Jun 01 Column: 5 charts show why mandatory minimum sentences don't work By Tanya Golash-Boza, The Conversation Earlier this month Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo which requires prosecutors to “charge and pursue the most serious” offense when seeking sentences. The memo hearkens back to a failed experiment in mass incarceration in the 1980s and 1990s,… Continue reading
Jun 01 Trump declines to move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, for now By Associated Press President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the U.S. to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Continue reading
May 31 White House says it granted 14 ethics waivers to staff By Julie Bykowicz, Associated Press The White House late Wednesday posted on its website ethics waivers granted to four ex-lobbyists and numerous others who have joined government. Continue reading
May 31 Watch 6:37 Sen. Al Franken on 'horrific' House health care bill, questioning Jeff Sessions and comparing the Senate to SNL By PBS News Hour Political satire demands a different set of skills from actually practicing politics. Minnesota Sen. Al Franken explains what it’s really like to transition from entertainment to government in his new book, “Al Franken: Giant of the Senate.” Hari Sreenivasan sits… Continue watching
May 31 House committee issues more subpoenas in Russia probe By Deb Riechmann, Jake Pearson, Associated Press The House intelligence committee said Wednesday it is issuing subpoenas for President Donald Trump's former national security adviser and his personal lawyer, as well as their businesses, as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last year's election. Continue reading
May 31 U.S. withdrawal from Paris climate deal would be a 'disaster,' Sen. Franken says By Jessica Yarvin Democratic Senator Al Franken criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday for reports suggesting that the president plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord. Continue reading
May 31 AP report: Comey cleared to testify about Russia probe before Senate intel committee By Jake Pearson, Associated Press The special counsel overseeing the government's investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia has approved former FBI director James Comey to testify before a Senate committee pursuing the same matter, a Comey associate said Wednesday. Continue reading
May 31 Here's the scoop on the new Joe Biden ice cream flavor By Meredith P. Garretson This graduation was extra sweet for former Vice President Joe Biden. Continue reading
May 31 With lawsuits pending, Trump moves to cut refugee admissions By Matthew Lee, Associated Press President Donald Trump is moving to significantly reduce the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States, even as his bid to temporarily suspend admissions is stalled in the courts. The latest effort comes through Trump's federal budget proposal,… Continue reading
May 31 LISTEN: Spicer addresses Trump's upcoming decision on Paris climate accord at news briefing By Associated Press White House press secretary Sean Spicer is expected to address Trump's upcoming decision on the Paris climate accord, among other topics, at 2:30 p.m EST. Continue reading