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The middle office provides the front office with critical information necessary for trading strategy, making it a vital part of the investment management process. Because of that, asset managers need to exercise a higher level of due diligence when selecting a middle-office outsource partner. Proof of concept (POC) has long been included as a standard step in the technology selection process and is now also becoming an emerging recommended practice in the selection of an outsourcing partner.
Through a POC, asset managers gain insight into how the service provider's core systems will support specific scenarios. They also gain exposure to data output along with the method in which they will be interacting with the data, and experience firsthand interactions with some of the people who would be supporting their business in the future.
Most outsourcing arrangements are, by nature, long term. Therefore, it is important to learn as much as possible about both parties. Due diligence provides the opportunity to discuss capabilities and operating models, while a POC offers the ability to further validate specific high touch scenarios which will ultimately help lead to a more informed decision. Having a clear understanding of service provider capabilities allows the asset manager to design an operating model that is based in reality and has the potential to evolve over the course of a successful long-term partnership.


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HUNTSVILLE - Fifteen years after a pair of North Texas road rage killings took Douglas Feldman off the streets and into a death row cell, the rage still appears to exist.
The 55-year-old Feldman is set for execution Wednesday evening in Huntsville.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials declined to make him available to reporters as his death date approached after one media session never even got under way because he ripped the telephone from the prison visiting cage.
It's among 136 disciplinary cases Feldman's has accumulated while on death row.
Feldman faces lethal injection for the shooting deaths of two truckers gunned down about 45 minutes apart on a Dallas-area freeway in August 1998. The shooting of a third man a week later led to Feldman's arrest.

subset: commoncrawl


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Margaret Waage
The loss of their 2-year-old son Joshua in 2008 led former Southington parents Elizabeth and Lee Florian to ask why. Joshua died suddenly after a fever June 26, 2008 from undiagnosed Addison's disease.
The family's search for answers led them to a doctor who was able to determine that Joshua's Addison's disease came from a rare non-inherited type of Adrenoleukod-ystrophy (ALD), a neuro-degenerative disease that frequently affects boys.
Early diagnosis of ALD could have prevented Joshua's death and given his parents the knowledge needed to get Joshua the right treatment and give him a chance to live a perfectly normal life.
The disease involves an abnormal accumulation of long-chain fatty acids in body fluids and tissues throughout the body due to incomplete degradation of fatty acids found in blood plasma. The fatty acids build up in the brain, and the adrenal glands causing a breakdown of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells of the brain.
Myelin is essential to proper functioning of the nervous system – without that sheath the neurons don't do their job of telling muscles and other elements of the central nervous system what to do.
The disease is a genetic disorder that doesn't discriminate race, geography or ethnicity. The disease presents as normal healthy boys begin to regress and can show behavioral problems, difficulty with focus and as time goes on, symptoms continue to worsen with cumulative physical disabilities.
Joshua's unexplainable death caused much pain for the family. The only indication that something was wrong was Joshua's suntan skin and his prolonged cold symptoms compared to his three siblings who were over their colds. Their doctor referred them to an endocrinologist to investigate the skin problem, but Joshua died before he could make it to his appointment.
The nightmare experience of losing Joshua in the presence of his three siblings affected the family.
"Having our private story told in public is difficult. But we are openly willing to do it, if it will save children and save another familes from this grief," said Lee.
The Florian's pursued the cause of death until they had an answer. They learned that ALD is not included in the group of diseases newborns are screened for in Connecticut.
"Each state decides which diseases to screen for. Some states tests for some forty different diseases, some as little as twenty," said Elizabeth.
When they got a call last month from the doctor who discovered Joshua's ALD asking them to testify to Connecticut legislators that was the moment they learned a newborn screen test was available. If diagnosed early, boys with ALD have a good chance at a normal life.
The Florian's sought to advocate for the passing of Senate Bill 465, which was introduced by Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, at a public hearing before the Public Health Committee Feb. 27. The bill would allow for newborn screening of ALD.
"It's a matter of living a normal life if screened early. A special diet eliminates fats and can reverse damage when early detection is made," said Eliza. "By participating in this bill, we are seeing some good come from this. The bill helps us tell Joshua's story and that is a healing process."
The Public Health Committee also had a joint favorable vote of this bill and local State Representative David Zoni (D) served as co-sponsor of the legislation, and is supporting it fully.
The SB 465 now is filed with the Legislative Commissioners' Office where it will undergo review. Additionally, feasibility will be determined before going to the Senate for a final vote.
In the meantime the Florian's want to get the word out about ALD and the importance of early newborn screening.
"This is not just a Connecticut issue. ALD is something that can be treated and should be," said Eliza.
To monitor the progress of the Senate Bill 465 or to contact your legislators to express your opinion, go to: http://www.cga.ct.gov/ or visit the Facebook page Elizabeth and Lee Florian established in Joshua's honor and to bring awareness of this issue: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaJourneyALD.


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Message Board
R. Malcolm Dickson Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Dickson has written!
Author Dickson's Book Reviews
Set in the late 21st Century, Europa is a space exploration tale about the first manned exploration of Jupiter's moons, and the discovery of undersea life on Europa, which soon threatens mariners earth's own seas. At once a futuristic morality play, as well as a highly technical exposition of coming space technologies, Europa takes the reader on a wild roller coaster ride from the far moons of Jupiter to the dazzling city-state in space, Space City Freed...


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In our society, where our workforce so heavily relies on immigrant labor, it is ironic that immigrants are at the same time scapegoated and blamed for societies problems. What is exactly "the root problem"? We live in a society that exploits the low income and working classes. The exploitation of the most vulnerable that are unable to fight back. In this case, it is immigrant workers, in particular, undocumented workers. The recent anti-immigrant climate, coupled with increased deportations, has created a culture of fear in regards to reporting working conditions.
Working conditions for workers have long been known to be unhealthy and safe. Undocumented workers are particularly vulnerable because they fear retribution if they report violations. Employers can use a worker's citizenship status to threaten them. Immigrant women's reproductive health is often uniquely threatened by these working conditions, as pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and manufacturing can have serious affects on her reproductive health.
NLIRH stands with all immigrant women as part of the National Coalition for Immigrant Women's Rights.
It's not too late to get involved in the Week of Action!
Join NLIRH today Thursday August 4 in our Washington D.C. Office for a documentary film screening of "Made in LA", which follows three fierce Latinas working and organizing for better working conditions in garment factories in Los Angeles.
This documentary will open dialogue for the discussion following the film.
For more information about the rights of all workers, regardless of immigration status, Check out this pamphlet from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
By Heather Ramirez, Development and Communications Intern


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A Look Behind The Curtain: How A Patent Hoarder Makes Money
from the revealed! dept
Most intriguing is the sum paid by Apple to settle an SPT suit brought over the iPhone in the Eastern District of Texas in 2008: $865,000. Without any motions being filed after the intial complaint or any substantive discovery, a bit more than 30 percent of that amount, $271,817, went to Niro Scavone, which also billed $46,568 in expenses. Nearly $40,000 went to someone identified as "Ward"--most likely Johnny Ward Jr., who served as local counsel to SPT in the case. Of what was left, almost $109,000 went to SP Technologies, then owned by investor Courtney Sherrer, and $311,400 went to Boesen.There's a lot more in Mullin's post. Not sure how much is worth commenting on, but given that such patent holders and patent hoarding companies tend to be incredibly secretive about all of this stuff, it's still an interesting peek behind the curtain.
Also noteworthy: a full 10 percent of Apple's payout, $86,500, is marked as going to "LG"--an apparent reference to LG Electronics, which, according to the Boesen receipt, paid $834,964.01 to settle a separate SPT suit in 2006. Why would LG be getting a cut of the settlement in a suit to which it was not a party? And was Apple aware that a piece of that settlement might wind up with one of its competitors? Representatives from Apple and LG did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Oh yeah, as for Mullin's question about LG receiving 10% of the payout from Apple, that might not be all that surprising really. Last year, we covered how it was becoming increasingly common for patent hoarders to play this neat trick where they sue a bunch of companies and promise the ones who settle quickly a cut of what they can get from the others. This sets up a little an interesting game theory situation, whereby companies have extra incentive to settle quickly, which makes the patent holder very happy, and which they use to tout how "legitimate" their patents must be (yeah, right). It sounds like, perhaps, that's what happened here. Since LG settled earlier, perhaps part of the settlement was the right to 10% of a cut against others.


