A GOP reckoning in the wake of Rep. McCarthy tapes

Plus: Mask mandate update, DeSantis flexes power over Disney [View this email online]( [NPR Politics]( April 23, 2022 This week, we looked at Rep. McCarthy's Jan. 6 tapes, DeSantis vs. Disney and the mask mandate latest. Plus, the Biden administration's push to make schools greener. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Picture: The McCarthy tapes Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Republican Party is facing a new moment of reckoning tied to its top leaders and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. It follows the release of two private audio conversations involving House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, including [a tape]( published Friday in which he claims Trump admitted some responsibility for the insurrection. That tape was released on Friday as part of [a book tour for New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns]( who have shared new details about the Republican ire that played out behind closed doors soon after the siege. A day earlier, Martin and Burns shared another [McCarthy tape from a Jan. 10, 2021 House Republican leadership call](. Before the audio was released late Thursday, McCarthy had [denied he]( recommended Trump resign during that call. However, the tape exposed that was a lie. [While McCarthy faces a tricky conversation with his conference]( -- which could come when the House returns from a 2-week recess next week -- the ultimate judge is likely Trump. — [Claudia Grisales]( NPR Politics congressional reporter [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- ICYMI: Top Stories Matt Rourke/AP Transportation mask mandate: After a federal judge in Florida struck down the CDC’s mask mandate for public forms of transportation, [the Justice Department said it would appeal the ruling]( because the CDC determined the mandate "remains necessary to protect the public health." The ruling led to all major airlines, as well as several transportation systems and companies like Uber, to drop their mask mandates. Legal experts say, however, that [the judge’s ruling misunderstood public health law]( — and that the ruling could hamper the CDC’s ability to combat future outbreaks. The government's slow move to appeal the [mask decision could be a legal strategy.]( Palin’s comeback attempt: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is a beloved culture warrior on the right to her fans and supporters across the U.S. But back home in Alaska, [voters aren’t so sure they’re ready to support her]( recently announced campaign for the state’s sole House seat. Candidates and abuse allegations: Several Republican candidates in key Senate primaries have faced allegations of abuse. [Here’s a closer look at how the campaigns, the party and voters are reacting to the allegations.]( Title 42 latest: Democratic lawmakers and candidates are [calling for details on the Biden administration's plan to lift Title 42]( the controversial Trump-era migrant expulsion policy. They’re seeking answers on how the administration will handle an expected surge of migrants at the U.S. border. More Ukraine aid: President Biden announced the U.S. is [providing another $800 million to help Ukrainian forces fight the Russian invasion.]( The new package includes heavy artillery, ammunition and tactical drones. — [Brandon Carter]( NPR Politics social media producer Going Deeper: Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP DeSantis flexes power over Disney: Florida lawmakers approved Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' [controversial redistricting plan and curbed Disney's special jurisdiction](. The [latter came after weeks of battling]( between GOP leaders and Disney over a new law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. The move to punish Disney World threatens [to result in higher taxes]( the counties where Disney World is located. Democratic lawmakers resisted his congressional map until the final moments, staging a sit-in on the floor before the final vote. — [Heidi Glenn]( NPR Politics digital editor The Shot: LA Johnson/NPR Earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris visited an elementary school in Washington, D.C., and said this: "In most school districts, the second-largest yearly expense after salaries is the energy bill." Harris announced a new push to renovate public schools in ways that are healthier both for children and the planet. The program includes upgrades to heating and cooling systems, cleaner transportation and lower power costs through things like LED lights, better insulation and solar panels. [Here, NPR Ed Team’s take on two big reasons why]( schools could be a great place to work on reducing emissions. — [Heidi Glenn]( NPR Politics digital editor --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. 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