WASHINGTON (AP) — A festival featuring workshops, storytelling and performances including concerts with bands such as Public Enemy and The Roots will celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture this month. The Smithsonian announced Wednesday that the three-day festival, “Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration,” on the Washington Monument … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The deadline for Congress to increase the government’s borrowing limit is coming earlier than expected, moving up to about Nov. 5. That means the issue likely must be addressed before House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, leaves Congress at the end of October. Three weeks ago, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew issued a less … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration on Thursday established stricter limits on the smog-causing pollution linked to asthma and respiratory illness, drawing swift condemnation from business leaders and Republicans who warned of damage to the economy. The Environmental Protection Agency said the new standard of 70 parts per billion will reduce exposure to dangerous ozone … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of Volkswagen Group of America will testify before a House subcommittee Oct. 8. Volkswagen AG has admitted using a piece of engine software to cheat on diesel car emissions tests in the U.S., where authorities say there are 482,000 such cars. The company says that up to 11 million vehicles … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressing their advantage, the White House and insistent Senate Democrats locked up the votes Tuesday to frustrate attempts by outraged Republicans to pass a legislative rebuke to the Iran nuclear accord. Four previously undeclared Senate Democrats — Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Gary Peters of Michigan and Maria Cantwell … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Opponents of the Iran nuclear agreement have given up trying to block it. Now they’re just hoping for a final Senate vote on a resolution disapproving it — even though such a resolution would be vetoed by the president. The more modest focus became necessary as supporters of the deal, which aims … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is greeting King Salman of Saudi Arabia with assurances that the Iran nuclear deal comes with the necessary resources to help check the Islamic Republic’s regional ambitions. The Saudi king is making his first visit to the White House since ascending the throne in January and Friday’s talks with … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ten states will test new ways to get food stamp recipients back to work, using Agriculture Department grants aimed at helping some of the 46 million Americans who receive benefits move off the rolls. The grants come as the Republican Congress is exploring ways to cut the program, which cost $74 billion … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak has suspended some train service due to the winter weather moving through the mid-Atlantic region. Northeast Regional trains between Norfolk, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia were cancelled Thursday, along with the Northeast Regional between Newport News, Virginia and Washington. Amtrak says the Palmetto train that operates between New York City and … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are moving toward authorizing a potential lawsuit against President Barack Obama on immigration, House Speaker John Boehner announced Tuesday, as the GOP struggled for a way to stop the president’s unilateral deportation curbs. Boehner announced the plans in a closed-door meeting with lawmakers, telling them GOP leaders are finalizing a … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 