Top Senate Democrat joins push for populist campaign agenda
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The top Democrat in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday joined a grassroots effort from the progressive wing of the party to encourage presidential candidates to adopt populist policies as they begin their campaigns.
U.S. defense chief says influence at risk without Asia trade pact
PHOENIX (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Monday threw his weight behind the Obama administration’s bid to clear the way for a pan-Pacific trade pact, arguing that time was running out and that without a deal, U.S. influence and Asia-…
Maine’s Republican governor renews welfare-reform push
BRUNSWICK, Maine (Reuters) – Maine Governor Paul LePage on Monday revived legislation to crack down on welfare fraud, making good on a 2014 campaign promise to tighten restrictions on the state’s public assistance programs and help speed the transition…
Oregon governor expands drought declaration
PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) – Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared a drought emergency on Monday in three southern and central Oregon counties, expanding upon earlier drought declarations the Democrat made in March, as the state faces record low snowpack l…
Government payments for Medicare Advantage plans to rise in 2016
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Payments to health insurers operating Medicare Advantage plans for the elderly and disabled will increase by 1.25 percent in 2016, the U.S. government said on Monday, in response to expected growth in health spending.
‘Green’ political donor vows climate agenda push in 2016 U.S. race
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Environmental activist and billionaire Tom Steyer served notice on Monday that he will use his wealth to try to bring climate change into the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, vowing to target Republican hopefuls who deny the conn…
Maine’s Republican governor renews welfare-reform push
BRUNSWICK, Maine (Reuters) – Maine Governor Paul LePage on Monday revived legislation to crack down on welfare fraud, making good on a 2014 campaign promise to tighten restrictions on the state’s public assistance programs and help speed the transition…
Jeb Bush marked ‘Hispanic’ on Florida voter form: NYT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Likely Republican presidential contender Jeb Bush, who was popular among Spanish-speaking voters while Florida governor, marked himself as “Hispanic” on a 2009 voter registration application, The New York Times reported on Monday…
Obama: nuclear deal not predicated on Iran recognizing Israel – NPR
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Monday poured cold water on an Israeli demand that a nuclear deal between world powers and Iran be predicated on Tehran recognizing Israel.
White House: Iran sanctions phase-out still to be negotiated
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States made clear on Monday that it would only agree to sanctions on Iran being phased out gradually as Tehran complies with a final deal to curb its nuclear program.
