Allen Directs BP To Remove Capping Stack, BOP From Macondo Well

From the Deepwater Horizon Response Joint Command:

“WASHINGTON - National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen today authorized BP to terminate the fishing procedure and begin the removal of the capping stack followed by the BOP, including the specific conditions required for the removals to take place.”

Officials contend that removal of the Macondo well’s failed blowout preventer will assist in the administration’s investigation into the cause of the oil spill that leaked an estimated 4.9 millions barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico from April 20th until the capping stack sealed the leak in mid-July.

The directive issued by Retired Coast Guard Admiral Allen requires that BP cooperate with the Joint Investigation Team and the Department of Justice Criminal Investigation Evidence Recovery Team throughout the removal process.

Filmmaker Transferred To Psych Ward

The 21-year-old filmmaker who lashed out against a Muslim New York City cab driver, stabbing him in the throat, neck and arm, is being relocated from jail to a psychiatric ward.

Officials said Michael Enright was admitted to the psychiatric ward at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital from his jail cell on Ricker Island late Thursday night.

Enright recently returned from filming in Afghanistan before the violent attack on the Bangladeshi cab driver Ahmed H. Sharif. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg met with Sharif at City Hall where the he said a motive for the attack is still unknown, but suggested it was connected with the ongoing debate over the construction of an Islamic center near ground zero.

Organizers Request No Signs At Beck Rally

Those wishing to attend conservative pundit Glenn Beck’s “Restoring Honor” rally this weekend are being encouraged not to bring signs.

“Please refrain from bringing signs (political or otherwise),” a guide to the rally on GlennBeck.com reads. “They may deter from the peaceful message we are bringing to Washington.”

McCain: Republicans Will Win Control Of Congress, Repeal Health Care Reform

During John McCain’s victory speech Tuesday night, the four-term GOP Senator predicted that Republicans will win control of Congress this November and will use their majority status to repeal the health care reform legislation passed by Democrats.

“We will stop the out of control spending and tax increases and repeal and replace Obamacare,” McCain said during remarks following his positive performance in the Arizona Republican primary.

McCain added that Republicans will also “secure our borders” and “bring our troops home from Afghanistan with honor and victory.”

The sitting Republican beat insurgent candidate J.D. Hayworth for his party’s nod.

The entirety of McCain’s victory speech can be read here.

President And Cabinet Officials Traveling To Gulf Coast For Katrina Anniversary

President Barack Obama and prominent cabinet officials will travel to the Gulf Coast this week to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

President Obama will deliver remarks at Louisiana’s Xavier University in New Orleans.

Various administration officials will travel across the region to outline aspects of their agenda. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be included on the trip.