Iran Accused in Bulgaria Bus Blast Killing Israelis

A bus carrying Israeli youth has exploded in a Bulgarian resort, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens, police and hospital officials said. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, called Wednesday's blast "an Iranian terror attack" and promised a tough response. Al Jazeera's Rory Challands reports.

NATO Trucks Destroyed After Afghan Taliban Attack

A Taliban bomb attack has destroyed 22 fuel tankers carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan, local officials said, as nine Afghan soldiers and two NATO troops died in escalating attacks. A magnetic bomb stuck to the side of a truck triggered a series of powerful explosions in what were mainly fuel tankers parked overnight at a rest stop in Samangan in northern Afghanistan on Wednesday. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Kabul.

Global Impact as Drought Wilts US Crops

At least 29 states in the United States'' Midwest are feeling the heat of the Big Dry as oppressive heat and a worsening drought are pushing grain prices near or past records. Corn is a mega-crop and a bad year drives up the price everything from beef to cereal and auto fuel. As crops continue to wilt and falter, farmers and consumers across the globe are hoping for more rain, despite forecasts of dry days ahead. Al Jazeera's John Hendren reports from Rensselaer, Indiana.

White House Briefs

Albany News and Views

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Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Netanyahu

President Offers Condolences and Support in the Wake of Bulgaria Terrorist Attack

The President called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu today to offer his condolences and assistance following the terrorist attack targeting Israeli tourists in Bulgaria. The President strongly condemned this outrageous attack that killed and wounded innocent Israelis and Bulgarians, including Israeli children. The President pledged to stand with Israel in this difficult time, and provide whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators. The President reaffirmed our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people.

This CNN news report provides more detail on the attack.

Politics in Action: S. 3364

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

S. 3364 – Bring Jobs Home Act
(Sen. Stabenow, D-MI, and 13 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of S. 3364, a bill that would encourage companies to invest in the United States and bring jobs back while preventing companies from receiving tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas.

The Nation's tax code does too little to encourage job creation and investment in the United States while allowing firms to benefit from incentives to locate production and jobs overseas.  This bill can help attract and keep jobs in the United States by providing a 20 percent general business tax credit for eligible expenditures associated with bringing jobs back, which is paid for by preventing firms from receiving tax breaks for deducting expenses associated with outsourcing.

Senate passage of this bill is consistent with the Administration's commitment to support economic growth, job creation, and business investment in the United States, and serves to discourage outsourcing in all sectors of the economy, but particularly in our manufacturing sector.  Following a decade in which the United States lost over 5 million manufacturing jobs, the Nation has begun to make progress.  Over the past 28 months, the U.S. manufacturing sector has added roughly 500,000 new jobs, the fastest pace of manufacturing job growth since 1995.  Instead of rewarding firms for shifting production and jobs overseas, the tax code should strengthen the domestic manufacturing sector, support job growth and innovation, and encourage companies from all sectors of the economy to invest in the United States. 

The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to encourage companies to invest in America and bring jobs home.

Legislation Helps Poor Defendants Meet Bail

Charitable Bond Organizations Will Be Allowed to Provide No More Than $2,000 in Bail

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation that will allow the creation of charitable organizations in New York State which could post up to $2,000 in bail for low-income defendants charged with misdemeanor crimes.

"It is unacceptable for defendants to have to spend time in jail for low-level crimes they may have not committed simply because they are unable to meet the bail requirement," Governor Cuomo said.

"This law to allow the creation of not-for-profit charitable groups to cover the cost of bail for poor individuals held on a misdemeanor charge will help ensure that the state's justice system works for all defendants regardless of their income."

Before this legislation, organizations that desired to post bail on behalf of a defendant would have to meet the requirements of state law that are designed to regulate for-profit corporations engaged full-time in the bail bond business.

The law will allow a new type of entity, charitable bail organizations, to function with fewer requirements but still under the oversight and regulation of the Department of Financial Services.

Charitable bond organizations will be allowed to provide no more than $2,000 in bail, and only for defendants charged with one or more misdemeanors who are financially unable to post bail. They will be required to register as a 501(c)(3) organization and may not charge a premium or fee for their services The law takes effect in 90 days.

