Newsroot

Puerto Rico will host a referendum on statehood in November

jdpink — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:16:57 +0000

Voters will first be asked whether they want the current territory status to continue. Regardless of how voters answer that question, they will then be asked to express their preference among the three alternatives to the current status: statehood, independence and nationhood in free association with the US.

If a majority of Puerto Rico voters in November cast their ballots in opposition to the current status, and in support of one of the alternatives, Puerto Rico’s local officials can be expected to petition the federal government to act upon that choice.

Suzanne Bonamici wins Oregon special election, replacing David Wu after sex scandal

jdpink — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:37:42 +0000

Democrat Suzanne Bonamici swept to victory Tuesday in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District as her party continued its nearly four-decade-long hold on the seat covering the northwestern corner of the state.

A former state legislator, Bonamici becomes the only woman in the seven-member Oregon congressional delegation and her campaign expects that she will be sworn in within the next week.

Tim Pawlenty endorses Mitt Romney, serving as national co-chairman of Romney campaign

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:05:22 +0000

The former GOP presidential candidate who dropped out of the race last month endorsed Mitt Romney Monday on Fox and Friends. He added that he will be serving as national co-chairman of Romney’s campaign and will be joining the former Massachusetts governor at an event in Charleston, SC Monday. [The Hill, National Journal]

Obama to deliver statement on American Jobs Act at 10:40 a.m. ET

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:57:26 +0000

The President will make a speech at the Rose Garden at 10:40 a.m. ET before sending the $447 billion jobs package to Congress. [LA Times]

As war continues, Libyan animals suffer

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:49:10 +0000

Animal-rescue efforts took place at the Tripoli Zoo during the revolution as 15 staff members risked their lives to feed and take care of the animals. Shell bombings and bullet holes can be seen in various parts of the zoo. Lack of water posed a threat to hippos while an elderly siberian tiger died from stress. [CNN]

UK Russia talks raises Litvinenko case

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:22:16 +0000

Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit marks the first visit to Russia by a UK leader since 2005. UK-Russia relations soured after a Russian dissident was murdered in 2006 and Russia refused to extradite the prime suspect. [BBC News]

Hundreds die in Kenyan pipeline explosion

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:14:59 +0000

The explosion in a densely populated area of Nairobi caused a fire, burning and killing more than 100 people. An earlier report that a leakage had occurred brought people to the pipe to collect fuel seeping out. [Al Jazeera English]

Fears of Greek default hit French banks exposed to euro bonds

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:11:24 +0000

Investor confidence slumped with a 10 percent decrease in the shares of French banks Monday as reports circulated that Moody’s was planning downgrades due to the banks’ exposure to Greek bonds. [Reuters]

Capital gains tax increases income and representational inequality

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:05:12 +0000

While investors, some renowned economists and the wealthy defend low capital gains rates for job creation and economic growth, some political analysts suggest that much of the lobbying and financial contributions to political parties encouraging low rates are not representative of voters at large in the nation. [Washington Post]

Death at French nuclear plant due to explosion

Editor — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:50:20 +0000

The French media are reporting one death due to a blast in a plant located in southern France. No radiation leaks have been discovered. [USA Today]