february 2023 |
ALL TEXT BY ZOREK RICHARDS
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| February 28, 2023 |
Feb 28, 2023: Star-Advertiser: Gov. Green puts cost of new Aloha Stadium at ‘under $500M’
A new Aloha Stadium surrounded by housing and an entertainment district can now be had for “under $500 million,” Gov. Josh Green said Monday.
A new Aloha Stadium surrounded by housing and an entertainment district can now be had for “under $500 million,” Gov. Josh Green said Monday.
| February 27, 2023 |
Feb 27, 2023: Hawaii News Now: Hawaii lawmakers push flavor bans and higher taxes to fight teen vaping
Health and youth advocates say vaping by middle and high school students is a crisis ― and they are calling on lawmakers to ban all flavored vape and tobacco products.
Health and youth advocates say vaping by middle and high school students is a crisis ― and they are calling on lawmakers to ban all flavored vape and tobacco products.
Feb 27, 2023: Star-Advertiser: Mayor Rick Blangiardi offers 5-point homeless plan for Oahu
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration has offered its plan to deal with the needs of the nearly 4,000 homeless people living on Oahu.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration has offered its plan to deal with the needs of the nearly 4,000 homeless people living on Oahu.
| February 25, 2023 |
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Feb 25, 2023: NPR: In East Palestine, who 'shows up' isn't necessarily a sign of who's helping
There have been two train wrecks in East Palestine, Ohio. One substantive — a train derailment and subsequent chemical burn-off that has potentially jeopardized the health of understandably angered residents of the town. The other: political. |
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| February 23, 2023 |
2.23.21
People are criticizing Joe Biden for going to Ukraine instead of Ohio. It took 4 months of complex logistics to plan the trip to Ukraine. In Ohio, Gov. DeWine was offered all of the resources of the Federal Government and he declined claiming all was under control.
2.23.21
People are criticizing Joe Biden for going to Ukraine instead of Ohio. It took 4 months of complex logistics to plan the trip to Ukraine. In Ohio, Gov. DeWine was offered all of the resources of the Federal Government and he declined claiming all was under control.
| February 21, 2023 |
Feb 21, 2023: The Bulwark: Biden Went to Kyiv; DeSantis Went to Fox & Friends
Gross things can happen when you convince yourself that, no matter what, you must position yourself in complete opposition to your political opponents. Just look at what Ron DeSantis is doing.
Before pursuing elected office, DeSantis was a Yale undergrad-turned-Harvard legal scholar, a history teacher, and a military officer. So, one would think his first reaction to President Biden’s surprise visit to war-torn Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky would be, at a bare minimum, to show some respect for the Ukrainian resistance and maybe hold off on the self-serving commentary for a few hours.
Gross things can happen when you convince yourself that, no matter what, you must position yourself in complete opposition to your political opponents. Just look at what Ron DeSantis is doing.
Before pursuing elected office, DeSantis was a Yale undergrad-turned-Harvard legal scholar, a history teacher, and a military officer. So, one would think his first reaction to President Biden’s surprise visit to war-torn Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky would be, at a bare minimum, to show some respect for the Ukrainian resistance and maybe hold off on the self-serving commentary for a few hours.
Feb 21, 2023: The Bulwark: The Michigan State GOP Doubles Down on Losing
Its new leader, Kristina Karamo, is an election denier and conspiracist who wants to steer the party away from moderate donors and swing voters—and straight toward extreme MAGA.
Its new leader, Kristina Karamo, is an election denier and conspiracist who wants to steer the party away from moderate donors and swing voters—and straight toward extreme MAGA.
Feb 21, 2023: Virginia Pilot: Jennifer McClellan wins special election for Virginia’s 4th District
Democrat Jennifer McClellan defeated her Republican opponent in a special election Tuesday to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she will be the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress.
McClellan, a veteran state legislator from Richmond, prevailed over pastor and Navy veteran Leon Benjamin in the race for the blue-leaning 4th District, which has its population center in the capital city and stretches south to the North Carolina border.
Democrat Jennifer McClellan defeated her Republican opponent in a special election Tuesday to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she will be the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress.
McClellan, a veteran state legislator from Richmond, prevailed over pastor and Navy veteran Leon Benjamin in the race for the blue-leaning 4th District, which has its population center in the capital city and stretches south to the North Carolina border.
