National News
The Hill - Congress unites behind emergency market plan
Congressional leaders from both parties said they were unified around a yet-to-be seen proposal from the Treasury Department meant to stem the bleeding on Wall Street following a meeting with administration officials Thursday night. No details of the proposal were given, but House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said what was being discussed was a government entity with the ability to buy up liquid assets and prevent housing foreclosures. Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission are putting together the proposal and will be sending it to Congress within the next few days, Frank said.
Politico - Bailout cost? Try a trillion
How much will the Mother-of-All-Bailouts cost U.S. taxpayers? It could be $500 billion to $1 trillion, says Ala. Sen. Richard Shelby, among the most skeptical of the Congressional Republicans briefed last night by Fed chief Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson.
The Hill - Waxman asks CEOs of Lehman Brothers, AIG for documents
The House Oversight panel on Thursday asked the CEOs of Lehman Brothers and American International Group (AIG) for all official communications of the past six months, as well as information about their compensation.
LA Times - Congress panel blasts Interior Department officials on oil royalties scandal
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne testifies that he's outraged and disgusted by the behavior of program employees.
Roll Call - Pro Forma on Tap; Lame Duck, Too?
A bleak outlook for U.S. financial markets and uncertain fates for energy and economic stimulus bills have increased the likelihood that Congress might reconvene for a lame-duck session in November.
LA Times - Latinos in the U.S. dour about their situation, survey finds
They are upset about aggressive immigration enforcement policies of the Bush administration, the Pew Hispanic Center poll shows. Most support Obama for president.
International News
Politico - World markets soar on possible U.S. rescue
Global stock markets soared Friday after a punishing week as news of a possible U.S. government plan to rescue banks from toxic mortgage debt brought hope of a letup in the world's worst financial crisis in decades. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index surged a stunning 9.6 percent to 19,327.73, while Japan's Nikkei 225 average rose 3.8 percent to 11,920.86.
Washington Post - NKorea preparing to restore nuclear reactor
North Korea said Friday it is making "thorough preparations" to restart its nuclear reactor, accusing the United States of failing to fulfill its obligations under an international disarmament-for-aid agreement.
LA Times - U.S. military advisors may soon head to Pakistan
The U.S. and Pakistan have cleared remaining obstacles, so the long-delayed team may arrive within weeks, Joint Chiefs Chairman Michael Mullen says.
NY Times - Iran’s President Denies Hostility to Israelis
The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, took the unusual step on Thursday of explaining that while he strongly opposed the state of Israel, his hostility did not extend to the Israeli people.
State News
Washington Post - Marine Denied Medal of Honor
Sergeant Took Grenade's Blast in Fallujah, Was Lauded by Bush
NY Times - After Impasse, New California Budget Agreement
After presenting a budget Tuesday to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that he vowed to veto, the four legislative leaders came to an agreement with the governor Thursday that was expected to go to the full Legislature for a final vote Friday afternoon.
Sacramento Bee Prison guards back recall pressure on governor
With a tiny measure of qualification, Thursday's re-election of the combative president of the state prison guards union signaled a strong likelihood that they will go ahead with their recall campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
National News
Wall Street Journal - GAO Auditors Question Interior's Collection of Energy Royalties
Congressional auditors are questioning whether the Interior Department is collecting all the royalties energy companies owe for petroleum developed on federal property. The auditors' findings expand on concerns raised last week by a sex and drugs scandal at the department's agency in charge of managing offshore oil and natural-gas exploration.
AP - New NRA Gun Bill Shows Gun Lobby Deception
Just hours after a Brady Center report highlighted the NRA's repeated and false denials that its bill to gut DC's gun laws would allow assault rifles on the streets of Washington, the gun lobby has revised the bill to prevent the carrying of assault weapons on DC's streets. The NRA's action implicitly concedes that the NRA has been intentionally misleading Congress and the public. The NRA's new bill is still dangerous and should be rejected.
NY Times - Fed’s $85 Billion Loan Rescues Insurer
Fearing a financial crisis worldwide, the Federal Reserve reversed course on Tuesday and agreed to an $85 billion bailout that would give the government control of the troubled insurance giant American International Group.
Politico - Pelosi orders wide Wall Street probe
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered a broad, swift investigation of Wall Street and will demand testimony from Bush administration officials and captains of finance, congressional officials said.
Wall Street Journal - GAO Auditors Question Interior's Collection of Energy Royalties
Congressional auditors are questioning whether the Interior Department is collecting all the royalties energy companies owe for petroleum developed on federal property. The auditors' findings expand on concerns raised last week by a sex and drugs scandal at the department's agency in charge of managing offshore oil and natural-gas exploration.
AP - New NRA Gun Bill Shows Gun Lobby Deception
Just hours after a Brady Center report highlighted the NRA's repeated and false denials that its bill to gut DC's gun laws would allow assault rifles on the streets of Washington, the gun lobby has revised the bill to prevent the carrying of assault weapons on DC's streets. The NRA's action implicitly concedes that the NRA has been intentionally misleading Congress and the public. The NRA's new bill is still dangerous and should be rejected.
