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☆ US Supreme Court temporarily blocks order curbing Biden social media contacts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Andrew Chung | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday maintained a block on restrictions imposed by lower courts on the ability of President Joe Biden's administration to encourage social media companies to remove content deemed misinformation, including about elections and COVID-19. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito temporarily put on hold a preliminary injunction constraining how the White House and certain other federal officials communicate with social media platforms pending the administration's appeal to the Supreme Court. Alito first placed a temporary hold on the injunction pending the justices' review on Sept. 14. The Biden administration has argued that its officials did nothing illegal and had sought to mitigate the hazards of online misinformation, including about the pandemic, by alerting social media companies to content that violated their own policies. Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will DunhamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden's, Samuel Alito, Alito, Biden, Terry Doughty, Doughty, Donald Trump, Andrew Chung, Will Dunham Organizations: White, REUTERS, U.S, Supreme, Conservative, Facebook, District, Democrat, Republican, FBI, CDC, Cybsecurity, Infrastructure Security Agency, Thomson Locations: Palestine, Israel, Washington , U.S, Missouri, Louisiana, New York

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Despite Israeli bombardment that has brought Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian meltdown, U.S. President Joe Biden is facing little pressure at home to rein in Israel's military retaliation for an unprecedented attack by Palestinian Hamas militants. Republicans have shown near-unanimity in backing whatever military action Israel decides to take after suffering the deadliest attack on its soil in decades. Though polls continue to show overwhelming sympathy for Israel among the overall U.S. public, a Gallup survey in March found that Democrats were slightly more favorable toward the Palestinians than Israel. Biden, an avowed lifelong friend of Israel, has pledged to provide Israel with all the assistance it needs. A White House official said Biden's aides have privately discussed their concerns with Israeli counterparts.

Persons: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jonathan Ernst, Biden, Israel, excoriate, Gregory Meeks, Rashida Tlaib, Karine Jean, Pierre, ”, Antony Blinken, Netanyahu, Washington’s, Khaled Elgindy, Jeremy Ben, Ami, Matt Spetalnick, Patricia Zengerle, Jeff Mason, Simon Lewis, Steve Holland, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Israeli, White, REUTERS, Rights, Israel, Democratic Party, Republicans, Democratic, House Foreign Relations, American, White House Press, Gallup, Biden, AIPAC, Middle East Institute, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Gaza, Palestinian, U.S, New York, Washington, Washington . U.S, Saudi Arabia

☆ Biden to meet with Target, IBM and other CEOs
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. President Joe Biden participates in a roundtable with Jewish community leaders regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, U.S. October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden will meet with the chief executives of several large companies on Thursday to get their perspective on the U.S. economy, a White House official said. The meeting at the White House includes the CEOs of Target(TGT.N), IBM(IBM.N) and Exelon(EXC.O), Bechtel Group, General Catalyst, TIAA and Otis Worldwide, representing the construction, manufacturing, clean energy, finance and retail industries. Biden is seeking the executives' perspectives on the economy and on his administration's efforts to provide domestic investment, the White House official said. He pushed Congress to pass sweeping legislation to invest in infrastructure, target student loan debt and has been a vocal supporter of workers' rights.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Catalyst, Biden, Steve Holland, Susan Heavey, Doina Organizations: White, REUTERS, Rights, White House, Target, IBM, Bechtel Group, Otis Worldwide, Democratic, Wednesday, Thomson Locations: Palestine, Israel, Washington , U.S, U.S

The battle against junk fees is part of President Joe Biden's administration's effort to ease strains on voter pocketbooks as an election year approaches. Taking on "junk fees" gives Biden and his allies fodder to show they are helping people tackle costs as many Americans are dissatisfied with his economic stewardship. The administration has previously proposed a rule to require airlines to disclose fees upfront. The agency estimated the fees cost consumers tens of billions of dollars annually on items such as hotel resort fees. "These junk fees function as an invisible tax that quietly inflates prices across the economy," FTC Chair Lina Khan told reporters on a conference call.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Biden, Joe Biden's, Lina Khan, Diane Bartz, Jeff Mason, Douglas Gillison, Richard Chang Organizations: U.S, Fire Prevention, Eisenhower, White, REUTERS, Companies United, Democrat, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Consumer Financial, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Companies United States, America

