politicsHow Obama Could Go Nuclear on TrumpBefore leaving office. Ed Kilgore

Obama could even put Merrick Garland on the Supreme Court at least temporarily, maddening the Republicans who denied him a hearing. Barack Obama is probably not going to be in a terribly good mood between now and January 20, 2017, the day Donald Trump takes the oath of office to succeed him.

5 totally ridiculous Republican reversals in 2016 they’re hoping you’ll forget all about

With the election over and Republicans occupying all branches of government, as well as controlling most state legislatures, it's easy to forget that just a few short months ago the Republican Party seemed to be collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions. The nomination of Trump, whose positions on trade and government benefits seemed to put him at odds with establishment Republicans, signaled a rejection of conservatism and an embrace of white nationalism.

Obama library gears up

After turning over the White House next month to a successor who aims to scuttle some of his key initiatives, President Barack Obama and his foundation will begin seeking out donors to lead their fund drive for a presidential library and museum on Chicago's South Side. Obama's library planners have declined to provide a cost estimate, but the George W. Bush library and endowment cost more than $500 million.

Governor-Elect Eric Holcomb Announces Deputy General Counsel, Inspector General

Cynthia Carrasco, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the Governor: "Cynthia is a trusted leader who has served Indiana with diligence as Inspector General," said Governor-elect Eric Holcomb. "I look forward to her playing an important role in my administration as Deputy General Counsel."

Navy to commission USS Gabrielle Giffords

The USS Gabrielle Giffords in docked in Mobile, Alabama, on Nov. 30. The ship, a Naval littoral combat ship, is named in honor of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords of Arizona. Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman who was shot in the head during an assassination attempt in 2011, helped christen the ship in 2015.

Montana Lawmakers Unite To Denounce Neo-Nazi Rally Plans

Top Montana Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday warned neo-Nazis they would find "no safe haven" for a rally that could include guns planned for next month in a mountain town where white nationalists have threatened Jewish residents. The lawmakers include both Democrats and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, recently picked by Republican President-elect Donald Trump to be interior secretary.

Anti-Abortion Groups Hoping Trump Takes Tough Action on Day One

Anti-abortion groups are looking for President-elect Donald Trump to start toughening abortion policies as soon as he takes office, The Hill reports. Until Trump makes his choice to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, there are other areas where he can start making his mark on abortion policy, according to the website.

Lack of American Leadership,’ – Unconscionable’: At Least 15 Senate…

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power addresses the U.N. Security Council on December 23, 2016 after the U.S. abstention allowed passage of a resolution condemning Israel for settlement activity in disputed territory. Republican lawmakers unsurprisingly slammed a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel and the Obama administration's decision to allow it to pass, but almost one-third of the Democratic caucus in the U.S. Senate 15 of the 46 senators have also come out publicly since Friday against the move.

Trump’s Election Has Led to Massive Wave of Donations to Progressive Groups

Many Americans are turning their despair over Trump's win into action, supporting a range of organizations that fight for equality and civil rights. If there is any upside to the U.S. presidential election, it could be that progressive causes around the country are reporting an "unprecedented" surge in donations, the Guardian wrote on Sunday.

25 congressional members question plant-based “milk” label

Got milk? Twenty-five bipartisan members of Congress said if it's from soybeans, almond or rice, it should not be labeled as milk. Democratic Vermont Rep. Peter Welch and Republican Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, leading the charge against "fake milk," signed a letter along with other Congressional members, asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate and take action against manufacturers of "milk" that doesn't come from cows.

Letter: Rewarding the rich is not tax reform

Letter: Rewarding the rich is not tax reform Next year when the 115th Congress opens, Republicans are proposing to radically restructure the tax code. Check out this story on northjersey.com: http://northjersy.news/2hjatGB Next year when the 115th Congress opens, Republicans are proposing to radically restructure the tax code.

GOP on taxes: Cut rates, brackets but what about the deficit

Congressional Republicans are planning a massive overhaul of the nation's tax system next year, a heavy political lift that could ultimately affect families at every income level and businesses of every size. Their goal is to simplify a complicated tax code that rewards wealthy people with smart accountants, and corporations that can easily shift profits - and jobs - overseas.