Jan 30 In hearing, judge accuses PG&E of putting profits ahead of wildfire safety By Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press A U.S. judge berated Pacific Gas & Electric Co. on Wednesday, accusing the nation's largest utility of enriching shareholders instead of clearing trees that can fall on its power lines and start fires and making "excuses" to avoid turning off… Continue reading
Jan 30 After longest shutdown, House OKs pay raise for civilian federal workers By Matthew Daly, Associated Press The 2.6 percent raise matches the raise given to the military last year and would override a pay freeze imposed by President Donald Trump. The measure, passed by a 259-161 vote, goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. Continue reading
Jan 30 Russian company indicted in Mueller probe improperly tweeted information, court filing says By Associated Press A Russian company charged by special counsel Robert Mueller shouldn't be permitted to review sensitive evidence outside of the United States because confidential material it has already received was improperly released as part of a "disinformation campaign."… Continue reading
Jan 30 Undocumented woman who worked for Trump Organization will attend State of the Union speech By Associated Press A spokeswoman for New Jersey Democratic congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman confirmed Wednesday that her guest will a woman who was born in Guatemala and has spoken out about the Trump Organization's hiring practices. Continue reading
Jan 30 Democrats’ opening border plan offers no money for Trump’s wall By Andrew Taylor, Alan Fram, Associated Press Democrats in the House offered a border security plan on Wednesday that would not provide a penny for Donald Trump's border wall. Instead it includes new money for customs agents, scanners, aircraft and boats to police the border, and to… Continue reading
Jan 30 WATCH: Congressional committee meets on border security deal for first time By Andrew Taylor, Alan Fram, Associated Press Democrats offered to boost border security spending and leaders of both sides flashed signs of flexibility as congressional talks began Wednesday aimed at resolving the standoff with President Donald Trump that sparked the just-ended 35-day partial government shutdown. Continue reading
Jan 30 Taliban say they are not looking for ‘monopoly on power’ in Afghanistan By Kathy Gannon, Associated Press The statement Wednesday by Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen appears aimed at easing fears among those worried about any agreement that includes the Taliban. Its unusually conciliatory tone also could offer U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad greater leverage as he seeks to… Continue reading
Jan 30 Foxconn shifts focus of Wisconsin project away from manufacturing jobs By Scott Bauer, Associated Press Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday it is shifting the focus of its planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus away from blue-collar manufacturing to a research hub, while insisting it remains committed to creating 13,000 jobs as promised. Continue reading
Jan 30 WATCH: Fed chair makes announcement on interest-rate outlook By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. ET today. Watch his remarks here. Continue reading
Jan 30 EU leaders say ‘no’ Brexit deal changes. What now? By Raf Casert, Jill Lawless, Associated Press Leaders across the European Union offered a united chorus of "No" on Wednesday to Britain's belated bid to negotiate changes to the Brexit divorce deal so Prime Minister Theresa May can win the backing of her Parliament. Continue reading