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Carrels and Stacking
Law Library carrels may not be reserved as personal study spaces. Unless a 'stack' is established according to one of the descriptions below, any library materials or personal items left in carrels or on library study tables will be removed to the Lost and Found.
"Stacking" refers to the practice of leaving library materials on tables for ongoing use by a student for a specific project. No personal items may be left in a stack. Other library materials that have been checked out to the student, and not the stacking location, may not be left in the stack. No stack can include more than thirty (30) items.
Stacking can be authorized under one of three situations:
1) The Journals and Moot Court have been assigned stacking locations at the index tables on the main floor of the library. This privilege allows their members to check out to those locations for 160 day periods, selected items necessary for the official business of the organizations. Any stacked material may be recalled.
2) Law students who are working on a required writing project (excluding 1L Research & Writing projects) may request a carrel assignment on the balcony, for a period of three weeks, with one renewal possible. This assignment allows the student to stack library materials in the assigned carrel. It does not give the student exclusive rights to the carrel, other than as a place to stack library materials.
3) Any law student may leave materials on a table for 3 days without prior permission and without officially circulating the materials to the "stack." These short term stacks may not be on the main floor of the library. To take advantage of this privilege, the student must leave a dated note on the stack, clearly identifying it as a stack. Stacks falling within this three-day rule cannot be renewed.
Last revised: November 2011


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Sunday, February 26, 2012
My Latest Obsession: Faux Leather Leggings!!
16 comments:
- Candice said...
I love this post, you look gorgeous!
- February 26, 2012 at 5:43 PM
- Girlie Blogger said...
I like your necklace. It's a great way to decorate that shirt.
- February 26, 2012 at 5:46 PM
- Hannah said...
Aww thanks Candice!! xo
- February 26, 2012 at 5:46 PM
- Hannah said...
@Girlie Blogger Thankyou xo Yeah I love how the black on it ties in with the pants :)
- February 26, 2012 at 5:47 PM
- Vita said...
Ummm...I'm a bit too body-conscious (and middle-aged dammit!) to wear the leather-look leggings but I'd love that necklace!
- February 26, 2012 at 5:57 PM
- Hannah said...
Aw I dunno, I reckon you could rock them! My legs are probably my least favourite feature but I find these slim them down a bit. Yeah I love the necklace! Got it from Forever 21 a few months ago so its probably not on there anymore :( but they have heaps of stuff similar!
- February 26, 2012 at 6:02 PM
- Beauty in the Sky said...
I love this look and I love the leggings, I never realised they had these at Iconic, will have to investigate!
- February 26, 2012 at 6:27 PM
- Hannah said...
Thanks Megan :) Definitely do, they would look amazing on you!! I really like the store they have such cool stuff on there xo
- February 26, 2012 at 6:43 PM
- Priyanka said...
aww you look gorgeous Hannah!! they look awesome on you , loving the red lip as well. Thanks for the mention, more OOTD are in order now:)
- February 29, 2012 at 5:24 PM
- Hannah said...
Thanks hun! I love them so much. My lip colour is one of the Models prefer lip gloss pencils, I'm so in love with them!
Yeah I think I'll keep up the outfit posts xo
- February 29, 2012 at 7:52 PM
- Stacy said...
Thanks for the posting Hannah
Womens Perfume Fragrance
- March 2, 2012 at 7:28 PM
I myslef have been searching for a great pair of faux leather leggings!! These look great :) so are these comfortable? Do they run true to size?
- March 2, 2012 at 9:27 PM
- Hannah said...
Thanks Stacey x
@Anonymous This pair are great, they have panels so they aren't all "leather" They are super super comfy as well. I ordered a 12 and a 14 to try the sizes and 12 fit me like a glove and I'm usually a 12 or a 14 in bottoms so they are quite true to size xo
- March 4, 2012 at 8:59 AM
- Gianna @ Makeup and Me said...
Hi love, I've tagged you for the Colors of the Rainbow tag!
- March 10, 2012 at 2:47 PM
- Hannah said...
Hi Gianna, Thanks for tagging me, this tag looks like so much fun! I will have to get onto it soon. I am actually heading to Melb/Geelong on friday so hopefully I can still do some posts while I am there. xo
- March 13, 2012 at 7:53 PM
- mens leather jackets online said...
Nice post love reading it
mens coats
Leather Bombers Jacket
- February 4, 2014 at 3:32 PM


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Omni Hotels Foxboro properties are listed below. Search for cheap and discount Omni Hotels hotel rates in Foxboro, MA for your family, individual or group travels. We list the best Omni Hotels Foxboro hotels/properties so you can review the Foxboro Omni Hotels hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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- Inside Athletics
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Johnson City, Tenn. -- The East Tennessee State University athletic department announced today that Andy Baxter (Erwin, Tenn.) will transfer from North Carolina State and join head coach Tony Skole's Buccaneer baseball program.
During the past two years at N.C. State, Baxter hit .314 and .346 respectively. The left-handed hitter played both third base and first base for the Wolfpack.
Before attending N.C. State, Baxter enjoyed an outstanding high school career at Unicoi County. He was one of the best players ever to play at Unicoi.
"This is a big day for ETSU baseball," Skole said. "Andy will definitely be a welcome addition to our baseball program. I have no doubt that Andy will step in and make an immediate contribution to our success. He will provide great leadership and add some much needed punch to our lineup. Our coaching staff believes he has the ability to be one of the top players in the Southern Conference."
Cross joins Justin Adams (Kingsport, Tenn.), Brandon Cross (Bluff City, Tenn.), Bryan Crouse (Morristown, Tenn.), Matt Hensley (Knoxville, Tenn.), Josh Kite (Greeneville, Tenn.), Rickey Luttrell (Knoxville, Tenn.), Donnie Sharp (Oak Ridge, Tenn.), Scott Rose (Soddy Daisy, Tenn.), and Jeremy Skidmore (Middlesboro, Ky.) in the 2000 recruiting class.


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Many of today's homeowners are enthusiastic about energy-saving products, especially those that boast a quick payback. Vacancy and occupancy sensors are not only meeting this efficiency need, but also helping reach the latest energy code requirements, such as California's Title 24. Electrical contractors who select and install residential occupancy-based controls can add value to their projects and differentiate their services by offering customers a "green" solution.
The variety of controls developed specifically for residential applications has increased dramatically in response to this growing demand. And consumers are enthusiastically accepting these products, as evidenced by the Home Lighting Control Alliance, a Warrenton, Va.- based self-funded, member-driven consortium of lighting control manufacturers, systems integrators, and industry support organizations, which reported that the adoption rate for lighting control in new, single-family homes had tripled in a single year.
Once contractors understand the expanded range of available control strategies and options, they can confidently install and set up occupancy-based controls throughout a home.
Passive infrared sensors
Residential occupancy-based controls are typically passive infrared (PIR) devices that fit into a single-gang box and simply replace a traditional wall switch. Sensors include the basic toggle function, but also add automated control features based on occupancy. They work by sensing body heat — contrasted against the cooler surroundings. Each sensor includes a lens that is used to determine the coverage area and sensitivity for that particular device. A good-quality sensor can see a full 180° and sense a space of 600 to 900 square feet. However, care must be taken to locate a sensor within direct line of sight of the area it's intended to monitor.
Sensors save energy by turning lights off when no movement (occupancy) has been detected for a specific period of time, which is known as the time delay. Different length delays are appropriate for different applications. The goal in selecting a time delay is to maximize energy savings without compromising user safety or comfort. A long time delay, such as 30 minutes, works well in a bathroom where an occupant might take an extended bath or shower out of view of the sensor. A laundry room or hallway could use an even shorter delay. The key is to avoid false offs in spaces where there might be minimal movement when the area is occupied.
Wiring wall switch sensors is straightforward because they are self-contained devices. Most residential sensors require a neutral connection, which is an important safety feature, as it prevents the device from leaking current to ground. For retrofit applications without neutrals, safe 2-wire devices are available but will be limited to controlling incandescent loads. All controls should be properly grounded, and specific load requirements should be confirmed before installation. Residential wall switch sensors are available to control small motor loads as well as lighting loads, including incandescent, low voltage with magnetic or electronic transformers, and linear or compact fluorescents.
Occupancy sensors vs. vacancy sensors
The first step in choosing the best product for a particular application is determining the control strategy appropriate to the space in which it will be used. Residential occupancy-based controls are named based on their mode of operation, falling into one of two categories: occupancy sensors or vacancy sensors.
Occupancy sensors automatically turn the lights on as soon as they detect occupancy. When a time delay has been reached without further occupancy being detected, they turn the lights off. If desired, occupancy sensors may be manually overridden to keep lighting off as needed.
Vacancy sensors detect when a space is vacant and turn the lights off following a time delay. They feature manual-on operation, which has several benefits. Because they don't automatically turn lights on when motion is detected they are ideal for the many applications that don't routinely require lights to be on when the space is occupied. Vacancy sensors can maximize energy savings for many residential applications by ensuring the lights are not turned on unless they are needed. Households with pets are good candidates for vacancy control as there is no possibility of a false on.
The California Energy Commission understands the energy-saving potential of manual-on sensors. Title 24 dictates this control option for residential projects if builders are using controls in lieu of high-efficacy light sources in certain applications. Contractors should note that some sensors can operate either as occupancy or vacancy sensors based on a configuration option.
Special switching options
Once the sensor type has been selected, you can consider whether the application involves any special switching requirements. An area with multiple entrances, such as a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, a hallway, or a staircase might not be suited to switching from a single location, but instead require 3- or 4-way control. Alternately, the homeowner might wish to switch two loads separately from a single location, such as a bathroom fan and light.
Multi-way sensors are available for applications requiring several switching locations. By installing sensors in two or three locations, coverage is extended to include areas within the line of sight of any of the connected sensors. Lighting is held on for the time delay period after the last sensor in the group ceases to detect motion. When choosing multi-way sensors, be certain that the model selected offers full multi-way control.
Dual relay sensors offer a perfect solution for switching separate loads from one location and can be especially useful for retrofits. Housed in a single-gang device, dual relay sensors give contractors the option of splitting control of two loads or adding a load without having to install a larger box.
In addition to PIR circuitry, some sensors also contain photocells that measure the amount of ambient light. With this added input, automatic-on occupancy sensors in areas with windows or skylights can be set up to turn lights on only if light levels are low when occupancy is detected, saving more energy than standard occupancy sensors. A light level sensor could be just the right choice for a daylit laundry room, a space people tend to enter or exit with their hands full, making a manual-on switch an awkward choice. The light level sensor would keep lights off when the space was bright, but turn them on automatically when the space was dark and someone entered. Of course, such sensors can be turned on manually.
Setup and maintenance
For the most part, sensor set up involves a couple of quick one-time adjustments. If the device has the option of automatic- or manual-on, this parameter may need to be configured from one option to the other. In most cases, the only other adjustment needed is to set the time delay. This is generally done with a screwdriver-adjustable trim pot. As noted earlier, set long time delays for areas that experience extended periods of occupancy and/or where occupants may move only minimally. Set shorter time delays for areas that will experience short durations of stay.
When a sensor includes a built-in light level sensor, it should be factory set to the maximum light level. This ensures that the daylighting option does not come into play unless it is specifically required. When using the option, gradually decrease the light level adjustment until lighting comes on at the desirable threshold.
The contractor should test the sensors as the final step of the installation process. Place each device in test mode, which temporarily shortens the time delay, and check to ensure that the sensor does indeed turn the lights on (if applicable) and off — and that it properly senses movement within its line of sight. Once the sensor is set up, you can confidently walk away, knowing it will operate consistently over time with no maintenance.
Staying on top
According to the "Builder Technology Market Survey," conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), lighting controls represented the second biggest increase of any home technology — over home theater, multi-room audio, and structured wiring.
As with so many things in life, the array of choices on the market can sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. How can a busy contractor best keep track of so many options and offer customers features tailored for each application without spending an inordinate amount of time setting up and adjusting sensors? By familiarizing yourself with the benefits of the latest generation of residential control products, you will be in the best position to take advantage of your clients' growing interest in controls.
Villalobos is senior product development manager with the Watt Stopper/Legrand, Santa Clara, Calif.


