The News Crawler

Obama's Cigarette Tax Puts the Lie To His No New Taxes Pledge Read his lips: No new taxes on people making under $250,000...except smokers.

Should Obama control the Web? Bill would give emergency authority to halt Net traffic, access private data.

New U.S. spy satellite program sought The national intelligence director and defense secretary are asking the Obama administration to approve a new top-secret U.S. spy satellite program that could cost more than $10 billion, according to government, military and industry officials.

Court rules against claim to Hawaiian lands In 9-0 decision, justices rule that 1993 apology by U.S. for 'illegal overthrow' of Hawaii's monarchy 100 years earlier does not give native Hawaiians claim to 1.2 million acres.

Drinking Water Threatened: TVA Tries to Hide Information About Water Contamination from Massive Coal Spill Third-party tests have found high levels of toxins in the river water and in private wells, while the TVA has assured residents the water is safe

Famed Gitmo Lawyer Facing Six Months in Prison For Writing Letter to Obama Detailing Torture of Client Clive Stafford Smith is accused of 'unprofessional conduct' by Pentagon officials who monitor communication between Gitmo prisoners and their lawyers. Pentagon fires Khadr's lawyer He had become the most vocal opponent of the trial of Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr

China Hates Us -- How Much Longer Will They Back Our Debt-Ridden Economy?

U.S. kills Iraqi paramilitary planting bomb A U.S. aircraft attacked a group of men believed to be members of a government-allied Sunni paramilitary group as they were planting a roadside bomb north of Baghdad, killing one and wounding two, the U.S. military said Friday. Iraq decides to pay Sunni groups despite clashes

Mass. woman on 'environmental fugitive' Web site The former president of Massachusetts' largest asbestos removal training school has become the first woman to be listed on the federal "environmental fugitive" Web site.

US weapons cuts could put N.E. jobs in jeopardy Defense contractors, high-tech firms, and manufacturing plants are bracing for thousands of potential layoffs across New England resulting from the Obama administration's plans to cancel or delay key weapons programs, according to company officials, union representatives, and members of Congress.

February Housing Permits In Connecticut Down 20% From Year Ago

State Earmarks $100 Million To Fund Stem Cell Research

Rell: 14 CT communities getting river grants Connecticut's court settlements for environmental damage with two companies is translating into nearly $759,000 in grants to communities along the Farmington River.

Bank employee pleads guilty to $516,000 theft Federal prosecutors say a Connecticut woman has pleaded guilty to bank fraud for stealing about $516,000 from customers' certificates of deposit while she was branch manager of a Trumbull bank

CT Gambles on Keno Being a Big Winner State lawmakers are looking at allowing keno gambling games in restaurants and bars to help deal with the budget deficit.

Law Firm Paid More Than $70,000 To Deal With UConn Recruiting Allegations The state has racked up more than $70,000 in legal fees in the past two months to a Kansas law firm helping the University of Connecticut investigate possible recruiting violations in the men's basketball program.

Bill would scale back 'drug free' zones The perimeters around schools, public housing complexes and day care centers where those involved in illegal drug activity can face enhanced penalties would be scaled back under a bill approved Wednesday by the Judiciary Committee.

Rell blasts Dem's budget proposal

Gov. Jodi Rell had some harsh words after getting a look at the Democrats' budget and tax proposal calling it an "economic disaster" that "almost defies description."

Judge orders feds to reconsider help for jaguar A judge on Tuesday ordered federal wildlife officials to reconsider how to help endangered jaguars survive, saying the decision to not protect habitat for them was based on bad criteria and inconsistent with the Endangered Species Act.

China Hates Us -- How Much Longer Will They Back Our Debt-Ridden Economy?

New Public Database Reveals First-Hand Accounts of How Toxic Burn Pits Are Making U.S. Troops Sick

One in five Medicare patients readmitted One in five Medicare patients end up back in the hospital within a month of discharge, a large study found, and that practice costs billions of dollars a year

Attorneys: Emanuel was alleged extortion victim President Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, was the congressman targeted by an alleged extortion plan described in the indictment against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich), according to attorneys familiar with the case.

Can electric cars save Michigan? The future of Detroit is electric cars, the governor of Michigan declared in an opinion piece on Newsweek's Web site.

Northrop Grumman-TRW whistle-blower case settled In one of the nation's largest settlements in a whistle-blower case, Northrop Grumman Corp. has agreed to pay the federal government $325 million to resolve claims that TRW, which it acquired in 2002, provided defective parts for a spy satellite program in the 1990s.

