Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Sunday, April 12, 2009 Make us your homepage
Happy Easter!
Leading the News
UPDATE: U.S. Navy Captain Escapes . . . Richard Phillips is unharmed. Three of four captors are killed, a fourth in custody. CNN
Iran Can Produce Nuclear Fuel . . . Ahmadinejad says that with opening of new facility to make uranium fuel pellets, Iran controls entire production cycle. Associated Press
Troops Deployed in Bangkok . . . Thai authorities declare state of emergency a day after protests cancelled a summit. BBC
Somali Elders Launch Talks With Pirates . . . Fresh attempt to resolve stand-off between the U.S. navy and pirates holding American captain hostage. BBC
Politics
Clinton Retains William Burns as Undersecretary . . . Appointed by Condoleezza Rice, Clinton views him as the type of seasoned diplomat she needs at State. Washington Times
Hundreds of Key Administration Jobs Unfilled . . . Gaping holes in the ranks he needs to fill for action on health care, the environment and much more. Associated Press
It's a Portuguese Water Dog for the Obamas . . . Pup named Bo is a gift from Sen. Ted Kennedy, who owns several of the breed. Big debut is Tuesday. Washington Post
Ginsburg Staying on Bench . . . Despite cancer battle, the Supreme Court's only female justice shows no sign of slowing down.
Washington Post
Obama Seeks New Latin America Relationship . . . Travels to Mexico Thursday and to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday for the Fifth Summit of the Americas. Reuters
Obama's Half Brother Refused Entry to UK . . . Samson Obama, who lives in Kenya, was on his way to the inauguration in January. Accused of serious crime on previous visit. BBC
National Security
Unified North Korea Response Reached . . .Draft U.N. Security Council statement "condemns" missile launch and implements existing UN sanctions. Wall Street Journal
Some Troops Tempted by Graft . . . Justice Department secures three dozen bribery-related convictions in awarding of reconstruction contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Los Angeles Times
U.S. Tourists Flock to Cuba . . . There's not much feeling of taboo left in traveling to the island. Obama is expected to open the door wider.
Los Angeles Times
Business
Big Banks Losing Top Talent . . . With institutions facing federal limits brought on by bailouts, veteran bankers leave to join start-ups and foreign companies. New York Times
Some Banks Are Thriving . . . Some stay healthy by writing loans and avoiding derivatives and other exotic instruments. Washington Post
Goldman Moved to Repay Tarp Pressures Rivals . . . By selling stock to help it repay, firm may pressure competitors to follow suit or seem dependent on government. Bloomberg
International
U.S. Warships Shadow Pirates . . . Track gunmen holding captain while unidentified military helicopters fly over the pirate lair of Haradheere. Reuters
Fiji Under Military Rule . . . Martial law instituted as once-idyllic country loses its democracy. Associated Press
Pope Offers Obamaesque Easter Message . . . Says entire world needs to rediscover hope to end wars, poverty and financial turmoil. Associated Press
Rebels Kill 13 Soldiers in Peru . . . Shining Path rebels strike with two ambushes in coca producing region of the country
Also Today. . .
Sunday School Teacher Suspected of Murder . . . Melissa Huckaby, 28, arrested in killing her daughter's playmate, whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase. Los Angeles Times
States Slashing Social Programs . . . Large majority of states slicing into safety nets, often crippling preventive efforts officials say would save money over time. New York Times
Binghamton Killer Kept Fury Private . . . Jiverly Wong lived with his parents, had trouble with English. “I think he felt low and small,” said his sister. New York Times
Medical Marijuana Moves Pot to the Mainstream . . . Now available as a "medical treatment" in California to anyone who tells a willing doctor he'd feel better if he smoked. Washington Post
Today's Video
Polar Bear Attacks Woman at Berlin Zoo . . . CNN
