First Muslim American appellate court nominee faces uphill battle to salvage nomination
The nominee who could become the first Muslim American to serve as a federal appellate court judge is fighting back against characterizations of his work by law enforcement groups that are jeopardizing his nomination.
Black lawmakers press Justice and Education Departments to investigate Florida's race curriculum
The Congressional Black Caucus is pushing the White House, Justice Department and the Department of Education to look into whether Florida school districts are violating federal discrimination law following changes to the state's Black history curriculum.
Elizabeth Holmes asks for leniency for her Theranos crimes
Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes is casting herself as a Silicon Valley scapegoat who overcame an abusive relationship to become a loving mother in an effort to avoid a lengthy prison sentence for duping investors in her failed blood-testing company.
Jackson confirmed as first Black female high court justice
The Senate has confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first Black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his effort to diversify the court.
Jackson heading for likely confirmation despite GOP darts
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson faced down a barrage of Republican questioning about her sentencing of criminal defendants on Wednesday, as her history-making bid to join the Supreme Court veered from lofty constitutional questions to attacks on her motivations as a judge.
Former GOP Rep. Doug Ose enters California recall election
FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2014, file photo Republican Doug Ose speaks during a debate in Sacramento, Calif. Ose says he's entering the recall election aimed at ousting Democratic Gov. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)LOS ANGELES โ Former Republican congressman Doug Ose announced Tuesday heโs entering the recall election aimed at ousting California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a day after the Democratic governor began raising money to defend his seat in a likely election this year. There were 135 on the ballot in the state's 2003 recall election that removed former Democratic Gov. So far, no prominent Democrat has entered the recall election.
California governor launches campaign against likely recall
Newsom and his Democratic allies launched a political committee Monday, March 15 to stop a proposed recall election that could oust him from office. Orrin Heatlie, a retired county sheriff's sergeant who filed the recall petition, said Newsom is engaging in a โsmear campaign" about the recall organizers because he can't defend his record. Defeating the recall โwill be one of the most important priorities for Democrats this year,โ Booker said in a statement. Newsom for months sidestepped questions about the recall but has more recently started to ramp up his political operation and strategy. AdResponding to Newsomโs campaign, the California Republican Party pointed to a slew of issues beyond the coronavirus.
Epstein warden now running new prison despite ongoing probe
FILE - This March 28, 2017, file photo, provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry, shows Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein Victims Compensation Program said Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, it has temporarily run out of funds. AdThe Justice Departmentโs inspector general has not completed an investigation into lapses that allowed Epstein to end his life. AdHis suicide cast a spotlight on the federal prison agency, which has been plagued for years by a staffing shortage and violence, and on safety lapses inside one of the most secure jails in America. NโDiaye is being placed at a prison where more than 61% of the inmates have tested positive for the virus.
Gov. Newsom challenged to address Senate's lack of diversity
Gavin Newsom speaks at a COVID-19 testing facility in Valencia, Calif. As California Gov. Gavin Newsom's shoulders as he considers his pick to serve out the rest of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' Senate term through 2022. The South saw its highest number of Black Senate candidates ever this year, but none won races outright. Labor icon Dolores Huerta and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice want Newsom to appoint a Black woman. De Leon won the endorsement of the California Democratic Party and prominent labor unions, in part because of his support for immigrant rights and aggressive policies to curb climate change.
Mahomes piles up big numbers at Arrowhead - on Election Day
Patrick Mahomes piled up some very big numbers at Arrowhead Stadium last week. Five days before throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in the Kansas City Chiefsโ 33-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Mahomes helped turn his home stadium into a giant polling place on Election Day. Chiefs president Mark Donovan and head coach Andy Reid were among the first to vote at Arrowhead on Tuesday. โDonโt be mad at paying customers when the product stinks and they are upset about what theyโre watching. Not just one half.โ___Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
How to build a government: Transition challenges await Biden
โThe Biden team is the most experienced, most prepared, most focused transition team ever, commensurate with the challenges that Biden will faceโ Jan. 20, said David Marchick, director of the Center for Presidential Transition at the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. Ted Kaufman, who briefly was appointed senator after Biden became vice president in 2008, is directing the transition. Also heavily involved in transition are the top architects of Bidenโs presidential campaign, including senior advisor Anita Dunn. That could open the door for some former Republican officeholders who endorsed Bidenโs campaign to be tapped for key slots. Before Biden can get that far, though, there are bigger questions about the overall tone of the transition.
Be prepared: Biden transition team at work amid limbo
โ Joe Biden's transition team isn't waiting for a verdict in the presidential race before getting to work. He also worked on Barack Obamaโs transition team in 2008, and helped write legislation formalizing the presidential transition process. Clay Johnson, who headed Bush's transition team, said Bidenโs advisers โcanโt wait to be sure that the president-elect really is the president-elect. โAnd they should have started doing that last Tuesday night.โBiden's campaign has refused to comment on the transition process. The transition process formally starts once the General Service Administration determines the winner based on all available facts.
In South, most Black Senate candidates since Reconstruction
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jaime Harrison speaks at a campaign rally on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)COLUMBIA, S.C. โ In the battle for control of the U.S. Senate this year, the Deep South is fielding more Black candidates than it has since Reconstruction. Mike Espy and Adrian Perkins, meanwhile, are launching spirited bids for the Senate in Mississippi and Louisiana, respectively. The Senate currently has three Black members: Republican Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democrats Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California. โThe more competitive races are, and Black candidates win those competitive races, it diminishes this worry that Black candidates canโt win,โ Abrams recently told The Associated Press. In Mississippi, Espy is trying for a second time to become the stateโs first Black senator since Reconstruction with his challenge to Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith.
Cunningham inches back into public as Army confirms probe
RALEIGH, N.C. โ North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham inched back into the public sphere on Wednesday, a day after The Associated Press reported the Democratic contender had an intimate encounter this summer with a public relations consultant. โThe Army Reserve is investigating the matters involving (Lt. Col.) James Cunningham,โ Lt. Col. Simon Flake said in an emailed statement Wednesday morning that cited Cunningham by his official first name. โHe owes North Carolinians a full explanation,โ Tillisโ campaign account tweeted Wednesday. โThe truth still matters in North Carolina, Cal.โCunningham also made his first quasi-public appearance Wednesday night โ speaking briefly at an environmental awards ceremony. The Tillis-Cunningham race is closely contested and the most expensive Senate race in the country in terms of campaign spending.
New Jersey law seeks to stem pollution in minority areas
Phil Murphy signed into law Friday a measure giving state regulators power to deny development permits to businesses whose operations pollute predominantly Black and other minority communities. He signed the bill alongside state lawmakers and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, who has introduced similar legislation in Washington. Theyโre defined as census tracts where 35% of the population has low income, or where 40% of households are minority or have limited English proficiency. The law gives regulators the authority to deny permits in such instances for the first time. Current law applies broadly and makes it difficult to deny permits, according to state officials.
Senators seek highest civilian honor for Till and his mother
WASHINGTON โ Congress should give the nationโs highest civilian honor posthumously to Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, a Republican and a Democratic senator said Wednesday. She remained a Civil Rights activist in honor of her slain son for the rest of her life. Till-Mobley created the Emmett Till Players, where teenagers traveled throughout the country presenting the speeches of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She also was one of the founders of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign, which pushed for the re-investigation of Till's murder. President George W. Bush signed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act, which allows cold civil rights cases to be reopened, into law in 2008.
The Latest: Democrats slam Pompeo for GOP speech from Israel
WASHINGTON The Latest on the Republican National Convention (all times local):11:15 a.m.Democrats are unloading on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his planned address to the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem. An aide to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden who has worked for the State Department calls Pompeos Tuesday speech flat out disgraceful. Aide Bill Russo says it's an abuse of taxpayer money.Another top Biden deputy, Kate Bedingfield, blasts Pompeo as President Donald Trumps errand boy and says he has a record of repeated and blatant use of his office for overtly political purposes.Secretaries of state regularly travel abroad on behalf of a U.S. administrations agenda, but Pompeos speech to a party convention from foreign soil is an outlier. Russo mocks Pompeos explanation that he will address the GOP convention on personal time. Russo notes that the speech is still part of official travel and that taxpayer money got him there and is paying for his protection and for the the staff on the ground with him. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and says Pompeos move violates his own policy. Booker referred to Pompeos memos and instructions sent recently to his departments employees.
