Obama’s new taxman faces ‘toughest’ job of his career at IRS
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The man being nominated by the White House to fill one of the most thankless jobs in Washington – chief of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service – is a 74-year-old lawyer with little tax experience, but a strong reputation as a troub…
Obama says is shifting to domestic priorities from Syria focus
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama said on Thursday he is shifting his focus to domestic priorities from a tense period during which he sought congressional approval to use military force against Syria for its suspected use of chemical weapo…
Putin wrong to blame Syria rebels for chemical attack, Pentagon says
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin and Russia are “isolated and alone” in asserting that Syrian rebels were likely responsible for the August 21 chemical weapons attack on civilians near Damascus that prompted a U.S. threat of military act…
Washington mayor vetoes wage bill aimed at big retailers
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Washington Mayor Vincent Gray on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have forced big retailers to pay a premium over the local minimum wage, calling it “a job killer” for a city trying to lure Wal-Mart and other big-box stores.
Acting head of U.S. patent office, Teresa Rea, to step down
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The acting head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Teresa Stanek Rea, has decided to step down, Rea said in an email to patent office staff made public on Thursday.
U.S. warns diplomatic solution for Syria will take time
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House warned on Wednesday that a diplomatic solution over Syria would take “some time” and pledged to pursue talks despite skepticism from U.S. lawmakers that Damascus would make good on a Russian plan to surrender its …
Republican New York mayoral candidate needs to woo moderates
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Joe Lhota, the newly elected Republican candidate for New York City mayor, says he wants to highlight stark differences with his likely liberal rival to win over moderates in the heavily Democratic-leaning electorate.
Washington D.C. mayor vetoes controversial minimum wage bill
(Reuters) – Washington, D.C., Mayor Vincent Gray on Thursday vetoed a controversial minimum wage bill that could have discouraged Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world’s biggest retailer, from opening stores in the U.S. capital.
Missouri lawmakers fail to revive bill preventing federal gun law enforcement
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (Reuters) – In a defeat for gun rights advocates, Missouri lawmakers failed on Wednesday to override Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill that would have prevented federal enforcement of gun laws in the state.
Over-aggressive agenda may have doomed two recalled Colorado Democrats
DENVER (Reuters) – The recall ouster of two Colorado state senators targeted by Republicans for backing tougher gun control is a sign that Democrats who control the Denver statehouse may have reached too far, especially on the volatile issue of firearm…
