Life is getting better every day now that we have our champion President Joe Biden in the White House and a Democratically led Congress. The American Rescue Plan is the law — the child tax credit, the expanded healthcare access, the aid for states and cities and towns… all of the economy boosting, human thriving, beneficial beauty of it: Now LAW! — and our POTUS and his administration are just getting started. Buckle up! For once, the ride is not going to be scary — it’s going to be exhilarating!
Yes, we know that the bad actors remain and the challenges are serious. The reality is that there is no magical wand anyone can wave to brush aside the bad and sweep in the good. But events have a way of gaining momentum, and momentum can start a transformational wave. Let’s help build that momentum. You’ll find info on how to help build it below.
I had “one of those days” yesterday, so I’m going to be a little less organized than I’d like, as I’m starting the GNR later than I usually do. Nevertheless, as is becoming normal (don’tcha love it?), there’s more good news than I have the time to fully gather. Too much to roundup in just in the space of a day! WHat a wonderful “problem”! I’m going to put in the highlights here in the GNR and then you know what happens next: all the gnus in gnuville gather in the comments bringing more good news. We’ll get it all covered, together!
Let’s start with some timely music!
It just wouldn't be Saint Patrick's Day if I didn't share this moment from The Muppet ShowHope you all have a lovely (and safe) holiday! 🍀🍻 pic.twitter.com/gIkP8FRHQs— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) March 17, 2021
It just wouldn't be Saint Patrick's Day if I didn't share this moment from The Muppet ShowHope you all have a lovely (and safe) holiday! 🍀🍻 pic.twitter.com/gIkP8FRHQs
Yet another Biden hire, Janet Yellen, is proving to be exactly who we needed. This story kind of crosses over into Economic good news, but I’m putting it here because for me at least, the justness of this proposed course of action is paramount:
Yellen's latest hire shows U.S. Treasury serious about tax fraud crackdown, David Lawder, Reuters, March 16, 2021.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday named Natasha Sarin, a Wharton School economist and protégé of former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, to a key microeconomics policy post, where she will strengthen the Biden administration’s efforts to boost tax revenue. ✄ “The sheer magnitude of the tax gap suggests that there is substantial revenue raising potential from shrinking it through well-targeted enforcement measures,” they wrote. With “feasible” changes in policy, the IRS could aspire to shrink this by 15%, they wrote, generating an additional $1.1 trillion in revenue over a decade. In an October 2020 opinion piece in the New York Times, Sarin said the wealthy, including former President Donald Trump, were not paying their fair share because the Internal Revenue Service has been deprived of resources in a “partisan attack” by Republicans that has “gutted” the agency.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday named Natasha Sarin, a Wharton School economist and protégé of former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, to a key microeconomics policy post, where she will strengthen the Biden administration’s efforts to boost tax revenue. ✄
“The sheer magnitude of the tax gap suggests that there is substantial revenue raising potential from shrinking it through well-targeted enforcement measures,” they wrote. With “feasible” changes in policy, the IRS could aspire to shrink this by 15%, they wrote, generating an additional $1.1 trillion in revenue over a decade.
In an October 2020 opinion piece in the New York Times, Sarin said the wealthy, including former President Donald Trump, were not paying their fair share because the Internal Revenue Service has been deprived of resources in a “partisan attack” by Republicans that has “gutted” the agency.
It’s going to all come out eventually, and the good news is that there are loads of people working on getting to the bottom of all the criminality underpinning the former guy’s election, “administration” , and the GQP that backed him 100%.
Intelligence Report: Russia Tried To Help Trump In 2020 Election, Greg Myre, NPR News, March 16, 2021.
A new report by the U.S. intelligence community on Tuesday says Russia sought to help former President Donald Trump in last year's presidential election. But the document also emphasized there was no indication Russia or any other country attempted to alter actual votes. Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized "influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process and exacerbating socio-political divisions in the U.S," says the report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The unclassified document is the most comprehensive look the intelligence community has released regarding foreign efforts to meddle in the 2020 election. [You can read the 15 page report at the NPR link)
A new report by the U.S. intelligence community on Tuesday says Russia sought to help former President Donald Trump in last year's presidential election. But the document also emphasized there was no indication Russia or any other country attempted to alter actual votes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized "influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process and exacerbating socio-political divisions in the U.S," says the report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The unclassified document is the most comprehensive look the intelligence community has released regarding foreign efforts to meddle in the 2020 election.
