Governors Submit Letter to Congress on Jobs Bill

Letter from Democratic Governors to Congressional Leadership on the American Jobs Act

October 11, 2011

The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable John Boehner

Speaker of the House

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Mitch McConnell

Minority Leader

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Minority Leader

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Leader Reid, Leader McConnell, Speaker Boehner, and Leader Pelosi:

As governors, we believe that of all the difficult decisions we have to make as a country, our top priority must remain job creation, always.

We therefore urge swift consideration of the American Jobs Act, which draws upon many ideas that governors – Democratic and Republican alike – are putting into action in the states.

It is an economic and historic truth that, to create jobs, a modern economy requires modern investments. As President Obama has stated, to create jobs, we must also be willing to educate, innovate and rebuild. Our global competitors are investing in their infrastructure and in the skills and education of their workforce. To create jobs in our communities, we must be willing to do the same.

There is nothing more important for a family than a job and nothing more important for our country, in these challenging times. The American people work hard at their jobs, and they rightfully expect us, the representatives of their government, to do ours.

Thank you for your leadership. We are ready to work with you on this most important goal of creating jobs and expanding opportunity.

Sincerely,

Governor Martin O'Malley, Maryland

Governor Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii

Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., California

Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York

Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota

Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., US Virgin Islands

Governor Chris Gregoire, Washington

Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut

Governor Jack Markell, Delaware

Governor John Lynch, New Hampshire

Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts

Governor Bev Perdue, North Carolina

Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois

Governor John Kitzhaber, Oregon

Governor Peter Shumlin, Vermont

Politics in Action: S. 1660 - American Jobs Act of 2011

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

S. 1660 – American Jobs Act of 2011

(Sen. Reid, D-Nevada)

The Administration strongly supports prompt and favorable action by the Congress on the American Jobs Act of 2011, which will create jobs and get the economy moving. S. 1660 contains all of the jobs measures that were submitted to the Congress by the President last month. These are the kinds of proposals supported by both Republicans and Democrats. S. 1660 will put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans, and it will do so without adding a dime to the deficit.

First, the American Jobs Act of 2011 provides tax cuts for small businesses and puts more money in the pockets of working and middle class Americans by cutting in half the payroll tax that comes out of the paycheck of every worker. Second, S. 1660 puts Americans back to work, including teachers, first responders, veterans, and construction workers. Third, the American Jobs Act of 2011 helps out-of-work Americans by extending unemployment benefits and reforming the system to help people get back to work. It also supports training and unemployment programs to help the unemployed build key skills and connect to real jobs. The bill also bans employers from discriminating against the unemployed when hiring and expands job opportunities for low-income youth and adults.

S. 1660 is fully paid for through a surtax on those making over $1 million per year. The Administration submitted an alternative set of offsets that would have cut back unjustified tax expenditures and loopholes. However, what is most important is putting Americans back to work right now and making sure the debt is not increased over time—and doing so in a way that is fair. S. 1660 meets that test. Moreover, this surtax could ultimately be replaced by a broader tax reform consistent with the President’s principles of cutting rates, cutting spending through the tax code, cutting the deficit, increasing economic growth, and increasing fairness by ensuring that no household making over $1 million should pay a smaller share of its income in taxes than middle-class families pay.

The American people understand that the economic crisis and the deep recession were not created overnight and will not be solved overnight. The economic security of the middle class has been under attack for decades. The Administration believes that the Nation needs not only to recover from this economic crisis, but to rebuild the economy the American way, based on balance, fairness, and the same set of rules for everyone from Wall Street to Main Street. By enacting S. 1660, the Congress and the President can work together to create the jobs of the future by helping small business entrepreneurs, working and middle-class Americans, and the unemployed Americans searching for work, and by investing in the Nation’s education and infrastructure.

Image courtesy of Jeff Bucchino and http://www.wizardofdraws.com.

Newsy Now: Breaking Headline News

Occupy Boston Protesters Arrested; Ex-Ukraine PM Sentenced; UK PM on Illegal Immigrants; Seattle Hero Phoenix Jones Arrested; SWAT raids Pitt's Movie

Sources:Fox NewseuronewsThe TelegraphBBCCNNMSNBC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newsy-now-october-11-gmt-1500/

By Erik Shute

Anchor: Lauren Gores

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Carney: 'Charges Against Tymoshenko Raise Serious Concerns About Ukraine Government's Commitment to Democracy'

Yulia Tymoshenko, Former Prime Minister of Ukraine

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Ukraine

The United States is deeply disappointed with the conviction and sentencing of former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko through a politically motivated prosecution. The charges against Mrs. Tymoshenko and the conduct of her trial, as well as the prosecution of other opposition leaders and members of the preceding government, have raised serious concerns about the Government of Ukraine’s commitment to democracy and rule of law.

