New Jersey's 2017 gubernatorial race is a battleground for independent and third party candidates who feel the election system is rigged against them, and toward Republicans and Democrats.

Greens, Libertarians, and disenfranchised progressives are railing against a system they say locks them out and suppresses their voices in public debate.

Jill Stein, Green Party presidential candidate in the 2016 election, released a statement against "the 'Sopranos' state’s 2-party mafia," referencing the state of New Jersey, three months before the 2017 gubernatorial elections.

Current news and politics are filled with discussion on the minimum wage. Most of the talk concerns raising the minimum wage to a level where the average person making minimum wage is making a living wage.

When considering changes to minimum wage, it’s helpful to examine its history, original purpose and how it has changed over the decades.

Manchin Stays 'Independent'

As the political wheels rapidly turn in the state of West Virginia, Senator Joe Manchin appears to be staying independent and above the fray.

At a Trump rally last week, Governor Jim Justice announced he was switching his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. And this week, the state’s GOP Senate candidate used tough talk to muddy the campaign waters against Manchin, who is up for re-election next year.

The political wheels in the state of West Virginia are rapidly turning.

At a Trump rally last week, Governor Jim Justice announced he was switching his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. And now the state's GOP is looking to run over its Democratic senator, Joe Manchin, who is up for re-election next year.

The Colorado Republican Party is considering nominating its candidates through caucus rather than an open primary that would allow unaffiliated voters (independents) to participate.

Voters approved two ballot initiatives in November that a) require Colorado to use primaries in presidential elections and b) open all statewide primary elections to independent voters.

There was a virtual media blackout on a major scandal in Washington -- right up until the arrest of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's chief IT staffer, Imran Awan as he tried to flee the country late last month.

Venezuela Violence Following Election

Fallout from the election in Venezuela is turning violent. A military base near the capital, Caracas, was attacked by armed men. The government claims to have quelled the attack, but not before some of the assailants made off with weapons.

A YouTube video was released early Sunday morning calling for Venezuelans to rebel against President Nicolas Maduro after his party established an all-powerful assembly meant to secure its grip over the country.

UPDATE: ***CLARIFICATION and CORRECTION*** - The letter referenced below said the percentage may be up to 144%, and was referring to one specific county.  Additionally new information and new data has come to light on this story and we will be writing a follow up piece to reflect more accurate information on this story. As part of our mission at IVN, we strive to provide accurate and honest information, regardless of the perspective. In this case, we admit our shortcomings and look forward publishing a more accurate follow up.

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN NEWS? IT'S NOT WHO YOU THINK

The American public is more skeptical of traditional and mainstream media outlets now than at any point in modern US history. So that leaves the question, in the era of "fake news," which outlets do Americans trust most?

Here's a hint: Cable news is not doing so hot.