Illegals get work permits for snitching A newly revealed law enforcement policy allows illegal immigrants arrested during work-site raids to be released from jail and given work permits in exchange for their testimony against their employers, a House panel was informed Thursday, a tactic one lawmaker described as "de facto amnesty."

Maine lobstermen chafe at rope ban to help whales

CDC: Rocket fuel chemical found in baby formula

1st US citizen charged in UBS probe A yacht company accountant became the first U.S. citizen Thursday to be charged in the government's investigation into wealthy citizens who hid assets from tax collectors in the Swiss bank UBS AG.

Madoff scam well-known, investigator says Associates of convicted Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff knew he was scamming his clients but joined in anyway because of the big money they could make, a securities investigator testified in a sworn affidavit for a Connecticut court.

Peter Madoff can spend $10K a month on expenses

Senators agree on patent changes Leaders of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee said on Wednesday they had reached agreement on key elements of a bill to revise U.S. patent law.

Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 15 Iraqis Killed; 25 Iraqis Wounded

No forensic match for ammo in Blackwater shooting FBI scientists were unable to match bullets from a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting to guns carried by Blackwater Worldwide security guards, according to laboratory reports that leave open the possibility that insurgents also fired in the crowded intersection.

Friday: 1 US Soldier, 2 Iraqis Killed; 10 Iraqis Wounded

Baghdad Secretariat Urges Military to Stop Trespasses on Streets Baghdad’s secretariat on Wednesday called on U.S. and Iraqi troops to stop trespassing in many of the capital’s streets.

Teacher Gunned Down in Mosul

Concrete Barricades Removed from Falluja Streets Concrete barricades will be removed from several main streets in Falluja, the city’s police chief said on Wednesday

Iraq: Funds Invested in the Rehabilitation of the Diala Province Went to Terrorists An investigation committee appointed to oversee rehabilitation works in the Iraqi province of Diala in the years 2005-2007 has revealed that senior officials, government employees, contractors, and private companies were involved in transferring

PM says Saddam loyalists infiltrated Iraq's Sahwa militia Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iraqis on Friday that Al-Qaeda rebels and Saddam Hussein loyalists had infiltrated a pro-government militia that had helped to tame the country's deadly insurgency.

US Marine stood with gun over Iraqi: witness (AFP) A US Marine charged with killing an unarmed Iraqi was found by fellow troops pointing his pistol at the man and standing over his body, a witness said.

Iraq disbands Sunni militia that helped defeat insurgents One hundred thousand members of the Awakening Councils will now be given jobs at the interior ministry, but many fear the plan will renew sectarian tension and spark disaffection among those not given security roles.

Ex-Blackwater Workers May Return To Iraq Jobs

Thursday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 22 Wounded

Swiss Authorities expel Iraqi citizen Swiss Authorities announced that that they have expelled on Thursday to Sweden Iraqi citizen Fahed Khamas after a week of his arrest in Zurich. It is to be noted that Swiss authorities rejected asylum of Al Khamas who said he used to work as an Iraqi interpreter with the US military in Baghdad

Peshmerga Confirms That War Will Not Outbreak with Arab in the Event of the U.S. Withdrawal The border guard forces of the region of Kurdistan "Peshmerga", have confirmed that war will not break out between Kurds and Arabs in the event of the withdrawal of the American forces from Iraq.

A Journalist Exposed to Beating and Threatening in Basra

Sunni paramilitary leader released from Iraq jail A judge dismisses murder charges against Raad Ali, who spent 10 days jailed as part of an apparent crackdown against the Sons of Iraq movement by the Shiite-led government.

Claims of Rising Official Corruption in Iraq

Danger of a Double Rift in the Sadr Movement

PM says Saddam loyalists infiltrated Iraq's Sahwa militia (AFP) Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iraqis on Friday that Al-Qaeda rebels and Saddam Hussein loyalists had infiltrated a pro-government militia that had helped to tame the country's deadly insurgency.

Gays killed in Baghdad as clerics urge clampdown (Reuters) Two gay men were killed in Baghdad's Sadr City slum, a local official said on Saturday, and police said they had found the bodies of four more after clerics urged a crackdown on a perceived spread of homosexuality.