☆ Analysis: Use of weather derivatives surges as extreme climate events rock the globe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Harry Robertson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Weather derivatives were born in the late 1990s. Climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon combined to make the northern hemisphere summer of 2023 the hottest ever recorded, according to the European Union Climate Change Service. Weather derivatives let buyers hedge against the risk that the weather will damage their business. Average open interest in CME weather futures and options contracts in September was around 170,000 contracts, compared to roughly 10 times that for crude oil - although market participants reckon 90% of the weather derivatives market is in over-the-counter deals. "Extreme weather events tend to make good marketing for weather futures," said Samuel Randalls, a professor at University College London who focuses on weather and climate.

Persons: Andrew ., Ken Griffin's, Peter Keavey, Griffin's Citadel, Nick Ernst, Ernst, Matthew Hunt, Samuel Randalls, David Whitehead, Whitehead, UCL's Randalls, BGC's Ernst, Martin Malinow, Harry Robertson, Emelia Sithole Organizations: NYPD, REUTERS, Energy, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Enron, CME Group, El, Change, Graphics, University College London, Citadel, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, Williamsburg, New York City, U.S, Paris, New York, Ukraine

☆ Use of weather derivatives surges as extreme climate events rock the globe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Harry Robertson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

☆ Morning Bid: Fed's dovish shift welcomed; inflation's next
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Futures pricing suggests traders now see about a 30% chance of another rate hike this year, down from about 45% a week ago. Ahead on Wednesday, the European Central Bank's inflation survey and U.S. producer price data will lead in to U.S. inflation data on Thursday. The S&P 500's retreat on Tuesday from the day's high, closing only 0.5% firmer, also suggests nervousness. Later in the week U.S. corporate earnings season hits full swing, with bank profits set to rise. Overnight markets welcomed Pepsi (PEP.O) promising to keep on lifting prices, which is a good sign for demand but perhaps a warning sign for inflation.

Persons: Jonathan Ernst, Westbrook Stocks, Raphael Bostic, Fed's Bowman, Waller, Collins, Tom Westbrook, Edmund Klamann Organizations: . Federal, REUTERS, Bankers, Atlanta Fed, Pepsi, Exxon Mobil, U.S, Natural Resources, Reuters, Bank, PPI, Thomson Locations: Washington, Nashville, Asia, Finland, Estonia, Marrakech, Morocco, Bostic

☆ New York Republicans to move to oust George Santos from US House
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A group of New York state Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives will introduce a motion to expel indicted fellow Republican George Santos from the chamber, two of the members said on Wednesday. Santos pleaded not guilty to an initial May indictment and has said he will do the same for the new one. A motion to expel would require support from two-thirds of members in the House, meaning 290 votes. Democrats have repeatedly called for Santos to be expelled, and over a dozen Republicans have done the same. "If they want to be judge, jury and arbitrator of the whole goddamn thing, let them do it," Santos said on Wednesday.

Persons: Representative George Santos, Jonathan Ernst, Republican George Santos, Santos, Nick LaLota, LaLota, Kevin McCarthy, Moira Warburton, Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Representative, Republican, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . House, Representatives, Republicans, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, New York, U.S, New York City

☆ Biden interviewed by special counsel in classified documents case
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his economic agenda at Prince George's Community College in Largo, Maryland, U.S. September 14, 2023.?REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden was interviewed as part of an investigation into his handling of classified documents by Special Counsel Robert Hur, the White House counsel's office said on Monday. The Democratic president's interview was voluntary and conducted over two days, concluding on Monday, Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House counsel's office, said in a statement. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in January named Hur as special counsel to probe the improper storage of classified documents at Biden's Delaware home and a think tank office set up for Biden after his 2009-2017 vice presidency. The White House declined to comment further, referring questions to the Justice Department. A wider-ranging inquiry into handling of classified documents has also been directed at Biden's main Republican potential rival for the 2024 elections, former President Donald Trump, who has been indicted in his case.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Robert Hur, Ian Sams, General Merrick Garland, Hur, Biden, Sams, Donald Trump, Trevor Hunnicutt, Kanishka Singh, Sandra Maler, Leslie Adler Organizations: Prince George's Community College, REUTERS, Rights, Democratic, White, Biden's Delaware, Justice Department, Thomson Locations: Largo , Maryland, U.S, Biden's, Washington

The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel is reprehensible. Israel is under heavy attack right now by Hamas and taking action to defend itself and its people. Israel has every right to defend itself.”Sen. Jon Tester, Montana Democrat“I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas against our ally Israel. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”Sen. Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire Democrat“Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel is nothing short of horrifying. Israel has every right to defend itself from this unjust war.”Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat“The terrorist attack on Israel is appalling.