"Justice should not depend on the size of your wallet. Charitable Bail Organizations could help thousands of New Yorkers who would otherwise languish in jails, often losing their jobs and facing long-term collateral consequences, just because they can’t afford a small amount of bail to fight their case,” said Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry.

“The inability to post bail on minor charges shouldn’t put low income people at a disadvantage in our justice system. Charitable Bail Organizations are an important step toward leveling the playing field."

Assembly Member Keith Wright added, “This common sense legislation helps level the playing field for low income individuals who are charged with misdemeanor crimes. For too long, our justice system has disproportionately impacted low income communities, leading to disruptions in the workplace and in the household. This legislation helps end that inequality. Governor Cuomo has made this type of pragmatic legislation a cornerstone of his administration and communities like Harlem will surely benefit from his wise decision to sign it into law."

Security Breach That Led to Damascus Bombing May Have Been an 'Inside Job'

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin says security breach that led to the Damascus bombing may have been an 'inside job'.

Top Syrian Officials Killed in Damascus Blast

Hours after a massive explosion in Damascus killed several senior security officals - the reaction inside Syria has been a mix of anger and rejoice. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports.

Straight, No Chaser!

Hardcore Commentary on Professional Sports....from a Die-Hard Fan

Straight, No Chaser!

By Mark Thomas

Waiting for Superman….to be Traded!

What’s up people, and welcome back! Today I’d like to discuss the NBA free agency moves. Not all the moves, just the ones that I think are extremely interesting.

Let’s start with the Dwight Howard debacle, I mean trade.  “D-12” was one of my favorite players in the league. His fun-loving personality was something that the game was missing after Shaq retired.  Now, his soft spoken, wimpy, and indecisive demeanor is annoying!  I’ve lost a lot of respect for the guy.  Had he been a man and said “I want a trade” and stuck to his guns, I wouldn’t have a problem with him. Howard’s flip-flopping on wanting a trade and then lying about wanting coach Van Gundy fired was it for me! 

Anyone that knows me knows I can’t stand LeBron James. My dislike for LeBron is not centered on the way he left the Cleveland Cavaliers, but why he left!  He went to another man’s team to win a championship instead of having that final piece brought to him on his team. That shows a lack of heart!  That shows that he doesn’t want to be “the man”. That “decision” was contrary to the thought process of every basketball purist who likes to see great talents compete against each other. When asked about the LeBron situation, the great Magic Johnson summed it up best: “We didn’t think about doing anything like that because that’s not what we were about. From college, I was trying to figure out how to beat Larry Bird.”

If you want to see how real men play basketball, watch the Dream Team documentary.  These guys didn’t even want to be on the same team in practice!  Patrick Ewing didn’t want to be on David Robinson’s team because he wanted to show him who was the best center in the game. Charles Barkley also made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want to be on the same team as Karl Malone when he stated, “I wanted to show him I was the best power forward in the world”.  I’m sorry. I digress. Back to D-12.  I can’t stand the way Dwight is leaving Orlando.  If you want to go, go!  No one can argue with your decision to play elsewhere.  We can have opinions, but it’s your life, dude. All I ask is that you be a man about it.  Make a decision, stick with it, don’t drag it out, and have some balls! 

Let’s move on to the Lakers and Steve Nash.  I think this would have been a great move if the terms of the trade and contract extension weren’t so stupid. If you didn’t get that, I’m saying this was just a stupid deal. Could I look back on this article in a couple years and realize that I was completely wrong?  Sure!  Will that be the case?  It’s highly unlikely.  Nash is/was an awesome talent, and may still have a little in the tank, but you signed a 38-year-old with a bad back to a three year deal worth $27 million!? Did they legalize crack in L.A.? Nash initially injured his back in Dallas in 1999. As someone who’s had back surgery, I can confirm that it doesn’t get better with age.  Nash will begin the 2012-2013 season as a 39-year-old. Does anyone see him playing at the age of 42?  Better still, does anyone see his contribution at age 42 being worth $9 million?  The Lakers gave up four draft picks, two in the first round and two in the second round.  Granted, the Lakers should be a playoff team, no question, so we aren’t talking lottery picks here. However, they have to start thinking about life without Kobe Bryant. Giving up four future draft picks is an indication that the Lakers are more interested in the here and now and a future of lottery picks after Kobe retires. I wonder if you can buy reversible Lakers jerseys with L.A. Clippers on the other side.  I’m just asking.

