Facing a new wave of questions about his ties to Russia, President Donald Trump is telling advisers and allies that he may shelve — at least temporarily — his plan to pursue a deal with Moscow on the Islamic State group and other national security matters, according to administration officials and Western diplomats. In conversations with diplomats and other officials, Trump and his aides have ascribed the new thinking to Moscow’s recent provocations.
Category: US Politics
Trump says Obama wiretapped his phones beforea
Trump accuses Obama of wiretapping him before election The president accuses Obama of Watergate-style tactics. Check out this story on publicopiniononline.com: http://usat.ly/2lpCpfy President Trump, in a Saturday morning tweetstorm , responded to the mounting questions over his ties to Russia by accusing Obama of wiretapping him at Trump Tower just before the November election.
Democrats say long-term success starts with 2018 governorsa races
For almost a decade now, governors’ offices have been a weak link for national Democrats, with Republicans racking up stunning and continuous wins in deep-blue bastions like Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Now, Democrats building a long-term strategy for retaking power in Congress and the states are counting on winning big in statehouse races over the next two years.
Food Waste Studies Fall Flat on Causation
Food waste is an enormous problem. But if two recent studies on the causes of food waste are to be believed, then a solution to that problem is likely at hand.
APNewsBreak: GOP health plan could cost Minnesota billions
Minnesota officials are bracing for billions of dollars in additional health care expenses if congressional Republicans enact a plan they’re discussing to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press. The planning document shows that the GOP proposal, a draft of which was circulated last week, would cut $1.3 billion next year from the state’s low-income health care program that covers roughly one-sixth of its 5.5 million residents.
Fox’s Greg Gutfeld Suggests Sen. Franken Duped Sessions Into Lying About Contacts With Russia
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld surely deserves an award for Most Creative Way To Blame Democrats for the Trump administration’s Russia problems, specifically the fact that Attorney General Jeff Sessions was just caught lying to Congress about his contacts with Russia. Thursday, on Fox’s The Five, Gutfeld suggested that Sessions was the victim of a trick question by Democratic Senator Al Franken.
Sour Home Alabama: Jeff Sessions is Too Arrogant to Ever Resign
It doesn’t matter how how many times he failed to tell the whole truth during his Senate confirmation hearing. It doesn’t matter how many times he spoke to the Russians.
Senate judiciary chairman won’t have Sessions clarify Russia statements
Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, rejected a plea from Democrats to haul Attorney General Jeff Sessions before the committee again — which held his confirmation hearing — after it was revealed that he had contacts with a Russian official during the 2016 campaign. Grassley announced late Friday that there are no plans to ask Sessions, who has come under fire from Democrats demanding his resignation, to testify at the committee “until an annual oversight hearing, as is customary.”
Is advancing human rights a priority for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson?
The State Department released its annual human rights report Friday, an exhaustive encyclopedia produced by its employees around the world after thousands of work-hours that details the worst abuses and crimes by state and non-state actors. But there was one thing noticeably absent from the roll-out this year — the secretary of state himself.
Veteran prosecutor in line to oversee Russia probe
In this Jan. 10, 2017 file photo, Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein in Greenbelt, Md. Some Democrats worry the appointment of a Jeff Sessions subordinate to oversee any federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election won’t be a clean enough break from the embattled attorney general.
Based on photo with Putin, Trump calls Schumer ‘hypocrite’
In this Sept. 26, 2003, file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and Sen. Charles Schumer D-N.Y., second from right, are escorted through New York’s first Lukoil gas station by Lukoil President Vagit Alekperov, left, in New York City.
NAACP head: Sessions pledges to enforce civil rights laws
NAACP President Cornell William Brooks speaks outside the Justice Department in Washington, Friday, March 3, 2017, following a meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Brooks said he met with Sessions over concerns that recent policy changes “signal a threatening decline” in the Justice Department’s commitment to civil rights.
Trump administration considering separating women, children at Mexico border
Women and children crossing together illegally into the United States could be separated by US authorities under a proposal being considered by the Department of Homeland Security, according to three government officials. Part of the reason for the proposal is to deter mothers from migrating to the United States with their children, said the officials, who have been briefed on the proposal.
First House health care votes near, GOP dissenters persist
In this Feb. 27, 2017, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. listens at left as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky.
