AP: Gov’t Still Hiding Secrets After Obama Order
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
Obama’s first public act in office was to order more government transparency, but federal agencies are still trying to hide information sought by reporters, news outlets say.
White House Begins Afghan War Strategy Review
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
Obama administration unexpectedly decided to review its strategy in Afghanistan after a series of recent setbacks in the war, including fraud allegations following last month’s presidential elections
Panel Votes to Restore Abstinence Ed Funding
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
A Senate committee has voted to restore $50 million a year in federal funding for abstinence-only education that President Barack Obama had sought to eliminate.
U.S. to Send Home Thousands More Troops From Iraq
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
Gen. Ray Odierno says in prepared congressional testimony that the number of U.S. soldiers in Iraq will total about 120,000 over the next month.
Obama to Visit Gulf Coast Next Month
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
President Obama said Tuesday he’ll visit the Hurricane Katrina-damaged Gulf Coast by mid-October.
Health Care Mandate Sparks Constitutional Debate
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
The constitution allows the federal government to regulate interstate commerce but legal experts argue the insurance requirement is just an attempt to dictate personal behavior.
Obama Administration Limits Access to Guantanamo, Raising Transparency Questions
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
The Obama administration has tightened access to the detention camps at Guantanamo Bay, leading to criticism that it is not living up to its pledges of transparency.
U.S., Cuba Held Private Talks
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
The talks were the first of their kind in years between representatives of the U.S. and Cuban governments, the bitter Cold War rivals among whom trust appears to be gradually building.
Obama’s Delay on Troop Request for Afghanistan Stirs Criticism of War Strategy
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
President Obama’s critics say he’s wrong to wait several weeks to decide whether to send additional troops to Afghanistan, as Gen. Stanley McChrystal has requested.
Democratic Fundraiser Hsu Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison
Sep 30, 2009 Politics
Prosecutors say Norman Hsu obtained millions of dollars from investors by claiming clothing or high-technology ventures would pay returns of 14 and 20 percent. Instead, he spent the money on himself.