[You can read the 15 page report at the NPR link)
Virginia Governor Clears Path For Ex-Convicts To Regain Voting Rights, Vanessa Romo, NPR News, March 16, 2021.
Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam announced an executive action on Tuesday that allows tens of thousands of felons to recover their voting and other civil rights upon release from prison. The move applies immediately to an estimated 69,000 Virginians who have completed their sentences, including ex-convicts who remain on supervision. And it comes as the state prepares for gubernatorial and legislative elections on June 8. "Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination, and they still bear the traces of inequity," said Northam said in a statement. "We are a Commonwealth that believes in moving forward, not being tied down by the mistakes of our past. If we want people to return to our communities and participate in society, we must welcome them back fully—and this policy does just that," he added.
Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam announced an executive action on Tuesday that allows tens of thousands of felons to recover their voting and other civil rights upon release from prison.
The move applies immediately to an estimated 69,000 Virginians who have completed their sentences, including ex-convicts who remain on supervision. And it comes as the state prepares for gubernatorial and legislative elections on June 8.
"Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination, and they still bear the traces of inequity," said Northam said in a statement.
"We are a Commonwealth that believes in moving forward, not being tied down by the mistakes of our past. If we want people to return to our communities and participate in society, we must welcome them back fully—and this policy does just that," he added.
The American Rescue Act was a huge and much-needed start on the path to increasing economic opportunities and equality. Improving and expanding (and enforcing) anti-trust law would be another huge step in the right direction, and naturally Democrats are working on that!
Battling bigness: Congress eyes action against monopolies, Marcy Gordon, AP News, March 16, 2021.
The four biggest airlines control about 65% of U.S. passenger traffic, five giant healthcare insurers control an estimated 45% of the market, pharmaceuticals are dominated by three major companies, the top four banks control about 44% of the market, the so-called Big Five book publishers control some 80% of the U.S. book market, and Google alone accounts for about 90% of web searches worldwide. ✄ Congress, federal regulators and states had already been putting Big Tech companies under intense scrutiny for nearly two years and even suing some for antitrust. Now with Democrats in the majority in Congress and President Joe Biden seemingly prepared to act on an anti-monopoly agenda, the focus is widening to the rest of corporate America. Critics say the corporate concentration is quickening, limiting consumers’ choices, raising prices and eroding service. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has put forward expansive legislation to overhaul antitrust law. It would make it harder for dominant companies to win regulators’ approval of mergers and stretch the government’s authority over competition in other ways. Klobuchar, who heads the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on competition policy, has launched a broad examination by the panel of monopoly concerns.
The four biggest airlines control about 65% of U.S. passenger traffic, five giant healthcare insurers control an estimated 45% of the market, pharmaceuticals are dominated by three major companies, the top four banks control about 44% of the market, the so-called Big Five book publishers control some 80% of the U.S. book market, and Google alone accounts for about 90% of web searches worldwide. ✄
Congress, federal regulators and states had already been putting Big Tech companies under intense scrutiny for nearly two years and even suing some for antitrust. Now with Democrats in the majority in Congress and President Joe Biden seemingly prepared to act on an anti-monopoly agenda, the focus is widening to the rest of corporate America.
Critics say the corporate concentration is quickening, limiting consumers’ choices, raising prices and eroding service.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has put forward expansive legislation to overhaul antitrust law. It would make it harder for dominant companies to win regulators’ approval of mergers and stretch the government’s authority over competition in other ways. Klobuchar, who heads the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on competition policy, has launched a broad examination by the panel of monopoly concerns.
Biden Will Push For Tax Hikes For Big Companies And High Earners, Economic Aide Says, Sarah Hansen, Forbes, March 16, 2021.
President Joe Biden wants higher taxes for big corporations and high earners to “support investments in the U.S. economy” as well as tax relief to ensure that low-income and middle-class families “are not paying more than their fair share,” a top White House economic aide said Tuesday. During an interview on Bloomberg TV, National Economic Council deputy director Bharat Ramamurti said the president’s tax plan will involve raising taxes on large, multinational corporations and making tax changes that will incentivize domestic rather than foreign investment. It will also involve higher taxes on “extremely wealthy” individuals making more than $400,000 per year, he said, specifically mentioning those individuals who have profited during the pandemic.