text: Mustang Sally is getting pumped for RAGBRAI and has started training for Mount Mercy's team! Look for more of Mustang Sally's adventures to come in the future as we get ready to celebrate the 40th anniversary in the great city of Cedar Rapids on July 26! Tweet with us! #MMUrides #SurvivinTheRide


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Central Park Cocktail Trolley Tour Party
Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 5:45 PM, Scholars' Gate (Park entrance at 60th Street & 5th Avenue), New York City--The Tour Committee, a Program of the Women's Committee, of the Central Park Conservancy host Cocktail Trolley Tour Party. Tour Committee Founder & Honorary Chairman: Mrs. Howard L. Clark. Co-Chairmen: Judith Churchill & Kay Toll PHOTO CREDIT: ©Manhattan Society.com 2006 by Gregory Partanio | tel:718.614.7740 |e-mail: email@example.com More


text: Keith York Named National Dairy BQA Award Winner February 13, 2014 05:00 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By News Release Email This week, two producers were honored with the checkoff's annual national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance (DBQA) awards, created to recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers from across the country who incorporate BQA principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their operations. 2014 winners were: Mike and Anne Wirtz, TZ Cattle Company of Brenham, Texas (beef); Keith York, Merry-Water Farms of Lake Geneva, Wisc.(dairy). Keith York, Merry-Water Farms of Lake Geneva, Wisc. Merry-Water farms is a family farm which began in 1950 with Keith's parents Walter and Mary York. He is the 3rd generation on the farm. It began as a 40-cow dairy with a variety of other livestock and other animals typical for a farm in the 1950s. Today, the dairy farm has 1,350 cows with 1,250 replacement heifers and 200 young steers. They farm 650 acres of land and purchase the rest of their feed from neighboring farmers. Keith raises all replacement heifers until they are bred. After they are determined pregnant, two neighbors custom raise until 45 days before they calve. The dairy sells bull calves at different ages depending on capacity of the facilities (they have room for 150 to 250 head depending on size). "The well-being of our animals is one of the top priorities for our farm," Keith says. "If we take care of our animals they will take care of us. This is a common saying that is stated by many farms but it is a basic truth that all farmers know to be the golden rule of farming. Our animals need to be comfortable and stress free to be as productive as possible." All employees are trained in moving cattle without causing stress. This is done by training on the farm or at presentations or classes that go over best handling techniques. Merry-Water Farms has made a huge investment in facilities with the main purpose of making the cows more comfortable and productive. When it comes to sustainability of his operation, Keith says, "Sustainable is defined in many ways but I view it as a 3-legged stool with the three legs being care for the environment, economically sustainable and socially responsible. I know that in order for a livestock farm to continue the key is the animal well-being of its livestock. The care of our animals results in the animals being productive which results in efficiency in production which results in economic advantage. Ethically we should and the consumer wants us to take the best care of the animals that we can." Learn more about all of the BQA award winners, including Keith York, here. Source: Beef Checkoff Back to news


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RYOKOU Chapters 1-5: Shane Perkins Documentary
Here's an awesome five-part documentary on Shane Perkins titled RYOKOU. It gives you a little background on the Keirin Racing School over in Japan while shedding some light on Shane Perkins and how he got into track racing. Definitely a great watch! Be sure to check out part 2 below.
Thanks to Hubert for sending this my way.
UPDATE: Parts 3-5 have now been added below.


