The Hill Articles: May 1, 2012

Obama: ‘Tide has turned’ in Afghan war, US will ‘see the light of a new day’ Obama address from Afghanistan OVERNIGHT HEALTH: Will employers drop healthcare coverage? OVERNIGHT MONEY: US officials headed to China for economic talks Congress members tout Facebook’s new organ-donation tool OVERNIGHT TECH: FCC extends review of Verizon-cable deal Obama thanks troops in Afghanistan GOP lawmaker says Obama trip to Afghanistan is campaign-related Scott Brown insures daughter under Obama health law provision Agriculture secretary could stump for wife in Iowa race OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Drilling into Ohio’s oil-and-gas future Sen. Shaheen urges Cabinet offices to provide information on spending in wake of GSA scandal Obama makes surprise Afghan trip one year after bin Laden death Electronics association accuses broadcasting chief of undermining auctions Obama on Afghan agreement: ‘A historic moment for our two nations’ Housing regulator scolds lawmakers over principal reductions letter DAYS END ROUND-UP First lady makes Obama’s case on auto bailouts in campaign speech ‘West Wing’ cast tweaks gas price debate in new video Durbin, Costello look to sway Illinois delegation on highway bill Gallup: Economic confidence level in April Warren’s heritage is questioned in her race with Scott Brown Obama arrives in Afghanistan on unannounced visit Federal Reserve: Debit card swipe fees falling thanks to Durbin amendment GOP congressman on Mormons: Americans ‘reluctant to vote for somebody who’s different’ Rep. Van Hollen: Romney would be hurdle to grand bargain in White House Embracing the shale revolution Gay Romney adviser resigns from campaign Consumer groups say police should never be allowed to black out cellphone service For GOP, recess a chance to relax and pump gas for constituents The Obama message: Moving forward, not back Gen. Schwartz warns Congress on reversing Air Force cuts ‘Idol’ contestant not so sure about Santorum Rumsfeld to White House: Special ops ‘too professional’ to spike ball Romney heckled at event with Giuliani Obama leads Romney in swing-state Virginia US Chamber supports Japan’s entry into Asia-Pacific trade deal Herman Cain endorses in Florida Senate race — for the second time Ryan offers bill to end sequester in bid to stop automatic defense cuts Airline accused of denying refund to dying veteran Keystone XL: Against our national security McConnell turns down Obama invitation to celebrate Kentucky win Taiwan fighter deal could hamper key security talks with China RNC launches new Facebook application for campaign volunteers White House sets sights on evaders of Iran, Syria sanctions Manufacturing sector continues its expansion High court’s approval rating hits new low ahead of health ruling What’s in Air Force One’s bathroom? Our North Korean policy has become based on blind trust Appeals courts says Texas can bar funds for Planned Parenthood Corruption, border issues stymie US efforts in Afghanistan, officials say The difference between public service and divisive politics Social Security disability system is broken Coburn: Apple proof we need to eliminate loopholes Obama campaign maps Romney’s holdings in overseas bank accounts Coburn ‘livid’ over Apple dodging taxes Happiness is a warm gun: ‘Totalitarianism with a human face’ E-Fairness needs federal online fix He who blames, should also share the credit Senate version of VAWA is inclusive – pass it Romney, Bloomberg hold secret breakfast meeting Club for Growth endorses challengers to freshmen Reps. Gosar, Critz Making government more efficient – the right way Inside the Office of Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.): Michael Ashley TV stars stay mum on political picks Obama logs best monthly Gallup number since bin Laden death Dem congressman says funding method in House student loan bill ‘a false choice’ Bo Obama becoming social media star McClendon to step down as chairman of Chesapeake Energy Israeli defense chief balks at Iran nuclear talks IOM: Some drugs need post-approval safety tests Mandel doubles down on military cred in new Senate ad in Ohio Christie on being VP: Romney’s ‘a convincing guy’ Gingrich makes personal pitch as campaign comes to an end Verizon and cable companies promise to reformat documents to avoid derailing deal GOP: Healthcare law ‘encourages’ business to cut back benefits Sen. Mikulski to Hillary Clinton: Safe to drink beer in Colombia The performance of the GSA is Congress’ responsibility Democrats blast housing regulator for withholding documents on principal reductions Senators call on Boehner, Pelosi to pass a postal bill Interior offshore regulator isn’t a ‘gotcha guy’ Wasting taxpayer dollars is unacceptable anywhere White House moves to align US, foreign regulations Betty White backs Berman in new ad Poll: Manchin holds huge lead in West Virginia Dem lawmaker proposes $25 million for federal program to reduce obesity News bites: BP’s profits drop Homeland Security opening independent probe into Secret Service prostitution scandal News bites: Rogue Google engineer identified Mullen worries bin Laden raid will ‘get spun into election politics’ HHS touts health law as expanding access for millions to clinics New Lugar ad slams Mourdock’s judgment, ethics News bites: Dreamliner Ann Romney on Mitt: ‘There’s a wild and crazy man inside there’ Romney congratulates Obama on bin Laden, calls ad ‘disappointing’ News bites: Sweet sunshine Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, May 2, at 9:00 a.m. for The Hill’s “Ohio Energy Jobs Summit” Sen. Rubio addresses controversies as VP speculation grows Senators urge no more postal closings News bites: Hospitals, insurers struggle with intoxicated ER patients, and more Obama campaign ad uses energy to draw contrast with Romney Michelle Obama: 2012 election is about ‘who we are as a country’ Obama campaign ad mocks Romney on outsourcing, Swiss bank account Mourdock: Race against Lugar ‘all downhill from here’ Kimmel reveals jokes deemed too risqué for dinner Ron Paul, Paul Krugman face off in economic debate Obama takes harder line against China House Republicans: No offsets for extending Bush-era tax rates For Sen. Lugar, GOP primary defeat could be ticket to K Street career GOP money floods battlegrounds, threatens Dems’ hold on Senate Dem thorns remain in Obama’s side Tuesday Profile: Holtz-Eakin champions conservatism by the numbers MORNING READ The Hill’s Ohio Energy Jobs Summit Romney: Bin Laden hit was an easy call GOP thinks attacking Obama as celebrity will be effective in 2012 Bottom Line