A political appointee from the Department of Housing and Urban Developmentis replacing the Interior Department’s top internal watchdog, according to an email from HUD Secretary Ben Carson — an unusual arrangement that has ethics watchdogs worried about the fate of several investigations into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Suzanne Israel Tufts, now HUD’s assistant secretary for administration, will become Interior’s acting inspector general, Carson announced in a Friday email obtained by POLITICO. Interior’s IG office has until now been helmed by Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall, who has led probes of Zinke and his wife as well as accusations that the secretary censored climate change reports.Story Continued Below A HUD spokesman confirmed the email came from Carson. Government ethics watchdogs called the move disturbing, saying that putting a political appointee into the IG’s role raises concerns about how thoroughly the office will investigate … [Read more...] about HUD political appointee to lead probes of Zinke
Politics
Spotlight on Karin Housley’s comments is ‘part of being in politics,’ Sabres coach says
LAS VEGAS — Phil Housley has a hockey game to run here Tuesday night, but the Buffalo Sabres coach is offering support to his wife, as her campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in their native Minnesota is dealing with a firestorm of criticism. Karin Housley's campaign is in crisis management mode after a story in the Huffington Post published Monday revealed Facebook posts that mocked Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, with many construing the Obama post to be racist. The posts were made in 2009, four years before Karin Housley became a member of the Minnesota State Senate. The story was picked up by the Washington Post later Monday. "I don't really like to comment on politics, but because it's my wife, I support her," Housley told The Buffalo News after his team's morning skate Tuesday in T-Mobile Arena. "I think she's trying to make a difference doing the right things and her campaign committee is very aware of what's going on. "For me, she has to continue to work hard, … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Karin Housley’s comments is ‘part of being in politics,’ Sabres coach says
When Sears was everywhere: espionage, politics and fine art
Once upon a time — because it feels as if it has been around forever — Sears was a central player in American life. These days, the company seems relevant largely as a retail cautionary tale. The chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy early Monday, relies heavily on the sales of refrigerators, lawn mowers and other appliances to drive foot traffic. In cultural references, it’s often portrayed as a backwater or a wasteland. But there was a time when the retailer’s products, publications and people influenced commerce, culture and politics. Lauren Bacall modeled for the catalog, and Edgar Rice Burroughs, who later wrote the Tarzan adventure novels, was a copywriter. American spies used it as an icebreaker in foreign countries. The book of products even included houses, which formed the backbone of entire communities and are now tourist curiosities. Sears was also a prominent platform for executives with widely diverging political and social views. It had a … [Read more...] about When Sears was everywhere: espionage, politics and fine art
Rick Scott is already using Hurricane Michael in a political ad
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A day after Gov. Rick Scott said he would take a break from campaigning to focus on Hurricane Michael recovery, the Republican released a new Senate race ad that puts the storm front and center. And while the latest commercial accuses rival Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of "playing politics" during the storm, the 30-second spot is sure to draw criticism that Scott is doing the same. The ad, called "Leading," features a photo of Scott in his Navy hat touring storm damage from the sky and passing supplies out of a plane. Meanwhile, hurricane recovery efforts are still ongoing and the commercial's release coincided with the Scott administration announcing a significant jump in the death toll from the storm. At least 21 people have died in Florida from Hurricane Michael, up from previous reports of nine. The body count may rise again as rescue teams continue to search for the remains of people reported missing after Wednesday's Category 4 storm buzzsawed through the … [Read more...] about Rick Scott is already using Hurricane Michael in a political ad
Cuban diplomats hijack US event on political prisoners, causing chaos at UN
close Video Protestors interrupt UN event on Cuban political prisoners A U.S.-led event to draw attention to the plight of political prisoners in Cuba under the repressive communist government was hijacked Tuesday by pro-regime diplomats -- who screamed slogans and banged tables in a display an American diplomat called shameful. The event, “Jailed for What? The plight of Cuba’s political prisoners,” featured former political prisoners and human rights activists and took place in the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council chamber (ECOSOC). The meeting was led by U.S. ECOSOC Ambassador Kelley Currie. Within moments of her opening statement, diplomats started screaming slogans and banging their hands on tables as part of an effort to derail the event. Diplomats from Cuba and Bolivia -- including Bolivian Ambassador Sacha Llorenti, who is currently the president of the U.N. Security Council for October -- were among those banging on tables. Currie, … [Read more...] about Cuban diplomats hijack US event on political prisoners, causing chaos at UN