Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Thursday, March 19, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
Obama Officials Axed Executive Pay Provision . . . Sen. Dodd changed language in stimulus capping pay at their request, he says. Wall Street Journal
Obama Secured $500,000 Advance in Book Deal . . . Children's book project was agreed to five days before entering office.
Washington Times
Studies Cast Doubt on Prostate Tests . . . The screenings rarely save lives and treatment can cause more harm than the potential tumor.
Los Angeles Times
Politics
Uproar Over Geithner's Role . . . Failure to derail bonuses prompts concerns about competency, complicating future stewardship of economy. Wall Street Journal
Fed Failed to Tell Obama About AIG Bonuses . . . Officials knew for months but didn't inform the administration.
Washington Post
Critics Slam Washington's Ties to AIG . . . Federal bailout money used to repay $13 billion to Goldman Sachs, Paulson's old firm.
Los Angeles Times
Obama Caves On Plan to Make Veterans Pay . . . Wanted to make veterans with private insurance pay for treatment of combat injuries. McClatchy Newspapers
Obama Touts Stimulus to California Fans . . . Receives thunderous welcome in one of states hit hardest by the recession. USA Today
National Security
U.S. Plans expanded Afghan Security Force . . . Hope that a much larger professional army and national police force could fill void left by the central government. New York Times
Bin Laden Denounces Somali President . . . In a new recording, calls on militants to overthrow leader seen as a hope for peace.
Associated Press
Key Afghan Insurgent Group Wants to Talk . . . Haqqani network agrees to discuss a peace proposal with government-backed mediators. Christian Science Monitor
U.S. Journalists Held in North Korea . . . Two reporters for California-based Current TV and their guide arrested near North Korean-Chinese border.
Associated Press
Chinese Spy Who Defected Speaks . . . Says priorities are infiltrating U.S. intel community and collecting secrets and technology from the United States. Washington Times
Business
AIG Unit Was Known for its Perks . . . Lavish pay, big bonuses, catered meals in exchange for high pressure and brutal hours. Los Angeles Times
Some AIG Execs Will Pay Back Bonuses . . . But anger continues to mount. AIG chief Liddy grilled on Capitol Hill. Wall Street Journal
Fed to Pump $1.2 Trillion Into Financial System . . . Move to buy government bonds and mortgage-related securities designed to lower loan costs for consumers. Washington Post
Madoff Accountant Arrested . . . David Friehling, who audited Madoff's business for more than a decade, is charged with securities fraud.
New York Times
International
Pope Meets Muslims in Cameroon . . . Says true religion rejects violence. Associated Press
Nationwide Strike in France . . . Unions protesting against President Sarkozy's economic policies. Second mass strike in two months. BBC
Sarkozy's Dreams for a New Paris . . . In first major redesign effort since Napoleon III, teams of architects offer ideas to reignite the City of Light. Christian Science Monitor
Israeli Forces Killed Gaza Civilians . . . Also destroyed property under permissive rules of engagement during Gaza operation. Haaretz
Also Today. . .
No More Prosecutions for Medical Marijuana . . . In a break with Bush, Attorney General Holder says dispensers of pot for the sick will no longer be charged. Los Angeles Times
Natasha Richardson, 45, is Dead . . . Family takes her off life support in New York. Incurred traumatic brain injury from ski accident in Canada.
Globe and Mail
Teen Pregnancy Rate Rising . . . Up one percent in 2007 following 2.8 percent rise in 2006. Bloomberg
That Confounding 'Conficker' . . . Geeks unite to try to defeat worm that is banding infected computers together into and evil "botnet" supercomputer. New York Times
Today's Video
Head Trauma Killed Natasha Richardson. . . NBC
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