BreitbartDec. 28, 2015
KAILUA, Hawaii (AP) — The latest on President Barack Obama’s annual two-week vacation in Hawaii (all times local):
12:30 p.m.
The White House says President Obama has called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to get an update on the severe weather there and to offer federal support for recovery efforts.
At least 11 people died and dozens were hurt in the tornadoes that swept through the Dallas area on Saturday and caused substantial damage. Other states in the Midwest and South also were hit by severe weather in the past week.
White House spokesman Eric Schultz says Obama offered condolences for those who lost their lives and for those who lost their homes in the tornadoes.
Obama made the call from Hawaii, where he is vacationing during the holidays. Schultz says the president made clear he has directed his team to work closely with the governor’s staff to provide whatever assistance may be needed.
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11:35 a.m.
President Barack Obama is playing golf in Kailua. On the way to the golf course Monday morning from his vacation home, Obama’s motorcade passed by scenic Kailua Beach, where some onlookers waved and took pictures of the motorcade with their cellphones.
The White House says Obama is playing golf with some of his longtime friends including Mike Ramos, Greg Orme and Bobby Titcomb.
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10:40 a.m.
The White House says President Obama has been updated on progress made by Iraqi force against the Islamic State group in Ramadi.
Ramadi fell to IS in May, marking a major setback for Iraq and the U.S. The White House is describing the progress in retaking Ramadi as a testament to the “courage and determination” of the Iraqi security forces.
Iraqi military leaders say security forces have seized the main government complex there, though parts of the city remained under IS control.
The White House says the United States and the broader coalition have supported the Ramadi operation with more than 630 air strikes, and training and equipment.
A White House readout of Monday’s briefing says the U.S. will continue to “support our partners fighting against ISIL on the ground until it is defeated.”
Obama is vacationing with his family in Hawaii.
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8:15 a.m.
President Barack Obama started off Monday morning by working out at the gym at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.
As the president’s motorcade entered the base, a colorful Hawaiian sunrise broke through the clouds. Temperatures are in the mid-70s.
This is day 10 of Obama’s annual holiday vacation with his family in Hawaii.
Accompanying photo - no explanation of what is going on here.
