Obama prepared to leave no troops in Afghanistan after 2014
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama has told the Pentagon to prepare for the possibility that the United States will not leave behind any troops in Afghanistan after its troop drawdown at the end of this year, the White House said on Tue…
Supreme Court rules against defendants in asset freeze case
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the ability of criminal defendants facing federal charges to challenge a court’s decision to freeze their assets before trial.
Obama to announce $140 million to support job hubs in Chicago, Detroit
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama planned to announce on Tuesday that two new manufacturing institutes aimed at creating quality jobs would be located in Chicago and Detroit and be supported by $140 million in federal funds, the White House…
Chris Christie calls for pension reform
(Reuters) – New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will call for a new round of public pension reform when he presents his fifth state budget on Tuesday, according to remarks released in advance.
State lawyers don’t have to defend gay marriage bans: Holder
(Reuters) – The United States’ top law enforcement official has launched into the divisive gay marriage debate by telling a newspaper his state counterparts do not have to defend laws and bans in court that they think are discriminatory.
California lawmaker pleads innocent to corruption charges
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A California state senator pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he took bribes from a businessman as well as from undercover FBI agents posing as Hollywood film executives to shepherd legislation in their favor.
Quest for more lethal U.S. warship could raise cost
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s decision to stop building the current class of coastal warships after 32 vessels and focus on ships with more firepower and protection will result in higher costs, U.S. defense officials said on Mo…
U.S. House Republican tax plan would cut top rate: Washington Post
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A tax reform package due to be unveiled this week by U.S. House Republicans would slash the top income tax rate to 25 percent from 39.6 percent and levy a surtax on some of the most affluent households, the Washington Post report…
Obama seeks change in how U.S. pays to fight wildfires
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama will ask Congress in his budget proposal next week to change the way it pays for the soaring costs of fighting wildfires, the White House said on Monday, noting the new approach will ensure more money goes …
Governors clash over Obama’s quest to raise minimum wage
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democratic and Republican state governors emerged from talks with President Barack Obama on Monday in a civil mood – until the topic moved to raising the minimum wage.