WASHINGTON POST: When the Iraqi city of Ramadi fell to the Islamic State in May, the White House called it a “setback.” The administration’s many critics called it a disaster and proof that President Obama’s strategy to defeat the militants was failing… “Ramadi was a test of whether the Iraqi security forces were willing to […]
Trump’s Call for Muslim Ban Used in Terrorist Recruitment Video
NEWSMAX: …In the new video produced by al-Shabab, al-Qaida’s affiliate in Somalia, a clip of Trump telling rallygoers in December he was calling for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on,” is used. The expletive is bleeped out. […]
Lancaster blunders and missed opportunities in 2015
By Robert Field Looking back on 2015, we are again reminded of how difficult, most times impossible, it has been to avoid tragedies and spur improvements in Lancaster. Lancaster Public Library: We thought this fourth try through commitment to a very significant grant would lead at long last to the expansion and renovation […]
2016 will likely comprise a cornucopia of cannabis policy advances,
By Rob Kampia POPULAR RESISTANCE / HUFFINGTON POST: I don’t often use superlatives, but it’s easy to say that 2016 will be the most significant year yet in the battle to repeal marijuana prohibition in the United States. Up until now, the two biggest years were 1996, when California became the first state to legalize […]
Court OKs ex-Gov Tom Corbett’s budget and fiscal code cuts to Legislature
LEHIGH VALLEY MORNING CALL: A day after he angrily accused lawmakers of passing a “garbage” budget he then sliced to bits, Gov. Tom Wolf got a much-needed win for himself and perhaps for future governors looking for more negotiating power with the Legislature… The ruling was issued as part of a lawsuit the Senate filed […]
TSUKERMAN: New Year Lights in Moscow mask hunger
By Slava Tsukerman According to Russian official media this year, Christmas and New Year lights and decorations in Moscow are the most impressive in history. Information is not yet available about the expense, though it’s known that two years ago the cost of the Moscow festive decorations was 400 million rubles (about $13 million). […]
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 […]
For the Wealthiest, a Private Tax System That Saves Them Billions
NEW YORK TIMES: …Moreover, each has exploited an esoteric tax loophole that saved them millions in taxes. The trick? Route the money to Bermuda and back. With inequality at its highest levels in nearly a century and public debate rising over whether the government should respond to it through higher taxes on the wealthy, […]
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 […]
Gov. Wolf uses line-item veto on latest budget, releases emergency funding
CENTRAL PENN BUSINESS JOURNAL: Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision today to line-item veto the $30.3 billion state budget remains but a “step in the process” to a final resolution, said David Patti, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Business Council…. In total, Wolf released about $23.4 billion in funds on an emergency basis. He called on the […]
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 […]
Pa. Turnpike tolls are going up how much in 2016?
PENNLIVE: Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be increased 6 percent for both E-ZPass and cash customers in 2016. The increase will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan 3. As a result, the most common toll for a car traveling one turnpike exit will increase next year from $1.09 to $1.16 for E-ZPass customers […]
[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 […]