Mainstream News

Doors swing open for advocates of marijuana legalization on Capitol Hill

"Advocates for the legalization of marijuana plan to step up their political giving and lobbying efforts now that members of Congress are taking an interest in changing federal drug laws. The lobbyists say lawmakers who wouldn’t give them the time of day are suddenly interested in meeting with them and introducing legislation following the approval of ballot initiatives in Colorado and Washington that legalized recreational use of the drug. Lobbyists say the battle that is brewing over drug laws will be far-reaching and not confined to recreational use of marijuana." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDoors swing open for advocates of marijuana legalization on Capitol Hill

Bernanke Said to Minimize Asset-Bubble Concern at Meeting

"The Fed chairman brushed off the risks of asset bubbles in response to a presentation on the subject from the group, one person said. Among the concerns raised, according to this person, were rising farmland prices and the growth of mortgage real estate investment trusts. Falling yields on speculative- grade bonds also were mentioned as a potential concern, two people said. The 'first line of defense' if bubbles emerge 'needs to be regulatory and supervisory' actions rather than changes in monetary policy, according to Bernanke." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBernanke Said to Minimize Asset-Bubble Concern at Meeting

Minting Pennies & Nickels Cost U.S. Taxpayers $436 Million Since 2006

"Pennies and nickels have cost more than their face value to mint since 2006, resulting in a loss of at least $436 million to U.S. taxpayers. The CHART OF THE DAY shows that in 2012, the penny cost almost 2 cents to make and the nickel more than 10 cents, according to the U.S. Mint’s annual report released in January. Those prices have almost doubled over the past seven years. American lawmakers seeking a model need not look beyond the Royal Canadian Mint, which stopped distributing pennies to financial institutions on Feb. 4, saving C$11 million ($11 million) annually. The last Canadian cent was minted in May." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMinting Pennies & Nickels Cost U.S. Taxpayers $436 Million Since 2006

Arizona bill would make gold, silver coins acceptable forms of payment

"Arizonans who fear the federal government will make their folding money worthless may soon be able to substitute privately minted gold and silver coins. The measure is crafted to get around a provision of the U.S. Constitution which bars states from minting their own coins. But supporters also note it says that states cannot 'make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts.' That, they contend, permits states to recognize coins minted by others. Crandell said the ultimate bottom line is a lack of confidence in the dollar -- or at least the real value of the dollar, what with the Federal Reserve Bank continuing to print new money." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingArizona bill would make gold, silver coins acceptable forms of payment

Copper wire stolen from Sea-Tac runway lighting system

"Thieves stole 1,000 feet of copper wire last week from the lighting system that helps planes land in low visibility at Sea-Tac Airport. The FAA said the wiring was taken from the approach light system for Runway 34L. It’s part of the runway’s Instrument Landing System. There have been no flight delays as a result. Work is under way to replace the wiring. The system is expected to be back online early next week. There was no indication if there are any suspects in the case." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCopper wire stolen from Sea-Tac runway lighting system

Post Office to release fashion line

"You may not be able to get a letter from the U.S. Postal Service on Saturdays, but you will be able to get fashionable new apparel. The cash-strapped post office plans to release a 'Rain Heat & Snow' clothing and accessory line. CNN reported that the Postal Service is teaming up with Cleveland-based Wahconah Group, which will design the clothing and accessories. The Rain Heat & Snow line should have something available for men by spring 2014, CNN said. A women's line also is being planned. CNN said the fashion line will be sold in department and specialty stores." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPost Office to release fashion line

U.S. Postal Service to cut Saturday delivery

"The U.S. Postal Service is set to announce that it will discontinue Saturday mail delivery in a cost-saving measure that is expected to save the agency up to $2 billion per year. According to the Associated Press, package delivery will continue six days a week, but regular mail will be limited to Monday to Friday delivery. The changes are slated to take place in August. Under the new plan, Saturday delivery to post office boxes will continue and post offices that are currently open on Saturdays will remain open." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Postal Service to cut Saturday delivery

WARNING: You are about to be Exposed to “Washington Monument Syndrome”

"Airlines and airports across the country are preparing for across-the-board federal budget cuts due to hit next week as if they were a hurricane, although with even less certainty about how many flights they will have to cancel and how many passengers will be stranded. The federal government is warning about delays that could begin in March, as the first cuts take effect, and reduced takeoffs and slower security lines that could worsen in April with furloughs." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWARNING: You are about to be Exposed to “Washington Monument Syndrome”

States join battle over drone flights

"The nascent drone industry is coming under threat from lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures who are weighing restrictions on their use in the United States. Manufacturers of unmanned aerial systems say there is vast potential for police departments and law enforcement officials to use drones in their work. But eighteen states have considered bills that would limit the use of unmanned aerial systems, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and more are likely to follow suit. Several court cases have upheld law enforcement agencies’ rights to aerially surveil citizens, but privacy advocates say drone flights will reopen the debate." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingStates join battle over drone flights