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Front Page: A Chance For Peace in Gaza

LibertySugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:05:29 -0800

A three-hour cease-fire in Gaza left hope that peace between Hamas and Israel can be reached, but there is no guarantee. — CBS on YouTube
The Red Cross reports it found at least 15 bodies and several children, who were emaciated but alive, in a row of shattered houses in the Gaza Strip. Officials accused the Israeli military of preventing ambulances from reaching the bombed-out site for four days. — Washington Post
President-elect Barack Obama plans to urge Congress to move quickly on his economic aid package (expected to cost $800 billion) today, warning that failure to do so would have devastating long-term effects for the nation. — CNN
The Army mistakenly sent letters addressed "Dear John Doe" to 7,000 family members of soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan, forcing a formal apology from the Army's top general. The letters contained information about private organizations that assist grieving families, but a printing error by a contractor left the letters without specific names and addresses. — Washington Post

Russia's state-controlled gas monopoly said it would restore supplies to Europe through Ukraine, which it cut off after a dispute between Moscow and Kiev, as soon as international monitors are implemented. — Reuters

Front Page: Optimism Rises Ceasefire Plan in Gaza

LibertySugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:27 -0800

Hope for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Gaza has increased with the news that Israel has agreed "on the principles" of a ceasefire proposal. Hamas said there were "positive signs but no agreement yet." — BBC
Lawmakers are pushing Barack Obama to embrace deficit-reduction goals while he promotes a spending and tax-cutting plan. Yesterday, Obama said he would "bring a long-overdue sense of responsibility and accountability to Washington" and called the need for budget reform "an absolute necessity." — AP

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says he's being unfairly blamed by members of the Senate for not seating Roland Burris. — Chicago Tribune
Barack Obama will announce his pick for "chief performance officer," a newly created position that will work on the federal budget and to reform government. — CNN
Pakistani leaders say India's suggestions that official agencies may have been involved in training November's Mumbai terrorists are pushing the region to war. — United Press International
HBO has landed the rights to the inaugural ceremony and will kick off coverage of Inauguration week with an exclusive telecast of a star-studded opening ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 18. It will offer the event free to cable and satellite subscribers. — Hollywood Reporter

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Front Page: Israel Pushes Into Southern Gaza on Day 12 of Fire

LibertySugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:00:53 -0800

Israeli troops moved to the southern Gaza Strip today, ignoring an effort by European envoys to broker a cease-fire. Palestinian officials said the death toll in Gaza has risen to about 560 since Israel began airstrikes on Dec. 27. At least nine Israelis have been killed. — Washington Post
President-elect Barack Obama told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi he favors a grand total of $775 billion for the US economic stimulus plan. — Bloomberg
Consumers are reeling from a recession, job uncertainty, tighter credit, and falling stock portfolios, and it shows. Wal-Mart Stores could be one of the only retailers to post a rise in December sales, as US retail sales continue to fall. — Reuters
Barack Obama's pick for head of CIA, Leon Panetta, is churning a mixed reaction from CIA officials. He has been described as a "fabulous choice" to lead the agency and conversely "inexperienced" with intelligence manners. — ABC News
Despite support against his appointment to the US Senate, Roland Burris told the The Early Show he plans to take his seat as Illinois's junior senator. Burris, who was selected to take Barack Obama's Senate seat, brushed off his critics, saying his appointment by the scandal-plagued governor, Rod Blagojevich, is legal and valid — CBS News

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Front Page: Obamas Settle in DC as the Girls Start School

CitizenSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:01:04 -0800

Michelle Obama walked her daughters alongside full security detail to their first day at Sidwell Friends School in Bethesda, MD, this morning, making the family's move to DC official. — AP
Residents in Gaza are saying they doubt rocket fire can be stopped. Thousands of Israeli troops battled Hamas fighters Sunday while Israeli warplanes, helicopters, and drones bombarded targets from above for the 10th day. — Washington Post
Barack Obama hopes to drum up support from both political parties by proposing up to $310 billion in tax cuts for businesses and the middle class as part of his massive economic stimulus package. — Reuters

A new US embassy in Baghdad has opened its doors with a dedication ceremony attended by the Iraqi president. — BBC
Gunmen hit Athens riot police with automatic weapons fire early this morning, wounding a policeman in an escalation of violence that erupted last month when a teenager was killed in a police shooting. — Wall Street Journal

