The Short List - May 25, 2011

• New York's 26th Congressional District is represented by a Democrat for the first time since the 1960s.  County Clerk Kathy Hocul won 48% of the vote.


• The U.S. has imposed sanctions on seven private firms that reportedly helped or are helping Iran buy petroleum products.  Also out of Iran today, the International Atomic Energy Agency is reporting it has evidence that Iran, recalcitrant in the face of the IAEA's push for inspections, work to build sophisticated nuclear triggers(NYT) designed to set off nuclear weapons.


• The Obama administration has still not announced a new candidate for chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but it won't be Marine General James E. Cartwright, who many considered the front-runner.


• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas slammed(NYT) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the U.S. Congress claiming distortions and reiterating that Palestine will seek recognition at the UN in September.


• President Obama is in the United Kingdom today, and will address Britain's Parliament(NYT).  Robin Williams once described Parliament as Congress with a two drink minimum.  Good luck Mr. President.