JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill could have large implications for states. The legislation nearing completion in Congress could reduce federal funding to states for Medicaid and food assistance programs. But in many states, it’s too late to do much about it this year. Tuesday marks the start of a new budget year in 46 states. Though a few are still working, many state legislatures already have adjourned and had to craft a budget without knowing whether their federal funding would be cut. Some states have set aside money as a precaution. Others are tentatively planning to return in special sessions.… Continue Reading

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts is warning that elected officials’ heated words about judges can lead to threats or acts of violence by others. Roberts’ comments Saturday at a judicial conference come at a time when threats against judges are on the rise. Roberts didn’t identify anyone by name. But he was clearly referring to Republican President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer when he said he’s felt compelled to issue public rebukes of figures in both parties in recent years. Roberts said the danger is that people might pick up on such criticism. He cited “serious threats of violence and murder of judges just simply for doing their work.”… Continue Reading