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WASHINGTON, May 9 (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a son of former Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the Treasury Department said. El Chapo, who was leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has denied the presence of fentanyl labs in the country, alleging it comes from China. Guzman Lopez's cousin, Saul Paez Lopez, was also sanctioned for his alleged role in coordinating drug shipments. Washington also sanctioned Mario Esteban Ogazon Sedano, saying he purchased precursor chemicals from Ludim Zamudio Lerma to operate drug labs.

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - The United States dismissed Russia's allegation on Thursday that Washington was behind what it said was a drone attack on the Kremlin, saying Moscow's assertion was a lie. "Obviously it's a ludicrous claim," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said hours after Russia blamed the United States for what it called an attack aimed at killing President Vladimir Putin. "The United States has nothing to do with it. We don't even know exactly what happened here, but I can assure you the United States had no role in it whatsoever," Kirby said on CNN. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the United States was "undoubtedly" behind the alleged attack on Wednesday, without providing evidence.

☆ Former FBI agent charged in Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Sarah N. Lynch | Thomson Reuters | Sarah N. Lynch Is The Lead Reporter For Reuters Covering The U.S. Justice Department Out Of Washington | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, May 3 (Reuters) - A former FBI agent has been arrested for his alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and charged with four misdemeanor counts, including unlawfully entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct, according to court filings. Jared Wise, 51, who served as an FBI agent and a supervisory agent from 2004 to 2017, was taken into custody on Monday and released home with conditions, according to court filings. In body-worn camera footage captured by D.C. Metropolitan Police officers, Wise addressed them directly, saying: "“You guys are disgusting. Shame on you!”The camera footage also captured Wise's reaction as other surrounding protesters began to attack police officers trying to defend the Capitol, the filing added. A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment beyond what is contained in public court filings.

☆ Biden nominates four more judges in D.C., Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] U.S. President Joe Biden hosts a reception to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, at the White House, in Washington, U.S., May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File PhotoWASHINGTON, May 3 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden nominated another four federal judges on Wednesday, including two women of Asian descent who would be the first such U.S. judges on their court or in their state. The Senate, which Biden's fellow Democrats narrowly control, must approve the candidates, who were nominated to posts in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Washington, D.C., according to a White House statement. Republicans had blocked Democrats' efforts to temporarily replace Feinstein on the committee, which approves federal judges before they go for a vote before the full Senate. So far, the Senate has confirmed 122 of Biden's nominees to lifetime posts on the federal courts, according to the White House.

☆ 'Some Like It Hot' leads 2023 Tony nominations
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 2 (Reuters) - Film-turned-musical "Some Like It Hot," led the nominations announced Tuesday for the 2023 Tony awards, the highest honors in American theater, followed by "& Juliet," "New York, New York," and "Shucked." "Kimberly Akimbo," and a revival of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," also topped the list of nominations by production for the 76th annual awards, according to a statement from the Tony Awards committee. Best new musical nominees were "& Juliet," "Kimberly Akimbo," "New York, New York," "Shucked" and "Some Like it Hot," with "Sweeney Todd" and "Into the Woods" among the productions earning nods for best musical revival. The stage adaptation of the 1959 crime comedy film "Some Like It Hot," opened on Broadway in December and topped the list with 13 nominations. Reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. confirms second American death in Sudan, seeks extended ceasefire
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, April 26 (Reuters) - A second American has died in Sudan, the White House said on Wednesday, adding that it was helping a small number of U.S. citizens seeking to leave the country amid ongoing clashes even as overall violence appeared significantly down. "We urge both military factions" to abide by the ceasefire "and to further extend it," Kirby told reporters, adding that the violence "levels... generally appear to have gone significantly down." "The levels are down, but we want to see the levels at zero," he added. Some U.S. citizens had arrived at Port Sudan to evacuate and were being supported, and the United States was continuing to support other limited evacuation efforts, he added. USAID has deployed teams in the region and is prepared to help provide humanitarian assistance but any ceasefire would have to remain in place and be extended, Kirby told reporters.

☆ Biden, 80, formally declares 2024 re-election bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday officially launched his candidacy to seek a second White House term in 2024, according to a campaign video posted online. Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Biden's domestic policy adviser Susan Rice departs
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"After more than two years of her steady leadership of the Domestic Policy Council – it’s clear: there is no one more capable, and more determined to get important things done for the American people than Susan Rice," Biden said. Rice previously served as national security adviser and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under then-President Barack Obama when Biden was vice president. "As the only person to serve as both National Security Advisor and Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan’s record of public service makes history," Biden added. Rice played an influential role shaping Biden's immigration policy, tending to favor more restrictive measures at the U.S.-Mexico border. A source with knowledge of the issue previously said her push for tougher border enforcement clashed with more liberal staffers on the president's Domestic Policy Counsel.

