WEATHER ALERT
Erykah Badu celebrated as fashion icon at CFDA Awards after years of pushing boundaries
Read full article: Erykah Badu celebrated as fashion icon at CFDA Awards after years of pushing boundariesGrammy award winning singer Erykah Badu was honored with the “fashion icon” award at the 2024 Council of Fashion Designers of America fashion awards Monday night.
On 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King's 'Battle of the Sexes' win, a push to honor her in Congress
Read full article: On 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King's 'Battle of the Sexes' win, a push to honor her in CongressBillie Jean King’s victory in the “Battle of the Sexes” was a milestone moment as women pushed for equality on the playing field and beyond.
Harris, DeSantis and Giuliani are among politicians marking Sept. 11 terror attacks at ground zero
Read full article: Harris, DeSantis and Giuliani are among politicians marking Sept. 11 terror attacks at ground zeroVice President Kamala Harris, Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani joined New York politicians and mourners at a 9/11 memorial ceremony at ground zero Monday.
As e-bikes proliferate, so do deadly fires blamed on exploding lithium-ion batteries
Read full article: As e-bikes proliferate, so do deadly fires blamed on exploding lithium-ion batteriesFederal officials are considering a crackdown on defective lithium-ion batteries that power hoverboards, scooters and motorized bicycles because of a rash of deadly fires caused by exploding batteries.
NYC gets $25M for e-bike charging stations, seeking to prevent deadly battery fires
Read full article: NYC gets $25M for e-bike charging stations, seeking to prevent deadly battery firesNew York City is receiving $25 million in emergency funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish scores of new e-bike charging stations across the city.
Federal assistance sought for northeastern vineyards, orchards hit by late frost
Read full article: Federal assistance sought for northeastern vineyards, orchards hit by late frostVineyards and apple orchards across the Northeast are still gauging damage from a late-season frost in May that wiped out a third to most of the crop for some growers who say it's the worst frost damage they've ever seen.
Biden signs #MeToo law curbing confidentiality agreements
Read full article: Biden signs #MeToo law curbing confidentiality agreementsPresident Joe Biden has signed legislation curbing the use of confidentiality agreements that block victims of sexual harassment from speaking publicly about misconduct in the workplace.
Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down
Read full article: Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds downPresident Joe Biden is focusing on economic issues as he fine-tunes his closing argument in upstate New York for voters trying to cope with raging inflation and fears of a recession heading into the Nov. 8 election.
US Army misses recruiting goal; other services squeak by
Read full article: US Army misses recruiting goal; other services squeak byThe Army fell about 15,000 soldiers — or 25% — short of its recruitment goal this year, despite a frantic effort to make up the widely expected gap in a year when all the military services struggled in a tight jobs market to find young people willing and fit to enlist.
New crypto oversight legislation arrives as industry shakes
Read full article: New crypto oversight legislation arrives as industry shakesAfter 13 years, at least three crashes, dozens of scams and Ponzi schemes and hundreds of billions of dollars made and evaporated, cryptocurrencies finally have the full attention of Congress.
Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pits
Read full article: Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pitsThe Senate has given final approval to a bill enhancing health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lin-Manuel Miranda helps launch Latinx LGBTQ support program
Read full article: Lin-Manuel Miranda helps launch Latinx LGBTQ support program“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, pop star Ricky Martin and award-winning actress/singer Michaela Jae Rodriguez will join the Hispanic Federation Tuesday to launch a new advocacy initiative serving Latinx LGBTQ+ communities.
Crypto meltdown is wake-up call for many, including Congress
Read full article: Crypto meltdown is wake-up call for many, including CongressMeltdowns in the cryptocurrency space are common, but the latest one has served as a vivid reminder that investors, both professionals and rookies, can be rolling the dice when putting money into digital assets.
Biden ends forced arbitration for sexual assault, harassment
Read full article: Biden ends forced arbitration for sexual assault, harassmentPresident Joe Biden has given victims of workplace sexual assault or harassment the right to seek recourse in a court of law instead of through forced arbitration proceedings.
