Showing posts with label msnbc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label msnbc. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2012

Unconscious Pilot Crashes Into The Gulf of Mexico

A pilot traveling to Florida may have lost consciousness and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Sources: WWSB  MSNBC  Fox  CNN  CBS


By Christine Karsten
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Body of Marine's Missing Wife Found

The body of missing Marine wife Brittany Killgore was found in a lake in Southern California.

Sources: CNN  KABC  KSDK  MSNBC  KCAL  Ten News


By Emoke Bebiak
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

'We Will Remember His Energy, Youthful Spirit, and Passion for His Work'


Statement from Governor Cuomo on the Passing of Dick Clark

"Today, we mourn the passing of Dick Clark, an American icon and a true New Yorker who was born in Mount Vernon, graduated from Syracuse University, and began his legendary career in Utica. Dick Clark became a household name as host of the iconic show American Bandstand, and for more than three decades the world joined him to usher in the New Year from New York City’s Times Square. We will remember his energy, youthful spirit, and passion for his work."

RIP: Dick Clark, TV Producer and Host

Dick Clark in 1963 hosting "Dick Clark Reports"

"New Year's Rockin' Eve" and "American Bandstand" Host Died of Cardiac Arrest

Television host and producer Dick Clark died today after suffering a massive heart attack after undergoing a medical procedure. He was 82.

Clark became a television icon after hosting the long-running "American Bandstand" and the "$10,000 Pyramid", of which several versions were produced.

More information on Clark and his legacy is available by clicking here: USA Today article

From The G-Man and Newsy.com will provide more information as it becomes available.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Politics in Action: H.R. 4348 and H.R. 9


STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 4348 – Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II
(Rep. Mica, R-FL, and 2 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 4348.  The Administration is committed to working on a bipartisan basis on a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization bill.  The reauthorization of the programs funded by the Highway Trust Fund is critical to the safety of the traveling public and the Nation’s ability to facilitate commerce and trade. Since the expiration of the last multi-year authorization bill in 2009, surface transportation and highway safety programs have operated under a series of short-term extensions, varying from one to nine months.   By simply extending current authority through the end of the fiscal year, this legislation would miss a critical opportunity to provide more certainty to States and localities as they undertake the long-term planning and execution of projects and programs that are essential to creating and keeping American workers in good paying jobs, improving the Nation’s surface transportation infrastructure, and ensuring roadway safety.

Further, the Administration is strongly opposed to this bill because it seeks to circumvent a longstanding and proven process for determining whether cross-border pipelines are in the national interest and for assessing the environmental impacts by mandating the permitting of the Keystone XL pipeline project, despite the fact that the pipeline route has yet to be identified and there is no complete assessment of its potential impacts, including impacts on health and safety, the economy, foreign policy, energy security, and the environment.

The Administration continues to support dedicating a significant amount of the Clean Water Act civil penalties resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill for Gulf Coast recovery in a manner that best serves the people and environment of the Gulf Coast.  The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to achieve this goal.

Because this bill circumvents a longstanding and proven process for determining whether cross-border pipelines are in the national interest by mandating the permitting of the Keystone XL pipeline before a new route has been submitted and assessed, the President’s senior advisors would recommend that he veto this legislation.


STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 9 – Small Business Tax Cut Act
 (Rep. Cantor, R-VA, and 42 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 9.  The President believes that small business tax relief can promote hiring workers and increasing investment here at home.  H.R. 9, however, is not focused on cutting taxes for small businesses, but instead would provide tax cuts to the most fortunate.  Under the bill’s definition of income, many of the “small businesses” that would receive the largest tax breaks are law partners, consultants, and other wealthy individuals and corporations with the biggest profits.  The proposal is a giveaway that will cost $46 billion and could, in fact, lead to delays and reductions in investment and hiring.

While H.R. 9 has been described as a way to help small businesses, independent non-partisan analyses confirm that 49 percent of the bill’s benefits would go to taxpayers making more than $1 million per year.  Individuals in higher tax brackets would be able to take the bill’s deduction against higher tax rates, making it more valuable for higher earners and more profitable firms.  For the one percent of individuals with small business income in the top tax bracket and for profitable corporations, the deduction is worth more than double what it is worth to the two-thirds of small business owners in the 15 percent bracket or lower.  Moreover, because “small business” is broadly defined and the tax relief is conditioned only on the size of payroll, many very large and highly profitable firms will be eligible for the tax break.  The Administration believes that this bill is not an effective way to incentivize small business investment and job creation.

