At a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing Thursday, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker highlighted the importance of securing the United States' northern border as well as the one to the south. While he questioned the Director of the All-Threat Intelligence Center, Bryan Costigan, Senator Booker said:

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who is expected to announce his candidacy for President of the United States, defends his stance against forced vaccinations and to lower the tax code. At one point, he even "shushes" the anchor for loading her questions and not letting him answer the questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlWcDDZ1w38

Cheaper gas prices, a stronger dollar, China trimming U.S. debt -- the initial reaction for anyone not familiar with the intricacies of how the global economy works will surely see all of these things as solely good.

Actress and comedian Roseanne Barr ran for president in 2012 under the banner of the Peace and Freedom Party. According to the FEC, Barr appeared on the ballot in 3 states, and including these and write-ins in other states, received a total of 67,278 votes, placing her sixth overall.

Update: After reconsidering the legislation, a committee in the Idaho House approved the cannabidiol oil bill in a 12-4 vote.

It took just 7 days for Indiana Governor Mike Pence to cave to the social and moral pressure to revise the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

Vox reported Wednesday that Stanford University has implemented a new program that will make it easier for low-, middle-, and upper-middle class families to afford college. Stanford will now offer free tuition for families earning less than $125,000 per year, and families that make less than $65,000 a year also won't have to contribute to room and board.

Black and white illustrations by Andy Schuler.

MAINE -- The Portland Press Herald reported Wednesday that two bills will be considered by Maine lawmakers that would allow unaffiliated voters to fully participate in public elections. According to the story, independent voters make up the largest voting bloc in Maine and have for quite some time.

Elizabeth Warren has the qualifications to hold any political office in the United States -- a Harvard Law professor, a special advisory to the Treasury, creator of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a United States senator, and active on at least six different Senate committees.

But to be a true heavyweight of American politics, Warren still needs to develop a solid message, and then sell that message to America.