Congress moves to end forced arbitration for sex misconduct
Read full article: Congress moves to end forced arbitration for sex misconductThe U.S. House has passed legislation barring contracts that force people to settle sexual assault or harassment cases through arbitration rather than in court, a process that often benefits employers and keeps misconduct allegations from becoming public.
Senate sends Biden big defense bill, plans new war memorial
Read full article: Senate sends Biden big defense bill, plans new war memorialCongress has sent President Joe Biden a $768.2 billion defense bill that makes landmark changes to the way the military handles sexual assaults and keeps women out of the draft.
Congress set to change military sexual assault prosecutions
Read full article: Congress set to change military sexual assault prosecutionsAfter years of debate, Congress is on track to change how the U.S. military handles sexual assault cases, by taking some authority out of the hands of commanders and instead using independent prosecutors.
Expelled Coast Guard cadet sues over policy banning parents
Read full article: Expelled Coast Guard cadet sues over policy banning parentsA former cadet who was expelled from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy after becoming a father is challenging the school’s policy that prohibits students from being parents in federal court.
Paid leave loss hits hard for Dems after decades of advocacy
Read full article: Paid leave loss hits hard for Dems after decades of advocacySen. Patty Murray of Washington, who was elected in 1992 as a self described “mom in tennis shoes,” has been fighting for paid family and medical leave for decades.
President Biden pitches $1.75T plan at Capitol, trying to unite Democrats
Read full article: President Biden pitches $1.75T plan at Capitol, trying to unite DemocratsPresident Joe Biden says he has reached a “historic” framework with Democrats in Congress on his sweeping, though scaled-back domestic policy plan.
Democrats warn against family leave cuts from spending bill
Read full article: Democrats warn against family leave cuts from spending billMore than a dozen Senate Democrats are imploring President Joe Biden and congressional leaders to keep a national paid family leave program in his sweeping social services and climate change package.
Hochul: NY gov's office won't be toxic workplace on my watch
Read full article: Hochul: NY gov's office won't be toxic workplace on my watchNew York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is pledging to set a better tone in state government after the sexual harassment scandal that spurred Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, probe finds
Read full article: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, probe findsAn investigation into New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has found that he sexually harassed multiple current and former state government employees.
Biden backs changes in military sexual assault prosecution
Read full article: Biden backs changes in military sexual assault prosecutionPresident Joe Biden has put his stamp of approval on a long-debated change to the military justice system that would remove decisions on prosecuting sexual assault cases from military commanders.
Military leaders wary of changes in sexual assault policy
Read full article: Military leaders wary of changes in sexual assault policyThe Associated Press has learned that leaders of the military services have expressed reservations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about removing sexual assault cases from the chain of command.
Reversing Trump, Buttigieg reinstates local hiring program
Read full article: Reversing Trump, Buttigieg reinstates local hiring programTransportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says he'll reinstate an Obama-era pilot program that aims to aid minority and disadvantaged groups by ensuring local hiring for public works construction projects.
Panel: End commanders' power to block military sex cases
Read full article: Panel: End commanders' power to block military sex casesThe Associated Press has learned that a Pentagon panel is recommending that decisions to prosecute service members for sexual assault be made by independent authorities, not commanders.
For Biden, questions about Cuomo grow harder to ignore
Read full article: For Biden, questions about Cuomo grow harder to ignoreAndrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., speaks during a virtual meeting of the National Governors Association, in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Washington. But what President Biden said is, ‘We should do an investigation.’ I agree with him on that. When asked repeatedly about the allegations, White House press secretary Jen Psaki has recited the response that the women should be heard and the investigations should continue. But the constant drip of allegations from Albany has become harder for Biden to ignore. Their orbits are intertwined; a number of Democrats have worked for both men in their roles as senator, vice president, governor and housing secretary.