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Front Page: Blagojevich Announces Pick for Obama Seat

LibertySugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:10:04 -0800

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's selection of former state Attorney General Roland Burris to Barack Obama's Senate seat brings race into the drama surrounding the embattled governor, who is facing impeachment for trying to sell the Obama seat. With Obama out, Burris would be the only African American in the Senate. — Chicago Sun Times
Israel has rejected the proposal of a 48-hour cease-fire in Gaza after five straight days of air attacks. The country didn't rule out future diplomacy and is open to ways of increasing humanitarian aid. — New York Times
A militant arrested in Pakistan has confessed involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks in November and is giving investigators details of the plot. — AP
On Thursday, Cuba will mark the 50th anniversary of the revolution that turned the country into a communist state and Cold War hot spot. The country is currently facing economic gloom and the poor health of former leader Fidel Castro. — Reuters
President-elect Barack Obama plans to move to Washington this weekend, and begin meetings next week on reviving the economy. Obama's daughters, Sasha and Malia, also start classes Monday at Sidwell Friends School. — Boston Globe

Front Page: Israel Ready For "Long Weeks of Action" in Gaza

CitizenSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:06:02 -0800

Israel says it is ready for "long weeks of action" as it continues the fourth day of an air assault on Gaza. Palestinian officials say the death toll is more than 360 since Saturday. Four Israelis have died in rocket fire. — BBC News
Consumer confidence in the US dropped again, hitting a new record low in December, according to a monthly survey. — Washington Post
The Bush administration expanded its bailout of the auto industry today, saying it was buying $5 billion in equity in auto and mortgage finance company GMAC and increasing a loan to General Motors by $1 billion. — Reuters

Public schools across the country, hurt by state and local government cutbacks, are tapping parents for extra funds. — Wall Street Journal
Home prices in 20 major American cities declined at the fastest rate on record, brought down by increased foreclosures and decreased sales. — Bloomberg

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Front Page: Air Raids and Violence Continue in Gaza

LibertySugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:14:23 -0800

The Israeli army has declared the area around Gaza a “closed military zone,” as Israeli aircraft attacked key Hamas symbols of power. The death toll is now up to more than 300. — New York Times
How did the most sophisticated financial markets in the world come to the brink of collapse? The Washington Post examines the unequal relationship between Wall Street innovation and Washington regulation. — Washingtion Post

Pakistani military chiefs told a visiting Chinese official that Pakistan and India should reduce tension caused by last month's militant attacks in Mumbai and resume a peace dialogue, today. — Reuters
Somalia's President Abdullahi Yusuf has resigned. It's a move that only adds to the chaos in the country as Ethiopian troops withdraw. — BBC
A rise of more than 39 percent was reported in murders of African-American teens since 2000 and 2001, according to a new study. — Wall Street Journal

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Front Page: Kosovo Names Street After President Bush

LibertySugar — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 09:02:40 -0800

Kosovo has named a central street in its capital after President George W. Bush, thanks to his support of Kosovo's split from Serbia. — AFP
Iraqi Christians, a tiny minority in the predominately Muslim country, celebrated Christmas today, after the government declared it an official holiday for the first time ever.— AP
Harold Pinter, a Nobel Prize winner and one of the 20th Century's greatest and most influential playwrights, has died of cancer. — New York Times

Israeli leaders are warning Palestinian militant group Hamas to stop firing rockets on Israel. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he would not hesitate to strike back in the Gaza Strip. — BBC News

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Front Page: Obama Attends Grandma's Memorial Service

CitizenSugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:05 -0800

President-elect Barack Obama attended a memorial service for his late grandmother in Hawaii yesterday. The woman who helped raised him died the day before the election. — AP
Christian pilgrims are filling up Bethlehem's Manger Square on Wednesday. Security forces loyal to Palestinian President Abbas are providing holiday security. — Reuters

Falling gas prices put more money in people's pockets and helped boost consumer spending last month. — New York Times
The US military will be tracking Santa's sleigh ride. NORAD, which monitors air and space threats against the US and Canada. It is charged each year with tracking Santa's sleigh on the web. — AP

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Front Page: Al Franken Clings to Lead in Endless Senate Race

CitizenSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:40:25 -0800

The Minnesota Canvasing Board is prepared to award the final bundle of recounted votes, with Democrat Al Franken clinging to a narrow lead. But there's still no telling when the Senate race will actually be finished. — AP
In the West African country of Guinea, a previously unknown military group said they seized power and suspended the constitution in the hours following the death of authoritarian President Lansana Conté. — New York Times

Hillary Clinton formally took the $13.2 million loan she made to her presidential campaign off the books, helping ease her campaign debt and pave the way for her Senate confirmation as secretary of state. — Bloomberg
The state of California could be broke in two months, unless a budget deal is met. — AP

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Front Page: Travelers and Shoppers Face Subzero Temps Around US

CitizenSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:40 -0800

Subzero temperatures have hit the Midwest with high winds driving the windchill to 25 degrees below zero. Around the entire US, record snow and cold temperatures are being recorded. — AP
Toyota has projected its first loss in 70 years, the first since the Japanese car company began such reports. — San Francisco Chronicle
Muntadar al-Zaidi, the journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush, will stand trial on Dec. 31. He faces a prison term of five to 15 years for aggression against a head of state. — BBC News

Rahm Emanuel only had one "courtesy" phone conversation with Gov. Blagojevich, according to sources familiar with the Obama team's yet-to-be released report. Most of the conversation involved Rahm's House of Representative's seat, with only a passing reference to Obama's Senate seat. — ABC News

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Front Page: Bush Approves $17.4 Billion For Auto Makers

CitizenSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:48:00 -0800

President Bush announced a $17.4 billion rescue package for the automakers that would let them to avoid bankruptcy. The plan also leaves many big decisions for the Obama administration. — Wall Street Journal
W. Mark Felt, Watergate's "Deep Throat," has died at the age of 95. — San Francisco Chronicle

Investors who actually made money as a result of Bernard Maddof's alleged $50 billion Ponzi scheme will probably be forced to give up some of their profits. — New York Times
Hammas, the Islamist militant group, says it has ended its six-month Gaza Strip ceasefire with Israel. — BBC News

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Front Page: Las Vegas Hits The Snow Jackpot

CitizenSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:47:28 -0800

A rare snow storm has hit Las Vegas, leaving more snow than the city has seen in decades, and grounding most flights in and out of sin city. The National Weather Service has called the storm a "significant historical event." — Las Vegas Review Journal
A former Rwandan Army Colonel has been convicted of genocide by the UN court in Tanzania, after the court determined he masterminded the 1994 mass killings of the Tutsis and moderate Hutus. — New York Times

MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski was mugged this morning in Washington, D.C. while waiting for a car to pick her up and take her to the studio to tape Morning Joe. — Washington Times
The man who threw his shoes at President Bush has asked for a pardon, after describing his behavior as an "an ugly act." The attacker's brother says the idea that he sent a letter of apology to Iraq's prime minister is unbelievable. — AP

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Front Page! Bush Administration Preps Obama For Crisis

CitizenSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:35:30 -0800

George W. Bush's White House has prepared more than a dozen contingency plans for President-elect Barack Obama to use if he faces an international crisis after Inauguration Day. The extent of the transition, which also includes personal briefings by senior counterterrorism officials with their replacements, is unprecedented. — New York Times
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that British troops will fully withdrawal from Iraq by May 31, leaving the US as the only foreign military presence in the country. — LA Times

Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. claims that he went to federal agents in 2006, reporting what he believed was corruption and misconduct by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Jackson rejects the label "informant" and says his complaint was unrelated to the current investigation. — CNN
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari said that there's no firm evidence that gunman from the Mumbai Massacre came from Pakistan, despite the fact that US, Indian, and British officials claim the attack originated from training camps inside Pakistan. — BBC News

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Front Page: Police Defuse Bomb in Paris Department Store

CitizenSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:49:15 -0800

French police found a bomb in the Printemps department store, after a warning about the explosive was sent to a French news agency. A previously unknown group, demanding French withdrawal from Afghanistan, has claimed responsibility. — New York Times
President-elect Barack Obama continues to fill out his cabinet, naming the head of Chicago public schools Arne Duncan as education secretary and Steven Chu as energy secretary. — CNN