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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
NRA leader, Jack Abramoff and GOP operative tied to alleged Russian spy Maria Butina have long history as foreign agents lobbying together
December 10, 2018 | NRA leader David Keene, Jack Abramoff and GOP operative Paul Erickson have a long history as foreign agents lobbying together over a decade before alleged Russian spy Maria Butina.
National Republican Congressional Committee the biggest loser among 2018 outside groups
November 30, 2018 | With a 25% success rate, the honor of "biggest loser" this general election cycle goes to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
NRA spends second straight year in the red with $18 million deficit
November 27, 2018 | The NRA experienced a roughly $55 million decline in income last year and found itself in the red for a second consecutive year.
Democrats and Republicans deceptively propped up third-party candidates
November 9, 2018 | Angela Green was one of many third-party candidates to be used as a tool of the country's two major political parties during the lead-up to the election.
Midterms: Gun control groups outspend NRA and other gun rights rivals
October 26, 2018 | In one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 midterms, gun control groups are actually outspending their pro-gun rivals - to the tune of $2 million.
Member dues plummet, leaving the NRA in the red for second straight year
September 19, 2018 | A new third-party financial audit obtained by OpenSecrets raises questions about the NRA's long-term fiscal health thanks to plummeting income from dues-paying members.
Does SCOTUS fight boost abortion-related giving?
September 7, 2018 | Could the amount given to politicans by pro and anti-abortion groups climb even higher in an election where a seat on the Supreme Court is on the line?
Democrat Beto O'Rourke is creeping up on Ted Cruz in the Texas Senate race — both in fundraising and polls
August 27, 2018 | Although incumbent Ted Cruz is still favored to beat challenger Beto O'Rourke in November, this is the first time in decades a Democrat has even come close to a Senate seat in Texas.
Lessons from a School Shooting
August 27, 2018 | Issues of gun rights and gun control can be addressed in many ways in documentary films. Kim A. Snyder's moving and measured documentary short, Notes from Dunblane: Lessons from a School Shooting cuts straight to the heart
Rep. Jim Jordan vies for speaker as atypical fundraiser
August 6, 2018 | Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is campaigning to be speaker of the House without the typical fundraising background of former speakers.
Will lack of Democratic outside spending cost Lamb an upset?
March 12, 2018 | Conservative outside spending came up big for Rick Saccone while Democrat Conor Lamb relied more on small donations.
Secret donors come back to boost former-Koch group
January 25, 2018 | American Future Fund, a secretive political group, raised more than $29.4 million in 2016, most of which went into ads aimed at electing Republicans.
Conservative outside spending dominates Pennsylvania special election
January 18, 2018 | Two conservative outside groups have hit the Southwestern Pennsylvania airwaves within the last week, spending nearly $350,000 on advertisements in the state's upcoming special election.
Audit shows NRA spending surged $100 million amidst pro-Trump push in 2016
November 15, 2017 | The National Rifle Association's overall spending surged by more than $100 million in 2016, surpassing any previous annual NRA spending totals on record, according to an audit obtained by the Center for Responsive Politics. The explosion in spending came as the NRA poured unprecedented amounts of money into efforts to deliver Donald Trump the White House…
Dark money and potential foreign influence
July 19, 2017 | Testimony by Sheila Krumholz, Executive Director of the Center for Responsive Politics before the Senate Democratic Policy And Communications Committee July 19, 2017 Chairwoman Stabenow, Senator Whitehouse and other Senators: Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony for today's hearing regarding politically active nondisclosing nonprofits ("dark money organizations") and the possibility of foreign…
In Montana, strong fundraising by Quist, but more outside help for Gianforte. Also, guns.
May 18, 2017 | Shots have been fired in the campaign leading up to Montana's May 25 special election. Literally. Both Republican candidate Greg Gianforte and Democratic candidate Rob Quist have aired ads in which they load a rifle and obliterate a computer and a TV screen, respectively. In his ad, Gianforte accuses Quist of wanting to create a…
Election 2016: Trump's free media helped keep cost down, but fewer donors provided more of the cash
April 13, 2017 | Election Day, 2016? Now an ancient memory from a distant time. But the intervening months have allowed us to do some math and determine, finally, the price tag for the whole shebang. We can now report that the total cost of the election was nearly $6.5 billion, a 3 percent increase from 2012's figure of just under…
Challengers who bested incumbents reaped $70,000 in post-election funds
December 9, 2016 | The 2016 election is over. Ballots have been cast, and (most) federal candidates know the outcome of their hard-fought races. Yet company PACs and even individuals are still writing checks to candidates' campaign committees, even though the campaigns they're funding are done. "Giving after the election clearly shows the donation is not given to support…
The NRA Placed Big Bets on the 2016 Election, and Won Almost All of Them
November 9, 2016 | OpenSecrets Blog and The Trace partnered on this story; it was published by both outlets. In North Carolina, the NRA spent $6.2 million on the incumbent Republican Sen. Richard Burr, the most it has ever invested in a down-ballot race. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) The National Rifle Association took a historic gamble in 2016, and it paid…
$1.4 billion and counting in spending by super PACs, dark money groups
November 9, 2016 | Setting a new record and driving much of the higher cost of this year's elections over 2012's, outside groups that weren't formally connected to either political party broke $1.4 billion in outlays in the 2016 cycle. That's up from the $1 billion these groups — mostly super PACs and 501(c) organizations — spent in 2012,…
Donald Trump's fractional fundraising
September 29, 2016 | Donald Trump and Mitt Romney may not have much in common, and the 2012 GOP presidential nominee has made no bones about his visceral dislike of the pugilistic businessman who is carrying his party's banner this time around. When it comes to campaign fundraising, though, there's a lot of overlap in their pools of donors.…
Where the (GOP) parties at?
July 16, 2016 | Numerous Republican elites are ditching their party's national convention in Cleveland this year. (And with some pretty lame excuses, too.) Boy, are they missing out. Sure, on what likely will be a fascinating main event, but mostly they're skipping out on some of the biggest soirées of the season. Special interests, lobbyists, politicians and the media…
First quarter doldrums hit lobbying outlays for most, but pharmaceutical industry bucks the trend
April 27, 2016 | Lobbying clients overall apparently weren't looking to burst out of the gate in 2016, but outlays by some of the biggest companies in the pharmaceutical industry spiked during the year's first quarter. Lobbying spending by companies and interest groups in the first three months of 2016 — the last year of an eight-year presidential administration…
Exiled from Koch orbit, American Future Fund turns to GOP establishment for cash
March 7, 2016 | Last week, real estate mogul and current GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump tweeted to his 6.6 million Twitter followers about a "phony Rubio commercial" that was making hay out of Trump's ongoing legal troubles with the now-defuct Trump University. Phony Rubio commercial. I could have settled, but won't out of principle! See student surveys. https://t.co/KKHiBH554d —…
With a gun lobby lock on Congress, Clinton would try executive action
October 5, 2015 | Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton's plan for cracking down on gun violence faces long odds given a Congress that has largely failed to pass gun control legislation for years and receives millions of dollars from gun rights groups every election cycle.
Big Guns Firing on Both Sides of Ammunition Ban
March 18, 2015 | The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms backed down last week from banning a popular type of ammunition, a big win for gun rights advocates. But both gun rights and gun control proponents are armed to the teeth for a lobbying battle that will continue, as the agency has promised "further study" of the issue and…
Wall Street's Investments in Deregulation
January 14, 2015 | Wall Street did its part to make 2014 the most expensive midterm election ever, outpacing its 2010 total and once again putting the bulk of its financial muscle behind GOP candidates and groups. Donors from the securities and investment industry, otherwise known as Wall Street, contributed a total of $184 million to candidates, parties and outside…
Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
December 22, 2014 | This report is the third (part 1/part 2) in a series examining the years-long decline in both spending on lobbyists and the number of active lobbyists. Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. Previous entries…
Jeb Bush's Rivals Already Running
December 17, 2014 | Former Florida Governor and ex-First Brother Jeb Bush announced his plans to start a fundraising committee next month, and immediately some big names in GOP money — such as Florida developer Mel Sembler — got behind him. Bush has recently proven his ability to raise big bucks, but some of Bush's likely competitors for the…
New OpenSecrets Issue Profile: E-Cigarettes
November 24, 2014 | Vaping is hot. Use of electronic cigarettes is on a steady rise — the overall market value was estimated to be between $1 and $1.7 billion last year. Even the term has achieved the ultimate mark of respectability: "Vaping" was recently named Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries. Fittingly, we've made this the latest…
K Street: End of the Slide?
November 10, 2014 | It may be too early to call 2014 the year that K Street's long decline ended, but the most recent round of reports suggest at least a leveling off. Third quarter 2014 lobbying expenditures totaled $771.9 million, which is only a bit lower than outlays during the same period in previous years. And spending for the…
Dave Brat's New Buddies
October 17, 2014 | It appears Dave Brat has given up running on a shoestring for a new pair of Air Jordans. The Republican nominee for Virginia's 7th District congressional seat became a political celebrity overnight by defeating House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a June 10th primary — despite a multimillion dollar fundraising disadvantage. The tea party-supported Brat…
Gun Groups Locked and Loaded for Nov. 4
October 6, 2014 | One month till the election? Welcome to the OK Corral — the shootout's just beginning. Both the National Rifle Association and Americans for Responsible Solutions, the pro-gun control group founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), have said they will unleash a fusillade of ads supporting and attacking candidates in some of the tightest contests in the…
Immigration, Net Neutrality Help Trigger Big Spending Increases in 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 30, 2014 | Lobbying filings for the second quarter show that the public debate often seeps into the advocacy efforts of companies. This year: immigration, net neutrality and the right to channel a broadcast program using a tiny antenna have caused several companies to spend big in order to influence legislators. Meanwhile, some topics, including gun rights and defense spending,…
The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, or Hunting for Cover on Guns
July 8, 2014 | Despite objections from a handful of Democrats, the Senate voted on Monday to move forward with a pro-hunting bill that has delighted most gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association. Introduced by embattled incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act (S. 2363) would unlock funding to build shooting ranges on public land while easing hunting restrictions. But…
Unreported Spending Helped Stoke Discontent With Cantor
June 19, 2014 | In other upsets where tea party-backed candidates have emerged as victors, outside spending has been a big part of the formula for helping insurgents prevail. In the case of Majority Leader Eric Cantor's epic defeat at the hands of an unknown opponent in the Virginia GOP primary last week, though, outside groups seemed to play…
Organizing for Action: Who's Giving to Obama-Linked Nonprofit?
June 17, 2014 | Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign cycle last year, 14 donors — running the gamut from a hedge fund manager to a gay rights activist to a little-known Salt Lake City venture capitalist — have given $100,000 or more to President Barack Obama's avowedly un-campaign committee, Organizing for Action. Another 26 have ponied up…
With Cantor Gone, GOP — and Tea Party — Loses Major Fundraiser
June 11, 2014 | "I'm in shock," Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) said in response to the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to David Brat, a small-town tea party activist, in Tuesday's Virginia primary. No kidding: McHenry has received at least $60,000 from Cantor's extensive fundraising network over the years — and he's not the only one who's…
In S.C., Money Matters Far More Than Before for Graham
June 10, 2014 | South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham has never had to fight with a fellow Republican for his Senate seat. Now, he is battling tooth and claw to ward off six cheeky challengers in today's primary. The two-term senator has already spent $8.5 million in the 2014 race, outflanking all his Republican contenders, who together have barely spent $2 million.…
Don't Bet the House: Online Gaming Ban Faces Uncertain Future
May 12, 2014 | Politics has always been partly a game of chance. And when it comes to the politics of gambling policy, where the industry's high-rolling campaign donors are anteing up for a clash over online gaming, it's anybody's guess who the big winners will be. The gaming industry has long had a big presence in Washington.…
Rand Paul's Ties With Losing N.C. Primary Candidate Run Deep
May 7, 2014 | Last night, North Carolina Speaker of the House Thom Tillis won the Republican primary and the right to challenge Democratic incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan — a victory for the GOP establishment, as Tillis easily dispatched outsider Greg Brannon. This morning, pundits not only declared victory for the establishment, but speculated that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who flew down last weekend to…
Nonprofit's Exemption Was Granted Despite Record Fine, Big Political Spending
April 14, 2014 | Americans for Responsible Leadership's application for 501(c)(4) status was being considered just as sparks were flying about the IRS' targeting of certain groups.
An Encore for the Center to Protect Patient Rights
March 5, 2014 | Sean Noble's mammoth group -- which since 2009 has funneled $170 million-plus to conservative organizations involved in politicking -- seemed to be on the outs last year with its main backers. Now, say hello to American Encore.
K Street's Fortunes Decline for Third Year
January 29, 2014 | Total spending on federal lobbying fell by about $100 million in 2013, or a little less than 3 percent, and the number of lobbyists dropped again as well.
The Gun Money Behind Opponents to the Arms Trade Treaty
October 1, 2013 | On Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry signed the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, igniting a wave of criticism from pro-gun members of Congress. A closer look shows most of those opponents depend on the gun lobby for campaign cash.
Industries Cut Lobbying Expenditures — Again
July 31, 2013 | Is big business backing off K Street? After years of dominating the scene, several traditionally powerful lobbying interests have significantly cut back their spending in the second quarter of 2013. A list of industries that cut their spending most between the first three months of the year and the second three months reads like a Who's Who of lobbying heavyweights: Pharmaceuticals, electric utilities, oil and gas, finance and credit, telecom and agricultural services led the roster.
Ready for Hillary Super PAC Moves Forward With Big Funders
May 29, 2013 | Although Election Day 2016 is still more than three years away, powerful forces within the Democratic Party have signed up to support the potential campaign of Hillary Clinton for the presidency. The Ready for Hillary super PAC, which filed its statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission in January, established its National Finance Council on Tuesday. Its founding members include Steve and Amber Mostyn, two lawyers based in Houston, Texas, who have contributed significant funds to political groups in recent years, along with Susie Tompkins Buell, a clothing entrepreneur who assisted Clinton's fundraising efforts in 2008.
Shape-Shifting by Liberal Dark Money Groups Seems Meant to Confuse
May 22, 2013 | Two liberal tax-exempt groups, Citizens for Strength and Security and Patriot Majority, have killed themselves off and re-established multiple times, and sprouted various offshoots that play by different sets of rules. It makes them virtually impossible to track for the average citizen -- and maybe for the IRS, too.
Getting the Fix: Lawmakers' Targeted Favors for Top Donors
May 14, 2013 | A mash-up of data on bill sponsorships, campaign contributions and lobbying shows that in some cases, lawmakers have sponsored bills of interest to just one entity -- which happens to be a top contributor to the lawmaker's campaign fund.
No-Compromise Gun Group Drives Lobbying
May 2, 2013 | It was the National Association for Gun Rights -- not the NRA -- that drove the spike in lobbying by gun rights groups in the first quarter of the year. The group had never lobbied at the federal level. Plus, OpenSecrets Blog finds more ties between the group and Ron and Rand Paul.
Quarterly Lobbying Reports Show Yet Another Decline
May 2, 2013 | Following a pattern that has been playing out for the last few years, spending on federal lobbying declined in the first quarter of 2013. There were exceptions in connection with the hottest issues of the past three months, like the gun control debate; but overall, most organizations that traditionally spend big on lobbyists have cut back once again.
Spending on Gun Lobbying Doesn't Match Rhetoric
April 22, 2013 | Not surprisingly -- and per the usual pattern -- lobbying expenditures by pro-gun rights groups in the first quarter of 2013 far surpassed that of groups on the other side. But there wasn't as much of a jump in that spending as some expected, given the Sandy Hook shootings.
Shadow Money Magic: Five Easy Steps That Let You Play Big in Politics, Hide Your Donors and Game the IRS
April 15, 2013 | Happy Tax Day! We hope you'll celebrate by reading the first installment of our new report, which shows that it's not all that hard to be a big player in politics while keeping donors under wraps AND gaming the IRS, the agency that's supposed to be the cop on this particular beat.
Gun Rights Group Has Close Ties To Paul Family
April 4, 2013 | The National Association for Gun Rights -- a group to the right of the NRA -- has been stirring controversy with attacks on Republicans. As it happens, the group has strong ties to both Rand and Ron Paul, OpenSecrets Blog has found.
Money to Senators Looms Over Assault Weapons Hearing
February 27, 2013 | The subject of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing today -- a proposed assault weapons ban -- is controversial enough. But casting another shadow on the conversation is the fact that members of the panel, who may vote on the proposal as early as Thursday, have received far more in campaign contributions from gun rights groups and individuals who are committed to the issue than they have from the other side. Since 2000, committee members have collected over $350,000 from gun rights groups and individuals, but just $17,000 from pro-gun control interests.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 11: New Jersey's Governor is BFF with Zuckerberg, Seattle Wants a Refund on Drones, and More
February 11, 2013 | Chris Christie heads west on a fundraising swing that includes an event hosted by Mark Zuckerberg. Also, some parts of the U.S. have doubts about drones.
Ron Paul Network Was Lucrative for Jesse Benton
February 8, 2013 | Jesse Benton was an integral part of the Paul family's network of organizations, and a lightning rod for controversy before he left last fall to become Mitch McConnell's campaign manager. We can settle one matter about which critics have raised questions: How much he earned during his years with Paul's various committees.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 6: Duckworth "Buzziest" House Freshman in Media Hype and Fundraising, One Florida University Beefs Up Lobbying Staff, and More
February 6, 2013 | Rep. Tammy Duckworth was mentioned in the news more in her first month of office than any other House freshman, according to a University of Minnesota study. She also spent more in her campaign than her colleagues in the class of '12.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 25: Lobbying for Filibuster Changes, SEC Nominee's Reverse-Revolving, and More
January 25, 2013 | Good government types, labor unions and others have lobbied to change filibuster rules. Also, some of the clients of Mary Jo White's law firm will be watching her actions at the SEC, if she's confirmed as chief, with more than passing interest.