The United States strongly supports the Ukrainian peoples’ goal of becoming a democratic and prosperous European state, and remains dedicated to strengthening bilateral cooperation based on shared values and shared interests. Ukraine, however, cannot reach this goal without redoubled efforts to protect and advance democracy and the rule of law for all its citizens.

For these reasons, the United States urges the release of Mrs. Tymoshenko and the other political leaders and former government officials, and believes that they should have an unrestricted ability to participate fully in political life, including next year’s parliamentary elections.

Photo source: EPP_Summit_March_2011Tymoshenko_2.jpg

Author: EPP_Summit_March_2011Tymoshenko_2.jpg:
(European People's Party)

Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

President Approves Governor Cuomo Request

Expedited Federal Approval Granted in Tappan Zee Bridge Project

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that President Barack Obama has approved New York State's request to expedite the review and approval process to allow work to begin on the Tappan Zee Bridge project.

The Tappan Zee project represents a multi-billion dollar investment that will create tens of thousands of jobs and restore a critical part of the Northeast's transportation infrastructure.

President Obama launched a competition where states could submit their high priority, job-creating projects in order to win expedited federal approvals, and New York submitted the Tappan Zee project in to the competition.

With this expedited federal review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the processing of certain permits, the Tappan Zee project could begin as early as next year, potentially creating more jobs than any other infrastructure project in the country.

"I want to thank President Obama, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration, for selecting the Tappan Zee Bridge project and recognizing that moving forward with the project is key to New York's economic future," said Governor Cuomo.

"This is a shot in the arm for the project and a major step forward to restoring this key piece of our infrastructure and putting tens of thousands of New Yorkers back to work."

"I applaud the federal government for expediting approval of this important project, which will create tens of thousands of jobs and protect thousands of commuters as they make their way across the Tappan Zee every day. As Senator Fuschillo and I have made clear since we toured the Tappan Zee Bridge with County Executive Astorino in July, rebuilding this bridge and investing in our infrastructure must continue to be a priority," stated Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

"I commend Governor Cuomo and Senator Fuschillo, the Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee, for their leadership on this critical project, and look forward to working together with all parties until it is complete."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver noted, "I am pleased that President Obama has agreed to fast track review of this critical project. Investments of this size have the potential to transform the region’s economy, create jobs, and renew confidence in our state’s economic revitalization. I commend Governor Cuomo for taking the lead and reaching out to the White House so that we can move forward with the Tappan Zee project and ensure this vital transportation link."

Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza

Permission: The White House

Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr: 'Take Two Report'

(Click to enlarge image.)

Addabbo, Goldfeder Preview "Resorts World" Project

Senator Joe Addabbo and Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder received an update on construction at Resorts World New York on Monday, October 3. Pictured (left to right) are Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder, Christian Goode of the Genting Group, and the senator.

Senator Sponsors EPIC Lectures at Senior Centers

New York State Senator Joe Addabbo sponsored a series of lectures at senior centers in his district covering the changes to Medicare Part D and in the Deductible Plan that affect EPIC Prescription Drug Assistance Program members starting on July 1, 2011 and again on January 1, 2012. Other EPIC lectures were set for senior centers in Howard Beach, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Ozone Park, and Glendale.

(L-R): Senator Joe Addabbo; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-EPIC's Gema Diaz; and a senior at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center on Tuesday, October 4.

Photos courtesy of Judy Close, Press Office of Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.

Best-Selling Author Frank Brady to Appear at Woodhaven Library

Frank Brady at “Endgame” book signing and screening of “Bobby Fischer Against the World” at Museum of the Moving Image. Photo by Sarah Winshall/Museum of the Moving Image.

"Endgame" Discussion and Book Sale Will Benefit Library's Renovations Fund

Queens, NY – Meet New York Times best-selling author Frank Brady, PhD., at a book sale and discussion about his new biography on the sensational -- yet disturbed -- chess player, the late Bobby Fischer.

The Woodhaven Library $50K Committee and the Friends of Queens Library at Woodhaven will host Brady, author of Endgame: Bobby Fischer’s Remarkable Rise and Fall – from America’s Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness, on Monday, October 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Queens Library at Woodhaven is located in 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven, New York. Admission is free, and proceeds from the book sale will support renovations at the Carnegie building. The library is a short distance from the Forest Parkway station, on the J train, and is accessible via the Q56/Jamaica Avenue bus to Forest Parkway.

