U.S. News Topics Overviews

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Automatically compiled digests of U.S. NEWS stories
(originally clustered by the Google News):

Saturday

Nov-07-2009 -- High unemployment number puts pressure on Obama
Battered by a grim new unemployment figure of 10.2 percent Friday, the White House and Treasury Department began talking about new - but unspecified - measures to improve the economy and generate jobs.
Well maybe if the GOP would start working for the American people instead of saying "NO" all the time, just maybe, just maybe things would be different. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Obama skipping Berlin Wall ceremony
WASHINGTON, November 7 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Europe and Asia on November 8-19, the State Department has said in a statement.
'Until then, nothing is set,' said the source who declined to discuss other details of the Clinton visit, including the date. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Op-Ed Contributor The Forever War of the Mind
Feeling guilty and pressed for time, some around the country are trying to make amends, to honor the veterans of that controversial war.
If you hear a band playing or read about a small ceremony honoring veterans go there and say thank you to the men and women who have given so much for your rights and freedoms. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Muslims decry killings, brace for backlash
As military and law-enforcement investigators waited to interview Major Hasan, a contradictory portrait of him emerged.
In a world run by the mainstream press, Islam is a class worthy of the highest possible protection against unpleasantness. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Acorn Offices in New Orleans Are Raided
State investigators raided ACORN offices on Friday, taking away computer hard drives and documents as part of a probe into alleged embezzlement and tax fraud when the organization's national headquarters was based in New Orleans.
Apparently reacting to reports of workers removing documents from the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Suspect in officer's slaying shot by police
Hundreds of Seattle Police Department officers, members of the Seattle Honor Guard, Portland Honor Guard, law enforcement officials from several states ''' including Oregon and Montana ''' and the public gathered to honor fallen Officer Timothy Brenton in a memorial procession and service at Key Arena today.
Earlier in the day, law enforcement from around the country and Canada gathered for what many called the largest service held for a fallen officer in the Pacific Northwest. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Obama's to Fix
There will be much discussion years from now about how Barack Obama fared as the first African American President.
Republicans expressed more confidence in Bernanke to recommend the right thing for the economy from 2006 to 2008 while Bush was in office, but after the change in administrations, that pattern reversed and now Democrats are much more confident in Bernanke . More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Indiana governor announces more spending cuts
Indiana tax collections continue to fall short of projections, and that has prompted Governor Mitch Daniels to order spending cuts and other steps to offset a budget shortfall.
Daniels largely exempted public safety and education from the budget cuts hammered out with the legislature in June. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Defense Counsel Said Florida Man Was Too Out of Shape to Commit a Murder
HACKENSACK, N.J. — A jury rejected a Florida man's claims that he was too fat to have run up and down a flight of stairs and killed his former son-in-law, convicting him Friday of murder.
Edward Ates was convicted by a New Jersey jury Friday for the murder of Paul Duncsak who had a nasty custody fight with Ate's daughter. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- Marriage Equality in New York: The Time Is Now
Gov. David Paterson (left), D-N.Y., tapes a town hall meeting with WNET public television correspondent Rafael P. Roman at the New York University School of Law on Wednesday.
We look forward to hearing our lives and our families debated on the Senate floor next Tuesday. More...

Nov-07-2009 -- 'Going Rouge' offers roguish reply to Palin book
This so-called commentary is just silly.
Coincidently, John McCain will be on Dr. Oz getting a colonoscopy. More...

Friday (Update 1)

Nov-06-2009 -- Mich. House taps 2010 stimulus funding for schools
Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday night that if the state Senate passes the bill the House passed to use $184 million more in federal stimulus funds to reduce the depth of cuts for K-12 education in this year's budget, she'll sign it.
Senator Valde Garcia, R-Howell: "The version that the House passed today virtually uses up all the stimulus dollars, and our concern with that is that next year the funding crisis for schools will be even worse, and we will be left with no money." More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Mistrust hinders ID of Cleveland slaying victims
CLEVELAND - Every day has been an exercise in fear and uncertainty for the families of the 14 women who have disappeared from this city's east side.
Very true that the system failed but only to an extent, i speak from personal experience that having a drug addiction (which i have beaten) can cause you to do things that you would not normally do and i had wonderful loving people who helped me through my problem, The police in these areas do not have the man power to continually search for someone especially someone who is a known drug addict as they tend to disappear frequently. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Some bills make it; others don't
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state Assembly has decided against voting on a bill toughening drunken driving laws even after it approved a similar measure and the Senate passed it unanimously earlier Thursday.
The powerful state teachers' union, Wisconsin Education Association Council, supported the bill as long as the scores couldn't be used to discipline teachers. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- World's largest cruise ship rocked by 'extreme' seas in North Atlantic
Port Everglades will officially dedicate the newly expanded Terminal 18 Friday afternoon, as the world's largest cruise ship heads toward South Florida and its Fort Lauderdale home port on its maiden voyage.
B oardwalk on Oasis of the Seas features hand-crafted carousel restaurants, bars, shops, two rock-climbing walls, and a tattoo parlour. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Hillsborough jail rescue video turns inmates into heroes
TAMPA, Fla. — Four inmates who came to the rescue of a Florida jail guard when he was attacked by another inmate may be getting some help of their own.
Previtera said that Burden was moved to administrative confinement after the attack and that Moon was not seriously hurt. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Kids' skills an energy issue, first lady says
National Science Bowl teams from Takoma Park Middle School and Landover's Kenmoor Middle School competed at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. Obama and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu read questions, such as what organelle carries out cellular respiration in human cells, to students during the eight-minute competition.
Mrs. Obama and Energy Secretary Steven Chu took turns asking questions of area middle-schoolers who participate in the department's science bowl competition. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson Engaged
Dakarai I. Aarons, who reports on local school districts, business and leadership and management issues, covered education in Tennessee before joining Education Week in August 2008.
All of the people involved in actually doing something about and for the homeless are inspiring. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Kansas remembers Bill Avery
Avery served one term as governor in the 1960's.
Avery also signed legislation boosting the funding of community colleges, legalizing studded snow tires and banning trading stamps, which were popular in the 1960s. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- I-64 Reopens Monday, Dec. 7
November 06, 2009 Despite a second year with unusually wet weather, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Gateway Constructors announced that all lanes of I-64 will reopen Monday, Dec. 7.' This opening is nearly a month ahead of the contract deadline of Dec. 31.
Rahn said the project's completion will mean that Missouri will lose an unenviable distinction. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Bennett's census-immigration amendment rejected
"I think there is no reasonable comparison and I ask Sen. Reid to apologize to me for that outrageous statement.''
It is the members of the republican party who have shredded the constitution, attempting to establish a state religion in this nation, violating the first fourth and fifth amendments by limiting freedom of speach, the right to a speedy trial, the right to know charges leading to imprisionment, denying the right to legal representation, lieing to to congress, and the list goes on and on. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Tenn. gov: Biofuels project criticism 'outrageous'
The plant was only built to produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons -- 5 percent of what was intended and not enough to make it profitable.
Under the current plan, the facility will produce only about 250,000 gallons, enough to determine whether the process of turning switchgrass to fuel will work for a full-size refinery, but not enough to pay the ongoing costs, committee executive director Jim White said. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Conn. anti-war candidate weighs run for governor
HARTFORD -- Ned Lamont, the Greenwich businessman who lost to U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 election after beating him in the Democratic primary, announced Wednesday he is exploring a run for Connecticut governor.
"I gotta tell you, outside the state everybody thought the debate between Sen. Lieberman and me was all about the war in Iraq, but it was really a challenge about how we're doing the businesses in Washington, D.C," Lamont said, explaining that it was also to a great degree about health care, transportation, and the overall economy. More...

Friday

Nov-06-2009 -- Massachusetts: Terrorism Charges
Acting United States Attorney Michael K. Loucks and Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Field Division, announced Thursday that Takek Mehanna, 27, of Sudbury, and Ahmad Abousamra, age 28, who currently lives in Syria, were charged in a 10-count indictment with providing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, conspiracy to provide false information to law enforcement and a number of separate counts of false statements to law enforcement.
If convicted of conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, Mehanna and Abousamra each face up to life imprisonment, to be followed by supervised release for any term of years up to life. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Gay-rights activists renew call for independent inquiry
Morris was suspended for one day.
You idiots aren't using logic. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Crist's stimulus backpedaling can't rewrite history
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a heated race for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, Gov. Charlie Crist keeps moving away from his support of President Barack Obama's stimulus package that the governor called "fantastic" and "remarkable" when lobbying for its passage.
The public needs to hear the narrative we're about to change the system" ("Ed Show," MSNBC, 11/4). More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Paterson Is Beginning Ad Campaign for Election
Gov. David Paterson (left), D-N.Y., tapes a town hall meeting with WNET public television correspondent Rafael P. Roman at the New York University School of Law on Wednesday.
We look forward to hearing our lives and our families debated on the Senate floor next Tuesday. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Voters approve Referendum 71
Gay partnership measure approved by voters By Rachel La Corte Washington voters have approved the state's new "everything but marriage" law, expanding rights for domestic partners and marking the first time any state's voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box.
The measure asked people to approve or reject the latest expansion of the new state law that Gov. Chris Gregoire signed in May granting same sex domestic partners all the rights of married couples. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- VW bus stolen 35 years ago is found in shipping container bound for Europe
The bus is in pristine condition and still runs, customs officials said in a press release.
Law officers said the van, which is in great shape, was stolen from an upholstery shop in Spokane on July 12, 1974 — while Spokane was hosting the 1974 World's Fair. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- 911 tape released in California gang rape
While police continue to hunt for suspects - six are in custody now - the crime has school district officials fast-tracking new security measures and counseling programs, and students talking intently about how to combat violence toward women.
A Richmond, California woman says she "Didn't even think twice," about calling 911 to alert authorities to the Oct. 24 gang-rape of high-school girl outside of a homecoming dance. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Fiorina: 'Shame on me' for not voting more
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Former Silicon Valley executive Carly Fiorina announced Wednesday she is running for the chance to seize liberal stalwart Barbara Boxer's U.S. Senate seat, depicting the three-term Democrat as a Capitol Hill do-nothing who penned novels while jobs vanished and government spending soared.
I will not settle for a jobless recovery and we must start the important work of getting our financial house back in order," Fiorina said in a statement. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Kerik pleads guilty to federal charges
WHITE PLAINS, New York (Reuters) - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to White House officials and tax evasion charges in a deal that could send him to prison for almost three years.
The former NYPD commissioner's federal corruption trial was postponed today, with no new date set for jury selection. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Report: GPS parole monitoring of Phillip Garrido failed
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Corrections officials failed to properly supervise convicted sex offender Phillip Garrido and missed opportunities to discover the girl he allegedly kidnapped and held in his backyard for 18 years, a report released Wednesday said.
Garrido is the man accused of abducting Jaycee Dugard, fathering two girls by her and keeping them prisoner in his back yard for something like 18 years. More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Nassau Vote Too Close to Call for Suozzi or Mangano
There was also a big Republican win for the office of Westchester County executive, as well as two Republican seats picked up on the New York City Council.
Later on, Suozzi congratulated the Republicans on winning the legislature, saying that '''they have to govern now: it can'''t be based on scare tactics, it can'''t be based on fear, it has to be based on ideas.''' More...

Nov-06-2009 -- Bloomberg Asks for Patience on MTA Plan
Howard Roberts, president of the New York City Transit Authority, which operates the subways and buses, has resigned after two and a half years on the job.
Straphangers with questions or complaints may soon have a quicker way to reach the MTA: Dialing 311. More...