President Joe Biden wants higher taxes for big corporations and high earners to “support investments in the U.S. economy” as well as tax relief to ensure that low-income and middle-class families “are not paying more than their fair share,” a top White House economic aide said Tuesday.
During an interview on Bloomberg TV, National Economic Council deputy director Bharat Ramamurti said the president’s tax plan will involve raising taxes on large, multinational corporations and making tax changes that will incentivize domestic rather than foreign investment.
It will also involve higher taxes on “extremely wealthy” individuals making more than $400,000 per year, he said, specifically mentioning those individuals who have profited during the pandemic.
Low-income families to benefit most from child tax credit, experts say, Daniella SIlva, Yahoo News, March 16, 2021.
The expanded federal child tax credit included in President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package will be a significant benefit for many American families, especially low-income earners and those living in poverty, experts said. The credit raises the maximum annual benefit level for many families to $3,600 per child under age 6 and to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17, from $2,000 per child under 17. It will provide most parents with a monthly allowance, instead of a lump sum during tax season, creating a guaranteed income for families with children. “Low-income families suffer from income volatility,” said Elaine Maag, the principal research associate at the Urban Institute. “Delivering the credit in advance is trying to take the edge off those income fluctuations, which should help families meet their needs.”
The expanded federal child tax credit included in President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package will be a significant benefit for many American families, especially low-income earners and those living in poverty, experts said.
The credit raises the maximum annual benefit level for many families to $3,600 per child under age 6 and to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17, from $2,000 per child under 17. It will provide most parents with a monthly allowance, instead of a lump sum during tax season, creating a guaranteed income for families with children.
“Low-income families suffer from income volatility,” said Elaine Maag, the principal research associate at the Urban Institute. “Delivering the credit in advance is trying to take the edge off those income fluctuations, which should help families meet their needs.”
Illinois legalized marijuana and the industry immediately became white-dominated (like most other lucrative ventures) with not a single new cannabis dispensary with a person of color as majority owner. A state rep is about to try to fix that: ‘An important day for cannabis equity in Illinois:’ New bill aims to address flawed licensing rollout, add 115 pot shop permits, Tom Shuba, Chicago Sun Times, March 16, 2021.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford joined a group of minority cannabis applicants Tuesday to announce plans for legislation that would address the state’s problematic marijuana licensing rollout and create up to 115 new pot shop permits in a move that could vastly expand Illinois’ weed market. During a news conference outside Nature’s Care dispensary in West Town, the Chicago Democrat framed the forthcoming bill as the next step in ensuring Illinois meets its lofty goal of creating equity in the white-dominated cannabis industry. But he acknowledged that work won’t be complete until “Black and brown people start making money.” ✄ A draft of Ford’s legislation would most notably create 110 licenses to sell recreational weed that would be doled out over the course of two proposed lottery drawings — which would be held after the state’s long-delayed lottery for 75 outstanding adult-use dispensary permits. The draft bill would also require the state to issue five licenses to sell medical marijuana that would be issued through another lottery. Those licenses would all be prioritized to qualifying social equity applicants, a designation created in the original law that legalized recreational cannabis. But Ford’s proposal also revises the qualifications for earning social equity status to more specifically target people of color and those living in areas disproportionately harmed by the drug war.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford joined a group of minority cannabis applicants Tuesday to announce plans for legislation that would address the state’s problematic marijuana licensing rollout and create up to 115 new pot shop permits in a move that could vastly expand Illinois’ weed market.
During a news conference outside Nature’s Care dispensary in West Town, the Chicago Democrat framed the forthcoming bill as the next step in ensuring Illinois meets its lofty goal of creating equity in the white-dominated cannabis industry. But he acknowledged that work won’t be complete until “Black and brown people start making money.” ✄
A draft of Ford’s legislation would most notably create 110 licenses to sell recreational weed that would be doled out over the course of two proposed lottery drawings — which would be held after the state’s long-delayed lottery for 75 outstanding adult-use dispensary permits. The draft bill would also require the state to issue five licenses to sell medical marijuana that would be issued through another lottery.
