Saturday, February 28, 2015

Boris Nemtsov Russian opposition shot dead

Boris Nemtsov, former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, and known for criticizing the Putin led government was shot and killed as he walked across a bridge in Moscow last night. The killer is unknown. Mr. Nemstov was shot four times in the back by someone in a car passing by.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Leonard Nimoy- Spock on Star Trek has died

Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played the character Spock on Star Trek has died at the age of 83. He passed away at his home from complications due to pulmonary disease.

German Parliament approves bailout extension for Greece

The German Parliament has approved a request for a bailout extension for Greece, easing concerns of a European financial crises. Germany was one among several countries that must agree to the extension before it is made final. The extension came amid calls by some in Greece to eschew the Euro and go back to their own currency, a move many have said would result in financial collapse for the country.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Loretta Lynch confirmed by Senate committee for Attorney General

Loretta Lynch, President Obama's choice for his next Attorney General has been confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now must be confirmed by the full Senate.

Federal Communications Commission to vote on net neutrality rules this monring

The FCC will be convening this morning to vote on new rules governing net neutrality. At issue is whether the commission can block Internet providers from speeding up, slowing down or blocking some content it provides to its customers to control providers such as Netflix, which uses huge amounts of bandwidth.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

President Obama has vetoed the Keystone pipeline bill

As promised, President Obama refused to sign the controversial Keystone XL pipeline bill presented to him today and instead exercised his veto power. Republicans in Congress pledged to fight on.

AAA explains why gas prices are rising

Gas prices have risen for 28 straight days, in sharp contrast to the steady declines over the past few months that saw prices in some places dip below $2 a gallon. AAA says it is because refineries shut down some production to allow for maintenance as spring approaches.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Alaska becomes the third state to legalise marijuana

Last November voters in Alaska voted "yes" on a ballot initiative to make the recreational use of marijuana legal. That measure kicks in today, as anyone in the state 21 years or older can now legally possess up to an ounce of the weed and can grow up to six plants. Locals must be aware, however, that smoking pot in public will still be off limits.

Researchers discover a way to prevent peanut allergies

According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine a team of health researchers has discovered that giving infants small amounts of peanut butter can help them from developing peanut allergies later on in life.

Senate working to prevent Homeland Security from running out of money

Senators on both sides of the aisle told the press that they are working on ways to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from running out of money after a fourth vote on the floor failed to garner enough votes to pass a bill already approved by the House to continue funding for the department..

Monday, February 23, 2015

Congress to tackle issue of how to deal with ISIS this week

Congress returns to Capital Hill this week with one main topic in mind: How to deal with the threat posed by ISIS. While most agree that war must be waged in some form, there seems to be little consensus on how best to proceed. The proceedings, which should include lively debate, will be shown live on ESPN.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Oscar awards given

The Academy Awards ceremony was held last night, Oscars went to Birdman for Best Picture, Best Actress: Julianne Moore, Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Best Supporting Actor, J.K. Simmons and Best Director: Alexandro G. Inarritu for Birdman.

Cyclones in Australia damages 1,500 homes

Two cyclones struck the northeastern state of Queensland in Australia over weekend, one on Saturday (Lam) and another on Sunday (Marcia). The massive storms damaged over 1,500 houses and left hundreds of thousands without electricity. Both storms struck far north of Brisbane, the largest city in Queensland. Those who wish to help victims of the storms can contact the Red Cross.

Academy Awards to be presented tonight

The 87th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor the best films of 2014 tonight, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theater in HollywoodLos Angeles starting at 5:30pm PST. The show will be broadcast on ABC.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Record Setting Cold in the East

A cold snap referred to as the Siberian Express has settled over much of the East Coast, bringing record lows and misery to millions.