Tom Beaumont

Between economy and trouble, Obama approval steady

m.apnews.com — President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama watch as singer-songwriter Carole King performs after being presented the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during an East Room concert honoring King Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the White House in Washington.

Scott Walker Heading To Iowa, Stoking 2016 Talk

huffingtonpost.com — MADISON, Wis. -- Another year, another campaign. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is gearing up for re-election next year, his third race in four years. But the Republican's courting of out-of-state donors and conservatives, his plans to visit Iowa this week and his refusal to say whether he would serve out another full term if elected suggest he might be seeking a much bigger prize - the presidency.

Sheriff: Iowa sex offender who killed self after girls’ abduction was ‘creep’ with long record

washingtonpost.com — IOWA CITY, Iowa - When Michael Klunder enticed two girls to enter his pickup truck near a rural Iowa school bus stop Monday, it was at least his third kidnapping in a long criminal history in which he was ordered to receive sex offender treatment starting as a teenager.

4 Americans killed since 2009 in US drone strikes

m.apnews.com — LARA JAKES and PETE YOST Published: 32 minutes ago FILE - In this May 21, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. The U.S. will refocus its attention on homegrown terror threats against Americans, President Barack Obama will say in a Thursday speech that is forecast as skimpy on any new sweeping policies.

GOP questions IRS scrutiny of anti-abortion groups

m.apnews.com — RYAN J. FOLEY Published: 28 minutes ago Coalition for Life of Iowa president Sue Martinek holds a sign in her home, Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When the Coalition applied for tax-exempt status in 2008, the tiny group thought getting IRS approval would be easy.

Officials: Senators reach deal on high-tech visas

m.apnews.com — DAVID ESPO and ERICA WERNER Published: Today Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, confers with the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, May 20, 2013, as the committee assembles to work on a landmark immigration bill to secure the border and offer citizenship to millions.

Omaha.com

omaha.com — Join World-Herald staff writer Steven Pivovar at noon for the "Bluejay Talk Live" chat, the fan's chance to discuss the latest Creighton sports news with those closest to the action. Premium ContentClick on Premium Content on the Featured navigation bar for information.Saturday is the annual Midwest Gerbil Show in Ralston sponsored by the American Gerbil Society for people who love, own and are devoted to gerbils.

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omaha.com — DES MOINES (AP) - Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he was prepared to consider accepting federal funding to expand Medicaid as part of a compromise health care plan for low-income Iowans. Branstad has opposed expanding the Medicaid program in Iowa, which is permitted under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and is supported by Iowa Senate Democrats.

O'Malley using agenda, fundraising to explore 2016

m.apnews.com — BRIAN WITTE and KEN THOMAS Published: Today FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2012, file photo, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley speaks during Sen. Tom Harkin's annual fundraising steak fry in Indianola, Iowa. His latest legislative achievements put him on the vanguard of his party's liberal base.

More Obama aides knew of IRS audit; Obama not told

m.apnews.com — CHARLES BABINGTON and JULIE PACE Published: 20 minutes ago FILE - In this May 15, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington.