Senate votes to fund government through Feb. 18, averting shutdown

The House has passed a bill that funds the government through Feb. 18 and avoids a short-term shutdown after midnight Friday.

Oklahoma files lawsuit over National Guard COVID-19 vaccine mandate

“Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate ensures that many Oklahoma National Guard members will simply quit instead of getting a vaccine, a situation that will irreparably harm Oklahomans’ safety and security,” said Attorney General John O’Connor.

Wolf adds to mounting veto tally, kills Pennsylvania's permitless gun bill

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf followed through on his veto threat and rejected Republican-penned legislation to allow people to carry a firearm openly or concealed, without a permit.

Racism is a 'public health threat,' Biden says in new HIV/AIDS strategy

In its new HIV/AIDS strategy released Wednesday on the annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Biden administration is calling racism “a public health threat” that must be fully recognized as the world looks to end the epidemic.

Dr. Oz announces run for U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the cardiac surgeon, author, and host of TV’s “Dr. Oz Show,” is joining the list of Republican candidates hoping to capture Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat in next year's election, according to two people familiar with his plans.

Mask mandate for Pennsylvania K-12 schools remains for now, justices rule

Pennsylvania's high court says that for now, an order requiring masks inside Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools and child care facilities will remain in place.

Rep. Omar ends 'unproductive' phone call with Rep. Boebert over Muslim remarks

“Instead of apologizing for her Islamophobic comments and fabricated lies, Rep. Boebert refused to publicly acknowledge her hurtful and dangerous comments,” Omar said in a sttatment.

Jan. 6 committee to hold vote on contempt charges for former DOJ official on Wednesday

A House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection will vote Wednesday to hold Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official, in contempt of Congress.

Philadelphia City Council holds hearings on SEPTA safety, amid series of violent incidents

Philadelphia City Council is set to hold public hearings on SEPTA safety Monday, in the wake of numerous violent incidents involving riders, as well as contracted security guards.

Supreme Court braces for all-or-nothing abortion fight

The 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade ruling is facing its most serious challenge in 30 years in front of a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that's been remade by three appointees of President Donald Trump.

Biden administration recommends overhaul of US oil and gas leasing

The Biden administration has recommended an overhaul of the nation’s oil and gas leasing program to focus on areas that are most suitable for energy development and raise costs for energy companies to drill on public lands and water.

Crowded GOP field in Pennsylvania's Senate race heads for reshuffle

The Republican field of candidates aiming to capture Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat in next year's election is churning anew, with the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump out and intriguing new candidates possibly in.

Judge orders lawyers who filed suit alleging 2020 election fraud to pay over $180K in fees

A federal judge has ordered two lawyers who filed a class-action lawsuit alleging the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump to pay more than $180,000 in attorney’s fees for the defendants.

White House stands by push to end cash bail in wake of Waukesha parade attack

The White House is standing by its push to end cash bail, a topic in the spotlight after a man allegedly drove through a Wisconsin Christmas parade.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve: What is it? Where is it stored?

President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 50 million barrels of oil from America’s strategic reserve. Here is everything you need to know about the move.

Gov. Wolf signals readiness for congressional district map talks

If Wolf and the Legislature cannot agree on a map, it could be left to the state Supreme Court to draw districts again before Feb. 15, when candidates can start circulating petitions to get on the May 17 primary ballot.

US mandating vaccines for all border crossers in January

President Joe Biden plans to require essential nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers and emergency response officials, to be fully vaccinated beginning on Jan. 22.

Biden to recommend Shalanda Young as budget director

President Joe Biden is set to nominate Shalanda Young to head the Office of Management and Budget.