BREAKING NEWS
'Beacon of freedom' dims as US initiatives that promote democracy abroad wither under Trump
Read full article: 'Beacon of freedom' dims as US initiatives that promote democracy abroad wither under TrumpThe United States is pulling back from its role in spreading democratic ideals abroad under President Donald Trump.

House votes to formalize impeachment inquiry procedures
Read full article: House votes to formalize impeachment inquiry procedures(CNN) - The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a resolution to formalize the procedures of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, marking a significant step in the ongoing inquiry and setting the stage for the next phase in the investigation. The vote was 232-196 and was the first time that the full House chamber took a vote related to the inquiry. The speaker usually does not preside, but for this historic vote -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is doing so Thursday morning. But House Democrats have said that they intend to hold public hearings as well and the resolution vote comes as the House gears up for that to soon get underway. Congressional Republicans and the White House have criticized the way Democrats are conducting the impeachment inquiry as unfair and secretive, and Republicans have called on the full House to hold a vote to authorize the inquiry.