Despite warnings of fraud as early as 1999, the SEC did not investigate Bernard Madoff, who was charged last week with fraud after he allegedly volunteered the fact that he took $50 billion from investors. — Washington Post
A top high-school football recruit died in Mississippi of a possibly self-inflicted gun-shot wound, after a sheriff pulled him over last week. The NAACP has determined through its own investigation that his death was not a suicide. — Mississippi Press

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Front Page: Iraqis Demand Release of Bush Shoe Attacker

CitizenSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:14 -0800

Growing calls to release the journalist who threw his shoes at George W. Bush confront the Iraqi government, as the Arab world has hailed the action of dissent as the perfect parting gift for the American President. Iraqis took to the streets today to rally support for the TV journalist. — AFP
Illinois lawmakers are meeting today to discuss impeaching Gov. Blagojevich, after he returned to work today. — AP

Anxiety caused by the revelation that investor Bernard Madoff pulled off a $50 billion fraud hit European and US markets today. Huge banking institutions and hedge funds reported major potential loses related to the scheme. — AP
Thanks to a recent legal settlement, tens of thousands of immigrants who entered the US on a valid visa, but fell out of legal status between 1982 and 1988, will be able to apply for amnesty. — LA Times

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Front Page: EU Reaches Climate Change Agreement

CitizenSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:02:20 -0800

EU leaders have agreed on a new climate change deal, which pledges to cut carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. — BBC News
The White House is considering using money allocated for the $700 billion Wall Street bailout to help the ailing Big Three auto companies. The attempt at offering relief comes after the Senate failed to pass the $14 billion package.— Wall Street Journal

Although she's not the target of the federal investigation, Illinois first lady Patricia Blagojevich is coming under fire for statements she made in recorded phone conversations, allegedly urging her husband to withhold state funds. She comes from a political family, and her father accused her husband's administration of selling state appointments a few years ago. — CNN
The remains of a small child were found yesterday in Florida, and investigators believe them to be Caylee Anthony, the three-year-old girl whose mother has been charged with her murder. — New York Times

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Front Page: Iraq Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens

CitizenSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:13 -0800

A suicide bomber killed at least 55 people in Iraq today, after striking a crowded restaurant in northern Iraq. Kurdish officials and Arab tribal leaders were meeting there in an attempt to reduce historic tensions. — AP

The House of Representatives passed a $14 billion bailout for US automakers today, but GOP opposition might derail it in the Senate. — CNN

Every Democratic Senator and a number of Illinois leaders have called on Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich to step down. Some state lawmakers are looking for a way to remove him from office. — Chicago Tribune
While the UN has warned that Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic is getting worse, President Robert Mugabe declared that there is no cholera in his country. — BBC News

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Front Page: Lawmakers Near Deal on Car Bailout

CitizenSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:10:12 -0800

A deal has been reached between the White House and Congress on a $15 billion bailout of the US auto industry, which includes emergency loans and the creation of a "car czar." House and Senate leaders hope to pass the bill as early as today. — AP
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich planned to return to work today, after being released on $4,500 bail. The governor made no comment about his arrest on charges that he tried to sell Obama's Senate seat. — CNN

The British pound has hit an all-time low against the Euro, falling to under 1.14 euros. The currency took a hit after new data suggested the UK economy shrunk by 1 percent over the last three months. — BBC News

Some in China marked the 60th anniversary of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights today by protesting outside government buildings in Beijing. — AP

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Front Page: Illinois Gov. Arrested, Trying to Sell Obama's Seat

LibertySugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:41 -0800

FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris today on federal corruption charges alleging that they tried to benefit financially in exchange for Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, among other things. Gov. Blagojevich has the sole authority to appoint Obama's successor. — CBS
The executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are on Capitol Hill today, testifying to Congress about who's to blame for the mortgage giants' collapse and the September government takeover. — AP

After a calm funeral for the teen shot by police whose death sparked three days of rioting in Greece, violence broke out in the southern Athens suburb. In central Athens, thousands also confronted police. This is the worst rioting seen in Greece in years. — New York Times
Mexico's top prosecutor says drug-related murders will likely increase next year in Mexico, after new numbers show they doubled in 2008 to a total of 5,400 deaths. — BBC News

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Front Page: 9/11 "Mastermind" to Plead Guilty Without Trial

CitizenSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and his four codefendants have asked to plead guilty to the attacks, meaning the current trial would never go ahead. The defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo Bay that they want to confess. — BBC News
Pakistani security forces have arrested Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the suspected mastermind of the Mumbai massacre, after a raid on a militant camp. — AP