Furthermore, under H.R. 9, small businesses that invested or hired more this year would, in many instances, get a smaller tax cut than those that did not, because the bill would have the deduction taken against the amount of a company’s net income from which wages for new workers or long-term investments in equipment are actually subtracted.  With the deduction only available for one year, it is likely that some firms would reduce or delay new hiring or new investment as a result.  The bill also opens up avenues for potential abuse, allowing a deduction for payments to family members who have been “hired” for the year as well as creating an incentive for firms to try to re-characterize current activities to earn the deduction. 

Congress should act to help American small businesses hire and grow with targeted tax relief designed to boost jobs, rather than tax cuts for the most fortunate that actually discourage investment.  In both his Budget and his business tax reform framework, the President put forward an ambitious plan to simplify small business tax returns and provide tax relief — including targeted employer tax relief that conditions its benefit on actual new hiring, directly encouraging job growth.  Those proposals build on the 17 small business tax cuts that the President has already signed into law, ranging from the small business health tax credit to more generous depreciation.  The Administration believes that this legislation fails to accomplish these goals.  If the President is presented with H.R. 9, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.


One in Five American Adults Do Not Use the Internet

A Pew Research Center study says 20 percent of U.S. adults is not online and half of them don't want to be.



By Breana Jones
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Congress Grills GSA Execs on Excessive Spending

A high-level General Services Administration official pleads the fifth before a congressional committee as members pile on the criticism.



By Jim Flink
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Monday, April 16, 2012

Senate Vote Blocks Buffet Rule


Statement by the President

Tonight, Senate Republicans voted to block the Buffett Rule, choosing once again to protect tax breaks for the wealthiest few Americans at the expense of the middle class.

The Buffett Rule is common sense. At a time when we have significant deficits to close and serious investments to make to strengthen our economy, we simply cannot afford to keep spending money on tax cuts that the wealthiest Americans don’t need and didn’t ask for.  But it’s also about basic fairness – it’s just plain wrong that millions of middle-class Americans pay a higher share of their income in taxes than some millionaires and billionaires.  America prospers when we’re all in it together and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

One of the fundamental challenges of our time is building an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.  And I will continue to push Congress to take steps to not only restore economic security for the middle class and those trying to reach the middle class, but also to create an economy that’s built to last.

Image courtesy of
http://mindmillion.com.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim Chosen World Bank President

Statement by the President

On behalf of the United States, I would like to offer my congratulations to Dr. Jim Yong Kim on his selection as the next President of the World Bank.  I am confident that Dr. Kim will be an inclusive leader who will bring to the Bank a passion for and deep knowledge of development, a commitment to sustained economic growth, and the ability to respond to complex challenges and seize new opportunities. I appreciate the strong support offered to Dr. Kim from leaders around the world.

I am also pleased that this has been an open and transparent process, and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding qualifications and commitment of the other two candidates.  I look forward to working with Dr. Kim and our partners throughout the world in support of a strong and effective World Bank.

Congressman Edolphus Towns to Retire

 Congressman Edolphus Towns
Statement by the President

As a veteran, teacher, minister and congressman, Edolphus Towns has dedicated his life to public service. In his 30 years representing the people of New York, Ed has fought tirelessly to improve the public healthcare system, strengthen consumer protections and improve the public education system. He has served as chairman for the Congressional Black Caucus, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and currently chairs the Congressional Social Work Caucus which he created to provide a platform for over 600,000 social workers who positively impact the lives of the elderly, the disadvantaged, children and veterans. Michelle and I join the people of New York in wishing Ed and his family all the best in the future.

Politics In Action: S. 2230


STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
S. 2230 – Paying a Fair Share Act
(Sen. Whitehouse, D-RI, and 13 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of S. 2230, which would set a minimum tax rate for taxpayers with annual income greater than $1 million.  S. 2230 will ensure that the Nation's wealthiest people are not able to use tax preferences and shelters to reduce their tax rate below what middle class families pay.

