Saturday, July 11, 2015

Weekly Address: Making Our Communities Stronger Through Fair Housing


The President discusses a new rule announced by his Administration to make it easier for communities to implement the Fair Housing Act.

White House Press Briefing


The President Designates Three New National Monuments


President Obama delivers remarks before signing a law designating three new national monuments: the Waco Mammoth National Monument in Texas, the Basin and Range National Monument of southeastern Nevada, and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in California.

Aladdin Performance at the Kids’ “State Dinner”


The President and First Lady Speak at the 2015 Kids’ “State Dinner”


Interviews with the 2015 Kids’ “State Dinner” Winners


Deb Eschmeyer, Executive Director of Let’s Move! and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition, interviewed this year’s Kids’ “State Dinner” winners to talk about healthy eating, cooking at home, and the inspiration behind their recipes. Find the winning recipes at: http://www.letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner-winners

Friday, July 10, 2015

West Wing Week: 07/10/15


Cuomo Announces 17th Annual "Cycling the Erie Canal" Bike Tour

 
Tour Begins in Buffalo on July 12

Governor Cuomo today announced the seventeenth annual "Cycling the Erie Canal" bike tour, where more than 600 cyclists have already registered for the 400-mile bicycling tour from Buffalo to Albany. This year, the event kicks off on Sunday, July 12 and concludes Sunday, July 19.
 
“The Erie Canal is truly an engineering marvel and along it are some of the most scenic examples of natural beauty in the entire state,” Governor Cuomo said. “I welcome the cyclists who are coming from far and wide to participate in this world-renown tour and encourage them to enjoy all that New York has to offer.”
 
The eight-day recreational bicycling tour will help highlight the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the Canal system and the Canalway Trail, popular tourism destinations in New York State. This year’s tour has attracted more than 600 cyclists from 36 states, as well as international participants from as far away as Australia.
 
Roughly two-thirds of the 400-mile bicycle tour takes place on the completed portion of the Canalway Trail. When complete, the New York State Canalway Trail will span more than 500 miles and connect numerous cities, towns and villages along the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain Canals, making it one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the country.
 
Participants will have the opportunity to partake in guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, and attractions such as the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, the Montezuma National Wildlife refuge in Seneca Falls, Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, and the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.
 
Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The New York State Canal Corporation is pleased to sponsor Cycling the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal is a beautiful and historical treasure not only to New York, but the entire country, as demonstrated by more than 600 participants from 36 states. Strong support from Governor Cuomo and Parks & Trails NY has been a key element in the success of Cycling the Erie and I thank them for their continued backing of this annual event.”
 
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “We are proud to partner with Governor Cuomo and the New York State Canal Corporation in promoting the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail. The Cycle the Erie Canal tour provides an opportunity for every age and cycling ability from around the country and the world to enjoy the best of New York State. Summer in New York State isn’t summer without a bike tour along the Erie Canal.”
 
Participants arrive in Buffalo on Saturday, July 11, to register and participate in optional bike rides and an opening reception. The complete schedule for the 2015 Cycle the Erie Canal tour is as follows (Arrival/departure times are approximate and are subject to change without notice):


Sunday, July 12 – Buffalo to Medina


    5:30-7:30 a.m
    Breakfast at Nichols School, Buffalo
    6:30-7:30 a.m.
    Registration at Nichols School
    7:45 a.m.
    Brief kick-off ceremony
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:30 a.m.– 12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst (formerly Amherst Erie Canal Museum)
    9:00 a.m. on
    Free admission to Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport – cyclists pay half price ($3) for multi-media presentation
    10:00 a.m. on
    Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride –
    Special rate with CTEC wristband
    11:00a.m. and 12:30p.m.
    Lockport boat tours
    12 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon – 5:00p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop at Middleport Municipal Park
    1:00–6:00 p.m.
    Swimming in pool at Clifford H. Wise Middle School, Medina
    5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Dinner at Clifford H. Wise Middle School, Medina
    7:00–8:00 p.m.
    Talk on canal history by Tom Grasso, President, New York State Canal Society – Middle School auditorium
    7:00–9:00 p.m.
    Music at campsite – Pocket Change
    Overnight: Clifford H. Wise Middle School, 1016 Gwinn St., Medina