Biden: Cuomo should resign if investigation confirms claims
Read full article: Biden: Cuomo should resign if investigation confirms claimsAndrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations reached the White House on Tuesday, with President Joe Biden saying Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him. When asked by anchor George Stephanopoulos whether Cuomo should resign if the investigation confirms the women’s claims, Biden said “yes” and added, “I think he’d probably end up being prosecuted, too.”“It takes a lot of courage to come forward so the presumption is it should be taken seriously," Biden said. James last week named a former federal prosecutor, Joon Kim, and employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark to lead the Cuomo investigation. The sexual harassment investigation is in addition to scrutiny that Cuomo is facing from federal prosecutors who are looking into how his administration handled data on COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing homes. Biden has denied her claims, and multiple current and former Biden staffers have said they have no recollection of such an encounter.
Biden declines to call for Cuomo to resign, awaits probe
Read full article: Biden declines to call for Cuomo to resign, awaits probePresident Joe Biden speaks to the gathered media members upon arrival at the White House in Washington from a weekend trip to Wilmington, Del., Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Sunday passed up an opportunity to join other Democrats calling for the resignation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is under investigation after multiple allegations of sexual harassment. However, his comments reflect the wait-and-see position the White House has taken regarding Cuomo's future. On Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki would not say whether Biden believes Cuomo should resign.
Reports: Cuomo vaccine czar’s loyalty calls raise concerns
Read full article: Reports: Cuomo vaccine czar’s loyalty calls raise concernsAndrew Cuomo leading the state's COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been calling county executives to gauge their loyalty to the Democratic governor amid a sexual harassment investigation, according to reports in The Washington Post and The New York Times. Andrew Cuomo leading the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been calling county executives to gauge their loyalty to the Democratic governor amid a sexual harassment investigation, according to reports in The Washington Post and The New York Times. The executive feared the county’s vaccine supply could suffer if the executive did not indicate support for Cuomo, the Post reported. AdSchwartz served as secretary to the governor from 2011 until 2015 and has advised Cuomo off and on since then. Schwartz told the Post that the calls he made to assess political support for Cuomo were distinct from the role he plays in the vaccination effort.
How Cuomo investigation, possible impeachment could play out
Read full article: How Cuomo investigation, possible impeachment could play outLeaders in the state Assembly announced an impeachment investigation against Cuomo over allegations of sexual harassment, if successful, Hochul would would take over as governor. Leaders in the state Assembly on Thursday announced an impeachment investigation, a first step toward potentially removing Cuomo from office. The committee's work could result in the drafting of articles of impeachment against Cuomo, though that outcome is far from certain. There are seven appeals court judges and 63 senators, though not all would serve on the impeachment court. If Cuomo were to be acquitted in an impeachment court, he would return to office.
Top Dems call on Cuomo to resign amid harassment allegations
Read full article: Top Dems call on Cuomo to resign amid harassment allegationsFILE - This Monday, March 8, 2021, file photo shows New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo confronted a stunning series of defections Friday amid allegations of sexual harassment that left the high-profile Democrat fighting for his political survival, angry and alone. “Governor Cuomo should resign.”AdThe escalating political crisis has spawned an impeachment inquiry in an overwhelmingly Democratic state, and threatens to cast a cloud over President Joe Biden’s early days in office. Biden, a longtime ally of Cuomo and his father, former New York Gov. “The victims of sexual assault concern me more than politics or other narrow considerations, and I believe Governor Cuomo must step aside," Maloney said.
Double standard? Gillibrand in spotlight after Cuomo scandal
Read full article: Double standard? Gillibrand in spotlight after Cuomo scandalGillibrand became the first Democratic senator to call for her colleague Al Frankens resignation amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. But Gillibrand and other top Democrats have stopped short of calling on New York's governor, Democrat Andrew Cuomo, to resign amid accusations of offensive behavior. Gillibrand paid a political price for her role in the Franken resignation and her tone toward Cuomo may reflect that. "They elected me.”A spokesman for Gillibrand declined to comment on whether the senator considered calling on Cuomo to resign. But Gillibrand has promoted herself as a feminist leader and champion of women's rights, and the Cuomo scandal concerns her state.
