Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Sunday, March 1, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
Obama taps Sibelius for HHS . . . Kansas governor to be introduced at White House by Obama Monday. Pick follows Daschle debacle. New York Times
Car Seat Crash Tests Reveal Flaws . . . Transportation secretary orders review of safety standards. Makers of baby restraints question results. Chicago Tribune
Israel, U.S. on Collision Course . . . Clinton, visiting this week, backs two-state solution. Netanyahu, not so much. Haaretz
Politics
Conservatives Pick Romney in Straw Poll . . . Wins backing of 30 percent of activists gathered in Washington, twice that of Jindal. New York Times
Liberal Groups Flex Muscles . . . Vigorous campaigns in support of Obama’s agenda, particularly on health care. New York Times
Michael Steele Plots GOP Turnaround . . . But some doubt whether party's first black leader can attract minorities. Boston Globe
Obama Reaches Outside the Bubble . . . Strives to keep tabs on real world. Each morning, asks his staff to deliver him a package containing 10 letters. Washington Post
Bush Hits the Speaker's Trail . . . Will appear in Calgary March 17th for a private two hour event. Lots of money awaits. Los Angeles Times
National Security
U.S. Deaths Spike in Afghanistan . . . Up threefold during first two months of 2009 compared with the same period last year as thousands more deployed. Associated Press
Faltering Economy Boosts Military Recruitment . . . A dramatic turnaround. Highest rate of new enlistments in six years. Boston Globe
War Crimes Defendant Has CIA Allies . . . Jovica Stanisic had a sinister reputation, but he was the CIA's man in Belgrade.
Los Angeles Times
Sudan's Islamist Regime Threatened . . . President to be accused of war crimes. Election will test strength. Los Angeles Times
Chavez Sends Troops to Rice Processors . . . They balk at price controls. “This government is here to protect the people, not the bourgeoisie or the rich.” Associated Press
Business
EU Opens Economic Crisis Summit . . . Goal is to avoid protectionism and new rift in East-West relations. BBC
Berkshire Has Worst Year Ever . . . Warren Buffet's company declines but remains on solid footing. He warns of tough times ahead for economy but eventual rebound. Wall Street Journal
Americans Seek Relief at the Movies . . . Hollywood startled by box-office surge with little modern precedent. New York Times
International
Karzai Seeking to Move Up Afghan Elections . . . Must relinquish power in spring, so he wants elections held while he still rules. U.S. resists.
BBC
Worst Drought in 50 Years Hits China . . . No one predicts the mass starvation that stalked countryside a half century ago, but social safety net is limited. Washington Times
Hamas Sought Direct Line to Israeli PM . . . Before Gaza operation, group tried back channel to Olmert through member of his family. Sign of desire for direct talks. The Observer
Winnie Mandela Wants a Comeback . . . Could return to center stage of South African politics. The Observer
Israel Warns on Rocket Attacks . . . "We'll use all our options, declares Olmert. Jerusalem Post
Also Today. . .
Paul Harvey Dies at 90 . . . Chicago radio man whose melodious voice and hearty "Hello, America" were cherished by millions for more than 57 years on national broadcasts. Chicago Tribune
Utah Four Day Work Week Gets a Look . . . Other states may adopt the money-saving, three-day-weekend-making move. Associated Press
Siegfried and Roy Bid Farewell . . . Five years after near-fatal attack, the Las Vegas tiger act says farewell to show biz. Deutsche Welle
Woman With Two Wombs Delivers . . . Twins . . . Twenty-one-year-old Sarah Reinfelder's babies were seven weeks premature, but they're healthy. Associated Press
Today's Video
Police Beat 15 Year Old Seattle Girl . . . KOMO
