Cover Up

IRS accused of hiding existence of Tea Party targeting documents
AP

The Internal Revenue Service denied the existence of any documents related to its policy of targeting Tea Party organizations in response to a 2010 Freedom of Information Act request, even though such documents were later discovered by the IRS inspector general.

The Unbalancing

Column: The week Obama’s luck finally vanished
AP

Since the presidential election we have been told, repeatedly and gleefully, that the Republican Party is doomed, that demographics and history are on the side of President Barack Obama and the progressive movement, that the GOP base is unhinged, and that Tea Party radicalism threatens to upend conservative hopes not only in 2014 but also in 2016. But in the space of one week that story, true or not, has been eclipsed by another one: Washington finally has turned on Obama.

Target Acquired

IRS targeted Leadership Institute with ‘harassing’ audit
AP

The Internal Revenue Service targeted the Leadership Institute, a conservative nonprofit organization, the group said Thursday.

Locking Away Potential

Congressmen criticize Obama administration’s management of drilling permits
Oklahoma Oil Rigs / AP

The Department of the Interior admitted to Congress on Thursday morning that it could process oil and natural gas drilling applications more efficiently than it does right now during a hearing on the administration’s management of federal property.

Comcast’s Agenda

Conservative group confronts MSNBC’s owner Comcast about liberal bias at shareholder meeting
AP

A Washington-based think tank pressed Comcast’s corporate leadership Wednesday morning on its refusal to air advertisements for gun manufacturers and refusal to answer inquiries into how it protects itself against charges of libel.

Unsafe Conditions

Liberal critic of Walmart fails to disclose it is funded by Walmart
Bangladesh factory wreckage / AP

Retail giant Walmart defended its garment production operations on Wednesday in the face of reports that a Bangladeshi factory that killed hundreds when it collapsed last month was producing apparel for its stores.

A Shavuot Faux Pas

J Street hosts dinner at Chinese restaurant on Jewish holy day
Palestinians commorate Nakba Day / AP

Jewish Democrats are upset with the liberal fringe group J Street for hosting a congressional dinner event on Wednesday evening during a major Jewish holiday.

Lawsuit Alleges IRS Stole 60 Million Medical Records

More than 10 million Americans impacted
IRS building / AP

The Internal Revenue Service is facing allegations that it illegally stole medical records from more than ten million Americans during a raid on a Southern California health care facility this year.

Free Speech Under Fire

Free speech advocate: New guideline on sexual harassment at universities threatens First Amendment
AP

The Obama administration’s Departments of Justice and Education earlier this month issued new guidance on sexual harassment on college campuses that is so broad it makes nearly every student a harasser, according to a nonpartisan group that specializes in campus speech codes.