Here are the 5 best and 5 worst states for retirement, alas, you already know where New York State is listed.

Democrats have moved ‘too far to the left,’ says BET network founder Bob Johnson.

Seth Barron opines in the NY Post about progressive pol’s unpleasant surprise: Handcuffing the cops means trouble.

The Beat points out more of what happens when a prosecutor adopts a soft-on-crime, turn ‘em loose approach to handling arrests.

E. J. McMahon writes about NY’s dimming budget outlook in Empire Center’s blog. Bill Hammond explains Cuomo’s $1.7B Medicaid mulligan and Ken Girardin gives us an update on how NY’s unions are inflating their numbers since the Janus decision.

Something for Mayor de Blasio and the progressive movement should be aware of:  Study Links School Choice to Crime Reduction.

Speaking of education, here is more on what More on California Public Education Social Agenda.  

The marijuana industry, led by Big Tobacco, Big Alcohol, and pharma investors, are pushing Congress to rethink its position on marijuana and pushing for Congress to fall for the marijuana’s industry tricks to bring pot to your local stores.  Here is a Fox News report that is a must read – and take action on (contact your Member of Congress) – to prevent Congress from making a huge mistake.  It is up to us to protect our children and society from any more drugs.  Read what the main stream media won’t tell you about the problems that come with marijuana legalization.

National Review, whose founder, William F. Buckley, was a long time supporter of legalizing marijuana, has an article that Congress needs to settle the looming cannabis-regulation fight.  We don’t disagree that our 50 states cannot go on with a patchwork quilt of marijuana legislation, but, the very serious problems associated with legalization must be considered before Congress gives into the very influential marijuana lobby.

“I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So, help me God.” According to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, this pledge also includes advising illegal immigrants on how to avoid ICE officials when they are doing their jobs.

Walter E. Williams writes about our free speech crisis.