Watergate-era senator, ex-majority leader dies
WASHINGTON – Former Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., who cut to the core of the 1973 Watergate hearings when he asked, “What did the president know and when did he know it?” has died. He was 88.
Baker died Thursday at his home, according to an email distributed at the law firm where Baker was senior counsel. He died as a result of complications from a stroke suffered Saturday, the email said.
The scion of a political family, Baker served 18 years in the Senate, winning widespread respect from Republicans and Democrats alike and rising to the post of majority leader.
He left the Senate with an eye to another presidential bid in 1988, but instead returned to Washington in 1987 at Ronald Reagan’s request to serve as chief of staff. .
IRS to offer training to paid tax preparers
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced a voluntary program Thursday to certify paid tax preparers who complete annual training and pass a test.
A majority of taxpayers pay someone to help them file their tax returns, but most preparers are unregulated. The goal of the program is to help consumers know which tax preparers have at least a minimum level of competency, said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
Attorneys, certified public accountants and others who represent clients before the IRS are exempt because they already undergo training.
Court won’t reinstate New York beverage law
NEW YORK – Big sodas can stay on the menu in the Big Apple after New York state’s highest court refused Thursday to reinstate the city’s first-of-its-kind size limit on sugary drinks. But city officials suggested they might be willing to revisit the supersize-soda ban.
The Court of Appeals found that the city Board of Health overstepped its bounds by imposing a 16-ounce cap on sugary beverages sold in restaurants, delis, movie theaters, stadiums and street carts. The appointed board tread on the policy-making turf of the elected City Council, the court said.
The American Beverage Association, which led the legal fight against the measure, welcomed the ruling.
Bill seeks to name post office for Monroe
WASHINGTON –Several members of California’s congressional delegation are pushing to name a new post office after the late actress Marilyn Monroe.
Democratic Rep. Tony Cardenas says he introduced legislation that would name a post office in Van Nuys, California, after Monroe. She attended Van Nuys High School in the 1940s and once referred to her time living in the community as the happiest in her life.
Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson died at the age of 36 from a drug overdose.
Associated Press
