Steve Benen Archives

News & Politics

The Daily Planet, Vol. 62

Chernynkaya - April 25, 2011 48

TOP NEWS

NY Times
PBS News
CNN
BBC

Ukraine Did Not Target Putin’s Home, C.I.A. Finds

The assessment rebutted a claim that the Russian leader made to President Trump in a phone call this week. [...]

Oil Tanker Fleeing the Coast Guard Now Listed in Russian Ship Database

The listing could make it more challenging for U.S. forces to board the ship, which an arm of the Kremlin’s maritime authority says is now flying the Russian flag. [...]

Coast Guard Searches for Survivors After More Boat Strikes

The U.S. military attacked a convoy of three boats in the eastern Pacific on Tuesday, and two more on Wednesday, as part of the Trump administration’s campaign against people suspected of drug trafficking. [...]

In Hearing Transcript, Jack Smith Defends Decision to Indict Trump

The former special counsel accused President Trump of “exploiting” violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to an interview released by House Republicans. [...]

In Chief Justice’s Annual Report, a History Lesson and Embrace of Independence

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. did not directly address the tensions between the Trump administration and federal judges who have blocked the president’s agenda. [...]

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Move to Revoke Deportation Protection for Thousands of Migrants

The ruling found that the administration’s cancellation of the protections for migrants from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua was illegal. [...]

Trump Abandons Efforts to Deploy National Guard to 3 Major Cities

The troops had nearly no presence in two of the cities, Portland and Chicago. But the decision signaled a retreat, at least for now, in one of the president’s most audacious attempts to test his power. [...]

Trump’s Veto of Water Project Is His Latest Targeted Hit on Colorado

The president seems to be at war with the Democratic-led state as he raises the pressure on Colorado leaders to release a convicted election denier, Tina Peters, from state prison. [...]

Research Library at NASA’s Goddard Space and Flight Center to Close Friday

Holdings from the library at the Goddard Space Flight Center, which includes unique documents from the early 20th century to the Soviet space race, will be warehoused or thrown out. [...]

A Timeline of Key Events in the Trump Administration’s Pursuit of Abrego Garcia

In its parallel efforts to prosecute Mr. Abrego Garcia and to re-expel him from the country, the Justice Department has spent countless hours and untold sums of money pursuing a single immigrant. [...]

Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year

Trump's order signed Wednesday keeps in place a 25% tariff he imposed in September on those goods, but delays for another year a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture and 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities. [...]

Federal employees file complaint against Trump administration's ban on gender-affirming care

The complaint argues that denying coverage of gender-affirming care is sex-based discrimination and asks the personnel office to rescind the policy. [...]

WATCH LIVE: Mamdani to be ceremonially sworn in as mayor of New York City

Mamdani's ceremonial swearing-in is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EST. [...]

Zohran Mamdani officially sworn in as New York City's mayor on a Quran full of symbolism

Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani took his midnight oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, marking the first time a mayor of New York City uses Islam's holy text to be sworn in and underscoring a series of historic firsts for the city. [...]

Jan. 6 attack 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress

In a closed-door interview, Smith characterized the Republican president as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. [...]

Why PolitiFact has labeled 2025 the 'Year of the Lies'

For the past 15 years, the fact-checkers at PolitiFact have sorted through hundreds of statements by politicians to name the "Lie of the Year." This year, the editors dubbed 2025 the "Year of the Lies." Lisa Desjardins discussed more with PolitiFact Editor-in-Chief Katie Sanders. A warning: some images in this story are disturbing. [...]

With major Supreme Court rulings ahead, Chief Justice Roberts says Constitution remains 'firm and unshaken'

Chief Justice John Roberts said Wednesday that the Constitution remains a sturdy pillar for the country, a message that comes after a tumultuous year in the nation's judicial system with pivotal Supreme Court decisions on the horizon. [...]

