Mr. Biden, who is expected to announce a 2020 presidential campaign this month, issued a statement acknowledging that he had engaged in “expressions of affection” toward people but said, “not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately.”

The details: Here’s a look at Ms. Flores, her political career, and her more recent efforts to speak out about social justice, sexism and harassment.

Another angle: Several Democratic candidates are focused on attracting small donations to prove their grass-roots appeal, but they’re also privately courting major donors.

New York budget is lined with progressive initiatives

The State Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo agreed on Sunday to a $175 billion budget intended to change the way millions of New Yorkers commute, shop and vote.

The deal, which Mr. Cuomo hailed as “transformative,” includes a congestion pricing plan with a toll for vehicles traveling below 60th Street. How much it will be and which vehicles might be exempt have yet to be decided.

The details: Other provisions include a ban on many plastic bags, but not — as activists had hoped — measures to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Here are seven takeaways.