WEEK OF FEB 12th – NEWS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThis week in the news has been clouded with a few major stories that have been taking the forefront. First as good news, this past Friday the Senate and House of Representatives signed an agreement to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while also avoiding a Medicare fee cut for doctors for the remainder of 2012. It was unanimously passed. This is all part of President Obama’s economic recovery plan and amounts to almost a $100 billion payroll tax cut. American workers will continue to pay in 4.2% instead of 6.2% to Social Security on the first $110,100 of their wages.
Iran is still creating political unrest. The United States believes that it is premature to start talks of a military strike against Iran and if Israel were to attack, it would be counterproductive. It is not 100% known if Iran is truly continuing with nuclear production. Harsh words go back and forth between Iran and Israel. Israel feels that the country is a viable threat. Iran needs to disprove the allegation that they are carrying out weapon related research. U.S. and European sanctions are squeezing Iran’s economy, driving down its currency and driving up consumer prices. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is confident that accelerating the pace of sanctions would force Tehran into nuclear talks. Iran seems to be open to this plan. However, news has spread that Iran’s oil ministry has stopped crude exports to British and French companies. We will see what the next move might be.
A suicide attack on the U.S. Capitol has been thwarted. On Friday, a 29-year-old Moroccan man was arrested and charged with attempting to bomb the U.S. Capitol. Suspect Amine El Khalifi could face life in prison. He was arrested as he entered a parking garage near the Capitol and received what looked to be a vest with explosives and a firearm. He has been in the United States illegally. An investigation has been underway and the FBI have been involved.
The GOP Candidates are heavy on the campaign trail and concentrating on specific states in preparation for Super Tuesday.
The week ended on a most somber note as singing sensation superstar, Whitney Houston, was laid to rest and buried next to her father in Westfield, New Jersey. On Saturday, the funeral was held which glorified her celebrated life of talent and tribulations. Her everlasting beauty and kindness captivated all that she touched in her lifetime. The invitation-only funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. There were so many touching moments and meaningful eulogies given by dear friends and family such as Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, Tyler Perry and Patricia Houston. R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys were a few of the performers that sang their hearts out as a way to express their love for the Queen of Music. We will forever remember what a special lady that Whitney was and how many lives she has touched throughout her short time on this earth. At the conclusion of the service, Houston’s iconic recording of “I Will Always Love You” was played as her coffin was removed from the sanctuary.
And so the news ends for yet another week as we inch closer to March……
PHOTOS COURTESY OF A/P, GETTY IMAGES
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