Now, as a die hard New York Knicks fan, I hate to even acknowledge the existence of an NBA franchise in the state of Boston, let alone give them any credit. Still, I like the moves they made, thus far, in the free agent world -- with the exception of the three year deal for Kevin Garnett.  I don’t think they should have given KG $34 million, especially at his age.  I like the resigning of Brandon Bass and Jeff Green. I also like the drafting of Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. I couldn’t stand Sullinger as a college player. I thought he was overrated, and it was evident that scouts agreed because “Sully” slid to 21^st in the draft.  Nonetheless, I like the draft pick anyway because when you have KG and Bass, there is no real rush to play him and he can learn from some pretty good power forwards. Jesus Shuttlesworth is no longer in Boston, but they replaced him with Jason Terry, which was a really good move.  What you lose as a result of Ray Allen’s departure you compensate for by adding Terry, minus the injuries. My Knicks will still beat the breaks off of Boston this season!

Last, but certainly not least, are the deals made by my beloved New York Knickerbockers. I’m not so thrilled with all of their moves, individually, but collectively they have avoided doing something that was a staple in the Knicks organization, and that was overpaying players that were well past their prime. We signed Jason Kidd to a three year deal worth $9 million.  He’s not going to start, or play huge minutes, and we don’t need him to.  As far as I’m concerned, Kidd is an assistant coach with a jersey. I’d pay $9 million for that as an owner, and I would invest in a driver for him. I’m just saying. We’ve let “The Lin” go -- thank God -- when in the past we would have resigned him. Lin played in 35 games and started 25. What he did in those games did not justify giving him $25 million!  That’s $1 million per start!  If he pans out in Houston, it’s our loss. But I don’t see it happening.  Lin played some really good games against some really bad teams.  He played well against some good teams that were horrible on the road. Beat it Lin! Enter Raymond Felton, who played very well as a Knick, and I hated to see him go.  He will excel in the pick and roll/facilitator role, and his contract, three years for a total of $10 million, works perfectly.  We’ve also brought back “Mr. Brittle”, the one and only Marcus Camby, who has managed to stay healthy, for the most part, since leaving New York. Camby will sign a three-year, $13.2 million contract with the final year partially guaranteed. Not done yet!!!  The Knicks resigned Steve Novak to a four-year, $15 million contract, and J.R. Smith signed a two-year, $5.6 million contract. If you take a hard look at these acquisitions, and the fact that the Knicks dumped Toney Douglas, who was making $2 million, Josh Harrelson and Jerome Jordan, who were making $762,195 each, we are golden!! Again, we’re not golden for the players that were signed, but for not spending a fortune to overpay players like we have in the past. Come to think of it, we might still be paying Allan Houston and Luc Longley!  (Laughing) 

Later!

Mark Thomas is a former New York City resident now living in North Carolina.

Senate Passes HEARTH Act

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 205

On July 17, 2012, the Senate passed H.R. 205, the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act (HEARTH Act).  This Act, which passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, authorizes long-term leasing of restricted Indian lands for residential, business, and other purposes without prior express approval from the Secretary of the Interior.  The President welcomes the passage of this legislation and looks forward to signing it into law. 

The HEARTH Act promotes greater tribal self-determination and will help create jobs in Indian Country.  Under the Act, federally recognized tribes can develop and implement their own regulations governing certain leasing on Indian lands.  Upon Secretarial approval of these tribal regulations, tribes would have the authority to process land leases without Bureau of Indian Affairs approval. This new authority has the potential to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve leases for homes and small businesses in Indian Country.

Native-American drum image courtesy of http://www.firstpeople.us.

Workers' Compensation Rates Reduced

After Compensation Board Recommends Rate Increase, Administration Review Determines No Increase is Needed

For the first time in four years, New York State employers will see a reduction in workers' compensation premium rates. The Governor asked for a reconsideration of the original recommendation in order to find ways to reduce the proposed increase.

Rates to policyholders will actually see a decrease of 1.2 percent – the first reduction in rates since 2008. The Governor also announced that the last measures of the 2007 Workers' Compensation Reform Law, which secured necessary benefit increases for injured workers and cost reductions for businesses, have now been fully implemented by the state.