Over the past fifty years, the average tax rate paid by the very highest-income Americans has fallen to a near low – even as their share of the Nation's income has risen to one of the highest levels in close to a century.  As a result, one in four taxpayers with annual income greater than $1 million today pays a lower tax rate than millions of hardworking middle-class households.  S. 2230 would address that most basic source of unfairness by limiting the degree to which the most financially fortunate can take advantage of tax expenditures and preferential rates on certain income.

The Administration believes that S. 2230 would not only make the Nation's tax system more fair, but will also help the economy by closing inefficient tax shelters and loopholes and by allowing the Nation to continue making the vital investments that strengthen the economy and provide economic security for middle class families.  All Americans are being asked to come together to make the sort of shared sacrifices that will allow the Nation to continue making crucial investments in areas that will help the economy grow and create jobs, such as education, research, and infrastructure.  In such a time, the Administration believes that continuing to allow some of the wealthiest Americans to use special tax breaks to avoid paying their fair share simply cannot be justified. 

Biden to Host Event to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act


Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and White House Advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal Will Attend

WASHINGTON, D.C . – On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Vice President Biden will host an event highlighting the critical need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. 

The Vice President will be joined by Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and White House Advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal. At the event, the Vice President and others will discuss the Obama-Biden Administration’s ongoing coordination across the federal government to combat violence against women and announce new steps the Administration is taking to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault.

Prior to the Vice President and other senior administration officials’ remarks, domestic violence awareness advocate and Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Zahn will host a panel discussion with community leaders and advocates to highlight the successes of the Violence Against Women Act and what more needs to be done.

Taliban Targets Embassies in Spring Offensive

Taliban militants launched attacks on government buildings and civilians in Kabul Sunday.

Sources: 
MSNBC   CNN   BBC   Voice of America

Watch video:

By Stacey Welsh
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

George Zimmerman to be Charged with Second-Degree Murder


Alleged Killer in Police Custody, Attorney Says Client Will Plead Not Guilty

Special prosecutor Angela Corey today announced that George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman that allegedly shot and killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin during an encounter, will be charged with second-degree murder.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Footage from the press conference is available here: MSNBC video of press conference

From The G-Man and Newsy.com will provide more information on the prosecutor's decision as it becomes available.  

Annual Career Fairs in New York on April 12


Eight Simultaneous Fairs to Connect 
Job Seekers with Hundreds of Businesses

Eight career fairs are taking place throughout the state tomorrow, April 12, to help job seekers connect with hundreds of businesses offering thousands of jobs. This year, the state's annual career fair happens in eight locations: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Hauppauge, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, and Utica.

At each of the career fairs, New Yorkers will be able to meet with businesses about potential job opportunities and take advantage of employment workshops offered by the state Department of Labor.

Over 270 businesses will be participating in the career fairs, offering more than 5,400 jobs for New Yorkers.

"The financial future of our entire state gets stronger every time an unemployed New Yorker finds a job," said Governor Cuomo.

"Through these career fairs, the state is partnering with hundreds of businesses to provide greater employment opportunities for New Yorkers. By expanding our career fairs to communities all across the state, we will empower even more New Yorkers to put themselves on the path to prosperity."

All businesses participating in the career fairs list their job openings on Governor Cuomo's "Jobs Express" website, located at www.jobs.ny.gov.

A number of different fields will be represented at the events, including health care, manufacturing, government, higher education, and retail. Businesses participating in the career fairs include GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Albany Medical Center, Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare, Cablevision, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, SUNY Upstate Medical University, The Raymond Corporation, Ingram Micro, Goodyear Dunlop, and Fidelis Care NY.

"GLOBALFOUNDRIES is proud to have a home in New York State. As we continue to grow, we will be creating thousands of jobs while contributing to a strong and diverse local workforce. This career fair is further proof that New York State is indeed open for business," said Pedro Gonzalez, staffing manager in Saratoga County for GLOBALFOUNDRIES.

Steve VanNostrand, vice president of human resources at The Raymond Corporation, a manufacturing company in Greene, NY, noted, "The Raymond Corporation is pleased to participate in the career fair in Binghamton. We have an active relationship with the Department of Labor; our employees participate in their training programs and our company works with DOL to find workers. I am confident that this event will be a successful one for The Raymond Corporation."

