Edgartown, Massachusetts (CNN) – National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden tells CNN that U.S. policy on ransom for hostage takers is clear. She said Thursday that it "does not grant concessions to hostage takers.”
“Doing so would only put more Americans at risk of being taken captive," she said.
Washington (CNN) – An administration official told CNN that President Barack Obama "is being updated" on the outbreak of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa.
The administration official would not offer further details on the briefing.
Washington (CNN) – During an awards ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama whispered in the ear of superstar musician Linda Ronstadt that he once had a crush on her.
The President admitted to the crowd afterwards that, "I told Linda Ronstadt I had a crush on her back in the day " Ronstadt joined Obama on stage, along with 11 other recipients of the 2013 National Medal of Arts.
Washington, (CNN) – The White House announced Friday that leaders from three Central American countries will meet with President Obama next week to discuss the ongoing immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Obama will hold talks with President Otto Perez Molina of Guatemala, President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras, and President Salvador Sanchez Ceren of El Salvador on July 25.
Austin, Texas (CNN) – A dozen protesters held signs and banners outside the Paramount Theatre in Austin on Thursday, rallying against President Barack Obama's immigration policies.
The group was trying to send a message to the President, who was speaking inside, asking him to stop the deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Washington (CNN) – After more than six decades of public service, Israeli President Shimon Peres paid his last official visit to the White House on Wednesday.
The Israeli leader discussed with President Barack Obama the wavering stability in the Middle East as civil uprisings in Iraq and Syria plague the region, as well as Iran's nuclear program – an issue Israel sees as a major threat to its security.
Washington (CNN) – White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice told LGBT activists on Tuesday that protecting and upholding human rights for all is "fundamental to our American character" and "essential to our American story."
She said President Barack Obama is committed to protecting the rights of gay and transgender couples, comparing their fight for equal rights to the struggle African Americans faced during the civil rights movement.
Washington (CNN) – President Barack Obama opened the first 'Maker Faire' at the White House Wednesday, by asking why there was an 'e' at the end of ‘Faire’ He then quipped, “This is America, we don't have 'e's at the end of 'fair'."
He then asked jokingly if there would be jousting.
Pittsburgh (CNN) - President Barack Obama praised U.S. forces on Tuesday for capturing Ahmed Abu Khatallah, a militia leader alleged to have been a mastermind of the deadly 2012 attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
"We are all aware of the tragedy that happened in Benghazi where four Americans, including our ambassador there, Chris Stevens, was killed in an attack on a consulate office there," Obama said in Pittsburgh.
Washington (CNN) – President Barack Obama will sign an order barring federal contractors from discriminating against employees "on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."
White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Monday that specifics "are still being finalized," but the order would "build upon existing protections" around race, ethnicity and religion for those employed by entities doing business for the government.
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