NY Times - Fed’s $85 Billion Loan Rescues Insurer
Fearing a financial crisis worldwide, the Federal Reserve reversed course on Tuesday and agreed to an $85 billion bailout that would give the government control of the troubled insurance giant American International Group.
Politico - Pelosi orders wide Wall Street probe
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered a broad, swift investigation of Wall Street and will demand testimony from Bush administration officials and captains of finance, congressional officials said.
Desperate to maintain party unity on a key campaign issue this fall, House Republican Leader John A. Boehner delivered a simple message to members of his caucus on Tuesday morning: Stick together.
AP - House OKs drill bill; GOP calls it ‘a hoax'
AP - House OKs drill bill; GOP calls it ‘a hoax'
The House has voted to allow oil drilling off the nation’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts if states agree – but only 50 or more miles out. Republicans called the bill a ruse, saying that’s well beyond where most of the estimated 18 billion barrels of oil is located.
NY Times - Crews From 31 States in Texas to Restore Power
NY Times - Crews From 31 States in Texas to Restore Power
An army of line crews from 31 states has converged on eastern Texas to help deal with the largest power failure in this large state’s history.
Roll Call - Full House Takes Up D.C. Gun Debate
Debate over the District of Columbia’s gun laws began on the House floor on Tuesday as Members clashed over two pieces of legislation that would regulate the weapons in very different ways.
International News
Reuters - Car bombs at U.S. embassy in Yemen kill 16
Two suicide car bombs set off a series of explosions outside the heavily fortified U.S. embassy in Yemen on Wednesday, killing 16 people including six attackers, a Yemeni Interior Ministry official said.
USA Today - Odierno takes reins in Iraq; general calls gains 'fragile'
Gen. Ray Odierno, the incoming commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said Tuesday that conditions in the country remain fragile despite dramatic security gains over the past year.
NY Times - Main Party in Israeli Coalition Set to Choose Leader
The main party in Israel’s governing coalition will choose a new leader on Wednesday, and polls indicate that the winner will probably be the country’s foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, who says her goal is to form a new government without general elections and charge ahead on peace talks with the Palestinians.
Washington Post - Georgia Says Cellphone Records Are Evidence Russia Started War
Georgian authorities on Tuesday released recordings of cellphone calls they say are evidence that significant numbers of Russian troops began moving into the breakaway region of South Ossetia on Aug. 6, a day before war with Russia started.
State News
Roll Call - Full House Takes Up D.C. Gun Debate
Debate over the District of Columbia’s gun laws began on the House floor on Tuesday as Members clashed over two pieces of legislation that would regulate the weapons in very different ways.
International News
Reuters - Car bombs at U.S. embassy in Yemen kill 16
Two suicide car bombs set off a series of explosions outside the heavily fortified U.S. embassy in Yemen on Wednesday, killing 16 people including six attackers, a Yemeni Interior Ministry official said.
USA Today - Odierno takes reins in Iraq; general calls gains 'fragile'
Gen. Ray Odierno, the incoming commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said Tuesday that conditions in the country remain fragile despite dramatic security gains over the past year.
NY Times - Main Party in Israeli Coalition Set to Choose Leader
The main party in Israel’s governing coalition will choose a new leader on Wednesday, and polls indicate that the winner will probably be the country’s foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, who says her goal is to form a new government without general elections and charge ahead on peace talks with the Palestinians.
Washington Post - Georgia Says Cellphone Records Are Evidence Russia Started War
Georgian authorities on Tuesday released recordings of cellphone calls they say are evidence that significant numbers of Russian troops began moving into the breakaway region of South Ossetia on Aug. 6, a day before war with Russia started.
State News
LA Times - Schwarzenegger vows to veto state budget
Legislators say they will quickly override Schwarzenegger's action. He'd respond by killing many bills.
Legislators say they will quickly override Schwarzenegger's action. He'd respond by killing many bills.
Skills to detect roadside bombs on the training field rather than the battlefield are in the offing with the construction of a facility intended to help stem the carnage from the ubiquitous killers.
San Diego Union Tribune - High-flying firefighters
County paying $3 million to lease aircraft for upcoming season
San Diego Union Tribune - Hold the phone: Judge changes area-code ruling
After public outcry that began with an Internet letter-writing campaign, an administrative law judge for the state Public Utilities Commission has reversed her recommendation to geographically split the 760 area code.
San Diego Union Tribune - High-flying firefighters
County paying $3 million to lease aircraft for upcoming season
San Diego Union Tribune - Hold the phone: Judge changes area-code ruling
After public outcry that began with an Internet letter-writing campaign, an administrative law judge for the state Public Utilities Commission has reversed her recommendation to geographically split the 760 area code.
Monday, September 15, 2008
National News
Washington Post - Massive Shifts on Wall St.
Lehman Brothers announced early Monday morning that it will file for bankruptcy, becoming the largest financial firm to fail in the global credit crisis, after federal officials refused to help other companies buy the venerable investment bank by putting up taxpayer money as a guarantee.
