Fighting gas prices, US to release 50 million barrels of oil

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is ordering 50 million barrels of oil released from America’s strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs. The White House says he’s acting in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including China, India, and the United Kingdom. The action, announced Tuesday, is aimed at global energy markets,…

Kyle Rittenhouse cleared of all charges in Kenosha shootings

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Kyle Rittenhouse has been acquitted of all charges after pleading self-defense in the deadly Kenosha, Wisconsin, shootings that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice. The jury came back with its verdict afer close to 3 1/2 days of deliberation. Rittenhouse, 18, could have gotten…

Dems’ sweeping social, climate bill passes divided House

WASHINGTON (AP) — A sharply divided House has approved the Democrats’ sweeping social and environment bill, a big victory for President Joe Biden. Republicans solidly opposed the measure, but Democrats prevailed after the party’s progressives and moderates ended months of disputes over its size and scope. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where moderates…

Pro-Parson committee fined for taking out-of-state donation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — An independent political action committee that supports Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has been fined $2,000 for violating a campaign finance law. The Missouri Ethics Commission in a consent order this week found Uniting Missouri accepted a $150,000 donation from a federal Republican Attorneys General Association PAC in October 2020. The…