Justice Department

Marchers unfurl a rainbow flag at the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington, D.C., in June.

National

Census Bureau Found No Need For LGBT Data Despite 4 Agencies Requesting It

2:34pm July 18, 2017

by Hansi Lo Wang

At least four federal agencies asked the Census Bureau to add questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to the American Community Survey, NPR has learned.

Muslim worshippers pray during a 2016 service at the Bernards Township Community Center in Basking Ridge, N.J.

N.J. Town Must Pay Islamic Group $3.25 Million To Settle Discrimination Lawsuit

5:36pm May 30, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

As part of the settlement of a separate Justice Department lawsuit, the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge will be allowed to move forward with its plans to build a mosque, ending a years-long dispute.

Robert Mueller, the Justice Department's pick as special counsel in the investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 elections, has been cleared of any conflicts of interests related to the work of his former law firm.

Politics & Government

Mueller Approved By Justice Dept. Ethics Team, Despite Former Law Firm's Ties

2:57pm May 23, 2017

Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, had been working for a law firm whose clients include Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort. Justice has ruled Mueller may serve as special counsel.

President Trump gives the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.

After Special Counsel Named, Trump Reacts: 'Greatest Witch Hunt' In Political History

12:50pm May 18, 2017

by Domenico Montanaro

The morning after former FBI Director Robert Mueller was named special counsel overseeing the investigation into Trump team ties to Russia, the president is upping the grievance politics.

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee during the annual open hearing on worldwide threats on March 12, 2013. Mueller has been named special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Former FBI Director Mueller Appointed As Special Counsel To Oversee Russia Probe

10:00pm May 17, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has appointed Robert Mueller to oversee the growing probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible ties to Trump associates.

Queue Listen Now

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas pulled himself out of contention for FBI director Tuesday.

Cornyn Drops Out Of Running For FBI Director Job; Merrick Garland To Remain A Judge

3:37pm May 16, 2017

by Carrie Johnson

Despite Republicans floating the idea of making Merrick Garland FBI director, people close to the judge say that's not happening. Garland was Obama's pick to the Supreme Court and never got a hearing.

The company that operates the Chicago Tribune has announced it is interested in owning its rival, the Chicago Sun-Times.

National

'Chicago Tribune' Parent Company Is Trying To Buy The 'Chicago Sun-Times'

2:25pm May 16, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

Both newspapers have stressed that Chicago will remain a two-newspaper city, with the Sun-Times maintaining a separate newsroom that would operate independently.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions addresses the Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City at an event Friday in Washington, D.C. During his speech, Sessions said federal prosecutors "deserve to be unhandcuffed and not micromanaged from Washington."

National

Sessions Tells Prosecutors To Seek 'Most Serious' Charges, Stricter Sentences

1:19pm May 12, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The move, which was announced in a memo, reverses an Obama-era recommendation that asked federal prosecutors not to hit low-level drug offenders with charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences.

Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, seen at the Capitol in March, is among the Republicans questioning the timing of FBI Director James Comey's firing.

Some Vulnerable Republicans Begin To Question Timing Of Comey's Firing

8:30pm May 10, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

"I can't defend or explain [Tuesday's] actions or timing of the firing of FBI Director James Comey," said Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, who is a top Democratic target in the 2018 midterms.

Sally Yates, former acting U.S. attorney general, speaks during a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Monday.

One Hearing, Two Different Realities — And The Data Prove It

2:35pm May 09, 2017

by Domenico Montanaro

Democrats focused on Russia and the White House's conduct when confronted with information that Michael Flynn lied to the vice president. Republicans wanted to know how it got out.