Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Sunday, April 26, 2009 Make us your homepage
Leading the News
WHO: Swine Flu a Public Health Emergency . . . At least 81 dead in Mexico. Cases pop up around the United States. Students in New York Infected. New York Times
Taliban Still in Pakistan District . . . Headlines said militants had left Buner, but they could be seen brandishing weapons at key intersections. Los Angeles Times
U.S. to Pakistan: Stop Taliban or We Will . . . Officials say U.S. will attack Taliban forces in Swat valley unless the Pakistan stops their advance. Sunday Times (UK)
Politics
House Heavyweight Feels Threat to Power . . . Investigations of contractors and lobbyists close to Rep. John Murtha threaten to undermine his clout. New York Times
Clinton Visits Beirut As Vote Nears . . . Flies unannounced to Beirut to meet with Lebanon's president ahead of vote that could see pro-U.S. leaders ousted by Hezbollah. Associated Press
Another Good Poll for Obama . . . But release of interrogation memos reveals deep partisan split. Washington Post
Texas Gov. Perry's Talks Secession . . . His remarks play well with the base that votes in the primaries, making some wonder if he wants higher office. Houston Chronicle
National Security
CIA Didn't Evaluate Interrogation Techniques . . . Used severe methods on subjects for seven year without seeking assessment of whether they worked. Los Angeles Times
Pakistan Taliban Gain by Force and Guile . . . They slowly lay the groundwork in Buner then attack. Government and military of no help.
New York Times
Israel Won't Attack Iran, Foreign Minister Says . . . "I propose that the United States . . . take responsibility for resolving the Iranian question," says Avigdor Lieberman. Haaretz
U. S. Interrogator Says Harsh Measures Hurt . . . Leader of crack team says tactics played into hands of al Qaeda and drew recruits.
The Independent
Kim Jong Il Grooming Son for Takeover . . . Kim Jong Un's new post at all-powerful Defence Commission shows he may be successor to the Dear Leader. Sunday Times (UK)
Business
Wall Street Bounces Back . . . If the current pace continues all year, the average pay for bankers — much of it in bonuses — will rebound from the lows of last year. New York Times
Doubts About Geithner Persist . . . Lagging poll numbers for the Treasury secretary reflect continuing anger over bank bailouts.
Christian Science Monitor
U.S. Economy Likely Shrunk in First Quarter . . . Reflects drop in inventories that may set the stage for a return to growth later this year. Bloomberg
International
Mexico Takes Emergency Powers to Stop Flu . . . President can now force quarantine, search homes and cancel events. New York Times
Israel Catches Pick Axe Murderer . . . Security service says it caught two weeks ago man who killed Israeli boy, 13, at settlement. Haaretz
Sri Lankan Rebels Declare Ceasefire . . . Tamil Tigers announce a unilateral ceasefire, but the government rejects it, urging their surrender. BBC
Italian Ship Thwarts Pirate Attack . . . Captain of cruise ship gives dramatic account how his crew fended off a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia. BBC
Bomb Kills 12 Pakistani Children . . . Tragic deaths in north-western Pakistan after kids play with a bomb they mistook for a toy. BBC
Also Today. . .
Antiabortion Movement Gets a New Media Twist . . . Posing as a 13-year-old, UCLA student Lila Rose asks clinics for an abortion. Her YouTube videos spark outrage. Los Angeles Times
Presbyterians Vote Down Bid For Gay Clergy . . . But opponents' win is narrower than before. Associated Press
Cholesterol Drugs May Reduce Cancer Risk . . . Statins may also protect men against prostate cancer and other urological problems.
Wall Street Journal
Three Die as Firefighting Plane Crashes in Utah . . . Converted military plane crashed in heavy fog in the mountains that frame the Salt Lake valley. Associated Press
Markoff Hid His Evil Well . . . Associates don't remember many clues to the Craigslist killer's murderous side. Boston Globe
Scientists Create Blood Vessels . . . Use of patients own cells suggests possibility of custom vessels for patients with circulatory problems in their hearts or legs. Associated Press
Bea Arthur Dies at 86 . . . Broadway actress and sharp tongued star of TV's Maude and Golden Girls died of cancer at her home in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Times
Today's Video
Taliban Shoot Couple for Adultery . . . Sunday Telegraph