Thursday (Update 1)

Nov-05-2009 -- Cleveland authorities work to ID more bodies from death house
CLEVELAND — Authorities say they have confirmed a total of at least 11 victims whose remains were found in the Cleveland home of a sex offender.
"No. I didn't know, no," said neighbor Thomas Warren. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- California Official Admits Failure in Jaycee Dugard Case
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Corrections officials failed to properly supervise convicted sex offender Phillip Garrido and missed opportunities to discover the girl he allegedly kidnapped and held in his backyard for 18 years, a report released Wednesday said.
The report also says the department failed to refer Garrido for a mental health assessment. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Amid GOP optimism, Fiorina announces Senate run
It's official: Former Hewlett-Packard Co. (NASDAQ:HPQ) chief Carly Fiorina is preparing a run for the U.S. Senate.
"I think our businesses can compete and win all the time," Fiorina said. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Don't count Romeo as a sex offender
In what may be an important precedent, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that a man arrested for a so-called "Romeo and Juliet" relationship cannot be listed on the state's sex offender registry because doing so would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Sheriff Wendell Hall is letting sexual offenders they must register or they will be arrested. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- You betcha! The Sarah Palin speech(es) we never heard one year ago tonight
This so-called commentary is just silly.
Namely,that Reagan was a great President. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Huckabee, Romney, Palin: 2012 Republican prospects
PRINCETON, NJ -- Looking ahead to the 2012 presidential election, 71% of Republicans say they would seriously consider voting for Mike Huckabee.
51 percent would not seriously consider Huckabee or Romney, and all the others are above 60 percent by that measure. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Giant snake capture was a hoax -Florida agents
An animal trapper this week was charged with crimes after staging a "public hoax" with a 14-foot-long Burmese python in the Tampa Bay area this summer, state officials said today.
Footage of the capture was widely televised in Florida, where Burmese pythons and other non-native snakes have bred rapidly in the Everglades after being released into the wild by pet owners. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Rail worker killed in Philly on 3rd day of strike
Placard-carrying members of Transit Workers Union Local 234 were limiting bus traffic out of the busy terminal.
What "naturally causes" a train car to erupt in flames? If it is determined that the strikers caused this blaze, the union should be disbanded. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Stimulus job report filled with errors
"The best value so far has been the increased funding for Medicaid and the highway spending."
California led the pack with more than 110,000 jobs from $18.5 billion in recovery act money. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- New York City Bush-Clinton 'Debate' Canceled
NEW YORK - Former U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will face each other in a no-holds-barred debate in New York early next year, the New York Post reports.
As quickly as you can say nuke-yu-ler , the hotly anticipated debate between George W. Bush and Bill Clinton has been called off! At first we assumed it was because when Bush agreed to the debate, he thought he'd be going up against George Clinton, the brain-fried frontman for Parliament-Funkadelic, not Bill Clinton, world-renowned master debater. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Kirk courting Sarah Palin; in Chicago for Oprah Winfrey show
The morning after Hoffman went down and a Democrat was elected in NY-23 for the first time since 1870, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) got to work soliciting an endorsement from Palin for his campaign to win President Barack Obama's old Senate seat next year.
Hey GOPer's! Remember that Tree of Liberty? You know, the one that needs watering? Well, there's nothing more insidious or a threat to freedom than a pretend moderate in the GOP like Mark Kirk. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Khazei, in first ad, asks voters to 'believe'
BOSTON -- The Democratic candidates in the race for the U.S. Senate have been staking out their positions on various issues this week, including homeland security, education and the economy.
Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Martha Coakley is unveiling a plan she says will help. More...

Thursday

Nov-05-2009 -- Obama speech ties federal grants to school overhauls
"In some cases, people have seen schools as sort of a political spoil having to do with jobs and contracts instead of what we're teaching kids."
While we still have a long way to go, we have made meaningful progress toward achieving that goal." More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Fiorina Formally Announces a Hinted-At Candidacy
It's official: Former Hewlett-Packard Co. (NASDAQ:HPQ) chief Carly Fiorina is preparing a run for the U.S. Senate.
Wednesday's event leads me to wonder not whether it will be about us, or Fiorina, or Boxer, but whether it will be about anything. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Obama's Election Glow Fades as Recession, War Drag On
Bina Mangattukattil 33, with husband Osama Siddiqui, North Side, domestic violence counselor When the jumbo screens in Grant Park flashed news that Obama had been elected president, Mangattukattil jumped off the ground and let out a scream.
The U.S. is drowning in debt, with government debt slated to double to 100 per cent of GDP over the next five years. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Ohio casinos to hit Mich., Ind. gambling taxes
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Just a day after voters approved expanded gambling in Ohio, the owners of casinos planned for Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo said they are anxious to get started.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Ohio voters opened the door to casinos on Tuesday, sparking a debate on whether the new gambling will help the state's ailing economy. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Abortion law: Court blocks Illinois' parental notification law
CHICAGO - A Cook County judge has halted enforcement of Illinois' parent notification law just hours after a state agency had given the all-clear.
Support for a parental notification law goes back 30 years. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Bachmann to protesters: 'Scare' Congress
A Florida woman is happily answering Rep. Michele Bachmann's call to storm the steps of Capitol Hill on Thursday to protest Democratic health care proposals.
"What's scary is that Rep. Bachmann will go to any length to protect the profits and abusive tactics of the insurance industry by working against meaningful health reform," said Kristie Greco, communications director for House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Teens arrested in shooting of girl at high school
Long Beach police said they will announce an arrest this evening in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old Wilson High School student after the homecoming football game Friday night.
"I'm still in shock. I just tried to go on with my day -- that's what she would have wanted." More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Mallahan gains on McGinn in latest ballot count
The race is too close to call , and Mallahan could still eke out a victory.
McGinn: possibly the next and most bicycle friendly mayor of Seattle? (No image of Mallahan on a bike could be found; but that doesn't mean he can't ride one.) More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Suozzi and Mangano locked in political showdown
While the Democrats of Nassau County lost their majority control in the Legislature, those gathered at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale on Tuesday night were able to celebrate the re-election of district attorney Kathleen Rice.
Given what the tide is, I'm glad to be doing as well as I am." More...

Nov-05-2009 -- 'Iron Chef' taping at White House; 'Office' star visiting Austin
The two-hour event, which kicks off the new season of the cook-off series on Jan. 3, pits Iron Chefs Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse against Iron Chef Bobby Flay and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.
The battle's judges will include chef Nigella Lawson, Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin; and actress Jane Seymour. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- Court worries about stifling prosecutors
When the false testimony and other exculpatory evidence was discovered, the two innocent men, Curtis McGhee and Terry Harrington, were released after 25 years in prison.
"I mean, we were just spinning our wheels in that case?" In Buckley, the court denied absolute immunity to a prosecutor who played a role in fabricating evidence against a suspect during an investigation, and who made false statements about a suspect during a news conference. More...

Nov-05-2009 -- 2 Dead After Small Plane Crash Near Florida Airport
The voices of forestry employees and deputies could be heard above the chirping of the crickets.
A plane made a hard landing at Vandenburg Airport Wednesday afternoon, leaving the two people inside with minor injuries. More...

Wednesday (Update 1)

Nov-04-2009 -- NY Mayor: Not Bad News at All for Obama
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, bolstered by record campaign spending, won a third term Tuesday, but the race was much closer than recent polls had projected.
A new poll says the Democrat challenging New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has narrowed the gap a few points. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Obama brother emerges from quiet life in China to promote book
"My father beat me. He beat my mother.
"I remember times in my house when I would hear screams and I would hear my mother's pain." More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Struggling Ohio Votes to Open Doors to Casinos
Issue 3, the constitutional amendment for casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, coasted to victory Tuesday night with 53 percent of the vote, thanks in large part to voters in Northeast and Southwest Ohio.
The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, longtime opponents of casinos, reversed course and not only endorsed Issue 3 but became one of the casino proposal's most ardent and unapologetic supporters. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Bush vs. Clinton
NEW YORK - Former U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will face each other in a no-holds-barred debate in New York early next year, the New York Post reports.
Make that "a presidential debate for the months" -- because they just did it last May in Toronto . More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Senate poised to adopt jobless, housing aid
Michigan residents who receive benefits are facing the prospect of having their unemployment insurance benefits taken from them, but the U.S. Senate is trying its best to extend the benefits, it is thought that the move could help more than 100,000 residents.
For the second time in less than a week, the Senate voted to invoke cloture on HR 3548, the jobless benefits extension bill. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Sarah Palin's Never-Heard Victory, Concession Speeches
Sarah is right about the fiscal sanity part, people are afraid to spend money thanks in part by the ultra-conservatives like Sarah Palin who always drum up the fear machine, and scream "Socialist," whenever almost any sort of social government spending is mentioned.
The authors are reporters (Conroy is a digital journalist for CBS News and Walshe was a reporter and producer at Fox News) who were "embedded" on the Palin vice-presidential campaign trail. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Atlanta mayoral race 2009 results are murky on race in politics
Polls open for Atlanta's general election at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Among the frontrunners to become the new mayor of Atlanta are city council President Lisa Borders, councilwoman Mary Norwood and state Sen. Kasim Reed.
Norwood said that the fight wasn't yet over. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- No Walk in the Park: For Obama One Year Later, It's the Slog of Governance
WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans still feel their country is faring badly one year after President Barack Obama's White House win, but their ranks have been dwindling steadily since the financial crisis broke last year, a CNN poll has found.
"We don't need politicians who'd rather sit on the sidelines and point fingers than offer any answers, any real solutions." More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Obama Touts Education Reform on Anniversary of Election
President Barack Obama's mission when he comes to Madison on Wednesday: To celebrate the first anniversary of his presidential election with a talk about transforming education - and to dangle the carrot of billions in education dollars in front of state lawmakers like Wisconsin's who are considering reforms.
The board was anticipating a rare year where public school programs and services were not on the chopping block and was looking forward to crafting a budget with minimal property tax increases. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Court worries about stifling prosecutors
When the false testimony and other exculpatory evidence was discovered, the two innocent men, Curtis McGhee and Terry Harrington, were released after 25 years in prison.
Two African-American men wrongly imprisoned for 25 years filed a lawsuit against prosecutors for fabricating evidence against them. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Alleged kidnapper's parole report to be released
SAN FRANCISCO — California's inspector general plans to release the results of a two-month inquiry into the handling of the Jaycee Dugard's kidnapping case.
More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Fires in Diamond Bar near full containment
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire broke out sometime in the last hour south of the 60 Freeway near Phillips Ranch Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard.
Thirty calls flooded 911 dispatchers as the fire erupted along the 60 freeway in Diamond Bar near Phillips Ranch Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. More...

Wednesday

Nov-04-2009 -- EU urges US climate plan as GOP boycotts Senate panel vote
WASHINGTON: A key U.S. Senate committee forges ahead Tuesday with sweeping climate change legislation, as its backers nervously watch time run short before December's make-or-break global summit in Denmark.
If Boxer's threatening to vote on the bill without Republicans present constitutes a "nuclear option," then isn't it just as much a "nuclear option" if not moreso, that the Republicans are trying to halt any progress on this bill by boycotting the committee meetings? This article seems to be putting the cart before the horse. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- A Year Later, a Daily Grind: The Glow of Obama's Election Has Long Faded
Bina Mangattukattil 33, with husband Osama Siddiqui, North Side, domestic violence counselor When the jumbo screens in Grant Park flashed news that Obama had been elected president, Mangattukattil jumped off the ground and let out a scream.
Like many people who desperately want to see the country take a more progressive course, I quibble and quarrel with some of President Obama's actions. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Louisiana justice who refused interracial marriage resigns
BATON ROUGE, La. — A Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to marry a couple because the bride was white and groom was black resigned Tuesday.
BATON ROUGE, LA (AP) - A Tangipahoa Parish justice of the peace who refused to perform the marriage ceremony for an interracial couple has resigned. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Obama, Palin and the off-off-year election
This so-called commentary is just silly.
Palin was the village idiot in the campaign, but McCain was truly the "rogue". More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Dave Bing Wins Election to Full Term as Detroit Mayor
'We had a situation happen at City Hall,' Flowers said, introducing Bing and euphemistically alluding to ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's scandal and resignation.
Marvin Morris, a mental health technician, supported Bing and the City Council proposal, as well as backing school and county operation millages. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- A New Mayor for Miami
With 97 of 128 precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Regalado had 71.74 percent and Joe Sanchez had 28.26 percent.
In St. Petersburg, with all precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Bill Foster with more than 52 percent of the votes and Kathleen Ford with just over 47 percent. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Abortion language complicates Democratic health efforts
Abortion proponents want to obscure the fact that the bill allows private insurance plans to receive federal subsidies to cover abortions.
Two unsolved issues 'abortion and immigration' stand between House Democratic leaders and a landmark vote on President Barack Obama's promised remake of the nation's health care system. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Policies sought to add jobs without piling on the deficit
The debt, currently at $12 trillion, is expected to grow by $9 trillion over the next decade.
Great article, puts things in some perspective. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Mike Nofs wins state Senate seat, boosts GOP margin
BATTLE CREEK -- The special election Tuesday in Battle Creek to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Mark Schauer when he went to Washington is being called the fourth most important race in the nation behind the three governors' races.
Some pundits had suggested the outcome would be a bellwether leading into the 2010 election when Michiganders will elect a new governor and all 38 Senate and 110 House seats. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Education Dep't: Massachusetts did not break rules
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, right, with Senators Jack Reed, center, and Sheldon Whitehouse.
High school scores are still flat. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Diamond Bar wildfires are 65% contained, authorities say
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire broke out sometime in the last hour south of the 60 Freeway near Phillips Ranch Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard.
Investigators said the blazes, collectively called the Diamond Fire, could have been caused by a catalytic converter that blew up as the truck traveled from Diamond Bar to Ontario on the eastbound freeway. More...

Nov-04-2009 -- Philly transit strike a tough sell in down economy
The union represents more than 5,000 drivers and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
SEPTA's Regional Rail service is still running, but many commuters use city transportation to gain access to Regional Rail, making it virtually inaccesible without bus, subway, or trolley operation. More...

Tuesday (Update 1)

Nov-03-2009 -- Los Angeles mayor to name police chief
As one of the mayor's advisors put it, "Bratton is a transforming figure" who has remade the LAPD in the spirit of reforms first suggested by the Christopher Commission and, later, incorporated into the consent degree between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, has been chosen to replace Chief William Bratton, the Los Angeles mayor's office said Tuesday. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Biden, Palin Enter Election Day Fray in New Jersey, New York and Virginia
Speaking at a campaign rally for Democratic candidate Bill Owens, Biden took a jab at Sarah Palin's position on U.S. energy reserves.
People who do not think for themselves are likely to blindly believe 'labels' the media stanp on Palin. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Obama and the Europeans face Afghanistan
One year later, an honest evaluation reveals the "other business" Obama has taken care of in the midst of our serious economic crisis, dire health care debate, and the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Hey Repubs, the bailout of banks was Bush, the financial crisis was caused by Bush (not poor people), The Iraq war which costs $250 billion per year and counting was start unnecessarily by Bush, the cost of the tax cuts was $1.4 Trillion which of course did nothing, the cost of the unfunded Medicare part D was $847 billion, also by Bush!Let's see that is about $3 trillion and counting of debt by Bush and Obama has had to spend $787 billion over 2 years to keep us afloat and spent $60 billion to keep several hundred thousand autoworkers and peripheral industry worker employed.So please do not throw rocks at glass houses. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- No theatrics: Obama camp ran tight ship
Being in the right place at the right time helped Barack Obama go from obscure state senator to president in less than five years.
As you might expect, the Obamas come off as a very likable, laid-back, relatable family, but any strain felt from the election process is mostly glossed over. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Father: Missing ND students liked to star gaze
DICKINSON, N.D. — Authorities in southwestern North Dakota searched Monday for three Dickinson State University softball players reported missing after a friend received late night telephone calls that mentioned water and indicated the women needed help.
Foul play is not suspected, Tuhy said. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Another species of python is raising concern
The licenses are issued through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which inspects to ensure the animals are properly caged and cared for.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working with other state and local agencies to head off a population surge of dangerous snakes, in hopes of preventing a problem like Burmese pythons in the Everglades. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Microsoft unveils Xbox Live rewards program
Continue to stay on Gold and purchase on Xbox Live Marketplace ''' Up to 5% rewards on your marketplace purchases.
Jenkins says Microsoft has implemented new video-streaming technology to make the most of broadband connections. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Another gang-rape suspect arrested
RICHMOND, Calif. (KCBS) -- Lights have been installed on Richmond High School's campus in an effort to increase safety after the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl at the school's homecoming dance on Oct. 24.
No parents were in attendance for the homecoming dance at Richmond High on October 24, while homecoming dances at other high schools nearby had parental volunteers, according to the Contra Costa Times. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Michael C. Fina Selected For Custom China Service For USS NEW YORK
Many 9-11 first responders and 9-11 family members lined the banks of the Hudson River today to be a part of history to watch the ship made with the salvaged remains of the World Trade Center return to the site where twin towers came down 8 years ago.
Customs have changed, and so has the mission of our fleet. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Police: NC father killed wife, 2 children, self
Authorities did not hint at a motive into the slayings by William Maxwell in an upscale neighborhood of the city Monday night.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina police say a real estate developer known as an active member of his church shot and killed his wife and two teen children and then committed suicide in their Fayetteville home. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Man Robs Same South Florida Bank for Fourth Time This Year
The sheriff's office has released several images of the robber in action.
Sheriff's investigators say the man ordered tellers to fill a plastic bag with cash, then casually walked out. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Nebraska governor proposes widespread budget cuts
The session is expected to last into the third week of November.
The budget lawmakers adopted last spring called for about $6.9 billion in spending over two years. More...

Tuesday

Nov-03-2009 -- WORKING THE PHONES: "By the People" tracks Obama's campaign. (Hbo)
Being in the right place at the right time helped Barack Obama go from obscure state senator to president in less than five years.
Rice says, "The campaign was always growing and changing, and new people were coming on board. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- First lady launches White House mentoring program
Michelle Obama welcomed nearly two dozen 10th and 11th grade girls to the White House this afternoon, kicking off the First Lady'''s leadership and mentoring initiative.
EARTHA Kitt, Michelle Pfieffer and Hale Berry are some of the famous women who have donned cat ears and leopard print, and now U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has joined them. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- New York Mayoral Race Focuses on Economy at End
For the 67-year-old media tycoon with an estimated worth of $17.5 billion, his biggest challenge has been in overcoming the negative publicity of reversing his previous support for term limits and persuading the city council to change the law last year so he could run for a third term.
As Ms. Hazelbaker noted, The Marist Institute for Public Opinion will release an independent poll about the mayor'''s race on Friday. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- 8 things: A poll watcher's guide to the Virginia election
It's Election Day and voters will be deciding who will lead Virginia: Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds or Republican Bob McDonnell, former attorney general.
'''The totals do not include heavy spending by outside groups or money raised or spent by the candidates after October 20.''' More...

Nov-03-2009 -- National Briefing | Education Mount Holyoke Names New President
"There's much more diversity with respect to the student body and the faculty.
Trustees of the one of the world's oldest women's colleges named University of Hartford Provost Lynn Pasquerella to succeed outgoing president Joanne Creighton. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Higher higher ed
The amount appropriated by the states has not managed to keep up with inflation.
The Chronicle said median pay and benefits for private college leaders was $358,746, up 6.5 percent from the prior year. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Ore. gay rights activists aiming for new vote
If it fails, Maine would join the handful of states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Iowa) where legislatures and courts not voters have made same-sex marriage legal.
The cynical underlying motif is an attempt to convey the idea that opponents to marriage equality aren't hateful bigots and have nothing against gay people. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- In Atlanta, white mayoral candidate draws broad support
"Is that an official endorsement?" asked Lemon.
I had a good laugh this morning. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Detroit Incumbent Is a Heavy Favorite
DETROIT -- Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said Monday at a press conference that the total number of fires for Angels' Night weekend were down 12 percent.
Bing can't get the job done alone. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Two Views of Bruno Are Presented at His Trial
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP/1010 WINS) -- Like scores of other New York lawmakers who note that their jobs, with a $79,500 base salary, are considered part-time, former Senate Republican leader Joe Bruno did outside work for people with an interest in the state government.
In recent years several other state Senators and Assemblymembers have been accused, convicted or gone to prison on charges of bribery, illegal pay- to- play activities and other transgressions. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Missouri, Illinois flooding: Casino, roads closed
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -- This is a wet, wet weekend in St. Louis.
The President Casino in St. Louis shut down Sunday because of the flooding Mississippi River. More...

Nov-03-2009 -- Lit candles, numerous tributes for slain officer
SEATTLE — Seattle police searched for clues Sunday in a shooting that killed a police officer and injured a trainee, marking the city's first officer killed in the line of duty since 2006.
Timothy Brenton and Sweeney were parked shortly after 10 p.m. in the 100 block of 29th Avenue, with Sweeney in the driver's seat. More...

Monday (Update 1)

Nov-02-2009 -- 23 college presidents make more than $1 million
Presidents of 23 private, non-profit colleges and universities each earned more than $1 million in total compensation in 2007-08, and Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., tops the list at nearly $1.6 million, says a report published today in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Overall, median compensation for the group rose 6.5 percent to $359,000, and 15.5 percent at major private research universities, to $628,000. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- US agency proposes change for airline union votes
ATLANTA, Nov 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. National Mediation Board has proposed a sweeping rule change that would base the outcome of union elections at airlines on the majority approval of people who vote, a move that could increase the odds that unions could prevail in such contests.
Under that law, a union can be created as long as a majority of all votes cast are in favor of collective bargaining. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Michelle Obama to mentor Washington girls
Melbourne, Nov 2 (ANI): U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama was pictured dressed as Catwoman during a Halloween bash held at the White House.
Michelle is clearly dressed up for the holiday here, but what is happening with the president's costume? Here's what the Washington Post says: The first lady was dressed as a leopard, with a smear of eyeliner, fuzzy ears and a spotted orange-and-black top. The president was dressed as a middle-aged dad, with a black cardigan, checkered shirt and sensible brown slacks. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Americans back driving-while-texting ban
New York's new texting law went into effect Sunday.
Taking center stage in the story: the sad tale of Phillipa Curtis and Victoria McBryde. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- First Baptist in Dallas to expand
Under Jeffress' two-year leadership, the congregation has grown, averaging about 3,500 each Sunday, said John Grable, director of communications.
The members will have a formal vote later. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Limbaugh Assails Obama's 'Radical' Agenda, Predicts One-Term Presidency
In an interview taped for "Fox News Sunday" nearly a year after the presidential election, Limbaugh derided Obama's recent visit to Dover Air Force Base to observe the return of 18 service members' remains from Afghanistan.
The charge will play well with Limbaugh's ultra-conservative base. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Brad Pitt, Oprah, George Clooney Among White House Visitors
GEORGE CLOONEY, DENZEL WASHINGTON and OPRAH WINFREY were among the first big names to land an invitation to meet with U.S. President BARACK OBAMA during his first few months in office, according to official White House documents.
Obama is the most cunning manipulator they have ever seen and they don't even realize that they are being manipulated. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Palin Jumps into NJ, Virginia Races
This so-called commentary is just silly.
Then just when we thought we saw bottom along comes Sara (sitting on my porch padding my foreign policy experience) Palin. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Forecast: Sunny, high in upper 60s
The National Weather Service forecast calls for sunny skies and a high temperature about 50 today.
Build 9: 62 ms (Content).Completed macro go4_flexiblebranding.Build 9: 125 ms (Content).Completed macro go4_loginboxbranding.Parsing macro GO4_ArticlePagination.Build 3: 1500 ms (Article).Build 9: 63 ms (Content).Completed macro GO4_ArticlePagination.Parsing macro go4_articlebottom.Build 9: 47 ms (Content).Completed macro go4_articlebottom.Build 3: 32 ms (Article).Parsing macro go4_article1.Parsing macro go4_article1content. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- HBO filmmakers get inside Obama campaign
Being in the right place at the right time helped Barack Obama go from obscure state senator to president in less than five years.
First and foremost when we proposed it to him, it wasn't about a presidential run. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Focus falls on cause of collision off Calif. coast
The C-130 and the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter collided at 7:10 p.m. Thursday Oct. 29, 2009 as the Coast Guard was conducting a search operation for a missing boater.
Stewart said a memorial service has been set Friday in San Diego, and his sisters, Nina and Jerilen, will be flying to the West Coast to attend the service. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Sony talks 'God of War Collection'
In addition to immediate access to the God of War III demo via voucher, people who order the Ultimate Edition will receive: Exclusive Collectibles High-End Sculpted Replica of Pandora's Box Limited-Edition God of War Art Book featuring exclusive art, content and interviews Exclusive Digital Content (Available via PlayStation Network voucher codes on day of launch) God of War Combat Arena containing an exclusive environment and seven challenges Premium Kratos Skin - Dominus God of War: Unearthing the Legend Franchise Documentary - a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise God of War Trilogy Soundtrack - God of War, II, and III scores from the game (mp3 digital download).
The Art of God of War, a limited edition art book featuring exclusive art, content and interviews. More...

Monday

Nov-02-2009 -- Rush Limbaugh calls President Obama's Dover salute a 'photo-op'
In an interview taped for "Fox News Sunday" nearly a year after the presidential election, Limbaugh derided Obama's recent visit to Dover Air Force Base to observe the return of 18 service members' remains from Afghanistan.
Obama will get my vote in 3 years unless the GOP does a lot better than McCain and Palin. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- USS New York sails into NYC
For the ship'''s crew, the voyage and commissioning of the U.S.S. New York is the culmination of many months of work, the point of transformation into an operational warship.
Reservists spend one weekend a month and two weeks a year training and some of the group has been activated for deployments abroad. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Casino Bid in Recession-Battered Ohio
If Issue 3 passes, Mr. Gilbert would own the casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati while Penn National Gaming, the Pennsylvania-based owner of Toledo's Raceway Park and casinos in other states, would operate the Toledo and Columbus sites.
No politician will write legislation favoring the state and it's people because they don't want to be known as favoring gambling. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- McDonnell and Deeds mostly mum on how to fund their ideas
A final Mason-Dixon poll in the Virginia race shows Republican Bob McDonnell continues to lead big over Democrat Creigh Deeds going into Tuesday's election.
When a Republican candidate for the House of Delegates unleashed lunatic comments about resorting to "the bullet box" if Obama can't be stopped at the ballot box, McDonnell instantly rebuked her. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- In engaging adversaries, the president sometimes unsettles allies
WASHINGTON - It had been less than a week since Saturday Night Live had lampooned him as a do-nothing president when Barack Obama was awakened this month with the news that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary" and inspirational leadership.
Jones was curious about the work many of us were doing in economic development, and how smarter aid - embodied in initiatives like President George W Bush's Emergency Programme for AIDS Relief, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation - was beginning to save lives and change the game for many countries. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Day of the Dead inspires different OC fests
All Saint'''s day occurs on November 1st and All Souls' Day occurs on November 2nd.
The breads, each with a different name spelled in strawberry jam, are for the 73-year-old's parents, siblings and other family members who have died. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Hawaii celebrates canonization of first saint
HONOLULU — Hula, chants and prayer will greet a heel bone of one of the Catholic Church's newest saints when it arrives in Honolulu this weekend.
Catholics say the relic — which will be permanently held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu — will connect worshippers to Damien. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Groups make final push for 'yes' vote on Wishard
INDIANAPOLIS -- A referendum to build a new Wishard Memorial Hospital up for a vote next week added some supporters, along with some opponents, on Thursday.
Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc. is reporting a third quarter profit of $105.5 million, or 38 cents per share, compared to $112.8 million, or 50 cents per share, for the period a year earlier. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Be sure to vote on Tuesday
Kids Voting-Guilford County is the local affiliate of Kids Voting USA and Kids Voting North Carolina, a nonprofit and nonpartisan grass-roots program.
What do we do?" The questions continued throughout the day. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Slain officer was teacher, 'quiet family man'
SEATTLE — Seattle police searched for clues Sunday in a shooting that killed a police officer and injured a trainee, marking the city's first officer killed in the line of duty since 2006.
Previously, Britt Sweeney, 33, worked as a personal trainer and led fitness classes at local gyms, the mother-in-law said. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Authorities: 4 shot to death at NC TV store
The shooting occurred shortly after 2 p.m. ET in the parking lot of a store that sells satellite dish and cable TV equipment in the town, about 50 miles north of Winston-Salem.
Warrants were issued for Gonzales on four counts of first-degree murder. More...

Nov-02-2009 -- Police: State Rep's attacker remains in jail on suicide watch
CARMEL, Ind. (AP) - An Indianapolis man is in custody after police say he beat a 66-year-old state legislator.
Police said Mendenhall and DeLaney got into a heated argument before Mendenhall pulled a gun and tried to use it. More...

Sunday (Update 1)

Nov-01-2009 -- Women Speak Out About Sowell's Alleged House of Horror
CLEVELAND — Police in Cleveland have arrested a convicted rapist after they found as many as six bodies at his house.
While searching Sowell'''s home in Cleveland, Ohio, police discovered bodies of five female victims and another female body was unearthed outside the home, said Cuyahoga County Coroner Frank Miller III. All six bodies were badly decomposing when found. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Republicans Plan To Block US Climate Vote This Week
The Environment and Public Works committee is engaged in public partisan warfare over a climate bill, a battle that foreshadows the deep struggle the Obama administration will face as Democrats attempt to push a version of the sweeping legislation through the Senate.
The seven committee Republicans won't show, denying the majority a quorum. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Newsom exit gives huge boost to Brown campaign
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 30 (Reuters) - San Francisco's Democratic mayor, Gavin Newsom, withdrew on Friday from the 2010 race for California governor, saying he lacked time to mount an effective campaign.
The latest Field Poll showed Brown - the son of the late Gov. Edmund "Pat" Brown, governor from 1975 to 1983, and former mayor of Oakland - had a 20-point lead over Newsom in the race. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Bloomberg takes big lead into NYC mayor election
Bill Thompson, Bloomberg's Democratic rival, has spent just over $2.66 million on TV ads.
Mayor Bloomberg and rival William Thompson tried to drum up support in their respective strongholds on Saturday, hitting parades and political rallies amid expectations of a tepid voter turnout on Tuesday. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Gov. Crist sees approval rating dip
The campaign for Republican Marco Rubio ''' a former state House speaker hoping to become the first Floridian in modern state politics to hand a primary defeat to a sitting governor - is questioning whether Heffley would have inserted himself into the U.S. Senate race without consent from Crist's campaign or the Republican Party of Florida.
"I'm tired of this guy getting an open field running without accountability and without the other side of the story being told that's out there,'' an unapologetic and undefensive Heffley said. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Ethics inquiry looks into several House panel members
And''we're learning about it at an unfortunate time the day it was disclosed that ethics investigators are examining activities more than 30 House members, Democrats and Republicans alike, for misconduct related to defense lobbying and corporate influence peddling. (No''Missouri or Illinois names on list.)
The committee saw things starkly different. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Marijuana growers upend hard-luck California town
'''I don'''t think there'''s anywhere else in the country that has legalized paraphernalia,''' explained Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington.
The bill planned to institute a tax of $50 per ounce of dried marijuana sold by official retailers, who would pay no more than $2,500 for an annual sales license and $1,000 for a renewal. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- The race for mayor in final sprint
Menino, a 66-year-old former insurance salesman who prides himself on paying close attention to neighborhood needs, continued to project an air of calm and confidence during a day that was busy but considerably less harried than Flaherty's.
Flaherty called on voters to reject four more years of Menino, who has been in office for 16 years. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- California's Fiscal Health Continues to Deteriorate, Despite Many Deep Cuts
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied at the White House Friday that he had intentionally sent a letter to state legislators containing a hostile, coded message.
The letter, which features the Governor's official seal, concludes, "On a motorcycle or anywhere, I hope to run into you somewhere soon." More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Obama shows pragmatic side as president
WASHINGTON - It had been less than a week since Saturday Night Live had lampooned him as a do-nothing president when Barack Obama was awakened this month with the news that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary" and inspirational leadership.
When I heard that Obama was selected for this year's Nobel Laureate, I felt a bit embarrassed for him, and given his comment in the Rose Garden, he must have felt a bit embarrassed as well. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Seattle officer killed; police searching for suspects
Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel with the Seattle Police Department said the shooting happened in the Central District, near the intersection of 29th Avenue and East Yesler Way, just after 10 p.m. Saturday.
A supervisor at police dispatch said dozens of officers were fanning out from the scene looking for the suspect vehicle, which was described as a white or gray Toyota. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Referendum Would Extend Protections to Gay Couples
In a artfully orchestrated Friday news dump, the White House filed court papers in Massachusetts' Attorney General Martha Coakley's lawsuit against the federal government , claiming the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.
In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry was unconstitutional. More...

Sunday

Nov-01-2009 -- Coroner says 6 women whose bodies were found at home died violently
CLEVELAND — Police in Cleveland have arrested a convicted rapist after they found as many as six bodies at his house.
Post-mortems have been carried out but details about the causes of death have not been revealed. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- It's a small field of candidates for such a huge race
With today's announcement that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is withdrawing from the race, it drops the number of Democrats running for the office to zero.
Antonio should run, Jerry should yield to the better candidate, and give Villaraigosa the chance to become for California what Obama is for America: a move into the future. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- California's Fiscal Health Continues to Deteriorate, Despite Many Deep Cuts
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied at the White House Friday that he had intentionally sent a letter to state legislators containing a hostile, coded message.
The letter, which features the Governor's official seal, concludes, "On a motorcycle or anywhere, I hope to run into you somewhere soon." More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Oil spill cleanup will take days, official says
SAN FRANCISCO, (Xinhua) -- A fuel line on a tanker loading bunker oil from a barge ruptured yesterday, spilling a mile-long sheen of oil into the San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California, local media reported.
"We do expect that there will be birds that need to be rescued," Wright said. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- In Mayoral Race, a Blitz of Truth-Stretching Ads
Bill Thompson, Bloomberg's Democratic rival, has spent just over $2.66 million on TV ads.
There has never been an "internal" poll that did not show a more favorable outcome for the "internal" candidate than the objective ones. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Cheney told FBI he did not know who leaked Plame's identity
Notes from former Vice President Dick Cheney's interview with the FBI about the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's covert CIA identity were finally released on Friday afternoon after a lengthy legal battle.
Cheney's exact role in the leak probe has long been a subject of speculation - and his May 8, 2004, interview with special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald does little to clear up the question, since Cheney expressed a lack of recollection about several key issues. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Ethics inquiry looks into several House panel members
And''we're learning about it at an unfortunate time the day it was disclosed that ethics investigators are examining activities more than 30 House members, Democrats and Republicans alike, for misconduct related to defense lobbying and corporate influence peddling. (No''Missouri or Illinois names on list.)
The committee has long been criticized for being too secretive, and critics ask whether lawmakers can be sufficiently aggressive about investigating their own colleagues. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Filibuster, shmilibuster
A case in point is the hand wringing over the gratuitous activities of ex-Democrat, '''independent''' Joe Lieberman, who has now assumed the mantle of Olympia Snow, as the political personage most willing to hold meaningful health care reform hostage to irrational objection.
Critics complain Lieberman is a pawn of the insurance industry which employs 60,000 or more people in his home state of Connecticut. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Barack and Michelle Obama: Mr&Mrs show irks voters
Paying White House calls since Obama's inauguration: Oprah Winfrey , George Clooney , Denzel Washington, and Serena Williams (not to mention scores of business, civic and political leaders, including Microsoft's Bill Gates and former Vice President Al Gore).
There's even a book dictated to Barbara Bush by Millie, the president's dog. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- The Source Inside Carolina politics
During four days of testimony, donors and former campaign staff alleged that Easley took dozens of flights aboard private planes, and the trips were never paid for or noted in campaign finance reports.
Patrick Ballantine in 2004 and Fred Smith and Bill Graham in 2008 all used aircraft to campaign across the state. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Minnesota Episcopalians select Prior as bishop
The Rev. Mariann Budde, 49, rector of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Minneapolis remained on the ballot with Prior for the fifth round of voting.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota are meeting in Minneapolis to elect a new bishop. Both lay and clergy members of the church are meeting for their annual convention Saturday at the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis. More...

Nov-01-2009 -- Golden Gate Bridge plans how to get into black
Golden Gate Bridge officials are considering eliminating toll takers, charging bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the span, raising tolls, cutting winter holiday ferry service and selling tickets for behind-the-scenes tours to help bail out of a $132 million budget shortfall over the next five years.
Even if the economy fully bounces back, bridge officials do not think traffic will increase dramatically and bring back lost toll revenue. More...

Saturday (Update 1)

