Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
Obama Pitches Stimulus . . . During Illinois appearance and prime time news conference, president demands action. New York Times
Financial Bailout Could Top $1.5 Trillion . . . Three-pronged plan to be announced today aims to aid banks, spur lending and push investors to buy toxic assets. Washington Post
Politics
Leahy Seeks Probe of Bush Officials . . . Senate Judiciary chairman wants "truth and reconciliation" commission to investigate potential crimes in war on terror. Los Angeles Times
Geithner Said to Have Prevailed on Bailout . . . Treasury Secretary opposed tougher conditions on financial institutions sought by presidential aides. New York Times
Obama Back in Candidate Mode . . . As he promotes stimulus, puts bipartisanship goals aside. New York Times
Stimulus Bill Clears Senate Hurdle . . . Final passage on tap for today. Then it's negotiations with the House. Washington Post
Obama's Press Conference Stagecraft . . . Black reporters placed up front, but most don't get called on. Washington Times
Joe Biden, Punch Line . . . Obama quips about his VP. Are there limits to their mutual admiration? Los Angeles Times
National Security
Suicide Bomber Kills Four U.S. Soldiers . . . First American military deaths blamed on hostile action in the country since January 18.
Los Angeles Times
Pakistan's Taliban Raises U.S. Fears . . . Violence in southern Afghanistan suggests a flow of arms, fighters and money from the Pakistani city of Quetta. New York Times
Iran Offers Talks With U.S. . . . Ahmadinejad says Tehran ready for “talks based on mutual respect and in a fair atmosphere.” New York Times
Afghan Backing for U.S. Mission Drops . . . A new poll shows sagging support for U.S. efforts, with airstrikes a chief concern. Washington Post
Obama Officials Back Bush Rendition Arguments . . . They take up Bush lawsuit involving seizing terror suspects abroad and sending them to third countries. Wall Street Journal
Obama Starts Cyber Security Review . . . Possibility of a wholesale change to the country's approach to online security. Guardian
Business
Auto Dealers Fight to Stay in Business . . . Detroit wants to thin the herd of dealerships as sales plummet. USA Today
OPEC Members Delay Drilling Projects . . . A sign they're feeling the pain of low oil prices. Wall Street Journal
Bankers Continue Political Donations . . . Economic distress doesn't interfere with Wall Street's desire to influence or the politicians' desire for its cash. Washington Times
International
Australia Police Target Arsonists . . . Death toll stands at 181 but is expected to rise steeply as the operation to recover bodies continues.
BBC
Turnout Heavy in Israeli Vote . . . Tight race between Livni's Kadima and Netanyahu's Likud. Haaretz
Flooding and Snow Batter Britain . . . Gale-force winds, torrential rain and snow cause flooding, power cuts and travel disruption. Second crippling storm this winter. Guardian
Hundreds of Lost Dolphins Saved in Philippines . . .Local people and fishermen guide dolphins out to sea after they became trapped in shallow water. Telegraph
Also Today. . .
Peanut Butter Sales Plummet . . . Shoppers leaving jarred peanut butter off grocery lists, even though familiar brands not affected by salmonella outbreak. Associated Press
Vitamins Don't Prevent Disease in Older Women . . . Study of multivitamin use found they did nothing to prevent common cancers or heart disease. Associated Press
New Drugs Show Promise for HIV . . . Pharmaceuticals act to block infection in monkeys. Washington Post
Diet Could Cut Risk of Dementia . . . Eating fish, olive oil, veggies and other foods common in Mediterranean cuisine may help ward off mild cognitive impairment. USA Today
Calif. Ordered to Release Thousands of Inmates . . . Up to a third of all prisoners ordered freed in the next three years to stop dangerous overcrowding. Reuters
Today's Video
Inside the Australian Fire Zone . . . CNN
