World not safer with the US as its policeman

When Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the US State Department Press Office, read a statement on Tuesday about a US Navy surface ship "exercising the right of innocent passage" while transiting near China's Yongshu Reef that day, she said it was to uphold the rights and freedoms of all states under international law and to challenge the excessive maritime claims of some claimants in the South China Sea. She was soon challenged by an Associated Press reporter about who determines what constitutes an excessive maritime claim.

Communists Cheer for Hillary and Bernie

The CPUSA endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008 and his reelection in 2012. This year, party members are involved in the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders , but are prepared to support former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton if she is the eventual nominee.

Vietnam rights record puts Obama in a fix as U.S. seeks new Asian alliance

Huynh Ngoc Chenh , holding a sign which reads 'Protecting the environment is more important than economic development' sits with protesters during a demonstration demanding cleaner waters in the central regions after mass fish deaths in recent weeks, in Hanoi,... Huynh Ngoc Chenh , holding a sign which reads 'Protecting the environment is more important than economic development' stands with protesters during a demonstration demanding cleaner waters in the central regions after mass fish deaths in recent weeks, in Hanoi, Vietnam... U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he returns to the White House in Washington, U.S., May 15, 2016.

Clinton grapples with Trump’s ability to stay in spotlight

In this photo taken May 7, 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Spokane, Wash. Trump kept himself planted firmly in the political spotlight this week with one headline-grabbing move after another, launching a social media defense of his treatment of women, listing possible Supreme Court nominees, rapidly declaring an Egyptian plane crash an act of terrorism.

How Trump Could Change Social Media Foreverby Stephen L. MillerWhen…

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube had millions of users, but they hadn't yet exploded - they were still transitioning away from being the exclusive online hangout of hipsters, celebrities, and college students. Obama's campaign was the first to realize, harness, and unleash their users' potential as an organized political machine.

House GOP moves forward to help Puerto Rico after delays

After weeks of delays, House Republicans are moving ahead with legislation to help Puerto Rico manage $70 billion in debt. A revised bill introduced late Wednesday would create a control board to help manage the U.S. territory's financial obligations and oversee some debt restructuring.

Tricky talks ahead on measures to battle Zika

Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate are facing tricky negotiations with each other and the White House over how to handle the public health threat posed by the Zika virus. In the House, a partisan 241-184 vote Wednesday night to pass a $622 million bill to battle the Zika virus puts conservative-dominated House members at odds with senators who have embraced a bipartisan compromise that President Barack Obama can live with.

Maureen Dowd: Trump doesn’t need polls, advice or nosy questions

So I decided to dispense with satire and simply call Donald Trump at Trump Tower on Friday to hear about his trip to survey the damage from the volcanic eruption of his imminent nomination. Trump told me that when he came to tour the ruins of the Republican Party here Thursday, he and Paul Ryan asked if everyone would clear the room.

Inspired by Baltimore third-grader, White House invites science input from students

Taking its cue from a third-grader in Baltimore, the Obama administration on Thursday opened a dialogue with students to seek ideas on how the government can encourage more young people to engage in science, math and technology. White House officials announced in a blog post that they are inviting students - or "kid scientists and innovators" - to send in their ideas for shaping the future of the field, including how to improve science and engineering education in schools.

House approves $622M bill to fight Zika virus amid Obama veto threat

House Republicans on Wednesday pushed through a $622 million bill to battle the Zika virus, setting up challenging negotiations with the Senate and the White House. The 241-184 House vote broke mostly along party lines as Democrats lined up in opposition, heeding a White House veto threat and a warning from a top government health official that the bill wouldn't do enough to respond to the growing threat from Zika.

Democrats, Sanders on the brink as campaign nears end

Leading Democrats are growing increasingly vocal in their concerns about the White House hopeful's continued candidacy, and if he and his legions of enthusiastic supporters ultimately will unite behind Hillary Clinton in a general election against Donald Trump. For his part, Sanders has sharpened his critique of the party.