Oct-31-2009 -- NJ newspaper backs Corzine for governor
With the New Jersey governor's race coming down to the wire, Republican Chris Christie has been criticized for not being specific enough about his tax plans.
The wealthy Whitman had a financial advantage in 1993, but Corzine, a former Goldman Sachs CEO, has outspent Christie $23.6 million to $8.8 million so far. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Democrats challenged on cost of health bill
By comparison, nearly half of the $829 billion Senate Finance Committee plan is financed through Medicare cuts ($377.8 billion, or 41 percent of the bill's 10-year cost), and 22 percent would come from an excise tax on so-called "Cadillac" health insurance plans, which would raise an estimated $201.4 billion over 10 years.
It was a big day for health care on Capitol Hill yesterday. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Ethics inquiry looks into several House panel members
And''we're learning about it at an unfortunate time the day it was disclosed that ethics investigators are examining activities more than 30 House members, Democrats and Republicans alike, for misconduct related to defense lobbying and corporate influence peddling. (No''Missouri or Illinois names on list.)
The committee has long been criticized for being too secretive, and critics ask whether lawmakers can be sufficiently aggressive about investigating their own colleagues. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Standard Time ReturnsWill You Sleep an Extra Hour?
Four years ago, Congress passed an energy bill that set daylight saving time to begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November.
"Southcoast has a standard procedure for changing and monitoring the clocks in the three hospitals," Brennan said. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Cheney told FBI he did not know who leaked Plame's identity
Notes from former Vice President Dick Cheney's interview with the FBI about the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's covert CIA identity were finally released on Friday afternoon after a lengthy legal battle.
We have military leaders asking for help from an incompetent President, ongoing corporate scandals, health care reform that is frightening, ethic charges in Congress, a fiscal crisis that will reap destruction on future generations and all we can fight about is the past administration and poor little Valerie Plame and her arrogant spouse Joe Wilson. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Fuel spill taxes an already fragile bay
SAN FRANCISCO, (Xinhua) -- A fuel line on a tanker loading bunker oil from a barge ruptured yesterday, spilling a mile-long sheen of oil into the San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California, local media reported.
"We do expect that there will be birds that need to be rescued," Wright said. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Frank says overdraft protection should be 'opt-in'
The legislation would limit the number of overdraft fees banks could charge per month and per year, and it would give customers the option of paying for overdraft coverage.
The legislation would increase disclosure to customers and limit overdraft charges to one a month and six a year for each account, after which purchases would be denied. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Edmunds.com fires back at White House cash-for-clunkers slam
The Obama administration and the CEO of the nation's largest car dealership chain are taking aim at Edmunds.com's finding that the true cost of the "Cash for Clunkers" program involved a $24,000-per-vehicle subsidy by taxpayers.
Factor in the fact that the majority of the cars sold were foreign models like Hyundai and Toyota, and you've got the definition of government waste. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- White House, senators agree on media shield law
More specifically, the government would have to prove to a judge that compelling a reporter to give up a confidential source would help the government in "preventing or mitigating" a future act of terrorism, according to excerpts of the bill.
Bloggers are reporters, too, and Chuck Schumer has a deal with the White House that could give them and all reporters greater freedom to protect sources without fear of being clapped in jail. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Lieberman Marching Further Right in 2010
Barack Obama's desk by Christmas, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin suggested that there are several reasons why speculation that Connecticut's independent senator would block a bill with a public option won't come to fruition.
I think there are more independents in Connecticut than either Republicans or Democrats. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- The Buzz: Ammiano returns fire with acrostic aimed at Schwarzenegger
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger loves the spotlight, especially the international spotlight, and he landed in it once again this week with his not-so-cryptic profane message to Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied at the White House Friday that he had intentionally sent a letter to state legislators containing a hostile, coded message. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Palin says 'not now' to Iowa invite
A conservative Iowa group's effort to lure Sarah Palin to its banquet next month has had an unintended effect: Rather than exciting conservatives about the prospect of a visit from the former Alaska governor, the group's plan to raise a six-figure sum to bring her to the state has GOP activists recoiling at the thought of paying to land a politician's speaking appearance.
We have definitive word that 2008 Republican Party vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin won't be coming to Iowa on Nov. 21, so the Family Policy Council Action event will be less splashy than organizers hoped. More...

Saturday

Oct-31-2009 -- In '04 Interview, Cheney Denied Role in CIA Leak
Notes from former Vice President Dick Cheney's interview with the FBI about the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's covert CIA identity were finally released on Friday afternoon after a lengthy legal battle.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on October 30, 2009 - 7:50pm. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Democrats challenged on cost of health bill
Democrats control the House by a margin of 40 seats, so taking back the House would require a pretty major wave of discontent over the next year.
As Mr. Weyrich had said, " Elections are not won by a majority of the people." More...

Oct-31-2009 -- UPDATE 5-Coast Guard probes fuel spill in San Francisco Bay
SAN FRANCISCO, (Xinhua) -- A fuel line on a tanker loading bunker oil from a barge ruptured yesterday, spilling a mile-long sheen of oil into the San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California, local media reported.
The spill came eight days ahead of the two-year anniversary of a shipping accident that caused a massive fuel discharge into San Francisco Bay. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Most aren't losing sleep over daylight-saving time
At 2 a.m. Sunday morning, most of the USA will set clocks back an hour, saying farewell to Daylight Savings Time until March.
In 1968, Arizonas legislature passed a law exercising the states exemption from Daylight Saving Time, primarily because the heat of the day was more of a deterrent to conducting business especially in agriculture and other outdoor endeavors. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- White House, senators agree on media shield law
More specifically, the government would have to prove to a judge that compelling a reporter to give up a confidential source would help the government in "preventing or mitigating" a future act of terrorism, according to excerpts of the bill.
Currently, no federal law shields reporters who refuse to disclose confidential sources even though 37 states and the District of Columbia have laws providing legal protection. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- White House Battles Edmunds.com Over $24G Clunker Claim
The Obama administration and the CEO of the nation's largest car dealership chain are taking aim at Edmunds.com's finding that the true cost of the "Cash for Clunkers" program involved a $24,000-per-vehicle subsidy by taxpayers.
Edmunds claims cash for clunkers affected the timing of sales more than the volume of sales. 2.) More...

Oct-31-2009 -- North Dakota: Commander Relieved
In addition to the Air Guard Station, future F-35 pilots could leave training at Eglin and end up in squadrons at Burlington International Airport Guard Station, Vt.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.; and McEntire Air Guard Base, S.C. "The selection of this candidate list is the result of a deliberate, repeatable, standardized and transparent process," said Kathleen Ferguson, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for installations.
Col. Scott Zobrist, 388th Fighter Wing commander, said Hill is honored to be among the bases considered for the F-35 mission, but many factors go into the final selection including Air Force operational and strategic needs, force structure changes, aircraft retirements, affordability, the use of existing assets and the environmental evaluation. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Obama Signs Defense Bill With Hate Crimes Extension
A day later, a cyclist noticed something that looked like a scarecrow with a red-painted face hanging on a ranch fence.
Repeal of DOMA and DADT on the other hand stand to immediately change the lives of LGBTs by opening up new opportunities and guaranteeing real equality before the law. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Georgia: King Daughter Is Elected
The daughter of U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King has been elected president of a civil rights group co-founded by her father.
ATLANTA — The Rev. Bernice King embraced the legacy and leadership of her parents on Friday as she became the first woman to head the civil rights organization co-founded by her father. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- North Carolina: Campaign Is Penalized
During four days of testimony, donors and former campaign staff alleged that Easley took dozens of flights aboard private planes, and the trips were never paid for or noted in campaign finance reports.
Patrick Ballantine in 2004 and Fred Smith and Bill Graham in 2008 all used aircraft to campaign across the state. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- Palin's much-anticipated book inspires , well, copies
A conservative Iowa group's effort to lure Sarah Palin to its banquet next month has had an unintended effect: Rather than exciting conservatives about the prospect of a visit from the former Alaska governor, the group's plan to raise a six-figure sum to bring her to the state has GOP activists recoiling at the thought of paying to land a politician's speaking appearance.
The group is simply raising the money in order to entice Palin to come and speak there. More...

Oct-31-2009 -- White House meets with Fox exec: De-escalation?
A New York Circuit Court found in our favor.''
You give lots of examples decrying partisanship in the news media, but your examples are all people who are meant to be partisan. More...

Friday (Update 1)

Oct-30-2009 -- Why Fox Will Outfox Ill-Advised Obama
A New York Circuit Court found in our favor.''
A network owned by GE, news hosted by a former Republican congressman, home to Chris Matthews' years of complacency if not outright subservience under the Bush machine, with pinheads like David Gregory,Brian "Pentagon generals never lie" Williams and Andrea Mitchell-Greenspan. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- First thoughts: Good week for Dems?
Democrats control the House by a margin of 40 seats, so taking back the House would require a pretty major wave of discontent over the next year.
Koons has worked as a trial lawyer, for defendants and plaintiffs, for more than 25 years. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Civil rights org elects mlk's daughter president
ATLANTA -- The Rev. Bernice King will be the first woman to head the civil right organization founded by her father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The SCLC is delaying its selection of a new leader.
King wasn't there for the board vote, which she won 23-15 over an Arkansas judge, so interim president Byron Clay called to give her the news. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- NY judge: Kerik's behavior worries jail officials
Berke said Kerik was not receiving medication in jail but was "regularly speaking" with a staffer.
Kerik is the first former NYPD commissioner to end up in jail. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Board fines Gov. Mike Easley campaign, refers case to prosecutors
During four days of testimony, donors and former campaign staff alleged that Easley took dozens of flights aboard private planes, and the trips were never paid for or noted in campaign finance reports.
"Regardless of what your client believes, if I don't believe a crime has been committed, then I won't vote for referral," Republican board member Chuck Winfree told Hicks. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Phillip Garrido Faces His 1976 Rape Victim at Jaycee Lee Dugard Hearing
PLACERVILLE, Calif. -- A woman who was raped by Phillip Garrido decades ago spoke out Thursday, calling a Placerville court hearing where she stared down her attacker "intensely emotional."
Phillip and Nancy Garrido appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court on Thursday for a pretrial hearing and were ordered to return Dec. 11. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Franklin: Atlanta budget's in the black
Advisers are fearful of a dismal turnout by voters.
Who freaking cares??? It's a non-partisan race and clearly whoever is elected will have to work well with state GOP leaders to get Atlanta what it needs. All three of the top candidates have a good arguement for being able to do that. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Popular first family gives Washington a new vibe visitors can feel
The awkward moment was one of the highlights of Kantor's interview with the first couple, which provides an intimate look inside the marriage of two high-powered lawyers who went on to take up residence in the nation's most famous address.
Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG for suggestive choreography and scary images) Posthumously-produced bio-pic chronicles the Prince of Pop's final days as cobbled from interviews with close friends and colleagues and from footage shot while he rehearsed for his sold-out series of London comeback concerts. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Parkinson picks new commerce chief; fires back at GOP critics
Appropriations Committee Chairman Kevin Yoder already had questioned whether Kerr and Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson's administration have been aggressive enough in trying to attract an office complex for Missouri-based Cerner Corp. and a major league soccer stadium to Kansas City, Kan.
A native of Ness City in western Kansas, Kerr has bachelor's degrees in economics and business administration from Avila University in Kansas City. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Teen Accused of Killing Brother Over Loud Music Frantic on 911 Calls
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- A Coral Springs teenager accused of stabbing his own brother to death will be held in juvenile detention until prosecutors decide whether to charge him as an adult.
Police said William Gorzynski grabbed a kitchen knife and fatally stabbed Matthew. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Republican ticket visits with its party leader
"The clearest evidence that the Virginia gubernatorial race is over -- apart from a blizzard of surveys showing Republican Bob McDonnell well over the 50 percent mark in the ballot test and leading Democrat Creigh Deeds by double digits in many surveys -- is that White House insiders have already passed the word that it is Deeds who blew the race," writes political strategist Stuart Rothenberg in the Roll Call newspaper.
Ethiopians for Change organized a "Know Your Rights" forum last night. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Sixth arrest in Richmond gang-rape; cops say man played'significant...
RICHMOND -- Police on Thursday night arrested a sixth suspect in the gang rape of a Richmond High School girl.
A fifth suspect, 21-year-old Salvador Rodriguez of Richmond, has been arrested but has not been charged. More...

Friday

Oct-30-2009 -- Surgeon General Nominee Confirmed
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate has confirmed Dr. Regina Benjamin, the famed founder of a Bayou La Batre health clinic, to the position of U.S. surgeon general.
Benjamin was the first black woman to head a state medical society, received the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights and just last fall received a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant." More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Detroit Casinos Fare Surprisingly Well in Tough Times
P roponents and opponents of gambling filled a State House auditorium today as lawmakers consider allowing slot machines at race tracks and licensing up to three destination resort casinos.
In previous reporting by the City Paper, it was found that Golden Casino had turned down a multitude of attempts by Louisiana undercover police to sign new accounts, as Louisiana has a law against online gambling, and Golden Casino is a reputable, well-established company that respects local law. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Proposed union contract would drastically reduce LAPD overtime costs
Bratton thanked the city council for supporting him, and gave a special thank you to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "for your leadership, your partnership but most of all your friendship."
The new building, financed with bonds voters approved in 2003, replaces the outdated 54-year-old Parker Center, four blocks away. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Obama did consider Hillary as VP but Bill Clinton's presence quashed it, Obama ...
In a new book recounting the campaign, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe tells the story of how President Obama and his advisers whittled down a list of candidates -- which included Hillary Clinton -- to just three names: Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Evan Bayh and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.
Excerpts from the book, already presented to President Obama on Air Force One by Plouffe. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Pa. Supreme Court Throws Out Thousands of Juvenile Delinquency Cases
The alleged failure of the District Attorney's Office and Public Defenders Office to intervene is a key issue that will determine what, if any, liability Luzerne County has in the lawsuits filed on behalf of thousands of juveniles.
Are we under judicial terrorism? said. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Deval Patrick's cuts target $600M budget gap
WORCESTER Gov. Deval Patrick said Thursday he plans to close the state's $600 million budget gap with a blend of cuts in state services and programs and up to 2,000 job cuts but none of the local aid and few of the school funding reductions many cities and towns warned would decimate local education and public safety.
"Local communities are on the front lines." More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Candidates for governor hit home stretch
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — If Republican Chris Christie is being outspent by Democratic incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine in New Jersey's down-to-the-wire gubernatorial election, independent Chris Daggett is being swamped.
I pay, in New York, when all is said and done sales, income, property, county, state, city about 60 percent. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Defending Obama's Small-Business Agenda
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says small businesses that participate in a proposed government health care plan could save a quarter on their premiums by 2016.
The top priority of business groups like the Chamber and NFIB is to make health insurance more affordable. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Past, future of SCLC pondered as it chooses president
ATLANTA — The Rev. Bernice King is among two candidates being considered to head the civil rights organization co-founded by her father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Interim President Byron Clay said the group would announce its choice for president sometime next week.
The vote is "crucial for the survival of the organization," says Ralph Luker, a civil rights historian in Atlanta. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- F-35s coming to Hill AFB
Two South Carolina military bases could wind up with a piece of a $300 billion defense project, the U.S. Air Force said Thursday.
The Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field also is on the short list for a training squadron of F-35s, Crapo's spokesperson, Susan Wheeler said. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- Federal Researchers Find Lower Standards in Schools
California's testing standards for public school students in reading and math are tougher than in most states, a National Center for Education Statistics study reveals.
Correction: An early version of this story incorrectly said that majority of states had made their testing standards less rigorous between 2005 and 2007, according the National Center for Education Statistics. More...

