WASHINGTON Can the traditional Republican Party survive the presidency of Donald Trump? That existential question, which has nagged at Republicans since Trump’s stunning election one year ago, flared up anew Tuesday with Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake’s announcement that he is retiring from Congress. One of the GOP’s most consistent critics of the president, Flake was […]

GRAMBLING, LA. A sheriff ’s spokesman said a student and his friend were fatally shot at a Louisiana university after an altercation that began in a dorm room, and the shooter fled the scene early today. Lincoln Parish Sheriff ’s spokesman Stephen Williams said detectives joined campus police investigating the double homicide at Grambling State […]

BILLINGS, Mont. Spurred by the chemical industry, President Donald Trump’s administration is retreating from a congressionally mandated review of some of the most dangerous chemicals in public use: millions of tons of asbestos, flame retardants and other toxins in homes, offices and industrial plants across the United States. Instead of following President Barack Obama’s proposal […]

CHICAGO The response to sexual harassment allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein has spread to statehouses nationwide, with hundreds of lawmakers, lobbyists and consultants coming forward to say the problem is pervasive in the halls of political power. Illinois became the latest to join the chorus, as signatures piled up Tuesday on an open letter […]

BEIJING China’s ruling Communist Party today elevated five new officials to assist President Xi Jinping as he embarks on a second fiveyear term, and by stopping short of designating an obvious successor strengthened his position as the country’s most powerful leader in decades. As expected, Xi was given a renewed mandate following the first meeting […]

BISMARCK, N.D. An American Indian activist and former U.S. congressional candidate in North Dakota accused of inciting a riot during protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline says he’ll seek to present a “necessity defense” — justifying a crime by arguing it prevented a greater harm. Chase Iron Eyes has pleaded not guilty to inciting […]

KABUL, Afghanistan The Taliban targeted two military posts in western Afghanistan, killing 11 soldiers and setting off gunbattles with the military, Afghan officials said today. In one attack, in western Farah province, the insurgents stormed a security post, killing nine troops and wounding four. The attack took place on Tuesday night in Pusht Road district, […]