Dana Farrington

Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak told the Kremlin that Jared Kushner had discussed setting up a secret means of communicating directly, using Russian facilities, according to the Washington Post.

President Trump released his budget on Tuesday, which proposes deep cuts to federal safety nets, like food stamps. The plan builds off of the blueprint that the White House distributed in March.

President Trump said he "will always stand with the Jewish people." His administration has been criticized for its reaction to recent anti-Semitic attacks, among other controversies.

The document released on Thursday is more of a political statement than an actual budget, as Congress will need to approve a final plan. But it does indicate the president's priorities.

The president's first choice, Andrew Puzder, withdrew his nomination on Wednesday after facing criticism from members of both parties.

Flynn's departure from his position as national security adviser is followed by contradictory statements from the White House and an unclear timeline on the administration's response.

Michael Flynn stepped down as national security adviser following reports he communicated with Russia about U.S. sanctions in December and then misled the vice president-elect about that discussion.

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of a polarized United States Friday. His inaugural address, expected in the middle of a full day of events, could have far-reaching consequences.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple cited "harsh weather" in his order, noting that "emergency services probably will not be available under current winter conditions." Protesters have been camped out for months.

Tried-and-true red, white and blue stood out these last two weeks of political convergence. Here are some looks that also tell a story about the parties and the people who sported them.

At the Democratic convention, the first lady said the election is about making a better future for the children. Hillary Clinton is the only candidate "who I trust with that responsibility," she said.

The entrepreneur praised her father's business sense and his commitment to women and working mothers. "My father values talent. He is colorblind and gender neutral," she said.

From a profile of Samantha Bee to the views of Chelsea Manning on the military's new transgender rules, these stories are about how we see the world.

Police say they are investigating the possible rape of a 16-year-old girl by at least 30 men — and an online video. Activists are calling attention to violence against women in the country.

The Legislature has until June 30 to resolve an "inequitable and unconstitutional" funding structure, the court says, or else schools will have to close.

The residents' dinner became quite an event. Henry Heimlich, 96, is famous for inventing a technique to help people who are choking.

The past three hurricane seasons have been considered below normal, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. This season, NOAA predicts about four to eight hurricanes in the Atlantic.

Please do not take selfies with the animals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asks. It's pupping season, so there may be a tempting number of seals about this weekend.

The spellers made it through 25 championship rounds to be named co-winners. Nihar Saireddy Janga was among the youngest in the finals; Jairam Jagadeesh Hathwar follows his brother, a 2014 co-champ.

Floodwaters trapped the cavers on Thursday. Four managed to escape, and then 19 more finally made it out in the evening.