Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Thursday, April 9, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
United States Will Begin Negotiations With Iran Will be full participant with Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China in any future Iran negotiations. Washington Post
Standoff With Somali Pirates . . . After crew regains control of ship, captain remains a hostage. U.S. warship enters the scene. BBC
Banks in Better Shape Than Thought . . . They're holding up well under Treasury "stress tests," but many still need assistance.
New York Times
Politics
Feds Probe Jackson-Blagojevich Ties . . .Witnesses asked about alleged attempt by Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to raise funds for governor to get Obama's Senate seat. Chicago Tribune
Obama to Seek $75B For Wars . . . But a backlash is brewing among Democrats. Wall Street Journal
Obama to Press Ahead on Immigration . . . Will establish working groups with aim of getting bill moving by fall. New York Times
Rookie Lawmakers Want Their Pound of Flesh . . . Forty-two of 54 freshmen House members requested money for earmarks. USA Today
Congress May Vote on Gay Marriage . . . Vote by the D. C. city council to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere must be approved by Congress. Associated Press
Obama to Hold White House Seder . . . Will gather with family and friends. His most famous Jewish adviser, Rahm Emanuel, won't be there. Associated Press
National Security
Corruption Undermines Hope for Afghan Police . . . U.S. soldiers say bribes and swindles undermine Afghans’ faith in government and strengthen Taliban. New York Times
Extremist Websites Use American Hosts . . . Reliable service and anonymity provided by U.S. Internet companies attracts groups like Taliban and al-Qaeda. Washington Post
It's Kim Jong-Il in a Landslide! . . . The Dear Leader is reelected, and being very dear, the vote was unanimous. Reuters
Britain's Anti-Terror Chief Resigns . . . Bob Quick held secret plan in the open, and it was visible in photos. Forced anti-terror operation earlier than desired. Guardian
Business
SEC Offers Options for Regulating Short Sellers . . . Investors and lawmakers clamor for brakes on moves they say worsened the market's downturn. Associated Press
Buy Bailout Bonds . . . Administration presses investment firms to create bonds to allow average people to invest in troubled securities. A risky idea? New York Times
Berkshire Hathaway Loses Top Credit Rating . . . Recession and losses at insurance operations of investor Warren Buffett's holding company prompt change. Reuters
Downbeat Outlook at the Fed . . . Minutes of meeting cause questions about whether turnaround is in sight. Financial Times
International
Kuwait May Lose Its Democracy . . . Parliament blocks development and imposes conservative Islamic restrictions, provoking backlash that may give Emir full power. Wall Street Journal
Somalia Chaos Drives Piracy Epidemic . . . Disorder means there are no easy military or diplomatic solutions for the U.S. USA Today
Italy Extends Quake Rescue Effort . . . But workers despair of finding anyone else alive. Death toll stands at 278. BBC
Mass Protests in Georgia Against Saakashvili . . . As many as 100,000 people are expected to demonstrate today against the president. Christian Science Monitor
Also Today. . .
Korean Victims Battled Gunman for Their Lives . . . During attack in religious community, couple stopped rampage by pummeling gunman unconscious. Los Angeles Times
Tap Your Inner (Brown) Fat . . . It's your former baby fat, the good fat that burns lots of calories. Scientists studying how to turn it on for you.
New York Times
Woman Kills Son, Self at Miami Firing Range . . . Marie Moore had a history of mental illness. The Times (UK)
Today's Video
Did Obama Bow to Saudi King Abdullah? . . . YouTube
