Dec 19 Obama signs massive defense spending bill By Darlene Superville, Associated Press President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a massive defense policy bill that endorses his plan to fight Islamic State militants, including air strikes and training Iraqis and moderate Syrian rebels. Continue reading
Dec 19 Obama: No quick end to embargo on Cuba By Julie Pace, Associated Press President Barack Obama will end his year in Washington with a news conference at which he'll face questions on Cuba, the Sony hacking and how he will work with the Republican Congress. NewsHour will live stream the event, which is… Continue reading
Dec 18 Despite pushback from lawmakers, there’s little chance Congress can stop Cuba policy By Deb Riechmann, Associated Press WASHINGTON — A lack of unanimity in both political parties toward President Barack Obama's sudden move to re-establish ties with Cuba complicates any congressional effort to scuttle the most significant change in U.S. policy toward the communist island in 50-plus… Continue reading
Dec 18 Obama’s ‘transformative’ Cuba moment By Domenico Montanaro, Lisa Desjardins, Rachel Wellford, Simone Pathe Today in the Morning Line: Explaining Obama’s move on Cuba The generational shift — even among Cuban Americans — on Cuba policy The Obamas talk about their personal experiences dealing with race Obama goes big on Cuba: Whether you agree… Continue reading
Dec 17 Watch 7:26 How does diplomatic reconciliation affect Cuban-Americans? – Part 3 By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Dec 17 Watch 8:18 Is it in America’s interest to have closer Cuban connection? – Part 2 By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Dec 17 Watch 4:48 U.S. and Cuba restore diplomatic ties, swap prisoners – Part 1 By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Dec 17 Obamas open up about their experience with racial prejudice By Associated Press He may be president now, but Barack Obama says he's a black man who has been mistaken for the valet and worries his daughters could face stereotypes. "There's no black male my age, who's a professional, who hasn't come out… Continue reading
Dec 17 Obama’s plan to open relations with Cuba in 13 points By Larisa Epatko President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the U.S. is making historic changes in its dealings with Cuba, because decades of U.S. isolation of the communist nation have had little effect. Continue reading
Dec 16 Up to 88 federal judges may receive Senate confirmation this year By Alan Fram, Associated Press No longer impeded by Republican blocking tactics, Democrats are on track to win confirmation of up to 88 of President Barack Obama's top judicial nominations this year, a total that would be the highest for any president in two decades. Continue reading