Ben Wolfgang

Pushing minimum wage, Obama revives message of ‘change’

After a Republican filibuster stalled a minimum-wage hike Wednesday, President Obama declared that the GOP can't stand in the way of "change" any longer and implored voters to boot from office any lawmaker who doesn't back raising wages, extending unemployment insurance and other Democratic wish-list items.

House panel approves bill to speed up U.S. gas exports

A House panel Wednesday approved a bill to fast-track U.S. natural-gas exports as a way to lessen Russian influence over Ukraine and Europe, but the measure is exposing divisions within the Democratic Party and parts of America's business community.

Obama secures defense deal with Philippines, blasts his foreign policy critics

After securing a defense agreement with the Philippines that represents one of the most tangible accomplishments of his weeklong Asia trip, President Obama on Monday attacked his foreign policy critics for not understanding the lessons of history and said direct U.S. military involvement in places such as Ukraine and Syria isn't the answer.

Obama reassures allies: I can juggle many foreign crises

With North Korea set to test a nuclear weapon, Middle East peace negotiations all but dead and Russian troops massed on the Ukrainian border, President Obama on Friday reassured Americans and global allies that he can "worry about a bunch of different problems at once" and his administration is capable of dealing with the array of foreign crises that have popped up in recent days.

Obama offers condolences, White House magnolia tree to South Korea

President Obama on Friday honored those who died last week when a ferry capsized off the South Korean coast.

Obama uses naturalization ceremony in South Korea to push immigration reform

President Obama on Friday again made the case for immigration reform — this time at a naturalization ceremony for American service members stationed in Seoul, South Korea.

In Japan, Obama plays soccer with a robot and warns students of climate change

President Obama is known as an avid golfer and sports fan, but Thursday was likely the first time he played soccer with a robot.

Running on empty: EPA slashes biofuel goals because of ethanol shortage

Just a few years ago, it looked as though ethanol and its politically potent lobby would reshape the U.S. energy landscape, but now even the federal government has been forced to acknowledge that its projections for the biofuel simply don't match reality.

Ukraine claims torture by pro-Russian forces on the heels of Biden’s stern warning to Moscow

Vice President Joseph R. Biden delivered a stern warning to Russia during a Tuesday visit to Kiev in which he promised Ukraine millions of dollars in additional aid. But within hours of his departure, Ukrainian accusations of torture by pro-Russia forces further dimmed prospects for peace.

Joe Biden to Ukrainian lawmakers: Tackle ‘cancer of corruption’

Vice President Joseph R. Biden mostly has had friendly words for the Ukrainians since arriving in Kiev on Monday, but the outspoken former senator also has a blunt message for the country's leaders — clean up corruption in your ranks.

Court rules Obama administration must justify targeted killings

The Obama administration must release internal legal documents justifying the targeted killings worldwide of Americans and foreigners suspected of terrorism, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

White House denies role in latest Keystone delay

The State Department alone decided to delay the Keystone XL pipeline approval process yet again, and President Obama had no hand in the decision, White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday.

Holder to overhaul clemency guidelines, possibly freeing thousands of inmates

In a move that could result in the prison release of hundreds or thousands of low-level drug offenders, the Justice Department said Monday that it will advise President Obama to widen his guidelines for granting clemency.

Biden to emphasize security, energy in Kiev

With violence still flaring in eastern Ukraine, Vice President Joseph R. Biden touched down in Kiev on Monday and will discuss a new aid package from the U.S., according to White House officials.

What will a grandchild mean for Hillary?

It's America's version of the royal baby watch, but Chelsea Clinton's announcement last week that she's pregnant ended up taking a back seat to her mother's political ambitions.

What will a grandchild mean for Hillary Clinton?

It's America's version of the royal baby watch, but Chelsea Clinton's announcement last week that she's pregnant ended up taking a back seat to her mother's political ambitions. Within hours of the revelation, pundits, columnists and reporters pontificated on what being a grandmother will mean for Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign, should she decide to run for president in 2016.

Obama to tour site of Washington mudslide

Obamas head to church on Easter morning

After skipping church on Christmas, President Obama and his family attended Easter morning services at Washington's 19th Street Baptist Church on Sunday.

Joe Biden’s biggest gaffe: VP blowing his 2016 head start

It has been clear for some time that Joseph R. Biden is far behind Hillary Rodham Clinton among potential Democratic presidential candidates, but recent polling data suggest the vice president may not even be his party's second choice.

Obama conciliatory on immigration

President Obama sounded a more conciliatory note on immigration Thursday, a day after he issued a statement criticizing House Republicans for "extreme" votes on the issue and angering a top GOP lawmaker who said it further poisoned chances for a bill to get done this year.