Wall Street and the federal government played a game of chicken over the weekend, and neither side backed down, pushing Lehman Brothers toward bankruptcy and setting off worries of a worldwide sell-off when markets open on Monday. While some feared a precipitous decline in the markets, others hoped that Bank of America’s surprise announcement Sunday that it was buying Merrill Lynch might provide enough reassurance to calm investors.
NY Times - Fed Loosens Standards on Emergency Loans
Even though the Federal Reserve refused to provide a financial backstop to potential buyers of Lehman Brothers, concerns over what may unfold in the market on Monday led it to dramatically loosen its standards on making emergency loans to major Wall Street investment banks. At the same time, a group of 10 major banks agreed to contribute $7 billion each to an emergency borrowing facility that any of the banks can tap if they run into a crisis similar to the one faced by Lehman Brothers. The fund may grow in size as more banks agree to contribute.
San Diego Union Tribune - Oil brokers sex scandal may affect drilling debate
A scandal involving sex, drugs and – uh, offshore oil drilling. It's a strange mix, and it couldn't have come at a worse time for those in Congress pressing to expand oil and gas development off
Washington Times - Obstacles stunt Calif. offshore drilling
The Bush administration and oil companies say they want to open up the nation's coastal areas to new drilling, but in two cases - involving some of
AP - GOP: Democrats' plan leaves most oil off limits
House Republicans attacked a Democratic offshore drilling plan Friday for including a 50-mile coastal buffer that they said would leave untouched most of the 18 billion barrels of oil in waters now off-limits to energy companies.
The Hill - Lower oil prices unlikely to stop calls for drilling
A drop in oil prices has taken pressure of Democrats with weeks left before the election, although not enough to slow calls for expanding offshore drilling.
Roll Call - House Salary ‘Gamble’ Fails
House appropriators plan to take millions of dollars from various legislative branch projects — including the Capitol Visitor Center — to help pay for the raises they gave to House staffers about seven months ago.
Politico - Poll: Public opposes increased power
Americans strongly oppose giving the president more power at the expense of Congress or the courts, even to enhance national security or the economy, according to a new poll.
The
LA Times - On the lookout for immigration raids
Activist networks have sprung up to prepare illegal immigrants for possible federal activity in their communities.
CQ - Lobbying for Lame-Duck Session
Lobbyists for trade groups, companies and municipalities big and small have quietly put out word on Capitol Hill that they want more time to get their priorities enacted.
Meet the newest coalition in
CQ - Stimulus Package May Include Medicaid Dollars
House Democrats are strongly considering providing billions of dollars to state governments by increasing their reimbursements for expenses under Medicaid, Democratic aides say.
International News
NY Times - Afghanistan Is in Its Worst Shape Since 2001, European Diplomat Says
One of the most experienced Western envoys in
LA Times - Georgia war sparks political battle in Ukraine
The ruling coalition is near collapse as the president and the prime minister spar over whether to treat
USA Today - Stocks fall in U.S., Europe
NY Times - As Economy Slows, China Eases Monetary Policy
After five years of tightening monetary policy to fight inflation,
LA Times - Mexico safety chief's tough job: policing the police
Drug money and corruption have long tainted law enforcement. But Genaro Garcia Luna, with President Calderon's backing and the aid of technology, may succeed in reforming the system, analysts say.
LA Times - Gates arrives in Baghdad, points to risks of troop withdrawals
Future troop cuts in
Gates arrived in
State News
San Francisco Chronicle - Top Calif. lawmakers say they have budget deal
The state's legislative leaders on Sunday announced a breakthrough in
San Diego Union Tribune - Surprise twist in casino rules
Brown sides with tribes against gaming controls
NC Times - Area codes leaping geographic bounds
Telephone area codes are being liberated from the areas they once represented. As the codes leave geography behind, a multitude of new services are arising, industry observers say.
Contra Costa Times - Is Schwarzenegger vulnerable enough to be ousted?
Most of the essentials are in place for a recall campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: a sagging economy, a historically late budget, a massive deficit, high voter dissatisfaction, a brewing revolt from within the governor's party, and a sponsor that has enough money to put the question on the ballot.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
National News
AP - Bush plans to pull 8,000 troops out of Iraq
President Bush on Tuesday plans to order 8,000 more combat and support troops out of Iraq by February, a measured drawdown that will leave nearly the same level of U.S. forces in the war zone for the rest of the year.
CQ - House GOP Threatens Shutdown Over Drilling
House Republicans signaled Monday that they are ready to cut off government spending over the issue of offshore drilling, though the party’s Senate leader said he hopes to reach an energy deal and avoid a shutdown.
CQ - White House Making Last-Minute Push for India Nuclear Deal in Congress
The Bush administration plans an all-out effort to win approval of a civilian nuclear deal with India before Congress adjourns, although political, procedural and policy issues are blocking the way.
Roll Call - Road Map: CR Would Give Congress a Ticket Out of Town
With three weeks left on the official calendar for the 110th Congress — and with a laundry list of unresolved issues that would give the next Congress fits — Senate Democrats are preparing for the possibility that the Sept. 26 adjournment date might slip as well as the growing likelihood that lawmakers will return to work following the November elections.
LA Times - U.S. remains vulnerable to terrorist attack, study says
An independent group cites continued nuclear, chemical and biological risks.
