Governor Cuomo Holds Storm Briefing

Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo held a briefing in Binghamton with state and local officials to outline the state's preparations for winter storm Harper. Governor Cuomo provided an update on the ongoing winter weather affecting communities statewide. As a large system forecasted to bring up to two feet of snow in some locations moves into the state this afternoon, the Governor has directed the State's Emergency Operation Center to raise their activation to level 3. 

Yesterday, the Governor directed the New York State Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority to ban tractor-trailers and buses on the entire Thruway system, with the exception of I-95 in Westchester and Bronx counties, and most interstate highways starting at 3 p.m. today and lasting through the storm. 

Earlier this week, the Governor directed state agencies to conduct a number of preparatory measures, including the pre-deployment of critical assets, as well as the activation of both the State Emergency Operations Center and 450 members of the National Guard to assist with state storm response missions. Those measures all remain in effect. More information on the state's proactive preparedness efforts can be found here. 

 Source: NYGovCuomo

In Memoriam: Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent

 

On January 18, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon M. Kent, who was killed in Syria on Jan. 16. Chief Petty Officer Kent lived in Maryland and grew up in Pine Plains, New York. Flags will be lowered from today until interment. 

"The family of New York mourns the loss of Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, a courageous sailor who was killed in Syria earlier this week," Governor Cuomo said. "Chief Petty Officer Kent stepped up to serve her country and dedicated herself to a life of service, following in the footsteps of her father Colonel Stephen J. Smith of the State Police. We owe her our eternal gratitude for her selfless dedication and sacrifice. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

The following video has been posted in honor of Chief Petty Officer Kent and her service to the country. May she forever rest in peace.

'Flashback Friday': Top 10 Dumb Things Said by U.S. Politicians

This report was published on YouTube on April 14, 2015.

Nancy Kaufman of the National Council of Jewish Women to Receive JCPA Albert D. Chernin Award

 

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) has announced that Nancy Kaufman, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and lifelong civic leader, has been chosen as the 2019 recipient of the JCPA Albert D. Chernin Award. 

The award will be presented at the JCPA2019 Annual National Conference (February 9 – 12 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.) 

The award, named after JCPA’s Executive Vice Chair Emeritus Albert D. Chernin, is given to Jewish leaders whose life work best exemplifies a commitment to freedom and the protection of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

"Nancy has been an unwavering advocate for a free and fair society throughout her distinguished career,” said David Bernstein, JCPA President and CEO. “She’s in a class of her own.”

Past recipients include Senator Ronald Wyden, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rabbi David Saperstein, Professor Lawrence Tribe, Floyd Abrams, and Alan Dershowitz.
 
"Under Nancy’s leadership, NCJW has played a strong leading role fighting the good fight," said Melanie Roth Gorelick, JCPA Senior Vice President. "She has amplified the voice of Jewish women and ensured we were at the center of crucial coalitions, while encouraging women to run for office and to be advocates on important issues."

Kaufman has had a distinguished career as a public servant, advocate, and non-profit leader. Prior to joining NCJW, she served as the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Boston for twenty years, where she led the social justice, Israel advocacy, and governmental affairs agendas for Boston’s Jewish Federation and its agencies.
 
This year's conference marks JCPA's 75th Anniversary. Hundreds of community relations leaders and activists are expected to attend, convening to tackle pressing issues at high level plenaries and workshops. Additionally, the JCPA 75th Anniversary Gala, on February 10, will recognize and honor JCPA's founding organizations and past chairs. 

Source: JCPA

Denver Offering to Help Furloughed Government Workers with Mortgage Payments

This video was published on YouTube on January 15. 

Fox31 Denver: In response to the partial government shutdown, the city and county of Denver is offering to help furloughed workers make mortgage payments.

Constitutional View: The Founders on Executive Power

This video was published on YouTube on March 3, 2016. 

Under the Constitution, the president was delegated the authority to execute laws passed by Congress, not create them with the stroke of a pen. 