The Latest: Booker warns of Trump 'dirty tricks' in voting
WASHINGTON The Latest on the Democratic National Convention (all times local):7:50 a.m.Sen. Cory Booker says that there may be dirty tricks from President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election vote and that the nations voters should be stalwart in their determination to cast ballots. Postal Service funding and access to voting by mail. The Republican president has warned repeatedly without evidence about potential fraud in mail-in voting even though voter fraud is exceedingly rare. Booker speaks on the fourth and final night of Democrats virtual convention Thursday, ahead of former Vice President Joe Bidens first address as the partys official nominee. Cotton says Democrats have to explain why America would be better off with Joe Biden as our president.
WHAT TO WATCH: Joe Biden's big moment at the DNC
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)LAS VEGAS Democratic Party luminaries, rising stars, former presidents and presidential contenders have been making a pitch for Joe Biden over three days of an atypical convention. Biden will speak Thursday night from Wilmington, Delaware, as he closes out the fourth night of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention, starting at 9 p.m. The 78-year-old moderate and former Republican being given a spot to help to close out the Democratic convention is striking. The convention is also available to watch on Twitch, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. A celebrity-studded afterparty hosted by Andy Cohen is scheduled to be shown immediately after Bidens speech on the official livestream.
Biden friend Sen. Coons to elevate faith on convention stage
FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2015, file photo, Vice President Joe Biden administers the Senate oath to Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., as Coons' wife, Annie Coons, watches during a ceremonial re-enactment swearing-in, in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington. The theme and timing of Coons speech on the pandemic-altered convention schedule underscore Democrats' interest in engaging with religious voters on the basis of shared values with Biden. For Joe, faith isnt a prop or a political tool, Coons is set to say, according to prepared remarks shared with The Associated Press ahead of time. Coons is also one of the more vocal Democrats when it comes to coaxing fellow party members to be more open about faith. When it comes to speaking for Biden about faith, though, Coons will have the most prominent forum.
Sanders, rising Democrats call for Midwest to unite to win
Sanders and the others spoke to activists from five Midwestern states during a virtual meeting coinciding with the third day of the Democratic National Convention. Democrats from South Dakota and North Dakota also participated on the call, which attracted around 250 viewers at any given time. Hes hiding from Wisconsin, Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Andrew Hitt said of Biden on Tuesday. Cory Booker, of New Jersey, and Michael Bennett, of Colorado, along with the state Democratic Party chairs from Michigan and Minnesota. Tlaib, who was elected to Congress in 2018 representing parts of Detroit, said the Midwest would deliver the White House for Biden.
Pelosi to call House back into session to vote on USPS bill
WASHINGTON Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the U.S. In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central," Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues, who had been expected to be out of session until September. The House Oversight and Reform Committee said it wants to hear from DeJoy and from the chair of the Postal Service board of governors, Robert Mike Duncan. With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the Postal Service is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters. "Given the recent customer concerns the Postal Service will postpone removing boxes for a period of 90 days while we evaluate our customers concerns,'' Postal Service spokeswoman Kimberly Frum said.
Big Ten parents call on league to play; OU has 9 positives
A group of Ohio State football players' parents Saturday joined parents of players at Iowa in calling for the Big Ten to overturn its decision not to play this fall because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said nine Sooners tested positive for COVID-19 after he gave his players a week break from team activities. The Football Parents at Ohio State posted on social media a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, calling for the reinstatement of the 10-game schedule the conference unveiled six days before it postponed football until spring. We believe that the protocols put in place by Ohio State Athletics has provided an extremely safe environment for our players to prepare for the season," the letter said. Our sons work extremely hard for the opportunity to play and fully understand the risks involved when they step on the field.
Democrats tested in first party convention of pandemic era
The Democratic National Convention, which formally begins Monday, is not a convention in the traditional sense. Along the way, Biden's party will make history by unveiling the nation's first Black vice presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. Im glad that John and other moderate-type Republicans understand that it is wrong to be supporting Trump, Sanders told The Associated Press. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist, predicted next week's convention would lack excitement. He said it likely doesn't matter, however, especially as Trump and his party prepare for their convention the following week. As excited as I am about Kamala Harris, the best weapon Democrats have is Donald Trump, Sharpton said.
