National GOP Reluctant To Weigh In On Trump’s Russia Swirl

By STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — There was no sign of shock or outrage in the hotel hallways and conference rooms where Republican officials gathered to discuss party business even as politicians on both sides and foreign policy experts fretted about President Donald Trump’s cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The…

Senators Aim To Force Vote On Russia Resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) —Two senators will try to force a vote Thursday on their resolution backing the U.S. intelligence community’s finding that Russia intervened in the 2016 election and commending the Justice Department for bringing charges against Russian officials. Arizona Republican Jeff Flake and Delaware Democrat Chris Coons introduced the bipartisan resolution amid fallout from President…

Trump: Relations With May ‘Strong’ After Bombshell Interview

By JILL COLVIN and JONATHAN LEMIRE , Associated Press ELLESBOROUGH, England (AP) — In a fresh bout of diplomatic whiplash, President Donald Trump denied Friday he had criticized Prime Minister Theresa May and declared the U.S.-U.K. relationship “the highest level of special” — not long after lobbing thunderous broadsides against her. Trump’s pomp-filled visit to…

FBI Agent Defiantly Rejects Bias Charges At Chaotic Hearing

Jul 12, 2018 4:11PM (GMT 21:11) – 1198 words WASHINGTON (AP) — An embattled FBI agent whose anti-Trump text messages exposed the Justice Department to claims of institutional bias launched a vigorous defense Thursday at an extraordinary congressional hearing that devolved into shouting matches, finger pointing and veiled references to personal transgressions. Peter Strzok testified…

Trump Picks Kavanaugh, A GOP Favorite, For Supreme Court

By CATHERINE LUCEY, ZEKE MILLER and MARK SHERMAN , Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh, a solidly conservative, politically connected judge, for the Supreme Court, setting up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as he seeks to shift the nation’s highest court ever further to the right. A favorite of…