Source: Tenth Amendment Center 

'The Drum Major Instinct': A Sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King delivered this sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on February 4, 1968.

Source: nicholasflyer

Faces of Philanthropy: African-American Donors

This video was published on YouTube on August 20, 2018. 

Source: Hampton Roads

Heroes of Law Enforcement

This video was published on YouTube on November 24, 2018. 

Source: The Sound Project

Military Homecoming Surprises (Compilation 2019)

This video was published on YouTube on January 5. 

Source: Welcome Home Soldiers

Make A Wish and Dallas Stars Bring 'Heaven' on the Ice for a 10-Year-Old Boy

This report was published on YouTube on January 16. 

Source: WFAA

Self Defense Techniques for Girls and Women

This report was published on YouTube on November 17, 2018. 

Source: Nick Drossos

180 Degrees: A Former Gang Member Turns His Life Around

This video was published on YouTube on July 26, 2018. 

Stenberg College: Gurd Jhattu is enrolled in Stenberg College’s Counseling Therapist diploma program and is an intern at Moving Forward Family Services, which provides accessible and affordable counseling. At Moving Forward, no one is turned away from quality counseling services because of lack of funds or long wait-lists.

Real Estate Broker Teams Up with Good Samaritan to Help the Homeless

This video was published on YouTube on January 4.

College Gymnast's Perfect Routine Goes Viral

This report was published on YouTube on January 17.

'Golden Girl' and Everyone's Friend Betty White Turns 97

This report was published on YouTube on January 17.

Iowa Man Wins $1 in Lottery, Demands Comically Large Cheque

New York Road Runners Offering College Scholarship Program for Female High School Students

Click here for details.

Source: The New York Daily News

Good Samaritan Returns $8,000 to Upstate NY Limo Crash Victim's Widow

Click here for details. 

Source: The New York Daily News

House Approves Bill to Re-Open Government

 

The House debates and approves by voice vote a bill that would re-open the federal government. The measure does not include funding for President Trump’s $5.7 billion for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Click here for video.

Source: C-SPAN 

In ‘TransMilitary,’ Troops Fight for the Country, Banned or Not

Federal Employees Turn to Food Banks, Retirement Accounts

FBI Thwarts Possible Attack on the White House

Thousands More Migrant Children May Have Been Separated Than Previously Reported

U.S. Projected to Fall as World's Economic Leader

Ambassador to China Determined to Have Detained Canadians Released

'The President is Not Going to Leave Syria After an Attack Like This'

'McRefugees', A Symbol of Hong Kong's Housing Crisis

Brexit Crisis: EU Reacts to Potential No-Deal

Is Kenya Containing the Threat from al-Shabab?

Will Zimbabwe's Efforts to End Protests Work?

Electricity Shortage May Close Palestine's Hospitals

Cuomo Directs State Agenices to Help Furloughed Workers

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today directed state agencies to provide support for federal workers impacted by the federal government shutdown that now exceeds the record for the longest government shutdown in United States history. The Governor called for the New York State Department of Labor to provide increased support to workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits and the State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help those working without pay apply for and obtain public assistance benefits.

"It is unconscionable that the President is holding hostage the wages and livelihoods of hard-working Americans in an attempt to advance his hateful and regressive political agenda," Governor Cuomo said. "While the federal administration steps on the backs of workers, New York State is stepping up to help in any way we can. These measures will ensure furloughed federal workers in New York receive prompt and special one-on-one services so they can obtain the vital safety-net benefits they need during this hard time."

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Mayor de Blasio Provides Update on the Federal Government Shutdown

Mayor de Blasio and First Lady McCray Host the Annual Interfaith Breakfast

New York Confronts Its Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades

 

By Sharon Otterman 

The disease spread within ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities where vaccination rates are low and some are suspicious of government health workers.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Times

New York to Get Hit with Two Snowstorms, Subzero Wind Chills Through the Weekend

 

By Clayton Guse

It won’t be hard to chill out this weekend.

