'Anything can happen:' Government unlikely to get fully back to business for days
WASHINGTON — The federal government is expected to remain partially closed past Christmas Day in a protracted standoff over President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall with Mexico.On the second day of the federal closure, President Trump tweeted Sunday that what the country needs is "a good old fashioned WALL that works," as opposed to aerial drones and other measures that "are wonderful and lots of fun" not the right answer to address the problem of "drugs, gangs, human trafficking, criminal elements and much else from coming into" the United States.With President Trump's insistence on $5 billion for the wall and negotiations with Democrats in Congress far from a breakthrough, even a temporary measure to keep the government running while talks continued seems out of reach until the Senate returns for a full session Thursday.From coast to coast, the first day of the shutdown played out in uneven ways.
WASHINGTON — The federal government is expected to remain partially closed past Christmas Day in a protracted standoff over President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall with Mexico.On the second day of the federal closure, President Trump tweeted Sunday that what the country needs is "a good old fashioned WALL that works," as opposed to aerial drones and other measures that "are wonderful and lots of fun" not the right answer to address the problem of "drugs, gangs, human trafficking, criminal elements and much else from coming into" the United States.With President Trump's insistence on $5 billion for the wall and negotiations with Democrats in Congress far from a breakthrough, even a temporary measure to keep the government running while talks continued seems out of reach until the Senate returns for a full session Thursday.From coast to coast, the first day of the shutdown played out in uneven ways.
'Prepared for a very long shutdown:' Tensions high in Washington over border wall funds
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has said he will not sign any funding bill unless it includes money to build a wall.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has said he will not sign any funding bill unless it includes money to build a wall.
'We're going to do it our way:' 'Obamacare' uncertainty creating tension among Republicans, Democrats
WASHINGTON — A federal judge's ruling that the Obama health law is unconstitutional has landed like a stink bomb among Republicans, who've seen the politics of health care flip as Americans increasingly value the overhaul's core parts, including protections for pre-existing medical conditions and Medicaid for more low-income people.While the decision by the Republican-appointed judge in Texas was sweeping, it has little immediate practical impact because the Affordable Care Act remains in place while the legal battle continues, possibly to the Supreme Court.HealthCare.gov , the government's site for signing up, was taking applications Saturday, the deadline in most states for enrolling for coverage next year, and those benefits will take effect as scheduled Jan. 1.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge's ruling that the Obama health law is unconstitutional has landed like a stink bomb among Republicans, who've seen the politics of health care flip as Americans increasingly value the overhaul's core parts, including protections for pre-existing medical conditions and Medicaid for more low-income people.While the decision by the Republican-appointed judge in Texas was sweeping, it has little immediate practical impact because the Affordable Care Act remains in place while the legal battle continues, possibly to the Supreme Court.HealthCare.gov , the government's site for signing up, was taking applications Saturday, the deadline in most states for enrolling for coverage next year, and those benefits will take effect as scheduled Jan. 1.
Trump administration pushes government closer to shutdown over border wall dispute
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Sunday pushed the federal government closer to the brink of a partial shutdown later this week, digging in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it."We will do whatever is necessary to build the border wall to stop this ongoing crisis of immigration," said White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.Asked if that meant having a government shutdown, he said: "If it comes to it, absolutely."President Trump said last week he'd be "proud" to have a shutdown to get Congress to approve a $5 billion down payment to fulfill his campaign promise to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Sunday pushed the federal government closer to the brink of a partial shutdown later this week, digging in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it."We will do whatever is necessary to build the border wall to stop this ongoing crisis of immigration," said White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.Asked if that meant having a government shutdown, he said: "If it comes to it, absolutely."President Trump said last week he'd be "proud" to have a shutdown to get Congress to approve a $5 billion down payment to fulfill his campaign promise to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
US Supreme Court Justices won't hear states' appeal over Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday avoided a high-profile case by rejecting appeals from Kansas and Louisiana in their effort to strip Medicaid money from Planned Parenthood, over the dissenting votes of three justices.The court's order reflected a split among its conservative justices and an accusation from Justice Clarence Thomas that his colleagues seemed to be ducking the case for political reasons.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday avoided a high-profile case by rejecting appeals from Kansas and Louisiana in their effort to strip Medicaid money from Planned Parenthood, over the dissenting votes of three justices.The court's order reflected a split among its conservative justices and an accusation from Justice Clarence Thomas that his colleagues seemed to be ducking the case for political reasons.