Senators lay out plan for college athletes bill of rights
A group of senators led by Cory Booker of New Jersey and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut on Thursday released a plan for reforming college sports with an athletes bill or rights. The legislative plan calls for college athletes to have the ability to earn money for their names, images and likenesses with minimal restrictions, and much more. The senators also want to ensure for the athletes long-term medical coverage and treatment, enforceable medical standards, academic freedom and revenue sharing agreements. Booker and Blumenthal questioned Emmert about athlete welfare and said then their plan for a bill of rights was in the works. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Radical or moderate? Trump paints Democratic ticket as both
The most radical pick for vice president ever but too moderate to energize the Democratic base. President Donald Trump's campaign is struggling to define Sen. Kamala Harris, Democrat Joe Biden's newly announced running mate. Do they attempt to fire up their own base and scare off moderates by painting Biden and Harris as radical socialists? Or do they aim to depress enthusiasm among the Democratic base by arguing Biden and Harris are opportunistic and insufficiently liberal? Harris, who dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary in December, ran her own race as a relative moderate in the field.
Q&A: Harris says Democrats need to listen to young voters
WASHINGTON Sen. Kamala Harris of California says that Democrats need to listen to young voters seeking change and that she won't be played" by Republicans when it comes to police reform legislation. Harris spoke Tuesday with The Associated Press about her efforts and the Democratic Party's relationship with Black voters. The two lead senators on the Justice in Policing Act, Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey and myself, both serve on the Judiciary Committee. AP: Vice President Biden has overwhelming support among older Black voters, but hes struggled to gain more widespread support from young Black and Latino progressive voters. What do Democrats need to do to get those voters energized and come out in November?
Senate GOP police bill hits roadblock, as Dems seek changes
A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows almost all Americans support some degree of criminal justice changes. Ahead of Wednesday's vote, Trump tweeted his support for the GOP bill. This is not about them or us, said Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate and author of the GOP bill. Civil rights leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus urged a no vote on the GOP bill. The House is set to approve the Democrats' bill later this week.
Q&A: Harris says Democrats need to listen to young voters
WASHINGTON Sen. Kamala Harris of California says that Democrats need to listen to young voters seeking change and that she won't be played" by Republicans when it comes to police reform legislation. Harris spoke Tuesday with The Associated Press about her efforts and the Democratic Party's relationship with Black voters. The two lead senators on the Justice in Policing Act, Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey and myself, both serve on the Judiciary Committee. AP: Vice President Biden has overwhelming support among older Black voters, but hes struggled to gain more widespread support from young Black and Latino progressive voters. What do Democrats need to do to get those voters energized and come out in November?
Democrats: GOP police bill 'not salvageable,' demand talks
WASHINGTON Top Democratic leaders in the Senate say the Republican policing bill is not salvageable, as they signal an intent to block it and demand negotiations on a new, more bipartisan package in response to the killing of Black Americans. That's according to a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from the Democrats obtained by The Associated Press. This bill is not salvageable and we need bipartisan talks to get to a constructive starting point, write Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the co-authors of the party's bill, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. The Republican legislation would create a national database of police use-of-force incidents, restrict police chokeholds and set up new training procedures. Congress is under enormous pressure to establish new oversight and accountability of the police as demonstrations spill into cities large and small nationwide.
Senate GOP to propose policing changes in 'Justice Act'
The JUSTICE Act Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 is the most ambitious GOP policing proposal in years, a direct response to the massive public protests over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans. The package is set to be introduced Wednesday by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the GOP's lone black Republican, and a task force of GOP senators assembled by Republican leadership. The Republican package also includes a bipartisan Senate proposal to establish a National Criminal Justice Commission Act and extends funding streams for various federal law enforcement programs, including the COPS program important to states. Expenditures for the bill would be considered on an emergency basis, so as not to count against federal deficits. The GOP proposal comes amid a crush of activity from Washington as President Donald Trump announced executive actions Tuesday to create a database of police misconduct.
Senate GOP rushing police changes, votes possible next week
Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON Senate Republicans could vote as soon as next week on proposed policing changes, an abrupt shift of GOP priorities in an election year as the party rushes to respond to nationwide protests over the deaths of black Americans in interactions with law enforcement. The emerging legislative package, along with President Donald Trump's executive actions announced Tuesday, are perhaps the most ambitious law enforcement changes considered by Republicans in decades. A Republican familiar with the planning but unauthorized to discuss it said voting could happen as soon as next week. We are at the point in the United States where we are at a crossroads, Booker said during a floor speech. Scott's proposal, set to be released Wednesday, shifts money into police training and sets up an officer accreditation system and database of conduct.
