Rahm Lives in Illegal Apartment

They want FCC, carriers to put safeguard in place

(NEWSER) - With smartphone robberies soaring, frustrated police are calling for regulators and service providers to shut down stolen phones remotely to reduce their value, reports the Washington Post . About 40% of robberies in Washington in 2011 involved smartphones, iPods, or tablets, while in New York City the figure was nearly 50%. “This is a national issue,” says the DC police chief, noting that the thefts have "clobbered" her department. “We have done all we can at the local level.” More»

Some obey rule to remove camping gear, others don't

(NEWSER) - Their eviction deadline came and went, but the Occupy camps in two Washington parks look pretty much unchanged today—indeed, in McPherson Square the atmosphere was downright festive early this morning, CNN reports. "We're just having a great party," one occupier said. "It's a lot like any other night." Police have so far made no move against the camp, despite social media rumors that they would. More»

Instead, they erect giant tent over statue

(NEWSER) - The ban on overnight camping took effect at noon today in the Occupy DC encampments in McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza, but protesters in McPherson Square show no signs of leaving. Instead, they threw a tent over the square's main statue, then gathered in front of it to prepare for a face-off, the Washington Post reports, citing a "party-like atmosphere" with a DJ blasting Rage Against the Machine. Tensions have been rising since yesterday, when a protester was Tased, but so far the Freedom Plaza encampment is reportedly quiet. More»

The National Park Service will enforce rules beginning Monday

(NEWSER) - One of the Occupy movement's longest-standing camps will soon no longer be a place to lay your head: Occupy DC protesters will be banned from camping in the two parks they have occupied since October as of noon on Monday. The National Park Service has alerted the demonstrators they must stop camping in McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza, both blocks away from the White House, reports Reuters . There are as many as 100 protesters currently living in McPherson Square. More»

Eric Cantor, Mitch McConnell top the list

(NEWSER) - Who are the real power brokers in Washington? GQ names the top 50 in its biennial list of the most powerful people in DC—although, the magazine notes, "People with the last names Obama and Biden not included." The top five:

• Eric Cantor: The House majority leader is definitely the Democrats' least favorite Republican; you can thank him for Washington's hyper-partisanship and inability to compromise. GQ notes that he is widely expected to follow—or even push aside—John Boehner as speaker of the House.
• Mitch McConnell: "Even Cantor has to go through this guy eventually," thanks to his position as Senate minority leader.