RPT-With Dakota denial, outlook for U.S. pipelines turns murky

Dec 5 The U.S. Army's denial of an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline, after permitting and legal obligations were followed, sets an uncertain precedent for new projects despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to support energy infrastructure. The decision came after months of protests by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and others who said the line could desecrate tribal grounds, or a spill could contaminate drinking water.

Nancy Pelosi: I don’t think Democrats want a new direction

The newly elected Minority Leader insisted Sunday Dems aren't looking for a "new direction" even after the bruising Election Day defeats and a GOP monopoly in Washington. A defiant - and possibly delusional - Pelosi stood firm about her party's future when pressed with what she'll do differently to deal with Democrat discontent.

Wyden blasts Russian intervention during election at talk with…

Nearly 100 students at Hillsboro High School participated in the town hall-style meeting with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden on Friday, peppering him with questions, many involving the Internet and immigration. Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon in the U.S. Congress, called the Dec. 2 town hall a 'listening session' with area students, but also took time to address an issue he brought up in Washington, D.C., in the last few weeks.

Mnuchin to See Early If Treasury’s Spotlight Flatters or Blinds

U.S. Treasury Secretary-nominee Steven Mnuchin says he's qualified for the job based on years of success in the world of private finance. Entering the public stage, where unforgiving global markets and partisan wrangling await him, the political newcomer will find out within his first few days whether he's ready.

Presidential election recount set to begin in Wisconsin

The first candidate-driven statewide recount of a presidential election in 16 years was set to begin Thursday in Wisconsin, a state that Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point over Hillary Clinton after polls long predicted a Clinton victory. Presidential election recount set to begin in Wisconsin, a state where Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point over Hillary Clinton (AFP The recount requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein carries none of the drama of the Florida presidential recount of 2000, when the outcome of the election between Al Gore and George W. Bush hung in the balance.

Trump expected to pick Mnuchin, Wilbur for Treasury, Commerce heads

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name his former campaign finance chief Steven Mnuchin as Treasury secretary and investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce secretary as early as tomorrow, a top transition source confirms to NBC News. The picks will add two billionaire businessmen to a cabinet that's thus far largely been filled out by Washington lawmakers and political insiders.

Otter for interior secretary? The speculation continues…

Might Idaho Gov. Butch Otter be considered for interior secretary in a Trump administration? Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker explored the possibilities in a column over the holiday; you can read it here . Two previous Idaho governors were appointed secretary of the interior Cecil Andrus under President Jimmy Carter, and Dirk Kempthorne under President George W. Bush.

Trump would hike taxes for some in middle class

Trump would hike taxes for some in middle class President-elect Trump's proposals modestly cut income taxes for most middle-class Americans. Check out this story on pal-item.com: http://usat.ly/2gvFbsL President-elect Donald Trump speaks during his meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

For Democrats, the road back

One of the more salutary outcomes of the recent election is that Democrats are finally beginning to question the wisdom of basing their fortunes on identity politics. Having counted on the allegiance of African-Americans, Hispanics, gays, unmarried women and the young - and winning the popular vote all but once since 1992 - they were seduced into believing that they could ride this "coalition of the ascendant" into permanent command of the presidency.

Democrats hurt by tribalism at home, universalism abroad

One of the more salutary outcomes of the recent election is that Democrats are finally beginning to question the wisdom of basing their fortunes on identity politics. Having counted on the allegiance of African-Americans, Hispanics, gays, unmarried women and the young - and winning the popular vote all but once since 1992 - they were seduced into believing that they could ride this "coalition of the ascendant" into permanent command of the presidency.