Persons: Hakeem Jeffries, “, Steve Scalise, ” Kevin McCarthy, ” Chuck Schumer, –, Herzog –, ” Mitch McConnell, ” Tom Emmer, ” Katherine Clarke, ” Dick Durbin, ” John Thune, ” Sen, Debbie Stabenow, Michigan Democrat “, Israel, Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat “, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Cory Booker , New Jersey Democrat “, Joe Manchin, West Virginia Democrat “, Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Democrat “, Gary Peters, Gary Peters , Michigan Democrat “, Catherine Cortez Masto, Brian Schatz, Hawaii Democrat “, Jeff Merkley, Oregon Democrat “, John Barrasso, Joni Ernst, Iowa Republican “, Sen, Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Republican “, Steve Daines, Montana Republican “, Mike Lee, Mike Crapo, Chuck Grassley, Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Kyrsten, Mark Kelly, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Arkansas Republican “, Alex Padilla, Laphonza Butler, California Democrat “, today’s, Michael Bennet, Colorado Democrat “, John Hickenlooper, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat “, Chris Murphy, Tom Carper, Delaware Democrat “, Chris Coons, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Jon Ossoff, Georgia Democrat “, Anat Sultan, Raphael Warnock, “ I’m, Mazie, Tammy Duckworth, Todd Young, Mike Braun, Jerry Moran, Kansas Republican “, Hamas’s, Roger Marshall, Netanyahu, Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican “, Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, Susan Collins, Maine Republican “, Ben Cardin, Maryland Democrat “, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, Tina Smith, Minnesota Democrat “, Roger Wicker ,, Roger Wicker , Mississippi Republican “, Cindy Hyde, Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, Jon Tester, Montana Democrat “, Deb Fischer, Nebraska Republican “, Pete Ricketts, Jacky Rosen, Nevada Democrat “, Jeanne Shaheen, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire Democrat “, Maggie Hassan, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire Democrat “, Bob Menendez, Bob Menendez , New Jersey Democrat “, Martin Heinrich, New Mexico Democrat “, Biden, Ben Ray Lujan, Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Democrat “ I'm, Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, North Carolina Republican “, John Hoeven, John Hoeven , North Dakota Republican “, Kevin Cramer, Sherrod Brown, Ohio Democrat “, J.D, ”, Vance, James Lankford, Markwayne Mullin, Israel –, Ron Wyden, Bob Casey, John Fetterman, craven, Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican “ I’m, Mike Rounds, South Dakota Republican “ Shocked, Marsha Blackburn, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee Republican “ Israel, Bill Haggerty, Tennessee Republican “, John Cornyn, John Cornyn , Texas Republican “, Ted Cruz, Mitt, Vile, Peter Welch, Vermont Democrat “, Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, Washington Democrat “, Maria Cantwell, Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican “ Israel, Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Republican “, Jim Jordan, Jared Moskowitz, Abigail Spanberger, Elissa Slotkin, Don Bacon, perpetrating, Cori Bush, Missouri Democrat “, Kevin Hern, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma Republican “, ” Rep, Ritchie Torres, Ritchie Torres , New York Democrat “, Michael McCaul, Michael McCaul , Texas Republican “ I, Ilhan Omar Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, Biden, House, Michigan Democrat, Minnesota Democrat, Virginia Democrat “, Senate Intelligence, Massachusetts Democrat, Islamic, Cory Booker , New, Cory Booker , New Jersey Democrat, West Virginia Democrat, Wisconsin Democrat, Gary Peters , Michigan Democrat, Nevada Democrat, Hawaii Democrat, State, Oregon Democrat, John Barrasso , Wyoming Republican, Iowa Republican, West Virginia Republican, Montana Republican, Utah Republican, Idaho Republican, Alabama Republican, Alaska Republican, Alaska Republican “, Arizona Democrat, John Boozman , Arkansas Republican “, Jewish, Arkansas Republican, California Democrat, Colorado Democrat, Connecticut Democrat, Delaware Democrat, Israel, Florida Republican, Georgia Democrat, Hawaii Democrat “, Indiana Republican, Indiana Republican “, Kansas Republican, Kentucky Republican, Louisiana Republican, Maine Republican, Maryland Democrat, Roger Wicker , Mississippi Republican, Smith , Mississippi Republican, Josh Hawley , Missouri Republican, Missouri Republican, Montana Democrat, Nebraska Republican, Jeanne Shaheen , New, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire Democrat, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire Democrat, Bob Menendez , New, Bob Menendez , New Jersey Democrat, New Mexico Democrat, New, New York Democrat, United, North Carolina Republican, John Hoeven , North Dakota Republican, Kevin Cramer , North Dakota Republican “, Ohio Democrat, Vance , Ohio Republican, James Lankford , Oklahoma Republican, Oklahoma Republican, “ Hamas, Rhode, Lindsey Graham , South Carolina Republican, South Carolina Republican, South Dakota Republican, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee Republican, Tennessee Republican, John Cornyn , Texas Republican, Ted Cruz , Texas Republican, Vermont Democrat, Washington Democrat, Wisconsin Republican, Wyoming Republican, ”, Ohio Republican “, Missouri Democrat, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma Republican, Ritchie Torres , New, Ritchie Torres , New York Democrat, Jewish State, Michael McCaul , Texas Republican Locations: Israel, United States, Tehran, The United States, Iran, Michigan, U.S, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Vermont, Cory Booker ,, Cory Booker , New Jersey, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Gary Peters , Michigan, Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, John Barrasso , Wyoming, America, Iowa, West, Montana, Iranian, Utah, Idaho, Alabama, Alaska, Alaska Republican “ America, @Israel, Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona, John Boozman , Arkansas, Jewish State, Arkansas, Saudi Arabia, California, Gaza, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mazie Hirono, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Palestine, Roger Wicker , Mississippi, Smith , Mississippi, Josh Hawley , Missouri, Missouri, Nebraska, Jeanne Shaheen ,, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire, Bob Menendez ,, Bob Menendez , New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North, John Hoeven , North, Kevin Cramer , North, Ohio, Vance , Ohio, James Lankford , Oklahoma, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Lindsey Graham , South, South, States, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee, Tennessee, John Cornyn , Texas, Ted Cruz , Texas, Mitt Romney, Virginia, “ Hamas, Washington, Wyoming, Ohio Republican “ America, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma, Ritchie Torres ,, Ritchie Torres , New York, Michael McCaul , Texas