Tight government control of the auto industry, including a provision for a "car czar," will be part of legislation drafted by Congressional Democrats. With details still unclear, it's almost certain that the US car industry will have to submit to substantial government supervision if it wants taxpayer money. — NY Times
Riots continued in Greece today for the third day in a row. After police shot a teenage boy to death, protesters took to the streets throughout the major cities, clashing with police. — CNN

Front Page: US Unemployment Rate Jumps to 6.7%

CitizenSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:00:10 -0800

The US jobless rate spiked to 6.7 percent in November, marking the 11th straight month of job loss and the greatest since 1974.— New York Times
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper successfully suspended Parliament yesterday, avoiding his ousting by the opposition party. In an unprecedented move, Governor General Michaelle Jean, Queen Elizabeth's representative to Canada, agreed to shut down Parliament until Jan. 26. — Reuters

OJ Simpson faces six years to life in prison for his felony kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy convictions. He will be sentenced today in Nevada, and prosecutors have recommended an 18-year sentence. — Reuters
Armed robbers dressed in drag stole $102 million worth of jewels in Paris yesterday from the Harry Winston store. — BBC News

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Front Page: Big Three on Hill For Round Two of Begging

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:29 -0800

The CEOs of the Big Three automakers are back on Capitol Hill today asking for a bailout. This time they are joined by the chiefs of the United Auto Workers union. — New York Times
A federal judge has banned Bratz dolls just in time for Christmas, ordering MGA to immediately stop manufacturing the dolls. The judge's ruling came after a jury determined that the creator of Bratz developed the doll while working at Mattel. — CNN

Kenya's prime minister has called on fellow African governments to oust Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe. — BBC News
Officials from China and the US met today for high-level talks regarding the global economic crisis. China said it would continue its currency reform but also told the US to get its economy in order. — AP

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Front Page: Report Reveals Few Bailout Restrictions

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:33 -0800

The Government Accountability Office has concluded that the Treasury Department has no mechanisms to comply with the $700 billion bailout plan restrictions. Speaker Pelosi called the report evidence that the Treasury Department's actions are not accountable to the American taxpayer. — AP
Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss reclaimed his Senate seat after winning yesterday's Georgia runoff. The Democrats will not have a 60 seat filibuster-proof majority. — AP
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Pakistan to cooperate fully in bringing the Mumbai attackers to justice. While in Delhi she said Pakistan has a "special responsibility to do so." — BBC News

Harvard's endowment, the largest in the US, has taken at 22 percent hit in the last four months. It has lost $8 billion. — AP
Passengers flying out of Los Angeles had to wait nine hours on the ground before take off because the smaller airport did not the staff to process exciting passengers. The original flight would have taken less than five hours. — LA Times

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Front Page: Georgia's Runoff For US Senate Seat Underway!

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:19 -0800

Today Georgians go to the polls to vote in the runoff for their US Senate seat. If Democratic challenger Jim Martin beats Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss, the Democrats will be one seat away from a 60-seat supermajority. — Atlanta Journal
After declaring a fiscal emergency in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged lawmakers to "get off of their rigid ideologies" and work toward solving the state's financial crisis. The Governor warned that California could run out of cash in two months. — LA Times

India's foreign minister has demanded that Pakistan arrest and turn over about 20 people wanted under Indian law as fugitives. Indian officials maintain that the planners of the recent attacks are at large in Pakistan and have demanded Pakistan take action. — New York Times
A cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, caused by contaminated drinking water, has killed nearly 500 people. — BBC News
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Front Page: Pakistan's President Urgently Pleads Against War

LibertySugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:57 -0800

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has asked India not to punish Pakistan for the Mumbai massacre. Zardari warned against letting non-state actors provoke a war between the nuclear armed neighbors. — Financial Times
Multiple bombs struck US and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad and Mosul, Iraq today, killing more than 30 people. — AP

New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress turned himself into New York City policy this morning. He faces criminal possession of a handgun charges after shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub this weekend. — New York Times
Oil prices continue to fall, dropping six percent today to less than $51 a barrel. OPEC decided not to cut production at its latest informal meeting, causing the slide in price. — AP