Amid firestorm, Trump appears to waiver on Russia deal
In this March 2, 2017, photo, President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks to Navy and shipyard personnel aboard nuclear aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. Facing a new wave of questions about his ties to Russia, Trump is telling advisers and allies that he may abandon, at least temporarily, his plan to pursue a deal with Moscow on the Islamic State group and other national security matters, according to administration officials and a Western diplomat.
First House health care votes near, GOP dissenters persist
After seven years of saber-rattling, Republicans seem set to start muscling legislation through Congress reshaping the country’s health care system. Don’t confuse that with GOP unity or assume that success is guaranteed.
Based on photo with Putin, Trump calls Schumer ‘hypocrite’
President Donald Trump, his administration under siege for contacts with Russian officials, is calling for “an immediate investigation” into Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s own ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s evidence? A 14-year-old photo of Schumer and Putin holding coffee and doughnuts in a New York City gas station.
Flip the script: Cursive sees revival in school instruction
Police in a Seattle suburb say they are seeking a white gunman after Indian Sikh man said he was shot in arm, told to “go back to your own country.” . Police in a Seattle suburb say they are seeking a white gunman after Indian Sikh man said he was shot in arm, told to “go back to your own country.”
He ‘didn’t inhale’: Disentangling the Sessions situation
Thus far, I’ve not seen an analysis of the Jeff Sessions matter that gets it quite right. Here is my attempt.
A Tale of Two Parties
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities One of America’s two major political parties has devolved into a gang of thugs.
Hillary Clinton photographed appearing to read news of Mike Pencea s email scandal
For critics of President Donald Trump’s administration and supporters of former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the image was all too ironic: Clinton on a plane, looking down with apparent interest at a copy of USA Today, with the news of Vice President Mike Pence’s use of a personal email splashed across the top banner. You guys, my friend is on the same plane as Hillary Clinton.
Nolan hears ACA repeal concerns32 min ago
Nathan Moracco , assistant commissioner of Health Care at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, speaks as Head of the Lakes United Way president Matt Hunter and Sarah Wovcha with Children’s Health Services listens during a healthcare forum organized by the Head of the Lakes United Way in the Underground at the Depot in Duluth on Friday … (more)
Senator Stabenow responds to proposed cuts to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The target of Trump’s budget is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is receiving $300 million in funding. The initiative is part of an Environmental Protection Agency program for funding that pays for pollution cleanup.
Russian contacts haunt Trump team
Two days after the presidential election, a Russian official speaking to a reporter in Moscow offered a surprising acknowledgment: The Kremlin had been in contact with Donald Trump ‘s campaign. The claim, coming amid allegations that Russia had interfered with the election, was met with an immediate no-wiggle-room, blanket denial from Trump’s spokeswoman.
How the US press reacted to Trump’s Congress speech
In his address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, Trump used the word “America” – or a variant – more than 70 times . Obama averaged 52.4 million viewers during his first address to the joint Congress as the USA was struggling under the recession- about 17% more than what Trump received on Tuesday, according to The Hollywood Reporter .
a ‘faggot’
Donald Trump has won the presidency after narrowly carrying a few states to put him above 270 electoral votes. But… At his Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath that he had never had contact with the… Despite promising to release his tax returns in a televised debate with Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump continues to show that… “I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word ‘faggot’ – so… Kind of at an impasse.
Dead Tree Media Columnist Mary Sanchez Stands Up For Equal Right Amendment
More talking points straight from the Democratic National Committee playbook and a not so surprising endorsement of this progressive middle-class-white-lady battle cry. To be fair, upper-middle-class white ladies are some of the most generous souls out there and if this will help them move on from the silly pink hats and pouting over Hillary Clinton’s defeat .
High Impact Stories
Donald Trump has won the presidency after narrowly carrying a few states to put him above 270 electoral votes. But… At his Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath that he had never had contact with the… Despite promising to release his tax returns in a televised debate with Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump continues to show that… Yesterday 179 Kogs posted 225 stories of which 210 were recommended at least once by a cadre of 2176 recommending readers; 123 stories were recommended by 10 or more readers, 69 by 30 or more, and 38 by 100 or more.