The rate reduction and the expedited implementation of the reforms are a result of efforts by the Governor's administration over the past 18 months to modernize, improve efficiency and decrease waste in the workers' compensation system.

"To create jobs and get our state's economy back on track it is essential that New York's businesses remain in a competitive position to succeed in the global marketplace," Governor Cuomo said.

"For years, the workers' compensation system has been too costly for businesses and ineffective for injured workers. With the new measures implemented by the state, and our continued work together with the business and labor communities, we will remain on track to create a system that works better for both employers and employees."

This year, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board, a non-governmental rate service organization, recommended a cost increase in their annual loss cost filing. After reviewing all filings and written submissions, the administration deemed the rate increase was not to be necessary.

As a result of the decision, workers' compensation rates will actually decrease in the upcoming policy year. The rates are determined on an annual basis, and are informed by a variety of factors, including but not limited to experience in the marketplace, implementation of any cost cutting measures, and implementation of any new policies and procedures.

"Under the Governor's leadership, New York has taken dramatic steps that ultimately will benefit workers' compensation insurers, claimants, and businesses -- both large and small -- throughout the state. At a time when many states are gutting their workers' compensation systems, New York is working to continually improve our workers' compensation system for employers and employees. This is the right decision on rates at the right time," said Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services.

The DFS decision was due in part to a variety of developments which are altering the workers' compensation landscape, including the completion of the workers' compensation reforms.

Last year, Governor Cuomo directed the Workers' Compensation Board to deliver on the components of the reforms and implement any outstanding provisions. Although the savings from the reforms were immediately realized by businesses, the implementation of the measures supporting those savings proceeded at a slower pace.

The January 1, 2012 release of the Guidelines for Determining Permanent Impairment and Loss of Wage Earning Capacity and the recent adoption of diagnostic testing network regulations marked the completion of the reform.

Having finished the process for capping the number of years certain benefits are paid, instituting medical treatment guidelines and improving the calculation of loss-of-wage earning capacity, the Workers' Compensation Board will now focus on creating comprehensive guidelines for the treatment of chronic pain and modernizing its systems using technology and industry best practice to speed benefit delivery, improve service to injured workers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse by employers, medical providers, and employees in the system. 

"The Labor Movement's priority in the 2007 Workers' Compensation reform was to ensure that workers who suffer injury or illness while at work receive the timely treatment they need and adequate benefit levels to support them. The reform led to the indexation of the benefit at two-thirds of the state's average weekly wage so that never again would injured workers suffer an erosion of their benefits through inflation,” noted Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for finally implementing these reforms thereby ensuring that the benefit levels remain indexed and injured workers receive essential care. The New York State AFL-CIO will continue to work with the Administration to ensure that the system is appropriately funded and administered to serve injured workers and pay their benefits."

"The 2007 legislation was a good faith effort to balance benefit increases, reduced employer cost, and improved claims administration. Five years after the 2007 reforms, we need to evaluate its actual impacts on both benefits and costs,” stated Heather Briccetti, President and CEO of the New York State Business Council.

“The cost of workers' compensation coverage remains a significant competitiveness issue for New York State business, and we look forward to working with the Administration and other stakeholders on next steps in improving the system."

Robert Beloten, Chair of the Workers' Compensation Board, added, "Prior to the reform, lost wage benefits were insufficient for injured workers yet the system has had uncontrollable medical and indemnity costs. It was an unsustainable system that did not work for the employer or the injured worker. Working with business and labor we have put this system on a more sustainable path. We will continue to work with our key stakeholders to improve benefit delivery and weed out waste, fraud, and abuse in the system."

"Improvements in New York's workers' compensation system are a benefit to all the hard working people in the State of New York," concluded Peter M. Rivera, Commissioner of Department of Labor. 

GOP Defeats Disclose Act Again

Sources:MSNBCWMBFLATimesHeraldNet
TheHillHuffingtonPost 

By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Editor's note: Other Newsy videos will follow this report. 

Syrians Hope to Heal the Scars of War in Jordan

Many people who've been injured in the fighting in Syria have been forced to find treatment abroad. Nisreen El-Shamayleh met one family at a hospital in neighbouring Jordan.