Those licenses would all be prioritized to qualifying social equity applicants, a designation created in the original law that legalized recreational cannabis. But Ford’s proposal also revises the qualifications for earning social equity status to more specifically target people of color and those living in areas disproportionately harmed by the drug war.
As if we didn’t notice that he’s already had a Do-Nothing Senate for years (except for confirming judges, of course), Mitch McConnell is threatening increasingly bonkers stuff as he senses his power to intimidate Democrats is slipping away. Don’t let the doom and gloomers rattle you — yes, Moscow Mitch is dangerous and unprincipled as are all the Republicans, but they don’t have magical powers and Democrats have got their number:
McConnell Threatens To Grind Senate To Halt If Dems Don’t Let Him Keep Power To Grind Senate To Halt, Kate Riga, Talking Points Memo, March 16, 2021.
“I want our colleagues to imagine a world where every single task, every one of them, requires a physical quorum, which, by the way, the Vice President does not count in determining a quorum,” he said. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) shrugged off the threat. “He has already done that,” he told reporters of McConnell’s threat to grind the chamber to a halt. “He’s proven he can do it and they’ll do it again, I assume.” ✄ In McConnell’s hypothetical, apparently, Republicans have seized a few more seats in the Senate so as to stop Democrats from using those same procedural rules against them. “Trading this for the ability to actually pass bills like voting rights seems like an easy call,” Adam Jentleson, a former Harry Reid staffer and current anti-filibuster activist, wrote on Twitter. “If McConnell’s tactics become truly onerous, Dems can always pass further reforms to end obstruction. McConnell’s goal is to make government fail, Dems’ goal should be to make it work.” McConnell’s tone seems to be escalating apace with Democratic inching towards filibuster reform.
“I want our colleagues to imagine a world where every single task, every one of them, requires a physical quorum, which, by the way, the Vice President does not count in determining a quorum,” he said.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) shrugged off the threat.
“He has already done that,” he told reporters of McConnell’s threat to grind the chamber to a halt. “He’s proven he can do it and they’ll do it again, I assume.” ✄
In McConnell’s hypothetical, apparently, Republicans have seized a few more seats in the Senate so as to stop Democrats from using those same procedural rules against them.
“Trading this for the ability to actually pass bills like voting rights seems like an easy call,” Adam Jentleson, a former Harry Reid staffer and current anti-filibuster activist, wrote on Twitter. “If McConnell’s tactics become truly onerous, Dems can always pass further reforms to end obstruction. McConnell’s goal is to make government fail, Dems’ goal should be to make it work.”
McConnell’s tone seems to be escalating apace with Democratic inching towards filibuster reform.
Yeah, that “escalating tone” is called rising panic.
Evan Hurst, as usual, has some sharpish commentary on this at Wonkette: Mitch McConnell Says GOP Gonna Be REAL DICKS If Dems Kill Filibuster, FOR FIRST TIME EVER, Evan Hurst, Wonkette, March 16, 2021.
Also, if this is going to cause a 100-car pile-up in the Senate, then what exactly was the Senate under McConnell's leadership, as the House passed wonderful bills, all of which McConnell left in a 100-car pile-up on his desk, because he was too busy stacking the courts with Hunters? 😳 All this freakout seems to be very closely related to the Democratic congressional majority's desire to pass HR 1. You remember which one is HR 1? We'll tell you which one HR 1 is, because you remember which one HR 1 is? Well, we're about to tell you which one it is. HR 1 — S 1 in the Senate, AKA the "For The People" Act … It's kind of a dream bill for all Americans who believe in free and fair elections. Likewise, it is an absolute nightmare for the GOP, which has been showing us for decades really, but REALLY LOUDLY SHOW-AND-TELLING US LATELY, that it does not believe in democracy when people who are not conservative white men don't win... This is the bill the GOP is terrified the Democrats will find a way to get through the Senate, and oh boy they are terrified.
Also, if this is going to cause a 100-car pile-up in the Senate, then what exactly was the Senate under McConnell's leadership, as the House passed wonderful bills, all of which McConnell left in a 100-car pile-up on his desk, because he was too busy stacking the courts with Hunters? 😳
All this freakout seems to be very closely related to the Democratic congressional majority's desire to pass HR 1. You remember which one is HR 1? We'll tell you which one HR 1 is, because you remember which one HR 1 is? Well, we're about to tell you which one it is.
