First Run News

Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories WASHINGTON — The amount of lobbying activity being reported has declined in President Trump’s Washington, but observers say it’s not because he is making good on his promise to “drain the swamp” of special interests. The slow pace of legislation, stiffer rules, and a gradual decline in the number of lobbyists have contributed to the decrease in the first half of 2017. The number of registered lobbyists has dipped to a low point, and special interests, after an i

Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories Fewer interest groups and corporations are seeing reasons to spend money on a lawmaking process that is currently mired in dysfunction.  The US Interior Secretary urged President Trump to consider changes to how some federal lands are maintained and what economic and recreational activities are allowed.  The retweet came amid a series of tweets complaining about Congress, James Clapper, and the media.   The GOP has a message for Joe Donnelly.

Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories DATA: Twitter Daniel McLaughlin / Globe Staff © 2017 Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC

Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories Capital Source Businessman John Kingston made it clear he is serious about running — and putting up $2 million of his own money to prove it.

Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories Fewer interest groups and corporations are seeing reasons to spend money on a lawmaking process that is currently mired in dysfunction.  The US Interior Secretary urged President Trump to consider changes to how some federal lands are maintained and what economic and recreational activities are allowed.  The retweet came amid a series of tweets complaining about Congress, James Clapper, and the media.   The GOP has a message for Joe Donnelly.

Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) is expected to meet with the reporter he body-slammed on the eve of the Montana special election once the Congressional recess concludes. “We’ve been in discussions for several weeks with Ben to make this meeting happen with Greg,” Gianforte’s communications director, Travis Hall, told The Washington Post.

President Trump reportedly gathered with several possible primary challengers to Sen. MORE (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday, where he referred to the lawmaker as “the flake.”  Politico on Wednesday reported that the former chairman of the Arizona Republican party, Robert Graham, and State Treasurer Jeff DeWit, took part in the meeting.

The American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) of Arizona on Wednesday called for an independent probe into potential excessive use of force against protesters outside of President Trump’s Tuesday rally in Phoenix. “The police failed to protect the First Amendment rights of protesters.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary he Washington Post reported. Carson, an appointee and supporter of Trump during the campaign, was introduced with his Cabinet title at the rally in Phoenix. His appearance at the rally sparked speculation that Carson may have violated the federal Hatch Act, which prohibits executive-branch employees from using their federal positions for political advantage. The act specifically prohibits Cabinet secretaries from participating in such events in a way that suggests they are doing so in an official capacity, a rule meant to prevent officials from usi