5 critical questions Trump needs to answer about the Russian ambassador’s covert trip to Trump Tower
Donald Trump has won the presidency after narrowly carrying a few states to put him above 270 electoral votes. But… At his Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath that he had never had contact with the… Despite promising to release his tax returns in a televised debate with Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump continues to show that… On the heels of the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions twice met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak leading up to the election-and so did a number of other key advisers -the New York Times followed up with this huge development: that Mr. Kushner had met with Mr. Kislyak at Trump Tower in December.
White House defends Pence’s use of private email while governor
Vice President Mike Pence pauses while speaking before administering the oath of office to Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington.
‘He wanted more than gossip’: NYT reporter on Russian ambassador’s talks with Trump associates
A Friday New York Times profile of Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States, illuminates the longtime diplomat as not only socially savvy and eager to network, but also unwavering in his dedication to his home country and its president, Vladimir Putin . Peter Baker, the New York Times’ chief White House correspondent and co-author of the profile, joined Yahoo News Now on Friday to discuss Kislyak, who has been in the spotlight following revelations of his communications with various members of the Trump campaign and administration.
The Latest: AOL emails among records Gov. Pence kept private
Vice President Mike Pence pauses while speaking before administering the oath of office to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, left, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Vice President Mike Pence pauses while speaking before administering the oath of office to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, left, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington.
Mexican sewage spill flares US noses and tempers
Coronado and Imperial Beach waters remain closed to swimmers and surfers Wednesday after more than 140 million gallons of… . A sign warns of sewage contaminated ocean waters on a beach in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, in Coronado, Calif.
The scary guys around the president: Larry Wilson
Six weeks in, the fellow in the White House opted for a short break from manic phase, knowing that doing so would make him look suddenly normal, in a manner of speaking. So he read the speech to Congress as it was written for him, not repeating random words for emphasis at the end of a line more than a dozen or so times.
Chance the Rapper, Illinois governor discuss school funding
Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper has used a meeting with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner to press for immediate funding for Chicago Public Schools Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper meets with reporters at the Thompson Center in Chicago after a meeting with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday, March 3, 2017. CHICAGO – Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper used a Friday sit-down with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner to press for immediate funding for cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools, but said he left “flustered” over “vague answers.”
Separating children from their mothers at the border to stop immigration? Okay with Trump
Donald Trump has won the presidency after narrowly carrying a few states to put him above 270 electoral votes. But… At his Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath that he had never had contact with the… Despite promising to release his tax returns in a televised debate with Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump continues to show that… Its no wonder undocumented parents are leaving the US to try to enter Canada.
Backlash greets Trump proposal to gut Great Lakes cleanup funding
A hydraulic dredge gathers mill debris from Muskegon Lake, a Great Lakes Area of Concern watershed cleanup project funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Drastic proposed cuts to Environmental Protection Agency funding that pays for Great Lakes pollution cleanup are not sitting well with environmental groups, Great Lakes mayors and members of both parties on Capitol Hill.
Lawyers try to delay ‘all-American’ Argentine’s deportation
Daniela Vargas, whose father and brother were picked up during a recent immigration raid of undocumented immigrants listens as speakers discuss the series of raids that also picked up other undocumented immigrants across th… The Mexican government is beefing up its aid to migrants in the U.S. through the creation of 50 legal assistance centers in response to President Donald Trump’s measures to curb illegal immigration. The Mexican government is beefing up its aid to migrants in the U.S. through the creation of 50 legal assistance centers in response to President Donald Trump’s measures to curb illegal immigration.
Pence fought against releasing records as Indiana governor
Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly stonewalled media requests to view public records when he was Indiana’s governor, including emails about state business distributed from a private AOL account that was hacked last year. Revelations Pence used the account to discuss homeland security and other official matters, first reported Thursday by the Indianapolis Star, are just the latest in a series of transparency battles involving the Republican’s tenure as governor.
In search of a grand bargain: Ways to bridge budget gap
As Oklahoma’s 2017 legislative session enters its fourth week, one thing is abundantly clear: Republicans, Democrats and Gov. Mary Fallin are nowhere close to a budget deal. The Legislature and governor’s office have until the end of May to sign off on a plan that closes an $878 million budget shortfall for the upcoming year.