More from Lauren Taylor
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Minnesota Democrats threaten to stay home to protect tie in state House
On Election Day, Minnesota voters split the state House evenly, with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats winning their races. The two parties reached a power-sharing agreement to share committee control. But with one Democratic legislator legally unable to take his seat, Republicans say they’re ready to use their majority and elect a Republican speaker. Democrats,… -
Louisiana man dies after contracting bird flu, marking first US death
A Louisiana man died Monday, Jan. 6, after contracting the H5N1 bird flu, making him the first person in the United States to die from the virus. The 65-year-old’s passing comes after the CDC confirmed he was the only known severe case of H5N1 in the country. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirmed that… -
US eases restrictions on aid for new Syrian government
The U.S. is easing its restrictions on aid to the rebel groups now governing Syria. It’s a step toward support for the Islamist rebels leading the country. But it’s also a sign of caution from the U.S. as they wait to see whether the government will keep its promises to protect the rights of women… -
Rise of the right in Europe as Austria Freedom Party set to take power
After doubling their votes and winning the September 2024 election, Austria’s far right Freedom Party (FPÖ) now has a shot at governance and the chancellorship. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said on Monday, Jan. 6, that the FPÖ had a greenlight to try its hand at forming a coalition government after the second place… -
Judge hears last-minute challenge to NYC congestion pricing plan
With less than 48 hours before congestion pricing takes effect in New York City, its fate is still up in the air. If approved, however, drivers could pay as much as $9 to use certain Manhattan streets. A judge in federal court heard arguments Friday, Jan. 3, in a case dividing leaders in New York… -
Italy attempts to free journalist detained in Iran
Italy is working to secure the release of one of its journalists, Cecilia Sala, who has been detained in Iran since Dec. 19. Sala, a 29-year-old podcaster and journalist for Il Foglio newspaper, was arrested by Iranian authorities for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic” while on a journalistic visa. Earlier this week, Sala’s… -
Woman convicted of killing pop star Selena files for parole
The Texas woman convicted of killing Latin pop star Selena in 1995 is filing for parole. Yolanda Saldívar, 63, has her first opportunity to file for parole this year after serving 30 years of her life sentence in prison. Saldívar shot and killed 23-year-old Selena Quintanilla-Pérez after a falling out with the singer. Saldívar had… -
FBI warns of potential ‘retaliatory attacks’ after deadly New Orleans assault
Federal law enforcement agencies have issued a bulletin warning of possible “copycat or retaliatory attacks” following the New Year’s truck attack in New Orleans. The bulletin cites the ease with which someone can commit a terror attack using a vehicle. Around 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, a suspect drove a rented pick-up truck through Bourbon… -
Gov. Kathy Hochul aims to change involuntary commitment law in NY
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for an expansion of involuntary mental health commitments in 2025, a decision she says was driven by the recent wave of violent subway attacks. Hochul plans to use her executive budget to address the lack of mental health resources available to New Yorkers in crisis. This week, someone… -
Ohio governor signs bill allowing police to charge for release of body cam video
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill into law late Thursday, Jan. 2, allowing law enforcement to charge the public for video footage. However, press advocates say the new charges could deter people from requesting public records. A new 450-page omnibus bill passed this week includes a provision enabling police departments to charge citizens for… -
DOT fines JetBlue $2 million for ‘chronically delayed flights’
JetBlue Airways has a $2 million fine to pay from the Department of Transportation (DOT), marking the first time the agency has held a major airline accountable for what it calls “unrealistic” scheduling. The penalty stems from several routes flown between June 2022 and November 2023 consistently delayed by the airline. The DOT defines a… -
Three people killed in deadly Honolulu fireworks explosion
Fireworks explosions after midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 1, killed three people and injured more than two dozen others in Honolulu. The incident is raising questions about the risks fireworks pose, particularly in Hawaii. “No one should have to endure such pain due to reckless and illegal activity,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. “This incident is… -
Republicans’ trust in elections jumps after President-elect Trump’s win: Poll
The 2024 election unfolded under mostly the same sets of laws as the 2020 election. However, a new poll has found that this time around, Republicans have a lot more trust in election accuracy. In an AP poll, 64% of Republicans said they had “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of confidence in the…