News of the week
Here are the top news stories from the past week:
- The Supreme Court on Thursday issued its ruling on President Barack Obama's health care law, largely backing it, including upholding the individual mandate, which requires that all Americans have health insurance. The ruling lets many aspects of the Affordable Care Act that might affect you go into effect, including a penalty for those who don’t have health insurance, beginning in 2014. Children up to age 26 will be allowed to stay on their parents’ health insurance also. Read more about what the Supreme Court ruling means.
- The House and Senate both approved a bill that provides funding for transportation and keeps the interest rate low on federal student loans. The student loan rate would have doubled had the bill not been approved.
- "These were Republicans down in Colorado Springs who were saying, 'Yes, this is what the community needs now, so the president should demonstrate the country supports them.'" – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, talking about President Barack Obama’s visit Friday to fire-ravaged areas near Colorado Springs. There were some grumblings that the president was visiting, but politicians largely welcomed the visit. Obama also declared the location a disaster area, and federal aid is expected. Also Friday, it was reported that one person had died in the fires, and another was missing.
- "What the Republicans are doing with this motion ... is contemptible. This is something that makes a witch hunt look like a day at the beach. It is (the) railroading of a resolution that is unsubstantiated by the facts, based on a false premise." – Democrat Nancy Pelosi. "In the real world Americans are expected to comply with subpoenas. Is the attorney general any different? No he is not. The attorney general can stonewall all he wants. The attorney general can misremember all he wants. But whether he likes it or not, today responsibility will land on his desk." – Republican Dennis Ross. Both were reacting a the vote by the House of Representatives on Thursday that held Attorney General Eric Holder in criminal contempt of Congress. The vote was held over Holder’s refusal to turn over documents related to the “Fast and Furious” case, documents that President Barack Obama claimed executive privilege on, and many Democrats were upset with the vote and walked off the floor during the vote. Holder’s case now goes to District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen, who will decide whether or not to file charges.
- "There were people's homes burned to the ground. It was surreal. There's no question, it's serious. It's as serious as it gets." – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, talking about the Waldo Canyon Fire, a wildfire near Colorado Springs that has forced about 32,000 people to flee their homes. The fire doubled in size overnight Tuesday, and violent storms Wednesday aren’t helping. This fire is one of seven now burning in hot, dry Colorado.
- Google on Wednesday announced the release of its Nexus 7 tablet and made it available for pre-order immediately through Google Play. The Nexus 7 is a 7-inch tablet that will be priced at $199, the same price as the Kindle Fire. And in other tablet news, a judge ruled that Samsung must stop selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 because of a motion from Apple that the device infringes on an Apple patent. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 II is not affected by this ruling.
- "Once the child has been taken out of harm's way, then really the story just begins at that point. That's where the real work starts, where we have to call upon the community, various social welfare agencies, our own office of victim assistance has to work with each child on an individual basis to see what their requirements are. This is a very difficult task. These children are very damaged -- very harmed, and they need a great deal of help -- it's really taxing the social welfare agencies and it's something that, going forward, we need to pay particular attention to." - FBI Acting Executive Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, talking about a countrywide sweep that rescued 79 underage prostitutes. Operation Cross Country 6 also resulted in the arrest of 104 accused pimps, officials said.
- The famous clock tower in London known as Big Ben will soon get a new name – it will be renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee. No one is exactly sure how the tower got the Big Ben name, although two theories exist: That it was in honor of Benjamin Hall or Ben Caunt.
- "The national government has significant power to regulate immigration. Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the state may not pursue policies that undermined federal law." - Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing the majority opinion on the Supreme Court case challenging Arizona’s immigration law. The court struck down most of the law but upheld a provision that allows police to ask for proof of a person’s citizenship. Both sides of the issue are calling the ruling a victory.
Video of the week: Youth hockey coach arrested for allegedly tripping player
Mounties are investigating allegations that a youth hockey coach tripped a player as opposing teams were shaking hands after a recent tournament game in Vancouver. UBC Hornets coach Martin Tremblay claims it was an accident, but he was arrested and assault charges are pending. One of the players injured his arms and wrist when he hit the ice.
GateHouse News Service