Agriculture secretary nominee Vilsack endorses biofuels push
Read full article: Agriculture secretary nominee Vilsack endorses biofuels pushFILE - In this Dec. 11, 2020, file photo former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who the Biden administration chose to reprise that role, speaks during an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)WASHINGTON – Tom Vilsack, President Joe Biden's nominee for secretary of agriculture, pledged Tuesday to focus on climate change initiatives and work to address racial inequities in agricultural assistance programs. Vilsack, who testified before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, would bring much on-the-job experience to the position. In addition to serving two terms as the governor of Iowa, he spent eight years as President Barack Obama's Agriculture Secretary. But if you don’t have a grocery store, what then?”AdVilsack seems to enjoy bipartisan support and faced no serious criticism from Republicans on the committee.
Defense chief orders review of military sex assault programs
Read full article: Defense chief orders review of military sex assault programsHe had vowed to immediately address the problems of sexual assault and harassment in the ranks. “We will lead.”Senator after senator demanded to know what Austin planned to do about the problem, which defense and military leaders have grappled with for years. Reports of sexual assaults have steadily gone up since 2006, according to department reports, including a 13% jump in 2018 and a 3% increase in 2019. He was in the Pentagon again Saturday, making calls to defense counterparts around the world, and he signed the memo. The directive calls for each leader to submit a summary of the sexual assault and harassment measures they have taken in the last year that show promise, and an assessment of those that didn't.
Booker, Democratic lawmakers introduce NCAA reform bill
Read full article: Booker, Democratic lawmakers introduce NCAA reform billThe College Athletes Bill of Rights is sponsored by U.S. The College Athletes Bill of Rights is sponsored by Sens. Booker and Blumenthal's bill, however, goes way beyond NIL rights for athletes and is not nearly as NCAA-friendly. Bohannon said during the pandemic college athletes, who are tested multiple times a week for COVID-19, have become essential workers. — Establish a nine-member Commission on College Athletics, appointed by the president, that would include at least five former college athletes and individuals with legal expertise.
Biden facing growing pressure over secretary of defense pick
Read full article: Biden facing growing pressure over secretary of defense pickWASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden is facing escalating pressure from competing factions within his own party as he finalizes his choice for secretary of defense. And facing massive governing challenges once he takes office on Jan. 20, Biden can perhaps least afford to lose the backing of the Democratic Party’s fiery progressive base. Nearly 100 House Democrats belong to the Progressive Caucus, which may wield significant influence over Biden's policy agenda as Democrats cling to their narrowest House majority in a century. Flournoy, meanwhile, had been seen as the leading candidate for defense secretary under a Democratic president since Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 campaign. Biden has promised both to fight for big, bold policy changes and to compromise with Republicans.
Biden facing growing pressure over secretary of defense pick
Read full article: Biden facing growing pressure over secretary of defense pickWASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden is facing escalating pressure from competing factions within his own party as he finalizes his choice for secretary of defense. And facing massive governing challenges once he takes office on Jan. 20, Biden can perhaps least afford to lose the backing of the Democratic Party’s fiery progressive base. Nearly 100 House Democrats belong to the Progressive Caucus, which may wield significant influence over Biden's policy agenda as Democrats cling to their narrowest House majority in a century. Flournoy, meanwhile, had been seen as the leading candidate for defense secretary under a Democratic president since Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 campaign. Biden has promised both to fight for big, bold policy changes and to compromise with Republicans.
Ginsburg is first woman to lie in state at US Capitol
Read full article: Ginsburg is first woman to lie in state at US CapitolDemocratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., left, talks with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., right, before a ceremony to honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lies in state at National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. Ginsburg died at the age of 87 on Sept. 18 and is the first women to lie in state at the Capitol. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)