HR 1 — S 1 in the Senate, AKA the "For The People" Act …
It's kind of a dream bill for all Americans who believe in free and fair elections. Likewise, it is an absolute nightmare for the GOP, which has been showing us for decades really, but REALLY LOUDLY SHOW-AND-TELLING US LATELY, that it does not believe in democracy when people who are not conservative white men don't win...
This is the bill the GOP is terrified the Democrats will find a way to get through the Senate, and oh boy they are terrified.
President Biden’s plan for a “talking filibuster,” briefly explained, Ian Millhiser, Vox, March 16, 2021.
The president came out in favor of filibuster reform in an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos. After Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he’ll have to “choose between preserving the filibuster and advancing your agenda,” the president initially answered “yes.” But he then clarified that he’s inclined to support a middle ground between eliminating the filibuster outright and preserving existing rules, which allows the Republican minority to block most legislation unless 60 senators agree that a bill should pass. ✄ (article discusses several proposed reforms — see link) It’s an open question whether Manchin — or Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), another Democrat who has resisted eliminating the filibuster — would support such a change. But Merkley’s new proposal suggests that senators who hope to pass a robust legislative agenda through the Senate are thinking about smart ways to preserve the filibuster in some form without letting it be a bar to legislating. And Biden’s recent remarks indicate that he has joined the growing Democratic consensus in favor of reform.
The president came out in favor of filibuster reform in an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos. After Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he’ll have to “choose between preserving the filibuster and advancing your agenda,” the president initially answered “yes.” But he then clarified that he’s inclined to support a middle ground between eliminating the filibuster outright and preserving existing rules, which allows the Republican minority to block most legislation unless 60 senators agree that a bill should pass. ✄
(article discusses several proposed reforms — see link)
It’s an open question whether Manchin — or Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), another Democrat who has resisted eliminating the filibuster — would support such a change. But Merkley’s new proposal suggests that senators who hope to pass a robust legislative agenda through the Senate are thinking about smart ways to preserve the filibuster in some form without letting it be a bar to legislating.
And Biden’s recent remarks indicate that he has joined the growing Democratic consensus in favor of reform.
For the record, Uber fought against having to do this with everything they had, but to no avail. Now that they’ve been forced to treat their employees better than medieval serfs, just watch. It will be good for business and they’ll be bragging about it. But the important thing is that this ruling will have an impact on rights for other workers in insecure gig economy jobs, too. That’s good news!
Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday pay, Kelvin Chan, AP News, March 16, 2021.
LONDON (AP) — Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits. The ride hailing giant’s announcement Tuesday comes after it lost an appeal last month at the U.K. Supreme Court following a yearslong court battle. The court’s decision holds wider implications for the country’s gig economy. Uber said it’s extending the benefits immediately to its more than 70,000 drivers in the U.K. Drivers will earn at least the minimum wage, which currently stands at 8.72 pounds ($12.12), after accepting a trip request and expenses, and will still be able to earn more.
LONDON (AP) — Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits.
The ride hailing giant’s announcement Tuesday comes after it lost an appeal last month at the U.K. Supreme Court following a yearslong court battle. The court’s decision holds wider implications for the country’s gig economy.
Uber said it’s extending the benefits immediately to its more than 70,000 drivers in the U.K. Drivers will earn at least the minimum wage, which currently stands at 8.72 pounds ($12.12), after accepting a trip request and expenses, and will still be able to earn more.
Another story that could be filed under at least two catagories (“Arts” and “Environment” ...wait THREE catagories, because also “International” 😅). I LOVE this story about architects who eschew tearing stuff down to replace with big glass buildings. Instead, they emphasize reusing older buildings, re-imagining them as better living spaces. Oh, and I want one of those winter gardens! I wish my apartment had one!
