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Fed rate-hike speculation lifts U.S. dollar to three-month high

“The dollar reached its highest in nearly three months against a basket of currencies on Monday on a rise in U.S. bond yields as traders built bets the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates later this year. A plummet in gold prices to five-year lows under $1,100 an ounce also increased the appeal of the greenback, the world’s reserve currency. Last week, U.S. Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified before Congress, reiterating U.S. interest rates will go up later this year if the economy continues to expand. St. Louis Fed chief James Bullard told Fox Business network on Monday there was a higher than 50 percent chance the U.S. central bank will raise rates in September.” Continue reading →

Restrictions on Government Drone Use Now Law in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (July 21, 2015) – A Maine bill that drastically restricts the use of drones by state and local law enforcement, and serves to thwart one aspect of the federal surveillance state, became law earlier this month. Introduced by Rep. Diane Russell (D-Portland) and co-sponsored by Sen. Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin), Legislative Document 25 (LD25)…

Greek Banks Reopen but Cash Limits Remain and Taxes Soar

“The cash-strapped nation got a short-term loan from European creditors to pay more than 6 billion euros ($6.5 billion) owed to the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. But for most Greeks, already buffeted by six years of recession, Monday was all about rising prices as tax hikes demanded by creditors took effect. There are few parts of the Greek economy left untouched by the steep increase in the sales tax from 13 to 23 percent. strict controls on cash flows, including a ban on check-cashing and payments abroad as well as limits on cash withdrawals, remained in effect. New rules permit the withdrawal of up to 420 euros a week.” Continue reading →

Clarifying Connecticut’s New Hemp Law and Nullification in Practice

A recent article at the Daily Chronic indicates some confusion still exists. about the legal and practical effects of a Connecticut hemp bill that went into effect July 1. HB5780 removed any mention of industrial hemp from the Connecticut criminal code that classifies marijuana as a banned controlled substance. From the official summary of the legislation:…

IRS Agents Rob Convenience Store

“In June 2014, the government seized Ken Quran’s entire bank account—more than $150,000. This was money that Ken worked for years to earn, and that he was counting on for his retirement. Ken had no prior warning before the government seized the account. The government told him they were taking the money because he withdrew cash from the bank in amounts under $10,000.” Continue reading →

California Bill Taking on Federal Militarization of Police Clears Senate Committees

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2015) – A California bill that would create a mechanism to stop transfers of military equipment to state or local law enforcement agencies cleared its final committee hurdle last and will now move on to the Senate floor when it returns from a summer recess in August. Introduced by Asm. Nora Campos…

Delaware Governor Vetoes Common Core Opt-Out Bill

DOVER, Del. (July 20, 2015) – Last week, a Delaware “Common Core opt-out bill” was vetoed by Gov. Jack Markell. Since the bill passed by veto-proof majorities in both houses, insiders suggest that an override is possible when the legislature reconvenes in January. Introduced by Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark) in March along with eight bipartisan cosponsors,…

Two California Bills Taking on Spying by “Stingrays” Pass out of Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2015) – Two California bills that would work together to help end the warrantless use of “stingrays” passed unanimously out of important Assembly committees this week. Passage into law would not only help protect privacy in California, but would also hinder part of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Mark Leno (D)…