Cuomo’s Puerto Rico audition

Count Gov. Cuomo among the Democratic leaders who are responding to the truculent mood sweeping the party's base by serving up tough, pointed critiques of the Republican leadership in Congress and the White House. "In my opinion, the federal government should be ashamed of itself," Cuomo thundered from a podium at Kennedy Airport, condemning the Trump administration's response to the devastation in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria.

Southern California fire forces thousands to flee homes

Ventura County fire officials say the blaze broke out Monday east of Santa Paula, a city of 30,000 people abo... The Supreme Court is taking up the highly anticipated case of the Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. The Supreme Court is taking up the highly anticipated case of the Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Documentary Review: Everyone should see “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power”

After watching Al Gore's new documentary feature, " An Inconvenient Sequel ", there were two main thoughts going through my head: We have a lot of work to do to reverse the damage we've caused to our climate , and If Al Gore had been President instead of George W. Bush, this problem would not be nearly as big as it is right now. But, if we go too deep down the rabbit hole in response to item two, we'll never get out of it and I, for one, will just be immobilized by a mix of rage and despair.

Julianne Hough oozes glamour in plunging suit

Kennedy Center honorees including Lionel Richie, LL Cool J and Gloria Estefan celebrate the American Dream in Trump-free ceremony after he canceled the traditional White House reception Winter has arrived! Wet and icy weather hits central and north US with heavy snow and rains coming in the week President Trump summons White House staffers to his private quarters for secret evening meetings to change assignments given to them by John Kelly, report claims 'He said it.

Puerto Rico gives Christmas bonuses after asking for hurricane recovery funds

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello last month asked federal taxpayers to shell out $94 billion to pay for the territory's recovery from Hurricane Maria - then turned around and paid out about $100 million in Christmas bonuses to government employees on the island. The governor's aides say the bonuses were part of a long-standing tradition and were included in the budget approved over the summer.

Big contracts, no storm tarps for Puerto Rico

Pedro Deschamps helps workers hired by FEMA to carry out the installation of a temporary awning roof at his house, which suffered damage during Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. A newly created Florida company with an unproven record won more than $30 million in contracts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide emergency tarps and plastic sheeting for repairs to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Begins the Transition from Response to Recovery

As Puerto Rico begins to transition from the response phase to recovery, Michael Byrne, the Federal Coordinating Officer for Puerto Rico has been named as the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator . Byrne has more than 30 years of experience in disaster management and recovery program execution, including serving as the FDRC for Hurricane Harvey in Texas, and the FCO for Hurricane Sandy in New York and the 2011 Alabama tornadoes.

Tens of thousands stranded as Bali volcano closes airport

Indonesia authorities raised the alert for the rumbling volcano to highest level on Monday and closed t... . A family on a motorcycle passes by the Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background in Karangasem, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.

Pope’s trip to Myanmar, Bangladesh boiling down to 1 word

While attention will focus on ho... . Pope Francis is seen looking through the middle window of the plane as he departs for his six-day trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh, at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci international airport in Fiumicino, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017.

The Latest: Franken: Goal is to become better public servant

Day laborers have quietly become an integral part of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast's rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey, even as U.S. and Texas leaders who officially disavow illegal immigration have launched new... Day laborers have quietly become an integral part of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast's rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey, even as U.S. and Texas leaders who officially disavow illegal immigration have launched new policy measures to target them. Pixar's "Coco" sang its way to the fourth best Thanksgiving weekend ever with an estimated $71.2 million over the five-day weekend, a total that easily toppled Warner Bros.'

Houston arts groups working to recover from Hurricane Harvey

In a Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 photo, members of the Houston Ballet rehearse the Nutcracker at their studio, in Houston. The company will have to hold their performance at Smart Financial Centre and the Hobby Center this year, and giving 10 less performances than usual, because its home stage at the Wortham Theater Center was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.

House Speaker Extols GOP Record in Raleigh

As Republican legislative leaders gear up to retain control of the N.C. General Assembly in next year's election, they likely will tout efforts to cut taxes, reduce regulations and curb spending over the last five years. House Speaker Tim Moore gave a de facto preview of what the GOP's strategy could be during an address to the Moore County Republican Men's Club at its monthly luncheon last week at CCNC.