Montana's Supreme Court dismisses misconduct case against the state's attorney general

Montana's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a misconduct case against the state's attorney general after he defied court orders in a dispute over a law that gave the governor more power over the judiciary. [...]

U.S. military strikes three more alleged drug boats, killing 3 and possibly leaving survivors

A video posted by Southern Command on social media shows the boats traveling in a close formation, which is unusual. [...]

What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

States will have to provide more verification for the child care centers that receive funds from the Child Care and Development Fund, according to a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. [...]

Some on-air claims about Dominion Voting Systems were false, Fox News acknowledges in statement after deal is announced

Dominion still has pending lawsuits against election deniers such as Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell

Here are the 20 specific Fox broadcasts and tweets Dominion says were defamatory

• Fox-Dominion trial delay 'is not unusual,' judge says • Fox News' defamation battle isn't stopping Trump's election lies [...]

Judge in Fox News-Dominion defamation trial: 'The parties have resolved their case'

The judge just announced in court that a settlement has been reached in the historic defamation case between Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems. [...]

'Difficult to say with a straight face': Tapper reacts to Fox News' statement on settlement

A settlement has been reached in Dominion Voting Systems' defamation case against Fox News, the judge for the case announced. The network will pay more than $787 million to Dominion, a lawyer for the company said. [...]

Millions in the US could face massive consequences unless McCarthy can navigate out of a debt trap he set for Biden

• DeSantis goes to Washington, a place he once despised, looking for support to take on Trump • Opinion: For the GOP to win, it must ditch Trump • Chris Christie mulling 2024 White House bid • Analysis: The fire next time has begun burning in Tennessee [...]

White homeowner accused of shooting a Black teen who rang his doorbell turns himself in to face criminal charges

• 'A major part of Ralph died': Aunt of teen shot after ringing wrong doorbell speaks • 20-year-old woman shot after friend turned into the wrong driveway in upstate New York, officials say [...]

Newly released video shows scene of Jeremy Renner's snowplow accident

Newly released body camera footage shows firefighters and sheriff's deputies rushing to help actor Jeremy Renner after a near-fatal snowplow accident in January. The "Avengers" actor broke more than 30 bones and suffered other severe injuries. CNN's Chloe Melas has more. [...]

Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Lee Curtis spent the Covid-19 lockdown together

It's sourdough bread and handstands for Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Lee Curtis. [...]

Toddler crawls through White House fence, prompts Secret Service response

A tiny intruder infiltrated White House grounds Tuesday, prompting a swift response from the US Secret Service. [...]

Around 40 dead in Swiss ski resort bar fire

Around 115 are injured - some severely - in fire at Crans-Montana Swiss ski resort bar Le Constellation. [...]

BBC reports from the scene of Swiss resort bar fire

Dozens of people are believed to have died after a fire broke out during New Year's Eve celebrations. [...]

Netherlands police face 'unprecedented' New Year's violence

Reports of fireworks and other explosives being thrown are widespread across the country. [...]

Zelensky says peace deal is 90% ready in New Year address

Russian President Vladimir Putin used his New Year speech to tell troops that he "believed in you and our victory" in Ukraine. [...]

US military says five killed in latest strike on alleged drug boats

The latest strike comes as the US Coast Guard searches for survivors of another that happened a day earlier. [...]

Stranger Things draws to an epic and emotional close

Fans gathered at premieres in cities across the US and Canada to watch the finale on the big screen. [...]

Brazil legend Roberto Carlos recovering in hospital

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is "recovering well" after undergoing what he describes as "a preventative medical procedure". [...]

New discovery may challenge theory Vikings built first Irish towns - researcher

Dr Dirk Brandherm and his colleagues have identified more than 600 suspected house platforms in the Brusselstown Ring. [...]

Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates

Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt. [...]

Iran security force member killed during protests, officials say

A currency collapse has led to protests breaking out across the country, with unrest reported in several cities. [...]

Tag: Steve Benen

The Daily Planet, Vol. 62