Busy News Week
To state the obvious, it’s been a “breaking news” type of week. Here in D.C., the Washington Post is still reporting on the cause of Monday’s terrible Metro train crash that killed nine people, but other events have pushed it below the fold. Iranians continued to protest amid a reported government clamp down. Midweek got plainly weird and sent political types atwitter with expectation before a rogue governor’s press conference and into speculative overdrive after. Today brought news of two tragic deaths: of an iconic pop star and of an iconic pinup. What did I miss? Oh, yes, Ed McMahon died. And you can’t strip search students.
As sobering as all this is, it’s worth noting some other events still unfolding on the policy front this week. The House is, as I post this, on the floor debating H.R.2454, the American Clean Energy & Security Act, a measure designed to reduce global warming. A close vote is expected today. It will be interesting to see if this drives action in the Senate or causes that August body to drop the issue just to spite the House.
On the health care front, also via WaPO, the Senate Finance committee has apparently made some progress on its side of the bill. There’s plenty of time for that to fall apart. Meanwhile, watch a video archive of today’s National Institute For Health Care Management forum on the issue.
And, German Chancellor popped by the White House for a visit. My guess is the Obamas will still be serving hot dogs, not German sausage, on the Fourth. (I know there are disagreements, but does she always have to look so dour? Just sayin.)