SpaceX, a private space exploration company, wants to launch a shuttle on April 30th. Its goal is to dock with the International Space Station.
By Luke Leonard
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thursday, April 19, 2012
American Bandstand Host Dick Clark Dies at 82
Legendary TV icon Dick Clark passed away after a massive heart attack.
By Samantha Kubota
Anchor: David Earl
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Zimmerman Trial Judge Replaced
Judge Jessica Recksiedler has been replaced in the trial of George Zimmerman because of her ties to the media.
By Breana Jones
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
'He Introduced Decades' Worth of Viewers to the Music of Our Time'
Statement by the President on the Passing of Dick Clark
Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Dick Clark. With “American Bandstand,” he introduced decades’ worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year. But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel – as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final “so long” to Dick Clark, America’s oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends – which number far more than he knew.
Vice President Biden on Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act
Vice President Joe Biden speaks about the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which expired last year, the Administration’s ongoing coordination across the federal government to combat violence against women, and new steps the Administration is taking to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault.
'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
"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.
Rocker Ted Nugent Stands By Obama Threat
Guitarist Ted Nugent made some controversial comments about the Obama administration and the media, and critics are still reeling from them.
By Emily Allen
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
U.S. Troops Pictured Posing With Afghan Suicide Bombers
An American soldier released the photos to the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper says it published the photos despite requests from the U.S. military.
By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Investors Worry on News of Buffett Cancer Announcement
CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett announced he has stage one prostate cancer. But he says he has no plans to retire any time soon.
By Victoria Craig
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Obama Pressures Oil Speculators on Market Manipulation
The Obama administration calls on Congress to increase monitoring and penalties for illegal market manipulation by oil speculators.
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
BREAKING NEWS: Warren Buffett Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
Buffett: "My Condition is Not Remotely Life-Threatening...."
From The G-Man and Newsy.com will continue to monitor this story and provide details as they become available.
Photo source: Mark Hirschey
Author: Mark Hirschey
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
President Obama on Increasing Oversight on Manipulation in the Oil Market
President Obama discusses steps his Administration has taken to increase oversight of oil markets and close dangerous loopholes that allow a small numbers of irresponsible traders to hurt consumers by illegally manipulating or rigging the energy markets for their own gain, and calls on Congress to establish additional protections.
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
World Bank Names Jim Yong Kim as New President
U.S. nominee Jim Yong Kim beat out Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the spot.
By Jim Flink
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Military Exercises Continue Despite Shoal Dispute
The Philippines and US carry out military exercises in the South China sea despite an ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines.
By Zakiyyah Wahab
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Monday, April 16, 2012
President Obama and President Santos Hold a Press Conference
President Obama and President Juan Miguel Santos of Colombia take questions from the press after a bilateral meeting in Colombia.
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.
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
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.
Cuomo Urges Caution on Fires Across New York
"These Conditions Should Not Be Taken Lightly"
Governor Andrew Cuomo today urged all New Yorkers to take extra caution, as dry weather conditions have led to a very high danger of wildfires across New York State.
"These conditions should not be taken lightly," Governor Cuomo said.
"The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring. The state will continue to closely monitor the wildfire danger and I will deploy whatever resources are necessary to protect New Yorkers should a critical situation occur."
As a result of lower amounts of snow this winter and the lack of substantial rain this spring, the wildfire danger across New York is much higher than usual. Current weather forecasts predict higher-than-average temperatures and substantial winds, elevating the risk to a very high danger, especially in the southern Hudson Valley.
Widfires can start easily from many types of causes and can spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. The Governor urged New Yorkers to refrain from starting any type of outdoor fire and to take extra caution, including making sure a lit cigarette is completely extinguished or keeping a close eye on the grill when cooking outdoors.
At the Governor's direction, the following steps have been taken to properly prepare the state for the increased danger of fires:
The New York State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Albany has been activated to provide a heightened state of readiness. Representatives from the Office of Emergency Management (State OEM), State Police, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will staff the State EOC on a 24/7 basis as necessary.
State Police and DEC officials will conduct aerial reconnaissance in high risk areas to identify fire situations before they threaten life and property.
One State Police helicopter equipped with aerial firefighting equipment will be prepositioned in an area of the state where the risk is highest.
National Guard helicopters will be at a heightened state of readiness to support wild land firefighting operations.
