who panicked Democrats say could spoil the election.

Former Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Peter Barca launches congressional comeback bid

Peter Barca, a Democrat with a history of serving Wisconsin, including in Congress in the 1990s, has announced his candidacy for Congress again on Thursday.

Maine lawmakers approve several gun safety bills after deadliest shooting in state's history

The Maine Legislature has approved several gun safety bills following the deadliest shooting in state history, which killed 18 people and injured 13 last October.

Solomon Islands national election count begins, closely watched by US, China

Counting began on Thursday in the Solomon Islands following a national election, with electoral officials seeking a larger venue in the Pacific Island capital.

DC mayor's taxpayer-funded trip to ritzy The Masters golf tourney called an 'economic development visit’

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser traveled to the Masters using city funds, with the trip part of a business plan to "promote sports and economic development."

NPR CEO dodges question on if she should prioritize 'viewpoint diversity' in newsroom following editor's exit

NPR chief Katherine Maher dodged a question over whether she will ensure "viewpoint diversity" is "actually happening" following a veteran editor's bombshell essay.

Alabama lawmakers advance bills ensuring Biden appears on November ballot

Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday voted to advance legislation to ensure President Biden's presence on the Yellowhammer State's November ballot.

Sweeping gun control bills awaiting final passage as Maine legislative session nears its end

The Maine Legislature is moving toward adjournment as several key proposals await final votes, including sweeping gun control measures introduced in response to the Lewiston shooting.

California Democrats 'mutilate' anti-trafficking bill targeting adults who pay for sex with minors

California Democrats "mutilated" part of a bipartisan anti-sex trafficking bill this week that makes it a felony for people to purchase sex with minors.

New York Legislature hit by cyberattack

The New York Legislature's bill drafting office was apparently targeted in a cyberattack early Wednesday, according to officials. The attack's full scope is not immediately clear.

Georgia parliament advances controversial 'Russian law' targeting media organizations

Georgia's parliament has approved a law requiring media organizations to register being under foreign influence if they receive over 20 percent of their funding from abroad.

Raleigh, NC, mayor says she won't run again, citing health, family

Mary-Ann Baldwin, mayor of North Carolina's capital city, said on April 16, 2024, that she would not run again in the fall following a cancer diagnosis and her husband's heart surgery.

Figures and Dobson to face off in closely watched race for Alabama’s new 2nd Congressional District

Both the Democratic and GOP nominations for Alabama's newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District were decided in runoff elections. Democrats hope to flip the seat in November.

NPR under fire after it suspends editor detesting newsroom partisanship: 'Hard left propaganda machine'

NPR is at the center of controversy as the liberal organization suspended editor Uri Berliner after he spoke out against the partisan groupthink that has plagued the newsroom.

Former U.S. Sen. and two-term Florida Gov. Bob Graham dies at 87

Former Florida governor and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham died April 16 at the age of 87. His family remembered him for his devotion to public service.

2 Kennedy children endorse opponent of progressive Los Angeles DA, cite parole hearing for RFK's killer

Two adult children of Robert F. Kennedy said they will endorse Independent Nathan Hochman for Los Angeles County District Attorney, the opponent of progressive incumbent George Gascón.

Minnesota Dems disavow endorsement of candidate accused of stalking opponent

Minnesota Democrats have disavowed a local party chapter's backing of Judd Hoff, a state House candidate with a violent criminal history.

Daughter's boyfriend, of whom Atlantic City mayor disapproved, recorded abuse on video call: affidavit

Democratic Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small was caught on video abusing his daughter by her boyfriend, of whom he disapproved, according to an affidavit.

Dem Chicago alderman warns 'we are not taking care of our own' as city approves $70M for migrants

Some Democratic officials in Chicago voiced opposition toward Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for another $70 million in funding to care for migrants.

California sues beach city over voter ID law backed by majority of residents

California officials are suing Huntington Beach over a voter ID amendment the city passed last month with support from a majority of residents.

GOP AGs put a major US bank on notice for alleged 'de-banking' of conservatives

Over a dozen Republican attorneys general are warning a major U.S. bank against alleged practices of “de-banking" certain customers because of their religious or political views.

Maine joins interstate popular vote compact

Maine will join a multistate compact to allocate its electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote, following Democratic Gov. Janet Mills' authorization of a proposal.

Louisiana Democratic Party selects new chairman

Randal Gaines, a 68-year-old former Louisiana state representative, was selected Saturday as the next head of the deep-red Pelican State's Democratic Party.

Atlantic City mayor, wife charged with abusing, assaulting teenage daughter: 'smack the weave out of her head'

Democratic Mayor Marty Small of Atlantic City, New Jersey, has been charged alongside his wife, La'Quetta, with the repeated physical abuse of the couple's teenage daughter.

Pittsburgh congressional race could be early test for progressives who criticize Israel's handling of war

The Israel-Hamas war is a potent and polarizing issue for Americans. Upcoming elections will show whether progressives' outspoken criticisms of Israel resonate with their constituents.

Colorado House passes semiautomatic firearm ban that faces uphill battle in State Senate

The Colorado Democratic-controlled House has passed a bill aiming to ban the sale and transfer of semiautomatic firearms after a similar bill was rejected last year.

Heartland voters feeling strain of mass migration: 'Every state is a border state'

The oft-repeated claim by Republican politicians, "Every state is a border state," appears to be resonating with voters across the country.

Anti-Israel protester sobs during arraignment after 'murder you' remark to California mayor, city council

Riddhi Patel, 28, threatened Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and city council members for not backing a Gaza cease-fire resolution against Israel.

