Cut to the News . . . Your Daily News Briefing
Thursday, July 2, 2009 Make us your homepage
The Latest Breaking News
This Morning's Cut
Leading the News
U.S. Launches Massive Afghanistan Assault . . . Almost 4,000 marines seek to retake Southern Afghan valley from Taliban. New York Times
Troops in Afghanistan Must Limit Casualties . . . Under orders to back down when they're chasing Taliban fighters if they think civilians may be at risk. McClatchy Newspapers
Consumers to Find Increased Bank Costs . . . Government-created insurance agencies raising rates on banks, and costs will be passed on to customers. Boston Globe
Politics
Calls Mount for Sanford to Quit . . . S.C. Sen. Jim DeMint calls for him to "do the right thing," and a dozen GOP state senators sign letter asking for resignation. McClatchy Newspapers
Crunch Time for Obama's Agenda . . . By the end of July, it should be clear whether healthcare reform and climate-change legislation are on track. Christian Science Monitor
Lonely Road to a NY Senate Run . . . Rep. Carolyn Maloney, prototype of a New York liberal, fights uphill battle for the seat held by Kirsten E. Gillibrand. New York Times
White House Work Has Its Rewards . . . Twenty two Obama staffers make 172,000 per year. Washington Post
National Security
U.S. Soldier Captured in Afghanistan . . . Insurgents have captured an American soldier in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S. military said Thursday. Associated Press
North Korea Test Fires More Missiles . . Launch of two short-range missiles aggravates the already high tensions. Associated Press
Commanders Restless in Afghanistan . . . Some want yet more troops and a change in strategy. They won't get it, at least this year.
McClatchy Newspapers
Saddam Denied al Qaeda Ties Until the End . . . Told FBI captors in 2004 he had no connection with Osama bin Laden.
Washington Times
Money
California Crisis A Threat to U.S. Recovery . . . Economists worry budget deficit could hurt the state just as it has begun showing signs of recovery. Christian Science Monitor
Data Offer Signs of Global Recovery . . . Manufacturing figures slowly improving. Financial Times
SEC Staffer Warned of Madoff in 2004 . . . Investigator was told to focus on an unrelated matter, agency documents show.
Washington Post
King of Pop Reigns Again . . . Sales of Michael Jackson's albums are breaking records. USA Today
International
New President Vows to Defend Honduran Coup . . . Roberto Micheletti says it would take a foreign invasion to put ousted leader back in power. Globe and Mail
Israel, Hamas Accused of War Crimes. . . Amnesty International cites "disturbing questions" about conduct of Gaza war. Haaretz
Teenage Plane Crash Survivor Speaks . . . She floated in the Indian Ocean clutching a piece of debris for more than 12 hours before her rescue. The Guardian
Homosexuality Decriminalized in India . . . Sex between people of same gender has been illegal in India since British colonial era law.
The Guardian
Also Today. . .
Utah Lowers the Bar . . . State ditches 40-year-old requirement that customers fill out an application, pay a fee and join a private club before setting foot in a bar. Associated Press
How Did Teenage Girl Survive the Crash? . . . Since 1970, 12 plane crashes have yielded only one survivor. Many factors are involved, including age. Christian Science Monitor
Actor Karl Malden Dies at 97 . . . Starred in TV's 'The Streets of San Francisco' and made famous the American Express catchphrase "Don't leave home without it." Los Angeles Times
Alexis Arguello, 57, Shoots Himself to Death . . . Managua mayor was a three time world boxing champion. Miami Herald
U.S. to Check 652 Companies for Illegals . . . Move is part of a strategy to target employers, not just workers. Los Angeles Times
Hidden Michelangelo Self-Portrait Discovered . . . The Renaissance genius left his image in his final painting, the Crucifixion of Saint Peter.
The Independent
DEA Called into Jackson Inquiry . . . will provide expertise in probing claims Jackson abused prescription drugs and may have been taking a dangerous sedative. Times (UK)
Today's Video
Out on a Limb at the Sears Tower . . . NBC
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