Monday, July 13 – Medina to Fairport


    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast at Clifford H. Wise Middle School
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop, Holley Canal Park
    11:00 a.m. on
    Escorted bike rides to High Falls in downtown Rochester
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon – 5:00p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop, Rochester – Genesee Valley Park – Genesee Valley Waterway Center –
    swimming (show wristbands), canoes and kayaks available
    2:00–9:00 p.m.
    Shuttle service to Village of Fairport
    5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Dinner at Martha Brown Middle School, Fairport
    6:15–7:15 p.m.
    Speaker Mark DeCracker, Trail of Hope – auditorium
    7:15–8:15 p.m.
    Local history speaker – auditorium
    7:00–8:30 p.m.
    Music in campsite Fred Vine
    Overnight: Martha Brown Middle School, 665 Ayrault Rd, Fairport

Tuesday, July 14–Fairport to Seneca Falls


    6:00–8:00a.m.
    Breakfast at Jefferson Road Elementary School
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
    Morning Rest Stop – Palmyra Canal Park hosted by the Palmyra Kiwanis Club
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop at Clyde Village Park.
    Town of Galan Historic Society and historic churches open
    2:30–9:30 p.m.
    Shuttle bus to Seneca Falls museums and dinner in Seneca Falls (2:00-9:00p.m.) and Vince's Park for swimming at pool (2:00-8:00p.m.)
    4:30–6:30 p.m.
    Wine & cheese reception at Peoples Park, Seneca Falls
    6:00-6:30 p.m.
    Whale Story at Peoples Park
    4:30-7:30 p.m.
    Ice cream social at Peoples Park (fee)
    7:00-8:00 p.m.
    Community Band Concert – People’s Park, Seneca Falls
    Overnight: Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy St, Seneca Falls

Wednesday, July 15 – Seneca Falls to Syracuse


    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast at Mynderse Academy
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop, Port Byron Middle School
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop, Camillus Sims Erie Canal Store/Museum. 45-minute canal boat rides over restored aqueduct at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. (fee), Rosamond Gifford Zoo open until 4:30p.m. – free to riders
    2:00–9:00 p.m.
    Shuttle service to Erie Canal Museum (until 8:00 p.m.)
    and Armory Square
    5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Dinner at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
    7:00–8:00 p.m.
    Sam Clemence – Engineering the Erie Canal
    Rosamond Gifford Zoo
    6:00 –8:30 p.m.
    Music by Chris Farrar – Rosamond Gifford Zoo
    Overnight: Burnet Park, Syracuse

Thursday, July 16 – Syracuse to Rome


    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
    7:00 a.m.
    Syracuse Erie Canal Museum open (on route)
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop, Chittenango, Chittenango Landing Boat Museum
    Throughout the day
    Canastota – free admission to the Canal Town Museum
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon-5:00 p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop, Lock 21
    Throughout the afternoon
    YMCA available for swimming
    (see local brochure for schedule and other services available), Fort Stanwix tours until 8:00p.m.
    4:00–9:00 p.m.
    Dinner shuttle to area restaurants
    Overnight: Fort Stanwix National Monument, James St., Rome

Friday, July 17 – Rome to Canajoharie
 

    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast at Rome YMCA
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop, Town of Schuyler Town Hall
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop, Little Falls Canal Park
    4:00–6:00 p.m.
    Swimming at the Canajoharie Middle School
    3:00–9:00 p.m.
    Shuttle bus to downtown Canajoharie and swimming
    5:00–7:30 p.m.
    Dinner downtown Canajoharie. Arkel Museum open until 7:30p.m. at a reduced fee of $5.
    7:00–9:00 p.m.
    Music Downtown – Harold Ford – a tribute to Johnny Cash
    Overnight: Canajoharie High School, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie

Saturday, July 18 – Canajoharie to Niskayuna


    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast, Canajoharie High School
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
    Morning rest stop, Fultonville, Town of Glen offices
    12:00 noon
    Start of afternoon ride
    12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
    Afternoon rest stop, Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction
    4:00–5:00 p.m.
    Reception at the Jewish Community Center (JCC)
    5:00 –7:00 p.m.
    Dinner at the JCC
    6:45- 7:30 p.m.
    Announcements, end-of-ride program & celebration
    Overnight: Jewish Community Center, 2565 Balltown Rd, Niskayuna

Sunday, July 19 – Schenectady to Albany


    6:00–8:00 a.m.
    Breakfast at the JCC
    8:00 a.m.
    Start of morning ride
    8:00–11:00a.m.
    Morning rest stop – Peebles Island State Park
    10:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
    Riders finish at Albany Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany
    10:30a.m. - 2:30p.m.
    Showers available at YMCA (approx. 1.5 miles from Visitors Center)
    2:00 p.m.
    Finish line closes
    2:30 p.m.
    Shuttle for Buffalo departs

Some Cycling the Erie Canal events are open to the public. For more information on Cycle the Erie Canal, contact Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583 or visit www.ptny.org.

