National News

Liberal Groups Want 2020 Dems to Back Pentagon Spending Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Nearly two dozen progressive groups are launching a new push to persuade Democratic presidential candidates to support dramatic spending cuts at the Pentagon. The liberal groups are writing Thursday to all candidates in the crowded 2020 Democratic primary, urging the White House hopefuls to support slashing $200 billion or more from…

Harris’ Bill Seeks to Address Racial Bias in Maternal Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is offering a new bill to address racial disparities in maternal health care, one of several plans by 2020 Democratic presidential candidates on the issue. Harris' bill, first introduced in 2018, would create some $150 million in grant programs to medical schools and states to fight implicit…

‘Medicare for All’s’ Rich Benefits ‘Leapfrog’ Other Nations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Generous benefits. No copays. No need for private policies. The "Medicare for All" plan advocated by leading 2020 Democrats appears more lavish than what's offered in other advanced countries, compounding the cost but also potentially broadening its popular appeal. While other countries do provide coverage for all, benefits vary. But the Medicare for…

Saudi Arabia Won’t Hesitate to Defend Itself

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The latest on developments in the Persian Gulf region and elsewhere in the Mideast amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran (all times local): 2:30 a.m. The U.S. military command that oversees the Mideast has confirmed an explosion outside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad and says there…

In Clash With Congress, Weak Legal Case May Still Help Trump

By JESSICA GRESKO and MARK SHERMAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — For all of President Donald Trump's talk of winning, his lawyers are using a legal argument that many scholars say is a pretty sure loser as his team tries to defy congressional attempts to investigate him. Yet they may end up delaying the…