'Israel unlikely to attack Iran this year' U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the Financial Times on Wednesday that Israel is unlikely to launch military operations against Iranian nuclear installations this year in a bid to derail the Islamic regime's drive to attain atomic weapons

Ergenekon planned president’s assassination Ergenekon, a clandestine terrorist organization, of which 152 suspected members currently are standing trial for plotting to overthrow the government, planned to assassinate President Abdullah Gül, an additional indictment accepted by the İstanbul 13th Higher Criminal Court hearing the case claims Ergenekon blacklisted unions, indictment claims

Israel cabinet picture doctored to remove women Two ultra-Orthodox Jewish newspapers alter a photo of Israel's cabinet, removing two women so as not to offend readers.

Police again question Israeli FM Lieberman on bribery Israeli police on Friday questioned the new foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, for the second straight day on suspicion of bribery and money laundering, a police spokesman said.

Haaretz exclusive: The man who bribed Indians for Israeli arms sales Unflattering reports in the Indian press have recently revealed new information about the Indian middleman, Sudhir Choudrie

Iran denies having had 'talks' with U.S. Iran dismissed U.S. reports that senior U.S. and Iran envoys had a cordial — and promising — face-to-face exchange at an international conference, saying Wednesday that no "talks" took place.

Israeli settlers seize house in Jerusalem Israeli settlers seized a house in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem Old City's on Thursday after breaking in before dawn, the owner's family and witnesses said.

Spanish prosecutors seek to shelve Israel case (AFP) Spanish public prosecutors have asked a Spanish court to shelve a complaint against seven top Israeli military figures over a deadly bombing of Gaza in 2002, a judicial official said Thursday.

Egypt police beat and detain 18 protesters: witnesses (Reuters) Egyptian police beat and detained at least 18 members of an anti-government protest group on Saturday during a demonstration to demand the release of two activists, eyewitnesses said.

Woman fires on police station in southern Israel (AP) A woman opened fire on a police station in southern Israel Saturday before officers shot back and killed her, in an apparent Palestinian militant attack.

Parents of captive U.S. journalist heading to Tehran

'10 dead' in Afghanistan attack A suicide attack on a local council building in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar kills at least 10 people, officials say.

Afghan villagers trying to keep Taliban at bay On a wind-swept hill at the foot of snowcapped mountains, a ragtag force of farmers, students and other unemployed men snapped to attention, their guns slung across the shoulders, their new black boots shining.

IEDs now cause 75% of Afghanistan casualties Roadside bombs cause 75 percent of casualties to coalition forces in Afghanistan, up from 50 percent two years ago, prompting urgent pleas from commanders there for more armored vehicles to protect troops, according to data and interviews.

3 Bagram Prisoners Granted Habeas Corpus Obama’s Blackwater? Jeremy Scahill on Triple Canopy, the New Lead US Mercenary Force in Iraq and Israel

Taliban to Lighten Up on Beards, Burqas The Taliban said this week that it is prepared to stop measuring men's beards and allow women to take off their burqas, or head coverings, in public as part of a trade-off in negotiations with the Afghan...

Karzai says anger at Afghan Shi'ite law "inappropriate" (Reuters) Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday concerns expressed by the United States and the United Nations toward a new law for Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority and its impact on women's rights were inappropriate.

35 Taliban die in blast soldier in a Nato-led force in Afghanistan died in a bomb blast yesterday while the US military announced it had killed 35 Taliban-linked insurgents.

Aid agencies issue Afghan warning Leading charities warn that increased military deployments in Afghanistan could lead to more civilian casualties

US-Iran thaw could bolster Afghanistan rebuilding efforts

US, Uzbekistan sign deal for Afghan resupply The United States has signed a new deal with the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan to bring nonmilitary supplies to U.S. fighting forces in Afghanistan.

Noam Chomsky on US Expansion of Afghan Occupation, the Uses of NATO, and What Obama Should Do in Israel-Palestine

Taliban storm Afghan government office Four Taliban suicide bombers disguised in army uniforms detonated a car bomb and stormed a government office Wednesday, killing 13 people. The assault highlighted the increasingly deadly tactics that Taliban militants are learning from al-Qaida, an expert said.

NATO Leaders Endorse Obama's Afghan Plan

Up to 1,000 more British troops to go to Afghanistan

Nato: 'Europeans say 'thanks but no thanks' to new US stance on Afghanistan

NATO ALLIES REFUSE TO SEND COMBAT TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN

Europe to contribute 5,000 extra troops to Afghanistan

Official: Suspected U.S. missile attack kills 13 in Pakistan

Islamabad rocked by massive suicide bomb

Pakistan finds 46 dead Afghans in truck container: police Pakistan found the dead bodies of up to 46 Afghans crammed into a truck container in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday that was believed to have been bound for Iran, police said.