Oct-30-2009 -- RI lawmakers adopt indoor prostitution ban
The measure will close a nearly 30-year-old loophole in the state's prostitution law that has made Rhode Island the only place in the country, other than certain counties in Nevada, where prostitution that occurs indoors is not illegal.
The Senate vote was 36 to 2 in favor of the measure; Sen. Charles J. Levesque, D-Portsmouth, and Sen. Rhoda E. Perry, D-Providence, voted against it. More...

Thursday (Update 1)

Oct-29-2009 -- 3 suspects sought in FBI probe of radical group
The three men are facing charges of conspiracy to commit federal crimes.
Carswell's father Imam Abdullah, also known as Christopher Thomas, 53, was a leader of a "nationwide radical fundamentalist Sunni group consisting primarily of African-Americans, some of whom converted to Islam," FBI special agent Gary Leone said in an affidavit in support of the complaint. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- STIMULUS WATCH: Stimulus jobs overstated by 1000s
The AP's review, which was not an exhaustive accounting of all 9,000 contracts reported by the government so far, homed in on the most obvious cases of jobs wrongly tied to the stimulus because of duplications or misinterpretations of how the jobs should be counted.
The government has overstated by thousands the number of jobs it has created or saved with federal contracts under the president's $787-billion recovery program, according to an Associated Press review of data released in the program's first progress report. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Speaking Truth to Power
A New York Circuit Court found in our favor.''
To single out FOX as anti-Obama is absurd. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Accused spy scientist due in court
Stewart David Nozette, 52 a leader in recent lunar exploration work of ISRO and NASA, was arrested by FBI on October 19 and charged in a criminal complaint with attempting to communicate, deliver and transmit classified information, the Justice Department recently said.
Nozette was a key member of the Mini-SAR, a NASA payload aboard Chandrayaan-I that provided evidence of the presence of water on the moon. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- First lady talks relationships in December's Glamour
NEW YORK — First lady Michelle Obama is fashion's star, but that's not why she's one of Glamour's December cover models.
While appearing on Jay Leno's new show, First Lady Michelle Obama, looking really pretty in a "Mad Men"-style dress, talked a little about First Dog Bo. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- The Fix: GOP Wearing public option blinders?
There seems to be a substantial disconnect between the Democratic leadership and mainstream Democrats.
The people will figure it all out in time. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- College enrollment up, largely at 2-year schools
In October 2008, 27.8% of 18- to 24-year-olds were enrolled in four-year colleges.
An influx of new students has forced community colleges to adjust schedules, among other things. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Sputtering Economy Weighs on New Jersey Race
A victory by the insurgent candidate would be an upset in the order of Ventura's body-slam a decade ago.
The White House sees the race, once viewed as an unlikely victory for Corzine, as winnable, the report said. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Iowans question Palin's $100K fee
A conservative Iowa group's effort to lure Sarah Palin to its banquet next month has had an unintended effect: Rather than exciting conservatives about the prospect of a visit from the former Alaska governor, the group's plan to raise a six-figure sum to bring her to the state has GOP activists recoiling at the thought of paying to land a politician's speaking appearance.
Jonathan Martin's fascinating story in the Politico today explores the whole business. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Joe Lieberman's Halloween Trick
Following Harry Reid's announcement that a public option would be in the senate health care bill, Reuters and other news organizations ran stories that Joe Lieberman was going to support a Republican filibuster to block the bill from even getting to the floor for a vote.
The Obama administration said on Wednesday that they "disagree" with the substance of Sen. Joseph Lieberman's critique of a public option for insurance coverage. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Sex-for-tix suspect chats with Chio
A local radio station gave Susan Finkelstein, 43, and her husband tickets to Game 3 of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees, DJ Chio from Wired 96.5 confirmed to MyFoxPhilly.com.
ABLIND GUY carrying a stick bumps into a buxom blonde trolling for World Series tickets. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- In White House tree planting event, Obama throws around some dirt
The aura of Chicago politics drifts over the capital like a smog.
You must be looking in a mirror my friend. More...

Thursday

Oct-29-2009 -- Jobs aided by stimulus overstated
There is no evidence the White House sought to inflate job numbers in the report.
A Florida child care center said it saved 129 jobs with the help of stimulus money. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Alaska: Businessman Sentenced in Corruption Case
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Two days before his sentencing, Bill Allen's defense attorneys filed a motion accusing the federal government of violating his plea agreement.
There is a significant difference between the malfeasance in the Stevens' trial and what is now being alleged by Kott. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Victory for Obama Over Military Lobby
"The Pentagon is not the kind of place that can turn on a dime,'' says Defense Secretary Robert Gates, hailing the signing of a defense-spending bill that targets wasteful spending and unneeded weapons.
The 2010 defense authorization bill, also terminates a number of costly projects, including the Future Combat Systems, the airborne laser, and a new presidential helicopter that costs nearly as much as Air Force One. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Glamour's New Cover Girl: Michelle Obama
NEW YORK — First lady Michelle Obama is fashion's star, but that's not why she's one of Glamour's December cover models.
'''Cute'''s good,'''''' Mrs. Obama told Glamour magazine. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- ny contest a bellwether for the GOP over ideology, electability
The three-way race to fill New York'''s 23rd congressional district seat ''' pitting a Republican, a Democrat, and a Conservative against one another ''' is too close to call.
You have a very diplomatic way of answering that question. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Texas: Murder Charges Dismissed in Yogurt Shop Case
At a press conference following the hearing, Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg issued a statement that said in part: "Make no mistake, this is a difficult decision and one I would rather not have to make.
The district attorney's office plans to prosecute again when it has more evidence. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Birmingham Mayor Convicted on All Counts
Al LaPierre, left, and Joe McLean arrive at the Federal Building in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, for the federal corruption trial of Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford. (The Birmingham News / Michelle Williams) Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount testified this morning he conspired with lobbyist Al LaPierre and Larry Langford, then president of the Jefferson County Commission, to steer bond business to his firm, Blount Parrish & Co. in exchange for gifts and money for Langford.
Jurors must weigh evidence on 60 counts facing Langford, including, bribery, money laundering, fraud and conspiracy. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Schwarzenegger's veto message appears to have gone above and beyond
Sacramento circles are buzzing with speculation whether California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a coded message of '''F you''' in a veto letter to a lawmaker who allegedly told him to '''kiss my gay ass''' at a recent fund-raiser in San Francisco.
When asked by the Guardian if the message was intentional, Schwarzenegger's spokesman said only, "what a strange coincidence." More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Air Force major: Al-Qaida agent would attack US
PEORIA Former Bradley University student Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri is "likely to engage in hostile acts toward the United States" after he is released, an Air Force psychologist testified Wednesday during the first day of al-Marri's sentencing hearing.
During the hearing, the former head of the brig, Cmdr. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Bills fly through the House at special session
PROVIDENCE Returning to the State House for the first time in four months, the House of Representatives Wednesday night zipped through a packed agenda, approving legislation to outlaw indoor prostitution, allow voters to cut the word "Plantations" from the official state name, and begin offering specialized New England Patriots license plates to Rhode Island drivers.
The bill would close a nearly 30 year old loophole in the state prostitution law that has allowed brothels to operate in the Ocean State l egally. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- US Senate candidates split over PAC funds
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: "I am very proud to endorse Martha Coakley today for the United States Senate."
Pagliuca also acknowledged that being personally wealthy makes it easier to refuse PAC and lobbyist money. More...

Oct-29-2009 -- Obama Chooses Bi-partisan Chairs for Intel Advisory Board
The Republican Jewish Coalition is attacking the White House appointment of retired Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to the President's Intelligence Advisory Board.
People in Nebraska have a lot of common sense. More...

Wednesday (Update 1)

Oct-28-2009 -- Race to Richmond: Deeds vs. McDonnell
Mo Elleithee, a Deeds campaign spokesman and highly regarded Democratic campaign veteran, told the Post the campaign "enjoyed a tremendous relationship with the White House," as well as the DNC and Democratic Governors Association, in addition to receiving significant help with specific requests.
'''Perhaps most revealing, the poll highlights the public'''s disgust at Washington, with the number trusting government at its lowest level in 12 years and with nearly half of Americans favoring the creation of a new political party.''' More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Democratic Party Distributed White House Tickets to Donors
The Democratic National Committee has not accepted contributions from registered lobbyists since Obama was the party's nominee and insisted on that, Gibbs added, maintaining that the administration has set the toughest rules on lobbyist influence to date.
In response to "Pipster" in an earlier post, I'll just say this. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- N.Y. contest a bellwether for the GOP over ideology, electability
The GOP candidate has also received awards and thousands of campaign dollars from some of the country's leading pro-abortion activists (see below).
I would love chaos in the Republican party. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Palin reports getting $1.25M advance for her book
According to a news report from The Associated Press , Sarah Palin, Christian mom and former governor of Alaska, was paid a $1.25 million retainer for her upcoming memoir Going Rogue: An American Life published by HarperCollins .
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is also considered a 2012 prospect, is scheduled to headline the Iowa GOP's fundraiser on Nov. 7 in Des Moines. 2008 GOP caucus winner Mike Huckabee plans to be in Iowa on Nov. 8. The former Arkansas governor plans to promote his new book in Davenport, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines . More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Police to Public: You May Know Killer of Florida Girl Found in Landfill
First-grader Somer disappeared Oct. 19 while walking home from Grove Park Elementary School in Orange Park.
After getting in an argument with. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Woman arrested for trying to trade sex for World Series tickets
I imagine that as we approach the games, the gap between Philadelphia and New York prices may get smaller.''
Phillies fans will do just about anything to get a coveted ticket to the World Series. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Bloomberg Saw Development as Future, and Future Is Stalled
Photograph of Mayor Bloomberg and Comptroller Thompson during the final debate by James Estrin/AP pool photo Last night, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Comptroller William Thompson squared off for their second and final mayoral debate.
When Wall Street is down you need X amount to run the city. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- What Do You Do With a Crazy Congressman?
WASHINGTON — The Florida Democrat who said Republicans want sick people to "die quickly" is apologizing again for his inflammatory rhetoric, this time for insulting a senior Federal Reserve adviser using a derogatory term for women.
Here's why: The guy is simply out of control. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- UPDATE 1-Northrop won't rule out boycott of tanker rematch
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from Washington to Alabama are raising serious concerns over a troubled $35 billion tanker competition between rivals Boeing Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp. In separate letters, both Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Wash., representing competing interests and thousands of jobs in their districts, expressed concerns over the Air Force's draft request for bids to build 179 aerial refueling tankers that was issued last month.
Walden said the Government Accountability Office, in upholding Boeing's 2008 protest, merely told the Air Force to clean up eight process flaws. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Where's the criticism of MSNBC, CNN?
Maybe it takes another cable news network to press the Obama administration on a point of contention in this feud with Fox News that hasn't been asked very often.
Fox News and right-wing talk radio traffic in propaganda, not journalism. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Teacher charged with aggravated sex assault
The principal at the academy said none of the alleged sexual acts took place on campus and that only one of the three girls involved attends the school, the paper says.
A 37-year-old teacher at a west-side private Christian school has been jailed for allegedly using sexual intimacy to bait students into joining a secret society, officials say. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Deal struck on Great Lakes ship pollution
Jim Oberstar of Minnesota and Dave Obey of Wisconsin announced agreement today on a measure that would exempt some of the Great Lakes freight vessels from a proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule that aims to reduce sulfur emissions.
The final conference report also includes an amendment from the House-passed bill to exempt manure management systems at factory farms for one year from an EPA rule requiring greenhouse gas emissions reporting. More...

Wednesday

Oct-28-2009 -- Tennessee: Investigation Into Ex-Mayor
MEMPHIS, TN ''' Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton said in a letter to the Attorney General that a federal investigation, of which he says he is the target, is a move to derail his bid for Congress.
Sources have told The Commercial Appeal that Herenton received the money by obtaining and then selling an option to purchase the Greyhound bus station site Downtown. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- California: Court to Reconsider Secrets Case
The Justice Department in turn requested that the case be reheard by the full appeals court, and it will now be referred to an 11-judge panel.
A federal appeals court today decided to reconsider a prior ruling allowing a lawsuit to go forward against a San Jose company accused of participating in the CIA's so-called torture flights. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- GOP names weigh in on NY congressional race
RUSH: You people are beating me up here over my stance at the third-party business.
Scozzafava is still on the Republican line, and Hoffman is on the Conservative line. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Man Is Killed After Attack on a Doctor
BOSTON -- A Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatric center patient stabbed a doctor inside a Boston office building Tuesday before being shot and killed by an off-duty security guard.
"The hearts, thoughts and prayers of the Massachusetts General Hospital community tonight are with Astreid Desrosiers, MD, MPH and her family," MGH President Peter Slavin and Chief of MGH Psychiatry Jerry Rosenbaum said in a statement. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Woman Accused of Offering Sex for World Series Tickets on Craigslist
When a 43-year-old, self-described "gorgeous tall buxom blonde" from Philadelphia seemed to offer one for the other in an ad on the Web site Craigslist, it was guaranteed to capture the attention of men throughout the region including the Bensalem, Pa., police.
Reports indicate that trying to call Susan Finkelstein if you do have World Series tickets and are willing to trade, reaches only a disconnected number. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Extensive failures found in medevac crash
Since there were no recorders on board the accident helicopter, the Safety Board could not determine why the pilot did not use other options available to conduct a safe landing in instrument conditions.
Current rules do not require any type of restraint system for passengers that would prevent ejection during an accident. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Dissecting the Claims: Exaggeration Amid Truth
NEW YORK--One week ahead of the election, Independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg is far ahead in the polls, but Democratic Comptroller William Thompson has received an important endorsement from City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
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Oct-28-2009 -- Palin gets big book deal
Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin reported that she has received at least $1.25 million for her hugely anticipated upcoming memoir "Going Rogue."
I always hate that nasty after taste of stenchy dem. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Rep. Grayson apologizes for 'whore' remark
WASHINGTON — The Florida Democrat who said Republicans want sick people to "die quickly" is apologizing again for his inflammatory rhetoric, this time for insulting a senior Federal Reserve adviser using a derogatory term for women.
Some things transcend partisan ID, political party, ideology and the rest, not the least of which is the class solidarity of the Inside the Beltway elite. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Richmond High gang rape, lack of action from onlookers outrages...
The appalling gang rape attack at the Richmond High School in California on Saturday night has led to a second arrest and to a third male being questioned.
Now police say that two boys who attend Richmond High School are being questioned. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Sweeping cuts imposed on more than half of California state parks
Some parks will begin reducing days of operation by two or three weekdays, closing a portion of a campground or outlying day-use areas, closing and consolidating some park offices and/or reducing hours of operation, reducing off-season lifeguard levels at some beaches, removing some trash cans and fire rings from the beach and closing about half of the restrooms at some beaches, and closing many park visitor centers two or more'days a week.
The governor's plan is to keep the parks open through June 30, 2010, by closing campgrounds and facilities on weekdays, eliminating unfilled seasonal and administrative positions, and cutting back on maintenance and things like restroom cleaning. More...

Oct-28-2009 -- Three insiders being considered for LAPD chief
Chief Jim McDonnell, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck and Deputy Chief Michel Moore.
Chief Gascon is the best man to continue that progress. More...

Tuesday (Update 1)

Oct-27-2009 -- Obama's Coattails in Question in Virginia Race for Governor
Why pile on Deeds -- now? But why are some folks at the White House trying to throw Deeds under the bus -- at least right now? For one thing, Obama is campaigning for Deeds on Tuesday (this reminds us of that New York Times story about the White House pressuring David Paterson to get out of his race right before Obama was set to make a stop in New York).
As for winning in either, the GOP will be touting that for weeks as a referendum on Pres Obama and democratic leadership but a new poll finds that in a generic race, 51% of voters will vote for the democrat and only 39% for the republican. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Obama to sign defense bill, hate crime legislation
''Later that day, the President will host a reception to commemorate the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.''
No, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act is a simple act of vote-buying, undertaken by a party which would damn principle in exchange for loyal support from a specific group. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Bush as motivational speaker: He's no Terry Bradshaw
Former President George W. Bush made his debut as a motivational speaker last night in Fort Worth, and the reception was friendly and welcoming.
DALLAS -George W. Bush is scheduled to headline an upcoming business seminar in Fort Worth as part of a series of motivational speeches by the former president. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Second arrest in gang rape outside dance
The appalling gang rape attack at the Richmond High School in California on Saturday night has led to a second arrest and to a third male being questioned.
The suspect, a 15-year-old student, was booked on one count of felony sexual assault, said Lt. Mark Gagan. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
Bailey was among about 75 state legislators from 14 Western states taking part in the Western States Energy and Environment Symposium on Monday.
The law requires that governors promise that '''the state, or the applicable units of local government,''' will adopt stricter building codes. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- County executive will inherit the great reset, but do the candidates know it?
SEATTLE -- Former TV news anchor Susan Hutchison and King County Council member Dow Constantine sparred on issues including the possibility for catastrophic flooding in the Green River Valley, the expansion of light rail, and the county budget during their final debate Sunday night in a town hall-type setting at Emerald Downs.
Tripplet as interim executive and Constantine as (one of seven) members of council kept the transportation system going because to have cut it would have been inhumane. etc. Dow was budget chair, and has responsibility for the situation we're in now, no matter how much his apologists would like to blame it on the national economy. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Protest held outside bankers' convention
Showdown-goers included retirees, farmers, workers, homeowners, renters, students, clergy and small business owners.
Tom Balanoff, the President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Illinois, noted that not a single person in this room caused the economic crisis. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- CNN falls to last place in ratings for prime-time programs
Fox (appropriately named because it is as crafty as all of the attributes we traditionally attribute to the little animal) lies.
Just the facts AND report the news.If your station is going to delete or NOT report then your station is biased.FOX is biased on commentary shows but also has very good news shows. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Coakley goes largely untouched in first debate
State Attorney General Martha Coakley, U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., City Year co-founder Alan Khazei and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca are in the running for the Dec. 8 democratic primary, which will decide who faces three-term republican state senator Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, in the Jan. 19, 2010 special election.
Capuano and Coakley are taking that money, and the exchanges last night suggested that distinction could loom large in a Democratic primary in which the candidates share many policy positions. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- First significant mountain snow in Washington
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will go into effect Wednesday morning and run through Wednesday night.
Any weather forecast comes with an asterisk. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Search Continues After Witnesses Report Plume of Smoke From Plane in New York
A total of 10 park rangers and New York state park police driving all-terrain vehicles searched the thick, dark woods near Horsechock Mountain until 3 a.m., after several people reported seeing a plume of smoke from what appeared to be a small airplane.
Earlier, officials at the Federal Aviation Administration Approach Control Center on Long Island reviewed a recorded radar display and identified a plane that appeared to be losing altitude in approximately the same area where searchers were looking. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Plan approved to shift Evansville airport runway
The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into why a Midwest Airlines jet on the runway at the Los Angeles International Airport nearly collided Sunday with a Northwest Airlines jet.Midwest flight 1503 had just arrived from Milwaukee when the Embraer E-190 came less than 100 feet from colliding with a Northwest Boeing 757 that was rolling down the runway to take off for Honolulu, according to the Contra Costa Times newspaper.The paper quotes a FAA spokesman as saying the Midwest jet's pilot had been told to turn onto another taxiway and stop, but the plane continued toward the path of the Northwest jet.
Gregor said that more runway status lights would have been installed if LAX had additional funds. More...

Tuesday

Oct-27-2009 -- McDonnell leads Deeds in tally of contributions
The good news for Republicans is that heading into the last week of the closely watched Virginia governor's campaign, their candidate, Bob McDonnell, leads his Democratic opponent by 11 points, according to a just-published poll.
McDonnell said, "I've been asking our supporters and volunteers to run like we're 10 points behind and keeping talking about things that are important. quality of life issues, jobs, economy economic development, roads, schools." More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Bill and Melinda Gates to Lobby for Global Health Funds
The federal dollars are unprecedented, too.''
Vicki Phillips, the Gates Foundation's director of education, said it originally offered help to states and school districts that it was working with and that are in agreement with many of the foundation's goals. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Debate on coal production ''' Our view: Mountaintop mining leaves giant scars in ...
BREAKING NEWS: Reports are coming in from residents of West Virginia's Coal River Valley that Massey Energy has begun mountaintop removal mining operations on Coal River Mountain.
In this region, coal jobs are a part of our culture, but this weekend high school and college students from West Virginia and Kentucky got together to talk about changing that in the future. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- State Department Praises Jordan, Qatar for Progress on Religious Freedom
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday unveiled the latest State Department report on global religious freedom, which particularly criticized Iran and North Korea among other countries for harsh limits on religious expression.
Do you see that as counterproductive? You're doing - you're saying one thing and at the same time the situation is getting worse, not better. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Bratton coy on naming his choice for chief
Bratton thanked the city council for supporting him, and gave a special thank you to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "for your leadership, your partnership but most of all your friendship."
Los Angeles now has a police department that people increasingly believe in and trust. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- First member of polygamous sect in Texas to face trial
Jury selection has begun in the trial of the first of a dozen polygamist sect members accused of offences including child sex assault and bigamy.
The Yearning for Zion Ranch became the talk of the town after members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints bought a patch of West Texas scrub about six years ago and turned it into a compound that included gardens and a towering limestone temple. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Runway incursion probed at LA International
Gregor said that more runway status lights would have been installed if LAX had additional funds.
Mary Ellen Van Dyke, who lives in a subdivision north of the airport, urged the board members to consider an alternative that would have the main runway moved south, onto land owned by Whirlpool. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- 52 children rescued in nationwide sex-trafficking raid
The sweeps, which commenced late last week, teamed FBI agents and local law enforcement agencies across the nation.
In the spring of 2003, the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, in partnership with the Department of Justice's CEOS and NCMEC, formed the Innocence Lost National Initiative to address the growing problem of children forced into prostitution. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Delta water plan emerges for public to view
Many Californians responded positively to the Governor's ongoing overtures made to the international business community.
Republican support is critical for the two-thirds vote to put a bond on the ballot to pay for the overhaul, which could include dam construction as well. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- US Senate panel kicks off climate bill drive
Massachusetts Democratic Sen. John Kerry, the lead sponsor of a Senate climate bill, plans to meet with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday to set a timeline for committees to finish work on the legislation - possibly as soon as Thanksgiving.
The analysis released late Friday by Sen. Barbara Boxer's office generally mirrors the cost projected by the EPA when it examined similar legislation passed last summer by the House. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Stricter workplace smoking ban in doubt
I appreciate the fact that some of the council understood that involuntary servitude was against the Constitution.
Opponents of the more restrictive ban felt it would hurt business. More...

Oct-27-2009 -- Students scrutinize casino issue
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If Ohio state Issue 3 is approved by Ohio voters on Nov. 3rd authorizing the building of four casinos in Ohio's four largest cities, an decision some say will open a Pandora's Box of criminals wanting to game the gambling game, House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder of Medina committed in a statement Friday that he will push for safeguards related to casino licenses that will prevent individuals who have committed crimes in the past from obtaining a casino license.
Issue 3 opponent Rob Walgate with Ohio Roundtable disagreed. More...

