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 New Mexico tribe celebrates return of cultural items from global art collections By Mary Hudetz, Associated Press Tribal and federal officials celebrated the return Wednesday of dozens of cultural items to Acoma Pueblo's nearly 1,000-year-old village in New Mexico after the tribe spent years pressing for the repatriations of ceremonial items from galleries, auction houses and private… 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 53 journalists killed for their work so far in 2018, report finds By Verena Dobnik, Associated Press The number of journalists killed in retaliation for their work nearly doubled this year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Continue reading
Dec 19 Trump pulling all U.S. troops from Syria, declaring ISIS defeated By Robert Burns, Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The move contradicts President Trump's own experts' assessments and is sparking surprise and outrage from his party's lawmakers who called his action rash and dangerous. Continue reading
Dec 19 LA bishop resigns 13 years after diocese learned of misconduct allegation By John Antczak, Nicole Winfield, Associated Press The Vatican announced the resignation in a one-line statement. It was the latest in a string of misconduct allegations against bishops to come to light this year. Continue reading
Dec 19 Affordable Care Act sign-ups beat forecast in unpredictable season By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press The Obama health care law has yet again beaten predictions of its downfall, as government figures released Wednesday showed unexpectedly solid sign-ups for health coverage next year. Continue reading
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