☆ Albert Einstein used to ponder these 5 mind-melting questions for fun. Can you figure them out?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Ali Sundermier | Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

"One sees in this paradox the germ of the special relativity theory is already contained," Einstein wrote in his "Autobiographical Notes." This is a cornerstone of Einstein's special theory of relativity. One of Einstein's thought experiments had to do with quantum entanglement, which he called "spooky action at a distance." AdvertisementAdvertisementMany scientists have spent decades researching Einstein's thought experiments. But Einstein thought particles behaved more like real coins.

Persons: Albert Einstein, —, Stringer, Einstein, simultaneity, Ernst Haas, Niels Bohr Organizations: Service, Central Press, Getty

☆ Who will be the next U.S. House speaker? A look at top candidates so far
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters after he was ousted from the position of Speaker by a vote of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. October 3, 2023. Jordan faces a challenge from Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican long considered to be McCarthy's heir apparent. IN: STEVE SCALISERepresentative Matt Gaetz, the lawmaker who spearheaded the push to oust McCarthy, has said he would support Steve Scalise taking over the role. Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, McHenry is a McCarthy ally who spoke in support of McCarthy before the ouster vote.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Jonathan Ernst, Donald Trump, Jim Jordan, Jordan, Steve Scalise, JIM JORDAN, McCarthy, Joe Biden, Trump, STEVE SCALISE, Matt Gaetz, Scalise, David Duke, KEVIN HERN Kevin Hern, PATRICK MCHENRY, Patrick McHenry, McHenry, Makini Brice, Scott Malone, Howard Goller Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Republican, Ku Klux Klan, Committee, Republicans, Financial Services, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Ohio, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Carolina