A former Woodhaven resident and tenured journalism professor at St. John’s University, Dr. Brady is an avid chess player who played outdoors at the Forest Park chess tables as a teen.

Bobby Fischer, a chess prodigy with a genius IQ of 180 as a child, defeated competitors from all over the world, including Russia, which -- during Fischer's reign -- was considered to be an arch-rival. However, instead of becoming smarter and smarter as he aged, Fischer became mentally unstable.

When asked what he found to be the most thrilling aspect of chess, Fischer was quoted as saying, “To break the other guy’s ego.” It is by this quote that many remember Fischer and his exploits.

Bobby Fischer playing against Russian Boris Spassky during the World Chess Championship in 1972. Photo courtesy of Moxie Fircracker.

Dr. Brady grew up in Woodhaven and spent a much of his childhood reading at its Carnegie building library. He later revealed that the time spent in the library is what led him to become a writer. Brady has written books on a variety of subjects and currently serves as the Chairman of the Department of Mass Communications, Journalism, Television and Film at St. John's University in New York.

Brady has been an Adjunct Professor of Journalism for the past 25 years at Barnard College of Columbia University. He has a B.S., SUNY (communications); MFA, Columbia University (film); and M.A., Ph.D., New York University (writing). As current chair of the Mass Communications department at St. John's, Brady oversees a multi-million dollar budget, a 60-member faculty, and 900 students.

In 1960, Brady was the founding editor of the magazine version of Chess Life. Previously, it had been a newspaper. He would go on to become editor of Chessworld Magazine and serve as an editor for Ralph Ginzburg and Hugh Hefner.

Brady is an International Arbiter -- recognized by FIDE, the World Chess Federation -- and has directed many major chess tournaments. Brady was the tournament arbiter when Fischer completed his historic 11-0 run during the U.S. Championship in 1963—one of the greatest moments in American chess history. Many have described Fischer's feat as "one of the most incredible performances ever seen at the championship level."

Dr. Brady was Secretary of the United States Chess Federation from 2003 to 2005 and served as arbiter of international chess tournaments in 2001 and 2004 in New York. He has been elected to, and serves as an active voting member of, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and PEN, the international writers' organization.

In 2007, Brady was elected President of the Marshall Chess Club, the most prestigious chess club in the country.

Brady also wrote the best-selling book Profile of a Prodigy, a biography of his friend, Bobby Fischer. His new biography of Fischer, Endgame: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer, was published earlier this year.

For more information about the book sale and discussion, contact Maria Concolino, of the Woodhaven Library’s $50K Committee, at 718-849-1582.

'Spirits Alive!' 2011 at Maple Grove Cemetery

Volunteer actors Tim Dowd and Leanne Mercadante portraying the legendary 19th century Shakespearean actor Count Johannes and his devoted protégé and pupil Lydia Avonia Fairbanks at Spirits Alive, 2010. Count Johannes is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery.

(Click to enlarge image.)

An Educational and Exciting Pre-Halloween Event for the Entire Family

Queens, NY - Spirits Alive!, a unique and self-guided walking tour at Maple Grove Cemetery, will be held Saturday, October 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The annual event features a cast of over 20 volunteer actors dressed in period costumes, all of whom will portray some of Maple Grove’s most illustrious and historical figures from various walks of life. This year, the event will introduce a number of newly-discovered historical figures, which include:

William Nelson, a World War I soldier who fought at the Battle of the Argonne Forest in France.

Elma Stebbins, the wife of famed hymnist composer George Stebbins.

Francis Marsh, a young telegraph operator who survived the Great Blizzard of 1888 and the Great Johnstown Flood.

Madame Helen Bakhmeteff, the wife of the Russian Ambassador to the U.S. in 1917, who was witness to the fall of Czar Nicholas and his wife, Alexandra.

Jane Heath, who was a direct descendant of the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams.

Elisabeth Japp, whose husband was the engineer who built the subway tunnels under the East River in the early 1900s.

A nurse from Ellis Island Hospital, who will tell the story of a woman in search of the resting place of her uncle who had died at the Ellis Island Hospital at age 4 in 1921 and was missing for decades.

John McKenney, a Civil War soldier who fought with the Massachusetts Heavy Artillery

LaVergne Bronk, whose ancestors where the first European settlers of the Bronx, which still bears their family name.

Alonzo Adams, a sea captain who became king of an island in the Caribbean; and many more.

The most sensational discovery of 2011 -- at the cemetery -- was the African-American burial ground of the historic Shiloh First Presbyterian Church, whose interred members were removed from the vaults of their church and brought to Maple Grove in 1877.