Exclusive: Nonprofit Funneled Money to Kochs' Voter Database Effort, Other Conservative Groups
December 21, 2012 | A previously unreported nonprofit network funneled millions of dollars to the Koch brothers' effort to catch up with Democrats' voter microtargeting. And beyond that, it sent money to a collection of other tax-exempt groups that worked to get Republicans elected in the last two campaign cycles.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 17: Manchin on Gun Control, S.C.'s New Senator and More
December 17, 2012 | West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (D) is one of the few Democrats who receives campaign cash from the National Rifle Association, but this morning he said he was ready to talk about gun control.
Gun Rights Groups' Political Spending Crushes That of Gun Control Supporters
December 14, 2012 | When it comes to lobbying, campaign contributions and outside spending, pro-gun rights groups are light years ahead of those that support stronger gun control. The NRA accounts for most of the spending.
Farm Bill Still Hanging: More Than 70 Groups Lobby on Food Stamps
December 3, 2012 | This year's Farm Bill, including its food stamp provisions, stalled in the House before the election. But the program has a big constituency, and it's not just poor people -- something lawmakers looking for budget cuts might want to keep in mind.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 3: Watts' RNC Buzz, DaVita's D.C. Footprint, and More
December 3, 2012 | J.C. Watts, who's being mentioned as a possible RNC chair, has some strong ties to shadow money. A dialysis company that's accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid has invested heavily in Washington. And Bloomberg's pro-gun control super PAC likely had an impact.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 30: Lobbying on Syria, Biden Goes to COSTCO, and More
November 30, 2012 | Lobbying on issues related to Syria has ramped up as the conflict in the war-torn nation has intensified. South Dakota's Tim Johnson begins to put his campaign in gear. And Biden pays a visit to a new COSTCO store, where any Democrat is likely to get a friendly reception.
Shadow Money Group Discloses Adelson Donation
October 23, 2012 | The New American Energy Opportunity Foundation is running radio ads with money from Sheldon Adelson, it disclosed to the FEC last week.
Debate Prep: Your Guide to the Issues and Who's Invested in Them
October 16, 2012 | Tonight's debate will be closely watched to see whether the president delivers a more energetic performance. But there are other reasons to tune in, including keeping an eye on whether the candidates' responses reflect the positions of their campaign contributors.
Hot Race in the Minnesota 8th: Chip Cravaack vs. Rick Nolan
October 4, 2012 | There are plenty of disparities in the contest between Rick Nolan and Chip Cravaack, including the fact that Cravaack has raised about $1 million more. But outside spending is the real story of this race.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 2: Small State is VP Hub, Aurora Survivor in Ad, and More
October 2, 2012 | Joe Biden and Paul Ryan both visit Connecticut in search of cash, and Mayor Bloomberg's pro-gun control PAC runs ad featuring an Aurora survivor.
Liberal Group With Ties to Unions Ends Donor Disclosure
August 23, 2012 | Patriot Majority's latest series of attack ads targets the conservative billionaires pumping money into the secretive world of right-wing non-profits, but offers few clues about who is funding its own activities. In a striking example of how the most ambitious actors in the realm of political funding have begun taking advantage of a shift in the legal landscape since 2010, the trail connecting Patriot Majority to its well-known progressive funders has all but melted away. Almost all of Patriot Majority's activities are now being carried out through a nonprofit that, under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, doesn't have to disclose its donors.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 9: Mayors' Group Discloses Donors, GOP Senators Want IRS to Back Down and Outside Groups Blitz Sherrod Brown
August 9, 2012 | A court case requiring groups running electioneering communications to disclose their donors sees its first fruit. Republican senators want to be sure the IRS doesn't crack down on nondisclosing groups before the election. And Sen. Sherrod Brown's pounding by outside groups helps shrink his lead in Ohio.
Capital Eye Opener, June 27: Guns, Contempt and Money; Campaign Ad Disclosure Passes Hurdle; Reid and McConnell make nice on student loans
June 27, 2012 | The NRA hearts the GOP. The Office and Management and Budget says the FCC's new rule on disclosure of political ad buys doesn't violate the Paperwork Reduction Act. And Congress could provide relief on student loan rates this week.
Nonprofits Outspent Super PACs in 2010
June 18, 2012 | A joint investigation by the Center for Public Integrity and the Center for Responsive Politics has found that more than 100 nonprofits organized under section 501(c)(4) of the U.S. tax code spent roughly $95 million on political expenditures in the 2010 election compared with $65 million by super PACs.
Mystery Health Care Group Funneled Millions to Conservative Nonprofits
May 18, 2012 | A secretive, well-funded group provided $44 million in 2010 to a host of 501(c)(4) groups, many of which were among the most active in airing ads attacking Democrats in the midterm elections. The Center to Protect Patient Rights was the source of more than half the budget of the group American Future Fund, for example. The Center's role in funding the groups has not previously been reported.
Culture Wars Skip K Street
May 2, 2012 | Talking heads and culture warriors have been working overtime in 2012 on both sides of the abortion, birth control, religious freedom and gun rights issues. But for all the talk about how much -- or how little -- say the government should have on key social issues, the battles haven't spilled onto K Street. According to OpenSecrets.org data, lobbying on ideological issues was down nearly across the board for the first three months of 2012.
In a Familiar Refrain, Music Industry Heavily Supports Dems
April 19, 2012 | The music industry a whole has long been a solid supporter of the Democratic Party. See what musicians are giving money in this election cycle, and who has given the most among musicians.
Lobbying Expenditures Slump in 2011
January 26, 2012 | The nation's economy may be slowly rebounding, but during 2011, the economic engine of K Street sputtered. Overall expenditures on lobbying were down for the first time in more than a decade, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Bankrupt Alabama County Full of Prolific Campaign Donors, Abortion Fights Brew and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 14
November 14, 2011 | Despite the move last week by Jefferson County, Ala., to file for bankruptcy, the residents of the region have continually been among the most generous Alabamians in terms of their campaign contributions.
Bank of America Draws Criticism, Guns Groups Assault DC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 6
October 6, 2011 | Bank of America's decision to charge its debit card users $5 per month has drawn the ire first of customers, and now, politicians, including President Barack Obama, who collected about $395,000 from Bank of America employees during his 2008 presidential run -- although this year BofA employees have favored Republican Mitt Romney with their campaign cash.
Conceal and Carry Bill Targeted, Bachmann Slams Perry for Pharma Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 13
September 13, 2011 | This morning, the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security will hold a hearing on H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, legislation that has been targeted by both gun control groups and organizations supportive of gun rights.
Prolific Fund-Raiser Michele Bachmann Enters Republican Presidential Fray
June 13, 2011 | Bachmann raised the most money during the 2010 election cycle, outpacing 434 of her House colleagues, as OpenSecrets Blog has previously noted. Her dominant $13.5 million haul was much more than House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), who was a distant second with nearly $9.8 million in fundraising.
Lobbying on Guns, Abortion, Labor Spikes During New Congressional Session
May 3, 2011 | Several of the year's hottest political topics have witnessed the greatest increase in lobbyists' attention during the first months of the 112th Congress, according to a preliminary analysis of lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Stupak Becomes Lobbyist, Tucson Victim Stumps for Magazine Ban and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 12
April 12, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Where's the Sunshine on Senate Campaign Finance Reports?
March 18, 2011 | In late January, first-term Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) called on the Interior Department to allow a regulated wolf hunt in Montana. A few days later, he urged Taco Bell to use Montana beef in its restaurants. In between, Tester introduced S. 219, the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act. The measure would require senators and U.S. Senate candidates to file their campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission -- electronically.
New Study: More Than 130 Top Congressional Staffers Are Former Lobbyists
March 2, 2011 | At least 130 current congressional chiefs of staff and legislative directors are former lobbyists, new research by the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate indicates.
Federal Lobbying Expenditures Plateau After Years of Rapid Growth
February 4, 2011 | The nation's financial malaise is finally catching up to K Street, where federal lobbying activity plateaued for the first time in a decade, the Center for Responsive Politics' research indicates. After a record $3.49 billion in lobbying spending in 2009, lobbying expenditures in 2010 by corporations, unions, trade associations, universities and other organizations will, at most, eclipse that amount by the narrowest of margins.
Great Work for GOP Lobbyists, Gun Control Questions and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 27
January 27, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
OpenSecrets.org Provides 2011 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 25, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog offers a preview on the legislative priorities destined to shape political discourse throughout 2011.
Ideologically Confused Corporations, Gun Lobby's Influence Wanes and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 13
January 13, 2011 | Imagine asking a friend before the 2010 midterm elections, "What Senate candidates align with your beliefs?" and the response being "All of them." This is the case for many corporate political action committees
After Arizona Shooting, Gun Control Advocates Push For New Restrictions
January 11, 2011 | In the debate about 2nd Amendment rights and gun control, one side -- gun supporters -- typically has the upper hand. Now, gun control advocates are hoping momentum will build for new laws after the assassination attempt against Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) on Saturday in Tucson.
Led By George Soros' Son, Student Contributions Buoy Democrats in 2010 Midterms
October 20, 2010 | In the run up to the 2010 midterm elections, Soros joins a handful of young, emerging political heavyweights, many of whom are related to other prolific political donors. And they're helping tip the scales toward Democrats in the competition for students' campaign cash, the Center's analysis indicates.
Chuck Norris Triggers the Vote, Vitter's Prostitution Ring Ties Highlighted and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 3
September 3, 2010 | TEA PARTY, NRA GET BOOSTS FROM CHUCK NORRIS: Action movie star and conservative activist Chuck Norris badly wants you to vote this November. Norris stars in a new ad for the National Rifle Association as part of the group's "Trigger the Vote" campaign.
Economic Gurus Celebrate Birthdays, New Website Tracks Corporate Dollars in Elections and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 18
August 18, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Beyond Tom DeLay: J.D. Hayworth, Roy Blunt, Others Reaped Financial Rewards From Disgraced Lobbyist Jack Abramoff
August 17, 2010 | J.D. Hayworth and Roy Blunt are not the only active politicians to have accepted donations from tainted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In all, 37 current congressional candidates and sitting members of Congress received money from Abramoff and his wife.
A New Obama Cabinet Member, John Hall's Proposed Lobbying Restrictions and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 14
July 14, 2010 | OMB HEAD SPINS OUT, NEW ONE SPINS IN: Jacob Lew, Obama's new pick to head the Office of Management and Budget, has more than 30 years of experience in Washington, spinning through the revolving door between the public and private sectors on multiple occasions.
The Soccer Lobby, Doctors' Influence Ills and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 12
July 12, 2010 | Now that Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 to win the World Cup and bathe in the four following years of international glory that comes with it, we wondered, as we would: Does soccer have a lobby? Sure does.
Lobbyists Tops Among Senator's Contributors, NRA May Endorse Harry Reid And More in Capital Eye Opener: July 7
July 7, 2010 | LOBBYISTS TOP LIST OF SENATOR'S BIGGEST CAMPAIGN DONORS: Now seeking her fourth term in office, the donor list for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) may reflect one of the benefits of incumbency: Lobbyists are the senator's biggest campaign supporters.
Gun Rights Lobbying Firepower Underscores Supreme Court Victory
June 28, 2010 | The gun rights lobby, one of the most powerful single ideology lobbies in the nation won a major battle this morning. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of individual gun rights in the consequential case McDonald vs. City of Chicago. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled for McDonald in favor of gun rights, striking down Chicago's 28 year-old handgun ban as a violation of the Second Amendment's guarantee of an individual's right to bear arms.
House Passes DISCLOSE Act For New Reporting Requirements on Independent Expenditures
June 24, 2010 | In a 219-206 vote on the House floor today, the House voted to pass H.R. 5175, known as the DISCLOSE Act, an acronym for Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections.
Insurgent Candidates See Electoral Success in Hot Senate Races
May 19, 2010 | Massive campaign war chests and establishment endorsements were not enough to be victorious in some of the country's most contested Senate primaries Tuesday night. One sitting Senator was defeated and another is heading to a run-off in three weeks, as candidates worked to distance themselves from Washington and position themselves as crusaders against special interests in charged anti-incumbent environments.
Lawmakers Make Bank from Goldman Sachs, D.C. Voting Bill Gunned Down and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 21
April 21, 2010 | While the Securities and Exchange Commission endeavors to whack Goldman Sachs for alleged fraud, it's worth noting that another government entity -- Congress -- is deeply invested in the company. Quite literally.
Formaldehyde, Guns and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2010 | Who knew the Formaldehyde Council was a K street regular? For the past 10 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been trying to change the classification of formaldehyde from a "probable" to a "known" carcinogen. However, the agency has encountered relentless opposition throughout the process.
Contribution to EMILY's List Political Action Committee Raises Questions of Legality And Hints of Things to Come
March 30, 2010 | Until Friday, it was widely held to be illegal for a federal political action committee to accept contributions in excess of $5,000. Roughly two months earlier, though, the abortion rights advocacy organization EMILY's List created a new independent expenditure group using one massive contribution. Did EMILY's List jump the gun?
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: It's a Group Thing
March 8, 2010 | Wolves have always hunted in packs. Fish have always swum in schools. But sometimes, groups don't continue to do what they've always done.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Which Member of Congress Makes the Biggest Bang with Gun Supporters?
March 1, 2010 | Get your gun for this week's PolitiQuizz.
Health Care Reform's 'Starting Point,' Guns in National Parks and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 22
February 22, 2010 | WHITE HOUSE, REPUBLICANS READY FOR HEALTH CARE SHOWDOWN: President Barack Obama is slated to today release text of a broad "starting point" for a televised health care reform summit later this week with congressional Republicans. Any good reason to think that lobbyists won't be hard at work, too, as politicians attempt to restart all-but-dormant reform efforts?
Supporters of Moderate Republican in NY-23 Special Election Weigh Where to Place Their Loyalties After Candidate Quits
November 2, 2009 | With Republican Diedre Scozzafava ending her bid in for Congress and endorsing her Democratic opponent Bill Owens, Owens and Conservative Party nominee Doug are now vying to win over Scozzafava's supporters, including those who lent financial support to her campaign.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
Gun Rights Advocates Win Legislative Battle in the Senate
September 16, 2009 | If the Senate gets its way, be prepared to wait in long lines the next time you want to catch a train. In a win for the well-heeled gun rights lobby, the Senate today passed an amendment to a transportation bill that would stop the release of $1.6 billion in federal funding to Amtrak if the railroad prohibits customers from transporting their weapons.
Health Interests, Lobbyists Rank High Among Industries Increasing Campaign Contributions
August 19, 2009 | Political action committees and individuals associated with health industries, each of which are intimately involved in the nation's ongoing health care reform debate, are donating more to federal candidates during the second quarter of 2009 than the first quarter, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Gun Amendment Supporters Backed by NRA Donations
July 22, 2009 | The Senate narrowly voted down an amendment this afternoon that would have permitted gun owners to carry concealed firearms across state lines into states with tighter gun regulations. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and attached to a defense spending bill, rallied lawmakers who have received significant donations over their careers from gun-related issue organizations.
Power Players: Natural Resources Committee Chair Mines Support from Homestate Industry
March 5, 2009 | At 27, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) was the youngest member of the first Congress he served in, landing spots on the Interior and Public Works committees in his first term in 1976. Now, as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee (formerly the Interior Committee) and the No. 2 Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (formerly Public Works), he's got the support of transportation unions, the mining industry and oil and gas companies.
Races to Watch II: Candidates Supported by Their Party
September 25, 2008 | Private interests and members of the public aren't the only ones betting their money on the congressional candidates they hope will win (or retain) congressional seats. Lawmakers in both parties have a vested interest in seeing their own candidates succeed this November, with Democrats wanting to strengthen their majority and Republicans hoping to minimize their losses. Here we look at some of the candidates getting the largest cash infusions from their own parties, indicating a close race.
The Money Behind Palin
August 29, 2008 | John McCain surprised political pundits this morning by inviting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket. Because Palin's political career is relatively new (she was mayor of Wasilla, an Anchorage suburb, and became governor after the 2006 election), there's little information available in the way of a campaign finance profile. But at the Center for Responsive Politics, we've strung together these observations about Palin's campaign fundraising and money --- and money-related scandal -- in Alaska politics.
NRA Aims for Results
June 30, 2008 | The Supreme Court's ruling last week to lift the ban of handguns in Washington, D.C., households is the first ever to determine that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to own guns. While the judicial branch took more than 200 years to rule on the issue, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has spent years developing a relationship with the legislative branch.
McCain Takes a Shot at Winning NRA's Support
May 20, 2008 | Although Republican John McCain's relationship with the National Rifle Association didn't start out with a bang, the presidential hopeful spoke at the group's annual convention Friday to try to win support.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Construction
June 14, 2007 | Providing first jobs for generations of immigrants, the construction industry seeks to keep the labor stream flowing.
Hot-Button Interests Cooled Down in '06 Election
March 21, 2007 | Voters and candidates had their minds on the war, so PACs representing abortion and gun interests pulled back on their campaign contributions. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 21, 2007 | Although political action committees across all industries increased their total contributions to candidates during the last election, giving by PACs tied to several hot-button political…
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center: email@example.com