A pair of storms are set to give New Yorkers a double dose of winter misery through the weekend, followed by Arctic-level temperatures overnight on Sunday.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News 

NYS Legislature Announces February Hearing to Address Workplace Sexual Harassment

 

By Larry McShane

The state Legislature, stung in the past by #MeToo allegations within its male ranks, announced a Feb. 13 hearing to address sexual harassment issues across New York.

The Thursday statement from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie came as Gov. Cuomo unveiled his “Time’s Up New York Safety Agenda” to combat sexual harassment and assault.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News 

'Still Idiots Up in Times Square': New NYPD Emails Show Large Surveillance Operation of Black Lives Matter Protesters

 

By Stephen Rex Brown 

In the wake of the police killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, the NYPD carried out a large surveillance operation of protesters — and in one instance mocked the “idiots up in Times Square,” new records reveal.

'

The 228 pages of NYPD emails from November 2014 to January 2015 obtained through a lawsuit show that police used civilian informants and undercover officers from the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau and Intel Division, advocates said.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance to Be Held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center

RoAnn Destito, Office of General Services Commissioner, today reminded the public that New York State’s celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on January 21, 2019 at 9 a.m. in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The public is invited to attend the free program in observation of Dr. King’s birth or watch it streamed live at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking. The Be a King Volunteer Fair will begin at 9 a.m. at the base of The Egg; a musical prelude will start in the Convention Center at 9 a.m.; and the program will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

“Each year we celebrate the life and legacy of our nation’s most important civil rights leader by enjoying talented performers and inspirational speakers who pay tribute to Dr. King, at the NYS MLK Memorial Observance. This year we are especially excited to have Rashad Jennings giving the keynote address and Lillias White singing,” Commissioner Destito said. “I join Governor Cuomo and Acting Civil Service Commissioner Lola Brabham, who will give this year’s Call to Commemoration, in inviting everyone to come in person or watch the live video of this important tradition at the Empire State Plaza where we rededicate ourselves to keeping Dr. King’s dream alive.”

“I am proud and humbled to deliver this year’s Call to Commemoration and join with fellow New Yorkers as we celebrate and embrace Dr. King’s dream of peace and unity,” said Department of Civil Service Acting Commissioner Lola W. Brabham. “Through Dr. King’s legacy, let us  continue to remember the importance of leading by example and recommitting ourselves to achieving greatness by making a positive difference in our communities.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Rashad Andre Jennings, a former National Football League running back. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He also played for the Oakland Raiders and the New York Giants. Jennings played college football at the University of Pittsburgh but made the difficult choice to transfer to Liberty University to be by the side of his ailing father.

Upon becoming a free agent in the NFL, Jennings took his athleticism to the stage of ABC’s hit show “Dancing With The Stars.” Applying the same unwavering dedication to outworking all of his peers, Rashad took the dancing world by storm and was crowned Dancing With The Stars Season 24 Mirror Ball Champion. He has also made guest appearances on TV shows such as Starz network’s “Power” and NBC’s “Great News.”

Click here for additional information on the event. 

Source: Office of General Services

SUNY SA President Mike Braun Responds to Governor's Executive Budget

 

"Students appreciate the continued support for multiple key programs in the Governor's executive budget. The Governor has again proposed expanding access to New York’s financial aid programs for undocumented New Yorkers. We are pleased that the Jose Peralta DREAM Act is finally on track for enactment, expanding opportunity for thousands of students.

"We also applaud renewed investment in Open Educational Resources, which eases the burden of purchasing textbooks for students.

"Students are disappointed, however, in proposed cuts to multiple important programs- and we urge the legislature to act to restore and strengthen them.

"One such program is SUNY's tele-counseling network, which provides psychiatric care to hundreds of students who may not otherwise receive it. Guaranteeing access to proper mental health resources on campus is essential to promoting student safety and academic completion.

"We additionally urge the expansion of funding for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and SUNY's Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs). These vital programs give thousands of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to succeed in college. Strengthening EOP and the EOCs would open the door to a higher education to more New Yorkers.