NY Times - V.A. to Allow Voter Signup for Veterans at Facilities
The Department of Veterans Affairs said Monday that it would no longer ban voter registration drives among veterans living at federally run nursing homes, shelters for the homeless and rehabilitation centers across the country.
International News
International Herald Tribune - Court orders Thai leader to resign
A Thai court ordered Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign Tuesday after finding that he had violated the Constitution by accepting payment for appearing on two cooking shows while in office.
LA Times - Video of Al Qaeda's No. 2 denounces Iran
Ayman Zawahiri criticizes Shiite-led Iran for its ties with the U.S.-supported governments of Iraq and Afghanistan.
LA Times - Bush to focus on Afghan civilian deaths, U.S. troop transfers
In a speech today, he is expected to express regret for deaths but also say 'there will be times' when innocent lives are lost. He will also announce the transfer of some Iraq forces to Afghanistan.
NY Times - Kim Jong-Il’s Health Is Questioned
North Korea unexpectedly failed to stage a massive military parade for its 60th anniversary on Tuesday, and its top leader, Kim Jong-il, did not to attend the scaled-down celebration held instead, feeding reports that he might be seriously ill.
State News
Riverside PE - Fewer immigrants applying for citizenship; fee increase blamed
Citizenship applications are down dramatically this year, with the sluggish economy and a big fee increase deterring many applicants. The financial burden is discouraging even those who were hoping to apply for naturalization before a new citizenship exam -- which many fear is more difficult than the old one -- becomes mandatory Oct. 1.
Sacramento Bee - Calling it 'inhumane,' Democrats defeat GOP state budget plan
Calling it "inhumane," Democrats defeated a Republican state budget proposal that would have made deeper cuts in health and human services and borrowed against future lottery revenue.
San Diego Union Tribune - Fire measure faces strong opposition
Developers would have to provide more protection
San Diego Union Tribune - Mortgage takeover will help S.D. a bit
Real estate analysts yesterday praised the government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but cautioned that the action won't quickly end San Diego County's housing slump.
NC Times - Charges won't be dropped in Fallujah killings
Despite the acquittal of their squad leader in the killing of detainees in the Iraqi city of Fallujah four years ago, the Marine Corps has no plans to drop or amend murder charges against two co-defendants, a service spokesman said Monday.
AP - Bush plans to pull 8,000 troops out of Iraq
President Bush on Tuesday plans to order 8,000 more combat and support troops out of Iraq by February, a measured drawdown that will leave nearly the same level of U.S. forces in the war zone for the rest of the year.
CQ - House GOP Threatens Shutdown Over Drilling
House Republicans signaled Monday that they are ready to cut off government spending over the issue of offshore drilling, though the party’s Senate leader said he hopes to reach an energy deal and avoid a shutdown.
CQ - White House Making Last-Minute Push for India Nuclear Deal in Congress
The Bush administration plans an all-out effort to win approval of a civilian nuclear deal with India before Congress adjourns, although political, procedural and policy issues are blocking the way.
Roll Call - Road Map: CR Would Give Congress a Ticket Out of Town
With three weeks left on the official calendar for the 110th Congress — and with a laundry list of unresolved issues that would give the next Congress fits — Senate Democrats are preparing for the possibility that the Sept. 26 adjournment date might slip as well as the growing likelihood that lawmakers will return to work following the November elections.
LA Times - U.S. remains vulnerable to terrorist attack, study says
An independent group cites continued nuclear, chemical and biological risks.
NY Times - V.A. to Allow Voter Signup for Veterans at Facilities
The Department of Veterans Affairs said Monday that it would no longer ban voter registration drives among veterans living at federally run nursing homes, shelters for the homeless and rehabilitation centers across the country.
International News
International Herald Tribune - Court orders Thai leader to resign
A Thai court ordered Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign Tuesday after finding that he had violated the Constitution by accepting payment for appearing on two cooking shows while in office.
LA Times - Video of Al Qaeda's No. 2 denounces Iran
Ayman Zawahiri criticizes Shiite-led Iran for its ties with the U.S.-supported governments of Iraq and Afghanistan.
LA Times - Bush to focus on Afghan civilian deaths, U.S. troop transfers
In a speech today, he is expected to express regret for deaths but also say 'there will be times' when innocent lives are lost. He will also announce the transfer of some Iraq forces to Afghanistan.
NY Times - Kim Jong-Il’s Health Is Questioned
North Korea unexpectedly failed to stage a massive military parade for its 60th anniversary on Tuesday, and its top leader, Kim Jong-il, did not to attend the scaled-down celebration held instead, feeding reports that he might be seriously ill.
State News
Riverside PE - Fewer immigrants applying for citizenship; fee increase blamed
Citizenship applications are down dramatically this year, with the sluggish economy and a big fee increase deterring many applicants. The financial burden is discouraging even those who were hoping to apply for naturalization before a new citizenship exam -- which many fear is more difficult than the old one -- becomes mandatory Oct. 1.
Sacramento Bee - Calling it 'inhumane,' Democrats defeat GOP state budget plan
Calling it "inhumane," Democrats defeated a Republican state budget proposal that would have made deeper cuts in health and human services and borrowed against future lottery revenue.