Barclays Faces Trans-Atlantic Scrutiny

Along with an inquiry in London, some of the biggest financial institutions in England are now coming under scrutiny from Washington. Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, told the US Senate that he could not guarantee that libor rates were no longer being manipulated. Al Jazeera's Barnaby Phillips reports from London.

HSBC Apologizes Over Money-Laundering Lapses

Europe's biggest bank - HSBC - is being accused of laundering money for drugs cartels and rogue nations. The bank has apologised to the U.S. Senate Committee behind the investigation - one executive has already said he's resigning. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher reports.

South African Youth 18 Years After Apartheid

Nelson Mandela will turn 94 on Wednesday. Despite a 67-year battle against social injustice, South Africans born in 1994, the year Mandela became the first democratically elected president, still face many challenges. The man South Africans call Madiba is credited with putting reconciliation and national unity at the top of his agenda when he became president. But, for the nation's overwhelming the poor majority, their high expectations remain unmet. Those turning 18 this year will enter the job market in a nation where one in four people are unemployed. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from South Africa.

South Africa School Children Caught in Gang Crossfire

Cape Town in South Africa may be known as a tourist hub, but it also has a reputation for gang violence. So far this year seven children have been killed in the crossfire as gangs battle for drug territory. Tania Page went to visit the students of a primary school, right in the centre of the battleground.

Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela!

Statement by the President and Mrs. Obama on Nelson Mandela International Day

On behalf of the people of the United States, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day.  Mandela’s extraordinary life and steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy and reconciliation continues to be a beacon for people of all backgrounds who strive for dignity, justice, and freedom. 

Nelson Mandela’s personal story is one of unbreakable will, unwavering integrity, and abiding humility.  On a personal note, our family has been inspired by Madiba’s example, and has deeply appreciated the time we have spent with him, and his wisdom, grace and generosity of spirit. By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world.

In 2009, the United States joined 192 United Nations member states in the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day. On this important occasion, we honor Madiba’s commitment to service and the betterment of our communities. There is no more fitting tribute to a man who has demonstrated to the world the extraordinary power of non-violence, of tolerance, and of unwavering service to our fellow men and women.

Federal Firefighters Granted Health Insurance

Berry: "They Are Eligible for the Same Health Insurance Available to Other Federal Employees, Retirees and Their Families" 

Washington, DC – Today, responding to a direction from President Obama, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published an interim final regulation that immediately extends eligibility for health insurance coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program to temporary firefighters and fire protection personnel working on wildland fires across the country.

This announcement ensures that federal firefighters and their families have access to the same health insurance afforded to full time federal employees.

“Issuing this interim final regulation meets President Obama’s direction to ensure that the brave men and women who compose our nation's federal firefighter ranks, and who are currently fighting dangerous wildfires in states across the country, are eligible for the same health insurance available to other federal employees, retirees and their families,” said OPM Director John Berry.

OPM worked closely with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) - the two agencies that employ our nation's wildland federal firefighting force - to provide thousands of temporary federal firefighters and their families with a simple, expedited process to gain access to the coverage they deserve.

Many federal firefighters are temporary employees because of the seasonal nature of their work. Under previous regulations, they were not eligible for health insurance coverage under the FEHB program, which provides insurance to other federal employees, retirees, and their families.

Under the rule change, the FEHB program will officially be extended to federal firefighters and fire protection personnel temporarily employed to respond to the wildland fires.

As a result, the men and women of the wildland firefighting force will have the option to purchase FEHB coverage for themselves and their families - providing health care coverage while they fight fires, with the option to continue their coverage at their own expense when they return home.

“Ever since I served as mayor of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, I’ve had a deep respect for our firefighters – and I know that when a federal firefighter is heading out to the line to defend Americans’ lives and property from dangerous, destructive wildfire, it doesn’t matter whether they’re a “temporary” firefighter or not,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“Today’s announcement means that every one of our federal firefighters will have the health coverage he or she deserves – and that’s something we can be proud of.”

“The men and women who join the battle against devastating wildfires across the nation each summer take on the same risks as their full-time colleagues, and they deserve the same health benefits for their courageous work,” added U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

“The President asked us to work together to close this gap on behalf of federal firefighters and their families who make sacrifices to protect the lives and property of all Americans.”

There is a 60 day comment period for the public to provide additional feedback on the new regulations. OPM plans to issue additional guidance on enrollment and administration of this regulation to agencies through the Chief Human Capital Officers Council and to agency Benefits Officers through a Benefits Administration Letter. 