"SUNY’s community colleges are also in need of enhanced state support. Twenty-seven out of thirty community colleges are on track for a reduction in state financial support next year. The Student Assembly stands with SUNY in supporting a revised funding model for community colleges that would establish a floor for funding.

"We look forward to working with the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate to ensure that SUNY receives the state support students are counting on through this budget cycle."

The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA) is the recognized student government organization representing the nearly 1.4 million students of the State University of New York. Comprised of student leaders elected by their peers from across SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY SA is committed to empowering students throughout the state, and ensuring the representation of its members on the state and national level, as well as throughout the SUNY system.

Source: SUNY SA

Happening in Harlem: 'I Am The Dream' at The Peace Cafe

Source: Street Corner Resources

Attorney General: No Charges in Racial Harassment of Former Rep. Kiah Morris

 

By Jess Aloe

BENNINGTON — Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan said Monday his office will not seek to prosecute anybody after investigating complaints of threats made against former state Rep. Kiah Morris.

Morris was a victim of racial harassment, Donovan said during a news conference at the Beth El Synagogue in Morris's hometown of Bennington. 

"The online communications that were sent to Ms. Morris by Max Misch and others were clearly racist and extremely offensive," said Donovan. "However, the First Amendment does not make speech sanctionable merely because its content is objectionable." 

Misch showed up toward the end of the news conference, prompting shouts from some members of the community attending the event.

Misch said he wanted to share his side of the story. 

Click here for the full article. 

Click here to watch the press conference, which includes the moment Misch was spotted, Morris retreated, and tempers flared.

Source: Burlington Free Press

Governor Cuomo Announces Proposal to Make Assaulting the Press a Felony

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced a proposal to increase criminal penalties for assaulting the press is included in the 2019 Executive Budget. In order to provide additional protections for journalists in light of recent acts of violence against members of the media, the Governor is advancing legislation would increase the penalties of assault against a journalist while performing their journalistic job duties to a felony level offense.

"Reporters have a tough enough job as it and it is unacceptable and unconscionable that they increasingly have to endure the threat of physical harm for just for doing their jobs," Governor Cuomo said. "While the current federal administration is fostering an environment that normalizes and even encourages attacks on the press, New York is taking a stand. It is my hope that other states join us in enacting these protections into law once and for all."  

This legislation will increase the penalty for assaulting a journalist from a misdemeanor to a class D felony. Similar elevated protections exist for other professions, including nurses, utility workers, MTA employees, emergency medical service technicians and process servers.

Members of the media should feel safe performing the duties of their jobs. The Governor's legislation will reaffirm that New York State has zero tolerance for any violent attacks against journalists and will hold those who violate the law fully accountable.

The freedom of the press is a constitutionally-guaranteed right and a pillar of our democracy. However, the Trump administration has launched an attack on the press, labeling journalism it does not like as "fake news" to advance the Administration's own agenda and inspire hatred of the media among the public. Unfortunately, the rhetoric and public discourse has dissolved into violence and attempted attacks on journalists, news outlets, and members of the press. In 2017, a congressional candidate violently assaulted a reporter for asking unwanted questions—an act that was later celebrated by President Trump.  Last October, a Florida man was accused of mailing 14 bombs addressed to prominent political figures and news agencies, two of which were addressed care of a national news network at their New York studio.  In August 2018, a California man was arrested after calling the Boston Globe approximately a dozen times threatening to shoot reporters.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Amber Alert! 2-Year-Old Girl with Autism Abducted in the Bronx

THE BRONX, New York City -- An Amber Alert has been issued after police say a 2-year-old girl with autism was abducted in the Bronx.

Police say Seniya Benitez, who is non-verbal, was kidnapped by her father, 21-year-old Christian Benitez, near Gleason Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: WABC

Update: Abducted NYC Toddler Found Safe, Suspect in Custody

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Government Shutdown

Sanders responds to questions about the partial government shutdown, Attorney General nominee William Barr’s confirmation hearing, and Republicans' response to Representative Steve King’s remarks on white supremacy.