2021 Pritzker Prize Goes To French Architects Who 'Work With Kindness', Neda Ulaby, NPR, March 16, 2021.
The Pritzker jury citation says that Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal "have shown that architecture can have a great impact on our communities and contribute to the awareness that we are not alone." Laurent Chalet The two apply a credo: "Never demolish, never remove or replace, always add, transform, and reuse!" to their work on old urban buildings. That includes dilapidated public housing (or "social housing" as it is known in France). Designs by Lacaton and Vassal have focused on replenishing low-income housing complexes, aesthetically and functionally, while respecting — rather than displacing — the tenants who live there. "Buildings are beautiful when people feel well in them," Lacaton explained in a 2017 lecture at the Architectural League of New York. "When the light inside is beautiful and the air is pleasant. When the exchange with the outside seems easy and gentle, and when uses and sensations are unexpected. ✄ Their approach means never tearing down buildings to implement their own grand visions. When Lacaton and Vassal were asked to redesign a particularly large and hideous public housing bloc in Bordeaux in 2017, the residents told them they did not want to move, even temporarily, but they wanted bigger units. The solution, devised with fellow architects Frédéric Druot and Christophe Hutin, was to encase the building in large outdoor terraces, adding sliding glass doors to each unit, and remaking the exterior from drab concrete to something gleaming, modern and alive. Suddenly, everyone had roomy outdoor space, some of which was enclosed to be used during the winter as "winter gardens."
The two apply a credo: "Never demolish, never remove or replace, always add, transform, and reuse!" to their work on old urban buildings. That includes dilapidated public housing (or "social housing" as it is known in France). Designs by Lacaton and Vassal have focused on replenishing low-income housing complexes, aesthetically and functionally, while respecting — rather than displacing — the tenants who live there.
"Buildings are beautiful when people feel well in them," Lacaton explained in a 2017 lecture at the Architectural League of New York. "When the light inside is beautiful and the air is pleasant. When the exchange with the outside seems easy and gentle, and when uses and sensations are unexpected. ✄
Their approach means never tearing down buildings to implement their own grand visions. When Lacaton and Vassal were asked to redesign a particularly large and hideous public housing bloc in Bordeaux in 2017, the residents told them they did not want to move, even temporarily, but they wanted bigger units. The solution, devised with fellow architects Frédéric Druot and Christophe Hutin, was to encase the building in large outdoor terraces, adding sliding glass doors to each unit, and remaking the exterior from drab concrete to something gleaming, modern and alive. Suddenly, everyone had roomy outdoor space, some of which was enclosed to be used during the winter as "winter gardens."
This marvelous concert series in Highland Park, IL (just north of Chicago) is truly a treasure. I’m so glad to see signs of life in the performance arts again!
Ravinia announces return of concerts this summer, Miriam Di Nunzio, Chicago Sun Times, March 16, 2021.
Festival organizers noted that all concerts will take place in the pavilion with reduced seating capacity to adhere to state and local health official guidelines amid the pandemic. All seating will incorporate reserve-in-advance ticketing and social distancing in the pavilion, lawn and dining facilities. In addition the number of artists on stage will be reduced, to allow for social distancing between performers, Tuesday’s announcement stated. Conductor Marin Alsop will lead seven concerts by the CSO in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor and curator. ✄ Ravinia canceled its entire 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic and closed the park for the first time in its history since the Great Depression. It remains the oldest outdoor musical festival in the country.
Festival organizers noted that all concerts will take place in the pavilion with reduced seating capacity to adhere to state and local health official guidelines amid the pandemic. All seating will incorporate reserve-in-advance ticketing and social distancing in the pavilion, lawn and dining facilities. In addition the number of artists on stage will be reduced, to allow for social distancing between performers, Tuesday’s announcement stated.
Conductor Marin Alsop will lead seven concerts by the CSO in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor and curator. ✄
Ravinia canceled its entire 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic and closed the park for the first time in its history since the Great Depression. It remains the oldest outdoor musical festival in the country.
Biden Promotes Eugene Vindman After Trump Sh*tbirds Tried To Bury Him, Liz Dye, Wonkette, March 16, 2021.
