Facebook backs political ad bill, sets limits on ‘issue ads’

SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON - 7 April 2018: Facebook Inc backed for the first time on Friday proposed legislation requiring social media sites to disclose the identities of buyers of online political campaign ads and introduced a new verification process for people buying "issue" ads, which have been used to sow discord online. The change in stance, announced in a Facebook post by Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, comes a few days before he is scheduled to answer questions in congressional hearings about how the company handles its users' data.

Trey Gowdy’s Job Is Important. Why Isn’t He Doing It?

If you follow the activities of Rep. Trey Gowdy , you could be forgiven for having no idea that he oversees the chief investigative arm of the legislative branch. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Gowdy chairs, is designed to be a watchdog for the American people.

The Latest: Oklahoma teachers’ union issues new demand

Arizona teachers and education advocates shouts as they march at the Arizona Capitol highlighting low teacher pay and school funding Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Phoenix. FILE - In this March 28, 2018 file photo, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin speaks during a news conference following a vote on a package of tax hikes to fund teacher pay raises in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Senate approves $40M for schools as strike goes on

Hundreds of teachers have crammed into the Oklahoma Capitol for the second day to press demands for additional funding for the state's public schools. Arizona teachers and education advocates shouts as they march at the Arizona Capitol highlighting low teacher pay and school funding Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Phoenix.

Interior secretary: ‘Opposition’ to offshore drill plan

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke acknowledges there is "a lot of opposition" to President Donald Trump's plan to open most of the nation's coastline to oil and gas drilling. Speaking at a forum on offshore wind energy Friday in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Zinke touted Trump's "all of the above" energy menu that calls for oil and gas, as well as renewable energy projects.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s ethical challenges piling up

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is facing heat for his first-class travel, huge raises for top aides and the rental of an D.C. apartment from a lobbyist. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's ethical challenges piling up EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is facing heat for his first-class travel, huge raises for top aides and the rental of an D.C. apartment from a lobbyist.

Sanders strives to widen appeal to black voters

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba listens as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., answers a question during a town hall meeting Wednesday in the Mississippi state capital. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba listens as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., answers a question during a town hall meeting Wednesday in the Mississippi state capital.

Women file to run for Congress in record numbers

Kara Eastman, one of two Democrats vying to challenge House Republican incumbent Don Bacon in a district centered in Omaha, Neb., poses for a photo Thursday, April 5, 2018, before a "Get Out The Vote" event in Omaha. More than 300 women from the two major parties have filed candidacy papers so far to run for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, a modern-day record for female candidates.

The Latest: Debate starts on Oklahoma education bills

Debate is underway in the Oklahoma Senate over two bills designed to generate about $40 million that Republican leaders hope will placate thousands of teachers striking for more money for public schools. The Senate is considering bills Friday to tax certain internet sales and to expand tribal gambling to include games with a ball or dice, such as craps and roulette.

Dallas Rep. Pete Sessions took secret trip to Venezuela that his office says was peace mission

Questions are swirling around Dallas Rep. Pete Sessions after reports that the Republican secretly met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas this week during a previously undisclosed trip to the South American country. Sessions' office is billing the trip, first reported by the Associated Press, as a peacekeeping mission.

Women file to run for U.S. House in record numbers

The number of women running for the U.S. House of Representatives set a record Thursday, most of them Democrats motivated by angst over President Donald Trump and policies of the Republican-controlled Congress. "It's about time," said Kara Eastman of Nebraska, one of two Democrats trying to win a primary and the right to challenge a GOP incumbent in a district centered in Omaha.