American UN hostage released in Pakistan: UN, police

Foiled suicide attack on Pakistani troops kills 17 civilians At least 17 civilians, including five schoolchildren, were killed and several others were injured Saturday in a foiled suicide attack

Piracy law cuts internet traffic Internet traffic in Sweden falls by a third as the country's new anti-piracy law came into effect, reports suggest.

Thousands Join Anti-Government Rally in Ukraine More than 10,000 gathered in Kiev to demand a change of government, and President Viktor Yushchenko said he was considering calling early elections.

Russia may offer US Afghan access Russia agrees to discuss the transit of American military supplies to Afghanistan across its territory.

Bashir in S Arabia despite warrant Sudanese president makes fifth visit to a foreign country since war crimes charges.

Man claims in video to be US jihadist in Somalia A man who calls himself an American promotes holy war in Somalia in a video posted this week on an Islamic militant Web site.

Darfur crisis 'on the brink of deepening': envoy (AFP)

Military Justice System under Fire The Mexican government, legislators and human rights organisations are calling for a review of the outdated military justice system, accused of letting human rights violators off the hook. But only activists seem to actually be doing anything to bring that about.

Venezuela ups US oil sales despite OPEC, US says Venezuela increased oil shipments to the United States in January, despite President Hugo Chavez's anti-U.S. rhetoric and a promise to OPEC to cut output, the U.S. Department of Energy said Wednesday.