Feb 21, 2023: Aberdeen News: Gov. Kristi Noem's foreign ag bill dies in South Dakota Senate
Gov. Kristi Noem's foreign agriculture bill reached as far as the South Dakota Senate floor, and that's where it died.
Legislators killed the bill on a 11-23 vote on Tuesday, which means the state will have to rely on the current statute that's in place to restrict ag land purchases in South Dakota.
This follows more than half an hour of dialogue between from Senators, who went back and forth on the bill.
Gov. Kristi Noem's foreign agriculture bill reached as far as the South Dakota Senate floor, and that's where it died.
Legislators killed the bill on a 11-23 vote on Tuesday, which means the state will have to rely on the current statute that's in place to restrict ag land purchases in South Dakota.
This follows more than half an hour of dialogue between from Senators, who went back and forth on the bill.
Feb 21, 2023: Vox: Why isn’t Joe Biden getting credit for the economic recovery?
The short answer is, of course, inflation. Prices are still much higher at this point than they were two years ago, and news about expensive eggs and expensive housing are likely still putting a damper on our collective sense of an improving economy.
The White House and its allies face an economic and political conundrum: though inflation is still high, almost every major economic indicator shows that the economy is healthier than when Biden took office, but the general mood among Americans is still sour.
“The bad news of the economy (rising inflation, declining real incomes) has outweighed the good news (mostly consistent growth in GDP, low unemployment),” John Sides, a political scientist at Vanderbilt University, said. “Negative economic news is both more prevalent in news coverage and is also more salient to consumers, relative to positive economic news. So even in an economy with mixed signals, the bad news wins out.”
The short answer is, of course, inflation. Prices are still much higher at this point than they were two years ago, and news about expensive eggs and expensive housing are likely still putting a damper on our collective sense of an improving economy.
The White House and its allies face an economic and political conundrum: though inflation is still high, almost every major economic indicator shows that the economy is healthier than when Biden took office, but the general mood among Americans is still sour.
“The bad news of the economy (rising inflation, declining real incomes) has outweighed the good news (mostly consistent growth in GDP, low unemployment),” John Sides, a political scientist at Vanderbilt University, said. “Negative economic news is both more prevalent in news coverage and is also more salient to consumers, relative to positive economic news. So even in an economy with mixed signals, the bad news wins out.”
| February 18, 2023 |
Feb 18, 2023: Vanity Fair: SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK AFTER TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION, AIDES SAY
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania will return to the Senate in a few weeks following inpatient treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed Military Medical Center on Wednesday evening.
His aides said he would return in a few weeks, while Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson added, “In Senate time, which is a bit like geologic time, John’s time away will be the blink of an eye."
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania will return to the Senate in a few weeks following inpatient treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed Military Medical Center on Wednesday evening.
His aides said he would return in a few weeks, while Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson added, “In Senate time, which is a bit like geologic time, John’s time away will be the blink of an eye."
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Feb 18, 2023: Vanity Fair: SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK AFTER TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION, AIDES SAY
New York Rep. Ritchie Torres tweeted: “I admire Senator John Fetterman for openly seeking treatment for depression at Walter Reed. Back in 2010, I was hospitalized for depression. I would not be alive, let alone in Congress, were it not for mental health care. Millions of Americans are rooting for you, Senator.” |
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Feb 18, 2023: Virginia Pilot: Former President Jimmy Carter enters home hospice care
The Carter Center said Saturday that former President Jimmy Carter has entered home hospice care.
The charity created by the 98-year-old former president said on Twitter that after a series of short hospital stays, Carter “decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention.”
The Carter Center said Saturday that former President Jimmy Carter has entered home hospice care.
The charity created by the 98-year-old former president said on Twitter that after a series of short hospital stays, Carter “decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention.”
| February 16, 2023 |
Feb 16, 2023: Virginian Pilot: U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine pushing to formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine is among two legislators leading a bipartisan push to reassert Congress’ constitutional right to decide when the military is sent to war.
“It’s time for Congress to start once again authorizing our Article I powers over war, peace and diplomacy,” the Virginia Democrat said Thursday during a virtual news conference.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine is among two legislators leading a bipartisan push to reassert Congress’ constitutional right to decide when the military is sent to war.