WASHINGTON, Oct 3 (Reuters) - A handful of Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday ousted Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy, as party infighting plunged Congress into further chaos just days after it narrowly averted a government shutdown. McCarthy told reporters he would not make another run for speaker. [1/5]Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters after he was ousted from the position of Speaker by a vote of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. October 3, 2023. "We need a speaker who will fight for something - anything - other than staying on as speaker," said Republican Representative Bob Good. "Think long and hard before you plunge us into chaos, because that's where we're headed," said Republican Representative Tom Cole.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, McCarthy's, Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, Patrick McHenry, Paul Ryan, John Boehner, Bob Good, Nancy Mace, I've, Mace, Tom Cole, Pramila Jayapal, Makini Brice, David Morgan, Richard Cowan, Nandita Bose, Moira Warburton, Susan Heavey, Andy Sullivan, Scott Malone, Alistair Bell, Howard Goller, Grant McCool, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: U.S . House, Republican, Democratic, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, White, Senate, DEMOCRATIC, Thomson Locations: U.S, Florida, Washington, Ukraine, Washington , U.S

☆ Who could succeed Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the US House?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters after he was ousted from the position of Speaker by a vote of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. October 3, 2023. 2 House Republican and has long been favored to take over the head of the Republican Party in the chamber after McCarthy's tenure ended. TOM EMMERRepresentative Tom Emmer is the House Republican whip and had headed the House Republicans' campaign arm during the 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans recaptured the House majority from President Joe Biden's Democrats. Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, McHenry is a McCarthy ally who spoke in support of McCarthy prior to the vote. KEVIN MCCARTHYRepresentative Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday he would not make another run for speaker.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Jonathan Ernst, McCarthy, STEVE SCALISE, Matt Gaetz, Steve Scalise, Scalise, Tom Emmer, Joe Biden's, JIM JORDAN, Jim Jordan, Donald Trump, BYRON DONALDS, Byron Donalds, PATRICK MCHENRY, Patrick McHenry, McHenry, DONALD TRUMP, Biden, Gaetz, Andy Ogles, Trump, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, Hakeem Jeffries, KEVIN MCCARTHY, Makini Brice, Scott Malone, Howard Goller Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, U.S . House, Republican, Republican Party, TOM, Republicans, Committee, Financial Services, Trump, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S

☆ House Republicans push IRS for answers on processing pause for small business tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., speaks during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee impeachment inquiry hearing on Sept. 28, 2023. Jonathan Ernst | ReutersHouse Republicans are pressing the IRS for answers after the agency paused processing new claims for a pandemic-era small business tax break. Lawmakers voiced "continued concerns" about the employee retention credit, or ERC, which was enacted to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The backlog of unprocessed ERC claimsAs of Sept. 27, the total inventory of unprocessed Forms 941-X, used to amend an employer's quarterly federal tax returns, was roughly 779,000, according to the IRS. However, the ERC claim backlog may be significantly higher due to professional employer organizations, or PEOs, which provide payroll benefits and other HR services.

Persons: Jason Smith, Jonathan Ernst, David Schweikert, Pat Cleary Organizations: Reuters, Republicans, ERC, IRS, National Association of Professional Locations: Worth

☆ Kevin McCarthy's wild ride as US House speaker ends in historic fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) walks back to the Speaker's office after a motion to vacate the chair of Speaker of the House and end McCarthy's continued leadership passed by a vote of 216-210, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. On Tuesday, eight members of his party joined 208 Democrats to oust McCarthy as speaker in a 216-210 vote. But as I walk out of this chamber, I feel fortunate to have served the American people," McCarthy, 58, told reporters. "Frankly, one has to wonder whether or not the House is governable at all," Republican Representative Dusty Johnson told reporters after McCarthy's ouster. But hardliners soon used their leverage to shutter the House floor in protest over the spending level that McCarthy had agreed to Biden.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Jonathan Ernst, Matt Gaetz, McCarthy, Gaetz, " McCarthy, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, seethed, Biden, John Boehner, Paul Ryan, Trump, Dusty Johnson, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, Jodey Arrington, Kevin Hern, David Morgan, Scott Malone, Stephen Coates Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . House, California Republican, Democratic, Republican, Reuters, Republicans, Committee, Thomson Locations: Washington, California, U.S