OPM is also notifying FEHB insurance carriers about the change to expedite access to health care under their health plan enrollment. Each agency then is responsible for outreach, education, and enrollment processing of eligible employees.

The regulation can be viewed here:
http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2012-17623_PI.pdf

Statement by President Obama

Starting today, the brave men and women of our nation's federal firefighting forces, as well as their families, will have access to the health coverage they deserve.  Their heroism in battling the deadly fires that have impacted states across the country this summer inspires us all.  Each day, these Americans put themselves in grave danger to save the lives of people they never met, which is why I directed my administration to ensure that our nation’s firefighters can count on the care and protection they need. 

Image courtesy of  http://www.uselessgraphics.com.

Stop Fracking, Heal the Planet

 

A Special Guest Commentary by Renowned Activist Ted Glick

Future Hope column, July 17, 2012

Stop Fracking, Heal the Planet

By Ted Glick

Mark Ruffalo and Josh Fox have just released a short video -- Stop the Frack Attack -- about why it is so important for people to come to Washington, D.C. on July 28 to take part in the “Stop the Frack Attack” demonstration.  

They're right! It is! Join them!

Mark and Josh talk about two major reasons to come to DC and why we need to move as rapidly as possible away from ALL fossil fuels. It is especially urgent to get off the extremist-produced, especially dangerous energy like fracked gas, oil from the tar sands, the Arctic and deep-water offshore drilling, and mountaintop-removed coal.

Extreme energy will only make our extreme weather crisis worse. We're still in for many years of it even if we end the extremist energy push, but stopping that push would be a huge step forward toward the clean, jobs-creating, renewable energy future completely possible. And that hopeful future can happen much more quickly than most people think, if we get serious.

July 28th can be a very big marker in our continuing, urgent campaign for a renewable energy future. Thousands are already signed up, and the momentum continues to build.

July 28th can inject a different view of our energy future into the Presidential and other election debates going on in this Presidential election year. It will put candidates on notice who are running for office at all levels, from city councils in places where fracking is threatened or is happening up to the Presidency, that the movement against fracking is growing stronger and getting more organized. It will be a public manifestation of the broad support among the American people for wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to replace dirty and polluting fossil fuels.

And July 28th, it appears, is going to be a launching pad for stepped-up activity against fracking in the short term. Mark and Josh announce plans for a major action in New York August 25-27, and I know that plans are underway for a major action in September in Philadelphia, Pa. several weeks later outside a location where the gas industry is gathering for an annual conference.

Usually you never know exactly when, where and how an historic movement for badly-needed change is going to come about. But it sure looks like we're on the verge of one on this issue. Let's make it so!

Ted Glick is the National Policy Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. Past writings and other information can be found athttp://tedglick.com, and he can be followed at twitter at http://twitter.com/jtglick.

Cuomo Signs Bill Extending Iran Divestment Act

Companies That Invest in Iran's Energy Sector Will Not be Welcomed in New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation to extend the Iran Divestment Act, ensuring that companies that invest in Iran's energy sector are excluded from entering into contracts with any state or local public authority, as well as the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY).

"This new law continues our state's work to ensure companies that choose to support Iran's energy sector are not given the opportunity to do business with taxpayer money here in New York," Governor Cuomo said.

"I commend the leadership and hard work of Majority Leader Skelos and Speaker Silver in their efforts to dissuade the government of Iran from developing nuclear weapons."

In January 2012, Governor Cuomo signed the Iran Divestment Act which prohibited companies that invest in the Iranian energy sector from receiving state or local government contracts.

The law requires the Office of General Services to develop a list of entities involved in such investments and inform these companies that they will be unable to bid on government contracts as long as they support Iran's energy sector.

The law also requires companies to certify that they do not hold such investments when applying for government contracts, and allows affected businesses to appeal. 

The Iran Divestment Act as passed only applied to state and local agencies. The law signed today by the Governor extends the Act's provisions to all state and local public authorities, SUNY, and CUNY. The law takes effect immediately. 

Ed Koch Endorses Addabbo

Edward Koch

"He Deserves to Get Re-Elected"

Queens, NY -- Former New York City Mayor Edward Koch has endorsed Senator Joe Addabbo for his third term representing New York Senate’s 15th district.