The vibrant church was on the Underground Railroad and had a huge impact on the anti- slavery movement for decades. Many of the most influential figures during the Civil War period spoke at the church, including Frederick Douglass. Actors will appear as members of the congregation and convey the poignant and powerful story of this landmark.

"Without question, this will be one of the highlights of Spirits Alive this year," said Carl Ballenas, a Maple Grove Cemetery historian and member of the Friends of Maple Grove committee.

Visitors will receive easy-to-follow maps and programs. The ticket cost is $5 for adults, but Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery members and children under 12 are free.

Spirits Alive 2011 is the highlight event at Maple Grove during the Open House NY Weekend. On Sunday, October 16, two walking tours will be conducted at Maple Grove by historian Carl Ballenas at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The starting point will be the old entrance at 83-15 Kew Gardens Road (off Lefferts Boulevard), in Kew Gardens.

Call (718) 523-1876, or send email to cetus@mindspring.com, for Sunday walking tour reservations.

Photo courtesy of Carl Ballenas.

Solyndra Criminal Probe

New emails show that the Department of Energy ignored suggestions to consult the Department of Justice when restructuring the Solyndra loans.

Sources:CNNPoliticoNational JournalFox News

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/criminal-probe-looms-for-solyndra-scandal/

By Zach Toombs

Anchor: Zach Toombs

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Occupy Wall Street Media Coverage

At first they claimed a media blackout. But now, Occupy Wall Street protesters are getting wall-to-wall press.

Sources:Current TVThe Christian Science MonitorAl JazeeraCNNKBIA

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/analyzing-media-coverage-of-occupy-wall-street/

By Lukas Udstuen

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

iMessage Could Threaten Cellular Carriers

Apple will release the new instant messaging application iMessage. Will it be a threat to cellular carriers charging for text message service?

Sources:Daily TechThe New York TimesTFTSConsumerAffairs.comDigital Trends

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/imessage-could-threaten-cellular-carriers/

By Jing Liu

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Struggling Bank Dexia Nationalized by EU Countries

Belgian-French bank Dexia is being nationalized by the Belgian, French and Luxembourgian governments as a result of toxic assets.

Sources:CNNDer SpiegelCNBCWall Street Journal

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/struggling-bank-dexia-nationalized-by-eu-countries/

By Adam Smith

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

'Conspiracy' Suggested in Cairo Clashes

A protest over the destruction of a church in Southern Egypt turned bloody as the army intervened.

Sources:euronewsABC AustraliaAhramOnlineAl Jazeera

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/conspiracy-suggested-in-cairo-clashes/

By Samuel Joseph

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Herman Cain Compares Himself to Moses

In an interview with the Christian Broadcast Network, GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain compared himself to Biblical giant Moses.

Sources:Christian Broadcasting NetworkFree Thought BlogsCNNThe Huffington PostUSA TodayThink ProgressAllMediaNYflickr

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/herman-cain-compares-himself-to-moses/

By Nicole Thompson

Anchor: Megan Murphy

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Cuomo Requests Expedited Federal Approval for Bridge Project

(Click to enlarge image.)

"The Tappan Zee Bridge is a Vital Part of Our State and Region's Infrastructure"

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that he has asked the federal government to expedite the review and approval process to allow work to begin on the Tappan Zee Bridge project. The Tappan Zee project represents a multi-billion dollar investment that will create tens of thousands of jobs and restore a critical part of the Northeast’s transportation infrastructure.

President Barack Obama launched a competition where states could submit their high priority, job-creating projects in order to win expedited federal approvals, and New York submitted the Tappan Zee project in to the competition.

With an expedited federal review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the processing of certain permits, the Tappan Zee project could begin as early as next year, potentially creating more jobs than any other infrastructure project in the country.

“The Tappan Zee Bridge is a vital part of our state and region’s infrastructure,” Governor Cuomo said.

“The Tappan Zee Bridge project improves a key component of our state and nation’s infrastructure, and at the same time puts tens of thousands of New Yorkers back to work.”

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos stated, “I urge the federal government to expedite approval for this important project which will create tens of thousands of jobs. Major investments in infrastructure are exactly what New York needs to jumpstart our economy and restore safety to heavily traveled bridges and other arteries. I commend Governor Cuomo and Senator Fuschillo, the Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee, for their leadership on this critical project.”

“With support from the federal government, New York State will be able to begin work on the Tappan Zee Bridge, ensuring this critical part of the Northeast’s infrastructure remains safe and reliable," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

"Investments of this size have the potential to transform the region’s economy, create jobs, and renew confidence in our state’s economic revitalization. Governor Cuomo has shown true leadership in rebuilding New York’s economy and I look forward to continuing to work together on critical infrastructure projects and creating jobs in our state.”

