Pa. Same-Sex Partner Ruling Raises Pension Issues

A federal judge granted retirement benefits to the female spouse of a woman who died three years ago in Illinois, a ruling that raises questions about the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent gay marriage decision.

http://www.edgefireisland.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=147746

NJ to File Defense of Civil Unions Vs Gay Marriage

Lawyers for New Jersey are expected to defend the state's civil unions for same-sex couples as opposed to gay marriage.

http://www.edgefireisland.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=147707

Library Director encouraged by children's summer reading

But a KOTA Territory Library Director says summer vacation didn't stop the area children from hitting the books.

http://www.kotanow.com/story/23037952/many-area-children-avoid-summer-reading-slump

Nebraskans encouraged to recognize nat'l farmers market week

Nebraska officials are encouraging residents to attend a local farmer's market as part of a national week of recognition, which runs from August 4th - 10th.

http://www.kotanow.com/story/23037926/nebraskans-encouraged-to-recognize-natl-farmers-market-week

Grand jury probing Snowden vetting: report

NSA leaker Edward Snowden, center, attends a news conference at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport with Sarah Harrison of WikiLeaks, left, Friday, July 12, 2013.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/grand-jury-probing-snowden-vetting-report-article-1.1416788?localLinksEnabled=false

Heat, dry conditions may boost wildfire in Southern Oregon

Hot, dry conditions on Saturday could boost a wildfire burning more than 28,000 acres in southwest Oregon as the governor and two U.S. senators plan a visit.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/08/heat_dry_conditions_may_boost.html

"We Are Slowly Dying": Fast-Food Workers Strike for Wages, Rights and Dignity

Fast food and retail workers are striking for the right to unionize and a living wage in seven cities: Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit, Flint and New York City.

http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/we_are_slowly_dying_fast-food_workers_strike_for_wages_rights_20130803/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Truthdig+Truthdig%3A+Drilling+Beneath+the+Headlines

Oil lobby leads California spending as offshore fracking proceeds

Some may consider California to be a "green" state and the "environmental leader" of the nation, but that delusion is quickly dispelled once one actually looks at who spends the most on lobbying in California - the oil industry.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228681/-Oil-lobby-leads-California-spending-as-offshore-fracking-proceeds

Pennsylvania's Marriage Equality Limbo: Just ... Wow

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court DOMA ruling, Pennsylvania State Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced that she would not defend Pennsylvania's so-called Defense of Marriage -- hee! -- law in court, as she believes that it is unconstitutional.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228678/-Pennsylvania-s-Marriage-Equality-Limbo-Just-Wow

Six Not So Angry Women

"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many partsa a " I'm often fascinated by the way life imitates art, or how art reflects life in many ways.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228676/-Six-Not-So-Angry-Women

Unarmed Couple Shot At 137 Times By Police

As you might imagine, the couple was killed. That's a bit of an understatement. Basically, by the time the cops were done you could strain pasta with the couple's lifeless bodies.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228675/-Unarmed-Couple-Shot-At-137-Times-By-Police

My Damn Three Sons

Let me indulge in a little role-playing here. I'm Fred McMurray . I have three sons-Mike, Robbie, and Chip.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228670/-My-Damn-Three-Sons

Economist "Cannot recall in postwar times fiscal policy so at odds with needs of the economy"

The sequester is starting to show its negative effects on the economy - not just shortened hours resulting in loss of pay, but looming job cuts.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228669/-Economist-Cannot-recall-in-postwar-times-fiscal-policy-so-at-odds-with-needs-of-the-economy

Koscadia August meetup-need your input

We will have some poll choices but the idea is to have a meetup in Alsea Acres with possibly some overnight camping for those coming from afar.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228660/-Koscadia-August-meetup-need-your-input

Walker sidesteps Christie-Paul question

While other potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates have dived into the feud between New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Rand Paul, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is treading water.

http://www.wtae.com/news/politics/Walker-sidesteps-Christie-Paul-question/-/9680976/21314304/-/ulk93gz/-/index.html

Emergency officials discuss plans to handle pandemic

Manley said there are about 52,000 people in Pearl River County and discussed a plan to set up closed and open point of dispensing sites across the county.

http://technews.tmcnet.com/news/2013/08/03/7325725.htm

Where is a structural geologist when you need one?

