Mask mandate to end in Boone March 7
Town Council members in Boone voted this week to lift a state of emergency that put COVID restrictions in place. The move means the town will end its mask mandate starting next month.
Politics & Government
Florida has become the GOP's favorite destination, and not just for its beaches
Florida has become go-to for Republican politicians holding meetings and fundraisers. Part of the reason is the relaxed COVID restrictions, but warm weather and political winds are big draws, too.
Plan to fix Postal Service shifts retirees to Medicare, along with billions in costs
Some lawmakers worry that pushing future post office retirees' health costs to Medicare could hurt the health program's outlook.
Additional global sanctions will be a blow to Putin, Sen. Klobuchar says
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and how Congress plans to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis wants lawmakers to dismantle a minority voting district
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature appear to be headed for a showdown over maps. Florida is redrawing its congressional districts.
Senate Democrats want to fight inflation, but there are limits to what they can do
Some are looking to a gas tax holiday to bring relief to consumers faced with skyrocketing prices.
The Justice Department is ending its controversial China Initiative
The initiative aimed to counter China's theft of American secrets and technology, but critics said it created a climate of fear among Asian Americans.
Ukraine crisis draws new resolve from bipartisan lawmakers — with some GOP critics
Congressional lawmakers are sounding a new bipartisan tone against a rising threat led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Still, there is GOP divide on how President Biden should move forward.
Trump praises Putin's moves as 'savvy'
Former President Trump praised Russian President Putin after the Kremlin recognized the independence of two breakaway, Russian separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine.
Trudeau revokes emergency powers after Canada blockades end
On Friday, authorities launched the largest police operation in Canadian history, arresting at least 191 people and towing about about 80 vehicles until the streets in front of Parliament were clear.