WisDOT: It is not too late to obtain an ID to vote in Tuesday’s election
MILWAUKEE -- The midterm election is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and voters who do not already have a Wisconsin driver license, ID or other form of ID needed to vote can still get a Wisconsin ID from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).The Wisconsin Elections Commission website lists what photo IDs are acceptable for voting purposes.
MILWAUKEE -- The midterm election is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and voters who do not already have a Wisconsin driver license, ID or other form of ID needed to vote can still get a Wisconsin ID from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).The Wisconsin Elections Commission website lists what photo IDs are acceptable for voting purposes.
Sandra Day O'Connor announces likely Alzheimer's diagnosis
WASHINGTON — Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday in a frank and personal letter that she has been diagnosed with "the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease."The 88-year-old said doctors diagnosed her some time ago and that as her condition has progressed she is "no longer able to participate in public life." After her 2006 retirement from the high court O'Connor had appeared around the country championing an educational organization she founded and serving as a visiting appeals court judge, among other activities.
WASHINGTON — Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday in a frank and personal letter that she has been diagnosed with "the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease."The 88-year-old said doctors diagnosed her some time ago and that as her condition has progressed she is "no longer able to participate in public life." After her 2006 retirement from the high court O'Connor had appeared around the country championing an educational organization she founded and serving as a visiting appeals court judge, among other activities.
Trial date set for April in Wisconsin redistricting case
MADISON — The trial date for a federal lawsuit challenging Republican-drawn legislative boundaries in Wisconsin has been set for April.The case is back in Wisconsin after the U.S. Supreme Court this summer declined to take the case saying Democrats who brought it lacked standing.
MADISON — The trial date for a federal lawsuit challenging Republican-drawn legislative boundaries in Wisconsin has been set for April.The case is back in Wisconsin after the U.S. Supreme Court this summer declined to take the case saying Democrats who brought it lacked standing.
Court mood is jovial as Kavanaugh takes his place on bench
WASHINGTON — Brett Kavanaugh took the bench with his new Supreme Court colleagues for the first time Tuesday in a jovial atmosphere that was strikingly at odds with the tension and rancor surrounding his high court confirmation.The new justice dived into his new job, asking a handful of questions in the first arguments of the day following a traditional welcome from Chief Justice John Roberts, who wished Kavanaugh "a long and happy career in our common calling."Kavanaugh took his seat at the end of bench to Roberts' far left just after 10 a.m., a visible manifestation of a moment that Republicans have dreamed of for decades, with five solidly conservative justices on the court, and Democrats have dreaded.His path to confirmation was turbulent — opposition to him intensified after Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her, allegations Kavanaugh denied.In court, Kavanaugh asked questions of both sides in arguments over increased prison sentences for repeat offenders.
WASHINGTON — Brett Kavanaugh took the bench with his new Supreme Court colleagues for the first time Tuesday in a jovial atmosphere that was strikingly at odds with the tension and rancor surrounding his high court confirmation.The new justice dived into his new job, asking a handful of questions in the first arguments of the day following a traditional welcome from Chief Justice John Roberts, who wished Kavanaugh "a long and happy career in our common calling."Kavanaugh took his seat at the end of bench to Roberts' far left just after 10 a.m., a visible manifestation of a moment that Republicans have dreamed of for decades, with five solidly conservative justices on the court, and Democrats have dreaded.His path to confirmation was turbulent — opposition to him intensified after Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her, allegations Kavanaugh denied.In court, Kavanaugh asked questions of both sides in arguments over increased prison sentences for repeat offenders.
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh stresses independence, won't discuss WH subpoenas
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly stressed the importance of judicial independence on the second day of his confirmation hearing Wednesday as he faced questioning from senators, including Democrats who fear he would be President Donald Trump's man on the high court.
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly stressed the importance of judicial independence on the second day of his confirmation hearing Wednesday as he faced questioning from senators, including Democrats who fear he would be President Donald Trump's man on the high court.
Senate backs $854B bill to fund health, education, military
WASHINGTON — The Senate approved an $854 billion measure Thursday that funds a range of domestic programs, including $675 billion for the Defense Department.The bill combines military spending with disbursements for Health and Human Services, Education, Labor and other agencies.The bill was approved, 85-7, and now heads to the House.With the vote, the Senate has passed nine of the 12 mandatory spending bills for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.
WASHINGTON — The Senate approved an $854 billion measure Thursday that funds a range of domestic programs, including $675 billion for the Defense Department.The bill combines military spending with disbursements for Health and Human Services, Education, Labor and other agencies.The bill was approved, 85-7, and now heads to the House.With the vote, the Senate has passed nine of the 12 mandatory spending bills for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.
