Senator Sanders

Strolling of the Heifers Sen. Sanders received the “loudest and most enthusiastic cheers” at Saturday’s Strolling of the Heifers parade, the Brattleboro Reformer said. “With a few industrious salesmen hawking Bernie Sanders buttons and tee-shirts, national and international media in tow, and supporters waving banners, the presidential candidate's appearance brought a heightened sense of celebrity to the otherwise humble celebration of agriculture and local food.” LINK  

Progressives Recent polls have found that a growing number of Americans identify themselves as "liberal" and fewer label themselves "conservative,” according to The Wall Street Journal, which noted that “liberal populism is gaining prominence in the anti-Wall Street rhetoric” of Sen. Sanders.”  LINK

World

Obama and Merkel Mend Ties  President Obama sought to smooth over tensions with a crucial ally, bonding on Sunday with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany over beer, sausages and their shared determination to confront Russia over its aggression in Ukraine, as he declared her a “great friend and partner” during a summit meeting of world leaders, The New York Times reported. LINK

National

Trade Pacts Face Growing Pushback  The decades-old argument that major trade agreements boost both exports and jobs at home is losing its political punch, even in some of the country’s most export-heavy congressional districts. In the 10 districts with the biggest export growth since 2006, only three of the representatives say they back legislation to help President Barack Obama wrap up a major Pacific trade deal. Two of the eight Democrats said they support the measure, known as trade promotion authority or fast track, as has one of the two Republicans, The Wall Street Journal reported. LINK

Obama Administration Stops Work on Immigrant Program A series of legal setbacks have halted the government’s intensive preparations to move forward with President Obama’s executive actions shielding millions of illegal immigrants from deportation, even as community organizations continue a rapid push to get ready for the programs, according to The Washington Post. Since a federal judge first blocked the new programs in February, the Department of Homeland Security has suspended plans to hire up to 3,100 new employees. LINK

Vermont

Jobs  Gov. Peter Shumlin put out the word about an upcoming job fair with 35 Vermont employers looking to fill more than 600 positions. At the Vermont Career Connections Job Fair on Thursday, many industries will be represented, including health care, hospitality, banking, construction, and manufacturing.