Politico, which broke the story of Vindman's promotion, reports that the Army "conducted an investigation and found the evaluations to not be objective ... leading to the evaluations being deleted and never making it into the official records for the promotions board to consider" according to two sources. (Lordy, it's like Purim and Passover rolled into one.) (Sorry about the out of date caption. This was the only photo of both Vindman brothers in DK library) Alex (L) and Yevgeny (Eugene) Vindman. So Vindman's name was on a list of promotions headed to the Senate for approval. Unfortunately, the honor comes too late for his brother, who retired from the military last summer after Sen. Tammy Duckworth threatened to hold up all promotions above lieutenant colonel if Secretary of Defense Mark Esper wouldn't assure her in writing that the White House hadn't intervened to keep Alex Vindman, a Purple Heart recipient with shrapnel in his body from an IED attack in Iraq, off the list — an assurance she never got. "I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the U.S. Army and Judge Advocate Generals Corps have placed in me with selection to promotion to Colonel," Vindman said in a statement released through his lawyer Mark Zaid. "They stood their ground despite intense pressure during the last Administration. I look forward to continuing my service to the U.S. Army and the Nation in positions of increasing responsibility." Because here right matters. Eventually.
Politico, which broke the story of Vindman's promotion, reports that the Army "conducted an investigation and found the evaluations to not be objective ... leading to the evaluations being deleted and never making it into the official records for the promotions board to consider" according to two sources. (Lordy, it's like Purim and Passover rolled into one.)
So Vindman's name was on a list of promotions headed to the Senate for approval. Unfortunately, the honor comes too late for his brother, who retired from the military last summer after Sen. Tammy Duckworth threatened to hold up all promotions above lieutenant colonel if Secretary of Defense Mark Esper wouldn't assure her in writing that the White House hadn't intervened to keep Alex Vindman, a Purple Heart recipient with shrapnel in his body from an IED attack in Iraq, off the list — an assurance she never got.
"I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the U.S. Army and Judge Advocate Generals Corps have placed in me with selection to promotion to Colonel," Vindman said in a statement released through his lawyer Mark Zaid. "They stood their ground despite intense pressure during the last Administration. I look forward to continuing my service to the U.S. Army and the Nation in positions of increasing responsibility."
Because here right matters. Eventually.
(This word, coined by NotNowNotEver, our every other Tuesday writer, shall henceforth be my Go-To word for stories about the former guy and his shady associates).
Atlanta-area district attorney investigating Donald Trump is beefing up her office with a new evidence expert. Michael Carlson, known as an expert in the rules of evidence, is slated to join the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in the coming weeks. https://t.co/uwpd8MMrmt— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) March 16, 2021
Atlanta-area district attorney investigating Donald Trump is beefing up her office with a new evidence expert. Michael Carlson, known as an expert in the rules of evidence, is slated to join the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in the coming weeks. https://t.co/uwpd8MMrmt
Trump insiders turn on each other over ‘Dominion dossier’ as defamation lawsuits loom, Brad Reed, Raw Story, March 16, 2021.
Someone on former President Donald Trump's legal team created a "dossier" filled with false allegations leveled at Dominion Voting Systems, and now former Trump officials are pointing fingers at one another to avoid culpability as the company shells out defamation lawsuits against them. The Daily Beast reports that the dossier was handed out to state legislators last December to give them talking points about how Dominion supposedly stole the election on behalf of President Joe Biden. Although the dossier's author is listed on its cover sheet as Trump campaign legal volunteer Katherine Friess, she's now insisting she had nothing to do with it, and she's pinning the blame on former Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro for distributing the report.
Someone on former President Donald Trump's legal team created a "dossier" filled with false allegations leveled at Dominion Voting Systems, and now former Trump officials are pointing fingers at one another to avoid culpability as the company shells out defamation lawsuits against them.
The Daily Beast reports that the dossier was handed out to state legislators last December to give them talking points about how Dominion supposedly stole the election on behalf of President Joe Biden.
Although the dossier's author is listed on its cover sheet as Trump campaign legal volunteer Katherine Friess, she's now insisting she had nothing to do with it, and she's pinning the blame on former Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro for distributing the report.
NEW: House committee asks Biden admin to provide financial records on the Trump Hotel in DC. The hotel is a tenant in a federal bldg, so it gives this data to the federal govt. But the Trump admin had refused to hand that data over.https://t.co/gjaj3qzHDY— David Fahrenthold (@Fahrenthold) March 16, 2021
NEW: House committee asks Biden admin to provide financial records on the Trump Hotel in DC. The hotel is a tenant in a federal bldg, so it gives this data to the federal govt. But the Trump admin had refused to hand that data over.https://t.co/gjaj3qzHDY
Judge rips Arizona GOP for 'groundless' lawsuit challenging Biden's win, orders it to pay legal fees, Maria Polletta, USA Today via Yahoo, March 16, 2021.