President Trump announcing his high court 'reveal' in prime time
WASHINGTON — After days of frenzied lobbying and speculation, President Donald Trump decided on his second nominee to the Supreme Court on Monday, setting up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as he seeks to shift the nation's highest court further to the right.With customary fanfare, President Trump planned to unveil his choice to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on prime-time TV.
WASHINGTON — After days of frenzied lobbying and speculation, President Donald Trump decided on his second nominee to the Supreme Court on Monday, setting up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as he seeks to shift the nation's highest court further to the right.With customary fanfare, President Trump planned to unveil his choice to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on prime-time TV.
Trump administration takes another swipe at 'Obamacare'
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration says it's freezing payments under an 'Obamacare' program that protects insurers with sicker patients from financial losses, a move expected to add to premium increases next year.At stake are billions in payments to insurers with sicker customers.Making the announcement Saturday, officials say the administration is acting because of conflicting rulings in lawsuits filed by some smaller insurers who question whether they're being fairly treated.The program takes payments from insurers with healthier customers and redistributes the money to companies with sicker enrollees.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration says it's freezing payments under an 'Obamacare' program that protects insurers with sicker patients from financial losses, a move expected to add to premium increases next year.At stake are billions in payments to insurers with sicker customers.Making the announcement Saturday, officials say the administration is acting because of conflicting rulings in lawsuits filed by some smaller insurers who question whether they're being fairly treated.The program takes payments from insurers with healthier customers and redistributes the money to companies with sicker enrollees.
Speaker Ryan, Congressman Sensenbrenner endorse Leah Vukmir for Senate
JANESVILLE — House Speaker Paul Ryan and U.S. Rep.
JANESVILLE — House Speaker Paul Ryan and U.S. Rep.
US Supreme Court: Online shoppers can be forced to pay sales tax
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says states can force online shoppers to pay sales tax.The 5-4 ruling Thursday is a win for states, who said they were losing out on billions of dollars annually under two decades-old Supreme Court decisions that impacted online sales tax collection.The high court ruled Thursday to overturn those decisions.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says states can force online shoppers to pay sales tax.The 5-4 ruling Thursday is a win for states, who said they were losing out on billions of dollars annually under two decades-old Supreme Court decisions that impacted online sales tax collection.The high court ruled Thursday to overturn those decisions.
Proposed US banking fix for marijuana may not open all doors
LOS ANGELES — A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies.But it appears to fall short of a comprehensive fix for an industry often forced to conduct business in cash in a credit card world.Pot is legal in some form in about 30 states, but companies that grow or sell it often are locked out at banks because the drug is illegal under federal law.Transactions tied to marijuana proceeds could expose financial institutions to money-laundering charges.The congressional measure includes language to address the problem, but industry experts predict some banks will still stay away.California pot industry attorney Nicole Howell Neubert says it's an excellent step but probably "not a silver bullet for the banking problem."
LOS ANGELES — A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies.But it appears to fall short of a comprehensive fix for an industry often forced to conduct business in cash in a credit card world.Pot is legal in some form in about 30 states, but companies that grow or sell it often are locked out at banks because the drug is illegal under federal law.Transactions tied to marijuana proceeds could expose financial institutions to money-laundering charges.The congressional measure includes language to address the problem, but industry experts predict some banks will still stay away.California pot industry attorney Nicole Howell Neubert says it's an excellent step but probably "not a silver bullet for the banking problem."
US Supreme Court strikes down Minnesota's voter clothing law
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Minnesota law that barred voters in the state from wearing a wide range of political hats, T-shirts and pins to the polls.Minnesota had defended its law as a reasonable restriction that keeps order at polling places and prevents voter intimidation.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Minnesota law that barred voters in the state from wearing a wide range of political hats, T-shirts and pins to the polls.Minnesota had defended its law as a reasonable restriction that keeps order at polling places and prevents voter intimidation.
High court sides with Trump administration in pregnant teen case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is rejecting a suggestion by the Trump administration that lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union might deserve to be sanctioned in the case of a pregnant immigrant teen it helped obtain an abortion.But the court on Monday sided with the government in wiping away a lower court decision in favor of the teen, who had been held in government custody after illegally entering the country.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is rejecting a suggestion by the Trump administration that lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union might deserve to be sanctioned in the case of a pregnant immigrant teen it helped obtain an abortion.But the court on Monday sided with the government in wiping away a lower court decision in favor of the teen, who had been held in government custody after illegally entering the country.