From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Speer.The White House has praised a deal aimed at ending the bloodshed in Ukraine.The proposal which requires Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych to agree to relinquish some powersand bring opposition into the government.White House press secretary Jay Carney during a briefing said everyone benefits under the plan."It's in Russia's interests for the violence ending Ukraineand it's in the interests of the United State and our European friendsand of course, most important, the Ukraine people.We welcome the cessation of violence and we welcome the agreement is to be reached."However, some anti-government protesters booed opposition leaders to take the stage today in Kiev Independence Square to explain the deal.They say Viktor Yanukovych needs to go immediately,and they threaten renew violence if he doesn't step down this weekend.President Obama will not let go a minimum wage issue.The president met with Democratic governors todaysand spoke the need to raise the minimum wage.NPR's Scott Horsley reports from the White House.President Obama promised to keep pushing the increase of the federal minimum wage,which now stands at $7.25 an hour.21 states already have higher minimumsand at least half dozen governors are pushing increases of their own.Obama sees it as a winning issue for Democrats.He notes the hiking minimum wage enjoys broad supports among Democrats, independent and even Republicans."People, I think, instinctually understand that part of what this country should be about isif you're working hard and taking responsibility that you can get ahead and that you can look after your family."
