Biden pledges fight for voting rights, police reform in SC State address

President Joe Biden addressed South Carolina State University graduates and pledged to fight for stalled voting rights and police reform legislation.

Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride

Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.

Biden, Manchin at odds over $2T social spending bill, AP source says

According to a person familiar with the talks, President Joe Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin are said to be sharply divided over Democrats’ huge social and environmental bill.

Groundbreaking on memorial dedicated to victims of Atlanta Child Murders

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and other Atlanta leaders gathered for the groundbreaking for a memorial to the victims of the Atlanta Child Murders.

Biden visits Kentucky to survey tornado damage, offer support

President Joe Biden on Wednesday traveled to the tornado-ravaged state of Kentucky to survey damage and offer federal support for the victims.

bell hooks, acclaimed author, feminist, dies at 69

bell hooks, the author, educator and activist whose explorations of how race, gender, economics and politics intertwine made her among the most influential feminist thinkers of her time, has died.

OJ Simpson a ‘completely free man’; parole ends in Nevada

O.J. Simpson is a free man. A Nevada State Police spokeswoman said the 74-year-old former football star and actor, acquitted California murder defendant and convicted Las Vegas armed robber was discharged from parole effective Dec. 1.

New Georgia Freedom Caucus seeks right turn in state policy

A group of Georgia Republican lawmakers announced the launch Tuesday of a Freedom Caucus in the state’s General Assembly, vowing to move outcomes to the political right even as the majority GOP-legislature girds for an election-year session that could be dominated by appeals to Republican primary voters.

Derek Chauvin guilty plea expected in George Floyd federal case

Derek Chauvin has notified the federal court in Minnesota of a change of plea to charges that he violated George Floyd's constitutional rights. A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. at the federal courthouse in St. Paul. 

Biden administration unveils plan for electric vehicle charging station network

The Biden administration has released a federal strategy to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the country and ultimately transform the U.S. auto industry.

Biden signs order aimed at improving government services for public

President Biden signed an executive order that aims to offer better and more efficient services for the millions of routine interactions people have with the government.

Elon Musk named Time's 2021 Person of the Year

Time has named Elon Musk, the world’s richest man who leads electric car maker Tesla and rocket company SpaceX, as its 2021 Person of the Year.

Anne Rice, 'Interview With the Vampire' author, dies at 80

Anne Rice was the author of the 1976 novel “Interview With the Vampire,” which was adapted into the 1994 movie and is also set to be adapted again in an upcoming TV series.

Vicente Fernández, beloved Mexican singer, dies at 81

Vicente Fernández,was known for hits such as “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver” and “Lástima que seas ajena,” and his command of the ranchera and mariachi styles of music attracted fans far beyond Mexico’s borders.

Jan. 6 panel issues more subpoenas to Trump aides in US Capitol riot

The subpoenas were issued to Robert “Bobby” Peede Jr. and Max Miller, who the committee says met with Trump in his private dining room on Jan. 4; Brian Jack, Trump's political director at the time; and rally organizers Bryan Lewis, Ed Martin and Kimberly Fletcher.