IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Wednesday's Mini-Report, 2.24.16

Today's edition of quick hits.
Today's edition of quick hits:
 
* Texas: "The state's top criminal court on Wednesday threw out the remaining criminal charge against Rick Perry, sparing the former governor from trial and a potential prison sentence on a felony charge of misusing the power of his office."
 
* Flint: "Senate negotiators have reached a deal on an aid package for Flint, Mich., and other areas around the country with contaminated drinking water. Senators from both parties announced the $250 million deal Wednesday and said Senate leaders fast-tracked it, lining up a vote for as early as next week."
 
* 5th Circuit: "The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today granted an extraordinary emergency stay of a federal district court decision from late January which preliminarily blocked Louisiana's Texas-style clinic shutdown law -- meaning all but one provider of safe and legal abortion in the state will be forced to close."
 
* Libya: "The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) briefly took control of the western Libyan city of Sabratha, beheading 12 members of security forces before being pushed back by local troops, officials said on Wednesday."
 
* FDA: "The U.S. Senate confirmed President Barack Obama's nominee Robert Califf to lead the Food and Drug Administration, promoting the former Duke University researcher from serving as a deputy at the agency to the top spot. The Senate voted 89-4 on Wednesday in favor of Califf, who was appointed deputy FDA commissioner for medical products and tobacco in January 2015."
 
* Another Republican for Republicans to ignore: "Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is siding with President Barack Obama when it comes to closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center, arguing Wednesday that shutting it down is in the 'best interest' of the nation."
 
* What a good choice: "On Wednesday, President Barack Obama nominated Carla Hayden to be the new librarian of Congress, and if confirmed, she would become the first woman and the first African American to hold the position."
 
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.