“It’s time for Congress to start once again authorizing our Article I powers over war, peace and diplomacy,” the Virginia Democrat said Thursday during a virtual news conference.
Feb 16, 2023: Rolling Stone: Nikki Haley Is Unable to Explain Why Voters Should Pick Her Over Trump
The former South Carolina governor is refusing to criticize the former president she's ostensibly trying to dethrone
The former South Carolina governor is refusing to criticize the former president she's ostensibly trying to dethrone
| February 15, 2023 |
Feb 15, 2023: Roll Call: DHS chief Mayorkas talks immigration with Latino Senate Democrats
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussed immigration policy Tuesday afternoon with the Senate’s four Latino Democrats, as the administration prepares to lift pandemic-related border restrictions later this year
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussed immigration policy Tuesday afternoon with the Senate’s four Latino Democrats, as the administration prepares to lift pandemic-related border restrictions later this year
Republican Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene presided over the US House of Representative on February 6. This is Trump's legacy. This picture should be framed and titled "A rioter from Jan. 6th who never left." Feb 14, 2023: Roll Call: The unchangeable Marjorie Taylor Greene
There are three groups with infinite faith in the capacity of people to change their behavior in midlife: shrinks, advice columnists and political reporters. During the House speaker's race, GOP incendiaries such as Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz refused to vote for Kevin McCarthy on all 15 ballots. In contrast, Marjorie Taylor Greene shrewdly allied herself early with McCarthy, lobbying to the end to win over her fellow Republican firebrands
Feb 10, 2023: Palm Beach Post: 'NO TALENT.' Trump rips Rihanna for old, vulgar tweet ahead of Super Bowl 2023 halftime show
The former president, infamous for criticizing everyone from politicians to sports stars, ripped pop star Rihanna on Thursday as having "NO TALENT" and that the Super Bowl halftime entertainer was "bad" at "everything." This followed one of his staunchest supporters' demand that Rihanna be removed from the Super Bowl halftime show for insulting Trump on Twitter. Feb 10, 2023: Wisconsin Politics: Sortwell says DSPS has made ‘significant progress’ under Hereth
Assembly Regulatory Licensing Reform Committee Chair Rep. Shae Sortwell said it seems like the Department of Safety and Professional Services has made “significant progress,” noting a decrease in complaints about licensing delays. |
Feb 10, 2023: Wisconsin Politics: U.S. Sen. Baldwin, colleagues: Introduce No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined colleagues in introducing the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act tolevel the playing field for American workers and small businesses by making sure multinational corporations pay the same tax rate on profits earned abroad as they do in the United States. This would end tax incentives created by the 2017 Trump tax giveaway bill that created incentives to export jobs and profits.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined colleagues in introducing the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act tolevel the playing field for American workers and small businesses by making sure multinational corporations pay the same tax rate on profits earned abroad as they do in the United States. This would end tax incentives created by the 2017 Trump tax giveaway bill that created incentives to export jobs and profits.
| February 7, 2023 |
Feb 7, 2023: Fox11 News: Sen. Tammy Baldwin on State of the Union, healthcare, debt ceiling
Before President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday night, FOX 11 had the chance to talk to Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and her special guest for the president's address.
Before President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday night, FOX 11 had the chance to talk to Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and her special guest for the president's address.
Feb 7, 2023: Yahoo News: Republican response to Biden State of the Union speech speeds decline of civility in politics
The response from many Republican lawmakers to President Biden's State of the Union address on Tuesday marked a new low for civility in politics in the United States.
Interrupted multiple times by jeering, boos and accusations of lying by GOP members, Biden gamely endured the taunts, at times seeming to revel in the prospect of egging on his political opponents, calling them out over threats to refuse to raise the debt ceiling and other contentious issues.
The response from many Republican lawmakers to President Biden's State of the Union address on Tuesday marked a new low for civility in politics in the United States.
Interrupted multiple times by jeering, boos and accusations of lying by GOP members, Biden gamely endured the taunts, at times seeming to revel in the prospect of egging on his political opponents, calling them out over threats to refuse to raise the debt ceiling and other contentious issues.