Treasury chief refusing to disclose recipients of virus aid
(Al Drago/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON Building ramparts of secrecy around a $600 billion-plus coronavirus aid program for small businesses, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has moved from delay to denial in refusing outright to disclose the recipients of taxpayer-funded loans. We believe that thats proprietary information, and in many cases, for sole proprietors and small businesses, is confidential information, Mnuchin said during the hearing by the Senate Small Business Committee. Mnuchin promised in his testimony to give the GAO access to the PPP loan data. Mnuchin's pledge to give the GAO's auditors access to the PPP loan data appeared to satisfy some senators, who didnt press him on public release of the information. Praise for the small-business loan program flowed to Mnuchin and Carranza at the hearing from senators from both parties, who cited the positive economic impact across the country.
Treasury chief refusing to disclose recipients of virus aid
(Al Drago/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON Building ramparts of secrecy around a $600 billion-plus coronavirus aid program for small businesses, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has moved from delay to denial in refusing outright to disclose the recipients of taxpayer-funded loans. About 10 weeks after the program was launched, the SBA says it has processed 4.5 million loans worth $511 billion. While the SBA administers the program, Mnuchins Treasury Department has ultimate control over it. We believe that thats proprietary information, and in many cases, for sole proprietors and small businesses, is confidential information, Mnuchin said during the hearing by the Senate Small Business Committee. Praise for the small-business loan program flowed to Mnuchin and Carranza at the hearing from senators from both parties, who cited the positive economic impact across the country.
Scott's challenge: Uniting Senate GOP behind police overhaul
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks during a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to examine implementation of Title I of the CARES Act, Wednesday, June 10, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. And they are looking to Sen. Tim Scott to provide it. That challenge is steep enough in a mostly white party led by self-proclaimed law and order President Donald Trump. But it also posed a stark test for the white Republicans who control the Senate. "During these last few days Ive been thinking a lot about what Tim Scott told us, Alexander said on the Senate floor.
Scott's challenge: Uniting Senate GOP behind police overhaul
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks during a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to examine implementation of Title I of the CARES Act, Wednesday, June 10, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. And they are looking to Sen. Tim Scott to provide it. That challenge is steep enough in a mostly white party led by self-proclaimed law and order President Donald Trump. But it also posed a stark test for the white Republicans who control the Senate. "During these last few days Ive been thinking a lot about what Tim Scott told us, Alexander said on the Senate floor.
Democrats proposing new police procedures, accountability
WASHINGTON A sweeping overhaul of police oversight and procedures is being proposed by Democrats in response to the deaths of black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, according to a draft outline obtained by The Associated Press. It is the most ambitious changes to law enforcement sought by Congress in years. Bass said the package from House and Senate Democrats will be bolder than any law enforcement changes of the past decade. It is unclear if law enforcement and the powerful police unions will back any of the proposed changes or if congressional Republicans will join the effort. Booker and fellow one-time presidential hopeful, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, are co-authors of the package in the Senate.
When protesters cry 'defund the police,' what does it mean?
(AP Photo/Ragan Clark)WASHINGTON Protesters are pushing to defund the police" over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans killed by law enforcement. But what does defund the police mean? Trump ramped up his rhetoric on the issue on Monday, tweeting: LAW & ORDER, NOT DEFUND AND ABOLISH THE POLICE. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday that the city would move funding from the NYPD to youth initiatives and social services, while keeping the city safe, but he didn't give details. A majority of the members of the Minneapolis City Council said Sunday they support disbanding the citys police department.
Democrats' legislation would overhaul police accountability
She said t he package from House and Senate Democrats will be bolder than any law enforcement changes of the past decade. The package would also change โqualified immunityโ protections for police โto enable individuals to recover damages when law enforcement officers violate their constitutional rights,โ it says. It is unclear if law enforcement and the powerful police unions will back any of the proposed changes or if congressional Republicans will join the effort. At least one Republican, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who has long pushed for a criminal justice overhaul, has said he'd like to review the package coming from Democrats. The presumed Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, has backed a ban on chokeholds and other elements of the package.
When protesters cry 'defund the police,' what does it mean?
