5 things you need to know Monday
1. Senate to vote on defunding Planned Parenthood
There's a showdown Monday over halting federal aid to Planned Parenthood. The Senate is set to vote on moving forward with S. 1881, which would take away Planned Parenthood's federal funding and allow those dollars to go to other health centers. The legislation comes on the heels of backlash against the organization, after abortion opponents released videos showing employees discussing fetal tissue donation. While Senate Democrats are likely to block the bill, the vote still has some political bite: It will force lawmakers to go on the record about their positions on Planned Parenthood.
2. Presidential candidate to file complaint over first GOP debate
Former IRS commissioner Mark Everson, a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination, will file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday alleging he's being unfairly excluded from the first official debate, he told Paste BN. Everson is arguing that election law requires debate organizers to set "pre-established and objective standards" for inclusion, and that Fox News has not met that requirement for Thursday's debate in Cleveland. Everson launched his campaign in March and has been making regular appearances in Iowa and other states with early contests.
3. Texas attorney general indicted on felony charges
A grand jury has indicted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on multiple felony charges, according to several sources who are familiar with the complaints. The charges will be unsealed in McKinney on Monday about noon, and a Tarrant County judge has already been appointed to preside over the case, sources told WFAA. After the indictments are unsealed, Paxton can surrender to be photographed, fingerprinted and booked into jail. It's unclear exactly what Paxton will be indicted for, although a grand jury has heard evidence that Paxton, 52, violated securities laws.
4. Obama to announce tough carbon pollution cuts
The White House plans to announce steeper-than-expected cuts in carbon pollution from power plants Monday, part of a stepped-up push to emphasize climate change in the weeks and months ahead. The new Clean Power Plan — certain to be challenged in the courts and in the Republican Congress — will require power plants to reduce carbon emissions by 32% from 2005 levels between now and 2030. That's a 9% increase from the rules as proposed a year ago, according to the White House. The plan also calls for a faster transition to renewable energy sources by 2030.
5. Another good year on the road ahead for the auto industry
New vehicle sales are expected to come in at an annual rate above 17 million for the third straight month on Monday, signalling at least another strong 12-18 months ahead for the auto industry. The last full year Americans bought more than 17 million new vehicles was 2006 and the industry's peak was 2000 when sales reached 17.8 million. The perfect potion of easy credit, falling gas prices and pent-up demand keeps showroom traffic flowing steadily.
And, the essentials:
Weather: Expect extreme heat in Texas and the deep South, while fire dangers continue out West and severe weather threatens Ohio to Northern Maine.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Monday, and the Athens stock exchange fell 23% after being closed for five weeks.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Scorpion and Significant Mother.
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