Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Make us your homepage
This Morning's Cut
Leading the News
Indonesia Air Crash Kills Scores . . . At least 97 dead as a military transport plane crashes on an Indonesian village. BBC
Dems Rebuff Obama on Gitmo . . . Pressured by the GOP, Democrats balk at supporting Obama's request without knowing fate of inmates. Los Angeles Times
Senate Curbs Credit Card Fees . . . Sweeping new restrictions would ban extra fees and fluctuating rates and give people more information on their debts. Wall Street Journal
Politics
Obama in No Hurry to End Don't Ask Don't Tell . . . He made a campaign pledge to lift ban on gays in the military, but neither he nor Congress is acting. Los Angeles Times
Behind the Scenes of the Auto Emissions Deal . . . The deal for a national mileage standard took both firm demands and big concessions from the government. Los Angeles Times
Gun Rights Backers Loaded for a Victory . . . It appears likely that President Obama will sign a provision allowing loaded and concealed weapons in national parks. New York Times
Volcker's Role Unclear . . . Obama trumpeted the advice he'd be getting from the former Fed chair. But he talks to president only sporadically and doesn't know his effect. Washington Post
Dems Defend Pelosi . . . In a reflection of loyalty she enjoys, caucus stands behind House speaker in CIA briefing controversy.
Washington Post
Bush Officials Cash In . . . More than one in four members of Bush's Cabinet have landed jobs with consulting or lobbying firms.
USA Today
Geithner Rebuilds . . . Treasury Secretary surrounds self with former Clinton officials as he tries to rebound from rocky start. Reuters
National Security
U.S. Arms May Flow to Taliban . . . Evidence suggests munitions procured by the Pentagon leak from Afghan forces for use against American troops. New York Times
Iran Tests New Missile . . . Successfully launches an advanced surface-to-surface missile with a range of around 1,200 miles, meaning it can reach Israel. Reuters
Venezuela's Ambitions Fade With Wealth . . . Hugo Chávez’s agenda is suffering in the downturn as neighbors seek other partnerships.
New York Times
U.S. Dispute Afghan Civilian Casualty Claim . . . Says at least 20 civilians and 60 insurgents died in clash earlier this month. Afghanis say 140 civilians were killed. Associated Press
Money
Japan's GDP Shrinks at Record Pace . . . Gross domestic product shrank in the first quarter at 15.2 percent on an annualized basis.
New York Times
The Banks Are Back . . . Few expected such a quick turnaround, and now the government mulls how to let them pay back TARP funds.
New York Times
Microsoft to Unveil Search Engine . . . May become part of the firm's attempt to catch up with Internet search leaders Google and Yahoo.
Reuters
International
Kremlin Will Write its Own Russian History . . . Medvedev orders special commission to counter versions of history that damage Russia's "international prestige." Wall Street Journal
UN to Probe Israel's Gaza War Conduct . . . Inquiry into possible war crimes in Gaza will go ahead even if Israel does not co-operate.
BBC
Pakistan Clerics Back Government Offensive . . . Religious leaders and scholars issue strong denunciation of the tactics of Taliban militants. McClatchy Newspapers
Urban Battle Looms For Pakistan . . . Army puts the squeeze on Taliban in main Swat city of Mingora. New York Times
Also Today. . .
Long Search for Universal Flu Vaccine . . . Goal is to allow protection for years, if not a whole lifetime, against all seasonal flu strains and pandemic strains. New York Times
Bad Times Good for Traffic . . . A study says the recession and record gas prices in '08 have eased road congestion. Washington Post
Obesity Makes Swine Flu More Severe . . . It's as much of a risk factor for serious complications as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy.
Washington Post
New Mileage Standards May Harm Safety . . . Obama's fuel-economy initiative reopens fierce debate over tradeoffs between fuel economy and auto safety. USA Today
Calif. Voters Reject Taxes to Cure Deficit . . . Voters slap down a slew of measures that Gov. Schwarzenegger said were needed to solve the state's fiscal dilemma. USA Today
Today's Video
Bus Driver Busies Himself at the Wheel . . . YouTube
