Friday's Headlines: Trump’s pick to head Veterans Affairs faces skepticism over his experience

How Trump agreed to the biggest purge of Russian spies in U.S. history; Congresswoman retained aide for months after learning of allegations that he made threats; Peeps, pensions...

Democracy Dies in Darkness     The morning's most important stories, selected by Post editors   Trump's pick to head Veterans Affairs faces skepticism over his experience Veterans groups and lawmakers were lukewarm in appraising Ronny L. Jackson's qualifications to lead an agency that employs 360,000 people and has a $186 billion annual budget, with some warning that his nomination would face resistance if he embraces the idea of privatizing more of VA's health coverage. By Lisa Rein, Seung Min Kim, Emily Wax-Thibodeaux and Josh Dawsey  •  Read more » How Trump agreed to the biggest purge of Russian spies in U.S. history The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's decision reflected a phenomenon that has baffled America's allies for almost a year: Despite Trump's warm rhetoric toward Moscow, he has followed his aides' recommendations for aggressive action against Russia on multiple occasions. By John Hudson, Shane Harris and Josh Dawsey  •   Read more »   Congresswoman retained aide for months after learning of allegations that he made threats Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) did not dismiss her chief of staff until House lawyers arranged a severance deal for him. By Elise Viebeck  •   Read more »   Peeps, pensions and a lawsuit threaten to upend the American retirement system The company that makes Peeps wants to avoid paying a $60 million fee required under federal law before barring new employees from pensions. Union officials fear that if the company succeeds in escaping it, thousands of other firms will do the same. By Damian Paletta  •   Read more »   Fox News host Ingraham's rapid apology shows the power of Parkland survivors Several companies responded within 24 hours after David Hogg called for an advertiser boycott of Laura Ingraham's show, showing how those who survived the Florida school shooting have grown in influence. By Amy B Wang, Allyson Chiu and Tracy Jan  •   Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT Opinions   Surprise: Trump's newest Cabinet nominee has no relevant experience By Eugene Robinson  •   Read more »   Trump and Kim Jong Un have a lot in common. Is that a good thing? By David Ignatius  •   Read more »   This madness will pass. Conservatives can't give up. By Michael Gerson  •   Read more »   There's nothing wrong with a census question about citizenship By Marc A. Thiessen  •   Read more »   The bitter lie behind the census's citizenship question By Vanita Gupta  •   Read more »   Can Ronny Jackson really run the VA? By Editorial Board  •   Read more » ADVERTISEMENT More News   Sessions rebuffs GOP calls for 2nd special counsel to probe FBI Three Republican leaders in Congress had called on the attorney general to appoint a second special counsel to investigate the bureau's handling of the Clinton and Russia probes. By Matt Zapotosky  •  Read more »     In emotional speech, CDC's new leader vows to uphold science On his third day on the job, Robert Redfield laid out his priorities for the country's leading public health agency. By Lena H. Sun  •   Read more »   Trump officials prepare to undo fuel-efficiency targets despite some automakers' misgivings Some of the same companies that had pressed for relaxed regulation now worry that they will be forced to comply with two standards: stricter specifications that California imposes and a separate requirement for the rest of the country. By Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis  •   Read more »   Coffee must carry cancer warning, California judge rules The judge sided with a nonprofit that brought the case against coffee companies because of a carcinogen, acrylamide, that is produced when coffee beans are roasted. By Eli Rosenberg  •   Read more »   'If we have to, we will': Arizona teachers, among the nation's lowest paid, threaten to strike Arizona is the latest state where educators have risen up to demand higher wages and more investment in schools, emboldened by a successful statewide teacher walkout in West Virginia. By Moriah Balingit  •   Read more »   Highly drug-resistant gonorrhea confirmed by U.K. health officials Health officials in England said it is the first time that a case of the sexually transmitted disease could not be treated successfully with antibiotics that often cure it. By Lindsey Bever  •   Read more »         Share Today's Headlines:    Twitter     Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you signed up for Today's Headlines or because it is included in your subscription. Manage my email newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe from Today's Headlines Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post  |  1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071