Nation/World

Read the latest national and world news, including stories from Newsday's reporters in Washington, D.C.

National Guard troops keep watch at the Capitol

Law enforcement on alert after plot warning at U.S. Capitol

Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a "possible plot" by a militia group to storm the iconic building again.

U.S. jobless claims tick up to 745,000 as layoffs remain high
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.
9:19 AM
House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition
House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.
Eager to act, Biden and Democrats leave Republicans behind
President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress are jamming their agenda forward with a sense of urgency, an unapologetically partisan approach based on the calculation that it's better to advance the giant COVID-19 rescue package and other priorities than waste time courting Republicans who may never compromise.
Newsday recommends Need a guide to Biden's picks for his Cabinet and top jobs? We've got one.
Do you recognize this Cabinet member elbow bumping with the VP? She was confirmed Thursday.
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1600: Mask war flares; Biden rips 'Neanderthal thinking'
Biden condemned some states' plans to end their mask and other COVID-19 rules for ignoring science as the U.S. is at a crossroads while vaccinations are stepped up.
Janison: Days of Trump driving his story have ended
Real news, including fallout from Trump's chaotic term, buries the ex-president's fictional narratives.
Police uncover 'possible plot' by militia to breach Capitol
The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Trump will rise again to power on March 4.
2:37 Newsday recommends This is what 24 LI girls want to see from Biden and Harris
Newsday asked girls what they think President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris can do to help women and girls. Twenty-four responded with their ideas.
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2 top Cuomo aides leave governor's office
Gareth Rhodes and Will Burns are departing at a time when the governor faces sexual harassment allegations.
U.S. forces: Rockets hit airbase in Iraq hosting U.S. troops
At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq today, said the U.S.-led coalition there and the Iraqi military. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.
1600: Supply boost could speed enough vaccine for all
Biden moved up the U.S. supply timeline for COVID-19 vaccines as he touted a World War II-style production deal between two rival pharmaceutical giants.
Janison: Biden's nonradical restoration
Restoration or resumption may be the theme in these first 100 Biden days than revolution, including critical issues where Trump simply checked out.