Reuters US Domestic News Summary
Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs.
Some U.S. governors order state-run liquor stores to stop selling Russian vodka
The governors of a handful of U.S. states have ordered government-run liquor stores to stop selling Russian-made vodka and distilled spirits in solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Russia's invasion of the neighboring country. Utah Governor Spencer Cox became the latest over the weekend, instructing the state's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on Saturday to take off all Russian-produced and branded products from the shelves of its retail stores.
Hats, flags and deafening cheers: Conservative gathering consecrates Trump
At a large weekend gathering of conservatives in Florida, attendees browsed a sea of merchandise emblazoned with "Trump": Pink cowboy hats, sparkly purses, and T-shirts touting him as the 2024 presidential candidate. But buried within the brassy rows of Trump merchandise at The MAGA Mall store were hats touting another figure: Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seen as a potential 2024 rival to former President Donald Trump, who has hinted repeatedly that he wants to run again.
U.S. Democrats stockpile lawyers, money to fight Republican voting laws
Democrats are gearing up to spend record sums on lawyers, advertising and other protect-the-vote efforts before the 2022 midterm elections, hoping to stave off Republican efforts they believe will choke off access to the ballot box. Worried that a spate of more restrictive voting laws adopted by Republican-controlled states will keep Democrats from registering their votes, donors big and small are filling their party's coffers.
Bill that would protect abortion rights faces dim chances in U.S. Senate
A bill to protect the right to have an abortion in the United States is likely to fail when it faces a procedural vote in the Senate on Monday. But with the future of abortion access in the country in doubt, Democratic leaders are facing pressure from abortion rights advocates to hold a vote on the Women´s Health Protection Act anyway.
Exxon Texas refinery lockout to end on March 7
Exxon Mobil Corp said a 10-month lockout of union workers at a southeast Texas refinery would end on March 7 following acceptance of a return-to-work agreement on Saturday. "Employees will return to work beginning March 7, 2022, with their exact date of return depending on their normally scheduled shift," the company said in a message to employees on Saturday afternoon.
U.S. Capitol barricades return as truckers head to Washington
Federal authorities are reinstalling fencing around the U.S. Capitol as Washington prepares for planned trucker protests inspired by demonstrations in Canada against COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, police said on Sunday. Authorities were taking the step to protect President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech scheduled for Tuesday and to "prevent any disruption to the important work of Congress," U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said.
New York City Comptroller to suggest Russian assets for divestment
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on Sunday said he plans to specify Russian assets for city pension boards to "consider for divestment" in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a statement emailed by a spokesperson, Lander said he will specify the assets after reviews, and said final decisions on asset sales are made by the five boards that oversee city pension assets.
Biden administration to push congress for $6.4 billion in aid to Ukraine - Schumer
The Biden Administration will ask Congress for $6.4 billion dollars in economic and military aid to help Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Sunday. Schumer said the request would be added to a spending bill expected to reach the Senate floor next week.
New York will end statewide school mask mandate on March 2 - governor
New York state will end its mask mandate for schools and childcare facilities on Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul said, citing a steep drop in COVID-19 cases. "It wasn't always easy, but students, educators and parents stepped up to fight this pandemic," Hochul tweeted on Sunday. "We've reached this exciting milestone because of your hard work."
Trump wins CPAC conservative meeting's 2024 presidential straw poll
Some 59% of attendees at the CPAC conservative conference in Florida want former Republican President Donald Trump to be the party's 2024 presidential candidate, according to a straw poll released on Sunday. Underscoring the unparalleled sway Trump enjoys over the Republican base, his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, garnered 28% of votes at the Conservative Political Action Conference gathering in Orlando.
