Government And Institutions

Nearing a decision on a presidential run in 2016, Jeb Bush on Tuesday reaffirmed his support for the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba and pushed for a foreign policy that he said could help repair the nation's credibility after Barack Obama's presidency.

Attorneys for a former BP executive facing an obstruction charge in the 2010 Gulf oil spill asked a federal judge Wednesday to dismiss the two criminal counts as his trial approaches in March.

An environmental group sued the federal government on Wednesday for approving the use of hydraulic fracturing — fracking — on oil platforms off the Southern California coast.

Ameren Corp.'s nuclear plant in mid-Missouri has been shut down due to an electrical equipment failure, but the company and federal regulators say there is no risk to the public.

The Brazilian Congress is debating a bill that would allow the government to miss this year's primary budget surplus.

A sweeping overhaul of Ohio's municipal tax system cleared the state Senate on Wednesday, with lawmakers divided over whether the reform legislation would ultimately help or hurt the state.

An Atlantic City rescue plan unveiled this week by two New Jersey state senators would cut property taxes by 28 to 43 percent for the struggling casino industry, which has seen four of its 12 gambling halls go out of business this year.

Chief executives at the largest U.S. companies expect sales to keep growing in the next six months and also plan to step up hiring.

Arkansas finance officials say a rise in sales and income tax collections last month pushed the state's revenue above last year's figures and expectations.

The leader of Greece's popular left-wing opposition says he will demand a reduction in the country's debt from its bailout, if his party comes to power in a possible snap election early next year.

A bill passed by the Legislature this year to reduce Oklahoma's personal income tax rate is constitutional, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in a unanimous decision.

Doctors talking privately to patients or families after a medical mishap could acknowledge responsibility or even admit a mistake without that conversation being used against them later in court, according to a proposal in the Ohio General Assembly pushed by physicians.

Maine officials say the state will collect $67.5 million more in revenues over the next two fiscal years than was expected.

Gov. Jerry Brown isn't expected to release his new budget until next month but higher education has already emerged as a contentious topic with legislators introducing competing plans to avoid tuition increases at the University of California and make college more accessible.

As lawmakers reconvene for the final week of their annual veto session, Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner said Tuesday at the state Capitol that Illinois' budget condition is even worse than was previously discussed.

Struggling to reach a long-term agreement, House Republicans plan to vote on a one-year extension of temporary tax breaks affecting millions of businesses and individuals.

Year-end holidays beckoning, House Republicans struggled Tuesday to coalesce behind a plan that avoids a government shutdown next week and simultaneously challenges President Barack Obama's decision to spare millions of immigrants from deportation.

Atlantic City's eight surviving casinos would get a break on taxes and the city would get help making up for lost revenue under a rescue plan unveiled by two New Jersey state senators.

Automakers are planning to join forces in an effort to determine why air bag inflators made by Takata Corp. can rupture and endanger drivers and passengers, two people briefed on a pending announcement say.

The British territory of Bermuda has beaten San Diego for the right to host the 2017 America's Cup, organizers announced Tuesday.