Politics

Finally, Air Force Can't Afford Bombers, Schools Can't Hold Bake Sales

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Federal law backed by First Lady of America Michelle Obama would prohibit school bake sales:

"This could be a real train wreck for school districts," Lucy Gettman of the National School Boards Association said Friday, a day after the House cleared the bill. "The federal government should not be in the business of regulating this kind of activity at the local level."

The legislation, part of first lady Michelle Obama's campaign to stem childhood obesity, provides more meals at school for needy kids, including dinner, and directs the Agriculture Department to write guidelines to make those meals healthier. The legislation would apply to all foods sold in schools during regular class hours, including in the cafeteria line, vending machines and at fundraisers.

It wouldn't apply to after-hours events or concession stands at sports events.

Cut-seeking United States Air Force considers retiring B-1 bomber:

Early retirement of the entire B-1B fleet could be one cost-saving measure pursued by a committee of Air Force leaders, according to a report published last week by airforce-magazine.com.

The independent publication reporting the possible shelving of the B-1s did not name a source for its information. The magazine is published by the nonprofit Air Force Association, whose membership is made up mainly of retired military personnel and former service members.

With military leaders facing a mandate to save $100 billion over five years, "rumors run rampant," said Bill Ehrie, a former Dyess Air Force Base commander now involved with the civic committee in Abilene that has rallied in the past to promote Dyess during military realignments.