Bill to create legislative oversight entity revived in House committee

A bill that would create a new legislative entity to oversee state and local governments was revived Monday after several GOP lawmakers changed their votes. HB175 faltered in a House committee earlier this month as a result of "healthy tension" between the branches of government, the bill's sponsor Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, said at the time.

Democrats eye state Senate control, House upset in Minnesota

Minnesota voters were choosing successors Monday for two legislators who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, as Democrats sought to remain in striking distance of taking back the state Senate and add a solidly Republican state House seat to their list of upsets leading up to the midterms. The rare Monday special elections were triggered by the resignations of GOP Rep. Tony Cornish and Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen late last year after they were accused by several women of sexual harassment.

Understanding the Media’s Ugly Weekendby David French When it comes…

Two is a travesty. But what about three, then four, then five? What if some of them adopt a seemingly celebratory tone as they recount alleged diplomatic triumphs over Vice President Mike Pence? That was this weekend - article after article, tweet after tweet.

Special election in Minnesota may test anti-Trump winds, affect Senate control

Today's special election for a Cottage Grove-area state Senate district will provide the latest barometer for how Democrats can capitalize on a midterm swoon for Republicans nationwide and cue up a fight for control over a closely divided Senate. But the Democratic and Republican candidates are doing their best to tune out the high stakes surrounding the unusual Monday special election, instead focusing on their legislative credentials from previous stints at the Capitol.

LOVETT: GOP boss seeks probe into Cuomo over ‘abetting’ Percoco

State GOP Chairman Ed Cox is calling on Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. to investigate Gov. Cuomo and his office. Cox, in a letter to be delivered Monday to Vance's office, says testimony coming out of the trial of former Cuomo aide and confidante Joseph Percoco raises questions about "what role other executive chamber employees, including the governor, played in Mr. Percoco's unlawful acts and whether they knowingly aided and abetted or acquiesced to such unlawful acts."

Howe’s folly a new black eye for Bharara, legal experts say

The following is an expanded version of the third item from my "Albany Insider" column that was cut for space from Monday's print editions: The embarrassment of seeing their star witness in the trial against former long-time Gov. Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco put behind bars for violating his cooperation deal with prosecutors could be another black eye for former crusading Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's legacy, legal and political sources say. Prosecutors had made it clear Howe's background was one of frequent lies and crimes.

As Congress Debates Immigration, DREAMers Are In Limbo Along With Their Families

Kim Jong-un's Sister Turns on the Charm, Taking Pence's Spotlight - PYEONGCHANG, South Korea - When the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, decided to send a large delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea this month, the world feared he might steal the show. Pence: The United States is ready to talk with North Korea - Despite the mutual chilliness between U.S. and North Korean officials in South Korea last week, behind the scenes real progress was made toward a new diplomatic opening that could result in direct talks without preconditions between Washington and Pyongyang.

Trump to Israel Hayom: The Palestinians are not looking to make peace

Kim Jong-un's Sister Turns on the Charm, Taking Pence's Spotlight - PYEONGCHANG, South Korea - When the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, decided to send a large delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea this month, the world feared he might steal the show. Pence: The United States is ready to talk with North Korea - Despite the mutual chilliness between U.S. and North Korean officials in South Korea last week, behind the scenes real progress was made toward a new diplomatic opening that could result in direct talks without preconditions between Washington and Pyongyang.

Election may test anti-Trump winds, affect Senate control

Monday's special election for a Cottage Grove-area state Senate district will provide the latest barometer for how Democrats can capitalize on a midterm swoon for Republicans nationwide and cue up a fight for control over a closely divided Senate. But the Democratic and Republican candidates are doing their best to tune out the high stakes surrounding the unusual Monday special election, instead focusing on their legislative credentials from previous stints at the Capitol.

How can Republicans stop losing seats in special elections?

Scott Walker has a plan: stop holding them . It may not surprise you that he's willing to violate Wisconsin law in doing so: The governor is deliberately denying Wisconsinites representation in the legislature by refusing to call special elections to fill open seats in the State Assembly and the State Senate.

Maine’s lame duck governor to work until ‘very last minute’

In this Sept. 22, 2017 file photo, Maine Gov. Paul LePage attends a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss health care and tax reform in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Complex in Washington.

NYT Celebrates MSNBC’s Joy Reid, ‘Hero of the Resistance,’ Downplays Homophobic Posts

The front of today's New York Times Sunday Styles section features a profile of MSNBC host Joy Reid, " A Hero of the Resistance, " by Laura Holson. The online headline's subhead: "The daughter of immigrants, she spars fiercely with supporters of President Trump, both on the air and in the Twitter ether."

Alabama Legislature pitches election reform measures following Senate election stunner

Democrat Doug Jones celebrates his Election Night victory on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, during Alabama's special U.S. Senate contest. It could be the last time a special Senate election can occur in Alabama if legislation to do away with them becomes law.

Medicaid expansion high on fiscal session to-do list

At the state Capitol on Wednesday, bill custodian JoAnn Drew sorts through appropriation bills that will be introduced in the Senate when the legislative fiscal session begins Monday. Ahead of Arkansas' fiscal legislative session that starts Monday, supporters of the state's version of Medicaid expansion have been urging Senate critics of the controversial program to vote to fund it once lawmakers convene.

Palin addresses Republicans at annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner in Denton

Sarah Palin, the ninth governor of Alaska, levied accusations against the press, attacked "fake feminists" and called Texas to "revitalize our identity" during Saturday night's Lincoln Reagan Dinner, hosted by the Denton County GOP. More than a thousand people attended Saturday's events, which included a silent auction and a tabling event for local election candidates, as well as a dinner that honored Palin as the night's keynote speaker.

State House of Representatives passes bills seeking to increase fight against opioids

The Washington House passed measures Friday that require drug manufacturers and doctors to do more to fight opioid abuse, part of an effort to save the lives of hundreds of state residents who die as result of overdose every year. House Bill 1047 was passed by an 86-12 vote, while House Bill 2489 received unanimous approval.