MANILA, Philippines (AP) — After years of red-eye flights across the Pacific and marathon summits, President Barack Obama had hoped to arrive in this Southeast Asian capital and tout progress in his seven-year charm offensive in Asia: His campaign to move away from the cycle of crisis in the Middle East and toward the rising region was finally … Continue reading
Tag Archives: President Barack Obama
Syrian refugee policy takes focus in US 2016 politics
WASHINGTON (AP) — The bloody attacks in Paris are putting the Syrian refugee crisis at the center of U.S. politics as migrants from that war-torn country surge toward the West and security concerns rise. The debate, which cuts straight to the American identity as a refuge, on Monday, November 16, ranged from whether to … Continue reading
World leaders vow to step up anti-terror efforts after Paris
ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) — World leaders vowed Monday to boost intelligence-sharing, cut off terrorist funding and strengthen border security in Europe, as they sought to show resolve and unity following the Islamic State’s deadly terror attacks in Paris. U.S. President Barack Obama said the militant group was “the face of evil” and urged other nations … Continue reading
Obama tries to enlist eBay sellers to back his trade pact
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is trying to rally hundreds of thousands of eBay sellers to get behind a proposed trade deal between the U.S. and 11 other countries. Obama intends to sign the deal, but he could face a tough task in getting Congress to ratify it. Obama says the Trans Pacific Partnership … Continue reading
White House’s Sexual Assault Initiative is hoping to reduce assaults on campuses, but they tell us: “It’s On Us.”
by Mahogany Waldon The White House, along with CollegeHumor, an online website that produces videos and articles geared towards college students, have partnered for the “It’s On Us” week of action from Nov. 8-14. The week is designated for college campuses to bring awareness to sexual assault. Initiatives from pledge drives, town hall meetings and … Continue reading
Study: Kids take 100-plus required tests through 12th grade
WASHINGTON (AP) — Students, parents and teachers have long lamented the hours that kids spend taking standardized tests, especially since the introduction of the Common Core academic standards. But just how much time each year? A. Between 10-15 hours. B. Between 20-25 hours. C. Between 30-35 hours. The correct answer is “B,” according to a … Continue reading
New health overhaul challenge reaching Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — Opponents of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul are taking yet another challenge to the law to the Supreme Court, and say they will be back with more if this one fails. A new appeal being filed Monday by the Pacific Legal Foundation contends that the law violates the provision of the … Continue reading
GOP bill would gut health law, halt Planned Parenthood money
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans pushed legislation toward House passage on Friday that would erase key components of President Barack Obama’s health care law, block federal payments to Planned Parenthood and face certain veto from President Barack Obama — should it ever reach him. The bill aims squarely at two favorite targets of conservatives. And though … Continue reading
Debate day-after: Sanders raises cash, Clinton camp pleased
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bernie Sanders said his campaign raised more than $1.3 million in the hours after the first Democratic debate of the 2016 race, and social media metrics showed he was the most-searched candidate on Google and most-discussed on Facebook and Twitter. Meanwhile, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s backers celebrated the day after what some said … Continue reading
President Barack Obama interviews author Marilynne Robinson
NEW YORK (AP) — For this interview, President Barack Obama was the one asking the questions. In a discussion held last month in Iowa and posted Monday October 12th by The New York Review of Books, Obama asked Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson about faith, democracy, education and writing. Obama explained that he met … Continue reading
No shutdown: Congress approves bill to keep government open
WASHINGTON (AP) — Just hours before a midnight deadline, a bitterly divided Congress approved a stopgap spending bill Wednesday to keep the federal government open — but with no assurance there won’t be yet another shutdown showdown in December. Democrats helped beleaguered House Republican leaders pass the measure by 277-151 — a lopsided vote shrouding … Continue reading
Russian calls for ‘maximally effective’ terrorism fight
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia followed its launch of airstrikes in Syria with a call on Wednesday for the world to unite in the fight against terrorist groups, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov telling foreign ministers of world powers that his country was circulating a draft U.N. security Council resolution to help make it happen. … Continue reading
House Republicans advance bill to undo health law
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans advanced legislation Tuesday to dismantle President Barack Obama’s health law that could actually reach the president’s desk. The House GOP has voted more than 50 times to repeal all or parts of the health law. Almost all the bills died in the Senate. But this time, Republicans are using a … Continue reading
Obama, Democratic leaders huddle as shutdown threat looms
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic leaders of the House and Senate plan to huddle with President Barack Obama on Thursday to discuss strategy as Congress prepares for some momentous decisions on how best to keep the federal government operating. A partial shutdown will occur Oct. 1 unless lawmakers provide money to keep the federal government … Continue reading
Obama using business CEOs meeting to apply budget pressure
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama urged Congress on Wednesday to avoid another contentious budget showdown and warned that the economy would surely take a hit if the government shuts down again. Obama blamed Republicans for the shutdown two years ago and made clear he would so again if it comes to that. “You’ll recall … Continue reading