San Diego Union Tribune - Fire measure faces strong opposition
Developers would have to provide more protection
San Diego Union Tribune - Mortgage takeover will help S.D. a bit
Real estate analysts yesterday praised the government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but cautioned that the action won't quickly end San Diego County's housing slump.
NC Times - Charges won't be dropped in Fallujah killings
Despite the acquittal of their squad leader in the killing of detainees in the Iraqi city of Fallujah four years ago, the Marine Corps has no plans to drop or amend murder charges against two co-defendants, a service spokesman said Monday.
Monday, September 8, 2008
CQ - Some Lawmakers Call for Hearings on Fannie, Freddie Takeover, Others Urge Overhaul of Mortgage Giants
Democratic lawmakers vowed to closely scrutinize the unprecedented government takeover Sunday of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while Republicans said it bolstered their calls for an overhaul of the mortgage giants.
CQ - GOP Looks to Uncertain Future on Tax Policy
For eight years, Republican tax policy has been simple and clearly defined by President Bush: cut marginal tax rates and make the cuts permanent.
Review Finds Inadequate Progress on Most Initiatives
Congressional Democrats have scrapped plans for another vote on expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, thus sparing Republicans from a politically difficult vote just weeks before elections this fall.LA Times - Pentagon debates development of offensive cyberspace capabilities
The current emphasis is on intelligence gathering and defendingU.S.
The military has 'new information' on an attack in Azizabad thatKabul
Democratic lawmakers vowed to closely scrutinize the unprecedented government takeover Sunday of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while Republicans said it bolstered their calls for an overhaul of the mortgage giants.
CQ - GOP Looks to Uncertain Future on Tax Policy
For eight years, Republican tax policy has been simple and clearly defined by President Bush: cut marginal tax rates and make the cuts permanent.
Review Finds Inadequate Progress on Most Initiatives
Congressional Democrats have scrapped plans for another vote on expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, thus sparing Republicans from a politically difficult vote just weeks before elections this fall.LA Times - Pentagon debates development of offensive cyberspace capabilities
The current emphasis is on intelligence gathering and defending
The Hill - GOP declares House protest a success
House Republicans have declared victory with their energy protest even as Democrats saw a different outcome.
CQ - Partisan Rancor Threatens to Further Stall Energy, Drilling Proposals
Energy and gasoline prices will be hot topics of debate in the final weeks of the 110th Congress. But the partisan rift over offshore drilling that stalled movement all summer on energy legislation shows no sign of having softened during the August recess.
International News
The military has 'new information' on an attack in Azizabad that
CNN - Canadian PM employs loophole in potential power grab
International Herald Tribune - European Union sends delegation to Moscow NC Times - A rough week for SDG&E The current emphasis is on intelligence gathering and defending The Hill - GOP declares House protest a success CQ - Partisan Rancor Threatens to Further Stall Energy, Drilling Proposals
Washington Post - China's Outsourcing Appeal Dimming
Fuel Prices Squeeze Profit Margins for U.S. Manufacturers
NY Times - U.S. Attack Kills Several in Pakistan
Five missiles fired from an American pilotless drone aircraft Monday hit a large compound in North Waziristan belonging to one of Pakistan’s most prominent Taliban leaders, a Pakistani intelligence official and a
A senior European Union delegation, led by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, arrived in
Under attack from state agencies, victims of last year's wildfires and a new verdict in a Marine helicopter crash case, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. is facing a tarnished public image and a potential payout in the hundreds of millions of dollars for lawsuits and fixes to its power lines.
NC Times - Tri-City board members say selling hospital is an option
Tri-City Medical Center to a private company could be an option as hospital directors search for ways to finance needed upgrades after three failed bond measures, officials said last week.
LA Times - Illegal immigrants who return after deportation commit more crimes, study finds
In L.A. County, 75% of inmates who reenter the U.S. engage in more criminal activity within a year. The rate is less for illegal immigrants who have never been ordered to leave.
LA Times - Allow a majority budget vote
The delay in passing a state fiscal plan is not the fault of Republicans or Democrats but of the state's supermajority rule.
CQ - Some Lawmakers Call for Hearings on Fannie, Freddie Takeover, Others Urge Overhaul of Mortgage Giants
Democratic lawmakers vowed to closely scrutinize the unprecedented government takeover Sunday of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while Republicans said it bolstered their calls for an overhaul of the mortgage giants.
CQ - GOP Looks to Uncertain Future on Tax Policy
For eight years, Republican tax policy has been simple and clearly defined by President Bush: cut marginal tax rates and make the cuts permanent.
Washington Post - Effort on Immigration Courts Faulted
Review Finds Inadequate Progress on Most Initiatives
Congressional Democrats have scrapped plans for another vote on expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, thus sparing Republicans from a politically difficult vote just weeks before elections this fall. LA Times - Pentagon debates development of offensive cyberspace capabilities
House Republicans have declared victory with their energy protest even as Democrats saw a different outcome.
