In brief impeachment trial opening, Trump lawyers insist president did nothing wrong

WASHINGTON — During their brief first day of opening statements Saturday, President Donald Trump’s defense lawyers aimed to undermine House Democrats’ assertions that their client committed impeachable offenses. They did so by accusing House Democrats of omitting evidence and saying…

House Judiciary Committee opens next impeachment phase with rancor, legal debate

WASHINGTON – Three constitutional lawyers characterized President Donald Trump’s actions toward Ukraine as a serious abuse of power that constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors during impeachment hearings Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. “When President Trump invited – indeed, demanded…

Bill to “ban the box” would end federal employer requests for criminal histories

WASHINGTON — Former felons could have more success securing employment under bipartisan legislation introduced Thursday that would bar federal employers from asking requests for applicants’ criminal histories before conditional job offers. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, and Doug Collins, R-Georgia, joined…