Four Tax Preparers Charged with Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns


Accused Worked for Mi Gente Multiservice
(Operates Three Locations in the Bronx)

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced the arrest of four individuals charged with preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns from three locations in The Bronx.

The four defendants were charged with multiple felonies, including Grand Larceny, Criminal Tax Fraud and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  They worked for Mi Gente Multiservice, with offices at 2560 Holland Ave., 185 W. Burnside Ave., and 364 E. 188th St. in The Bronx:

Vincent Wyche, 66, of 2592 Creston Ave., The Bronx, was arrested July 9, following the earlier arrests of   Edwin Guerrero, 36, and Yuderquis Guerrero, 40, both of 59 Park Ave., Lodi, New Jersey, (arrested June 18) and Miguel Carrasco, 29, now a resident of Orlando, Florida (arrested June 23). 

The defendants prepared and filed false tax returns on behalf of clients claiming fictitious expenses and inappropriate deductions, thereby defrauding New York State and the Internal Revenue Service of taxes which were owed. 

“These arrests are part of our mission to protect taxpayers from criminal activity,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone.  “We will continue to work with the IRS, District Attorney Robert Johnson and all levels of law enforcement to aggressively pursue preparers who violate the law and take advantage of innocent consumers.”  

”We are grateful to the Tax Department for bringing this case to us,” said Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson. “We are committed to prosecuting fraudulent preparers because not only do they cheat their clients, they cheat the citizens of The Bronx as well as the City and State of New York, depriving us of funds that can be used for a wide variety of public programs.”

The investigation was led by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. The Division was assisted by special agents from the IRS and law enforcement partners in New Jersey, Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The prosecution will be handled by the Senior Trial Assistant Jeff Glucksman of The Bronx D.A.’s Arson/Auto/Economic Crime Bureau.

A criminal complaint is an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If you suspect that a tax preparer who has engaged in illegal or improper conduct, contact the New York State Tax Department at (518) 530-HELP or file a tax preparer complaint online

Source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Development Role of the IMF

Christine Lagarde – IMF Director
(Credit: World Economic Forum)

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde delivers remarks on her organization’s role in spurring development around the world. She also takes questions on a variety of topics.


The video was posted on the network on July 8, 2015. 

Source: C-Span 

Washington Journal: Rep. Bobby Scott (The 'No Child Left Behind' Rewrite)


Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) discusses the passage of a House bill to rewrite the No Child Left Behind law and other education issues, as well as President Obama’s planned changes to overtime pay benefits.


Source: C-Span 

First Lady Michelle Obama: Results of the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge

 
First Lady Michelle Obama gives remarks at the winners of the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge.


Source: C-Span

Hearing on Space Station Operational Challenges


A House, Science, Space and Technology subcommittee conducts a hearing on addressing the operational challenges associated with the International Space Station. 

Video link: Space Station Operational Challenges

Source: C-Span

"Flashback Friday": Rock Hudson Dies of AIDS


Trailblazers in Black History: Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers


Here's a clip from the movie "Stormy Weather" (1943) featuring Cab Calloway and his orchestra performing "Jumpin Jive". After awhile they let the Nicholas Brothers jump in and lend their feet to the action.

Today in History: July 10th


US Women's Soccer Team Parades Down NYC's 'Canyon of Heroes'


The team was feted with a historic ticker-tape parade in New York City following their World Cup victory over Japan.

Confederate Flag Comes Down on South Carolina Capitol Grounds


The flag's removal comes 23 days after the shooting massacre at Charleston's Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

3 Questions African Americans Should Ask Chris Christie


First Read: Jeb Bush's Very Good Month

First Read is a morning briefing from Meet the Press and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.

Jeb Bush's strong past month

Exactly a month ago, Jeb Bush was in a rough spot, especially in the aftermath of how he handled that Iraq war question. Indeed, we were writing back then that Jeb was clinging to any kind of frontrunner status. But since that time, he's had a strong last 30 days. It started with his European trip. It carried over to his presidential announcement in Miami. It was evident in how he handled his taxes release. And it was hammered home yesterday, when his campaign and Super PAC reported raising a combined $114 million. 

The biggest takeaway from the last month is that he's the aircraft carrier in the GOP field; he isn't going to sink by a single strike. He still has his vulnerabilities (that Iraq war question and even his recent "people need to work longer hours" line are two examples). Money, as our colleague Perry Bacon writes, isn't everything. And it's still possible he won't be his party's nominee -- all that's needed is for a Scott Walker or Marco Rubio to truly take off. But when you have the durability and resources that Jeb Bush has, he isn't going away easily. 

Full article available here: First Read

Source: NBC News 

GOP Scrambles to Address Racial Issues Amid Trump, Flag Debates

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus called Donald Trump to urge him to stop making controversial comments about Mexicans and immigrants on Wednesday, hours before legislators in South Carolina voted to take down the Confederate flag from the state's capitol grounds.

Those two incidents happening at almost the same time are not an accident. The establishment of Republican Party is scrambling to address the perception that the GOP is not sufficiently diverse and racially-tolerant.

But they are facing resistance. Trump is rising in polls, with support from Tea Party conservatives who are wary of immigration reform, even as more moderate Republicans bemoan his candidacy. South Carolina legislators struggled to develop a plan to take down the flag, with protesters in the state saying its imagery is a part of the state's heritage. Leaders in the GOP-led U.S House of Representatives were forced to pull a bill from consideration after reports that an attached amendment would have allowed the Confederate flag to be displayed on federal grounds in some cases.

Al-Quds Day: Iranian Hardliners March in Shadow of Nuke Talks

TEHRAN — Huge crowds chanted anti-Israel and U.S. slogans in Iran's capital on Friday, an indication of the power that hardliners still hold even as negotiators struggle to finalize a nuclear deal that would help normalize the country's relations with the rest of the world.

"Today, I am here to punch Israel in the mouth," said Fatemeh Hossieni, a 61-year-old English teacher who was marching for Al-Quds Day, a holiday held to show support for Palestinians. "Israel will be destroyed, America will be destroyed — so will ISIS and England." 

Negotiators for Iran and six world powers — the U.S., Britain, Russia, China, Germany and France — have missed a series of deadlines trying to craft a deal that would restrict Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing punishing economic sanctions.

On Friday, as talks reportedly became fractious, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed warnings that the U.S. was ready to leave the talks, saying they were counterproductive. The negotiations in Vienna were later extended until Monday afternoon.

But Hassan Khanalizadeh, a 26-year-old journalist, vowed that even if the negotiators succeeded, Israel would still be vulnerable. 

Full article available here: Al-Quds Day

Job and Revenue Losses Mount From Parched California Farms


While California remains gripped by drought, the scale of lost agricultural jobs and lowered revenue is emerging. And the numbers don't look good.

Vast tracts of farmland — mostly in the Central Valley — have been fallowed, which means idled to accumulate moisture. An estimated 564,000 acres will be idled this year, according to an economic update on the drought from researchers at the University of California at Davis.

Unused land, of course, triggers lower agricultural output. Based on estimates of 564,000 idled acres, farm revenue losses are forecast at $1.8 billion. In addition, the forecast anticipates 8,550 fewer farm jobs because of the drought. 

Full article and accompanying videos available here: Parched California Farms

Source: NBC News 

600 U.S. Churches Call for an End to the 'War on Drugs'


A group of more than 600 churches has joined a small but growing movement within the religious community to call for an end to the war on drugs through legalization.

The New England Conference of The United Methodist Church, representing more than 600 congregations, voted last month to support efforts to address the nation's drug abuse problem through "means other than prohibition."

The resolution was passed during an annual conference in which supporters argued that the war on drugs had unintentionally left countless dead, overwhelmed courts and prisons, wasted taxpayer money and destroyed innumerable families — most of them black and Latino.

"To people of color, the 'War on Drugs' has arguably been the single most devastating, dysfunctional social policy since slavery," the resolution says. 

Full article available here: War on Drugs

Source: NBC News

Gov. Nikki Haley: 'It's a Great Day' as Confederate Flag Comes Down


Toxic Waste: An International Business Which Benefits the Eco-Mafia


Source: Euronews

Greek Parliament to Vote on Tsipras’ Last-Ditch Bailout Plan


Source: Euronews

Eurozone’s ‘Grumpy Paymaster’ Schäuble Jokes About Greece Crisis


Source: Euronews

Huge Hack of US Government Databases Hits 21.5 Million People


Source: Euronews

‘Communist Crucifix’ Gift to Pope in Bolivia Raises Eyebrows


Source: Euronews

‘Aviation History’ Made as Electric Plane Flies Across English Channel


Source: Euronews

Syrian Refugees Now Four Million, Displaced Approach Eight Million


Source: Euronews

UN Brokers Brief Humanitarian Ceasefire in War-Torn Yemen


Source: Euronews

White House Press Briefing


President Obama Calls World Cup Champions


The 2015 Women's World Cup Final: On Board with VP Biden


Vice President Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Mia Hamm, and Cobi Jones travel to Vancouver to cheer on the U.S. Women's National Team and watch their historic victory alongside millions watching worldwide.