Energy and gasoline prices will be hot topics of debate in the final weeks of the 110th Congress. But the partisan rift over offshore drilling that stalled movement all summer on energy legislation shows no sign of having softened during the August recess.
International News
The military has 'new information' on an attack in Azizabad that
CNN - Canadian PM employs loophole in potential power grab
Washington Post - China's Outsourcing Appeal Dimming
Fuel Prices Squeeze Profit Margins for
Five missiles fired from an American pilotless drone aircraft Monday hit a large compound in North Waziristan belonging to one of Pakistan’s most prominent Taliban leaders, a Pakistani intelligence official and a local resident said.
International Herald Tribune - European Union sends delegation to Moscow
A senior European Union delegation, led by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, arrived in
State News
NC Times - A rough week for SDG&EUnder attack from state agencies, victims of last year's wildfires and a new verdict in a Marine helicopter crash case, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. is facing a tarnished public image and a potential payout in the hundreds of millions of dollars for lawsuits and fixes to its power lines.
NC Times - Tri-City board members say selling hospital is an option Selling Tri-City Medical Center to a private company could be an option as hospital directors search for ways to finance needed upgrades after three failed bond measures, officials said last week.
LA Times - Illegal immigrants who return after deportation commit more crimes, study finds
In L.A. County, 75% of inmates who reenter the
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
National News
LA Times - Jump in inflation puts Federal Reserve on the spot
The producer price index surges 1.2% in July, pressuring the central bank to lift interest rates.
NY Times - Higher Costs Are Taking a Toll on Business
Prices for goods purchased by American businesses surged more than expected in July and have jumped by nearly 10 percent over the last year — the sharpest increase since 1981.
NY Times - Court Rejects E.P.A. Limits on Emissions Rules
A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out an Environmental Protection Agency rule limiting the ability of states to require monitoring of industrial emissions.
Washington Post - Lack of Insurance, High Medical Costs Put More in a Bind
Debt Mounts, Care Forgone, Study Says
Washington Post - Citizens' U.S. Border Crossings Tracked
Data From Checkpoints To Be Kept for 15 Years
LA Times - Rising medical costs pinch more Americans, study finds
Some middle- and high-income people lack health insurance too.
Politico - Markey asks Bush to stop exports
A prominent House Democrat asked President Bush on Tuesday to determine whether his administration has the authority to suspend oil exports from the U.S. to other countries.
CQ - Poker Lobby Wants New Deal From GOP
The Republicans’ last two national party platforms opposed Internet gambling. Online poker players want a new deal at this year’s convention next month.
International News
International Herald Tribune - Iraq to export oil to Lebanon
Iraq and Lebanon plan to sign a series of trade agreements in coming weeks, including one on Iraq exporting oil to Lebanon, the prime ministers of the two countries said Wednesday.
International Herald Tribune - Iraq poised to revive oil contract with China
Iraq is on the verge of reviving an 11-year-old contract with China worth $1.2 billion, its largest oil deal since the invasion in 2003, an Oil Ministry official said Tuesday.
LA Times - Rice signs missile defense deal with Poland
The agreement prompts an infuriated Russia to warn of a possible attack against the former Soviet satellite.
Washington Post - 10 French Soldiers Killed by Taliban
Fighters in Afghanistan Also Target NATO Base
State News
LA Times - Federal foreclosure-purchase program may fall flat in California
The $4-billion plan may hurt homeowners in the state who are trying to sell. Several county governments are unsure whether they have the staff to make use of the funding.
NC Times - SDG&E says it did not mislead state
San Diego Gas & Electric Co. has denied that it deceived the California Public Utilities Commission earlier this summer when it stated that an alternate, southern route for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power line would cross tribal lands.
LA Times - California National Guard losing budget battle in Legislature
Democrats in the state Senate block a $3.3-million allocation to give educational benefits to Guard members.
NC Times - Report says tribal casino revenue-gains slowing
Like the rest of the nation, tribal casinos are feeling pinched by a weakened economy, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
Sacramento Bee - Indian tribes, charities reach deal on bingo fundraisers
California's politically powerful Indian casino tribes and the state's major charities have worked out a "win-win" deal that would allow the charities to expand their bingo operations while preserving the tribes' constitutional monopoly on slot machines.
LA Times - Schwarzenegger's push to hike sales tax riles GOP
The governor says a temporary increase could help close the budget gap. But his party's leaders want to borrow.
LA Times - Jump in inflation puts Federal Reserve on the spot
The producer price index surges 1.2% in July, pressuring the central bank to lift interest rates.
NY Times - Higher Costs Are Taking a Toll on Business
Prices for goods purchased by American businesses surged more than expected in July and have jumped by nearly 10 percent over the last year — the sharpest increase since 1981.
NY Times - Court Rejects E.P.A. Limits on Emissions Rules
A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out an Environmental Protection Agency rule limiting the ability of states to require monitoring of industrial emissions.
Washington Post - Lack of Insurance, High Medical Costs Put More in a Bind
Debt Mounts, Care Forgone, Study Says
Washington Post - Citizens' U.S. Border Crossings Tracked
Data From Checkpoints To Be Kept for 15 Years
LA Times - Rising medical costs pinch more Americans, study finds
Some middle- and high-income people lack health insurance too.
