Standing Up To The Politics Of Greed: Rebecca Otto [Greg Laden’s Blog]

The amazing Betty Folliard, former school board member, Minnesota house representative, and the woman behind a number of important political campaign, has a radio show on AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota called " A Woman's Place ." Rebecca explains why she is running, and gives us a run down of her background, including the time she took over Michele Bachmann's old senate district.

GOP legislative agenda incomplete, lags as Congress returns

In this May 10, 2017 file photo, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas talks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Trump and his GOP allies on Capitol Hill have made it through nearly half their first year in power without a single major legislative achievement.

Mattis turns up heat on North Korea and China

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis turned up the heat on North Korea and its main benefactor, China, on Saturday, calling the North Koreans a "clear and present danger" and chastising the Chinese for coercive behavior in the South China Sea. His sharp words for both countries suggest he believes China will, out of self-interest, exert leverage on North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile programs even as Washington pushes Beijing to change course in the South China Sea.

Special counsel’s investigation includes Paul Manafort case

The special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, the Associated Press has learned. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Manafort, who was forced to resign as Trump campaign chairman in August amid questions over his business dealings years ago in Ukraine, predated the 2016 election and the counterintelligence probe that in July began investigating possible collusion between Moscow and associates of Trump.

Nunes Committee Asked for ‘Unmasking’ of Americans

"The Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee asked U.S. spy agencies late last year to reveal the names of U.S. individuals or organizations contained in classified intelligence on Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, engaging in the same practice that President Trump has accused the Obama administration of abusing," the Washington Post reports.

House Democrat wants to make it easier to remove a president –…

House Democrat wants to make it easier to remove a president -- here's a better idea, set term limits for congress Rep. Earl Blumenauer filed the bill during the House's two-week April recess to empower former presidents and vice presidents of both parties, in coordination with the sitting vice president, to determine if a president is fit for office. "It is hard to imagine a better group to work with the vice president to examine whether the president is able to discharge the duties of the office.

Cleaver’s Statement on Paris Climate Agreement

'A withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement is short-sighted and a dangerous nod to the National Flat Earth Agency and others who refuse to accept the science that has been embraced by every nation on the planet except war-torn Syria and dictator-driven Nicaragua. Staying in the Paris Climate Agreement is an opportunity for the U.S. to reaffirm its global leadership and the best way to hold India, China, and other nations accountable on taking real actions to combat pollution.

Pence rallying GOP base in Iowa, where some cool to Trump

In this July 18, 2016, file photo, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The Republican base in Iowa is unsettled, with conservatives disappointed by President Donald Trump so far and party leaders saying he's being undermined from within.

Source: Chicago, federal government draft police reform deal

The city of Chicago and the U.S. Justice Department have negotiated a draft agreement that calls for an independent monitor to oversee police department reforms, though it is unclear if there will be court oversight at some stage in the future, an official in Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration told The Associated Press. A monitor would be appointed if the Justice Department gives final approval to the "memorandum of agreement," which includes a framework for adopting and implementing reforms that federal officials said were needed in the Chicago Police Department, an official in Emanuel's administration familiar with the agreement said Friday.

Iowa Christian right cool to Trump as Pence rallies GOP base

Vice President Mike Pence is trying to solidify the Republican base in Iowa, where some conservatives are cool to President Donald Trump and party leaders say he's being undermined from within. Headlining Sen. Joni Ernst's annual summer fundraiser, Pence will promote steady job numbers under Trump, who campaigned last year on promises of economic growth.

The Latest: Mahlon Mitchell won’t run for governor

State Democratic Party spokesman Brandon Weathersby says Mahlon Mitchell was allowed to speak at the party's convention Friday because he told leaders he is not running for governor. Baldwin delivered the message to Democrats at their state party convention Friday night.

Trump-Russia probe expanded to include former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort

The special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump 's campaign and Russia 's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey , The Associated Press has learned. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Manafort, who was forced to resign as Trump campaign chairman in August amid questions over his business dealings years ago in Ukraine, predated the 2016 election and the counterintelligence probe that in July began investigating possible collusion between Moscow and associates of Trump.

Manchin, Capito approve of Trump pulling US out of Paris accord

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., reiterated their support of President Donald Trump pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement during separate appearances Friday on MetroNews "Talkline."

Design team announced for Michael Reese redevelopment

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says officials have chosen a team to redevelop the site where the Olympic Village was to be if the city had been awarded the 2016 games. Emanuel announced Friday that Farpoint Development, Draper & Kramer, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, McLaurin Development Partners, and Bronzeville Community Development Partnership are among the leading firms.

Mayor Roberts says she’s leading on climate change. GOP opponent says she is – grandstanding.’

After President Donald Trump said he would withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord Thursday, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and her Democratic opponents in September's primary said they opposed the decision and backed the city's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. City Council member Kenny Smith, the Republican mayoral candidate, said he too has "consistently supported" the city's efforts and goals to become more environmentally-friendly.

Special counsel’s Trump investigation includes Manafort case

The special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Manafort, who was forced to resign as Trump campaign chairman in August amid questions over his business dealings years ago in Ukraine, predated the 2016 election and the counterintelligence probe that in July began investigating possible collusion between Moscow and associates of Trump.