It’s Tuesday morning and hopefully you’ve eased into the week. But don’t strain yourself — wake up gently with these news headlines.
1. GOP squabble
Donald Trump took aim at the Republican National Committee yesterday, claiming that he has been treated unfairly and floating the idea of a third-party run if he’s not the eventual nominee. He and the RNC signed a pledge agreeing that Trump would not run as an independent as long as the Repubs treated him “fairly” — but fairly seems to have been left undefined. Packing Saturday’s debate hall with establishment supporters that booed Trump? Dirty tricks in The Donald’s books. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re in default on their pledge,” he said. Maybe they can take it to the Supreme Court. — Yahoo News
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2. Short list
The Obama Administration is working on a list of nominees to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Saturday. Meetings began with the president’s legal team on Sunday and the White House has already started making calls to Democrats and Republicans. The White House has long been prepared to replace a Justice, but had envisioned replacing a retiring Justice, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and not a seat vacated by a death. There is some question as to whether Obama will nominate his strongest choice first or send out a “sacrificial lamb” who won’t survive a vote — thus energizing the base in November. Republicans have vowed to block anyone he nominates. — CNN
3. Who hinges the unhinged?
Donald Trump, when he’s not firing at the RNC, is taking aim at Ted Cruz. Trump has threatened to sue over the issue of Cruz’s citizenship if Cruz doesn’t stop lying about him. He has described Cruz as “a basket case” and “unhinged.” Now that’s the pot calling the kettle a basket case, don’t you think? — The Guardian
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4. Jobs for Cubans
The U.S. has approved plans for a factory to begin operations on Cuban soil. It is the first business investment the U.S. has made in Cuba since 1959, when Castro seized power. The company, which is run by two men and is Alabama-based, produces inexpensive, easy-to-repair tractors. The company will employ 30 Cubans in the beginning and as many as 300 down the line. — Slate
5. Drug bust (get it?)
Australian authorities announced yesterday that they have seized nearly a million U.S. dollars’ worth of liquid meth concealed inside push-up bras, paint-by-numbers kits and glue bottles, among other things. The shipment was on its way from Hong Kong to Australia, and the police have arrested three Hong Kong nationals and one Chinese national. The liquid meth totaled 160 gallons — now that’s what I call a D cup. — Slate
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6. Cease-fire misfire
Three hospitals have been destroyed by airstrikes in Syria, including a Doctors Without Borders hospital. At least 23 civilians are dead. Doctors Without Borders said they believed the attacks were intentional and that either Russian or government forces are responsible. A children’s hospital and a school were also hit. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart just announced a cease-fire a few days ago. — Slate
7. Even longer than a refractory period
Kentucky lawmaker Mary Lou Marzian, a Louisville Democrat, has introduced a bill that will make men seeking a prescription for Viagra make two office visits on two different days in order to be approved for the drug. Only married men will be able get the drug, their spouse must produce a signed letter agreeing to the treatment, and the men must swear on a Bible that they will only use the drug with their wives. Marzian, who is a nurse, stated that she is tired of men legislating personal medical decisions: Kentucky governor recently signed a law that forces women seeking an abortion to listen to a medical provider listing the possible health risks of terminating a pregnancy. — CNN
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