Politics & Government

President Joe Biden takes questions from reporters as he speaks about the American Rescue Plan, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, May 5, in Washington.

Why Some States Push Back As The Biden Administration Doles Out Relief Money

10:39am June 18, 2021

by Asma Khalid

More than a dozen Republican state attorneys general are suing the Biden administration over a provision in the American Rescue Plan that prevents states from using relief money for tax cuts.

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Morning News Brief

4:57am June 18, 2021

Juneteenth has been signed into law as a federal holiday. As U.S. prepares to pull troops out of Afghanistan, allies are left behind in danger. And, Iranians elect a new president.

With six conservative justices, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Catholic group in its dispute with the city of Philadelphia over LGBTQ couples and foster care.

Politics & Government

Supreme Court Rules Catholic Group Doesn't Have To Consider LGBTQ Foster Parents

6:37pm June 17, 2021

by Nina Totenberg

The decision marks a triumph for a new brand of conservatism on the court, which is putting the Constitution's guarantee to the free exercise of religion at the highest level of protection.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has unveiled a series of voting and election provisions he'd support.

Politics & Government

Manchin Offers A Voting Bill Compromise, But Key Republicans Swiftly Reject It

6:26pm June 17, 2021

by Benjamin Swasey

The West Virginia Democrat, who holds a crucial centrist position in the divided Senate, has offered a new series of voting and election provisions he said he'd support.

A demonstrator holds a sign in support of the Affordable Care Act in front of the U.S. Supreme Court last November. On Thursday, the justices did just that.

Obamacare Wins For The 3rd Time At The Supreme Court

6:14pm June 17, 2021

by Nina Totenberg

The 7-2 decision threw out the challenge to the law, saying Texas and other objecting GOP-dominated states were not required to pay anything under the mandate provision and thus lacked standing.

President Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in the East Room of the White House on Thursday.

Juneteenth Is Now A Federal Holiday

6:03pm June 17, 2021

by Alana Wise

June 19 is a commemoration of the end of chattel slavery in the United States, marking the day enslaved people in Texas were finally freed — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Texas Rep. Chip Roy, seen here at a press conference on May 20, was one of 14 House Republicans who voted against making June 19 a federal holiday.

Politics & Government

14 House Republicans Voted Against Making Juneteenth A Federal Holiday

5:59pm June 17, 2021

by Barbara Sprunt

Many Republican lawmakers cited concerns over the actual name of the holiday and whether it conflates with the July 4th federal holiday.

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., was the sponsor of the House bill to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq. The measure now heads to the Senate.

In Historic, Bipartisan Move, House Votes To Repeal 2002 Iraq War Powers Resolution

5:53pm June 17, 2021

by Claudia Grisales

In the wake of 9/11, Congress approved two measures giving the president expansive war powers. The House voted to repeal one of those measures, the 2002 authorization of force in Iraq.

Bowman's congressional campaign had the backing of prominent left-leaning Democrats like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and the support of the progressive group Justice Democrats.

Politics & Government

How A Former NYC Principal Is Trying To Make Congress Work For His Community

4:46pm June 17, 2021

by Juana Summers

Freshman New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman joins a class of younger Black lawmakers working to broaden representation and progressive power in Congress, as well as in the Democratic Party.

Politics & Government

Greensboro City Council Passes New $620M Budget

3:34pm June 17, 2021

by April Laissle

The Greensboro City Council unanimously approved a new city budget at this week's meeting.