Amtrak engineer wasn’t on cellphone
WASHINGTON – The engineer in last month’s fatal Amtrak crash wasn’t using his cellphone to talk, text or download anything just before the train sped off the tracks, investigators said Wednesday, addressing one big question about what might have caused the accident but only deepening the mystery of what did.
Eight people were killed and about 200 were injured in the crash in Philadelphia. For reasons still unknown, the train accelerated to 106 miles per hour in the minute before it entered a curve where the speed limit is 50.
GOP, Obama seek votes for trade bill
WASHINGTON – The odd coalition of Republican congressional leaders and the Democratic White House twisted arms and offered enticements Wednesday in a hectic scramble to pass a major trade bill slated for a House vote at week’s end.
But fierce opposition from unions, and a dispute over Medicare language in a related bill, threatened support from all but a smattering of Democrats.
Late Wednesday, President Barack Obama sent top aides to huddle with House Democratic leaders.
Later, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., met privately, as they had done late Tuesday.
Greek leader pushes to get deal on deal
BRUSSELS – Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras renewed his diplomatic offensive on Wednesday to try to convince European creditors to pay out the bailout loans the country needs to avoid default.
The creditors have made it clear that Greece has to improve its offer of economic reforms before they release $8.1 billion the country needs to pay debts due at the end of the month.
Associated Press
