Iran Rejoins the World, Hillary Feels the Bern

Global Warming: In a major thaw of relations, the US and Iran traded prisoners yesterday just as Iran was confirmed to have dismantled part of its nuclear program, meeting the requirement to unfreeze its assets and rejoin the global economy.

Secy. of State John Kerry said in Vienna, “Today marks the moment that the Iran nuclear agreement transitions from an ambitious set of promises on paper to measurable action in progress.”

Among the prisoners released in exchange for seven Iranians is Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was arrested in 2014 and accused of “collaborating with hostile governments.” At least three other Iranian Americans were known to be held by Iran. Little known is that the US has been holding seven Iranians.

To meet the requirements of the international nuclear deal, Iran has shipped 98 percent of its nuclear fuel out of the country, destroyed a plutonium-producing reactor, and mothballed 12,000 uranium-enriching centrifuges. Iran’s reward is the release of up to $100 billion in assets frozen by international economic sanctions.

A side effect of the deal could be a further drop in oil prices when Iran re-enters the market, adding to the glut. The World Bank estimates that the price of oil could sink another $10 in the next year — to roughly $20 a barrel.

Get the Lead Out: President Obama yesterday declared a federal disaster in Flint, Michigan, releasing $5 million to deal with the city’s water crisis. The city’s 100,000 residents can’t use the contaminated tap water for drinking, cooking, or bathing and the National Guard has been called out to distribute water.

Back in 2014 when the troubled city was in receivership, an emergency manager decided to save money by diverting its water supply from Detroit’s system to the Flint River. The river water was so corrosive it leached lead out of pipes. A local hospital claimed that it corroded surgical instruments. And at least 43 residents have been diagnosed with elevated levels of lead.

The switch was temporary but the damage is lasting. Fixing the pipes and distributing water could cost up to $100 million. So much for saving money.

Travel Warning: The first US case of a baby born damaged by the Zika virus that has caused birth defects in Brazil has been reported in Hawaii. The baby has microcephaly — an unusually small head and brain. The child’s mother was living in Brazil last May and might have been infected by a mosquito bite. The CDC has advised pregnant women to avoid travel to countries affected by the virus.

Gridiron: The Arizona Cardinals beat Green Bay 26-20 last night in overtime to advance in the AFC. The New England Patriots held off a stubborn Kansas City to win 27-20 in the AFC.

Today the Seahawks meet the undefeated Carolina Panthers at 1:05 EST; The Steelers play the Broncos at 4:40.

Poll-iticks: With Bernie Sanders nipping at Hillary Clinton’s heels in the polls, The NY Times reports that the Clinton organization failed to recognize Sanders as a threat until his candidacy had grown into a popular movement. Patrick Healy writes, “Allies and advisers of the Clintons say Mr. Sanders is clearly connecting with voters through his emotional, inspiring rallying cry that the American economic and political systems are rigged for the wealthy and powerful. By contrast, Mrs. Clinton has been stressing her electability and questioning the costs of Mr. Sanders’s ideas.”

Facing the danger of repeating her 2008 loss in the Iowa caucuses, Clinton rolled out her husband Bill, who said on Friday, ““It is not close who would be the best commander-in-chief. It’s not close who’s the best change agent when it comes to economic and social growth.” It is close in the polls, though.

Dumb and Dumberer: A member of the armed “Patriots” occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon is the first of the group to be arrested. He took government-owned vehicle to the grocery store.

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Sunday, May 12, 2024

Page Two

The Most Corrupt Justice

Monday, October 2, 2023

Democracy and Video in the Dark

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Page Two: Do the Right Thing

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Page Two: Sound Recall

Monday, September 13, 2021

Page Two: Cuomo Must Go

Friday, August 13, 2021

Trump and the Truth

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

The “Great” President

Monday, March 30, 2020

The Wright Stuff

Saturday, February 29, 2020

It's Been Said

"In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate, and I should have, no excuses."

-Andrew Cuomo, resigning as governor of New York after accusations of sexual harassment

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