Congress likely racing toward a government shutdown

A bitterly-divided Congress hurtled toward a government shutdown this weekend in a partisan stare-down over demands by Democrats for a solution on politically fraught legislation to protect about 700,000 younger immigrants from being deported. Democrats in the Senate have served notice they will filibuster a four-week, government-wide funding bill that passed the House Thursday evening, seeking to shape a subsequent measure but exposing themselves to charges they are responsible for a looming shutdown.

For rival camps in abortion debate, a weekend to mobilize Source: AP

Activists on both sides of the abortion debate will be rallying and marching over the next few days in their annual show of force, while looking ahead to the coming year with a mix of combativeness and trepidation. The events kick off Friday with the March for Life in Washington, the biggest yearly event for opponents of abortion.

Governors to Trump, Congress: Do more to solve opioid crisis

Less than three months after President Donald Trump declared the U.S. opioid crisis a public health emergency, the nation's governors are calling on his administration and Congress to provide more money and coordination for the fight against the drugs, which are killing more than 90 Americans a day. The list of more than two dozen recommendations made Thursday by the National Governors Association is the first coordinated, bipartisan response from the nation's governors since Trump's October declaration.

TLC Condemns Illegal HHS Rule Granting ‘License to Discriminate’

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump-Pence administration announced a new rule to allow medical providers to illegally discriminate against patients based on who they are, as long as the providers cite religion. Transgender Law Center, the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people, issued the following statement from executive director Kris Hayashi: "This extreme new HHS rule will quite possibly cost lives by giving medical providers cover not to treat people they disagree with, no matter how life-threatening or urgent the medical need.

Will Congress help or hurt medical marijuana?

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in his new guidance, basically said that federal prosecutors ought to exercise ordinary discretion when it comes to marijuana-related activities, prioritizing crimes that involve distribution to minors, diversion out of state and gang activity. Though federal prosecutors prioritized those things under the Cole Memo too, Sessions indicated that all things marijuana could be considered serious, opening the door to a mass crackdown on otherwise state-legal activities.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback faces GOP opposition to major proposals

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback gives his final State of the State address Tuesday night on the floor of the Kansas House. While giving his final State of the State address Tuesday night, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says his administration, without raising taxes, is putting a proposal together to comply with the Kansas Supreme Court's decree that the state give an addition $600 million to school finance.

Ralph Northam becomes Virginia’s 73rd governor

Ralph Northam greets people as he makes his way to the inaugural platform before taking the oath of the office Saturday at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. Ralph Northam greets people as he makes his way to the inaugural platform before taking the oath of the office Saturday at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

Kentucky first to win federal approval to roll back Medicaid expansion under Obamacare

Calling it an "exciting day," Gov. Matt Bevin on Friday said federal authorities have given Kentucky broad power to reshape its Medicaid program, making it the first state in the nation to win such approval under rules that allow states to include work requirements for some recipients. "I am excited by the fact that Kentucky will now lead the nation," Bevin said at a news conference at the Capitol Rotunda.

The State AG Report Weekly Update

Jennings recently stepped down from her position as New Castle County Chief Administrative Officer to prepare for her campaign. Jennings previously served as Chief Deputy AG at the Delaware AG's office and spent over two decades working for the state Department of Justice.

New budget estimate opens door to CHIP extension

House and Senate lawmakers could renew the federal Childrens Health Insurance Program as early as next week since the Congressional Budget Office now estimates a 10-year extension could save taxpayers $6 billion. CHIP provides insurance to 9 million young people nationally, including 1,800 in Pueblo County.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe reinvents image as state CEO

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe , once best known as a top Democratic money man and close friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton, reinvented his image during a largely successful four-year term that saw him tirelessly market the state, make major transportation deals and restore more voting rights than any other governor in the country. The fundraiser-turned-administrator, who leaves office on Saturday when his four-year term is up, is frequently mentioned as a potential 2020 presidential contender.

States rethink sexual misconduct policies after complaints

Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, left, R-Scottsdale, listens to Rep. Don Shooter, right, R-Yuma, as he reads a statement regarding sexual harassment and other misconduct complaints made against him by Ugenti-Rita and others, as h... . Rebekah Browder, chief counsel for the Arizona Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Attorney General's Office, stands at a podium as she gives a presentation as Arizona House members receive mandatory sexual harassment and ... .

YouTube limits Logan Paul vlog due to apparent suicide post

Fans of President Donald Trump who use marijuana say Attorney General Jeff Sessions' move to tighten federal oversight of the drug is the first time they've felt let down by the man they helped elect. Fans of President Donald Trump who use marijuana say Attorney General Jeff Sessions' move to tighten federal oversight of the drug is the first time they've felt let down by the man they helped elect.

Republicans start session leading Virginia House 51-49

Republicans in Virginia's House began the session Wednesday with a 51-49 majority after winning a two-month recount battle in one district and staving off legal actions from voters in another. The House of Delegates seated two Republicans after a federal appeals court in Richmond refused to halt the swearing-in of Republican Bob Thomas, and Democrat Shelly Simonds conceded a hotly contested race against Republican incumbent David Yancey.

Overnight Health Care: House Dems sound alarm over HHS pick | Trump…

Robert Francis O'Rourke Seven Texas lawmakers leaving Congress means a younger, more diverse delegation Periscope shines during House blackout Lawmakers form Term Limits Caucus MORE Lloyd Alton Doggett Pelosi denounces GOP tax reform as 'armageddon' Live coverage: Day three of the Ways and Means GOP tax bill markup Live coverage: Day two of the Ways and Means GOP tax bill markup MORE , the Democrats also said Alex Azar should be pressed on his commitment to uphold the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as ObamaCare. This won't be the first time in the hot seat for Azar, who faced the Senate Health Committee last month in what was billed as a courtesy hearing.