"We have a number of job openings we're hoping to fill with the right candidates and look forward to a great event in Buffalo," added Matthew Rogers, human resources coordinator for Ingram Micro an information technology company in Western New York.

The career fairs will be held at the following locations tomorrow, Thursday, April 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Albany: Empire State Plaza Convention Center; Binghamton: Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street; Buffalo: Senator Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building, 65 Court Street; Hauppauge: Perry B. Duryea State Office Building, 250 Veteran's Memorial Highway; New York City: Shirley A. Chisholm State Office Building, 55 Hanson Place, Brooklyn; Poughkeepsie: Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building, 4 Burnett Boulevard; Syracuse: Senator John J. Hughes State Office Building, 333 East Washington Street; and Utica: Utica State Office Building, 207 Genesee Street. 

New York State has hosted an annual career fair since 1999.

Call the state Department of Labor at 1-888-4-NYSDOL or visit  www.labor.ny.gov for more information.

Image courtesy of  http://www.clker.com ( Mohamed Ibrahim)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Santorum Suspends Campaign


Santorum: "We Are Not Done Fighting"

MSNBC and various news sources have confirmed that GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum has suspended his White House bid.

Santorum, accompanied by members of his family and campaign staff, told reporters at an event in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that he and his family spent last weekend thinking about the campaign, their young daughter, Bella, and her on-going battle with Trisomy 18. 

"Ladies and gentleman, we made the decision to get into this race at our kitchen table against all the odds. We made a decision over the weekend that while this presidential race for us is over, we will suspend our campaign effective today. We are not done fighting," said Santorum.

From The G-Man will provide more details on this story as they become available.  

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Special Request of President Obama, Black Leaders and Black Media


Join "From The G-Man" and Address the Nation Before the Verdict in Trayvon Martin Case

Editor's Note - 2:26 pm - The following commentary had been posted prior to the announcement that the Trayvon Martin case would not be going to a grand jury. Given the level of tension in the country over whether or not George Zimmerman will be charged, From The G-Man has decided not to remove the commentary. However, it has been edited so that any and all references to the grand jury are no longer present.

At some point, a decision will be announced on whether or not charges will be filed against Trayvon Martin's alleged killer, George Zimmerman. Without question, millions will be waiting with baited breath. If the event is televised, millions will surely have television sets on in homes and offices all across the country. Even O.J. Simpson will be watching. 

In homes all across the United States, people will huddle in prayer. They will ask God to guide and protect every city in America. In ares with a heavy Black and low-income population, churchgoers will be praying even harder. They will be praying for calm in the Black community, especially if no charges are brought against Zimmerman. 

If no charges are filed, many will be outraged. Many will also seek ways to release that rage, which could be to the detriment of communities and innocent people across the country and this great nation. It could be Watts all over again. It could be the Rodney King situation all over again. However, the tension and the level of bloodshed could be much worse because of the fact that people are already incensed over losing their jobs, homes and all sense of hope in the wake of the "the Great Recession". 

From The G-Man is urging President Barack Obama, all leading representatives of the Black community -- including clergy members, politicians and media -- to address the nation and plead for calm before any decision is announced. If there was ever a time for the United States to show unity, with regard to race in America, now is that time! 

Finally, a reminder to Black males and females "in the hood" and in gangs like the Bloods and Crips. If Zimmerman is cleared of any wrongdoing, this news and information site wants all of you -- as well as every young, Black teen and adolescent in poor areas of the U.S. -- to remember one crucial fact.

In the White House, a Black man, a Black woman, and two Black children sit as the symbols of the United States of America. DO NOT shame them or the nation they represent by "wilding out" or engaging in negative behavior. DO NOT give those that loathe the President and his family a reason to say, "You elected Obama! Is this the 'Hope and Change' you expected?" 

We've come too far, Black people, as the following video proves.

This request is from the heart and........from "The G-Man". 


Video uploaded to YouTube by  

Titanic Memorial Cruise Sets Sail

The first of two Titanic-themed cruises set sail Sunday from Southhampton, England.



By Kylie McGivern
Anchor: Kylie McGivern
Link courtesy of Newsy.com