POLITICO COLUMN: When John Kerry was nominated to be Secretary of State in early 2013, his confirmation was never in real doubt. After all, he had a glowing endorsement from one of Barack Obama’s most withering critics. “I commend his nomination to you without reservation,” Republican Senator John McCain told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee […]
Amtrak Train Derails in Philadelphia, Killing at Least 6 and Injuring Dozens
NEW YORK TIMES: At least six people were killed and dozens more were injured when an Amtrak train carrying 243 people derailed here on Tuesday, shutting down service in the Northeast region, the authorities said… “We have no idea what kind of speed there we’re talking about,” [Philadelphia’s mayor, Michael A. Nutter] said, or “what […]
Obama trade bill fails
DAILY BEAST: In a speech at Nike last week, President Obama asked Congress to “just do it” and pass trade promotion authority. On Tuesday he got his answer: Nope. The bill failed its first procedural test this afternoon largely because of the objections of pro-trade Democrats. A group, including the bill’s co-author Sen. Ron Wyden […]
CAPITOL WIRE: Pa. Senate passes medical cannabis bill
The measure’s prime sponsor, Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), said, “The support of so many in the Senate and the many, many advocates has been overwhelming and I cannot thank everyone enough. I believe in its present form, Senate Bill 3 represents a balance between the advocates who want greater access to medical cannabis and those who continue to have concerns. Hopefully we have established a solid foundation for consideration and deliberation in the House.”
U.S. Will Allow Drilling for Oil in Arctic Ocean
NEW YORK TIMES: The Obama administration on Monday gave conditional approval to allow Shell to start drilling for oil off the Alaskan coast this summer, a major victory for the petroleum industry and a devastating blow to environmentalists. The decision adds a complex new chapter to the legacy of President Obama, who has pursued the […]
Philadelphia launches bike share program; will Lancaster follow?
But now here comes a really good idea to promote tourism and at nominal cost, if any, for the city. Many people would arrive in Lancaster for the day or the weekend if they could rent a City Bike at the train station and tour the city, suburbs and exurbia.
Jeb Bush: I Wouldn’t Immediately Repeal Obama’s Immigration Action
NEWSMAX: Jeb Bush told Fox News Channel’s Megyn Kelly that he would not attempt to immediately reverse President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration should he succeed him in the Oval Office. The former Florida governor said he would instead wait for Congress to pass a law to make changes in immigration policy. That sets […]
Obama presidential library goes to Chicago
POLITICO: The Barack Obama presidential library will be built in his adopted hometown of Chicago, the Barack Obama Foundation announced in a video message posted online Tuesday. A bid by the University of Chicago, which Obama taught constitutional law before turning to politics, beat out rival proposals from Hawaii and New York to host the […]
Night Wolf attempts motor rally to Berlin
Night Wolves were initially denied entry by Germany’s federal government, after criticism of their plans arose and Poland denied them entry.
Capitolwire: Senate amends vaporization, chronic pain into medical cannabis bill.
The Senate amended a handful of changes into the proposed Medical Cannabis Act and are now prepared to pass the bill Tuesday, Senate Republican spokesperson Jenn Kocher said.
NFL suspends Brady 4 games for deflated footballs
ALJAZEERA / AP: The NFL suspended Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady for the first four games of the season, fined the New England Patriots $1 million and took away two draft picks Monday as punishment for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.
Obama’s quiet nuclear deal with China raises proliferation concerns
WASHINGTON POST: …Not so typical was something that didn’t appear that day on the president’s public schedule: notification to Congress that he intends to renew a nuclear cooperation agreement with China. The deal would allow Beijing to buy more U.S.-designed reactors and pursue a facility or the technology to reprocess plutonium from spent fuel. China […]
Wolf regime must start fast, move nimbly
Cabinet members should be an extension of the Governor. They need to travel – Chambers, Kiwanis, fairs, expos, radio talk shows, newspaper editorial boards. This is why one deputy in each department is designated “executive deputy secretary.” He (she) is the one expected to run day-to-day affairs.
Legal Marijuana Faces Another Federal Hurdle: Taxes
NEW YORK TIMES: … The country’s rapidly growing marijuana industry has a tax problem. Even as more states embrace legal marijuana, shops say they are being forced to pay crippling federal income taxes because of a decades-old law aimed at preventing drug dealers from claiming their smuggling costs and couriers as business expenses on their […]