Two days before EU heads of state meet to hammer out a way to save the Euro, Germany and France propose a new treaty for a closer-knit union.
By Mikkel Noel Lanzky
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Study Claims Lifestyle Causes 40% of Cancer Cases
A UK study suggests lifestyle changes regarding smoking, alcohol, diet and weight can prevent 40% of cancer cases.
Sources:UTVTheTelegraphBBCNHS
By Emily Spain
Anchor: Emily Spain
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Lashes for Blaspheming Aussie?
In Saudi Arabia an Australian man faces 500 lashes and a year in prison for blasphemy. He was arrested in Islam's second holiest city, Medina.
Sources:CNNNineMSNAustraliaABCTheAge
By Allex Conley
Anchor: Allex Conley
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
India Off Limits to Foreign Retailers
The Indian government has passed a resolution to block Walmart, fearing the move would disrupt the flow of goods to the domestic market.
By Ruisha Qian
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
New Study Finds Aging in Oval Office a Myth
Researchers from the University of Illinois-Chicago say presidents on average live longer than others.
Sources:WPVIHarvardUniversityCNN
By Austin Fax
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
'We Salute the Veterans and Survivors of Pearl Harbor Who Inspire Us Still'
The USS Arizona (BB-39) burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
Statement by President Barack Obama on the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, Michelle and I join the American people in honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 American patriots—military and civilian, men, women and children—who gave their lives in our first battle of the Second World War. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families for whom this day is deeply personal—the spouses, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters who have known seven decades without a loved one but who have kept their legacy alive for future generations.
We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory. They are members of that Greatest Generation who overcame the Depression, crossed oceans and stormed the beaches to defeat fascism, and turned adversaries into our closest allies. When the guns fell silent, they came home, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and built the largest middle class in history and the strongest economy in the world. They remind us that no challenge is too great when Americans stand as one. All of us owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms and standard of living we enjoy today.
On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to carrying on their work—to keeping the country we love strong, free and prosperous. And as today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end and we welcome home our 9/11 Generation, we resolve to always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they’ve taken care of us. On this solemn anniversary, there can be no higher tribute to the Americans who served and sacrificed seventy years ago today.
Photo source: National Archives and Records Administration
Author: Unknown
Permission: Public Domain
Gorbachev Calls for New Russian Election Amid Fraud Claims
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev said the results of Sunday's Duma Election should be annulled.
Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gorbachev-calls-for-new-russian-election-amid-fraud-claims/
By Jennifer Long
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Lady Gaga Takes Anti-Bullying Campaign to the White House
Lady Gaga paid a visit to the White House to discuss her anti-bullying campaign with administration officials.
Sources:HLNABCMSNBCTheWhiteHouseMTV
By Jing Liu
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Iran Blocks U.S. Virtual Embassy
Statement by the Press Secretary
We condemn the Iranian government’s efforts to deny their people the freedom to access America’s recently launched Virtual Embassy Tehran. Through this action, the Iranian government has once again demonstrated its commitment to build an electronic curtain of surveillance and censorship around its people. The Iranian government’s systematic efforts to deny information to its citizens—to control what the Iranian people see and hear—is doomed to fail in a 21st century when technology is empowering citizens around the globe.
The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to a dialogue with the Iranian people based upon mutual interests, mutual respect, and admiration for a great and ancient civilization. The Iranian government should explain to its own people why it fears their ability to access the information that they choose.
Image courtesy of http://webclipart.about.com
The Power of the Pen: New Bills Signed into Law
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 394
On Wednesday, December 07, 2011, the President signed into law:
H.R. 394, which amends certain Federal laws of civil procedure related to Federal district court jurisdiction and venue of civil actions, including procedures for removal of certain actions from State courts.
Politics in Action: H.R. 1633
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 1633 – Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act
(Rep. Noem, R-SD, and 121 cosponsors)
The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1633. As drafted, this bill would create serious problems for implementing Clean Air Act (CAA) public health protections that have been in place for years while adding uncertainty for businesses and States.
The bill therefore, goes far beyond its stated intent of prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from tightening national standards for coarse particles, which the Administration has repeatedly explained that it has no intention of doing.
This ambiguously written bill would create high levels of regulatory uncertainty regarding emission control requirements that have been in place for years. Specifically, the bill's exclusion from the entire CAA of a new class of air pollutants called "nuisance dust" (an imprecise and scientifically-undefined term) could be used to roll back existing public health protection limiting pollution from mining operations, industrial activities, and possibly other sources.
