Rubio skips RNC to inadequately address Florida’s algae problem

A few prominent Republicans will be noticeably absent from the RNC this week, including Marco Rubio, who will be back in Florida campaigning for his Senate reelection instead. Back campaigning in the same state he once lost to Trump, Rubio is expected to concern himself with local problems again, including its toxic algae blooms.

Rocky day on convention floor underscores unsettled GOP mood

The sleek silver stage dominating the Quicken Loans Arena was empty for several minutes Monday afternoon during a confused scene: Delegates chanted "shame," yelled for a roll call vote, and pointed at a microphone that had been turned off. One yanked off his credentials and threw them to the floor.

Unconventional start: ‘Excitement and drama’ mark opening day of GOP assembly

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up Monday as he walks off the stage with his wife, Melania, during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. [AP Photo] CLEVELAND - Donald Trump made his first appearance at the Republican National Convention on Monday, introducing his wife and saying, "We're going to win.

The Latest: 2 Melania Trump passages mirror Michelle Obama

Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort walks off the floor of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena after talking to reporters, Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Cleveland. . Workers place a sign as they prepare at Quicken Loans Arena for the Republican National Convention, Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Cleveland.

Tumult over rules, condemnation of Clinton at GOP convention

Republicans cast Donald Trump as the right man for turbulent times as they opened their presidenReptial convention Monday against a backdrop of unsettling summer violence and deep discontent within their own party. For Trump, the convention was also an opportunity to assure party leaders and voters alike that there's a kinder gentler side to what many see as merely a brash businessman.

Nation-Now 36 mins ago 11:31 p.m.Top takeaways from night 1 of #RNCinCLE

A Republican convention we're unlikely to soon forget kicked off Monday , and within hours, it was clear this would not simply be a four-day Donald Trump love fest. Melania Trump came, she saw, she did just fine, and then walked off arm in arm with her husband to thunderous applause and the power chords of Queen's We Are The Champions .

Nation-Now 20 mins ago 11:47 p.m.Muslim group accuses Republicans of intolerance

As the Republican National Convention got underway in Cleveland, delegates faced increasing questions Monday about their party's positions toward Muslims in America and abroad, with a leading Islamic group accusing the GOP of intolerance. "For too long the Republican Party has been using fear as a political tool to drive a wedge between Islamic Americans and other Americans," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, speaking not far from the hall where the convention began Monday.

Melania Trump In Spotlight On First Night Of Republican Convention

The first night of the Republican National Convention is focused on national security, with presumptive nominee Donald Trump designating the theme as "Make America Safe Again." The highlight of the evening will be when Trump's wife, Melania, speaks, with her husband slated to introduce her in his first public appearance in Cleveland.

Struggle to unify GOP evident as convention opens

Illinois delegate Christian Gramm, left, and other delegates react as some call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016. less Illinois delegate Christian Gramm, left, and other delegates react as some call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, ... more Donald Trump promised a "monumentally magnificent" display of at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, which kicked off Monday.

Gingrich tells NY delegates to reach out to minorities

The New York State Republican delegation had already been served breakfast, but they still had room for several servings of political red meat from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich . President Barack Obama and his Democratic would-be successor Hillary Clinton were "breaking their country down" at home and abroad, the Republican firebrand told a packed banquet hall at the Renaissance Hotel just a few blocks away from where the Republican National Convention convened for its first session Monday afternoon.

Tunnel collapse risk probed at busy Arizona border crossing

The federal government said Monday it will investigate whether a floodwater drainage tunnel under a busy U.S.-Mexico border crossing in Arizona is at imminent risk of collapse and poses a safety threat to border crossing motorists and federal officers working there. The General Services Administration said in a statement it will launch the study of the tunnel under the Nogales, Arizona, crossing next month.