Diplomacy as defense; "Political interference," and Trump's speech
Diplomatic defense
It’s become clear that President Trump believes defending the nation means giving the military all the muscle it needs -- to the detriment of diplomatic funding. But more than 120 retired generals are making a somewhat surprising plea for spending on diplomacy. Their unified perspective, expressed in letter to congressional leaders, was prompted by an announcement of major cuts to the non-defense budget.
“Political interference?”
Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes is leading the House investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives. He says there was nothing wrong with him and his Senate counterpart making a few calls at the request of Trump aides. But after reports of White House requests to the CIA and FBI, it’s bringing fresh accusations of tampering.
Trump speech
Tonight, President Donald Trump will for the first time address both Houses of Congress in what will be, in all but name, his first State of the Union address. Will Rahn explains some key things to watch for -- from both the president and the gathered lawmakers -- starting the moment the Sergeant-at-Arms announces Mr. Trump and he enters the hall.
Traveling Trumps
By Wednesday, Eric Trump will have gone to four countries on Trump company business since January 1st, each with Secret Service agents in tow. The Secret Service won’t say how much all those trips cost the agency, but taxpayers are footing the bills. The law requires protection for the president, vice president and first lady, but Secret Service coverage for adult children is optional; they could decline it.
Adoption woes
When Christa Trinler and Wayne Walrath decided in 2016 to adopt a child, the couple braced themselves for high costs and a grueling wait. But they weren’t ready for the abrupt closure of their adoption agency. Now they and thousands of other aspiring parents burned by the collapse of a seemingly stable nonprofit firm want restitution -- and answers about where things went wrong.
Can he deliver?
The “animal spirits” unleashed on financial markets by the election of Donald Trump rumble on, fueled by investor excitement over his administration’s economic plan. But beneath the euphoria are simmering fears that the president may not be able to deliver on his promise to rev up economic growth.
“Canada’s Rosa Parks”
Next year Viola Desmond will become the first civilian woman to feature on Canada’s $10 bill. Never heard of her? Until a few years ago, nor had many Canadians. But her story provides valuable context to the history of a nation that, while remaining free of slavery and legal segregation, did not escape racism.
More top news:
U.S.
Jewish centers get bomb threats, officials plan cemetery repairs
Judge blocks Calif. law protecting privacy of pols who voted for gun restrictions
Deputy shot 4 times during 7-hour standoff at N.C. home
Video captures small plane plunging into homes; 3 killed
World
Al Qaeda’s deputy leader reportedly killed in airstrike
Airstrikes pound northern Syria as peace talks continue
Anger in El Salvador after gang kills beloved hippo
Politics
Trump issues executive orders on black colleges, environmental regs
Trouble brewing for Deputy Commerce Sec. pick Todd Ricketts
Billionaire Wilbur Ross confirmed as commerce secretary
Business
Walmart’s mixed bag: Customers don’t hate it -- as much
10 homes you can buy for $1 million
Science and tech
SpaceX announces plans for a moon mission
Dangerous “like-farming” scam returns to Facebook
Health
VA vows more drug tests amid rising opioid thefts
