ALJAZEERA: France suspended the delivery of a warship to Russia on Tuesday, after months of speculation about what would be the biggest arms sale ever by a NATO country to the Kremlin. The French president’s office announced the suspension “until further notice” after growing pressure from allies due to tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. […]
Oil nations fail to halt fall in crude
FINANCIAL TIMES: The price of oil fell by more than $1 a barrel after a meeting between some of the world’s largest oil-producing nations failed to reach agreement on how to address a growing supply glut. Talks between the oil ministers of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, and non-Opec producers Russia and Mexico ended in stalemate, […]
Consumers help push US economic growth to 3.9%
FINANCIAL TIMES: …The figure came in well ahead of analyst expectations for a downward revision, from the first reading of 3.5 per cent, to 3.3 per cent. It follows a 4.6 per cent pace of growth in the second quarter as the US economy records a robust performance this year. “This is a pleasingly broad-based […]
A Problem Beyond Mr. Hagel
A substantial part of the problem with Mr. Hagel’s performance is that the mission changed after his appointment. He was selected to oversee a shift to a peacetime military and reduced defense spending.
Poll: Amnesty Plan ‘Favorable’ to Likely 2016 Voters
The Nov. 19-20 poll of 800 likely 2016 voters by Hart Research Associates found that 67 percent viewed as favorable Obama’s decision to act alone — rather than wait for legislative action by Congress…
Who really rules Russia?
“Yes, they are the two people who are in fact ruling Russia. Putin is the presidential facade for Angela Merkel. Inside of Russia these two other forces rule”.
First Occupy site cleared as angry Hong Kong protesters stand watch
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: Hong Kong bailiffs tasked to enforce a court order against a key protest camp have successfully torn down barricades at an intersection in Mong Kok, after a tense face-off with pro-democracy demonstrators. The 20-man “removal team” cleared the juction of Argyle Street and Nathan Road in just 45 minutes. They cut […]
Fires, chaos erupt in Ferguson after grand jury
CNN: The announcement of a grand jury’s decision not to indict Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teen Michael Brown was met with chaos Monday night. While many of the protesters were peaceful, more than 15 gunshots were heard as businesses throughout the city were looted or set ablaze. The […]
No indictment in Ferguson case
USA TODAY: A white police officer will not face charges for fatally shooting an unarmed black teenager in a case that set off violent protests and racial unrest throughout the nation, an attorney close to the case said Monday night. A St. Louis County grand jury declined to indict officer Darren Wilson, 28, for firing […]
John Kerry appeals for patience as Iran talks extended by seven months
FINANCIAL TIMES: …The P5+1, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, UK, France, Russia and China – and Germany, agreed to extend the so-called joint plan of action, under which the talks have taken place, until the end of June 2015 after failing to reach a deal after days of […]
Experts question results in Turnpike corruption case
The Turnpike investigation began while Gov. Tom Corbett was attorney general. William Keisling, whose 1993 book “When the Levee Breaks” explores Turnpike patronage, called the case “a travesty,” one originally intended to embarrass Democrats for a bipartisan problem.
Hagel Said to Be Stepping Down as Defense Chief Under Pressure
NEW YORK TIMES: … The president, who is expected to announce Chuck Hagel’s resignation in a Rose Garden appearance on Monday, made the decision to ask his defense secretary — the sole Republican on his national security team — to step down last Friday after a series of meetings over the past two weeks, senior […]
Private Oncologists Being Forced Out, Leaving Patients to Face Higher Bills
NEW YORK TIMES: … There also was a hidden difference — the money made from the drugs themselves. Cancer patients and their insurers buy chemotherapy drugs from their medical providers. Swedish Medical Center, like many other others, participates in a federal program that lets it purchase these drugs for about half what private practice doctors […]
Pass a law: It’s the best response to Obama on immigration
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE EDITORIAL: …Most Americans see three objectives to immigration reform. The first is to welcome fresh, needed talent to the country. The second is to keep immigration orderly, while maintaining border integrity. The third is to retain humanity, such as taking in people who are in danger and refusing to separate families, as a […]