Six House seats that could flip from blue to red in 2024, potentially giving GOP a bigger majority

A handful of House seats currently held by Democrats could flip in the 2024 elections, giving Republicans the ability to expand their slim majority in the chamber.

Less than 1 in 4 Americans have favorable opinion of federal government: poll

Only 22% of U.S. adults have a favorable view of the United States federal government, marking a 10% drop since 2022, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

NPR boss rebukes editor's bombshell essay: Questioning our integrity is 'profoundly disrespectful'

NPR honcho Katherine Maher took aim at the bombshell essay written by veteran editor Uri Berliner that caused chaos at the liberal news organization.

Maine sues biochemical giant Monsanto over PCB contamination

Maine is suing Monsanto over its alleged knowledge that it was selling products containing harmful PCB chemicals that contributed to contamination of the state's natural resources.

Swimming, surfing in waters near Hawaii wildfire site is safe, officials say

Hawaii's Department of Health announced Thursday that coastal waters off wildfire-ravaged Lahaina are safe for surfers and swimmers to use.

Alabama Ethics Commission member out over campaign donation claims

Alabama Ethics Commission member Stan McDonald, a Republican, has resigned from his post after acknowledging he potentially violated state law by making campaign contributions.

Johnson to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago amid speakership threat

Former President Donald Trump is expected to give his backing to House Speaker Mike Johnson later today as the two are set to meet for high-profile talks at Mar-a-Lago

Harris County attorney defends guaranteed income program against Texas' lawsuit: 'Attack' by GOP officials

A Harris County attorney defended a guaranteed income program that’s been targeted in a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday.

NPR editor's bombshell essay causing 'turmoil' at liberal outlet: Report

The New York Times reported that NPR is facing "turmoil" among staff following the bombshell essay penned this week by veteran senior business editor Uri Berliner.

Nearly 10% of Florida children 4 and under weren't counted in 2020 census

Children under four years old in Florida were undercounted by nearly 10%, or some 112,000 individuals, in the 2020 census, according to estimates released Thursday.

New York budget sees another delay over housing proposal negotiations

Another delay to New York's overdue state budget is anticipated as negotiations over an ambitious housing construction proposal continue.

California lawmakers vote for $17B deficit reduction plan

California lawmakers voted Thursday in favor of a $17 billion spending cut aimed at the state's fast-growing deficit, currently estimated to be about $73 billion.

NBC offers glowing coverage of Walmart, Pepsi as news chief serves as board member for both companies

NBCUniversial News Group Chairman Cesar Conde is facing intense scrutiny for serving on the board of directors for both Walmart and PepsiCo, raising journalistic ethics questions.

Liberal justice's retirement puts Wisconsin Supreme Court majority back on ballot

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, a liberal, announced her retirement Thursday, opening up a seat on the hotly-contested high court's bench.

GOP governor signs bill allowing local authorities to arrest certain migrants, 'enforce immigration laws'

Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday a bill that allows local police to arrest illegal immigrants in the Hawkeye State who were previously deported.

Nebraska lawmakers propose tax-funded school choice bill

A bill advancing through the Nebraska Legislature would fund private school scholarships with taxpayer money ahead of a statewide vote to repeal a similar law.

Tennessee Senate clears bill making it illegal to assist minors seeking abortions

The Republican-controlled Tennessee Senate on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing assistance to minors seeking abortions without parental consent.

Ohio Gov. DeWine delivers child-focused State of the State address

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday unveiled his 2024 agenda, which includes a host of legislative priorities focusing on children.

Oklahoma AG sues natural gas companies over winter storm price hikes

Republican Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed lawsuits Wednesday accusing two natural gas companies of price-gouging during 2021's Winter Storm Uri.

NJ Transit board approves 15% fare hike, effective July 1

New Jersey Transit's board of directors on Wednesday unanimously approved a 15% fare increase for its buses and trains, set to take effect July 1.

NPR relied on 'ever-present muse' Adam Schiff during Russiagate to 'damage' Trump, editor says

Rep. Adam Schiff did at least 32 interviews with NPR about Russiagate, with one editor saying his talking points became the "drumbeat" of NPR news reports.

Governor kills Maine proposal to end 'three strikes' law for petty theft

Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed Tuesday a proposal by state Rep. David Sinclair to end the state's "three strikes" law for petty theft convicts.

GOP AGs fume over Justice Department's plans to 'intrude' in states' elections

Twenty-one state GOP AGs are warning the Justice Department against plans they claim Attorney General Merrick Garland signaled “intrude" on their states’ authority to carry out elections.

Kentucky governor vetoes sweeping criminal justice bill, says it would hike incarceration costs

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a criminal justice bill for what he said would be its "tremendous fiscal impact" without accompanying fiscal analysis.

Six Democrats in Louisiana buck party line by supporting universal school choice: 'Political ramifications'

Six Louisiana Democrats bucked their party line on Monday by supporting a universal school choice bill, setting the state up to join the wave of red states who passed the measure.

NPR's 'obsession' with DEI, diversity 'tracking system' scrutinized following veteran editor's bombshell essay

Critics are taking aim at NPR after its editor Uri Berliner put a spotlight on the news outlet's "obsession" with diversity in a stunning essay that went viral.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Harris County over 'unconstitutional' program

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Harris County government for a program that gives participants $500 per month for 18 months, using COVID-19 relief funds.

California struggling to gauge efficacy of homeless crisis spending

California has struggled to track whether the $24 billion it has spent to combat homelessness over the past five years has done anything to improve the issue.

Judge blocks demolition of art installation at Des Moines park

A federal judge has blocked plans to demolish the dilapidated "Greenwood Pond: Double Site" art installation at a Des Moines, Iowa, city park.