Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
Obama Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq . . . Pushes leaders to find political solutions to conflicts. Says it's time for Iraq to take the reins. Wall Street Journal
Aftershocks Hamper Rescue Effort in Italy . . . Death toll rises above 250. BBC
U.S. Electricity Grid Penetrated by Spies . . . Cyberspies have left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system.
Wall Street Journal
Politics
Obama Presents New U.S. Image . . . Humility highlights trip to Europe, drawing contrast with Bush for overseas audience. Washington Post
Obama Pushes Cash for Clunkers in Congress . . . Program aims to replace up to two million cars over the next two years at a cost of $4 -6 billion Wall Street Journal
Franken's Lead Expands . . . Options dwindling for Coleman in contested Minnesota Senate race. Dems hope they'll soon have the seat.
Wall Street Journal
Stevens Case Dismissed . . . Judge names special prosecutor to decide whether prosecutors should be charged with wrongdoing in handling of Alaska senator's case. New York Times
Biden To Shepherd Test Ban Treaty in Senate . . . Obama puts VP in charge of difficult effort to ratify Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Washington Post
McCain Checks Back In to the Hanoi Hilton . . . But this time he can check out. Associated Press
National Security
Ahmadinejad Welcomes U.S. Talks . . . As long as Obama proves to be ''honest'' in extending his hand. Associated Press
Obama Moves to Shut Down Iran Nuke Network . . . China-based cabal allegedly had unwitting aid of some of Wall Street’s biggest banks. Financial Times
Critics of Gates Defense Cuts Strike Back . . . Lobbying will focus on plans to scrap F-22 and Army's Future Combat Systems project.
New York Times
Air Strikes Decline in Afghanistan . . . Reduction last year reflects limitations of air power against resilient insurgents, experts say.
USA Today
Business
Goldman CEO Backs Executive Pay Limits . . . Lloyd Blankfein calls for common sense. Some think he may hope to blunt a tougher assault by Congress. Los Angeles Times
U.S. To Offer Aid to Life Insurers . . . They'll get some TARP money from Treasury. Industry is a lynchpin of U.S. financial system.
Wall Street Journal
CEOs Expect More Job Cuts Through 2009 . . . Nearly 75 Percent of CEOs in Business Roundtable expect to cut workers in the next six months as sales sag. USA Today
Obama May Need More Bailout Funds . . . Results of stress tests on banks could force president to return to Congress for more money. Reuters
International
Fujimora Sentenced to 25 Years . . . Former Peruvian president found complicit in massacres. Wall Street Journal
Twitter Aids Moldova Protest . . . A sea of young people used text messages and the Internet to appear out of nowhere to protest Communist leaders. New York Times
Tens of Thousands March in Bangkok . . . They want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down. He refuses and hints he may use force against them. New York Times
Somali Pirates Hijack Ship With 21 Americans . . . The U.S.-operated Maersk Alabam was seized in the Indian Ocean about 400 miles east of Mogadishu. BBC
Obama Expecting Clash With Netanyahu . . . Officials brief senior Democratic lawmakers to prepare ground for the possible disagreements. Haaretz
Also Today. . .
Gay Rights Groups Expand Marriage Push . . . Momentum from back-to-back victories in Vermont and Iowa could spill into other states.
New York Times
911 Operator Failed to Tell Police Man Was Armed . . . Three cops killed in Pittsburgh were not aware man had a weapon because operator didn't tell them. Associated Press
Americans Slash Credit Card Borrowing . . . Reduce revolving credit at an annual rate of 9.7 percent, the sharpest one-month drop since 1978. Christian Science Monitor
Kumar Goes to the White House . . . "Harold and Kumar" actor Kal Penn leaves Hollywood to work for Obama. His character in TV show "House" kills himself. Washington Times
Today's Video
Fidel Castro Meets With Black Lawmakers . . . CNN