Koch highlighted Senator Addabbo’s ability to effectively and successfully advocate on behalf of his constituents, and his incredible dedication.

“I served with Joe’s father, Joe Addabbo Sr., in Congress. He was not only a good friend, but a great Congressman, “said Koch.

“His son, Joe Jr., is like his father and has served well the people of New York in the Albany Senate. He deserves to get re-elected.”

“Few people are as recognized and identified with credible public service as Mayor Koch,” stated Addabbo.

“I am proud to have his endorsement.”

Both Koch and Addabbo have worked towards ethics reform in Albany, to make New York government more transparent, fair, and effective.

“Mayor Koch has been a true advocate for improving the way Albany does business and I’m proud to partner with him in that fight, “added Addabbo.

“I stand with Mayor Koch as we continue to fight to reform Albany and once for all provide New Yorkers with a government they can trust.”

In four years in which Senator Addabbo has served in the Senate, he has taken key steps forward in the fight to clean up Albany. He has sponsored measures to reform the election law, co-sponsored legislation to create an independent non-partisan redistricting commission, and strongly advocated for bills to simplify the voter registration process and require full disclosure of campaign contributions.

Former Mayor Koch has served both as a Democratic U.S. Representative from New York from 1969-1977, and as Mayor of New York City for three terms from 1978-1989.

He has remained politically involved, frequently appearing on the lecture circuit, writing political op-eds, and making key endorsements in many high-profile races.

Like Senator Addabbo, he has called for an independent non-partisan redistricting commission to eliminate bias in the redistricting process.

Photo courtesy of http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com.

President Obama: 'We Can End This Pandemic'

Administration Officials to Participate in the 19th International AIDS Conference

 “…we can end this pandemic.  We can beat this disease.  We can win this fight.  We just have to keep at it, steady, persistent -- today, tomorrow, every day until we get to zero.  And as long as I have the honor of being your President, that’s what this administration is going to keep doing.”

--President Obama, World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011 

As the 19^th International AIDS Conference comes to the U.S. for the first time since 1990 -- thanks to bipartisan action by Presidents Obama and Bush and the Congress to lift the ban on people living with HIV entering the country -- we are at a tipping point in the fight against AIDS.  Under the President’s leadership, the Administration has increased overall funding to combat HIV/AIDS to record levels. We have launched the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States to prevent and treat HIV in America. Globally, the Obama Administration has committed to treating 6 million people by the end of 2013 and is increasing the impact and sustainability of our investments.

Senior Obama Administration Officials will participate in the International AIDS Conference, including:  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Eric Goosby; Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy Grant Colfax; Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and others.

Continuing his personal engagement on this issue, the President will provide a brief video message to welcome Conference attendees from around the world to Washington. The video will be played at the Conference venue and will be made available in coming days at www.whitehouse.gov.  In addition, the White House will also host a reception on July 26th to honor those people living with HIV and to thank men and women who have been fighting with dignity on the frontlines against this disease.  Further details about that event will be provided at a later date.

Visit www.whitehouse.gov/onap and www.aids.gov for more information on the Obama Administration’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

Image courtesy of http://webclipart.about.com.

Community Leaders Briefing with Seniors

Vice President Biden speaks to community leaders representing seniors organizations from across the country. July 16, 2012.

Top Newsy Headlines: Fighting Intensifies in Damascus

Sources:AlJazeeraeuronewsBBCNewsWHEC 

By Harumendhah Helmy
Anchor: Jim Flink
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Editor's note: Other Newsy videos will be presented following this report. 

Egypt Focus of Meeting Between Clinton and Israel

Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, has wrapped up a 12-day, nine-nation tour in Israel. Clinton's trip, in which she met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, comes days after her trip to Egypt, where she became the highest ranking US official to meet with Mohammed Morsi, the newly-elected Egyptian president. The integrity of the 30-year peace treaty between Cairo and Tel Aviv was a central theme of Clinton's meetings with Binyamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, and Shimon Peres, president of Israel. Al Jazeera's Melissa Chan reports from Jerusalem.

