Alabama Democrat Defects to the Republicans
WASHINGTON – Rep. Parker Griffith, a freshman Democrat from Alabama, switched to the Republican Party on Tuesday, citing sharp differences on health care, climate change legislation and government spending. The surprise move comes just as the Democrats are on the cusp of a major policy victory in the Senate, which is nearing passage of a [...]
Christmas in Europe: Not Just One Day
CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW FULL SIZE In Europe, “Christmas” lasts much longer than a day. The season stretches well over a month — not to extend the shopping season, but to fit in the many holy days and festivities. First comes Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas Eve. Next up is the Feast of St. [...]
Stopping Discrimination Against Resort Cities?
WASHINGTON – When it comes to luring convention- and conference-goers this winter, sun-drenched resort towns may be too much fun for their own good. Tourist officials say business groups have been avoiding popular tourist destinations in Arizona, southern California, Florida, Hawaii and Nevada out of fear it will look like they’re having too good a [...]
Citizens Hurricane Mitigation Program Draws Suit
An “emergency” contract to a private vendor by Citizens Property Insurance to determine whether homeowners getting discounts for hurricane upgrades actually made the upgrades has drawn a lawsuit from a Georgia company that wants the business. Citizens gives out more than $700 million in mitigation discounts, property insurance breaks to homeowners for hardening their homes [...]
Decade Ends Very Differently Than It Began
WASHINGTON – How wrong we were. The decade that ends this month began with monumental fears of technology. As the chronometers turned to 2000, humans braced against Y2K doomsday scenarios of rogue computers launching missiles, erasing bank accounts, causing jetliners to crash and generally sending humankind hurtling backward. The optimism that came from a sense [...]
Both ‘Balloon Boy’ Parents Get Jail Time
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – “Balloon boy” dad Richard Heene was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in jail for his part in the October hoax that transfixed the nation. His wife received a 20-day sentence. Each was placed on probation for four years. “This was all done for the purpose of making money,” District Judge Stephen [...]
Greer Calls January Meeting, Expect Fireworks
Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer bowed Tuesday to the demands of dissidents – sort of. The embattled leader set Jan. 9 for a special meeting demanded by vice-chairman Allen Cox and at least 50 other party leaders who signed a petition calling for Greer to either resign or they would push for his ouster. [...]
Florida Home Sales Rise
Fuelled by federal tax credits and low prices, existing home sales in Florida jumped 61 percent in November compared to a year ago, Florida Realtors reported on Tuesday. Marking the 15th straight month of year-to-year increases, the November figures were the second month in a row in which all metropolitan areas experienced sales gains. [...]
Diaz-Balarts Mysteriously Pull Support for Crist
U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart have withdrawn their previous endorsement of Gov. Charlie Crist’s campaign for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, Lincoln Diaz-Balart’s office confirmed to the News Service of Florida Tuesday. The Miami Republicans had endorsed Crist over fellow Cuban-American Marco Rubio, the former House Speaker running an insurgent challenge to Crist for [...]
Free Stuff From Uncle Sam?
I just got a free golf cart. Actually, it cost me $6,490 — but the dealer, Colin Riley of Tucson, Ariz., points out that there’s a $6,490 federal tax credit on such vehicles. Riley runs ads that say: “FREE ELECTRIC CAR … !” Some consumers probably assume it’s a car-dealer scam, but it’s not. It’s [...]
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