Clinton and Sanders debates and attacks intensify
Last night’s democratic debate was rather tense as the two remaining candidates, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, have begun to more aggressively attack each other. Senator Sanders has frequently criticized Clinton’s campaign finance ties to Wall Street, and yesterday the former Secretary of State responded claiming Sanders’ criticism “was a very artful smear.” Hillary Clinton also stated, “There is this attack he [Senator Sanders] is putting out, which really comes down to anyone who took donations or speaking fees from any interest group has to be bought.” However, Sanders maintained his position that Clinton’s super PAC is funded by Wall Street interests later in the night. The New Hampshire primaries are on Tuesday.
NATIONAL
Senate Democrats block energy measure in dispute over Flint crisis
After a $600 million amendment to address the Flint water crisis failed, Senate Democrats retaliated and blocked a comprehensive energy measure, which had received bipartisan support. This bill was the first major piece of energy legislation to make it to the Senate floor. It included plans to modernize the U.S. power grid, expand renewable energy production and increase the export of natural gas. After Senate Republicans would not allow a floor vote for a Flint aid package unless there were budget cuts elsewhere, many Senate Democrats voted against the energy legislation. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell stated, “Hopefully, we’ll be able to salvage this important piece of bipartisan legislation in the next few days.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Serial burglar is caught in the District
After beginning their search earlier this week, District of Columbia police have caught Thomas Collodel, a man they have linked to several burglaries between late December and mid-January. Police have stated their investigation was helped when Collodel broke into an apartment complex and logged into his Twitter account at the concierge desk. Investigators said the pictures on the logged in Twitter matched the man in the surveillance footage from the prior burglaries, and from there they identified their suspect. Collodel’s arrest was described as a violent struggle which left two officers injured.
VIRGINIA
Virginia approves transgender school bathroom legislation
A Virginia legislative panel has approved a bill that would mandate all students to use the bathroom matching their biological sex. This bill will require Virginia school systems to adopt policies which will prevent transgender students from using the bathroom of the sex they identify with. The House General Laws Subcommittee endorsed the bill yesterday. Opponents have said transgender students should be able to use the bathroom of their choice, and supporters have claimed this is a common sense measure which will address many concerns of parents.
MARYLAND
Maryland couple charged with wrapping child in plastic wrap
A Maryland couple has been charged for restraining their 7-year old child in plastic wrap from shoulders to knees at bedtime for months. The couple, Nicole Williams and Craig Anthony, were charged with first degree child abuse, and are due for a hearing in the federal circuit court on February 14th. The 7-year old child was admitted to the hospital, and records state he had severe bruises, cuts, scrapes and muscle damage. Complete information on this case is not yet available to the public.
Quinippiac Polls Courtesy of Realclearpolitics.com
REPUBLICAN NOMINATION:
Trump: 31%
Cruz: 22%
Rubio: 19%
Carson: 6%
Bush: 3%
Christie: 3%
Kasich: 3%
DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION:
Clinton: 44%
Sanders: 42%
Washington Capitals: 2/4/16 Washington Capitals 3 v. NY Islanders 2
Washington Redskins: End of Season
Washington Nationals: End of Season
Washington Mystics:End of Season
“Without ambition one starts with nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you, you have to win it.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson