CONNECTICUT—(ENEWSPF)—December 14, 2012 – UPDATE 3:20 PM (CST) Twenty-seven people were killed, including 20 children, when a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School Friday morning.  NBC News has identified the gunman as Ryan Lanza, a teacher’s son, from Hoboken, New Jersey.  However, Paul Vance of the Connecticut State[Read More…]

WASHINGTON, DC –(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2012  – Today Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and 65 members of the House Democratic caucus sent a letter to the President and House and Senate leadership asking them to include provisions that will boost the economy and create jobs in any legislation to avert tax increases[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–December 14, 2012. Today’s conviction of the killer of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya is welcome progress, but prosecutors must not rest until those who masterminded the assassination are brought to justice, Amnesty International said today.  Former police officer Dmitry Pavliutchenkov was found guilty and sentenced today to 11 years[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 14, 2012.  by Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Director Breaking his silence on the topic of marijuana legalization since two states approved ballot initiatives to regulate cannabis, President Barack Obama addressed the issue in an interview with Barbara Walters this week. While the administration’s broader policy is still being[Read More…]

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey–(ENEWSPF)–December 14, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today. Panetta signed the agreement en[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2012 – 1:08 P.M. EST MR. CARNEY:  Good afternoon.  Thanks for being here at the White House.  I have no announcements, so let’s go straight to questions.  Jim. Q    Thank you, Jay.  Fiscal cliff:  At the start of the negotiations, the White House welcomed the Republican movement[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2012 – 7:50 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everybody.  AUDIENCE:  Good evening. THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you for coming to the White House tonight to celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah.  (Applause.)  It is truly an honor to host so many leaders from the Jewish community[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2012. Index for Today’s Briefing SYRIA Remarks by Russian VFM/Steps Russians Can Take Moving Forward Isolating Al-Nusrah Coordinating with Allies Ongoing Role of SE Brahimi U.S. Humanitarian/Medical Assistance for the People of Syria EGYPT Security Concerns Around Referendum Referendum Participation CHINA/JAPAN Senkaku Islands NORTH KOREA Communications with[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—December 13, 2012.  Brian Williams of NBC News reports that U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice has withdrawn her name from consideration for secretary of state. In a letter Rice wrote to President Obama she said, “If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2012.  Today the Secretaries of State and Treasury have imposed sanctions on seven Iranian private sector companies and five individuals for proliferating weapons of mass destruction pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382. These entities and individuals were designated because they provide the Iranian government goods, technology and[Read More…]