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ProShot is a feature rich camera alternative for your Windows Phone 8 device. The app adds more control over key camera settings such as shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and white balance.
ProShot was recently updated to version 2.6 which adds a handful of features into the mix that includes the option to share pictures to social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, etc. Once you capture the image, if you slide over to review the photo you'll see a share button that gives you access to your Windows Phone share options.
Additional features of the version 2.6 update for ProShot include:
- Ability to view all pictures in the camera roll added
- Live Tile support and ability to pin camera modes added
- Option to customize menu color added
- Vibration option added
- Storage memory issue fixed
- Back button press now navigates back to camera.
The update also fixes various bugs in the camera app. The ability to pin specific camera modes is a neat addition in that if you want to jump right into ProShot using auto mode with a burst shutter mode, you can pin that mode to your Start Screen for direct access.
Unfortunately, ProShot is still not compatible with Samsung Windows Phone 8 devices and there's still some sticking issues with manual white balance. Otherwise, it's a very nice photography app if you're looking to get more control of your camera. There is a trial version available for ProShot with the full version running $1.99. You can find it all here in the Windows Phone Store.
Thanks, Matthew, for the tip!


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Sonya Blade – Cosplay of the Day
Say hello to one of the first ladies of fighting games and someone who could kick our collective butts all the way to another dimension!
We're talking about Sonya Blade, of course. She's a law enforcement agent who enforces the law using her fists and feet. The character was quite infamous in the early 90's thanks to the flak that Mortal Kombat received for being ultra-violent, as well as the attractive qualities of her character model. In time, she became one of the icons of gaming and continues to kick ass to this day.
Here's Russian cosplayer Gabardin, dressed up in Sonya's outfit from 2011's Mortal Kombat. She's got pretty much every detail correct, even including that little badge that Sonya wears on her seemingly ill-fitting leather vest. And honestly, we respect anyone who can rock a suit like that while wearing high heels.
You can head on over to Gabardin's deviantART page to see all of her other outfits, a lot of which include big anime characters. View the pics below and let us know what you think of her!