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Front Page: New Study Says HIV Could Be Eliminated in Decade

CitizenSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

HIV could theoretically be eliminated in the next 10 years if all people living in countries with high infection rates get tested and treated regularly, according to a new mathematical model. Skepticism remains since assumption, and not data, supports the conclusion. — AP
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker will head a planned Obama White House economic recovery panel. In yet another press conference today, Obama will introduce the members of the panel, intended to bring job growth and stability to the system. — The Huffington Post

Protesters in Thailand have shut down the country's major airport, leading Thailand’s army commander to urge Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down and call elections. — The New York Times
A UK man was sentenced to life in prison yesterday, after subjecting his two daughters to rape, 19 pregnancies, and nine children. The case mirrors charges against the Austrian father Josef Fritzl. — CNN

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Front Page: Violent Protesters Try to Unseat Thai Government

CitizenSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:01:10 -0800

Protesters in Bangkok, Thailand, fired guns and beat government supporters today, manifesting violent opposition to Thai prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. At least six people were injured, and the protesters forced the cancellation of a crucial session of Parliament, blocked traffic to the airport, and cut electricity from police headquarters. — New York Times
The US Commerce Department released its latest reading on the economy, determining that the economy slowed down more than expected this past summer. US consumers reduced their spending at a rate not seen in 28 years. — AP

Thousands of protesters came out in Reykjavik, Iceland, to demonstrate against the country's leaders and the recent financial collapse. The protesters demanded that the prime minister and central bank governor resign. — Reuters
Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez greeted Russian warships arriving off his county's coast today. Russia's president Dmitry Medvedev will also visit the country. Chavez wants Russia to assist Venezuela in building a nuclear reactor and also wants Russia to invest in oil and gas projects. — AP

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Front Page: Taxpayer ATM to Doll Out $7.4 Trillion in Rescues

CitizenSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:21 -0800

The US government has pledged more than $7.4 trillion to bail out the financial system. That amount of taxpayer money represents half of the value of everything produced in the US last year. — Bloomberg
Citibank is the latest institution to receive a bailout. The US government will back $300 billion in loans and invest $20 million in the troubled company as well. So far the markets have reacted well to the news. — New York Times

A rush hour-timed bomb left at least 19 people dead in Baghdad today. The roadside bomb blew up a bus packed with government employees. — BBC
Fed up with the rise in pirate attacks, ship and tanker owners from all over the world have called for a military blockade along the coast of Somalia. More than 90 ships have been seized so far this year. — CNN

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Front Page: Thousands Gather in Baghdad to Protest US Pact

CitizenSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:11:39 -0800

Supporters of radical Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr gathered in Baghdad today to protest the security agreement that gives the US authority to remain in Iraq. More than 10,000 protesters attended, and some burned an effigy of President Bush. — New York Times
US Attorney General Michael Mukasey collapsed on stage Thursday while giving a speech. Officials say he is feeling better and never transferred his power as attorney general. — AP

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have decided to suspend home foreclosures until Jan. 9. The companies seized by the federal government do not want to bring more turmoil to struggling US families during the holidays. — Blooomberg
After another day of recounting, 46 percent of Minnesota's ballots have been counted, and the gap between Democrat Al Franken and Senator Norm Coleman has narrowed. Coleman is now leading by 136 votes, down from his unofficial lead of 215. — Minnesota Star

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Front Page: Texas Grand Jury Indicts Cheney and Gonzales

CitizenSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:37 -0800

Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will be arraigned on Friday in Texas, after a grand jury indicted them for prisoner abuse in a federal detention center. Cheney and Gonzales will not attend the arraignment. — AP
Barack Obama tapped Janet Napolitano, the Democratic governor of Arizona, to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. Napolitano has a well-received record on immigration, and served as Arizona's first female US attorney, and state attorney general. — CNN
California's Supreme Court has agreed to decide the legality of Proposition 8, which undid the court's previous ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. The court refused to let same-sex marriages resume in the meantime. — San Francisco Chronicle
Fears of a more serious recession have taken a toll on the global stock market. Yesterday the Dow Jones fell five percent, dipping bellow 8,000 mark. — BBC News

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Front Page: Alaska's Ted Stevens Loses Tight Reelection Bid

LibertySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:55 -0800

Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens has officially lost his reelection bid, bringing the Democrats only two seats away from a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority. Stevens was the longest serving Republican ever to serve in the Senate, and his recent federal corruption conviction led to his fall from power. — New York Times
China's president Hu Jinato visited Cuba yesterday bringing hope of Chinese aid to the island and closer trade ties. Hu also visited ailing former president Fidel Castro. — AFP

In a new audio message al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri attacks Barack Obama going as far as using a racial epithet implying that Obama does the bidding of whites. The leader wants to convince Muslims and Arabs that Obama does not represent change. — AP
Ashley Dupre, the prostitute who brought down former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has sat down with Diane Sawyer. Her interview will air on Friday's 20/20 at 10 pm EST/PST. — ABC News

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Front Page: Pirates Anchor Largest Oil Rig Ever Hijacked

LibertySugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:17:15 -0800

A giant Saudi oil tanker seized by Somali pirates Saturday has been anchored off the coast of Somalia. The cargo in the biggest tanker ever hijacked is estimated to be worth $100 million. — BBC News
US officials warned lawmakers that more economic aid is urgently needed, even though the Bush administration has decided not to spend more of the $700 billion bailout funds approved in October. Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke appeared at a congressional hearing today, where they described a gloomy economic situation and defended their actions. — New York Times

Washington DC officials are preparing for as many as four million people to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama, a tally four times larger than any other event. The city hopes to avoid a situation similar to the 1976 bicentennial, when millions were stranded in cars and buses for hours. — Washington Post
Finland's government plans to raise the alcohol tax by 10 percent, not to raise money but to discourage heavy drinking. Officials say alcohol is the country's most common cause of death.— AP

Front Page: Southern California Fires Rage On

LibertySugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Three major fires in Southern California continue to blaze, but the powerful Santa Ana winds have subsided for now. As firefighters battle the massive flames, agencies are helping displaced families. — Los Angeles Times
Citigroup plans to cut about 53,000 jobs soon, in addition to 22,000 already announced. The company will discus the decision, originally posted on the its website, with employees at a company-wide townhall meeting in New York. — AP

The lawsuit brought against CBS by ex anchor Dan Rather has uncovered evidence of GOP influence at the network. Documents suggest that CBS began an investigation of Rather, and his 2004 segment about President Bush's National guard service, was intended to appease Republican critics of the network. — New York Times
A National Health Service Doctor in England has admitted to being a terrorist. The 29-year-old doctor allegedly attempted car bombings in London and at Glasgow Airport. — BBC News

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Front Page: Retail Sales Suffered Record Drop in Oct.

CitizenSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:00:58 -0800

Retail sales in the US dropped in October by the most on record. The 2.8 percent decrease was the fourth consecutive drop and the biggest since records began in 1992 and purchases excluding automobiles also posted their worst performance.— Bloomberg
President-elect Barack Obama plans have a post-campaign sit down with John McCain on Monday in Chicago. An Obama spokesperson said the pair will be joined by a McCain confidant and Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois Democrat whom Obama has chosen to be his White House chief of staff. — The New York Times
World leaders are heading to Washington today to work on ways to tackle the global economic crisis which has plunged much of Europe into its first recession since the euro currency was formed. — Reuters

Russia's Parliament has supported a bill to extend the presidential term from four to six years causing further speculation of Vladimir Putin's early return. — BBC
The export slowdown that has been supersized by the word financial crisis has contributed to the shutdown of factories in coastal regions of China. The closures are leaving the unemployed with few options. — International Herald Tribune

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Front Page: Federal Bailout Lacks Oversight

CitizenSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:05:22 -0800

Although $290 billion of the $700 billion allocated to the bailout program has been dispersed, Congress has taken no action to fill the independent oversight posts established to prevent corruption and waste. — Washington Post
Germany has already entered a recession, according to the latest data, which also shows that most industrialized countries are facing a major slowdown. — New York Times

The Austrian man accused of keeping his daughter in his basement for 24 years and forcing her to father his children has been charged with murdering one of their children. — CCN
MSNBC retracted its story about Sarah Palin that proved to be a hoax. MSNBC reported an adviser to John McCain had identified himself as the source of an embarrassing Fox News story that Palin did not know Africa was a continent. The man who came forward was not in fact the source. — AP

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Front Page: Iran Claims to Test Missile Within Israel's Reach

CitizenSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Iran announced today that it tested a new surface-to-surface air missile, adding that it is ready to defend itself against an attack. — Reuters
John McCain will go to Georgia tomorrow to push for Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, who is stuck in a tight race there with a Democratic challenger. Three Senate races, in Georgia, Minnesota, and Alaska, have yet to be called. If they go Democrat, the party will significantly widen its majority in Senate. — USA Today

Lobbyists will be restricted from participating in President-elect Barack Obama's transition to the White House. Under self-imposed ethics restrictions, Obama will not allow lobbyists to work in areas in which they have worked for clients in the last year.— New York Times
The US and Russia will begin talks on nuclear proliferation tomorrow, working toward a new treaty to replace the expiring Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). The Bush administration also is planning to minimize Russian objections to a US missile defense program in Europe. — Associated Press

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Front Page: Taiwan Arrests Its Former Leader

CitizenSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:06 -0800

The ex-president of Taiwan was detained by his country's police on charges of corruption and money laundering today. The defiant Chen Shui-bian raised his handcuffed hands above his head while shouting “Long live Taiwanese independence."— New York Times
In his White House meeting with Barack Obama, President Bush indicated that he would support another economic stimulus package, which includes aid to the auto industry, if the Democrats stopped opposing the Colombian free-trade agreement. — International Herald Tribune
Somalian pirates captured a Philippines chemical tanker, carrying 23 crew members, marking the 83rd hijack in Somalian waters this year. — Associated Press

After the Mars Lander ran out of batteries last week thanks to a dust storm, NASA announced that the mission has ended. — CNN
The surrogate grandmother in Ohio that gave birth to her triplet grandchildren last month, told Good Morning America that she is feeling fine, and was happy to serve as his daughter's surrogate at the age of 56. — Associated Press

Front Page: Secret Order Let US Attack al Qaeda Anywhere

CitizenSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

A classified US order from 2004 authorized the US military to attack al Qaeda anywhere in the world. The order has allowed the US to secretly attack militants in Syria, Pakistan, and other places. — New York Times
President-elect Barack Obama will meet President Bush in the Oval Office today, to begin the transition of power. The two are expected to discuss the economy, the war in Iraq, and national security. Laura Bush will give Michelle Obama a tour of the White House. — CNN
Three bombs that exploded moments apart in Baghdad, Iraq yesterday left at least 28 people dead. Two of the explosions were car bombs and the third was a suicide bomber who blew himself up in the crowd trying to rescue people. — BBC News
An argument over Sunday's Alabama-LSU overtime football game ended with an Alabama couple shot to death. — Alabama Press-Register
A backlash against California's Proposition 8 has erupted. This weekend, same-sex marriage supporters protested the new law outside churches around the state, including a Mormon tabernacle. — San Francisco Chronicle

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Front Page: US Unemployment Reaches Grim High at 6.5%

LibertySugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The US unemployment reached a 14-year high of 6.5 percent today. About 240,000 nonfarm jobs were lost in October alone. So far this year 1.2 million US jobs have been lost.— Bloomberg
The still being recounted Minnesota Senate race between Al Franken and Senator Norm Coleman came within a margin of 236 votes at the end of Thursday. — Minneapolis Star Tribune

Georgia's claims that it acted in defense against Russian aggression last summer are being called into question. — New York Times
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi started "suntan-gate" yesterday when he called Barack Obama "young, handsome, and tanned." When asked if the comment might have been misunderstood as undiplomatic or even racist, the Prime Minister told his opponents to get a sense of humor.— BBC News

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Front Page: Vladimir Putin Might Return as Russian President

LibertySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is taking steps to allow Vladimir Putin to return as president in 2009. According to Russian sources, Medvedev may push for changes to the constitution so former President Putin can return to power. — Reuters
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has traveled to the Middle East. Today she is in Israel to participate in peace talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials. — Voice of America
Rebels in the Congo have taken over more villages, as they extend their control in the eastern region of the embattled country. — BBC News

Democrats picked up another seat in the Senate, as Democrat Jeff Merkley defeated five-term incumbent Republican Gordon Smith of Oregon. — Huffington Post
The Bradley effect, the theory that people lie to pollsters or to themselves about voting for a black candidate, did not exist on Tuesday. Experts now say there is no point in continuing the discussion about how closeted racists impact polling. — New York Times

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