July 23 Morning Newscast
July 23, 2012 Morning Edition News
An analysis of political advertising on Birmingham television stations shows just how much influence so-called Super PACS have on the airwaves in Alabama’s largest city. The Anniston Star collected and analyzed more than a thousand pages of documents from the five Birmingham broadcast TV stations. It found that while Presidential candidate Mitt Romney spent just over $70,000 in the Birmingham market during the primary, his Super PAC ally spent nearly four times that amount. Former candidate Newt Gingrich outspent his Super PAC 3 to 1, and Rick Santorum’s campaign didn’t spend a dime in Birmingham in the period analyzed, but his Super PAC spent $71,000. No candidates for statewide office seemed to have Super PACS spending money for them, but the Anniston Star reports one Alabama candidate has a super PAC spending against him. The Campaign for Primary Accountability spent $54,390 on ads aimed at defeating Congressman Spencer Bachus. That’s more than his two primary opponents combined.
In Other News:
An Episcopal bishop in Alabama says he won’t allow priests in his diocese to bless same-sex unions for the time being. Bishop Kee Sloan voted in favor of creating a new blessing for same-sex couples in July during a national convention of the Episcopal Church. Those who support the blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples tell The Birmingham News they’re puzzled that Sloan voted in favor of the ceremonies nationally but won’t allow them locally. Sloan said the issue is too divisive for the church in Alabama. He said the ceremonies may eventually be permitted in his diocese, but he doesn’t have a timetable in mind.
Scientists say the population of lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico is exploding and they’re worried about how it will affect the ecosystem. The lionfish is named for the mane of elaborate fins around their bodies. They have big mouths and can consume fish nearly as big as they are. Lionfish are native to the Pacific Ocean, but not the Gulf or Atlantic. Scientists believe captive lionfish may have escaped from aquariums in south Florida during Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
The city of Gadsden’s budget for next year might include a slight increase in revenue for the first time in several years. The Gadsden Times reports that so far this year revenues are running 3.6 percent over last year. Mayor Sherman Guyton tells the Times he’d like to be able to balance the city’s budget without having to dip into reserves. Last year the city had to use one million dollars in reserves to balance the budget.
Review by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence Thomas
A report by Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure, including trips on private jets and a yacht trip.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
College students get emotional about climate change. Some are finding help in class
A recent survey finds that more than half of young people aged 16-25 are highly worried about climate change. Some universities are now trying to help them navigate those emotions in class.
