Commerce Nom Locke a Rock Star in China

(AP) - The Senate today confirmed former Washington Gov. Gary Locke as commerce secretary, handing President Obama an easy victory after his first two nominees for the post withdrew. Locke, 59, was America's first Chinese-American governor, serving two terms from 1997 to 2005. He has promised to focus on job creation and to closely oversee the 2010 census. More»

Former energy CEO John Bryson picked to head Dept. of Commerce

(AP) - President Obama will nominate businessman John Bryson to lead the Commerce Department, a White House official said today. Bryson's appointment brings another private sector player into an administration that has been making a concerted effort to improve its relationship with the business community. Bryson is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Edison International, a California-based energy company. He also has an extensive background in environmental issues, having co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and served on a United Nations advisory group on energy and climate change. More»

Chen Guangcheng taken to Beijing hospital

(NEWSER) - Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng has left the US Embassy in Beijing "of his own volition" after taking refuge there for six days, according to state media. Chen—who escaped from house arrest last month —traveled with US Ambassador Gary Locke to a Beijing hospital, reports the Washington Post . American officials say Chen will receive medical treatment and be reunited with his family. Hillary Clinton arrived in Beijing hours earlier but it's not clear whether she was involved in Chen's departure. More»

Says it's trying to 'skirt the rules' when it comes to rare-earth minerals

(NEWSER) - The US, Japan, and the European Union filed a joint complaint against China with the World Trade Organization today over Beijing's limits on rare-earth mineral exports, which they say violate China's international agreements. In a speech in the Rose Garden, President Obama accused China of "skirting the rules," and hurting US businesses and workers, the AP reports. "If China would simply let the market work on its own, we'd have no objection," he said. "Their policies currently are preventing that from happening." More»

Inslee will face Rob McKenna in gubernatorial election

(AP) - Rep. Jay Inslee is resigning from Congress to focus full time on running for governor of Washington state this fall. The Democrat announced his decision today at a news conference in Seattle. Inslee is in his eighth term representing a Seattle-area district in the House. Washington's Democratic governor, Christine Gregoire, is retiring at the end of her term. Inslee is running against Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna to replace her. More»