Monday (Update 1)

Oct-26-2009 -- Democrats square off in two US Senate meetings
Anything that creates jobs in Massachusetts needs to be seriously looked at.''
Capuano has been spending about three days each week - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - in Washington. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Daggett made more viable by Christie, Corzine mud slinging
Voters are clearly unhappy with campaigns that say either "vote for me, because Christie is worse than me" or "vote for me because I'm not Jon Corzine."
The New Jersey voter is STUPID. You're all going to vote for your own destroyer, the Wizard of Wall Street, Jon $Corzine. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Palin backs 3rd-party candidate in NY House race
Like fellow GOP babe Jeri Thompson , Palin came out in support of the insurgent, third-party candidacy of Doug Hoffman, an accounting executive who is running against liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owen in an open U.S. House race in Upstate New York.''
The conservative infighting in the race for New York's 23rd congressional district could not come at a worse time in the fight to stop a government takeover of healthcare.'' More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Justice for Somer Thompson: Predator May Have Killed Before
Investigators have received over a thousand tips from across the country regarding the murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson .
Investigators also ruled out all 160 registered sex offenders who lived within a 5-mile radius of Somer's home. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Hotelier asks Hispanic workers to Anglicize names, causes uproar in Taos, NM
The hotelier, 63-year-old Larry Whitten, bought the distressed, Southwestern adobe-style Paragon Inn hotel over the summer to revamp it, as he's done more than 20 times before in other states, the AP reports.
Hotelier asks Hispanic workers to Anglicize names, causes uproar in Taos, N.M. 07:47 AM More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Weston tolls waived after truck spills beef on Pike
WESTON, Mass. (AP) - One person suffered minor injuries and sides of beef were strewn all over the highway in an accident involving three tractor-trailers and one car at a Massachusetts Turnpike toll plaza.
T he Mass Pike is hoping the toll road's insurance company steps up to the plate to cover the cost of waving through thousands of motorists this morning at the Weston tolls after slabs of beef spilled on the highway. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Obama Library Talk Revs Up Chicago's Nobel Factory
Sir Nigel'''s comments came amid mounting speculation that Britain was going to be asked to send an extra 2,000 troops.
Women and people of any race or color were at last created equal, in word if not in reality. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Democrats brace for end of Virginia winning streak
A political analyst says national Democrats and the White House are trying to blame President Obama's waning popularity in Virginia on the campaign of the Democratic candidate running for governor in the Old Dominion State.
The election was his to lose, which is exactly what's going to happen by his rejection of the President's agenda. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Gay rights measures on ballots in 2 states
Same-sex marriage supporters have aired television advertisements accusing opponents of "false statements" for allegedly claiming that the new law would lead to mandatory gay education of public school students.
While I still have the right to my opinion, I would like to express it here on the issue of gay marriage. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- First of 12 accused polygamists in court
Jury selection has begun in the trial of the first of a dozen polygamist sect members accused of offences including child sex assault and bigamy.
Jury pools are pulled from voter registration rolls. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Breaking news: Lawton out of gov. campaign
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton announced Monday she will not run for governor in 2010, citing family concerns and personal reasons.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett now remains as the only major Dem considering getting into the race to replace Gov. Jim Doyle, who opted against seeking a third term. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- 2 dead, 3 injured in wrong-way OC freeway crash
A woman who was traveling the wrong way on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim is being investigated for driving under the influence after an early-morning crash killed two people, authorities said.
Jessica Shekell, 21, of Fullerton, was driving a 2003 Toyota Tundra west in the eastbound Fast Trak Express Lane, Quesada said. More...

Monday

Oct-26-2009 -- Assembly Democrats expect to hold power
Christie has vowed to cut corporate and income taxes and reduce red tape that might hamper businesses.
Christie seems best able to reform the state's pension and benefits system, particularly for new employees. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Rivals get their shot at Coakley tonight
Capuano represents Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Khazei is founder of the City Year program.
"I am a strong supporter of Martha Coakley's candidacy," said Rep. Sciortino of Somerville. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- America's Worst Governor?
"It's hard to get to the right of Chain Gang Charlie,'' Crist said, shortly before crushing Gallagher in that 2006 gubernatorial primary by more than 30 points.
"I'm more confident than ever," Rubio said in an interview Friday. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Lotto, Powerball jackpots roll over
Sarah's been a loyal Mega millions & Powerball player for the past year, investing an average of $30 a week hoping to win the jackpot.
Not one player matched all six winning numbers in last night's UK National Lottery draw and that means Wednesday will be a rollover with an estimated jackpot of £7 million. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Police name 'Jane Doe' found in NY
Wilson said that Peterson has a history of memory loss.
A county sheriff's office in Washington say Peterson is originally from Colville in the eastern part of the state. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- 4 San Jose cops put on leave after video shows student beaten
Experts expressed alarm that Ho appears to have been handcuffed before the final baton strike occurs.
Ho did not try to report what happened to the independent police auditor or to police internal affairs. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Largest SEPTA union votes to strike
PHILADELPHIA - Representatives of Philadelphia's transit system and its largest union say they hope they can avert a walkout authorized by 4,700 workers less than a week before the first World Series game is scheduled in the city.
Union spokesman Bob Wolper said the union and SEPTA were in negotiations Friday afternoon, but declined further comment. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Analysis: New Atlanta mayor could court GOP
With six mayoral candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot and two write-in candidates, most political experts assume no candidate will win the majority of votes on Election Day and the top two finishes will compete in a runoff on Dec. 1.
Reed and Borders can be mayor of downtown, but Mary is the mayor of Atlanta's neighborhoods. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Casino debate begins anew
"I don't think there's any question that if we want to retain some revenue, absolutely," said D'Allesandro, who has unsuccessfully tried many times to pass legislation for expanded gambling in New Hampshire.
The arguments for and against expanded gaming haven't changed much since March 2008, when the Legislature spiked Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to develop three destination resort casinos in various areas of the state. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- Same-sex marriage battle moves to Maine
Same-sex marriage supporters have aired television advertisements accusing opponents of "false statements" for allegedly claiming that the new law would lead to mandatory gay education of public school students.
The money will go to the Stand for Marriage Maine political action committee, which is pushing for a "yes" vote on Question 1 on Election Day. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- crucial last dash for Deeds backers
Make no mistake; the Republican base in Virginia is energized.
I guess that many women buy the view that McDonnell is a sexist pig but the evidence doesn't show that to be true. More...

Oct-26-2009 -- I-40's Haywood section has history of slides
A large rock slide that occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday has blocked all lanes of Interstate 40 just east of the state line around mile marker 3.
The highway's longest closure of more than two months happened after a series of slides on July 1, 1997, between mile marker 1 and the Tennessee state line. More...

Sunday (Update 1)

Oct-25-2009 -- Man's World at White House? No Harm, No Foul, Aides Say
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will speak at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce dinner for its board of directors in November, a move designed to ease tensions between the Obama administration and the business group.
The conflict between the White House and the Chamber of Commerce show just another area revealing the conflict coming from the changes being made in the United States, particularly in the push for major health care reform. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Hate crimes are different
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act will help protect people against violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, gender, national origin and disability by extending the federal hate crimes statute.
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act was tacked on as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, a bill that authorizes money for military and defense activities and military benefits. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Obama may face fight on treaties
Sir Nigel'''s comments came amid mounting speculation that Britain was going to be asked to send an extra 2,000 troops.
The award of the 2009 prize to Barack Obama clearly demonstrates a record of meaningful accomplishments is unimportant. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Biden says Obama had to sell him on the vice president job
Since moving into the White House in January, they've been pictured in just about every newspaper and magazine across the world.
As for where Bo, the family dog, is, a White House spokeswoman laughed and told Reuters, " Bo didn't make the cut. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Obama says winner of clean-energy race will lead global economy
C lean coal, safe nuclear and wind power all have a role in weaning the United States off its risky reliance on foreign - and filthy - oil, President Barack Obama said Friday, saying America must finish first in the global race to dominate new energy technologies.
I n a political pit stop to the Hub, President Obama today warned that America will have to be a leader in renewable energy in order to remain a truly global power. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- In Hawaii, school's out for recession
The suit alleges that the furloughs are an unlawful change in programs and services the disabled children receive.
"And we don't have that time." More...

Oct-25-2009 -- NY Mayor Bloomberg biggest US political spender
NEW YORK (AP) ''' New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has broken his own spending record from four years ago, dropping $85.2 million on his campaign for a third term with 11 days to go until Election Day.
Mr. Thompson's plans to talk about term limits again in a speech on Thursday. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- 350.org Day All Across the World
The aim was to imprint 350 on the world's consciousness and build support for a credible global warming treaty, talks for which will be held in Copenhagen in December.
Climate change is here, and even if every coal facility in the world stopped production today, McKibben estimates that it will take two generations before we can return the earth's atmosphere to 350 ppm. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Gregoire, Nickels sign tunnel agreement
SEATTLE (AP) ''' The state plans to equip the crumbling Alaskan Way Viaduct with sensors that will close the elevated roadway at the first sign of seismic activity, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Saturday.
Clibborn and Gregoire also claim the plan already has a cushion built in for overruns. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Same-sex marriage battle moves to Maine
All people, regardless of sexual orientation, should have an equal right to marry under the law.
I am seeing a lot of support for marriage equality in Hancock county, and not just on MDI. People in Blue Hill, Deer Isle, Stonington, Sullivan/Sorrento, Gouldsboro, etc. The truth of the matter is that Mainers aren't very vocal about their views, but those views are very pragmatic and tolerant of others as long as respect is given in return. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Put teachers to the test: Teaching colleges must learn lessons of reform
Duncan said a"sea change" is needed in teacher training programs,if newteachers are to help students meet the demands of a world where a "it is impossible to drop out of school and land a good job."
At the university level, most professors never take even one class in how to teach as opposed to what to teach. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- D.C. area congressional votes
Homeland-security Budget: Voting 79 for 19 against, the Senate on Tuesday sent President Obama the conference report on a $44.1 billion Department of Homeland Security budget for fiscal 2010.
Chairman James Oberstar and Chairman Elijah Cummings of Maryland, at the urging of Congresswoman Bordallo, included a provision in the bill that would require Coast Guard vessels homeported on Guam be repaired, maintained and overhauled in U.S. shipyards including Guam.'' More...

Sunday

Oct-25-2009 -- Deeds: I'm not out of governor's race
RUSH: Here's the ad, by the way, this sad Obama ad for Creigh Deeds in Virginia.
On November 3, voters in New Jersey and Virginia head to the polls to select their states' next governors--the only two states with major statewide elections this year. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- How Will Michelle Obama Make Her Mark?
First Lady Michelle Obama held a White House event today (Friday) to make the case that breast cancer is proof of the need for health care reform.
The month of October is winding down, but it was not too late for the Obama administration to do its part to raise breast cancer awareness. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Finish line in sight, a sprint for niche voters
The New Jersey governor'''s race has been dominated by discussions on the economy and taxes, but the debate over ethics ''' an issue never far from the surface in Garden State politics ''' is regaining prominence with just more than a week until Election Day.
A Corzine-Weinberg administration would be unique because neither politician would be seeking elective office in 2013. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- NY Mayor Bloomberg biggest US political spender
The headline in one message denounced Mr. Bloomberg's "hypocricy."
Bloomberg is still a republican, who has basically endorsed Rudy G. I guess a New York needs another loser (in Albany). More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Best of the Web Today: Rules for Presidents
If a republican administration boycotted all of them, I would hope Fox News would have a problem with that as well.
The commentators are not presenting news. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- In Hawaii, school's out for recession
Most state offices will be closed to help the government eliminate a budget deficit estimated at $1 billion over the next 20 months.
The judge denied the TRO '''s, saying "we have a train which is going down the tracks and like most trains it takes some time to stop. We don't have that time." More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Republicans going rogue in upstate New York
Sarah Palin, who a few people may recall was the vice presidential candidate on last year's Republican Party ticket that crashed and burned, has broken with her party in the race for a House seat from New York and endorsed the candidate of the state's Conservative Party.
I just can't believe that the republican party is bowing down to this liberal state of mind. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Obama says winner of clean-energy race will lead global economy
C lean coal, safe nuclear and wind power all have a role in weaning the United States off its risky reliance on foreign - and filthy - oil, President Barack Obama said Friday, saying America must finish first in the global race to dominate new energy technologies.
BOSTON -- President Barack Obama traveled here Friday to give a speech boosting clean energy technology -- and to give a political boost to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, who faces stiff opposition in his battle for reelection. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Wash. will put seismic sensors on viaduct
In remarks at a ceremony Saturday in which he and Gov. Chris Gregoire signed an agreement to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a tunnel, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said future generations will judge that the decision was correct.
Clibborn and Gregoire also claim the plan already has a cushion built in for overruns. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- House Oversight Leader Agrees to Subpoena Documents on Mortgage Deals
Countrywide, now owned by Bank of America, was reported to have given VIP loans and treatment to lawmakers and officials at the federal and local level who were in a position to influence policy affecting the mortgage giant.
Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), who has been pushing Democrats hard to issue a subpoena, has compared the program to General Motors offering automobiles at a deep discount and homebuilders constructing a house for material cost alone. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Inside the case at the center of Texas' death penalty dispute
If there was any doubt that Texas remains strongly supportive of the death penalty, the candidates for governor quickly dispel it.
This blog is the leading forum for people on all sides of the debate to discuss issues related to the death penalty. More...

Oct-25-2009 -- Benefits of Stimulus: Been There, Done That?
WASHINGTON — The government's economic stimulus spending has already had its biggest impact and probably won't contribute to significant growth next year, a top White House adviser said Thursday.
According to the White House, the stimulus bill, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was "an effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century." More...