Cranking up pressure, Garland ready for first Senate visits
By ALAN FRAM President Barack Obama’s choice for the Supreme Court prepared for his initial courtesy calls with senators Thursday as Democrats began the next phase of their drive to…
National governments
North Korea sentences US tourist to 15 years in prison
By JON CHOL JIN and ERIC TALMADGE North Korea’s highest court sentenced an American tourist to 15 years in prison with hard labor for subversion on Wednesday, weeks after authorities…
Obama nominates Judge Merrick Garland to Supreme Court
President Barack Obama said Wednesday he would nominate appeals court judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, challenging Republicans to reject a long-time jurist and former prosecutor known he called…
Poor offenders pay high price when probation turns on profit
By ADAM GELLER and SHARON COHEN Tennessee (AP) — Outside the $200-a-week motel room that Steven Gibbs and his family call home, the afternoon sun sparkled. Inside, though, he had…
Russian banker accused of spying pleads guilty to conspiracy
By LARRY NEUMEISTER A Russian banker accused of participating in a Cold War-style spy ring pleaded guilty Friday to a conspiracy charge and agreed to spend up to 2½ years…
Vice President Biden in Israel amid Palestinian attacks
By DANIEL ESTRIN U.S. Vice President Joe Biden touched down in Israel Tuesday for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders just after Palestinian attackers shot and stabbed policemen and civilians…
Obama urges quick high court confirmation; GOP says no votes
President Barack Obama urged the Republican-run Senate on Wednesday to fulfill its “constitutional responsibility” and consider his Supreme Court nominee, pushing back on GOP leaders who insist there will be…
GOP Senators: No hearing, no vote for Obama Court pick
By ANDREW TAYLOR and MARY CLARE JALONICK President Barack Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court won’t get a hearing or a vote from the Republican-led Senate, GOP members of the…