Special counsel needs to investigate FBI, Justice Dept. — now

The Washington Post reported that a former top FBI official, Peter Strzok, who had been assigned to and then removed from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, had "exchanged politically charged texts disparaging [President Donald Trump and supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton" and that Strzok was "also a key player in the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server." This is a blockbuster revelation, carrying the possibility of shattering public confidence in a number of long-held assumptions about the criminal-justice system generally and the FBI and the Justice Department specifically.

Green’s sights fixed on Rourke Bridge

For more than a decade, local officials have called for the temporary Rourke Bridge to be replaced with a permanent structure. But the wheels of government turn slowly, and today -- more than three decades after the bridge was installed with a 10-year lifespan -- the state has no immediate plans to fund a replacement.

Cuts to Homeowner Tax Breaks Could Cost Republicans in 2018 Races

Laura Russo is just the kind of voter the Republicans need, but the party's proposed tax overhaul, which includes limits on the deductions for mortgage interest, state taxes and property taxes, is pushing her away. "I would be dramatically affected," she said.

Russian Foreign Ministry Blasts U.S. Over Visas Even As Services Resume

The Russian Foreign Ministry has denounced the United States for continuing to limit the number of visas issued to Russian citizens, even as it welcomed Monday's decision to resume services at U.S. consulates. The two countries have been involved in numerous diplomatic spats since December 2016, when former U.S. President Barack Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats following allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election.

Harbouring Filipinas at hotel: Man charged

Kota Kinabalu: A 53-year-old businessman was charged with allowing 19 illegal immigrants, including a man, to remain in his premises. He is accused of permitting the Filipino and Filipinas aged between 21 and 55, who did not have any valid documents to stay at the second floor of the Promenade Hotel in Lorong Api-Api, here at 8.44pm on Nov 23 this year.

Senate panel approves Powell as Fed chairman

The Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday approved President Donald Trump's selection of Jerome Powell to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. The committee vote was 22-1 with all Republicans and every Democrat except Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., supporting the nomination.

Diverse team of New Mexico lawmakers drafts harassment rules

In this March 19, 2015 file photo, representatives work on the floor of the New Mexico in Santa Fe, N.M. The New Mexico Statehouse has long been a place where women experience sexual harassment and that abuse often goes unchecked or unreported, according to female lobbyists and elected officials Democratic consultant Heather Brewer told The Associated Press on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, that the harassment at the New Mexico Statehouse ranged from groping to propositions for sex.

Letter: Kneeling students protected by Constitution

Regarding two letters on the Sunday, Nov. 12, Opinion page ["Silence deafening after students take a knee"] and ["Spotsy football players' behavior should be addressed"]: Letter writers should be aware that the Spotsylvania County Public Schools' student code of conduct does not address students standing for the pledge or the anthem for good reason. In West Virginia State Board of Education v.

Obama talks at climate change summit as mayors sign charter

Former President Barack Obama on Tuesday told a summit of mayors driven to act after President Donald Trump rejected the Paris climate accord that cities and states are the "new face of American leadership" on climate change. Obama, who did not mention Trump by name, made a quick appearance at the conference hosted by his former chief of staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.