Politico - Markey asks Bush to stop exports
A prominent House Democrat asked President Bush on Tuesday to determine whether his administration has the authority to suspend oil exports from the U.S. to other countries.
CQ - Poker Lobby Wants New Deal From GOP
The Republicans’ last two national party platforms opposed Internet gambling. Online poker players want a new deal at this year’s convention next month.
International News
International Herald Tribune - Iraq to export oil to Lebanon
Iraq and Lebanon plan to sign a series of trade agreements in coming weeks, including one on Iraq exporting oil to Lebanon, the prime ministers of the two countries said Wednesday.
International Herald Tribune - Iraq poised to revive oil contract with China
Iraq is on the verge of reviving an 11-year-old contract with China worth $1.2 billion, its largest oil deal since the invasion in 2003, an Oil Ministry official said Tuesday.
LA Times - Rice signs missile defense deal with Poland
The agreement prompts an infuriated Russia to warn of a possible attack against the former Soviet satellite.
Washington Post - 10 French Soldiers Killed by Taliban
Fighters in Afghanistan Also Target NATO Base
State News
LA Times - Federal foreclosure-purchase program may fall flat in California
The $4-billion plan may hurt homeowners in the state who are trying to sell. Several county governments are unsure whether they have the staff to make use of the funding.
NC Times - SDG&E says it did not mislead state
San Diego Gas & Electric Co. has denied that it deceived the California Public Utilities Commission earlier this summer when it stated that an alternate, southern route for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power line would cross tribal lands.
LA Times - California National Guard losing budget battle in Legislature
Democrats in the state Senate block a $3.3-million allocation to give educational benefits to Guard members.
NC Times - Report says tribal casino revenue-gains slowing
Like the rest of the nation, tribal casinos are feeling pinched by a weakened economy, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
Sacramento Bee - Indian tribes, charities reach deal on bingo fundraisers
California's politically powerful Indian casino tribes and the state's major charities have worked out a "win-win" deal that would allow the charities to expand their bingo operations while preserving the tribes' constitutional monopoly on slot machines.
LA Times - Schwarzenegger's push to hike sales tax riles GOP
The governor says a temporary increase could help close the budget gap. But his party's leaders want to borrow.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
National News
AP - Wholesale prices rising at fastest pace since 1981
Wholesale inflation surged in July, leaving prices for the past year rising at the fastest pace in 27 years, according to government data released Tuesday.
AP - US housing starts at lowest level since March '91
Construction of U.S. homes and apartments fell in July to the lowest level in more than 17 years, the government reported Tuesday.
Wall Street Journal - As U.S. Economic Problems Loom, House, Senate Sweat the Small Stuff
The 110th Congress, whose term officially ends in January, hasn't passed any spending bills or attacked high gasoline prices. But it has used its powers to celebrate watermelons and to decree the origins of the word "baseball."
Politico - Pump primed for fall fight on energy
There’s a little something for everyone to hate in the energy proposals House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) articulated over the weekend.
Roll Call - Republicans Return to House, Focus on Process
A handful of Republicans returned to an empty House chamber Monday for the third week of protesting Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) refusal to allow a vote on offshore drilling.
CQ - Republicans Say Any Drilling Bill Must Move Through Committee
House Republicans said Monday they would refuse to consider any energy bill that came straight to the floor from the Democratic leadership’s offices, rather than working its way through committee markups — a process that can take weeks or months.
CQ - Earmarks Decline in Senate, But Up in House
The Senate has trimmed the amount of earmarks in its fiscal 2009 spending bills, but the House has increased its total slightly from last year, according to an analysis released Monday by a group that advocates curbing the practice.
Politco - Colleges back students in piracy case
Hollywood-backed legislation to curtail copyright infringement by college students could make music and movie piracy even worse, the education lobby says.
International News
Washington Post - U.S. Extraditions Raise Concerns in Colombia
In a small courtroom here, Ever Veloza has over the past year confessed to nearly 1,000 slayings in Colombia's conflict and recounted how the death squads he helped run were supported by army officers and prominent politicians.
Washington Post - NATO Ministers Meet to Address Georgia
NATO allies on Tuesday accused Russia of using "disproportionate" force in its military conflict with Georgia and said the alliance will not resume regular contact with Moscow until its troops have withdrawn to pre-conflict positions -- a withdrawal that was supposed to begin Monday but does not appear to be substantively underway.
LA Times - U.S. counter-terrorism officials express relief over Musharraf exit
Even at the height of his powers, he had produced uneven results in battling Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
NY Times - Taliban Forces Kill 10 French Soldiers and Raid U.S. Base Taliban insurgents mounted their most serious attacks in six years of fighting, one a complex attack with multiple suicide bombers on an American military base on Monday night, and another by some 100 insurgents on French forces in a district east of the capital, killing 10 French soldiers and wounding 21 others, military officials said Tuesday.
State News
San Jose Mercury - California leads nation in immigrant births
A new and more nuanced national report about fertility shows a significantly higher share of babies are born to immigrants in California than in any other state, even as a lower-than-average share of the state's births are to poor women and women on welfare.
