Trump contributes foreword to paperback of McConnell book

NEW YORK (AP) — The paperback edition of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s “The Long Game” includes a foreword from a well-placed political ally: President Donald Trump. In the foreword, shared Friday by the publisher Sentinel with The Associated Press, Trump praises the...

Lawmakers OK greater lobbyist disclosure over GOP complaints

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers approved requiring more public disclosure about lobbyists Thursday in response to a federal bribery charge against a since-disgraced representative but pushed heavy ethics-reform lifting off to a newly created commission that will report recommendations next...

Trump’s pick for energy boss answers Nevada’s nuke concerns

RENO, Nev. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s pick to become the next U.S. energy secretary pledged Thursday to uphold his predecessor’s promise to begin removing weapons-grade plutonium the government secretly shipped last year to a security site in southern Nevada. Deputy Energy Secretary Dan...

Trump wants Supreme Court to block subpoena for his taxes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to block a subpoena for his tax returns, in a test of the president’s ability to defy investigations. The filing Thursday sets the stage for a high court showdown over the tax returns Trump has refused to release, unlike every...

2 more police board members replaced in St. Louis County

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — Two more members of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners are being replaced in the fallout from a $20 million jury verdict in a gay police officer’s discrimination lawsuit. County Executive Sam Page on Thursday announced the nominations of Dr. Laurie Punch and...

Senate confirms White House lawyer as appeals court judge

WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House lawyer won Senate confirmation as a federal appeals court judge Thursday despite complaints by lawmakers from both parties about his record on immigration, race, women's equality and LGBTQ rights. Steven Menashi, an associate White House counsel, was confirmed by a 51-41...

Energy nominee distances himself from Ukraine investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The deputy to outgoing Energy Secretary Rick Perry told lawmakers Thursday that he had no role in the Ukraine matters now at the heart of the House’s impeachment investigation as he tried to distance himself from the controversy with the Senate considering his Cabinet nomination....

Ivey rescinds judge appointment because of age requirement

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has rescinded an appointment for Montgomery County probate judge after learning the person is too old under state law. Ivey on Wednesday appointed retired Gen. Edward F. Crowell to the position. On Thursday, she announced that she was rescinding the appointment...

Indiana attorney general seeking new term amid groping case

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s attorney general, who is awaiting the outcome from professional misconduct allegations of drunkenly groping four women that threaten his law license, announced Thursday that he’s running for a second term. Republican Curtis Hill made the announcement in a video...

Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick announces late bid for 2020 Democratic presidential nomination