Government
NPR
It’s early, likely to be big, sloppy and add even more heat to a warming world | AP News
FILE - People walk along the oceanfront at Jensen Beach Park, where waves were reaching the dune's edge as conditions deteriorated with the approach of Hurricane Nicole, Nov. 9, 2022, in Jensen Beach, Fla. After months of gradually warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, NOAA officially issued an El Nino advisory Thursday, June 8, 2023, and stated that this one might be different than the others. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) 1 of 4 FILE - People walk along the oceanfront at Jensen Beach Park, where waves were reaching the dune's edge as conditions deteriorated with the approach of Hurricane Nicole, Nov. 9, 2022, in Jensen Beach, Fla. After months of gradually warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, NOAA officially issued an El Nino advisory Thursday, June 8, 2023, and stated that this one might be different than the others. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
An early bird El Nino has officially formed, likely to be strong, warp weather worldwide and give an already warming Earth an extra kick of natural heat, meteorologists announced.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thursday issued an El Nino advisory, announcing the arrival of the climatic condition. It may not quite be like the others.
It formed a month or two earlier than most El Ninos do, which “gives it room to grow,” and there’s a 56% chance it will be considered strong and a 25% chance it reaches supersized levels, said climate scientist Michelle L’Heureux, head of NOAA’s El Nino/La Nina forecast office.
Supreme Court Rules That States Are Not Entitled to Windfalls in Tax Disputes – The New York Times
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled on Thursday that states that seize and sell private property to recoup unpaid taxes violate the Constitution’s takings clause if they retain more than what the taxpayer owed.
The case concerned a 94-year-old woman in Minnesota who had stopped paying property taxes on her condominium after moving into an assisted-living center.
By the time Hennepin County seized the property, the woman, Geraldine Tyler, owed about $2,000 in taxes and another $13,000 in penalties and interest. The county sold the condo at auction for $40,000, and it kept not only the $15,000 that all agreed it was due but also the remaining $25,000.
Retaining the entire value of a confiscated property, even when the debts owed amounted to a small portion of it, is authorized by Minnesota law.
A Look Inside The Federal Ammunition Factory – American Shooter S1, E4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_O9gSKFguU
NPR
The IRS is developing a system that would let taxpayers send electronic returns directly to the government for free, sidestepping commercial options such as TurboTax.
The agency plans a pilot test of the program next year.
Many other countries already offer taxpayers a government-run filing system. But the IRS plan is likely to face stiff opposition from the $14 billion tax-preparation industry.
Would a special master be appointed should the US not raise it’s debt ceiling?
Would a special master be appointed should the Congress not raise the debt ceiling?
It’s a thought I’ve had.
If the politicians don’t want to come to an agreement, US debt holders could sue the federal government to ensure timely debt payment. They could have a judge a mandate the federal government make make bond and note-holders whole. If the federal government doesn’t have the funding, then a judge could instill a special master, like from academia to decide which programs should be cut and how to ensure all debt holders are made whole in a timely fashion.
I am convinced that politicians don’t want to make any tough decisions anymore, and are more likely to just punt the hard things like actual governing to the courts. While some legislators, especially liberals, might loathe giving up power to conservative-minded courts, it seems like most politicians are more focused on their re-election, and would rather punt the hard questions to the courts, so they can go back to passing message bills about abortion, trans-persons and guns so they have lots of red meat to bring back to the base back home. Maintaining a solid credit rating or even running the country takes a backseat to the latest ideological battle put forward by the politicians.