The bill also raises serious issues about whether EPA could continue to implement the existing health-based fine and coarse particle programs, which play a vital, ongoing role in preventing adverse health effects of air pollution including premature deaths, childhood asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.
Further, this bill is unnecessary, as it purports to address a problem that does not exist. Responding to false claims that EPA intended to tighten regulation of coarse particles EPA has repeatedly explained that it plans to retain the existing coarse particulate standard, which originally went into effect in 1987 and remains adequately protective of public health.
This Administration remains committed to commonsense approaches to improving air quality across the country and preserving the competitiveness of every economic sector. Because H.R. 1633 is not only unnecessary, but also could have significant adverse public health consequences, the Administration strongly opposes the bill.
If H.R. 1633 were presented to the President, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
Image courtesy of http://www.cksinfo.com
Belgium Finally Finds New Prime Minister
Belgium swore in a new prime minister after a record 541 days without a government.
By Yutaka Hayashi
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Radioactive Levels of Cesium Found in Baby Formula
One of the largest food manufacturers in Japan is launching a voluntary recall of 400,000 cans of infant formula.
By Erica Coghill
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Report Calls Olympus 'Rotten to the Core'
A third-party panel has released a report on Olympus' alleged $1.7 billion investment loss cover-up -- and the findings are damning.
By Anli Xiao
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Bernanke: There Were No 'Secret Loans'
It was a behemoth bank bailout that had pundits pretty peeved, but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke now says the media got it wrong.
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Mitt Romney Campaign
The Boston Globe reports Mitt Romney’s staff replaced campaign office computers right before his presidential run in 2008.
Sources:WBZTheBostonGlobeThinkProgress
By Mila Mimica
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
FDA Says HGC 'Homeopathic' Diet Is Unsafe
The FDA warns that the popular HCC weight-loss diet can cause health problems -- see how.
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
White House to Consider LGBT Rights for Foreign Aid
The Obama administration tells federal agencies to use foreign aid dollars to protect the LGBT community around the world.
By Jessica Siebert
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Governor Cuomo Issues Message on the Economy
Watch live streaming video from newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor at livestream.com
Addabbo: 'Currently, I'm Awaiting the Full Language of the Governor's Economic Proposal'
Senator Comments on Pending Legislative Action in Albany
Queens, NY -- As I have been advocating for months, the State Legislature must return to Albany to address the fiscal issues facing our state for the remainder of this year and next year. It is now apparent that Governor Cuomo also deems it necessary to call for a Special Session.
I believe his tentative plan calling for a reform of the tax code to make it more fair and equitable has merit, but we must consider the details, along with the short- and long-term consequences of the proposed changes.
Since gaming is already in our state, even locally at Resorts World, the idea of beginning the process for legalizing full gaming in New York will allow for certain jobs and economic growth. This multi-year process, which allows for the critical element of public input through a referendum, would eventually result in our state retaining much of the approximately $6 billion which we lose to New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania gaming. While this gaming proposal should be entertained, we need an economic plan that provides immediate assistance for the state and its people.
Currently, I’m awaiting the full language of the Governor’s economic proposal. While I understand it includes an infrastructure fund, an inner-city youth employment program, flood recovery program, a jobs-retention element, and changes to the MTA payroll and manufacturing taxes, I am hopeful that the legislation includes a plan that instantly answers the existing financial issues of the state. I will seek to examine the costs, revenue and financial impact of this jobs and economic proposal.
I look forward to my return to Albany, to review the details of the Governor’s plan and to vote on a course of action that will credibly benefit the constituents and the state.
Photo courtesy of http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/joseph-p-addabbo-jr
'Today's Vote Dramatically Lowers the Bar Used to Justify a Filibuster'
Statement by the President on Republican Filibuster of Caitlin Halligan
I am deeply disappointed that a minority of the United States Senate has blocked the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Ms. Halligan has the experience, integrity, and judgment to serve with distinction on this court, and she has broad bipartisan support from the legal and law enforcement communities. But today, her nomination fell victim to the Republican pattern of obstructionism that puts party ahead of country. Today’s vote dramatically lowers the bar used to justify a filibuster, which had required “extraordinary circumstances.” The only extraordinary things about Ms. Halligan are her qualifications and her intellect.
Currently, Senate Republicans are blocking 20 other highly qualified judicial nominees, half of whom I have nominated to fill vacancies deemed “judicial emergencies” by the Administrative Office of the Courts. These are distinguished nominees who, historically, would be confirmed without delay. All of them have already been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee – most of them unanimously – only to run into partisan roadblocks on the Senate floor. The American people deserve a fair and functioning judiciary. So I urge Senate Republicans to end this pattern of partisan obstructionism and confirm Ms. Halligan and the other judges they have blocked for purely partisan reasons.