The controversy and protests over fracking in the UK has probably not made it into the mainstream news in the US.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228630/-Where-is-a-structural-geologist-when-you-need-one

As Iran's new president takes office, tough new penalties in Congress appear a done deal

In a letter to President Barack Obama, 76 senators are demanding tougher punishment on Iran's economy until the Islamic republic scales back its nuclear program.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Irans+president+takes+office+more+tough+penalties+Congress/8746269/story.html

A look at poverty...

The Brookings Institution is holding a roundtable this weekend in Aspen Colorado.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/03/1228628/-A-look-at-poverty

4th Amendmenta s aim

U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein's commentary supporting NSA's call-records program claims: "It is vital and necessary in protecting our country from future attack."

http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/03/5053900/4th-amendments-aim.html

40,000 acres charred as Ore. wildfires continue to burn

Hot, dry conditions on Saturday could boost a wildfire burning more than 28,000 acres in southwest Oregon as the governor and two U.S. senators plan a visit.

http://www.kgw.com/news/Higher-temps-welcome-governor-to-Oregon-wildfire-218225251.html

Spot checks 'based on behaviour'

People stopped at railway stations in spot checks by immigration officers were not targeted on the basis of their race, the Government's Immigration Minister has insisted.

http://www.middevonstar.co.uk/uk_national_news/10590787.Spot_checks__based_on_behaviour_/?ref=nt

New Iranian leader greeted with fresh US penalties

In letter to Obama, 76 Senators demand tougher punishment on the Islamic republic until it scales back its nuclear program In this picture released by the official website of the Iranian supreme leader's office, President Hasan Rouhani, third right, speaks, in an endorsement ceremony led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, in Tehran, ... (more)

http://www.timesofisrael.com/new-iranian-leader-greeted-with-fresh-us-penalties/

US cites al-Qaida in issuing travel warning, shuts embassies in Muslim countries for weekend

The threat of a terrorist attack led to the weekend closure of 21 U.S. embassies and consulates in the Muslim world and a global travel warning to Americans, the first such alert since an announcement before the 10th anniversary of the Sept.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/us-cites-al-qaida-in-issuing-travel-warning-shuts-embassies-in-muslim-countries-for-weekend-218224661.html

Immigration activists aren't taking a recess

From staging rallies to mounting a caravan through California to setting up phone banks to more private lobbying activists on all sides of the immigration issue are vowing a month of activities to try to push members of Congress and the public over immigration reform during the coming congressional recess.

http://www.kvia.com/news/elections/Immigration-activists-aren-t-taking-a-recess/-/390782/21306584/-/dl8ye3/-/index.html

California prison ruling

Gov. Jerry Brown and his top prison officials may be running out of options to avoid having to remove another 10,000 inmates from the state's prisons by the end of the year.

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_23784397/california-loses-bid-avoid-removal-inmates?

55 Years Ago: Connecticut's Submarine Nautilus Crosses The North Pole

Given the enduring popularity of Jules Verne's classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea , it should come as no surprise that no fewer than six vessels in the Navy have been named the Nautilus - two ships and four submarines.

http://ledyard.patch.com/groups/philip-devlin-this-week-in-connecticut-history/p/55-years-ago-connecticuts-submarine-nautilus-crosses-the-north-pole_d82e1da8

IRS Oversight Board Urges Congress to Patch AMT

The Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board has sent a letter to the leaders of Congress's two tax-writing committees urging them to act swiftly to patch the Alternative Minimum Tax to keep it from spreading to millions more taxpayers.

http://www.accountingtoday.com/news/IRS-Oversight-Board-Urges-Congress-Patch-AMT-64754-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Minnesota shutdown over - who is to blame?

With the longest state shutdown in history now at a close it is time to reflect on our elected officials handling of our tax dollars.

