Article snippet: The president told those affected that ‘‘we’re with you in this tragic hour and we will be with you forever.’’ There’s been much discussion over what must be done to ensure the safety of our ballots looking forward. But what actual steps have been taken? That’s a mixed bag. At a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation event, the Microsoft founder had the crowd in stitches as he recounted stories from past meetings with President Donald Trump. The scuttling of the bill, which combines stricter work and job training requirements for food stamp recipients with a renewal of farm subsidies, is an embarrassment for GOP leaders. Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon undersecretary for personnel and readiness, has led the agency since President Trump fired David Shulkin two months ago. President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he only used the word ‘‘animals’’ to describe immigrants who are gang members. The black caucus’s political arm said it based its decision on the congressman’s 20-year record as a “strong committed partner.” If Democrats win the House in November, more than 20 Democratic chairmen would suddenly gain the power to compel reluctant witnesses to testify in front of their committees. analysis President Trump and his allies over the past several days have pushed a new narrative as they attempt to draw into question the motives of those investigating whether the president’s campaign colluded with Russia. In Massachusetts, the stakes are high. Th... Link to the full article to read more