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)WASHINGTON Protesters are pushing to defund the police" over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans killed by law enforcement. Their chant has become rallying cry and a stick for President Donald Trump to use on Democrats as he portrays them as soft on crime. But what does defund the police mean? Sen. Cory Booker said he understands the sentiment behind the slogan, but it's not a slogan he will use. But now his supporters say the new mantra may make voters, who may be otherwise sympathetic to the protesters, recoil from a radical idea.
Democrats prepare police reform bills after Floyd's death
Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California, both former presidential candidates, are expected to announce a package in coming days, with a House bill coming soon. Both the Senate and House efforts are expected to include changes to police accountability laws, such as revising immunity provisions, and creating a database of police use-of-force incidents. We have a moral moment in our country, Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., the chairwoman of the CBC, said on a conference call Wednesday. With Democrats in the majority, the bills will almost certainly pass the House. She acknowledged the opposition the bills will likely face, but called on fellow lawmakers to consider the option of doing nothing.
Emotions run high as anti-lynching bill stalls in Senate
But the Senate's two black Democrats, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California, protested, saying the measure should pass as is. He also noted that murdering someone because of their race is already a hate crime. He said the Senate should make other reforms, such as easing qualified immunity rules that shield police officers from being sued. Rather than consider a good-intentioned but symbolic bill, the Senate could immediately consider addressing qualified immunity and ending police militarization, Paul said. The conflict had been kept relatively quiet as Booker and Paul sought an agreement, but media reports recently pegged Paul as the reason the measure is stalled.
CBS News head calls threats against Gayle King reprehensible
โWe fully support Gayle King and her integrity as a journalist,โ CBS News President Susan Zirinsky told The Associated Press. โWe find the threats against her or any journalist doing their job reprehensible.โCBS would not discuss the nature of any private threats against King. Her friend, Oprah Winfrey, said in an NBC interview that King had received death threats and was traveling with security. โYou come against Gayle King, you come against an army,โ R ice wrote. โYou will lose, and it won't be pretty.โOn Saturday, Snoop Dogg posted a message on his Instagram that said he meant King no harm.
10 Things to Know for Today
The Eiffel Tower shut down Thursday, France's vaunted high-speed trains stood still and teachers walked off the job as unions launched nationwide strikes and protests over the government's plan to overhaul the retirement system. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. UK ELECTION FULL OF DIRTY TRICKS, POLITICAL CLICKS Britainโs biggest political parties are bombarding voters with misleading social media messages after the government failed to act. STRIKE BRINGS FRANCE TO STANDSTILL The Eiffel Tower is shut down, high-speed trains are idle and schools are closed because of nationwide strikes and expected protests over the governmentโs retirement reform. STAR QBS CHASING HISTORIC MARKS Tom Brady and Drew Brees are pursuing Peyton Manning's NFL record for most touchdown passes in league history.
9 takeaways from CNN's Equality Town Hall
Nine of the party's leading presidential contenders participated in CNN's Equality Town Hall, co-hosted with the Human Rights Campaign on Thursday night in Los Angeles. It was the same question that New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker had refused to offer a yes-or-no answer to earlier in the town hall. Candidates say conversion therapy should be illegalDemocratic candidates opposed so-called conversion therapy, which is centered on the debunked assumption that sexual orientation can be changed by a series of procedures. She was answering a question from Seth Owens, who was forced into conversion therapy when his parents discovered his sexual orientation. O'Rourke was the first candidate to be asked about so-called conversion therapy, which he said "should be illegal."
How to watch CNN LGBTQ town hall
The Thursday prime-time event in Los Angeles, airing live on the eve of National Coming Out Day, will feature the largest-ever audience for a Democratic presidential town hall devoted to LGBTQ issues. What time is the town hall? The town hall will air from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Invitations to participate in the town hall were extended to Democratic presidential hopefuls who met the DNC's qualifications for the October 2019 primary debate. How can I watch the town hall?
Democrats set date for November debate in Georgia
(CNN) - The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday that the fifth Democratic presidential primary debate will be held on November 20 in Georgia. Last month, the DNC raised the polling and donor thresholds required to qualify for the November debate. Candidates also have a new option of reaching at least 5% in two polls of the early-voting states. The deadline for qualifying polls and donations for the November debate will be November 13 at 11:59 p.m., according to the DNC. The DNC's announcement comes one week before the fourth Democratic presidential primary debate, hosted by CNN and The New York Times, is set to take place in Ohio.