Calling its lawsuit challenging 2020 election procedures "groundless" and "disingenuous," a judge has ordered the Arizona Republican Party – and its lawyers – to pay the state thousands of dollars in legal fees. In his ruling, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Hannah contended the GOP's team acted in "bad faith" when it questioned the process for auditing voting machines and sought to delay certification of election results last November. Instead of living up to the "privileged position in the electoral process" afforded to it by state law, Hannah said, the party sought to undermine Arizonans' confidence in election results.
Calling its lawsuit challenging 2020 election procedures "groundless" and "disingenuous," a judge has ordered the Arizona Republican Party – and its lawyers – to pay the state thousands of dollars in legal fees.
In his ruling, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Hannah contended the GOP's team acted in "bad faith" when it questioned the process for auditing voting machines and sought to delay certification of election results last November.
Instead of living up to the "privileged position in the electoral process" afforded to it by state law, Hannah said, the party sought to undermine Arizonans' confidence in election results.
First thing I’m doing in today’s Lightning RoundUp is reposting the NPR Best Books concierge page with tools, blurbs, book covers, and everything you need to enjoy a little reading during your newfound relaxation time now that we have a sane new POTUS with a Democratic Congress and you no longer live in existential fear every waking minute. PHEW!!
⚡️NPR’s Best Books of 2020 (includes tabs for Best Books of 2013-2019 as well!)
⚡️ These great little dogs are everywhere in my neighborhood! French bulldogs battle labradors for top dog status in US, Agence France-Presse, March 16, 2021.
⚡️ We Have the 140 Best Irish Blessings and Favorite Irish Sayings for St. Patrick's Day, Kelsey Pelzer, Parade, March 16, 2021.
⚡️ I don’t write ‘em, I only report ‘em: St. Patrick: Not Irish, Dueled With Druids, Refused to ‘Suck a Man’s Breast’, Lisa Bitel, Daily Beast, March 16, 2012.
⚡️ If you like the GBBO show, you’ll enjoy this! 'Great British Baking Show' contestants reveal what it's like applying to and getting chosen for the series, Kirstie Renae, Insider, March 16, 2021.
⚡️ Biden Chooses Prosperity Over Vengeance, Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, March 15, 2021.
⚡️ This is what will finally transform the South, W. Ralph Eubanks, CNN Opinion, March 16, 2021.
⚡️ McConnell's 'scorched-earth' Senate filibuster threat needs to be tested for democracy's sake, Lee Drutman, NBC THINK, March 16, 2021.
Put your beautiful bleeding heart into it!
Democratic litigation hero, Marc Elias was the legal eagle behind the 60 Big Lie losses after the election. Here’s his website, Democracy Docket. You can find information about current cases he is fighting to defend voting rights around the country, as well as actions you can take to help fight voter suppression at the link!
Write to voters around the country with Postcards to Voters. Progressive Muse usually posts an update on current campaigns in the comments and you can also check out the website. It’s easy, fun and it really works to GOTV!
🎩 Also, Goody posted a great list of links and I am going to borrow it because it’s great! 🎩
The only way they can win is by keeping people from voting. They are working like heck to make that happen and we need to do all we can to keep 2022 from being a year when they grab the Senate and House back from us.
How do we do that? Fight voter suppression!
What can you do?
U.S. House of Representatives:* Telephone: 202-225-3121 * Website: http://www.house.gov/
U.S. Senate:* Telephone: 202-224-3121 * Website: http://www.senate.gov/
Find your member of Congress and contact him or her: Contact your Representative Contact your Senator
As always, I encourage you to take good care of yourselves and those you love. Eat some nutritious food, get some rest and if you can, get outdoors each day. Nature and fresh air restores body and spirit.
I’m racing to the finish line now, gnusies, so I’ll leave it here now and wish you all a good day.
Here’s some beautiful music by Irish composer John Field to ease you into your Wednesday.
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