It may be easier to break Trump’s grip on the GOP than once feared

Interpretation of the news based on evidence, including data, as well as anticipating how events might unfold based on past events Sen. Susan Collins arrives ahead of President Trump's first address before a joint session of Congress, on Feb. 28 at the U.S. Capitol. Both Democrats sincerely concerned about the viability of a sane, two-party system and #NeverTrump Republicans horrified at what's become of their once-admirable party have been pondering since Election Day how - or if - the GOP can free itself from President Trump's grip.

Trump recruiting challengers to GOP Sen. Jeff Flake

President Donald Trump and White House officials have had a series of conversations with prospective Republican candidates about challenging Arizona GOP Sen. Jeff Flake in the 2018 primary. Kelli Ward, who has already launched her campaign, and Robert Graham, a former state GOP chair and Trump adviser who is considering it, both told CNN on Monday they have had multiple conversations with White House officials about opposing Flake in the Senate primary.

Protesters opposing GOP health care bill descend upon lawmakers, some arrested

Protesters around the country on Thursday responded to lawmakers who declined to hold town halls by bringing their complaints straight to the doors of their elected officials' offices. From Arkansas to Arizona, supporters of Obamacare chanted, sang songs and in some cases, got arrested as they made their case against the Senate Republican health care bill.

Foes of Obamacare repeal invite public to event Friday

Yuma County leaders will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Friday to call on Arizona Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain, both Republicans, to oppose the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and a new health care bill supported by President Trump. Local residents are also invited to share personal stories about how the repeal of the ACA would affect their lives.

Senate health bill will ‘blow a hole’ in Arizona budget, business leaders say

Senate health bill will 'blow a hole' in Arizona budget, business leaders say Arizona hospitals and business leaders worry the Senate health bill could harm health providers, patients and Arizona's economy. Check out this story on azcentral.com: http://azc.cc/2thfXco The Congressional Budget Office estimates twenty-two million fewer people would be insured by 2026 under the GOP's proposed health care plan.

Just In: Trump’s EPA Quietly Pushes Back Biz-Crushing Obama-Era Rule

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and the Trump administration are quietly delaying the implementation of a major Environmental Protection Agency air pollution rule from the Obama administration. Governors were notified this week of the delay of an ozone pollution rule.

Congress needs to reassert itself on use of force

The Trump Administration, like its predecessors, has shown an apparent appetite for the use of force overseas. The "mother of all bombs" dropped on Syrian troops, saber-rattling toward North Korea, deployments of U.S. forces in 10 or more countries -- all of this suggests a growing comfort with the idea of putting our troops in dangerous places.

AP Analysis: Trump thrusts US presidency into perilous area

The White House is seen in Washington, Tuesday night, May 9, 2017. President Donald Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey on May 9, 2017, ousting the nation's top law enforcement official in the midst of an investigation into whether Trump's campaign had ties to Russia's election meddling.

Former President Barack Obama, center, is presented with the 2017 Profile in Courage award

Former President Barack Obama, in his first public comments about the ongoing debate over his signature health care plan, implored members of Congress on Sunday to demonstrate political courage even if it goes against their party's positions. Obama briefly returned to the spotlight as he accepted the annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award at JFK's presidential library in Boston.

Are Arizona teachers getting a raise or a bonus?

The legislative budget proposal includes a 2 percent pay hike over the next two years for teachers, but it may not be permanent. Are Arizona teachers getting a raise or a bonus? The legislative budget proposal includes a 2 percent pay hike over the next two years for teachers, but it may not be permanent.

Teenager slams top Republican senator during testy town hall

A 16-year-old girl from Tucson slammed Arizona Republican senator Jeff Flake during a town hall on Thursday, grilling him over his support for a law that will give states the right to deny Title X funds to family-planning centers that also provide abortions, like Planned Parenthood. President Trump signed the bill into law on Thursday, the same day as Flake's town hall, and it was seen by many as a strike at Planned Parenthood, which uses Title X money to provide healthcare to millions of low-income women across the country.

AZ Memo: Gorsuch takes his seat; Valley home sales keep climbing;…

AZ Memo: Gorsuch takes his seat; Valley home sales keep climbing; Woman gives birth following I-17 collision Good morning, Arizona, and happy Monday! Here's what you need to know. Check out this story on azcentral.com: http://azc.cc/2plOjEK Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch smiles as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 21, 2017, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

GOP Senator Says Trump Should Apologize to Obama and Move On, and He’s Right

In a radio interview, Senator Jeff Flake stated that he believes President Trump should apologize to President Obama for his false allegations of "wiretapping" Trump Tower. That's pretty sound advice, so the chances of Trump paying any heed are virtually nil.

Judges’ response to Trump criticism: Silence

Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch meets with Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch meets with Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Short Circuit: Bill Aims to Deep-Six 9th

How big is the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals? The San-Francisco-based circuit is so big that it represents nine states, including Nevada, 20 percent of the U.S. population and 40 percent of the nation's land mass. It's so big that Congress has looked at bills to split the circuit since 1941, and it's so big that none of those measures have succeeded.

The government came up with ridiculous ways to waste your money in 2016

The National Science Foundation and UC San Diego spent $1.5 million to put a mudskipper fish on a treadmill. The federal government spent huge taxpayer dollars to study the popularity of Barbie dolls and how long a fish could exercise on a treadmill, according to a new report by a U.S. senator.