Andrew Yang qualifies for November Democratic debate
Democratic presidential candidate former tech executive Andrew Yang speaks during the Democratic Presidential Debate at Texas Southern University's Health and PE Center on Sept. 12, 2019, in Houston. (CNN) - Businessman Andrew Yang qualified for the Democratic debate in November by receiving 3% in a new Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday. Polling requirements are slightly more strenuous for the November debate, with multiple paths to qualification. Candidates have until late October to reach polling and grassroots fundraising thresholds set by the DNC. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julin Castro, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke have all hit the required donor mark, but haven't received sufficient polling support.
Booker: If you come after Biden, you're going to have to deal with me
CNN Video(CNN) - Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker came to the defense of his 2020 rival former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday as Biden continues to face unfounded attacks from President Donald Trump. "I've said time and time again that this is unacceptable, that if you come after Joe Biden, you're going to have to deal with me in this case. Booker's comments come as Trump continues to lash out at Biden and his son, Hunter, after a House impeachment inquiry was launched last month. A rough transcript released by the White House shows Trump repeatedly pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July phone call to investigate Joe Biden and his son. Booker would not say if he would vote to remove Trump from office if an impeachment vote moved forward to the Senate.
Kamala Harris raises $11.6 million in third quarter
(CNN) - Sen. Kamala Harris raised $11.6 million in the third quarter of 2019, her campaign announced Tuesday, a sum that is consistent with her previous hauls, despite the California Democrat's falling poll numbers. Even still, Harris' fundraising has been notably consistent throughout her presidential run. The candidate raised $12 million in the first quarter and $11.8 million in the second quarter. "This is a campaign that is growing, expanding, and built to win this primary," Juan Rodriguez, Harris campaign manager, said in a statement. A similar result was discovered in Nevada, where a CNN survey found Harris at 5% in her neighbor state.
Booker announces $6M third-quarter haul
(CNN) - Cory Booker raised roughly $6 million in the third quarter, posting his best fundraising quarter to date following a dramatic 10-day fundraising push, his campaign announced Tuesday. But Booker's haul dwarfed his second quarter total by around $1.5 million. With the infusion of cash, the campaign now plans to hire 40 staff, open new field offices, launch a ballot access program, and make a six-figure investment to grow its email list, campaign manager Addisu Demissie said. The campaign's email list, in particular, has been a glaring weakness of Booker's campaign to date. Relative to other candidates, Booker started the 2020 campaign with a much smaller list, Demissie acknowledged, having instead focused in 2016 and 2018 on campaigning for other candidates.
Booker announces campaign reaches donor threshold for next debate
(CNN) - Democratic Sen. Cory Booker on Sunday announced he has reached the required donor threshold to qualify for the fifth Democratic presidential debate despite his campaign running behind on a self-imposed donation fundraising goal of $1.7 million. According to a memo from the Booker campaign, they have raised $1,550,077.38 -- less than $150,000 from its goal -- as of 9:00 a.m. Booker said the goal is necessary for him to stay in the race "with the trajectory to win the nomination." In a new option, the DNC announced candidates can also reach at least 5% in two polls of the early-voting states to qualify. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Kamala Harris of California have met the polling threshold for that debate.
October Democratic debate to take place on one night
Copyright 2019 CNN(CNN) - The CNN/New York Times Democratic presidential debate in October will occur on one night, the Democratic National Committee told campaigns Friday. The party's most recent debate in September featured 10 candidates debating on a single night. "Our goal has always been to expand viewership, and we also believe that one night worked well for this last debate," said the official, speaking on background. This is the second DNC-sanctioned debate CNN will broadcast in 2019. The debate will air exclusively on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espaol, and stream on CNN.com's homepage and NYTimes.com's homepage.
Booker could end campaign if fundraising doesn't pick up
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Lagging in polling and fundraising, Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker said Saturday he may end his run unless donations from supporters increase quickly. Booker told reporters that "the trajectory of the fundraising before today was not there." Without such a fundraising surge, the campaign does "not see a legitimate long-term path forward," according to the memo. Booker did see the beginnings of a fundraising bump on Saturday, with Demmissie tweeting that the candidate had raised nearly $200,000 as of 5 p.m. Eastern time. But he has struggled with fundraising and yet to break through in either early state or national polls.