Built in the 1950s, the Tappan Zee Bridge is a critical link in the regional transportation network carrying Interstate routes I-87/I-287 across the Hudson River, connecting Rockland and Westchester Counties in southeastern New York, approximately 15 miles north of midtown Manhattan.

The bridge connects I-287 in New Jersey to I-95 in Connecticut for access to the Northeast, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and carries a high percentage of trucks. Approximately 135,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily with upwards of 160,000 vehicles on some weekends, with a total of approximately 45 million vehicles in 2010.

Over the last twenty years, the Tappan Zee has shown significant deterioration. Further, with seven narrow lanes and no safety shoulders, the Tappan Zee has an accident rate double the rest of the New York Thruway system.

The bridge also has serious vulnerabilities to extreme events such as severe storms, ship collision and earthquakes. The loss of the Tappan Zee, or reduction in lanes or load limits, would over-tax alternate routes and have a catastrophic economic impact on the region.

The Tappan Zee project has the potential to generate more jobs than any other infrastructure project in the nation. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), transportation infrastructure accounts for 11 percent of the nation's economic activity.

For every dollar invested in highway construction, the overall economy receives $4.87 in economic benefits – nearly five times the return on investment. Highway construction also supports thousands of jobs.

FHWA estimates that every $1 billion in highway construction supports over 30,000 employment opportunities. The Associated General Contractors of America estimates that $1 billion invested in non-residential construction will create or sustain 28,500 jobs: one third of those jobs will be on-site construction jobs, one sixth will be indirect jobs from suppliers of construction materials and services and about half of the jobs would be created when construction and supplier workers and owners spend their additional incomes.

Photo source: Wikipedia

Author: Nrbelex
Permission: CC-BY-SA-2.5.

Mitt Romney's Mormon Faith an 'Issue' Again

A Texas evangelical pastor that is a Rick Perry supporter fires up some controversy when he says Mormonism isn't Christianity, but a "cult."

Sources:MSNBCFox NewsCNNPolitico

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/mitt-romney-s-mormon-faith-an-issue-again/

By Evan Bush

Anchor: Christy Lewis

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Does Political Affiliation Indicate Movie Preferences?

A poll from The Hollywood Reporter shows many moviegoers consider the political beliefs of actors and actresses before buying a movie ticket.

Sources:The Hollywood ReporterMSNBCFox NewsThe Telegraph

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By Zach Toombs

Anchor: Zach Toombs

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Britain's Defense Secretary Under Fire

Britain's Secretary of Defense Liam Fox faces controversy for his involvement with Adam Werritty, who he reportedly allowed into high-level meetings.

Sources:The TelegraphBBCThe GuardianSky NewsThe Sun (UK)

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/britain-s-defense-secretary-under-fire/

By Kylie McGivern

Anchor: Kylie McGivern

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Politicians on Occupy Movement

Politician are getting more vocal about the "Occupy Wall Street" movement and its implications.

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Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/politicians-speak-up-about-occupy-movement/

By Alyssa Cartee

Anchor: Christy Lewis

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Roger Williams Dies

Legendary pianist Roger Williams dies from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 87 years old.

Sources:CBSKNBCCNNDaily Gossip

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/legendary-pianist-roger-williams-dies/

By Anthony Martinez

Anchor: Anthony Martinez

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Ron Paul Wins Values Voter Poll

Texan Ron Paul won the Values Voter Summit straw poll, but many suggest it is only because his camp brought hundreds of supporters.

Sources:CNNMSNBCThe New York TimesThe New AmericanFox News

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/media-dismissive-of-ron-paul-straw-poll-win/

By Tracy Pfeiffer

Anchor: Emily Spain

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California Gov Signs Dream Act

Governor Jerry Brown signed part 2 of California's Dream Act, giving illegal immigrants access to financial aid for college.

Sources:Fox NewsWall Street JournalThe LA TimesKNBC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/california-gov-signs-dream-act/'

By Steven Sparkman

Anchor: Emily Spain

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August Consumer Borrowing Plunges

Consumer credit dropped unexpectedly as households avoid taking on new debt.

Sources:CNBCMarketWatchBloombergFox Business

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/august-consumer-borrowing-plunges/

By Steven Sparkman

Anchor: Blake Hanson

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Opposition Leader Killed in Syria

Reports say Syrian security forces assassinated a Kurdish opposition leader, then opened fire on mourners at his funeral.

Sources:Al JazeeraFinancial TimesBBC NewsCNNThe Guardian

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/opposition-leader-killed-in-syria-russia-issues-warning/

By Tracy Pfeiffer

Anchor: Blake Hanson

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