[1/2] Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts arrives before President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in Washington. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS/File PhotoCompanies United States Senate FollowWASHINGTON, April 20 (Reuters) - The Senate Judiciary Committee's chairman called on U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts to testify at a May 2 hearing on Supreme ethics reform after earlier urging him to investigate ties between Justice Clarence Thomas and a wealthy Republican donor. The court did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Roberts. The chief justice is a member of the court's 6-3 conservative majority. In inviting Roberts to testify, Durbin also said the chief justice could designate another justice to appear instead.

[1/2] A box containing a Mifepristone tablet is seen at Blue Mountain Clinic in Missoula, Montana, U.S. February 28, 2023. REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare/File PhotoCompanies Genbiopro Inc FollowWASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - GenBioPro Inc, maker of the only U.S. generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, on Wednesday filed a lawsuit seeking to ensure that it can continue selling its pill amid ongoing legal challenges. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Baltimore, comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide by midnight whether to block a lower court order that would undo the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of GenBioPro's generic pill. GenBioPro in its lawsuit named the FDA as a defendant so that it can ask the court to order the agency to keep the drug on the market. The privately held, Nevada-based company currently supplies a majority of the mifepristone used for medication abortion in the United States.

☆ Three Democratic Tennessee lawmakers to visit White House on Monday
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - Three Democrats in the Tennessee legislature who faced expulsion for participating in protests will visit the White House on Monday, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in a briefing on Wednesday. Two state lawmakers - Justin Jones and Justin Pearson - were expelled but later returned by their localities while a third representative, Gloria Johnson, narrowly survived an expulsion vote earlier this month. read moreReporting by Andrea Shalal and Doina Chiacu; writing by Susan HeaveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/2] The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File PhotoWASHINGTON, April 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday said it had reached a settlement with General Motors Co (GM.N) to resolve the department's allegation that the automaker discriminated against non-U.S. citizens. Under the terms of the agreement, the Detroit-based company will pay $365,000 in civil penalties to the United States, the Justice Department said in a statement. GM in a statement said it had cooperated with the investigation and was committed to a discrimination-free workplace. The agreement reached on Tuesday requires GM to train its personnel on the law's requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to monitoring and reporting requirements.

☆ U.S. charges two with setting up Chinese 'secret police station' in New York
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Luc Cohen | Thomson Reuters | Reports On The New York Federal Courts. Previously Worked As A Correspondent In Venezuela | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, April 17 (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement officials have arrested two New York residents for allegedly operating a Chinese "secret police station" in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn said in a statement on Monday. "This prosecution reveals the Chinese government's flagrant violation of our nation's sovereignty by establishing a secret police station in the middle of New York City," Breon Peace, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, said in a statement. Prosecutors said Lu in 2018 sought to persuade an individual considered a fugitive by China to return home, prosecutors said. China's government in 2022 asked Lu to help locate an individual living in California who was considered a pro-democracy activist, prosecutors said. He said the Chinese government setting up a police presence in the United States "violates sovereignty" and circumvents law enforcement cooperation.

REUTERS/Anna KudriavtsevaWASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine secured promises of $5 billion in additional funding to support its ongoing fight against Russia amid "fruitful meetings" in Washington this week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told reporters on Friday. Shmyhal met with representatives of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank as well as top U.S. officials, on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank. Ukraine needs about $14 billion in funding this year to close a budget gap, Shmyhal said, noting that the United States would provide $2.3 billion to plug the hole, while the European Union would provide 1 billion euros ($1.10 billion). The IFC program aims to leverage these donor funds using private sector investments, which will be needed to help cover the staggering cost of Ukraine's recovery. "A strong private sector is essential to help Ukraine's economy recover and support reconstruction efforts," said Makhtar Diop, the IFC's managing director.

☆ U.S. Air National Guardsman suspected of leaking intel to be arrested Thursday -source
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - An Air National Guardsman suspected of leaking highly classified U.S. documents will be arrested on Thursday in Massachusetts, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The New York Times reported that the leader of an online group where the secret documents were posted is a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Named Jack Teixeira, the national guardsman led Thug Shaker Central, an online group where about 20 to 30 people shared their love of guns, racist memes and video games, the Times said, citing interviews and documents it reviewed. U.S. President Joe Biden earlier on Thursday said investigators were closing in on the source of the leak. Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Jasper Ward; editing by Susan HeaveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. Senate panel to hold hearing on Biden's Labor nominee Su next week
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Labor committee will hold an April 20 confirmation hearing on U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su, panel chairman Senator Bernie Sanders said in a statement. President Joe Biden had nominated Su for the Cabinet post in February but her nomination has raised some pushback from industry circles. Reporting by Jasper Ward and Moira Warburton; writing by Susan HeaveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Biden seeks expanded health insurance access for DACA participants
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Leah MillisWASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - The Biden administration is seeking to allow immigrants illegally brought to the United States as children greater access to health insurance through federal programs, the White House said on Thursday. The proposal would allow participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, to access to health insurance under Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges, it said. I've worked hard to get more Americans health insurance than ever before," President Joe Biden said on Twitter, adding the move would give "Dreamers the same opportunities." About 580,000 people were enrolled as of last year in the Obama-era 2012 DACA program, which grants protection from deportation and work permits. Eight U.S. states have already expanded state insurance access to health coverage regardless of immigration status, according to data from the healthcare policy organization Kaiser Family Foundation.