AP - California fines 18 hospitals for shoddy care
Eighteen hospitals in California were fined for state health code violations in which patients died from various mishaps such as an improperly inserted tube and a ventilator that wasn't turned on. Other violations include surgical tools left inside patients after surgery.
Washington Post - Calif. Court Puts Gays' Care Over Doctors' Faith
Doctors may not refuse medical treatment to gay men or lesbians for religious reasons, the California Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday.
San Diego Union Tribune - Economy affecting casinos' cash flow
Indian tribes are finding that gambling isn't as recession-proof as once thought.
San Diego Union Tribune - Housing Prices Sink
Sales surge, but real estate market is still in decline
NC Times - Conserve or we'll do it for you, state says
Conserve water or the government will do it for you. That's the blunt message of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan for improving California's water supply, which went on the road for a series of community meetings Monday.
NC Times - Yes on A campaign contributions top $600k
With a week to go before voting ends, a political action committee supporting the measure, which aims to rebuild half of the public hospital's aging Oceanside campus, has raised more than $600,000 --- or about the same amount of money that was raised for two failed hospital bonds in 2006.
AP - Wholesale prices rising at fastest pace since 1981
Wholesale inflation surged in July, leaving prices for the past year rising at the fastest pace in 27 years, according to government data released Tuesday.
AP - US housing starts at lowest level since March '91
Construction of U.S. homes and apartments fell in July to the lowest level in more than 17 years, the government reported Tuesday.
Wall Street Journal - As U.S. Economic Problems Loom, House, Senate Sweat the Small Stuff
The 110th Congress, whose term officially ends in January, hasn't passed any spending bills or attacked high gasoline prices. But it has used its powers to celebrate watermelons and to decree the origins of the word "baseball."
Politico - Pump primed for fall fight on energy
There’s a little something for everyone to hate in the energy proposals House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) articulated over the weekend.
Roll Call - Republicans Return to House, Focus on Process
A handful of Republicans returned to an empty House chamber Monday for the third week of protesting Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) refusal to allow a vote on offshore drilling.
CQ - Republicans Say Any Drilling Bill Must Move Through Committee
House Republicans said Monday they would refuse to consider any energy bill that came straight to the floor from the Democratic leadership’s offices, rather than working its way through committee markups — a process that can take weeks or months.
CQ - Earmarks Decline in Senate, But Up in House
The Senate has trimmed the amount of earmarks in its fiscal 2009 spending bills, but the House has increased its total slightly from last year, according to an analysis released Monday by a group that advocates curbing the practice.
Politco - Colleges back students in piracy case
Hollywood-backed legislation to curtail copyright infringement by college students could make music and movie piracy even worse, the education lobby says.
International News
Washington Post - U.S. Extraditions Raise Concerns in Colombia
In a small courtroom here, Ever Veloza has over the past year confessed to nearly 1,000 slayings in Colombia's conflict and recounted how the death squads he helped run were supported by army officers and prominent politicians.
Washington Post - NATO Ministers Meet to Address Georgia
NATO allies on Tuesday accused Russia of using "disproportionate" force in its military conflict with Georgia and said the alliance will not resume regular contact with Moscow until its troops have withdrawn to pre-conflict positions -- a withdrawal that was supposed to begin Monday but does not appear to be substantively underway.
LA Times - U.S. counter-terrorism officials express relief over Musharraf exit
Even at the height of his powers, he had produced uneven results in battling Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
NY Times - Taliban Forces Kill 10 French Soldiers and Raid U.S. Base Taliban insurgents mounted their most serious attacks in six years of fighting, one a complex attack with multiple suicide bombers on an American military base on Monday night, and another by some 100 insurgents on French forces in a district east of the capital, killing 10 French soldiers and wounding 21 others, military officials said Tuesday.
State News
San Jose Mercury - California leads nation in immigrant births
A new and more nuanced national report about fertility shows a significantly higher share of babies are born to immigrants in California than in any other state, even as a lower-than-average share of the state's births are to poor women and women on welfare.
AP - California fines 18 hospitals for shoddy care
Eighteen hospitals in California were fined for state health code violations in which patients died from various mishaps such as an improperly inserted tube and a ventilator that wasn't turned on. Other violations include surgical tools left inside patients after surgery.
Washington Post - Calif. Court Puts Gays' Care Over Doctors' Faith
Doctors may not refuse medical treatment to gay men or lesbians for religious reasons, the California Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday.
San Diego Union Tribune - Economy affecting casinos' cash flow
Indian tribes are finding that gambling isn't as recession-proof as once thought.
San Diego Union Tribune - Housing Prices Sink
Sales surge, but real estate market is still in decline
NC Times - Conserve or we'll do it for you, state says
Conserve water or the government will do it for you. That's the blunt message of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan for improving California's water supply, which went on the road for a series of community meetings Monday.
NC Times - Yes on A campaign contributions top $600k
With a week to go before voting ends, a political action committee supporting the measure, which aims to rebuild half of the public hospital's aging Oceanside campus, has raised more than $600,000 --- or about the same amount of money that was raised for two failed hospital bonds in 2006.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To The State Update
Posts
All Comments