Halligan image courtesy of http://www.democraticunderground.com
Politics in Action: H.R. 10 and H.R. 2405
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 10 – Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011
(Rep. Davis, R-Kentucky, and 204 cosponsors)
The Administration is committed to ensuring that regulations are smart and effective, and tailored to further statutory goals in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. Accordingly, the Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 10, the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, which would impose an unprecedented requirement that a joint resolution of approval be enacted by the Congress before any major rule of Executive Branch agencies could have force or effect. This radical departure from the longstanding separation of powers between the Executive and Legislative branches would delay and, in many cases, thwart implementation of statutory mandates and execution of duly enacted laws, increase business uncertainty, undermine much-needed protections of the American public, and create unnecessary confusion.
There is no justification for such an unprecedented requirement. When a Federal agency promulgates a major rule, it must already adhere to the particular requirements of the statute that it is implementing and to the constraints imposed by other Federal statutes and the Constitution. Indeed, in many cases, the Congress has mandated that the agency issue the particular rule. The agency must also comply with the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551, et seq.). When it issues a major rule, the agency must perform analyses of benefits and costs that typically are required by one or more statutes (such as the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and the Paperwork Reduction Act) as well as by Executive Order 12866.
In addition, this Administration has already taken numerous steps to reduce regulatory costs and to ensure that all major regulations are designed to maximize net benefits to society. Most recently, Executive Order 13563 requires careful cost-benefit analysis, increased public participation, harmonization of rulemaking across agencies, flexible regulatory approaches, and a regulatory retrospective review. Finally, agency rules are subject to Federal courts.
Moreover, for the past 15 years, the Congress itself has had the opportunity, under the Congressional Review Act of 1996 (CRA), to review on an individual basis the rules – both major and non-major – that Federal agencies have issued.
By replacing this well established framework with a blanket requirement of Congressional approval, H.R. 10 would throw all major regulations into a months-long limbo, fostering uncertainty and impeding business investment that is vital to economic growth. Maintaining an appropriate allocation of responsibility between the two branches is essential to ensuring that the Nation's regulatory system effectively protects public health, welfare, safety, and our environment, while also promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.
If the President were presented with H.R. 10, his senior advisers would recommend that he veto the bill.
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H. R. 2405 –Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act
(Rep. Rogers, R–MI, and 4 cosponsors)
The Administration supports House passage of H.R. 2405, which would reauthorize several key programs led by the Department of Health and
Images courtesy of http://www.pureclipart.com and http://www.freeclipartnow.com
Ambassador Ford Returns to Syria
Robert Ford, U.S. Ambassador to Syria
Statement from the Press Secretary
Ambassador Robert Ford returns to Damascus today with our full confidence and support. His return demonstrates our continued solidarity with the Syrian people and the value we place on Ford’s efforts to engage Syrians on their efforts to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition. We believe his presence in the country is among the most effective ways to send a message to the Syrian people that the United States stands in solidarity with them. We expect the Syrian government to uphold its obligations to protect diplomatic personnel and facilities under the Vienna Convention and allow our Foreign Service officers to conduct their work free of intimidation or obstacles.
Photo source: United States Embassy in Damascus
Author: U. S. Department of State
Permission: Public Domain
Newsy Now: Breaking Headline News
Afghanistan shrine attack, USPS cuts, BP calling out Halliburton, S&P threatens downgrade for 15 countries, NHL realignment.
Sources:TheTelegraphMSNBCHLNFoxNews
By Erik Shute
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Gingrich Suggests 'Apprentice' for Poor Children
GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is proposing a controversial apprenticeship program for poor children, and he says Donald Trump supports it.
Sources:KTVUNY1MSNBCTheWashingtonPost
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Gingrich, Pelosi Trade Fiery Language
The two have engaged in a verbal feud since Pelosi threatened to release information on Gingrich’s history of ethics violations.
Sources:YouTubeTalkingPointsMemoC-SPAN
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
GOP Iowa Caucus Spending
The Iowa Caucuses are closing in and GOP nominee hopefuls are kicking their campaign spending up a notch. But Iowa may not be as crucial as earlier.
Sources:MSNBCNBCNewsDesMoinesRegister
By Mikkel Noel Lanzky
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Child Sex Abuse Scandals Shake Hollywood
In the past month, a talent manager, casting agent and composer have been revealed as alleged sex offenders, rocking the industry.
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
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