The State Department defended a memo from Secretary of State Antony Blinken this month that urged staffers to steer clear of gendered language such as “mother” and “manpower.”  “If you look at that memo, as I have done, it’s a standard government practice to try to encourage people to just to be respectful of others, and use the terms with which others are comfortable, and talk to people...

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced Monday that he has requested a federal major disaster declaration to help communities hit by severe rainfall and flooding in December. Such a declaration would allow municipalities to be reimbursed for 75% of eligible costs, such as debris removal, road and public building repairs, and staff overtime related to cleanup from the storm, Scott said. VERMONT GOP GOVERNOR PROPOSES $8.6 BILLION BUDGET, URGES...