Month: December 2015

Countries Rush for Upper Hand in Antarctica

NEW YORK TIMES: …But an array of countries are rushing to assert greater influence here, with an eye not just toward the day those protective treaties expire, but also for the strategic and commercial opportunities that exist right now… Some of the ventures focus on the Antarctic resources that are already up for grabs, like […]

Capitolwire: Wolf slashes more than $6 billion from latest budget, releases some funds to schools, human service agencies. 

By Kevin Zwick, Chris Comisac and Christen Smith Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Dec. 29) – With some harsh words for Republican leadership, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed parts of the $29.7 billion GOP-structured budget sent to him last week after his preferred “framework” agreement collapsed, calling the latest proposal “an exercise in stupidity.” Wolf on Tuesday approved $23.3 billion […]

U.S. Fears Grow of a ‘Newly Awakened’ Russian Navy

DAILY BEAST COLUMN:  A new report from the U.S. Navy’s intelligence branch paints a sobering picture of Putin’s increasingly aggressive fleet—and its deadly international shows of force… And while the report—which the Navy intends for public consumption—has been years in the making, recent events have underscored just how serious its findings are. It’s becoming clearer […]

[Three Presidents:] The Long History of Leading From Behind

  NEWSLANC EDITOR:  This is a lengthily article addressing how three presidents, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Barack Obama, wound down unpopular and debilitating wars.  We encourage those with a scholarly bent when it comes to history to devote the necessary time.   We do not necessarily concur with the author’s criticisms that the presidents did […]

Iraqi Forces Retake Center of Ramadi From ISIS

NEW YORK TIMES:  Iraqi forces said on Monday they had seized a strategic government complex in the western city of Ramadi from the Islamic State after a fierce weeklong battle to retake it, following a brutal seven-month occupation by the extremist group. “The security forces have entered the governmental buildings and raised the Iraqi flags over them […]

World’s Worst Airline for Customer Service

  FORTUNE:  … No. 7: United Airlines, Domestic     It might not have taken the top spot for worst customer service, but United Airlines racked up a staggering number of complaints on our World’s Best Awards survey. Issues with seating were at the top of the list. “Bumped from paid-for first-class seats to last row in […]