Congressional Republicans prepare to ram through nine of President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees through confirmation hearings this week over Democrats’ objections that it’s a rush job.  San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener introduces legislation that would make  California the first state in the nation to require solar power on newly constructed buildings. A brief respite … Continued


The first mass shooting of the year with double digit casualties — five dead, eight wounded after an  Iraq War veteran opens fire at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida airport.  President-elect Donald Trump says he “learned a lot” in his briefing with top intelligence officials, but is declining to say whether he accepts their assertion that … Continued


The country’s top intelligence official says Russia undoubtedly interfered in the 2016 presidential election by hacking Democratic emails. Republican Senator John McCain says the U.S. isn’t tough enough on cyberhacking. House Speaker Paul Ryan says Republicans will strip federal dollars for Planned Parenthood as part of their effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It’s been … Continued


Republican Senators begin the process of trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. Democrats warn against the repeal. California Democratic legislative leaders engage the services of former Obama Administration Attorney General Eric Holder to advise on legal strategy in likely battles with the Trump Administration over climate change, health care, civil rights and immigration. Oakland … Continued


  Russian President Vladimir Putin says he won’t engage in tit for tat expulsions of U.S. diplomats following President Obama’s order expelling 35 Russians. A Syrian ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey largely is holding; talks on a political settlement may take place next month. The San Francisco District Attorney has decided not to retry a 22 … Continued


  President Obama unveils retaliatory actions against Russia for its alleged hacking of Democratic emails. He’s expelling nearly three dozen diplomats from the Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco and imposing sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies.  Russia and Turkey broker a nationwide ceasefire in Syria amid hopes it will lead to … Continued


Secretary of State John Kerry blasts Israel in unusually blunt language for its settlements policies on occupied Palestinian lands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responds, calling Kerry’s Mideast policy speech a great disappointment, but saying better days lie ahead with the incoming Trump Administration. Turkey’s foreign minister says his country and Russia have prepared an agreement … Continued