States' Rift on Taxes Widens Minnesota's move to raise $2.1 billion in new taxes, largely from the wealthy, to fund government programs puts it among a handful of states controlled by Democrats that are adopting more liberal fiscal policies at a time when many Republican-dominated statehouses are pushing to cut taxes. The measure was backed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which holds control of both legislative chambers and the governor's office in Minnesota for the first time in more than two decades.

Todashev's Widow Details FBI Interview The wife of a Chechen man killed Wednesday during an FBI interrogation in Florida says federal authorities also questioned her at a separate location on the same day but never asked about a 2011 triple murder that U.S. law-enforcement agents now suggest involved her late husband.

Obama Narrows Scope of Terror Fight ‘This war, like all wars, must end. That’s what history advises.’ Pivoting From a War Footing, Redefining U.S. Military Policy By PETER BAKER  In a widely anticipated speech, President Obama on Thursday said he would impose a higher standard on the use of drone strikes, and he sought to renew his effort to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Did similar detours bring terrorism to streets of Boston and London? The early indications point to both sets of killers being second generation immigrants, who either through their social networks or online media came to militant Al Qaeda-style Islam later in life.

Jerry Brown's Political Reboot In his reprise as governor, he's been as ruthlessly practical as he's been reflective, embracing his inner politician to restore the California dream.

US moves toward full Iran trade embargo AsiaTimes - Jim Lobe The United States Congress has stepped closer to a full trade embargo on Iran with legislation intended to increase support for Israel. If it is passed into law, President Barack Obama would lose his waiver rights that ensure countries with historic trade and financial relations with Tehran continue cooperating with Western efforts to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.The House bill, it noted with approval, would impose a de facto commercial embargo against Iran and would "maximize the effectiveness of American economic and diplomatic efforts as Iran nears a nuclear weapons capability." 

 The IRS Scandal Isn't About Taxes—It's About Disclosure  Norm OrnsteinTea party groups could have registered as nonprofit 527 political committees, but they didn't. How the GOP love of secret donations has fueled the growth of 501(c)(4)s.

Vice President Biden: Jewish leaders, pop culture drove gay marriage acceptance What a mensch. Vice President Joe Biden praised Jewish leaders in the media Tuesday night, crediting them with helping to change American attitudes on gay marriage TV shows like "Will and Grace" and technology

Just Say No (Special Prosecutor) by Michael Tomasky He should also—and this won’t placate the right; far from it, in fact, but so be it—explain to the American people the reasons this controversy is being overblown. But there is one thing that he absolutely must not do, and that is pay the least bit of attention to these calls for a special prosecutor. That will be the end, either literal or metaphorical, of his presidency, because of the ceaseless bad faith of the people trying to elevate this thing to Watergate proportions. Just say no, and say it firmly.

The reality is Americans aren't that concerned about drones Harry J Enten Few Americans pay attention to the drone program, and the few who have largely support targeted killings abroad.