This video may not play on certain browsers. Click here if you experience problems. 

Senate Aging Committee Hearing on Elder Fraud

The Senate Special Aging Committee holds a hearing on fighting elder fraud, including scams that target seniors such as robocalls.

This video may not play on certain browsers. Click here if you experience problems. 

ProPublica: What We Learned From the First Year of the Local Reporting Network

 

by Charles Ornstein

The crisis in local news has become one of the most pressing issues in modern journalism, with academics and other observers questioning whether democracy itself can survive the increasingly commonplace phenomenon of news deserts.

As the first editor overseeing ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, a program that funded a year’s worth of investigative reporting by seven newsrooms in 2018, I’ve had a front-row seat to both the challenges facing local media — and a possible path forward. 

Click here for the full article. 

Karen Pence is Working at a School That Bans LGBTQ Employees and Kids

 

By Rebecca Klein

Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, started at a job this week teaching art at Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia. It’s not a school where everyone is welcome.

In a “parent agreement” posted online, the school says it will refuse admission to students who participate in or condone homosexual activity, HuffPost learned through an investigation into discriminatory admissions policies. The 2018 employment application also makes candidates sign a pledge not to engage in homosexual activity or violate the “unique roles of male and female.” 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Huffington Post

Experts Fear Trump Might Pull the U.S. Out of NATO

Senate Democrats Hold News Conference on Longest Government Shutdown in History

Hackers Could Wreak Havoc During Government Shutdown

Bonus Report: Shutdown Straining U.S. Diplomats Worldwide

Brazil's Bolsonaro Relaxes Gun Ownership Law

Sudan Protests: Opposition Groups Divided Over Demands

Justin Trudeau Fields Questions at St. Catharine's Town Hall

Global News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his government's policies toward the Venezuelan government, and answered a variety of other questions on topics ranging from marijuana legalization to Alberta's oil sands during a town hall in St. Catharine's on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019.

British Parliament Holds No-Confidence Vote

'Nelson Mandela Valued Education More Than Anything', Grandson Ndaba Tells FRANCE 24

Syria: Islamic State Group Hits in Manbij for the Second Time in Less Than a Month

British Parliament Rejects Brexit Deal: What Now?

ICC Rejects Request to Extend Detention of Ivory Coast Ex-Leader Gbagbo

Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at the Tres Puentes Affordable Housing Development

How New York City Ended Up With 2 Competing Women’s Marches

 

By Liz Robbins

At issue is the question of inclusivity, one that has haunted the national movement since its inception.

Click here for details.

Source: The New York Times

Big Snowstorm Heads for NYC, But This Time City is Actually Prepared, Official Says

 

By Clayton Guse

Don’t fear the flakes!

Snow is coming to the Big Apple, but this time city agencies are ready to prove they’re worth their salt.

The five boroughs are expected to get hit by a pair of winter storms in coming days, bringing with them what may be the largest accumulation of snow since a six-inch dumping crippled the city on Nov. 15.

If the forecast holds up, the incoming storms will be the biggest weather challenge for the city’s Office of Emergency Management since its goof last fall led to a commuter hell and the eventual firing of the agency’s commissioner, Joe Esposito.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News 

Happening in Harlem: 32nd Precinct Community Council Meeting, 1/17

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Source: A. Smith, President/NYPD Civilian Volunteer, 32nd Precinct Community Council

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Delivers State of the State Address

EANY Issues Statement on Gov. Cuomo's NY Budget Congestion Pricing Proposal

The following statement was provided by Conor Bambrick, air and energy director for Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY).

“Car, truck, and bus exhaust makes people sick and is New York’s largest source of climate pollution. Congestion pricing addresses these problems by taking more tailpipes off the road and helping fix New York’s mass transit. We applaud Governor Cuomo for including a congestion pricing plan in his budget and encourage him to work with the Assembly and Senate in making congestion pricing a reality in New York.”