UK Officials Grill Former Barclays Official

One of the key figures in the Barclays Bank scandal says he was merely acting under orders when he asked his staff to manipulate interest rates. Jerry Del Missier was giving evidence at a parliamentary inquiry in London on Monday. The scandal revolves around the London Interbank Offered rate, or Libor, which affects trillions of dollars worth of financial transactions. It also influences everything from mortgages to student loans and credit cards. Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee reports from London.

India's Sanitation Emergency

Over 50 per cent of Indians have no access to clean, constructed toilets. As urban areas expand, the problem is getting worse. Pressure on existing facilities is building and there is a widely-perceived lack of investment. Al Jazeera's Sohail Rahman reports

Sex Abuse Scandal Rocks US Air Base

In the largest case of harassment at a single US military installation in two decades, training instructors at San Antonio's Lackland Air Force Base have been accused of molesting or harassing 31 female trainees in the past three years. The allegations, charging dozens of male military training instructors, MTIs, with harassing, molesting or raping the female trainees, has prompted the Pentagon to order an investigation. Leon Panetta, the US Defense Secretary, has called for "strict discipline to make sure sexual assault doesn't happen". Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan reports from San Antonio, Texas.

Somali Forces Retake Shabab Camps

Despite fighters battling on multiple fronts, al-Shabab is continuing to lose ground in Somalia. One of the biggest blows as cames as Kenyan forces took Afmadow, without access to this crucial port, the group will lose its trading route and a main income source. Al Jazeera's Naznine Moshiri reports from Afgooye.

South Africa's Textbook Scandal

Schools in South Africa's northern Limpopo province have been operating without text books all year. That's because the company responsible for supplying them failed to deliver. The government says the books have now been distributed, but some schools dispute that. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports.

Mitt Romney's Best Bet for VP

 

General Colin Powell Would Prop Up a "Wilting Romney" and Generate Enormous Interest Among Black Voters 

I made the following comments back in 2007. At that time, I truly believed General Colin Powell posed the greatest threat to the presidential aspirations of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and my feelings have not changed. 

The comments have been edited to reflect the current race for the White House. Mitt Romney has an opportunity take the country's focus off of Bain Capital, completely change the direction of his campaign, and raise the stakes by naming Powell as his running mate. 

I don't care who the GOP or Mitt Romney trots out in front of America, regarding vice presidential candidates, they will never be as "certified" or genuine as Colin Powell.

Given the fact that wars could erupt and force U.S. troops into Iran, Syria and other hot-spots in the near future, and terrorists may launch chemical or biological attacks on American soil, Powell's background as a four-star general and Secretary of State would serve him and the country well, especially if he had to replace a President Romney and assume the role of President of the United States. 

No Republican will never earn the level of respect and trust that Powell has with voters, and they certainly won't have his resume. Moreover, I believe Powell, unlike any potential vice presidential pick Romney may consider, would be able to siphon off a significant percentage of the Black vote from President Barack Obama, particularly those that have become disillusioned with the President and his policies. 

Despite his debacle at the U.N., I am convinced that Powell's subsequent opposition to Bush Administration policymakers has earned him the respect and admiration of many Americans, and this could prove to be a significant selling point for conservative voters searching for a true stalwart within the Republican Party, which the GOP has failed to produce in recent years .

Selecting Powell as the Republican nominee for vice president would send shockwaves across the country, and it would serve as a warning shot to the Democrats that Republicans fully intend to regain their power base, and most importantly, the respect and confidence of the American people in the wake of numerous scandals.

Supporting Powell would also serve as a way to mend fences. Powell has been extremely forthright when stating how he now feels about making the case for war against Iraq, since the allegations of WMD proved false. To say he was not happy would be an understatement. Simply put, the Republican Party owes Colin Powell, and they owe him bigtime! Endorsing him would be the ultimate payback.

This commentary is from the heart and.....from The G-Man. 

Photo source: Cropped from Gen. Colin Powell on Flickr (Pictured in 2005)

Author: Charles Haynes

Permission: Creative Commons Attributions -Share Alike 2.0 Generic License 

Kenyan Mau Mau Want Britain to Admit Torture, Other Abuses

The Mau Mau of Kenya say the British government has a duty to be open about the crimes it commited against the group in the 1950s. At that time, the Mau Mau endured torture at the hands of the British and tens of thousands of people were forced into detention camps. Now, surivivors want the government to take responsibility for its actions. Al Jazeera's Barnaby Phillips reports