WASHINGTON (AP) — In ringing and personal terms, President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged that “we will overcome addiction in America,” declaring opioid abuse a national public health emergency and announcing new steps to combat what he described as the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. Trump’s declaration, which will be effective for 90 days … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch enters the third day of his confirmation hearing — and his final day of testimony — largely unscathed by Democratic attacks, as Republicans confidently predict he will win Senate approval despite liberal opposition. A growing number of Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York … Continue reading
CHICAGO (AP) — A city lawmaker in Chicago is calling for Donald Trump’s name to be removed from an honorary street sign in the city. Part of Wabash Avenue near Trump’s hotel carries the honorary title “Trump Plaza.” Democratic Alderman Brendan Reilly has proposed removing the sign, saying Trump doesn’t deserve the honor because of … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Hillary Clinton defended her family’s foundation on Friday, saying that the charitable work it has conducted is in line with American values. The Democratic presidential nominee suggested in an interview that the group’s programs would continue, perhaps through other organizations, even as critics argue it would present a conflict of interest … Continue reading
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and his push to make the party more inclusive could get “messy” but asserts in an interview with The Associated Press: “Democracy is not always nice and quiet and gentle.” The Vermont senator, campaigning Monday ahead of California’s primary … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s business as usual at the Supreme Court this week, no matter that confirmation politics is on everyone’s mind in Washington. The justices are entering their second month of life without longtime Justice Antonin Scalia. They could be without a ninth colleague for many months. The court may be the one place … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Facing a difficult road to re-election thanks to a new congressional map, Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes announced Monday that he is switching to a more GOP-friendly district. Forbes announced via Facebook that he is running for Virginia’s 2nd District and not the 4th District, which he currently represents. The conservative … Continue reading
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Friday afternoon email read with remarkable alacrity, given its message: The trip to a Springfield store to buy all-purpose Fabuloso Cleaner for the Secretary of State’s office was for naught. “They would not sell to us because we are shut off due to lack of payment,” the storeroom worker wrote … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Monday signed into law a bipartisan budget bill that avoids a catastrophic U.S. default and puts off the next round of fighting over federal spending and debt until after next year’s presidential and congressional elections. Obama praised the rare bipartisan cooperation behind the deal, saying that 2-year agreement … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama promised Hispanic leaders on Thursday he’ll continue to champion a comprehensive change to the nation’s immigration laws and said America’s greatness comes from building opportunities, not walls. While prospects for an immigration overhaul are negligible during the remainder of his presidency, Obama used the speech to highlight differences with … Continue reading
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders told a North Carolina crowd Sunday night that young people — particularly blacks and other minorities — are being devastated by high unemployment stemming from an inequitable economy and erosion of voting rights engineered by Republicans. Wrapping up a weekend campaign swing through the South, the … Continue reading
EDGARTOWN, Mass. (AP) — President Barack Obama is promising Democratic lawmakers that the U.S. will continue to keep economic pressure on Iran — and keep military options open — if his administration’s nuclear deal with Tehran goes through. Obama, in a letter addressed to New York Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler, said that if Iran rushes … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to launch her campaign for president sometime in the next two weeks and will initially focus on intimate events, rather than soaring speeches to big rallies, as her team looks to put her in direct contact with voters in states with early primaries or caucuses. The … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 