Statement on Cuomo's NY Budget Water Infrastructure Proposal 

Rob Hayes, clean water associate for EANY said, "Governor Cuomo’s budget recognizes that water infrastructure funding is good for our environment, good for jobs, and good for communities. The $2.5 billion in new funding announced today will be a major boost to communities struggling to protect their drinking water from corroding water mains, crumbling wastewater plants, and lead water lines. We applaud the Governor’s proposal, and look forward to working with the state Senate and Assembly to secure this funding in the SFY 2019-20 State Budget.”

Newark Health Crisis Forces Mayor to Issue Letter to President Trump

 Click on the letter to increase its size. 

Highest Level of Lead in Drinking Water in 17 Years 

Bonus Report: A Water Crisis in Newark Brings New Worries

Sources: Mercury and the New York Times

NY Legislature Passes Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Ban on Conversion Therapy

 
By Nick Morrow 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) celebrated the historic passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in New York as well as legislation protecting LGBTQ youth in the state from the dangerous and debunked practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” GENDA would solidify existing law by explicitly adding gender identity and expression to the New York Human Rights Law. The bill has passed the New York Assembly 11 times, and today marks the first time it has passed both chambers. Both bills will now head to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk to be signed.

Today’s passage of GENDA is the culmination of efforts that reach back for over a decade. In 2016, Governor Cuomo directed the New York State Division of Human Rights to adopt regulations, consistent with state case law interpreting the meaning of ‘sex,’ to make it clear that transgender people are protected from discrimination and harassment under the state’s Human Rights Law. Additionally, the bill adds protections on the basis of gender identity to the state’s hate crimes law. The passage and signing of GENDA will explicitly codify these protections into law once and for all. With the passage of legislation banning conversion therapy, New York joins 14 states and the District of Columbia in protecting LGBTQ youth from this dangerous practice.

For several election cycles,  HRC has worked on the ground in New York to elect pro-equality legislators up and down the ballot, all across the state, leading to a pro-equality majority in both houses of the legislature and today’s historic action in Albany.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Human Rights Campaign 

Statement from Governor Cuomo 

"At a time when the federal government is doing everything it can to roll back the hard won rights of transgender Americans, New York State is once again stepping up for full equality and equal protections under the law. We were the first state in the nation to issue regulations prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, and continue to fight this federal administration's despicable attacks on trans people. This is an issue of basic fairness, and today marks an historic day for those in the LGBTQ community who fought tirelessly for the passage of this bill. I applaud the Legislature for acting quickly to pass this critical component of our Justice Agenda." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Dems Rebuff Trump Invite, Thwarting Effort to Bypass Pelosi

 
Click here for details. 

Source: Associated Press

Judge Rejects Citizenship Question for 2020 U.S. Census

 
Click here for details. 

Source: Reuters

Parliament Casts Final Vote on Brexit Agreement

John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran — and He May Get What He Wants

 

By Mehdi Hasan

You underestimate John Bolton at your peril.

Remember when he was passed over for the job of secretary of state because, we were told, Donald Trump didn’t like his “brush-like mustache“? How we laughed. Yet less than 18 months later, after regular appearances on the Fox News casting couch, he was appointed national security adviser, with an office around the corner from the president’s.

Remember when Defense Secretary James Mattis met with the new national security adviser on the steps of the Pentagon and joked that he was the “devil incarnate”? Mattis is gone. Bolton is still standing.

Remember when White House chief of staff John Kelly got into a “heated, profanity-laced shouting match” with Bolton, over immigration, right outside the Oval Office? Kelly is gone. Bolton is still standing.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Intercept_

Arizona Activists Face Jail Time for Providing Life-Saving Aid to Migrants Crossing Sonoran Desert

'Public Education Is Not Your Plaything': L.A. Teachers Strike Against Privatization and Underfunding

Attorney General Nominee William Barr’s Senate Testimony (Full Coverage)

Report Finds Americans More Likely to Die from Opioid Overdose Than Car Crash

Government Shutdown Impacting U.S. Economy

'Sully' Reunites with Passengers 10 Years After Miracle Landing