First Run News

DUPONT, Wash.

The Reader Center is one way we in the newsroom are trying to connect with you, by highlighting your perspectives and experiences and offering insight into how we work. The House on Tuesday approved a sweeping $1.5 trillion Republican tax bill that is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Trump before Christmas. Republicans have moved swiftly to pass the tax overhaul, but not without controversy.

The Los Angeles Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers Monday night at Staples Center. Team president Magic Johnson shared a speech about Bryant’s amazing NBA career and concluded that he thinks Bryant should get into politics and use his ability of bringing people together because the country “needs to come together.” “We need you right now,” Johnson said to Bryant in front of fans. “When I look into this audience, there [are] all races of people [who] come together, cheered you on for 20 years. And this country needs to come together.

The Los Angeles Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers Monday night at Staples Center. Team president Magic Johnson shared a speech about Bryant’s amazing NBA career and concluded that he thinks Bryant should get into politics and use his ability of bringing people together because the country “needs to come together.” “We need you right now,” Johnson said to Bryant in front of fans. “When I look into this audience, there [are] all races of people [who] come together, cheered you on for 20 years. And this country needs to come together.

The number two Senate Republican said it would be a "mistake" for the Trump administration to fire Robert Mueller. ABC News Chief Anchor presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates. Cornyn responded, "I read that the president’s own lawyer says that’s not going to happen.

Robert Mueller. Upon returning to the White House from ABC News' Alexander Mallin and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.

Hours after the President Trump argued that the accident highlights the need for infrastructure spending. "The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, Wash., shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble!

After struggling to answer basic legal questions during his confirmation hearing last week, President Donald Trump’s nominee for a U.S. District Court Matthew Spencer Petersen has withdrawn his name from consideration. "Mr. Petersen has withdrawn his nomination and the president has accepted," a White House official told ABC News. Petersen’s withdrawal comes after a video went viral of him fumbling through a line of questioning on points of basic legal procedure by Republican Sen.

DATA: Twitter Daniel McLaughlin / Globe Staff © 2017 Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC

Some Boston residents received a poll in recent days asking questions about a hypothetical matchup between Ayanna Pressley and Michael Capuano.  capital source The endorsement comes at a critical time for candidate Jay Gonzalez.  One of the City Council’s most high-profile acts of the year still sits in the hands of Mayor Martin Walsh.  capital source Wednesday’s meeting was the council’s last of the year, before a new council is sworn in on Jan. 1.