Feb 7, 2023: Yahoo: A look at some of the symbols worn by members of Congress at the SOTU
Several Democrats were spotted wearing pins on their lapels shaped like crayons. Sen. Patty Murray explained the significance of the pin on Twitter: "Did you see the crayon I'm wearing to #SOTU today?" she wrote. "Great—now that I have your attention, I want to talk about how child care is a serious and urgent economic crisis. Child care has to be a top priority this Congress."
Several Democrats were spotted wearing pins on their lapels shaped like crayons. Sen. Patty Murray explained the significance of the pin on Twitter: "Did you see the crayon I'm wearing to #SOTU today?" she wrote. "Great—now that I have your attention, I want to talk about how child care is a serious and urgent economic crisis. Child care has to be a top priority this Congress."
February 7, 2023:
I came across this paragraph at the end of a HuffPost:
" The suspension may not be all bad news for Daines, however. Other Republican lawmakers who have gotten into similar trouble with Twitter’s rules have used the opportunity to raise funds. As head of the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, Daines is likely to do the same."
GOP Senator Steve Daines (Montana) got suspended by Twitter for posting a photo of him with an animal he killed while hunting. Whether anyone agree with Twitter or Daines is irrelevant to me. The fact is that Daines will raise funds off of it and, even worse, that there are gullible Republicans out there who will give to him and other Republicans whenever they play the "victim" card. "Grift" seems to be the only platform the Republicans need for 2024. It's just what they do.
I came across this paragraph at the end of a HuffPost:
" The suspension may not be all bad news for Daines, however. Other Republican lawmakers who have gotten into similar trouble with Twitter’s rules have used the opportunity to raise funds. As head of the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, Daines is likely to do the same."
GOP Senator Steve Daines (Montana) got suspended by Twitter for posting a photo of him with an animal he killed while hunting. Whether anyone agree with Twitter or Daines is irrelevant to me. The fact is that Daines will raise funds off of it and, even worse, that there are gullible Republicans out there who will give to him and other Republicans whenever they play the "victim" card. "Grift" seems to be the only platform the Republicans need for 2024. It's just what they do.
| February 5, 2023 |
Feb 5, 2023: MSN: Donald Trump Has a Powerful New Enemy
It seems the mighty Koch network is trying to jump into the 2024 GOP Presidental primary and will back one candidate.
The kicker: the candidate won't be Donald J. Trump.
And that is a really big deal.
From CNN this AM:
"The deep-pocketed network associated with billionaire Charles Koch is preparing to throw its money and weight behind a single Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential primary – in a move that could significantly reshape the GOP field.
It seems the mighty Koch network is trying to jump into the 2024 GOP Presidental primary and will back one candidate.
The kicker: the candidate won't be Donald J. Trump.
And that is a really big deal.
From CNN this AM:
"The deep-pocketed network associated with billionaire Charles Koch is preparing to throw its money and weight behind a single Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential primary – in a move that could significantly reshape the GOP field.
| February 4, 2023 |
Feb 4, 2023: TPM: The Years Of Vitriolic Misogyny At The Heart Of The Paul Pelosi Attack
The video of the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi released last week brought a story back into the headlines that, somehow, had faded just days after David DePape broke into the home of the third most powerful person in the country, intending to hurt or kill her.
Within days of the video being released, the story has slipped from the national conversation again.
The video of the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi released last week brought a story back into the headlines that, somehow, had faded just days after David DePape broke into the home of the third most powerful person in the country, intending to hurt or kill her.
Within days of the video being released, the story has slipped from the national conversation again.
| February 3, 2023 |
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Feb 3, 2023: DC Clothesline: GOP Kick Ilhan Omar Off Committee Over Criticisms of Israel, AOC Says Omar Was Actually Targeted For Being A ‘Woman Of Color’
House Republicans on Thursday scandalously voted to kick Rep Ilhan Omar (D-MN) off the Foreign Affairs Committee due to her past criticisms of Israel but Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) wants her followers to think they were motivated not by advancing Israel’s interests but instead by generic anti-black racism. |
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| February 1, 2023 |
Feb 1, 2023: NBC News: Sen. Tim Scott heading to Iowa amid 2024 buzz
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is holding events in two early presidential primary states amid speculation that he could run for the White House in 2024.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is holding events in two early presidential primary states amid speculation that he could run for the White House in 2024.