Booker campaign makes urgent appeal for money to stay in the 2020 race
(CNN) - Sen. Cory Booker's 2020 presidential campaign team is making an urgent appeal to supporters as the end of the third quarter nears, warning that the New Jersey Democrat's campaign will need a significant fundraising surge to remain competitive in the race. "The next 10 days will determine whether Cory Booker can stay in this race and compete to win the nomination," Booker's campaign manager Addisu Demissie wrote in a memo Saturday sent to supporters. To meet these challenges, Demissie said the campaign needs to net $1.7 million by September 30. "Without a fundraising surge to close out this quarter," Demissie wrote," we do not see a legitimate long-term path forward." "This is a real, unvarnished look under the hood of our operation at a level of transparency unprecedented in modern presidential campaigns," he wrote.
CNN, New York Times to co-host next Democratic presidential debate
Mike Coppola/Getty Images(CNN) - The Democratic National Committee announced Friday that CNN and The New York Times will co-host the party's fourth presidential debate next month in Westerville, Ohio. CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett, as well as New York Times National Editor Marc Lacey will serve as the debate moderators. This is the second DNC-sanctioned debate CNN will broadcast in 2019. It has also hosted 37 presidential town halls this year, and is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to air a live, multi-candidate Democratic presidential town hall on October 10 in Los Angeles. The debate will air exclusively on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espaol, and stream on CNN.com's homepage and The New York Times' homepage.
2020 Democrats balk at Castro questioning Biden's memory
HOUSTON - Democratic candidates pushed back against Julin Castro going after Joe Biden's memory in Thursday's presidential debate, calling it "personal" and "not cool." Castro, a former housing and urban development secretary, said to Biden. I can't believe that you said -- two minutes ago -- that they had to buy in and now you're forgetting that. Castro told CNN's Chris Cuomo after the debate that the comment was "not intended as a personal attack or affront." In interviews with CNN immediately following the debate, Democratic candidates expressed disapproval of Castro's tactic and stressed the importance of party unity.
7 takeaways from the third Democratic presidential debate
Democrats met for their third debate of the 2020 presidential primary Thursday night in Houston. And he argued it's "the most cost-effective approach to providing health care" to everyone in the country. It was a notable shift in the tenor of a health care debate that had, to this point in the race, largely been dominated by the progressive candidates. And in the second debate, Warren and Sanders stood side-by-side and batted away criticism from candidates who didn't qualify for the third debate. She tried to be a unifying voice during the health care debate.
Here's who has qualified for the September debates so far
(CNN) - The third round of Democratic primary debates, hosted by ABC and Univision, will take place the second week of September. Presidential candidates have until late August to reach polling and grassroots fundraising thresholds set by the Democratic National Committee. Candidates must receive contributions from at least 130,000 individuals, coming from at least 400 unique donors in 20 or more states. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, billionaire Tom Steyer and author Marianne Williamson have reached the fundraising threshold, but still need to hit their polling minimum to qualify. Steyer has received three of his four necessary polls, Gabbard has two and Williamson has one.
Biden tells Harris 'go easy on me, kid' as candidates spar early
"Mr. President, this is America," Biden said, alluding to the diversity of the Democratic field on stage. Fiery debate over the future of health insuranceImmediately, Harris and Biden began to spar over the differences in their health care plans. (To) be very blunt and to be very straightforward, you can't beat President Trump with double talk on this plan." "We pit Democrats against each other while he is working right now to take away Americans' health care. Every Democrat should stand with the belief that everyone should have access to health care -- that it's a human right.
How to watch night 2 of Democratic presidential debate
CNN(CNN) - CNN is hosting the second set of Democratic presidential debates Tuesday and Wednesday, taking place in Detroit. CNN's live story will capture key moments from each debate, serving as the home for coverage, expert analysis and fact-checking in real-time. Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton and Miramar, Florida, Mayor Wayne Messam, two candidates who did not make the first debate stage, will also miss the second debate after failing to qualify. 'Go There'Debuting the week of the debates, CNN's new Facebook Watch show 'Go There' will feature CNN's most recognizable talent as they preview the debate and go deep on important topics like race and identity with highlight distinctive commentary. A new episode aired on Monday, July 29 previewing the debate and a bonus episode on Wednesday, July 31 will recap the debates.