Dec 20 Trump administration wants to tighten work requirements for food stamps By Juliet Linderman, Associated Press The move comes just weeks after lawmakers passed a $400 billion farm bill that reauthorized agriculture and conservation programs while leaving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves roughly 40 million Americans, virtually untouched. Continue reading
Dec 20 WATCH: Justice Department levies charges against 2 Chinese hackers By Michael Balsamo, Eric Tucker, Associated Press The Justice Department is charging two Chinese citizens with carrying out an extensive hacking campaign to steal data from U.S. companies. Continue reading
Dec 20 In memo, Trump's AG pick William Barr criticized aspect of Mueller probe By Eric Tucker, Associated Press The document expresses concern with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether Trump obstructed justice, which Trump denies. It could factor into Barr's confirmation hearings and prompt questions about whether he can be unbiased in overseeing the investigation. Continue reading
Dec 20 Congress scrambles to avoid shutdown By Lisa Mascaro, Matthew Daly, Catherine Lucey, Associated Press The Senate approved legislation to temporarily fund the government, a key step toward averting a federal shutdown after President Donald Trump backed off his demand for money for a border wall with Mexico. Continue reading
Dec 19 What changes to this fingerprinting rule could mean for migrant children in U.S. custody By Joshua Barajas The government is expected to release 2,000 or so migrant children to designated sponsors in the coming days. Continue reading
Dec 19 Watch 3:56 Congress scrambles to wrap up legislation before the holiday With the holidays and a deadline to avoid a government shutdown fast approaching, Senate Republicans are working on a short-term funding deal as a compromise on the president’s demand for border wall funding. But some wonder if the timing of… Continue watching
Dec 19 What we learned -- and still don't know -- from Senate reports on Russian election propaganda By Harry Zahn, Joshua Barajas The reports focus on the machinations of the Internet Research Agency, a well-funded organization within Russia’s propaganda wing that was indicted in February by special counsel Robert Mueller’s team for plotting to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Continue reading
Dec 19 Watchdog to review DeVos' decision to revive a troubled accreditor By Collin Binkley, Associated Press The move by the education secretary has become a flashpoint in a broader debate over the regulation of for-profit colleges. Continue reading
Dec 19 Judge blocks Trump administration restrictions on who can apply for asylum By Colleen Long, Associated Press The judge said the administration's policy on asylum seekers violates federal immigration law and that "it is the will of Congress -- not the whims of the executive" that sets the standards for expedited removal. Continue reading
Dec 19 What's the status of Trump's U.S.-Mexico border wall? By Nomaan Merchant, Colleen Long, Associated Press President Donald Trump and Democratic lawmakers are in a standoff over funding the government, and the main sticking point is Trump’s demand for $5 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Here's a look at where things stand… Continue reading