Pence touts tax cuts, slams Manchin in West Virginia

Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit Wednesday to a truck dealership in West Virginia, touting the tax cuts enacted by the Republican-controlled Congress while slamming the state's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who voted against the plan. Manchin faces re-election this year.

Chicago Cubs Co-Owner Todd Ricketts Named New RNC Finance Chairman

Then-President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, after they met in Bedminster, N.J., during the transition in November 2016. The Republican National Committee has named Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts its new finance chairman days after its former fundraising chief, real estate and casino magnate Steve Wynn, stepped down amid allegations of sexual assault.

Two US lawmakers voice concerns over Philip Morris tobacco trials

Two Democratic U.S. senators said they have fresh concerns over clinical trials conducted by Philip Morris International Inc as it seeks U.S. clearance to market its iQOS electronic tobacco product as less risky than cigarettes, according to statements both senators provided to Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A man uses a Philip Morris iQOS e-cigarette in Tokyo, Japan May 12, 2017.

Human trafficking survivors face waiting lists after government cuts funds

Trafficking victims in Fresno can turn to a network of advocates in the Central Valley who can help them find emergency shelter, counseling, long-term programs and even host makeover events. Melissa Gomez of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Debra Rush of Breaking the Chains and Ana Lopez of Beauty for Ashes discuss what their organizations do and how they work together.

Gov. Colyer promises ‘new day’ for Kansas after taking oath

Republican Jeff Colyer promised a "new day" of openness Wednesday shortly after taking the oath as Kansas' governor, then made overtures to a skeptical GOP-controlled Legislature on the divisive issue of public school spending. Colyer, the state's longest-serving lieutenant governor, replaced former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback immediately after Brownback stepped down to become U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

Former North Dakota GOP chairman announces bid for US Senate

Emineth said Wednesday in an interview on WDAY-AM that he's entering the race for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. Emineth, a Bismarck businessman, said earlier this week he began considering a run after U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer passed up a challenge to Heitkamp.

Cardin: Releasing Nunes Memo Would Be a Sad And Dangerousa

Sen. Ben Cardin said Republicans are trying to compromise the independence of the Justice Department with their push to release a classified GOP memo alleging the FBI abused its surveillance authority. Asked in an interview on CNN's "New Day" Wednesday if he was prepared for the memo to come out, the Maryland Democrat said, "To me this is sad and dangerous."

Coloradans disapprove of elected officials, show bipartisan DACA support, CU Boulder survey shows

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals supporter John Peterson holds a sign and chants with others during a protest on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder in September 2017. Coloradans are increasingly displeased with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle but show bipartisan support for undocumented youth to remain in the country, according to a University of Colorado political climate survey conducted by the nonpartisan American Politics Research Lab.

More Russian sanctions to come, Mnuchin says

New U.S. sanctions will follow the publication of a list of Russian billionaires and top Russian officials, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Tuesday. Mnuchin said the "oligarchs list" wasn't delayed by President Donald Trump's administration, after it was published late Monday, just as a congressionally mandated deadline was set to expire.

Pressed on Trump, Pruitt softens ’16 assessment

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt sought to distance himself Tuesday from his 2016 statements that then-presidential candidate Donald Trump is a bully who, if elected, would abuse the Constitution. Pruitt made the comments in February 2016 while appearing on a conservative talk radio program in Oklahoma, where he served as the state's Republican attorney general.

Nevada regulators open investigation into Steve Wynn

Allegations of sexual misconduct by casino tycoon Steve Wynn have prompted Nevada's powerful Gaming Control Board to launch an investigation, a move that could bring the billionaire's financial empire into further peril. The Gaming Control Board said in a statement Tuesday that an inquiry is underway, although very few other details were released.

Experts question Trump decision to hold off on Russian sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision not to impose sanctions on Russia for now, under a law overwhelmingly passed by Congress, represents a missed opportunity to deter the Kremlin's aggressive behavior, former U.S. officials and Russia specialists said on Tuesday. The Trump administration late on Monday said it would not immediately impose sanctions under the law, designed to punish Moscow for meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Donnelly-Supported Legislation to Protect Amateur Athletes from Sexual Abuse Passes House

Bipartisan legislation that U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly helped introduce and pass in the Senate last fall to protect amateur athletes from sexual abuse passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act would require amateur athletics governing bodies to report sex-abuse allegations immediately to law enforcement or a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department.

Trump’s Decision to Postpone Russia Sanctions Splits Lawmakers Along Party Lines

Republicans and Democrats are at odds over the Trump administration's decision Monday to hold off on new sanctions that target Russia's intelligence and defense sectors. Lawmakers included the Russia sanctions in a bill signed reluctantly by President Donald Trump in August.