http://www.unpartial.com Unfeed en-us Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:37:06 GMT Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:37:06 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Unpartial.com http://www.unpartial.com/a/61dac15ba8b414a7b72b27f596532fc8bea8a1d0/senate-backs-froman-as-next-trade-representative Senior White House economic adviser Michael Froman has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next U.S. trade representative. The Senate vote was 93-4 to confirm Froman to succeed Ron Kirk, the former Dallas mayor who resigned as trade representative in Feb.. Obama nominated Froman in May to be the administration's top trade negotiator. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:37:06 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/61dac15ba8b414a7b72b27f596532fc8bea8a1d0/senate-backs-froman-as-next-trade-representative http://www.unpartial.com/a/a516df1282161198ad47cdd5ef096d1bc8390957/house-votes-to-cut-food-stamps A wide-ranging farm bill the House is considering would cut food stamps by $2 billion a year and make it more difficult for some people to qualify for the domestic food aid program. Passage of the five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill could depend on the level of cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:30:22 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/a516df1282161198ad47cdd5ef096d1bc8390957/house-votes-to-cut-food-stamps http://www.unpartial.com/a/3b47d034f7f56507e53db1d0b4580f33a1f0bbe6/russia-could-stand-in-way-of-obamas-nuke-cuts Obama declared in Berlin on Wed. that he wants to cut the number of U.S. nuclear arms by another one-third, which would shrink the total to between 1,000 and 1,100 weapons. He said he'd "seek negotiated cuts" with Russia, an approach some nuclear disarmament advocates called a dead end. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:28:51 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/3b47d034f7f56507e53db1d0b4580f33a1f0bbe6/russia-could-stand-in-way-of-obamas-nuke-cuts http://www.unpartial.com/a/f9fcdba42727a9a8c2a73d766f4018dcc5fc05d7/mueller-urges-caution-on-nsa-program-changes FBI Director Robert Mueller on Wed. urged Congress to move carefully before making any changes that might restrict the National Security Agency programs for mass collection of people's phone records and information from the Internet. Mueller said the government would lose valuable time when it needed the records on an urgent basis. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:27:22 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/f9fcdba42727a9a8c2a73d766f4018dcc5fc05d7/mueller-urges-caution-on-nsa-program-changes http://www.unpartial.com/a/26b7c18e7d18be6ac21ca302ae3e9ec27a8e4f5f/obama-making-plans-to-tackle-global-warming Obama's energy and climate adviser, Heather Zichal, said Wed. the plan would boost energy efficiency of appliances and buildings, expand renewable energy and use the Environmental Protection Agency's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate heat-trapping pollution from coal-fired power plants. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:27:22 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/26b7c18e7d18be6ac21ca302ae3e9ec27a8e4f5f/obama-making-plans-to-tackle-global-warming http://www.unpartial.com/a/3c9769230c66dc1d73b9f4c276a23f43ff938af1/dem-senator-presses-pentagon-on-guantanamo-feeding The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee says she opposes the force-feeding of terror suspects at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is pressing the Pentagon to establish a more humane treatment. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:05:35 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/3c9769230c66dc1d73b9f4c276a23f43ff938af1/dem-senator-presses-pentagon-on-guantanamo-feeding http://www.unpartial.com/a/2d629d8ceeb5aa39f6c225d23ea28ef20f6ed25c/bill-could-reduce-illegal-immigration-25-percent Supporters of a far-reaching immigration bill in the Senate see fresh momentum from a report by the Congressional Budget Office that the measure would boost the economy and reduce federal deficits by billions of dollars. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:04:57 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/2d629d8ceeb5aa39f6c225d23ea28ef20f6ed25c/bill-could-reduce-illegal-immigration-25-percent http://www.unpartial.com/a/c08fb2823c90b7b1cd010d4bbd9eead527e9880a/biden-calls-for-dc-voting-rights-during-tribute The statue joins sculpted tributes to fellow black Americans Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Sojourner Truth on permanent display in the Capitol's Emancipation Hall. Boehner is calling the statue "a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Americans and voices for freedom who ever lived." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:52:13 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/c08fb2823c90b7b1cd010d4bbd9eead527e9880a/biden-calls-for-dc-voting-rights-during-tribute http://www.unpartial.com/a/682a0b3cbf80f034c4eab7cc402c90981e7e607c/oversight-board-concerned-about-nsa-surveillance The U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has operated fitfully during its eight years of low-profile existence, stymied by congressional infighting and, at times, censorship by government lawyers. Congress corrected that by making the board independent. The current board is a mix of civil libertarians and former government lawyers. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:44:57 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/682a0b3cbf80f034c4eab7cc402c90981e7e607c/oversight-board-concerned-about-nsa-surveillance http://www.unpartial.com/a/f5775d21ca50cb334f2cb4d46b4f1b8b0af0edbb/irs-draws-new-criticism-over-70m-employee-bonuses Sen. Chuck Grassley of IA says his office has learned that the IRS is executing an agreement with the employees' union on Wed. to pay the bonuses. Grassley says the bonuses should be canceled under an April directive from the White House budget office. It appears to have $70 million for union bonuses. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:40:24 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/f5775d21ca50cb334f2cb4d46b4f1b8b0af0edbb/irs-draws-new-criticism-over-70m-employee-bonuses http://www.unpartial.com/a/d26dd5e51342553a1d87b606362253d5a58f2d4c/bipartisan-proposal-on-student-loans-circulating A bipartisan group of senators is floating a proposal that would avoid the doubling of rates on student loans on Jul. 1. The potential breakthrough, after months of stalemate, could help students dodge an extra $1,000 each year in costs for loans taken for classes this fall. Party-line proposals on student loans failed in the Senate last week. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:25:52 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/d26dd5e51342553a1d87b606362253d5a58f2d4c/bipartisan-proposal-on-student-loans-circulating http://www.unpartial.com/a/d4074602cf46679286217233509e4a3149387e92/greek-coalition-talks-drag-on-to-end-tv-crisis Conservatives insist the public broadcaster will remain off the air until a more efficient state TV and radio network is set up." It's not acceptable for an elected government to fail to comply with a high court order," Gennimata told private Vima FM radio. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:20:02 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/d4074602cf46679286217233509e4a3149387e92/greek-coalition-talks-drag-on-to-end-tv-crisis http://www.unpartial.com/a/96a499e029911d65d71601d23400be57eae0bad4/kerry-calls-karzai-to-ease-anger-on-taliban-office Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:15:18 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/96a499e029911d65d71601d23400be57eae0bad4/kerry-calls-karzai-to-ease-anger-on-taliban-office http://www.unpartial.com/a/ceecbde65dec1806afc67f480e54005f0d457724/us-calls-out-china-russia-over-human-trafficking The U.S. is criticizing China and Russia for failing to meet minimum standards in fighting human trafficking, ranking them on a par with North Korea and Syria. The State Department downgraded China and Russia in rankings on how 188 governments around the world have performed in fighting the flesh trade and other forms of exploitative labor. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:49:00 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/ceecbde65dec1806afc67f480e54005f0d457724/us-calls-out-china-russia-over-human-trafficking http://www.unpartial.com/a/d537cb978a9750465139ea2bf1dc38aaa0bcbf1c/obama-urges-bold-nuclear-cuts-in-berlin-speech Five years and 50 years. Fifty years ago next week, President John F. Kennedy addressed a crowd of 450,000 in that then-divided city to denounce the Soviet bloc and famously declare "Ich bin ein Berliner," German for "I am a Berliner." The official insisted on anonymity in order to preview the issue before the president's speech. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:19:31 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/d537cb978a9750465139ea2bf1dc38aaa0bcbf1c/obama-urges-bold-nuclear-cuts-in-berlin-speech http://www.unpartial.com/a/2a05980b4a98526761a64e37e61b43619f66ab8d/pruitt-doj-broke-rules-in-phone-records-seizure The head of The Associated Press says the Justice Department violated its own rules when it secretly seized records for thousands of phone calls to and from AP journalists as part of a leak investigation. He said the seizure has stifled trusted sources not just for AP reporters but for other news organizations, too. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:00:39 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/2a05980b4a98526761a64e37e61b43619f66ab8d/pruitt-doj-broke-rules-in-phone-records-seizure http://www.unpartial.com/a/bafa6e21c3c15675b4096bfeec858b1b17677d40/banks-fall-short-in-helping-struggling-homeowners Joseph A. Smith, the independent monitor of last year's national mortgage settlement, said Wed. that while the banks are doing a better job complying with new mortgage servicing rules, more needs to be done. The settlement helped close a difficult chapter of the financial crisis when home values sank and millions edged toward foreclosure. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:41:00 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/bafa6e21c3c15675b4096bfeec858b1b17677d40/banks-fall-short-in-helping-struggling-homeowners http://www.unpartial.com/a/c8093b58314b085f746af41fa338fdc90dacde05/house-panel-starts-rewrite-of-no-child-left-behind House lawmakers are beginning work on a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind education law that would give states more authority and WA less. Duncan has given 37 states and the District of Columbia permission to ignore parts of No Child Left Behind in exchange for detailed school improvement plans. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:48:04 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/c8093b58314b085f746af41fa338fdc90dacde05/house-panel-starts-rewrite-of-no-child-left-behind http://www.unpartial.com/a/29372d3319ffbc274ca06f5cec55f7eaa5a5034b/world-powers-to-meet-on-syrian-rebel-demands World powers will meet this weekend in Qatar to decide on how to answer a list of requests for help from Syrian rebels, a French diplomat said Wed.. The U.S. decided last week to send arms to the rebels, and UK and France have stressed the need to level the playing field for the rebels against Syria's military. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:33:36 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/29372d3319ffbc274ca06f5cec55f7eaa5a5034b/world-powers-to-meet-on-syrian-rebel-demands http://www.unpartial.com/a/632263b8e902770bad816642aee50195b8224fb8/gop-targets-high-speed-rail-transportation-grants House Republicans are pushing to eliminate money for high-speed rail and a popular grant program for transportation projects. Republicans also are trying to cope with stiff defense cuts by shifting money from domestic programs to the Pentagon. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:29:54 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/632263b8e902770bad816642aee50195b8224fb8/gop-targets-high-speed-rail-transportation-grants http://www.unpartial.com/a/6bf76362ae98aae4676608c98945db9de27c8350/mueller-urges-caution-on-nsa-program-changes Mueller said communications capabilities of terrorists are their weakest link." If we're to prevent terrorist attacks, we have to know and be in their communications," said Mueller." Are you going to take the dots off the table, make it unavailable to you when you're trying to prevent the next terrorist attack? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:08:59 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/6bf76362ae98aae4676608c98945db9de27c8350/mueller-urges-caution-on-nsa-program-changes http://www.unpartial.com/a/4c4483f15dc96cd247a9c6f72919f52cee80673d/vp-biden-pays-tribute-to-civil-rights-leader Vice President Joe Biden is hailing Frederick Douglass for his work to bring about equal justice, leading a series of tributes at the unveiling of a statue of the 19th-century orator and writer. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:24:26 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/4c4483f15dc96cd247a9c6f72919f52cee80673d/vp-biden-pays-tribute-to-civil-rights-leader http://www.unpartial.com/a/c01c2bb755b311e2fc89249c86837bdeaaadcf8f/mueller-fbi-uses-drones-but-very-seldom FBI Director Robert Mueller (MULL-er) says the law enforcement agency uses drones for surveillance but does so rarely. The aerospace industry forecasts a worldwide deployment of almost 30,000 drones by 2018, with the US accounting for half of them. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:44:44 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/c01c2bb755b311e2fc89249c86837bdeaaadcf8f/mueller-fbi-uses-drones-but-very-seldom http://www.unpartial.com/a/46c481624b13619abcc86f86d42fe67455cc6b04/obama-warns-eu-over-high-youth-unemployment Unemployment in the eurozone has shot up to a record 12 percent overall. Obama -- speaking alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has championed Europe's focus on budget cuts and structural reforms -- says if youth unemployment goes high it's necessary to "modulate" the approach to "ensure that we don't just lose a generation." