Congressman Charlie Crist’s bill could help veterans caught in the criminal justice system

WASHINGTON – When returning from military service, some veterans affected by post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues can find themselves in legal trouble or jail.It’s a problem Florida Congressman Charlie Crist hopes to prevent.“It’s to help veterans who come back and are having difficulty reacclimating to civilian life and they get caught up in the criminal justice system for the minor offense of one kind or another,” Rep.

Watergate redux? Pres. Trump impeachment inquiry heads for live TV

WASHINGTON -- Back in 1973, tens of millions of Americans tuned in to what Variety called "the hottest daytime soap opera" — the Senate Watergate hearings that eventually led to President Richard Nixon's resignation.It was a communal experience, and by some estimates, more than 80% of Americans tuned in to at least part of the Watergate telecasts.

Towering 'Baby Trump' protest balloon slashed, deflated at Alabama appearance

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A towering "Baby Trump" protest balloon was knifed and deflated by someone unhappy with its appearance during President Donald Trump's Saturday trip to Alabama, organizers said.The incident occurred during President Trump's visit to watch the University of Alabama football game Saturday, Nov. 9.

US has new plan for notifying Americans of election meddling

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Friday released a new framework for notifying victims and the public of cyberattacks during the 2020 presidential election.The procedures are designed to ensure consistency in how victims and the public are notified of election interference by foreign governments.

9/11 hero receives posthumous presidential medal for saving lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — President Donald Trump honored Rick Rescorla Thursday for saving thousands of lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Rescorla was working in the Twin Towers on September 11 when the first plane hit and helped thousands of people evacuate.But he was unable to get out in time to save his own life.“On Tuesday September 11, 2001, Rick got up early, put on his blue pinstripe suit and just before he left his home in New Jersey he kissed Susan and told her “I’ve never felt better in my life.

Pres. Trump to pursue higher sales age for e-cigarettes

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday his administration will pursue raising the age to purchase electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21 in its upcoming plans to combat youth vaping.Pres.

Pres. Trump insists impeachment inquiry hasn't hurt him

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump insisted Friday he has not been damaged by impeachment testimony detailing efforts by him and his administration to pressure Ukraine to publicly investigate his political rivals.Speaking to reporters as he left on a campaign trip to Atlanta, Pres.

Judge fines President Trump $2 million for misusing charity foundation

NEW YORK — A judge Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to pay $2 million to an array of charities as a fine for misusing his own charitable foundation to further his political and business interests.New York state Judge Saliann Scarpulla imposed the penalty after the president admitted to a series of abuses outlined in a lawsuit brought against him last year by the New York attorney general's office.Among other things, President Trump acknowledged in a legal filing that he allowed his presidential campaign staff to coordinate with the Trump Foundation in holding a fundraiser for veterans during the run-up to the 2016 Iowa caucuses.

Judge orders President Trump to pay $2M for charity foundation misuse

NEW YORK — A New York judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to pay $2 million to an array of charities to resolve a lawsuit alleging he misused his own charitable foundation to further his political and business interests.Judge Saliann Scarpulla said President Trump breached his fiduciary duty to the Trump Foundation by allowing his campaign staff to plan a fundraiser for veterans' charities in the run-up to the 2016 Iowa caucuses.The event, which passed money through President Trump's non-profit, was designed "to further Mr.

Lawmakers urge President Trump to stay in Paris climate deal

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Senate Democrats and even one Republican are urging President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement.The international deal involving nearly 200 countries, which was signed under the Obama administration, promised the U.S. would drastically reduce its carbon emissions by 2025.

House Dems announce public impeachment hearings next week

WASHINGTON — House Democrats will launch a major new phase of their impeachment inquiry next week with public hearings that will feature three State Department officials who have testified about their concerns about President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine.House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who is leading the impeachment investigation, announced Wednesday that the committee will hear from top Ukraine diplomat William Taylor, career department official George Kent and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch in hearings next Wednesday and Friday.All three have already testified behind closed doors in the first phase of the investigation.