Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Sunday, April 19, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
Obama Declines to Lift Cuba Trade Embargo . . . But says U.S.-Cuban relations "on a path" toward change. Wall Street Journal
Four CIA Chiefs Said Not to Reveal Memos . . . Warned release of the so-called "torture memos" would compromise intelligence operations, but Obama went ahead. The Independent
Geithner Sees No New Banking Crisis . . . Does not expect second wave of bank collapses. Government is ready to support capital-raising when needed. Reuters
Politics
Obama Begins a New Direction . . . Nearing end of 100 days as president, he sees the economic crisis as reason to reshape government, business and even everyday life. Los Angeles Times
But Some Ask, Where's the Fight? . . . Pledges to change Washington come up against Obama's willingness to deal or fold. New York Times
Supreme Court to Review Civil rights Laws . . . Justices to hear cases challenging government efforts to ensure equality in voting, employment. Washington Post
Airport From Nowhere . . . Well-funded, little-used facility is testament to Pa. Rep. John Murtha's ability to tap federal aid for projects.
Washington Post
Obama Charms Again . . . He's a hit as Summit of Americas closes.
Reuters
National Security
South, North Korea Agree to Talks . . . South Korea accepts North's proposal for talks on a joint factory park, first high-level dialogue between the two in a year. Associated Press
NATO Foils Attack on Tanker . . . NATO warships and helicopters chased Somali pirates for seven hours after they attacked a Norwegian tanker. Reuters
Psychologists Aided CIA Interrogations . . . Medical ethicists in an uproar. Washington Post
Chavez Restores Ambassador to United States . . . Voices hopes for a "new era" in relations after exchanging greetings with Obama.
Associated Press
Business
Venture Investing Hits a Low . . . Plunges 50 percent from a year ago, signaling what could be a fundamental shift in the industry's size and direction. Wall Street Journal
Officials Clash on How to Release Stress Tests . . . Some concerned about potential damage to weaker institutions. Bloomberg
Fed Officials Defend Moves . . . Say Fed’s emergency lending won’t cause an inflationary surge or create “significant” risk for taxpayers.
Bloomberg
International
Beijing Shrouds Quake Toll in Mystery . . . About 70,000 are believed to have died 11 months ago, but no official number. Those who ask face arrest and harassment. Los Angeles Times
Baghdad Gets Bad . . . With curfews, kidnappings and religious zealots less of a concern, more Iraqis are rediscovering illicit pleasures.
New York Times
U.S. Will Boycott UN Racism Meeting . . . Objectionable language in meeting's final document that could single out Israel for criticism and restrict free speech. Associated Press
ETA Leader Nabbed . . . French arrest of current military chief of the military wing of Basque separatist group, Jurdan Martitegi.
Deutsche Welle
Pakistan Blast Kills 27 . . . Suicide bomber attacks army convoy at a checkpoint near a growing militant stronghold. Associated Press
Also Today. . .
Five Houston Children Die as Car Veers Off Road . . . Driver seen talking on cell phone and may have been drunk. Houston Chronicle
FBI, States Vastly Expand DNA Database . . . Includes millions who have been arrested or detained but not convicted, raising privacy concerns. New York Times
Maryland Father Kills Wife and Three Children . . . Left behind five notes, including an apology to family members and hints he suffered from psychiatric problems. Associated Press
Without the Holocaust, How Many Jews? . . .There would be as many as 32 million Jews worldwide, instead of the current 13 million, a demographer says. Haaretz
Today's Video
U.S.-Cuban Relations Take a Turn for the Better . . . CBS