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:31:42 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/46c481624b13619abcc86f86d42fe67455cc6b04/obama-warns-eu-over-high-youth-unemployment http://www.unpartial.com/a/3a9696735fe38db1bd8fea7e335caaaeec655efa/comparison-of-mass-protests-in-brazil-and-turkey The crackdown energized more people to join the protests. ___ WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS? On Tues. night, around 50,000 people massed for a protest in Sao Paulo. The previous night, protests across Brazil drew about 240,000 people. A new form of peaceful resistance is now spreading through Turkey, with people standing motionless in a symbolic protest. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:18:06 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/3a9696735fe38db1bd8fea7e335caaaeec655efa/comparison-of-mass-protests-in-brazil-and-turkey http://www.unpartial.com/a/6079df474d192f65bf492f13f34d39bc19996890/republican-sen-murkowski-supports-gay-marriage AK Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she now supports gay marriage, becoming the third Senate Republican to do so. Two other GOP senators -- Mark Kirk of IL and Rob Portman of OH -- previously announced their support for gay marriage. Forty-nine Democratic senators and two independents senators also back gay marriage. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:17:49 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/6079df474d192f65bf492f13f34d39bc19996890/republican-sen-murkowski-supports-gay-marriage http://www.unpartial.com/a/2b9ff0e4884167bf9c624834b1e1fc1007f34516/senators-seek-cost-cuts-for-f-35-fighter-jet Senators are seeking cost-cutting opportunities in the Pentagon's $400 billion program for the next-generation F-35, a fighter jet with a troubled testing record that military leaders say America can't afford not to build. Kendall said no one is considering stopping the program. It's the Pentagon's priciest weapons program ever. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:11:11 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/2b9ff0e4884167bf9c624834b1e1fc1007f34516/senators-seek-cost-cuts-for-f-35-fighter-jet http://www.unpartial.com/a/f0d3a8a43aea6599a922a53224a5df3c8cfefebb/kerry-to-address-top-world-issues-on-upcoming-trip Secretary of State John Kerry leaves Fri. to visit seven countries on a trip focusing on global issues such as the Syrian crisis, Middle East peace and the West's standoffs with Iran and North Korea over their nuclear programs. His return trip to the region was postponed because of meetings on Syria. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:04:04 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/f0d3a8a43aea6599a922a53224a5df3c8cfefebb/kerry-to-address-top-world-issues-on-upcoming-trip http://www.unpartial.com/a/cddc9ab6e755e170ef6b4921dfb7769df50d1fd5/obama-calls-for-reduction-of-worlds-nuclear-stockpiles-including-negotiated-cuts-with-russia Obama calls for reduction of world's nuclear stockpiles, including negotiated cuts with Russia Obama calls for reduction of world's nuclear stockpiles, including negotiated cuts with Russia. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:50:46 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/cddc9ab6e755e170ef6b4921dfb7769df50d1fd5/obama-calls-for-reduction-of-worlds-nuclear-stockpiles-including-negotiated-cuts-with-russia http://www.unpartial.com/a/e1b3b834698a63b781abcd8b35159651c8ebd454/president-obama-lives-have-been-saved-by-surveillance-programs-at-least-50-threats-averted President Obama: "Lives have been saved" by surveillance programs, at least 50 threats averted President Obama: "Lives have been saved" by surveillance programs, at least 50 threats averted. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:09:27 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/e1b3b834698a63b781abcd8b35159651c8ebd454/president-obama-lives-have-been-saved-by-surveillance-programs-at-least-50-threats-averted http://www.unpartial.com/a/c10bcb704bc23167e1a6abed28e8c4c96403a3ef/social-issues-still-fire-up-gop-despite-2012-loss House Republicans flexed their cultural and conservative muscles Tues., passing the most restrictive abortion measure in years. During Tues.'s House debate on abortion, Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., asked to bring up a student loan bill instead." She said she covets the day when abortion is "absolutely unthinkable." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:36:53 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/c10bcb704bc23167e1a6abed28e8c4c96403a3ef/social-issues-still-fire-up-gop-despite-2012-loss http://www.unpartial.com/a/ac11aa32989baa04d51b484bbf717c0faa80879a/rural-lawmakers-push-for-farm-bill-votes-in-house The legislation would cut $2 billion a year from food stamps while raising subsidies for several crops. Many Republicans are seeking bigger cuts in the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program, and they say they'll vote against the measure. Democratic support is equally shaky, with liberals rallying against the food stamp cuts in the bill. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:41:51 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/ac11aa32989baa04d51b484bbf717c0faa80879a/rural-lawmakers-push-for-farm-bill-votes-in-house http://www.unpartial.com/a/a61b1ebe9528b47526cc908d9a9a8265c16b68f7/nsa-director-says-plot-against-wall-street-foiled The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee says it appears the much-criticized national electronic surveillance program foiled "dozens" of terrorist plots. Rogers tells NBC's "Today" show that lawmakers "know there are dozens" of terrorist plots thwarted by the NSA program. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:23:08 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/a61b1ebe9528b47526cc908d9a9a8265c16b68f7/nsa-director-says-plot-against-wall-street-foiled http://www.unpartial.com/a/b107a6eacb785f4a32093d852b6e2d81e8436c49/govt-report-smooth-launch-unsure-for-health-law Whether (the administration's) contingency planning will assure the timely and smooth implementation of the exchanges by Oct. 2013 can't yet be determined," the report concluded. The administration is taking the lead in setting up the markets in 34 states, the report said -- a heavy lift unforeseen when the law was passed. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:15:12 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/b107a6eacb785f4a32093d852b6e2d81e8436c49/govt-report-smooth-launch-unsure-for-health-law http://www.unpartial.com/a/1a9085144348c8307ee55fb242ca195f56e425ca/cbo-senate-immigration-bill-would-help-economy Border security also is at issue in the Democratic-led Senate, where senators have been jousting over how to strengthen the provisions in a far-reaching bill being considered on the floor this week to remake the nation's immigration laws. Our effort is to get good legislation that truly secures the border," Hoeven said." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:53:37 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/1a9085144348c8307ee55fb242ca195f56e425ca/cbo-senate-immigration-bill-would-help-economy http://www.unpartial.com/a/4db8335e796e51d80db2068c5a4677c8eef3b969/house-committee-approves-tough-enforcement-focused-immigration-bill-over-democratic-objections House committee approves tough enforcement-focused immigration bill over Democratic objections House committee approves tough enforcement-focused immigration bill over Democratic objections. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:48:18 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/4db8335e796e51d80db2068c5a4677c8eef3b969/house-committee-approves-tough-enforcement-focused-immigration-bill-over-democratic-objections http://www.unpartial.com/a/722befcfe50a5325ed7f0e1a5465b09619139145/house-passes-far-reaching-anti-abortion-bill Anti-abortion groups said the House bill and other state laws, which ban abortion 20 weeks after gestation, is equal to 22 weeks of pregnancy. Jobs continue to be our number one concern," House Speaker John Boehner, R-OH, said last week when asked about the abortion bill. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:38:12 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/722befcfe50a5325ed7f0e1a5465b09619139145/house-passes-far-reaching-anti-abortion-bill http://www.unpartial.com/a/15d9007f3ea64eeac446ddfc57fbc6971f9121c8/irs-worker-no-political-bias-against-tea-party A Democratic congressman has released the full transcript of congressional investigators' interview with an Internal Revenue Service manager and self-described conservative Republican who said the close scrutiny of tea party groups' tax forms originated in his Cincinnati IRS office, not in WA. MD Rep. Elijah Cummings released the transcript. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:17:59 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/15d9007f3ea64eeac446ddfc57fbc6971f9121c8/irs-worker-no-political-bias-against-tea-party http://www.unpartial.com/a/3655232ef6a81805922c51a57e623dee8c33ca51/military-plans-would-put-women-in-most-combat-jobs Military leaders are ready to begin tearing down the remaining walls that have prevented women from holding thousands of combat and special operations jobs near the front lines. The Jan. order lifted the last barrier to women serving in combat, but allows the services to argue to keep some jobs closed. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:05:39 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/3655232ef6a81805922c51a57e623dee8c33ca51/military-plans-would-put-women-in-most-combat-jobs http://www.unpartial.com/a/35c523f769d02cceec7c008b0a57b36409367b76/ap-sources-4-us-troops-killed-in-afghanistan Defense officials say four U.S. troops were killed Tues. at or near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The transition to Afghan-led security means U.S. and other foreign combat troops will not be directly carrying the fight to the insurgency, but will advise and back up the Afghan forces as needed with air support and medical evacuations. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:59:10 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/35c523f769d02cceec7c008b0a57b36409367b76/ap-sources-4-us-troops-killed-in-afghanistan http://www.unpartial.com/a/0c2daa6f6e63fa7d2d2cb09c02a2168ccdb310fb/google-asks-fisa-court-to-lift-gag-order Google on Tues. sharply challenged the federal government's gag order on its Internet surveillance program, citing what it described as a First Amendment right to divulge how many requests it receives from the government for data about its customers in the name of national security. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:53:33 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/0c2daa6f6e63fa7d2d2cb09c02a2168ccdb310fb/google-asks-fisa-court-to-lift-gag-order http://www.unpartial.com/a/f537f32c35aae21cd570b9db60b08930ec560af9/military-women-moving-into-jobs-closer-to-combat 1948 -- Law passed making women a permanent part of the U.S. military services. 1990-91 -- Some 40,000 American military women are deployed during the Gulf War operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Military services begin studies to determine how and when to bring women into all jobs, probably including in at least some commando units. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:12:09 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/f537f32c35aae21cd570b9db60b08930ec560af9/military-women-moving-into-jobs-closer-to-combat http://www.unpartial.com/a/e49f9d75474e97c83f8f5ddb4dcfa68ed758310c/senators-to-obama-arming-syrian-rebels-not-enough A bipartisan trio of key senators is demanding that President Barack Obama take more decisive action to stem the military advance by Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces. The senators say the U.S. should consider targeting regime airfields, runways and aircraft, and help rebels establish safe zones in Syria. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:44:57 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/e49f9d75474e97c83f8f5ddb4dcfa68ed758310c/senators-to-obama-arming-syrian-rebels-not-enough http://www.unpartial.com/a/cab7f73fea96773cf43dbb7b7f3069c22bbb42dc/education-dept-offers-more-time-to-reach-goals Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Tues. sent letters to school chiefs telling them that they could apply to take another year to start using test results to evaluate teachers. That means some states could delay linking students' test results with decisions to hire or fire teachers until the 2016 school year. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:38:16 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/cab7f73fea96773cf43dbb7b7f3069c22bbb42dc/education-dept-offers-more-time-to-reach-goals http://www.unpartial.com/a/bc6abb0cacca24a1b8eb1fcb4ac36a92430b9a7a/what-it-takes-to-become-an-army-ranger Ranger school also includes an obstacle course, a phase that includes 20 days and nights in the mountains and a third phase that covers small boat operations and abilities needed to survive in a jungle and swamp environment. A typical soldier may lose 20-30 pounds during the course. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:37:06 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/bc6abb0cacca24a1b8eb1fcb4ac36a92430b9a7a/what-it-takes-to-become-an-army-ranger http://www.unpartial.com/a/09ae10d1dfd1c1ef8ecee5ba77550aeb9cf5b5f9/cbo-senate-immigration-bill-cuts-deficits-by-197b-over-10-years-700b-in-next-10 CBO: Senate immigration bill cuts deficits by $197B over 10 years, $700B in next 10 CBO: Senate immigration bill cuts deficits by $197B over 10 years, $700B in next 10. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:19:55 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/09ae10d1dfd1c1ef8ecee5ba77550aeb9cf5b5f9/cbo-senate-immigration-bill-cuts-deficits-by-197b-over-10-years-700b-in-next-10 http://www.unpartial.com/a/c589580a563d33a50660d3f21ea6fa05967930c5/us-military-deaths-in-afghanistan-at-2103 As of Tues., June 18, 2013, at least 2,103 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count. Outside of Afghanistan, the department reports at least 124 more members of the U.S. military died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:12:47 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/c589580a563d33a50660d3f21ea6fa05967930c5/us-military-deaths-in-afghanistan-at-2103 http://www.unpartial.com/a/7a791be8b3d8ed8b353b5d33b3cacd59be5784da/study-finds-housing-bias-against-same-sex-couples A new study finds that same-sex couples are treated less favorably than heterosexual couples when seeking information about rental housing advertised online. It finds that gay and lesbian couples are less likely to receive a favorable response to email inquiries about rental properties than straight couples. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:11:26 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/7a791be8b3d8ed8b353b5d33b3cacd59be5784da/study-finds-housing-bias-against-same-sex-couples http://www.unpartial.com/a/2bc1fe553c6079c20d48937f36ad35b2dc22862d/cbo-about-8-million-would-gain-legal-status-under-senate-immigration-bill CBO: About 8 million would gain legal status under Senate immigration bill CBO: About 8 million would gain legal status under Senate immigration bill . Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:07:39 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/2bc1fe553c6079c20d48937f36ad35b2dc22862d/cbo-about-8-million-would-gain-legal-status-under-senate-immigration-bill http://www.unpartial.com/a/76eec2bad397b347b4a4ce14f70c0f6b6c7df04f/house-senate-on-diverging-paths-on-agency-budgets Senate Democrats were pressing to restore deep cuts to domestic programs like education, housing, health research and a variety of other programs despite agency budget "caps" more than $90 billion below the $967 billion level set under current law. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:59:35 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/76eec2bad397b347b4a4ce14f70c0f6b6c7df04f/house-senate-on-diverging-paths-on-agency-budgets http://www.unpartial.com/a/1c5833b6edaedd470d37621496b5330452ed2d6b/g-8-seeks-unity-on-syrian-peace-talks-tax-evasion The declaration at the end of the two-day Group of Eight summit Tues. seeks to narrow the ground between Russia and Western leaders on starting peace talks in Geneva that could end with the ouster of Bashar Assad from power. Tues.'s G-8 declaration says participants in any peace talks must agree to expel al-Qaida-linked fighters from Syria. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:47:45 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/1c5833b6edaedd470d37621496b5330452ed2d6b/g-8-seeks-unity-on-syrian-peace-talks-tax-evasion http://www.unpartial.com/a/3fddc1886caea79ddce1eac564dac5ea44b47fad/mccaskill-endorses-ready-for-hillary-group MO Sen. Claire McCaskill says she's supporting a super political action committee encouraging Hillary Rodham Clinton to run for president in 2016. McCaskill was an early supporter of Barack Obama when he was running for president in 2008. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:26:30 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/3fddc1886caea79ddce1eac564dac5ea44b47fad/mccaskill-endorses-ready-for-hillary-group http://www.unpartial.com/a/03741a37a10a9963ec0bb7b185d19af94f4df3f9/report-too-many-teachers-too-little-quality The nation's teacher-training programs don't adequately prepare would-be educators for the classroom, as they produce almost triple the number of graduates needed. The National Council on Teacher Quality review is a scathing assessment of colleges' education programs and their admission standards, training and value. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:14:44 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/03741a37a10a9963ec0bb7b185d19af94f4df3f9/report-too-many-teachers-too-little-quality http://www.unpartial.com/a/f44409a59d8fd0873d116c4b036f29d32b650830/the-ins-and-outs-of-g-8-summit-promises ___ SYRIA'S WAR The G-8 united behind a U.S.-Russian proposal for a peace conference. ___ TAX DODGING Leaders agreed in principle to move to stop international corporations from taking aggressive steps to shift business addresses and the reporting of profits across borders "to low-tax jurisdictions." Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:52:32 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/f44409a59d8fd0873d116c4b036f29d32b650830/the-ins-and-outs-of-g-8-summit-promises http://www.unpartial.com/a/32deb1b251015a2b76cc3d0a64bb5ca28bcf259c/biden-vows-to-beat-the-gun-lobby-and-pass-laws Vice President Joe Biden was announcing Tues. that the administration has completed or significantly advanced 21 of the 23 executive actions that Obama ordered in Jan. in response to the CT elementary school shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six staff members. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:31:14 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/32deb1b251015a2b76cc3d0a64bb5ca28bcf259c/biden-vows-to-beat-the-gun-lobby-and-pass-laws http://www.unpartial.com/a/8c8443eba5c392efab3a222952a5b3d6c815cfc5/a-look-at-us-taliban-relations Word that the Taliban and U.S. will hold formal talks to find a political solution to end nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan comes after years of failed efforts at peace talks. Led by Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Afghan Taliban sheltered Osama bin Laden in the years leading up to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:13:44 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/8c8443eba5c392efab3a222952a5b3d6c815cfc5/a-look-at-us-taliban-relations http://www.unpartial.com/a/91b20ad4a718bd08d98e0ca106c662bccbdf344c/civil-rights-groups-sue-nypd-over-muslim-spying Civil rights lawyers say they plan to ask a federal judge to declare the NY Police Department's spying programs directed at Muslims to be unconstitutional, and to order police to stop their surveillance and destroy any records in police files. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:46:17 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/91b20ad4a718bd08d98e0ca106c662bccbdf344c/civil-rights-groups-sue-nypd-over-muslim-spying http://www.unpartial.com/a/394aa88fbe917a825432963a7f262b0a19400a54/officials-kerry-taps-ex-senator-for-africa-post Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:16:19 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/394aa88fbe917a825432963a7f262b0a19400a54/officials-kerry-taps-ex-senator-for-africa-post http://www.unpartial.com/a/fbaf3f937503b5cfa4e14188a45fa3a7a71b2de3/judge-urges-new-approach-for-gitmo-detainee-cases A federal appeals court judge says it's time for the president and Congress to consider a different approach to the handling of detainees at the Guantanamo Bay prison. In the majority opinion, Judge Thomas Griffith wrote that the detainee was properly detained because he was likely part of an enemy force when he was captured in 2002. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:23:09 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/fbaf3f937503b5cfa4e14188a45fa3a7a71b2de3/judge-urges-new-approach-for-gitmo-detainee-cases http://www.unpartial.com/a/4b70a26737850277955480bed8a0bc5c1c36f98c/booker-encounters-bumps-on-possible-path-to-senate Newark Mayor Cory Booker is the favorite to win a fast-paced race for U.S. Senate set off by the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg this month. This isn't the race Booker expected to run. The charismatic leader planned to campaign a year from now, when the seat would be open as Lautenberg retired. The campaign will be run over nine weeks. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:20:45 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/4b70a26737850277955480bed8a0bc5c1c36f98c/booker-encounters-bumps-on-possible-path-to-senate http://www.unpartial.com/a/b334a9ecb799c57efe3fff0a3f8f56d22e6ce309/obama-focuses-on-agreement-after-hollande-meeting He's not publicly mentioning their current differing positions over whether to arm rebels. Obama said the two leaders agree on the need to build a strong opposition that can function after Syrian leader Bashar Assad is removed from power. Obama reluctantly agreed to send arms to opposition forces last week. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:38:00 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/b334a9ecb799c57efe3fff0a3f8f56d22e6ce309/obama-focuses-on-agreement-after-hollande-meeting http://www.unpartial.com/a/6a2b15e78376c138ecd86617469933ce81528c9d/boehner-senate-bill-weak-on-border-security House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) says any immigration bill passing the House ought to have support from a majority of both Republicans and Democrats. Speaking to reporters on Tues., Boehner criticized a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, saying it is weak on border security. Senate Democratic leaders hope to pass a bill by Jul. 4. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:10:36 GMT http://www.unpartial.com/a/6a2b15e78376c138ecd86617469933ce81528c9d/boehner-senate-bill-weak-on-border-security