by Lowell
Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Friday, February 2.
- Editorial: The Republican Plot Against the F.B.I.
- In Trump vs. the F.B.I., Trump Will Lose
- Cohen: Trump’s Corruption of the American Republic
- With Memo, Nunes Now Seen as Hero of the Hard Right (That says it all right there.)
- Devin Nunes’ “release the memo” saga is a transparent farce, but it’s working
- Study confirms carbon pollution has ended the era of stable climate (“We have rapidly warmed past the warmest periods of the last 11,000 years.”)
- Krugman: The Gang That Couldn’t Think Straight (“The point is that even at the Fed, which is partly insulated from the Trumpian reign of error, U.S. policymaking is being denuded of expertise. And the whole nation will eventually pay the price.”)
- Trump Will Not Block Release of House G.O.P. Memo on F.B.I.
- “Unprecedented”: 9 historians on why Trump’s war with the FBI is so stunning (“I can’t think of a single time any president has done anything like this.” Another American norm down the drain.)
- Republicans give up on Obamacare repeal (“Most GOP lawmakers aren’t interested in another failed effort to gut the health law in an election year.”)
- White House worried FBI director could quit over Nunes memo release
- How the GOP Went Crazy (“The conspiracy-nut wing has long been at the fringes of Republican politics. Here’s how it took over.”)
- Russia probe lawyers think Mueller could indict Trump (“Many legal scholars doubt a U.S. vs. Trump case is possible, but two attorneys who have dealt with special counsel Robert Mueller’s team disagree. One expects Mueller to move as early as this spring.”)
- FBI memo firestorm engulfs GOP retreat (“Republicans wanted to tout their accomplishments and agenda. Instead, all they got asked about what was Devin Nunes’ memo.” What accomplishments?)
- Lawyers for Rick Gates withdraw from Russia case (“While Gates’ shift in legal strategy was a surprise, speculation had been mounting that the longtime GOP operative might be seeking to cooperate with the Mueller investigation.”)
- Rising White House fear: Nunes memo is a dud
- Trump has picked a fight with the FBI. He’ll be sorry. (“The president and his minions can’t out-leak the bureau.”)
- During speech at GOP retreat, Trump uses white nationalist talking point about Dreamers (“Some people call it Dreamers — it’s not Dreamers, don’t fall into that trap.”)
- 5 seconds that tell you everything you need to know about Paul Ryan (“Asked if he’s concerned about the politicization of the FBI, Ryan talks about tax cuts.”)
- Trump’s tax cuts are rocketing us into the debt ceiling (Republicans are the party of an exploding deficit and national debt. If you want the party of fiscal responsibility, vote Democratic.)
- A process that tarnishes the House (“The handling of the Nunes memo is a new low in congressional oversight of intelligence.”)
- Furor grows over Nunes intel memo
- Trump incorrectly calls his SOTU address most watched in history (Trump really loves lying about the size of his…whatevers. LOL)
- Even on his finest behavior, Trump can’t be gracious to immigrants (“His language about the border is borderline eugenic.”)
- The apocalyptic vision behind Mike Pence’s Holocaust comments (“Pence’s tweet reflected a religious worldview that raises questions about his influence over policy.” In some ways, Pence is more disturbing than even Trump!)
- Amid low morale, highest-ranked career official at State to step down (Yep, Trump is severely harming our nation’s diplomatic corps.)
- McConnell Pitched a Scheme to Fill an Ailing Senator’s Seat: Report
- Trump has drawn three red lines. They’re all likely to be crossed. (“His aggressive rhetoric on North Korea, Iran and Pakistan doesn’t bode well.”)
- Federal workers on edge over Trump call for firing power
- Michelle Obama to frightened Americans: ‘All we have is hope’ (Actually, we have activism and resistance as well.)
- Scaramucci on Priebus: He’s a ‘f—— Sith Lord’ (No doubt, Priebus is evil, but not sure he’s ever been powerful enough – or ever will be – to be a Sith Lord. LOL.)
- The Many Failed Vindications of Donald J. Trump (“The Nunes memo is the latest thing that Trump and his allies see as a silver bullet that will clear up his political and legal problems. Don’t hold your breath.”)
- Trump’s Infrastructure ‘Plan’ Is Shoddily Built – and Sure to Collapse
- Herring joins 11 state attorneys general in opposing offshore drilling
- Sen. Kaine optimistic on deal to protect Dreamers
- Federal investigators analyzing data in fatal Amtrak collision in Crozet
- Senate committee backs Henrico senator’s alternative to Medicaid expansion (“The Senate Education and Health Committee approved SB 915, proposed by Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, on an 8-7, party-line vote Thursday and referred it to the Finance Committee to consider as part of an escalating political battle over whether to expand Virginia’s Medicaid program and, if so, how.”)
- Dozens of Virginia churches have been donating cash to campaigns for years, despite law
- Editorial: Another effort to shut out the sunshine (“AMONG THE many legislative proposals that would inflict serious harm to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, there may be none more infuriating than one put forth by state Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Montross.”)
- Friedman tops $1 million mark in Democratic primary to challenge Rep. Comstock (“Nine Democrats are vying to run against Barbara Comstock in Northern Virginia.”)
- Partisan clash over sexual harassment training roils Virginia House
- Virginia moves toward approving cannabis oil as a medical treatment
- From wary observer to justice warrior: How Heather Heyer’s death gave her mom a voice (“The Charlottesville protest where her daughter was killed has thrust Susan Bro into a role she never expected.”)
- Democrats: Trump budget cuts $150 million in expected Metro funds (F*** that)
- Ron Paul Endorses Shak Hill to Defend the Constitution in Congress (Hahaha.)
- Nurse practitioner bill squeezes through first committee, but with steep training requirement tacked on
- Del. Ben Cline leads in fundraising for 6th Congressional District nomination race
- After a rest in Rules, felony threshold bills are on the move
- Stoney’s appointee withdraws after call for restaurant boycott draws fire
- Virginia auditor’s follow-up finds Richmond does not have fiscal distress needing state intervention
- Economy looks great, but housing inventory too low, economist tells Richmond-area home builders
- Deep chill returns, easing slightly this weekend with a rainy Sunday possible
********************************************************
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