http://www.examiner.com/article/minnesota-shutdown-over-who-is-to-blame

08/03/13 Comprehensive Real-Time News Feed for US News

• Terror threat prompts weekend US embassy closings _{2013-08-03, 02:18 pm}
  The threat of a terrorist attack led to the weekend closure of 21 U.S. embassies and consulates in the Muslim world and a global travel warning to Americans, the first such alert since an announcement before the 10th anniversary of the Sept.
• Obama golfing ahead of birthday _{2013-08-03, 02:16 pm}
  Obama golfing ahead of birthday - President Obama on Saturday celebrated his upcoming birthday on the golf course with friends from nearly every stage of his life. - Included in the group are Obama's high school pals from Hawaii, Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos.
• New York Times Sells Boston Globe at 93% Loss _{2013-08-03, 02:16 pm}
  Boston Globe to Be Sold to Red Sox's Henry for $70 Million - New York Times Co. , which put its Boston Globe newspaper up for sale this year, agreed to sell the publication to John Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, for $70 million in cash.
• Black Ohio lawmakers oppose stand-your-ground bill 24 minutes _{2013-08-03, 02:15 pm}
  A group of black lawmakers in Ohio has started circulating petitions to help keep a stand-your-ground proposal from being passed in the state.
• Report: Boy Raped by Sudanese Man _{2013-08-03, 02:14 pm}
  According to Kochav Ha'ir , a website that carries news from the port city of Ashdod, a Sudanese man is suspected of raping a 5-year-old boy in the men's room in the local Simol mall.
• More Sandy-Ravaged Homeowners To Get Reimbursements With New Rules _{2013-08-03, 02:13 pm}
  As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez on Friday praised the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for changing the rules for Community Development Block Grant funding.
• New US penalties will greet Iran's new leader _{2013-08-03, 02:13 pm}
  In this picture released by the official website of the Iranian supreme leader's office, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, President-elect Hasan Rouhani, right, and outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, sit, in an official endorsement ceremony for Rouhani, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.
• Why Republicans can't relax _{2013-08-03, 01:44 pm}
  From the left, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.
• U.S. grand jury probing contractor that vetted Snowden: WSJ _{2013-08-03, 01:02 pm}
  The company that conducted the most recent security review of former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden is the subject of a federal grand jury investigation into its background check processes, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing people involved with the probe.
• Report: Texans Could Benefit Most from Obamacare, Ted Cruz Wants To Defund It _{2013-08-03, 12:12 pm}
  The House GOP in Congress voted for the 40th time to repeal the Affordable Care Act, just 2 days after the Center for American Progress released a report showing which US counties would benefit most from the law.
• U.S., Allies Respond to al-Qaeda Threat _{2013-08-03, 08:44 am}
  The State Department says the potential for terrorism is particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Global travel warning: US cites al-Qaida threat _{2013-08-03, 04:38 am}
  The United States issued an extraordinary global travel warning to Americans Friday about the threat of an al-Qaida attack and closed down 21 embassies and consulates across the Muslim world for the weekend.
• Suspect in Safe Theft Arrested _{2013-08-02, 03:00 am}
  Marshalltown police have arrested a suspect in the theft of a vintage safe containing a fortune in gold coins and silver bars.
• Meat Recall _{2013-08-02, 03:00 am}
  More than 50,000 pounds of ground beef from a Kansas beef-packing company is being recalled because it may be contaminated with a type of E. coli.
• Rep. Bruce Braley Traveling to Israel _{2013-08-02, 03:00 am}
  U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley says he will travel to Israel next week as part of a 37-member Congressional delegation as peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders resume after a three-year hiatus.
• Hillary Clinton selection to give speech to auto dealers draws industry criticism _{2013-07-30, 07:35 pm}
  Members of the group that lobbies for automobile dealers are revved up about the selection of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to speak at their upcoming convention.
• Cheaper student loans, for now _{2013-07-19, 04:09 pm}
  A bipartisan deal on student loans announced by a group of senators Thursday will help students, but only in the short-term.
• The Tea Party: the party of hate? _{2010-09-05, 03:18 pm}
  For eight of the past nine years, September 11th has been a day of remembrance, solemn reflection, mourning, and even hope.
• Florida candidates enter NYC mosque debate _{2010-08-18, 06:48 pm}
  Although the proposed Park51 project is nowhere near Florida, nor would it have any impact on either the economy, society, or well being of Floridians, most candidates have voiced their position; only one U.S. Senate candidate, Miami's own Democrat Kendrick Meek, has specifically chosen to focus on Floridian issues.
• Keith Kessler - a final message from DAC4VA _{2009-07-13, 03:00 am}
  From: DAC4VA@aol.com To: Kkessl@aol.com Sent: Fri, Feb 19, 2010 3:01 pm Subject: re:Keith Kessler OBITUARY Though this blogger knew Keith via the Internet and through phone conversations since 1997, we never met face to face until 2003.