NJ Statehouse rehab deadline now 2023, Murphy admin says
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Like a desert mirage, the completion date for New Jersey's Statehouse renovation moves farther away the closer the calendar moves toward it.
National Politics
Congress poised for quick action on Biden's Pentagon nominee
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled Congress easily passed legislation Thursday required to confirm retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as President Joe Biden’s secretary of defense, brushing aside concerns that his retirement occurred inside the seven-year window that safeguards civilian leadership of the military.
McConnell proposes delaying impeachment trial until February so Trump team can prepare
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is proposing that the Senate give former President Donald Trump's legal team two weeks to prepare for the upcoming impeachment trial and delay its start until February.
SD governor gave Trump bust with face on Mount Rushmore
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Thursday said she gave former president Donald Trump a $1,100 bust depicting the president on Mount Rushmore last year because she knew it was something he wanted to receive.
Brothers denounce lawmaker who challenged Biden victory
PHOENIX (AP) — The chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus has been castigated by his two brothers over his efforts to cast doubt about President Joe Biden’s victory.
Biden's US revives support for WHO, reversing Trump retreat
GENEVA (AP) — The United States will resume funding for the World Health Organization and join its consortium aimed at sharing coronavirus vaccines fairly around the globe, President Joe Biden’s top adviser on the pandemic said Thursday, renewing support for an agency that the Trump administration had pulled back from.
Pelosi vows action on impeachment trial: 'We must do it'
House Democrats are pushing for a quick impeachment trial for Donald Trump over the deadly riots at the Capitol.
SC abortion limits bill with no rape exception nears debate
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's state senators, emboldened by their newly expanded GOP majority, are nearing floor debate on a bill that would ban almost all abortions in the state without exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.
Trump returns to a business empire ravaged by pandemic
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is returning to a family business ravaged by pandemic shutdowns and restrictions, with revenue plunging more than 40% at his Doral golf property, his Washington hotel and both his Scottish resorts over the past year.
Biden's climate steps could have big impact on energy firms
NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden has put his team to work reviewing dozens of actions taken by former President Donald Trump, aiming to reverse orders that he says harm the environment or endanger public health.
Vote's timing is key issue with Kansas anti-abortion measure
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers insisted Thursday that their proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution be put to voters on the August 2022 primary ballot, leading to criticism that they fear it would fail if put to a broader swath of voters during that year's general election.
Biden halts border wall building after Trump's final surge
SAN DIEGO (AP) — In the days before Joe Biden became president, construction crews worked quickly to finish Donald Trump’s wall at an iconic cross-border park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which then-first lady Pat Nixon inaugurated in 1971 as symbol of international friendship.
Guard troops head home after helping secure Biden inaugural
WASHINGTON (AP) — A day after President Joe Biden’s inauguration went off with only a handful of minor arrests and incidents, more than 15,000 National Guard members are preparing to leave Washington, D.C. and head home.
Brown looks back at Oregon's crises and ahead to goals
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Nearly a year after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Oregon, Governor Kate Brown delivered her annual State of the State speech on Thursday.
Biden inherits damaged economy, with signs of hope emerging
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has inherited a badly damaged economy pulverized by the pandemic, with 10 million fewer jobs than a year ago and as many as one in 6 small businesses shut down.
Idaho House OKs plan to let lawmakers call special sessions
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A constitutional amendment allowing the part-time Idaho Legislature to call itself into a special session passed the House on Thursday and is headed to the Senate.
Bernie Sanders spawns splash of memes with inaugural attire
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Wearing mittens made out of recycled materials and a warm winter jacket, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders pulled off a casual inauguration outfit — and vibe — that only he could.
N.C. wasting some COVID doses, top health official says
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's top public official acknowledged for the first time on Thursday that the state has seen a small number of coronavirus vaccine doses thrown out at a time when supplies remain limited.
Biden cleans house at VOA after revolt over Trump changes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has moved quickly to remove a number of senior officials aligned with former President Donald Trump from the Voice of America and the agency that oversees all U.S.-funded international broadcasting.
President Joe Biden's first 100 days: Follow progress on his to-do list
Track President Joe Biden's to-do list and see the measures and policies his administration plans to pursue as executive orders or legislation.
AKA sorority members celebrate Kamala Harris inauguration
CHICAGO (AP) — Elizabeth Shelby had her inauguration outfit planned weeks in advance: blue jeans, a Kamala Harris sweatshirt, a green coat, and pink Chuck Taylors as an homage to her sorority’s colors and Vice President Harris’ signature shoe.
Biden signs burst of virus orders, requires masks for travel
President Joe Biden is putting into play his national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks.
New Iowa rep asks US House to dismiss contest in 6-vote race
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa asked the U.S. House on Thursday to dismiss an election contest filed by her Democratic challenger that argues the six-vote race was wrongly decided.
Kansas lawmakers advance judge nominations to full Senate
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly's nominee for a spot on Kansas' second-highest court said Thursday his experience as a public defender would bring real value to an appellate court that is now filled with former civil litigators, former prosecutors and former district judges.