Obama: 'His Legacy Will be Remembered Around the World'

 
Statement by the President on the Passing of Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

On behalf of the American people, I express my deep condolences to the family of Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to King Salman, and to the people of Saudi Arabia on the loss of such a committed and accomplished diplomat.

As the world’s longest serving Foreign Minister, Prince Saud witnessed some of the most challenging periods in the region.  At each turn, he advanced the goals of peace, whether negotiating the end to Lebanon’s civil war or helping to launch the Arab Peace Initiative.

Generations of American leaders and diplomats benefited from Prince Saud’s thoughtful perspective, charisma and poise, and diplomatic skill.  He was committed to the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and the pursuit of stability and security in the Middle East and beyond, and his legacy will be remembered around the world.  May God grant him peace.

Source: White House Press Office

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Targeted Underage Drinking and Fake ID Enforcement Nabs 21 at Kenny Chesney Concert


Department of Motor Vehicles Seizes 22 Counterfeit
Driver Licenses from Underage Concertgoers

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Deputy Commissioner Thomas Higgins today announced that DMV’s underage drinking enforcement action at the Kenny Chesney concert on Wednesday, July 8, at CMAC in Canandaigua resulted in the arrest of 21 concertgoers and the seizure of 22 counterfeit licenses.

DMV’s Division of Field Investigation (DFI) and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office conducted the action, which supports the efforts of the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to deter minors from abusing alcohol and driving while impaired.  

The legal drinking age in New York State is 21. 

“Drinking and driving is a deadly combination, particularly for young and inexperienced motorists, so DMV will continue to conduct these enforcement actions to deter underage drinking and keep drunk drivers off the road,” said Deputy Commissioner Higgins. “I commend DMV’s investigators and our law enforcement partners for their dedication to protecting the lives of our young people and making our highways safe for everyone.”

“These ID checks are an effective way to deter alcohol consumption by underage concertgoers,” said Ontario County Sheriff Philip C. Povero. “This was a big concert for us, a sold out crowd of 15,000 plus, and we appreciate DMV’s help in this effort. The enforcement action made a real difference.”

On Wednesday night, DMV investigators who are familiar with documents both in-state and out-of-state were stationed at the ID checkpoint set-up by CMAC to confirm the age of all patrons wishing to buy alcohol at the event.  Using their training, investigators authenticated identification documents and identified fake ID’s at this event.

Among the 22 counterfeit licenses confiscated Wednesday, six were from Pennsylvania, six from New Jersey, five from Connecticut, two from Ohio and one each from Maryland, Florida and South Carolina.

All those arrested were charged with a criminal violation of Section 509.6 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law and are subject to administrative action that normally results in a revocation of their license privilege for a minimum of 90 days and up to one year.

The majority of counterfeit licenses recovered by DMV’s Division of Field Investigation are purchased over the internet from foreign companies. DMV, in cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies, seeks to crack down on these counterfeiters by identifying the source and working to shut down their operations and has been doing so for more than a decade.

Source: Department of Motor Vehicles

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Confirmation Hearing

 
General Joseph Dunford testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination to be the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 


Source: C-Span 

House Speaker John Boehner: Weekly Briefing


House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) briefs reporters on the agenda of House Republicans, and takes their questions on a variety of issues, including the pulling of the fiscal 2016 Interior spending bill over disagreement on Confederate flag amendments.


Source: C-Span 

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi: Weekly Briefing


House Minority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) briefs reporters on the agenda of House Democrats, and takes questions on a variety of legislative issues.


Source: C-Span 

Trailblazers in Black History: Diahann Carroll, "Julia"


Today in History: July 9th


More States Take Action to Protect Kids Left in Hot Cars


Five states recently passed good Samaritan laws that allow people to remove a child from a hot car without facing legal challenges.

FBI Director Highlights Terror Concerns Surrounding Encrypted Messaging Services


During a Senate Judiciary hearing, James Comey outlines the serious issues involving Islamic State's use of encrypted messaging services as part of their recruitment efforts.

Jeb Bush's Comments Cause Controversy


The Republican front-runner is being criticized for saying "people should work longer hours."