The Latest: NAACP says Trump won’t speak at convention

The NAACP says Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has declined an invitation to address the group's upcoming convention in Ohio. NAACP president Cornell William Brooks told CNN Tuesday that the presumptive GOP nominee had rejected the invitation to address the nation's oldest and largest civil rights group.

GOP ‘dump Trump’ rebels mobilize ahead of the convention

From a spartan 16th-floor office they've rented just blocks from this week's preliminary meetings of the Republican National Convention, some of the GOP rebels trying to head off Donald Trump are laying the groundwork for revolt. Dumping the party's presumptive presidential nominee is a longshot.

Walorski Campaign Announces Over $1 Million Cash on Hand After…

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Tuesday announced her campaign will report $1.05 million cash on hand as of June 30 after raising more than $350,000 during the second quarter of 2016. I'm energized by the overwhelming grassroots support from Hoosiers in every corner of Indiana's Second District," Walorski said.

Donald Trump Wants an Attack Dog as His Running Mate

Pence, Gingrich make the final cut in Trump's VP search, sources say - Indianapolis As anticipation builds for Donald Trump to name his vice presidential pick, two hopefuls - Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich - appear to be the front-runners, according to a person familiar with the deliberations.

Californiaa s drought may be easing, but fight over water persists

California Republicans are spreading out their bets in their annual effort to steer more water to the state's farmers. Framed by a hearing Tuesday, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives will vote this week on whether to retain farmer-friendly California water provisions in an Interior Department funding bill for the fiscal year that begins in October.

Moulitsas: Stuck with Trump

For a party that pretentiously parades around with pocket Constitutions, it was funny seeing the Republican standard-bearer betray his ignorance of the most foundational of American documents: "Not only will I stand up for Article I, I'll stand up for Article II, Article 12 [sic], you name it, of the Constitution." You name it! Because Donald Trump Clinton ally: Secret GOP donor issues challenge to Trump WATCH LIVE: Trump campaigns with Pence amid VP speculation Budowsky: If Trump were black MORE This is who Republicans have running their show.

Congressmen: No commercial flights to Cuba yet

Several members of Congress want to block the start of scheduled commercial flights between the United States and Cuba, saying that security measures on the island might not be sufficient. Rep. John Katko, R-New York, said the move has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the security of the flying public.

Budowsky: If Trump were black

As voters hunger for a healing of racial wounds in a nation that comes together, the Republican Congress is preparing to take a lengthy vacation between its endless partisan witch hunts of Hillary Rodham Clinton Budowsky: If Trump were black Davis: What the facts tell us about Clinton's 'carelessness' Moulitsas: Stuck with Trump MORE , which remind voters why they hold this Congress in contempt, and the coming Republican National Convention, which is shaping up as a Woodstock festival for Clinton haters who will nominate one of the most bitterly divisive candidates in American history for president. Successful politics is about addition - of voters and groups to create a governing majority for a governing party.

Three words that Republicans wrestle with: – Black Lives Matter’

Protesters with the Black Lives Matter movement argue with police to let them walk down the sidewalk during a rally outside Graceland on Elvis Presley Blvd Tuesday afternoon, July 12, 2016 in Memphis, Tenn. Hours after he branded himself the "law and order" candidate for president, Donald Trump weighed in another politically loaded term - one he proudly rejected: "Black Lives Matter."

Christie out of the running for Trump’s vice president, report says

An unidentified adviser to the presumptive Republican candidate for president told US News Trump has narrowed his search to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, former House speaker Newt Gingrich and retired lieutenant general Michael Flynn. The final decision could be announced later this week.

AG Lynch defends decision on Clinton email inquiry

Attorney General Loretta Lynch steadfastly defended her decision to close the Hillary Clinton email investigation without criminal charges, insisting Tuesday that she simply accepted the unanimous recommendation of career FBI investigators and attorneys. "I accepted that recommendation.

Obama to honor 5 Dallas officers shot by man out for revenge

President Barack Obama is in different city but still in an all-too-familiar place as he prepares to lead the nation in honoring more lives cut short by gun violence, this time five white police officers slain by a black man who said he wanted revenge for the killings of blacks by police. From President Obama to Speaker Paul Ryan and even Newt Gingrich, politicians on July 8 preached a message of unity in the face of a violent week that saw both black and white Americans targeted.

Pence’s unflappability could help Trump stay cool

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks as his wife Karen, looks on at the opening ceremony for the Cops Cycling for Survivors fundraising bike ride in Indianapolis, Monday, July 11, 2016. Pence is being considered as a possible running mate for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who is expected to decide this week, and the two are expected to attend a fundraiser and rally together Tuesday evening.