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You are here
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America
The bottom cities on our list need to work on lowering their crime rates and creating safer communities for families. What do you think: did we get it right?
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- Courtesy of Tim Kiser / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
The recent economic recession hit cities hard. According to the Justice Department, by the end of 2011 nearly 12,000 police officers lost their jobs making it harder to keep peace and order in cities already struggling to fight high crime rates. The highly publicized shooting of Trayvon Martin recently brought to light Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law which allows people to shoot first and ask questions later when defending their home turf, which makes you wonder at Florida's heavy appearance on our worst cities for safety:
1. Wilmington, Delaware
A short drive from South Philly and Camden and midway between New York and Washington, Wilmington managed to snag the number one spot on our list for highest rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people. And while the overall state of Delaware ranked moderately well in the peace index (which looked at factors such as police per capita, percentage of population behind bars and access to small arms), Wilmington came in the top spot for sex offenders per capita.
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2. St. Louis, Missouri
It's tough to label a city as 'dangerous' because many factors go into creating crime rates, including how a city defines a crime and the population included in the calculations. But when we looked specifically at the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people, the city of St. Louis city ranked near the top of our list. Unfortunately, it didn't fare much better when it comes to sex offenders per capita.
- Courtesy of Bill Dickinson / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
3. Orlando, Florida
It may be shocking that the home to Disney and Universal Studios also holds the distinction of having the highest crime rate among Florida's 10 biggest cities. The city also witnessed a 4.8 percent increase in crime since 2010. One possible reason? Crime rates are measured per capita and Orlando sees millions of visitors every year but the resident population is less than 250,000—which means a large influx of non-residents could be adding to the number of crimes without balancing out the per capita math.
- Courtesy of Fbvabe / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
4. St. Petersburg, Florida
The second of three Florida cities to make it to this list, St. Pete has its fair share of violent crime and sex offenders per capita. Unfortunately, the overall state of Florida ranks poorly according to the Institute for Economics & Peace, which looks at several factors including the availability of small arms and police officers per capita.
- Courtesy of Urbanplanet / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
5. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
While Baton Rouge's violent crime rate took a slight dip since 2010, the rate is still comparatively high. Unfortunately, Baton Rouge shares the burden with New Orleans of belonging to the one of the least peaceful states on our list for the Institute for Economics & Peace's index measuring access to weapons and percentage of incarcerated citizens.
- Courtesy of Iracaz / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
6. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has the unlucky distinction of ranking sixth when it comes to violent crime and sixth place on the list overall. It also has a relatively high number of sex offenders per capita. Adding to their woes, Baltimore witnessed a terrifying year when a spate of makeshift firebombs randomly hit the city, creating a sense of fear and paranoia among residents.
- Courtesy of Leprecub / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
7. Kansas City, Missouri
The Associated Press recently reported that Kansas City police have been averaging two or three arrests per week related to the drug PCP, a hallucinogen that makes users violent and unpredictable. This disturbing trend is likely one of the reasons that KC ranked as one of the worst cities for violent crime.
- Courtesy of Zach Klein / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The good news about Fort Lauderdale is the city's strict sex offender residency law, which prevents offenders from moving within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, day care centers and public school bus stops. The bad news is that sex offenders have so few housing options (only about 10 percent of the city is open to them) that they have clustered together, or worse, disappear off the grid making it hard for families to know what their risk truly is. Fort Lauderdale ranked fairly poorly when it came to both sex offenders per capita and violent crime.
- Adrian Pingstone / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
Referred to by the press as the 'murder capital' of the U.S., New Orleans is still fighting to restore a sense of safety post-Katrina. According to the police superintendent, it could take 7 to 10 years to reform the police department and restore order to the city. Additionally, the state of Louisiana ranked as the one of the very worst on our list for the Institute for Economics & Peace's index.
- Courtesy of Larry Donald / Wikipedia (CC Licensed)
10. Memphis, Tennessee
According to the Memphis police department, the rise in homicides in the city may be linked to gang violence. Out of 147 homicides in 2011, 36 were gang affiliated and 68 percent of the murders involved people related or acquainted to one another. The police director recently acknowledged that youth crime and gang violence is a big problem in Memphis. In addition to a high violent crime rate, the entire state of Tennessee scored poorly on the Peace Index from the Institute for Economics & Peace, which measured access to weapons and percentage of citizens who are behind bars.
Now that you've seen the most dangerous, check out the 10 Best Cities for Families.