☆ Two-thirds in US say partisan squabbles hamper Congress: Reuters/Ipsos poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Jason Lange | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Some 27% percent of all respondents to the online poll agreed with the statement and 9% said they did not know. The vast majority of poll respondents had heard about the near shutdown, with only 13% saying they had not. Americans have long held a dim view of Congress, and the poll showed about 35% of respondents viewed the House of Representatives unfavorably while 39% viewed the Senate that way. The polling began on Tuesday before the vote ousting McCarthy from his post, leaving the chamber leaderless. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online and nationwide, surveying 1,005 U.S. adults.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Jonathan Ernst, McCarthy, Jason Lange, Scott Malone, Howard Goller Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Republicans, Democrats, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S, Washington, Congress

[1/8] U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks with reporters after filing a motion to vacate —an attempt to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)— as he departs the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. October 2, 2023. A faction of about 20 Republicans, Gaetz included, had forced McCarthy's hand by repeatedly blocking other legislation. No U.S. House speaker has ever been removed from the position that puts the holder second in line in succession for the presidency after the vice president. "What we're seeing with House Republicans is pure chaos," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. On the House floor, Gaetz earlier accused McCarthy of having a "secret side deal" with Democrats to approve Ukraine aid.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, Jonathan Ernst, Gaetz, McCarthy, McCarthy's, Joe Biden, Biden, Hakeem Jeffries, Karine Jean, Pierre said, Richard Cowan, Makini Brice, Katharine Jackson, Doina Chiacu, Moira Warburton, Costas Pitas, Kanishka Singh, Andy Sullivan, Scott Malone, Cynthia Osterman, Alistair Bell, Grant McCool, Ross Colvin Organizations: U.S, —, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, Democratic, Republicans, House Press, House Republicans, Senate, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, McCarthy's, Ukraine

☆ Explainer: What are the next steps as US House searches for new speaker?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Here is a look at what comes next:IS THERE AN ACTING SPEAKER? Immediately following Tuesday's 216-210 ouster vote, Republican Representative Patrick McHenry, a McCarthy ally, was appointed acting speaker pro tempore. The acting speaker pro tempore's duties are vague, according to a guide to the chamber's rules and procedures: That person "may exercise such authorities of the office of speaker as may be necessary and appropriate pending the election of a speaker or speaker pro tempore." WHAT ARE HOUSE REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS DOING? Under the U.S. Constitution, the House speaker does not have to be a member of Congress.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Jonathan Ernst, Patrick McHenry, McCarthy, Kelly Armstrong, McHenry, Matt Gaetz, Hakeem Jeffries, Donald Trump, Richard Cowan, Scott Malone, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . House, Republican, REPUBLICANS, Republicans, WHO, Constitution, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

CNN —The US House of Representatives is bracing for a key vote Tuesday over Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s political future as GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida pushes for his ouster. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, October 3, 2023. No House speaker has ever been ousted through the passage of a resolution to remove them. If a procedural vote fails, then there would be a vote directly on whether to remove McCarthy as speaker, which would take only a majority to succeed. Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesTo force a vote, a member must go to the House floor and announce their intent to offer the resolution to remove the speaker – as Gaetz did.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy’s, Matt Gaetz, McCarthy, Gaetz, “ I’m, ” McCarthy, CNN’s Manu Raju, “, ”, I’m, Kevin McCarthy, Jonathan Ernst, It’s, Drew Angerer, – Organizations: CNN, GOP, Republican, U.S, Capitol Locations: Florida, California, Washington , DC, Washington ,