Cuomo also reminded New Yorkers that a state ban on residential brush burning is in effect through May 14. Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Last week, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County as brush fires threatened almost 1,200 acres of land. Staff from State Police, DEC, OFPC and State OEM were deployed to assist local governments in Suffolk County and other regions of the state, and State Police helicopters were used to perform water-dropping missions.
Addabbo, Miller Meet with American Legion Members
Vow to Address Needs and Concerns of Veterans
Queens, NY - New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs, and Assemblyman Mike Miller recently joined American Legion veterans at a meeting in Albany to review and show support for the group’s 2012 State Legislative Program.
Addressing the American Legion members, Addabbo underscored the tremendous debt that all Americans owe to veterans in recognition of their sacrifices and unparalleled dedication to their country.
“It is an honor to advocate in the Senate on behalf of all of our veterans, whether they served in overseas conflicts long ago, or are fighting on foreign soil to protect us from the ravages of terrorism as we speak,” said Addabbo.
“Groups like the American Legion serve an incredibly important role for our veterans – giving them a voice, a presence, camaraderie, and a vital network of social and support services.”
“We have seen what happens when we fail to take care of our returning veterans,” Assemblyman Miller added.
“The soldiers coming back from Vietnam were offered few services and were met with public disdain. That group of warriors had succumbed to homelessness, high unemployment, and drug addiction. We owe it to today’s veterans to take the very best care of them when they return home and I, along with Senator Addabbo, intend to do that.”
The American Legion Department of New York 2012 Legislative Program advocates passage of a variety of bills addressing such issues as military service credit, protection of war memorials, tax reductions for veterans and veteran organizations, health and chemical dependency services for servicemen and servicewomen, and greater recognition of the importance and meaning of the American flag and Pledge of Allegiance.
Addabbo is the sponsor of legislation (S.1719-A) that would authorize the State Department of Education to develop and make available to New York Schools a curriculum focusing on the history of the American flag and underscoring the connection between the Pledge of Allegiance and the many contributions made by United States veterans to this country.
In addition to presenting their 2012 New York State legislative priorities, the American Legion members also highlighted several new laws of importance to them approved during the 2011 legislative session.
Among these was a law, Chapter 527 of the Laws of 2011, authorizing “buffer zones” around funerals and other memorial ceremonies for deceased veterans that might attract demonstrators opposed to military policies and practices.
A permit process was also created in the law to allow for peaceful protests while respecting the feelings of mourners.
Addabbo, a co-sponsor of the law, noted, “While our First Amendment rights guaranteeing freedom of speech are precious, so are the rights of families who have lost loved ones in service to their country and who should be able to mourn their losses in peace and dignity. This law strikes a balance between the constitutional rights of protesters and our obligation to show respect for families who are saying a final good-bye to their beloved servicemen and servicewomen.”
Assemblyman Miller is also working a number of issues pertaining to the American Legion, including a bill to allow full pension credit for all service members currently serving on active duty (A.9501).
In the remaining months of the 2012 State Legislative Session, Addabbo and Miller pledged to continue working on addressing the many different needs and concerns of veterans and active duty military personnel in New York State.
Photo courtesy of the office of Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.
President Obama Delivers Remarks at CEO Summit Of The Americas
In his remarks to the CEO Summit of the Americas President Obama said, "I think the challenge for all of our countries, and certainly the challenge for this hemisphere, is how do we make sure that that globalization and that integration is benefiting a broad base of people, that economic growth is sustainable and robust, and that it is also giving opportunity to a growing, wider circle of people, and giving businesses opportunities to thrive and create new products and new services and enjoy this global marketplace."
Top Newsy Headlines: Norway Mass Killer Trial Begins
More news headlines: fighting in Kabul stops; six UN monitors arrive in Syria as shelling continues; Roger Clemens retrial begins.
By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
WikiLeaks' Assange to Launch TV Talk Show
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange plans to debut a brand new talk show called "The World Tomorrow" on RT on Tuesday, April 17th.
By Carissa Loethen
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Obama: Legalizing Drugs ‘Not the Answer’
As leaders of several Latin American nations push for decriminalization of some drugs, President Barack Obama is resisting legalization.
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Kim Jong Un Gives First Speech, Emphasizes Military
North Korean president Kim Jong Un spoke publicly for the first time Sunday, labeling military advancement the country's top priority.
By Joe Deutschmann
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
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
Sources: MSNBC CNN BBC Voice of America
Watch video:
By Stacey Welsh
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
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