Senator Tim Scott launched a presidential exploratory committee on Wednesday, taking a key step toward running for president in 2024 and challenging former President Donald Trump for the party's nomination. Scott, 57, on Wednesday will visit Iowa, the lead-off state in the Republican presidential nominating process, before heading to New Hampshire on Thursday and his home state of South Carolina on Friday. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and activist investor Vivek Ramaswamy have formally launched campaigns seeking the Republican 2024 nomination. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence are also expected to run, though neither have announced their candidacy. Reporting by Gram Slattery; Kanishka Singh and Susan heavey; Editing by Scott Malone, Gerry Doyle and Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Harris backs expelled Tennessee lawmakers, chides Republicans for ousting them
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Cheney Orr | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Republicans who control the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday expelled two young Black lawmakers who last week led protesters into the well of the House floor, while a resolution to remove a white representative came up one vote short. The Republicans ousted Justin Pearson, 28, of Memphis, and Justin Jones, 27, from the Nashville area. They staged the protest for gun reforms following the March 27 shooting at a Nashville school that killed three 9-year-old students and three adults. With a 75-23 advantage over Democrats in the House, Tennessee Republicans took the extraordinary measure to expel their Democratic colleagues, citing their disruption of orderly House business. Just two state lawmakers had previously been expelled since the U.S. Civil War.

☆ Harris visits Tennessee after lawmakers expelled over gun protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Cheney Orr | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/7] U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an address after the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to expel two Democratic members, representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, for their roles in a gun control demonstration at the Tennessee State Capitol, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., April 7, 2023. Just two state lawmakers had previously been expelled since the U.S. Civil War. Tennessee Representative Yusuf Hakeem, a Democrat, said Harris' visit showed "the White House is very interested and concerned in a meaningful way," adding that he does not expect protests to fade. Nearly 50 organizations, led by gun safety advocacy group the Newtown Action Alliance, called for nationwide student walkouts in solidarity with those in Tennessee. Members of the Tennessee General Assembly's Black Caucus at a news conference on Friday said Republicans had sunk to new lows.

[1/2] People exit the building after a vote on to expel two of three Democratic members for their role in a gun control demonstration at the statehouse last week, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., April 6, 2023. On Thursday, the Tennessee House of Representatives' Republican supermajority voted to remove Democratic Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, two young Black legislators, over demonstrations pushing for stricter gun laws. On Thursday, President Joe Biden decried the expulsions of the state lawmakers on Twitter, calling them "shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent." The White House, which announced the trip, did not provide other details about the meeting, scheduled for Friday evening. Nearly 50 organizations, led by the gun safety advocacy group the Newtown Action Alliance, called for nationwide student walkouts in solidarity with those in Tennessee.

☆ Harris chides Tennessee Republicans for ousting state lawmakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( Cheney Orr | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The Republicans ousted Justin Pearson, 28, of Memphis, and Justin Jones, 27, from the Nashville area. They staged the protest for gun reforms following the March 27 shooting at a Nashville school that killed three 9-year-old students and three adults. [1/7] U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an address after the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to expel two Democratic members, representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, for their roles in a gun control demonstration at the Tennessee State Capitol, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., April 7, 2023. With a 75-23 advantage over Democrats in the House, Tennessee Republicans took the extraordinary measure to expel their Democratic colleagues, citing their disruption of orderly House business. Just two state lawmakers had previously been expelled since the U.S. Civil War.

[1/3] U.S. President Joe Biden arrives to deliver remarks during a virtual Summit for Democracy, which he is hosting from an auditorium on the White House campus in Washington, U.S., March 29, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan ErnstWASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden announced new funding to bolster democracies around the world at a meeting on Wednesday, although dozens of countries were holding back on a summit declaration laying out commitments to democratic principles. "To meet the rising challenges to democracy worldwide, we commit to strengthen democratic institutions and processes and build resilience," the declaration said. A senior administration official said the declaration remained open and additional countries could still endorse it. Biden announced over $400 million for similar programs in 2021 when he last held such an event.

☆ White House prepares new bank rule proposal after failures - source
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - The White House is preparing to release more of its promised plans to strengthen U.S. bank oversight as soon as this week after Silicon Valley Bank's collapse of earlier this month, according to a person familiar with the preparations. The White House declined to comment. The measures, which are still being hatched, are likely to fall short of broad changes to existing law. The White House is skeptical that such measures can win passage in a closely divided Congress. Instead, they would require implementing by the Fed, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

☆ Biden aims to lift democracies with more funds despite questions over effectiveness
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Nandita Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Biden will announce $690 million to fight corruption, support free and fair elections and advance technologies that support democratic governments at a second White House-led Summit for Democracy, senior administration officials said on Tuesday. He announced over $400 million for similar programs in 2021 when he last held such an event. The world has seen big changes since then with countries emerging from the global pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The summit will be co-hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia. Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Additional writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Michael Perry and Mark PorterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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