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Acquire Licensing RightsOct 4 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever, financial markets columnist. The Japanese yen? Japanese stocks had already slumped to a four-month low before the yen's sudden burst of strength. Purchasing managers index reports from Japan, Australia and South Korea will be released, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announces its latest interest rate decision on Wednesday. The RBNZ is widely seen holding its key interest rate at 5.50% - the highest in nearly 15 years - and keep it there at least until March before lowering it shortly after.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Jonathan Ernst, Jamie McGeever, Bond, Bill Gross, Fed's Schmid, Bowman, Goolsbee, Josie Kao Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, New York Fed, Nikkei, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Washington , U.S, Japan, Washington, Swiss, U.S, Asia, Australia, South Korea, Zealand, Korea

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. July 26, 2023. The indictment was secured in September by Special Counsel David Weiss after a plea agreement between Hunter Biden and prosecutors collapsed in August. Many Republican lawmakers who have relentlessly criticized Hunter Biden lauded the Bruen decision. Cases now being litigated will help determine how far the Bruen ruling lets courts go in invalidating gun laws. Even if Hunter Biden gets the possession charge dismissed, there is still the matter of the two counts accusing him of false statements on the background check form.

Persons: Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden's, Bruen, David Weiss, Abbe Lowell, Biden, Maryellen Noreika, Lowell, Adam Winkler, Andrew Willinger, Hunter, Eric Ruben, Andrew Goudsward, Nate Raymond, Will Dunham, Scott Malone Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Supreme, New York, U.S, District, Reuters, Mr, Democratic, Republican, UCLA, Duke University's Center, Firearms Law, Circuit, Appeals, Southern Methodist University, Thomson Locations: Wilmington , Delaware, U.S, Delaware, United States, New Orleans, Atlanta, Florida, Texas, Washington, Boston

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks on PEPFAR at World AIDS Day event hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding in Washington, U.S. December 2, 2022. A deadline to renew long-term funding for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) passed on Saturday, despite a stop gap deal reached to avoid a government-wide shutdown. Smith insisted that PEPFAR should not be reauthorized unless it barred nongovernmental organizations that used any funding to promote or provide abortion services. Advocates say PEPFAR does not fund or provide abortion services and that none of its money goes directly or indirectly to fund abortion services. The State Department says more than $100 billion has been spent on the global HIV/AIDS response through the program, which has saved 25 million lives.

Persons: Antony Blinken, PEPFAR, Jonathan Ernst, Matthew Miller, Miller, Biden, George W, Bush, Chris Smith, Smith, Simon Lewis, Patricia Zengerle, Alistair Bell Organizations: Business Council, International, REUTERS, United, U.S, State, President’s, AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, Republican, The State Department, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, United States, Congress, U.S, Washington, Africa, PEPFAR

☆ US Congress tees up votes in last-minute scramble to avert shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Andy Sullivan | David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On the other side of the Capitol, the Democratic-controlled Senate is due to advance a stopgap funding bill, but a final vote might not come for days. Congress typically passes stopgap spending bills to buy more time to negotiate the detailed legislation that sets funding for federal programs. The Senate is due to hold a procedural vote at 1:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) to extend government funding through Nov. 17. Even if that passes, the two chambers would have to resolve their differences before sending any bill to Biden’s desk. That could pose another hurdle, as McCarthy said he opposed $6 billion in Ukraine aid included in the Senate bill.

Persons: Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter’s, “, Nicole Malliotakis, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S, Congress, REUTERS, Capitol, Democratic, creditworthiness, Republicans, Democrats Locations: United States, Atlanta, New York, Ukraine

☆ Congress tees up votes in last-minute scramble to avert shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Us Pol | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A general view of the U.S. Capitol, where Congress will return to deal with a series of spending bills before funding runs out and triggers a partial U.S. government shutdown, in Washington, September 25, 2023. On the other side of the Capitol, the Democratic-controlled Senate is due to advance a stopgap funding bill, but a final vote might not come for days. The standoff comes just months after Congress brought the federal government to the brink of defaulting on its $31.4 trillion debt. The drama has raised worries on Wall Street, where the Moody's ratings agency has warned it could damage U.S. creditworthiness. Congress typically passes stopgap spending bills to buy more time to negotiate the detailed legislation that sets funding for federal programs.

Persons: Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter's Organizations: U.S . Capitol, Reuters Lawmakers, Capitol, Democratic, creditworthiness, Republicans Locations: Washington, United States, Atlanta

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