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This is an activity about sunspots and solar flares. Learners will work collaboratively to create abstracts detailing their knowledge of sunspots and solar flares and then present their work to the entire audience. A background understanding of our... (View More) Sun and its features is needed prior to starting this activity. This is activity 4 in Exploring Magnetism in Solar Flares. (View Less)
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Students learn to identify and communicate important patterns in a dataset by drawing a visualization, and begin to interpret those patterns. Resource includes a student data sheet and scoring rubric. This learning resource is part of the Atmosphere... (View More) chapter of the GLOBE Teacher's Guide, and is supported by the GLOBE Aerosol protocols. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) is a worldwide, hands-on, K-12 school-based science education program. (View Less)
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Opinion: GOP's Keystone Pipedream?
Editorial board member Matt Kaminski on whether Mitt Romney and Republican Senate candidate Tom Smith can win in Pennsylvania. Photos: Associated Press
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... I ... for all the ... they ... were thinking about what ... it's worth it ... the ... welcome back opinion Journal on twelve course was Mitt Romney last night and more appeal Pennsylvania bucks County and though we have to assume he wouldn't be there to begin to get a shot in Pennsylvania ... or talk about that with me is our own Matt Kaminski ... I didn't hear ... op I watch that speech was like that and all have to say is all these performance ... I thought was pretty good ... are enthusiastically delivered and boy the audience in the county was awfully enthusiastic ... question is is something enough going on in Pennsylvania to give Romney ... the lifting its ... costly me actually I ... know he can campaign there ... throughout the general to last night's ... coming to bucks County and bucks counties with the pivotal collar counties run Philadelphia in order ... therefore in all ... that really that's where I'd I think Pennsylvania will be decided the main ways ... in Books County is saying makes counties both Democrats and Republicans ... more socially liberal fiscally conservative ... and I think they've noticed this and this Queanbeyan or against Obama out of Scania awaits ... very enthusiastic pro Obama place I can find the same voters are times there why not go what's his problem there ... it's the economy simply it's not only did the jobless numbers but it's this national debt ... in two thousand and ten are poking took back the congressional seat in bucks County ... is running ... only on the ... economic issue ... the energy to you know that the Republicans are more willing to develop ... on additional gas in the in the Marcellus shale reserves Pennsylvania art anymore protocol that was not a social conservative message in a way that the reason why Mitt Romney ... Mitt Romney is kind of Republican who has one day in Books County and one into the EU before yell ... but this will be rounded up quickly office was reading an Associated Press story this morning about the Puerto Rican boat in Florida which Obama is assuming he's going to get ... their suggesting because those Puerto Rican spin work so hard for the down economy ... that they may drift towards Romney or at least not bode well for Obama ... in the numbers that we got into thousandeight and ... Barack Obama crucially means to give it a performance in bucks County northeastern Pennsylvania ... it's comparable to what he got into thousandeight and that's where his base is in eastern Pennsylvania ... it's the same but ... also solicited to be had the most counties outlets voted for John McCain ... so for ... me Ronnie to pull this through the keys to settle things one in Philadelphia given great Democratic machine ... and the question to ask how many of those voters in the turnout ... Mitt Romney can kind of Philadelphia ... let's Obama went for the opium by more than half a million votes to win the state by sister thousand ... from the can come out of total fuel it's a four hundred thousand down you can make up some of the ground in the collar counties a little bit he thinks the most of Pennsylvania ... Guinea get to Western Pennsylvania Allegheny County records ... always vote Democratic ... what is trendy now more Republican in what would it be ... because it is I mean part is that ... the exchange could use to be a very sunny blue collar Democratic region ... a lot of the steel mills shut down ... it's ... on it's it's a cheat region pushing more social conservative ... it's also a region where Obama sworn called the last four years has not played well ... you can eat slow clinical Congress actually fighting the Obama EPA ... on review in coal mines ... ice I think that's where ... Romney's energy message ... coupled with his ... economic message may work ... but he needs really to come in around forty five forty seven in Allegheny County ... to have a chance of squeaking this thing through


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• Apply (Applications should be available after September 1, 2012. )
Fifteen NAIA student-athletes had the experience of a lifetime earlier this month, thanks to the American Red Cross, the NAIA and State Farm Insurance.
Now in its sixth year, the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program continues to inspire, motivate and create a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders.
The NAIA student-athletes selected to participate in the program just completed two weeks of leadership training at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, student-athletes received mentoring and coaching from senior leadership of the Red Cross, along with a heavy schedule of leadership activities.
They also learned from civic and business leaders how to successfully organize campus blood drives, and they took part in diversity and cultural competency training. They also received a Champions of Character presentation by NAIA staff members that was designed to help them exemplify the core values of the NAIA Champions of Characters program-integrity, respect responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
The next step of the program is for these student-athletes to go back into their communities and promote and support the Red Cross. Last year's class sponsored 10 blood drives, recruited 624 first-time donors and contributed to an overall increase of 33 percent in the number of units collected by the Red Cross.
"The work being done on campuses throughout the country as a result of this program not only saves lives but has a huge impact on these young men and women who participate," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO.
As part of the program, the student-athletes will receive scholarship support from the Red Cross and State Farm.
This is the sixth year of the partnership, which is unique to the Red Cross and the NAIA. Brian Hamil, who serves as the Red Cross National Chair, Biolmedical Sciences, noted that this partnership is a great opportuniy to combine leadership and service.
"Athletics play such an important role in creating a sense of community on college campuses," Hamil said. "The partnership with the NAIA has created a rich opportunity to connect campus communities with the life-saving mission of the Red Cross through the energy of the NAIA student-athletes."
This program is part of a larger Red Cross diversity strategy moving the Red Cross from awareness to action and building the Red Cross' capacity to serve all Americans. Look for application information on NAIA.org this fall.
Student-athletes attending the Red Cross/NAIA Leadership Program
|Zach Aldrich
|Baker University
|business major, tennis
|Aaron Back
|Lindsey Wilson College
|Recreation tourism, sport management major, wrestling
|Tamara Bates
|Philander Smith College
|biology major, women's basketball
|Derek Gross
|Indiana University Southeast
|business finance major, baseball
|Taylor Hosna
|Missouri Baptist University
|physical education major, track, field
|Hannah Hussman
|Nebraska Wesleyan University
|political science, Spanish major, tennis
|Kate Kendall
|Illinois Institute of Technology
|political science major, volleyball
|Emily Koch
|Avila University
|nursing major, volleyball
|Molly Knight
|Marian University
|finance major, golf
|Alec Meddings
|Bethel University
|physical education major, swimming
|Konner McIntire
|MidAmerica Nazarene University
|corporate communications major, volleyball
|Clayton O'Neil
|Southwestern Assemblies of God University
|marketing major, basketball
|Kamari Palmer
|Allen University
|biology major, volleyball
|Jacob Simmonds
|Friends University
|physical therapy major, basketball
|Baily Tom
|Indiana Institute of Technology
|business administration major, softball


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Proposed legislation that would directly impact 12 percent or fewer Division II members has become one of the most widely discussed proposals since it was first recommended by the Membership Committee last November.
Those discussions took a new turn last week when the proposal, which would require all Division II schools to employ a full-time athletics director and a full-time compliance administrator with no coaching duties, returned to the committee where it originated and, after further review, advanced with significant revisions.
The Membership Committee recommended splitting the legislation into two separate proposals during its July 7-8 meeting in Indianapolis, allowing members to vote separately on the requirements for a full-time athletics director and compliance administrator.
The committee also supported adding a grandfather clause to the athletics director proposal to assist schools that currently employ an athletics director with coaching responsibilities. Committee members did not support including a grandfather clause for compliance administrators due to the greater risk for conflicts of interest with the dual roles.
In addition, the committee recommended changing the effective date for both proposals to Aug. 1, 2015. Any school that has not complied after that date would be put on probation for a year.
The Management Council and Presidents Council will review the revised recommendations to the proposal at their upcoming summer meetings. If approved, the Division II membership will vote on each of the issues at the Convention in January.
Schools entering the Division II membership process are already required to employ a full-time athletics director and compliance administrator with no coaching duties. And a 2013 Division II Membership Census revealed that only 12 percent or fewer Division II schools currently have an athletics director and/or compliance administrator who doubles as a coach.
The proposed legislation is designed to create consistency across the membership.
Regional Compliance Seminar to Continue
Also at the meeting, the Membership Committee endorsed continuing the Regional Compliance Seminar pilot program during the 2014-15 academic year. The program provides training for athletics administrators, coaches and other staff members in financial aid, registrar and admissions offices. In its first year, the east regional seminar was held May 14-15 in Trumbull, Connecticut, and covered legislative topics, NCAA technology, eligibility, recruiting, transfers, progress-towards-degree requirements and financial aid.
Committee Chairs Elected
The committee elected Deborah Chin, director of athletics at New Haven, as its chair, and Dustin Smith, director of athletics at Arkansas-Fort Smith, as its vice chair. The new chairs will begin their duties Sept. 1.


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Immunomedics Inc. (IMMU) Jumps 7.04% on February 16Equities Staff Follow |
Immunomedics Inc. (IMMU) was among the biggest gainers on the Russell 2000 for Tuesday February 16 as the stock popped 7.04% to $2.21, representing a gain of $0.145 per share. Some 547,362 shares traded hands on 2,309 trades, compared with an average daily volume of 962,741 shares out of a total float of 94.74 million. The stock opened at $2.11 and traded with an intraday range of $2.24 to $2.07.
After today's gains, Immunomedics Inc. reached a market cap of $208.9 million. Immunomedics Inc. has had a trading range between $5.05 and $1.50 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $2.45 and a 200-day SMA of $2.89.
Immunomedics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in developing monoclonal antibody-based products for the targeted treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases.
Immunomedics Inc. is based out of Morris Plains, NJ and has some 123 employees. Its CEO is Cynthia L. Sullivan.
For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Immunomedics Inc., check out Equities.com's Stock Valuation Analysis report for IMMU. To see the latest independent stock recommendations from Equities.com's analysts, visit our Research section.
The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.
Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.
For more news on the financial markets, go to Equities.com. Also, learn more about our independent proprietary equity research reports and our robust do-it-yourself Stock Valuation Analysis reports in our Research section.
All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.
DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer