Tag Archives: Politics

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Susan Monarez is warning senators America’s public health system is headed to a “dangerous place” under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his anti-vaccine advisers. Monarez and ex-CDC official Debra Houry describe exchanges in which Kennedy or political advisers rebuffed data supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. Monarez told the Senate health committee Wednesday deadly diseases including polio are poised to make a comeback in the U.S. Monarez says Kennedy demanded she “preapprove” recommendations from a CDC panel or face termination. The panel is expected to vote on new vaccine guidelines this week in Atlanta. Kennedy denies Monarez’s accusations he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.… Continue Reading

Appeals court rules felony offenders can’t be prosecuted for voting unlawfully by mistake

Appeals court rules felony offenders can’t be prosecuted for voting unlawfully by mistake

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a North Carolina law making it a crime for felony offenders to vote before completing their punishments without knowing they were breaking the law is unconstitutional. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a trial judge’s decision, pointing out that the law has disproportionately affected Black ex-defendants. The General Assembly changed the law so that starting in January 2024 it required intent to break the law for it to be a crime. But the law had not changed for pre-2024 voting and became the lawsuit’s focus. The unanimous appeals court ruling could be appealed.… Continue Reading

Vance hosts Kirk’s radio show and says he’ll honor his friend by being a better husband and father

Vance hosts Kirk’s radio show and says he’ll honor his friend by being a better husband and father

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance says he’ll honor Charlie Kirk by being a better husband and father. Vance commented Monday while hosting the radio program once hosted by Kirk. The founder of the Turning Point USA political organization was fatally shot last week during an outdoor appearance on a Utah college campus. Vance talked about visiting with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and said she told him that her husband had never raised his voice to her and had never been cross or mean-spirited to her. Vance said he couldn’t say the same about his own behavior toward his wife, Usha Vance.… Continue Reading

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

NEW YORK (AP) — In the days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd. It’s not the first time workers have lost their jobs over social media posts. Laws can vary across states, but overall, there’s very little legal protections for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces. And the prevalence of social media has made it increasingly common to track employees’ conduct outside of work.… Continue Reading

Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination

Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Some political leaders are canceling public appearances after Charlie Kirk’s killing. Others are relying on a large police presence to keep them safe. And still others insist that the assassination that shook the nation last week won’t have any impact on their plans. Elected officials at every level and in both parties are grappling with tough choices as they move deeper into an election season in which the prospect of further violence lingers. And as they weigh risks to their personal safety, Democrats and Republicans are being forced to confront their own feelings of grief, anger and fear.… Continue Reading

Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in Kirk assassination probe and turmoil at FBI

Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in Kirk assassination probe and turmoil at FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Kash Patel is bracing for scrutiny over his leadership of the Charlie Kirk investigation and other areas when he appears before Congress this coming week for oversight hearings. He raised eyebrows hours after Kirk’s killing when he posted on X that “the subject” in the killing was in custody when he in fact remained on the loose. That confusion was an early misstep in an investigation that has become the most consequential test of Patel’s young career as director. The hearings are expected to give a glimpse into the sustained tumult at the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency.… Continue Reading

They witnessed Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Now students reckon with the trauma

They witnessed Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Now students reckon with the trauma

OREM, Utah (AP) — Students who witnessed Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University are reckoning with trauma and grief. As investigators spend the weekend digging deeper into suspect Tyler James Robinson ahead of his initial court appearance, the university community is mourning Kirk and taking steps to resume classes on Sept. 17. At a makeshift memorial near the university’s main entrance, people have been leaving flowers. On the quad where the Turning Point USA co-founder was shot, a crew has begun taking down tents and banners and scrubbing away reminders of the killing.… Continue Reading

Americans mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with emotional ceremonies

Americans mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with emotional ceremonies

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are marking 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honoring the victims. At the World Trade Center site in New York City, the nearly 3,000 victims’ names were being read aloud Thursday. At the Pentagon in Virginia, a memorial service honored the 184 service members and civilians killed. And near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a similar ceremony honored the victims of Flight 93. The remembrances are being held during a time of increased political tensions. The 9/11 anniversary comes a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a college in Utah.… Continue Reading

Charlie Kirk’s killer blended in on Utah university campus, and a high-powered rifle is recovered

Charlie Kirk’s killer blended in on Utah university campus, and a high-powered rifle is recovered

OREM, Utah (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’ll posthumously award conservative activist and ally Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump said Thursday he remains shocked by the horror of Kirk’s assassination on a Utah university campus where he was speaking Wednesday. The Republican president praises Kirk’s impact on conservative politics, calling him “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration” to millions of people. Law enforcement officials say the sniper who assassinated Kirk has not been identified and is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot. The FBI said Thursday officials have recovered a high-powered rifle from the scene.… Continue Reading

Harris says leaving reelection decision to Biden was ‘recklessness,’ but she defends his abilities

Harris says leaving reelection decision to Biden was ‘recklessness,’ but she defends his abilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ex-Vice President Kamala Harris says it was reckless for Democrats to let President Joe Biden decide whether to seek reelection last year. But in an excerpt of Harris’ new book she defends Biden’s ability to do the job. In an excerpt of “107 Days” published Wednesday in The Atlantic, Harris writes it was “recklessness” that she and others left the decision about Biden continuing his campaign up to him and first lady Jill Biden. It’s the first time Harris has been publicly critical of Biden’s decision to run again. Biden eventually dropped out after a disastrous debate performance and was replaced by Harris, who lost to Republican Donald Trump. Biden’s office hasn’t commented.… Continue Reading

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