The News Crawler
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Last Update: Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Headlines	Click here for Yesterdays Edition
Obama's Cigarette Tax Puts the Lie To His No New Taxes Pledge Read his lips: No new taxes on people making under $250,000...except smokers. Should Obama control the Web? Bill would give emergency authority to halt Net traffic, access private data. New U.S. spy satellite program sought The national intelligence director and defense secretary are asking the Obama administration to approve a new top-secret U.S. spy satellite program that could cost more than $10 billion, according to government, military and industry officials. Court rules against claim to Hawaiian lands In 9-0 decision, justices rule that 1993 apology by U.S. for 'illegal overthrow' of Hawaii's monarchy 100 years earlier does not give native Hawaiians claim to 1.2 million acres. Drinking Water Threatened: TVA Tries to Hide Information About Water Contamination from Massive Coal Spill Third-party tests have found high levels of toxins in the river water and in private wells, while the TVA has assured residents the water is safe Famed Gitmo Lawyer Facing Six Months in Prison For Writing Letter to Obama Detailing Torture of Client Clive Stafford Smith is accused of 'unprofessional conduct' by Pentagon officials who monitor communication between Gitmo prisoners and their lawyers. Pentagon fires Khadr's lawyer He had become the most vocal opponent of the trial of Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr China Hates Us -- How Much Longer Will They Back Our Debt-Ridden Economy? U.S. kills Iraqi paramilitary planting bomb A U.S. aircraft attacked a group of men believed to be members of a government-allied Sunni paramilitary group as they were planting a roadside bomb north of Baghdad, killing one and wounding two, the U.S. military said Friday. Iraq decides to pay Sunni groups despite clashes	Economist: US collapse due to 'fraud,' Geithner covering up American bank insolvency...MUST WATCH Bill Moyers- Truths About Banking Fraud Reach Highest Levels of Govt - W. Black Banks Told They Can Lie. Stocks Soar. Huh? The Financial Accounting Standards Board just made it easier for banks to say they're worth whatever they want to say they're worth. The stock market reacted with seeming approval. Bill Gates: TV’s Benevolent Big Brother Report reveals that the Microsoft mogul’s foundation is using its bucks to insert positive messages into scripts. But does entertainment need a Gates-keeper? Liberal Hollywood Conspiracy Confirmed--Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Run It It turns out the conservatives were right: There really is a secret, liberal, Hollywood plot. Report criticizes U.S. spy agencies Intelligence reforms launched five years ago have failed to end infighting or solve many pre-Sept. 11 problems, an internal probe finds Nato: 'Europeans say 'thanks but no thanks' to new US stance on Afghanistan NATO ALLIES REFUSE TO SEND COMBAT TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN Europe to contribute 5,000 extra troops to Afghanistan Gays killed in Baghdad as clerics urge clampdown (Reuters) Two gay men were killed in Baghdad's Sadr City slum, a local official said on Saturday, and police said they had found the bodies of four more after clerics urged a crackdown on a perceived spread of homosexuality. Israel FM: No Peace Without War Israel's foreign minister refuses to explicitly endorse a two-state solution.
Connecticut
Mass. woman on 'environmental fugitive' Web site The former president of Massachusetts' largest asbestos removal training school has become the first woman to be listed on the federal "environmental fugitive" Web site. US weapons cuts could put N.E. jobs in jeopardy Defense contractors, high-tech firms, and manufacturing plants are bracing for thousands of potential layoffs across New England resulting from the Obama administration's plans to cancel or delay key weapons programs, according to company officials, union representatives, and members of Congress. February Housing Permits In Connecticut Down 20% From Year Ago State Earmarks $100 Million To Fund Stem Cell Research Rell: 14 CT communities getting river grants Connecticut's court settlements for environmental damage with two companies is translating into nearly $759,000 in grants to communities along the Farmington River. Bank employee pleads guilty to $516,000 theft Federal prosecutors say a Connecticut woman has pleaded guilty to bank fraud for stealing about $516,000 from customers' certificates of deposit while she was branch manager of a Trumbull bank CT Gambles on Keno Being a Big Winner State lawmakers are looking at allowing keno gambling games in restaurants and bars to help deal with the budget deficit.	Rell Opposes Democratic Tax Hikes on Income, Corporations The state's richest residents -- those earning more than $1 million annually -- would see their income tax rates increase by nearly 60 percent under the plan, sharply criticized Thursday by Republicans as confiscatory and praised by Democrats as a step toward tax fairness. Calif. man guilty in Conn. in military parts case A California man has pleaded guilty in Connecticut to a federal charge involving the illegal shipment of military jet fighter parts to Israel. Law Firm Paid More Than $70,000 To Deal With UConn Recruiting Allegations The state has racked up more than $70,000 in legal fees in the past two months to a Kansas law firm helping the University of Connecticut investigate possible recruiting violations in the men's basketball program. Bill would scale back 'drug free' zones The perimeters around schools, public housing complexes and day care centers where those involved in illegal drug activity can face enhanced penalties would be scaled back under a bill approved Wednesday by the Judiciary Committee. Rell blasts Dem's budget proposal Gov. Jodi Rell had some harsh words after getting a look at the Democrats' budget and tax proposal calling it an "economic disaster" that "almost defies description."
United States
GMAC revives sub-prime car loans General Motors' (GM) finance division is cutting financing costs and reviving sub-prime lending to stimulate car sales. G.M. Willing to Consider Bankruptcy Judge orders feds to reconsider help for jaguar A judge on Tuesday ordered federal wildlife officials to reconsider how to help endangered jaguars survive, saying the decision to not protect habitat for them was based on bad criteria and inconsistent with the Endangered Species Act. Famed Gitmo Lawyer Facing Six Months in Prison For Writing Letter to Obama Detailing Torture of Client Clive Stafford Smith is accused of 'unprofessional conduct' by Pentagon officials who monitor communication between Gitmo prisoners and their lawyers. Pentagon fires Khadr's lawyer He had become the most vocal opponent of the trial of Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr China Hates Us -- How Much Longer Will They Back Our Debt-Ridden Economy? New Public Database Reveals First-Hand Accounts of How Toxic Burn Pits Are Making U.S. Troops Sick Drinking Water Threatened: TVA Tries to Hide Information About Water Contamination from Massive Coal Spill Third-party tests have found high levels of toxins in the river water and in private wells, while the TVA has assured residents the water is safe Iowa court strikes down same-sex marriage ban Revealed: 90 immigrants died in US custody FDA warns makers of unapproved narcotics Seeking to remove unapproved drugs from the marketplace, the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday ordered nine companies to stop manufacturing narcotics whose therapeutic claims have not been proved One in 10 Americans on food stamps Report criticizes U.S. spy agencies Intelligence reforms launched five years ago have failed to end infighting or solve many pre-Sept. 11 problems, an internal probe finds Bill Gates: TV’s Benevolent Big Brother Report reveals that the Microsoft mogul’s foundation is using its bucks to insert positive messages into scripts. But does entertainment need a Gates-keeper? Liberal Hollywood Conspiracy Confirmed--Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Run It It turns out the conservatives were right: There really is a secret, liberal, Hollywood plot. How the tax burden has changed since 1960 Your parents or grandparents paid federal taxes in 1960 as you do today, but the blend of revenues that the government gets from taxpayers today is quite different. The biggest change since then: the growth in the Social Security and Medicare taxes. TSA detains Ron Paul activist For having 'large amount' of cash; threatened with DEA, FBI probe. AT&T-union negotiations expected down to the wire (100,000 ready to strike) Ex-U.S. sailor jailed for 10 years on terrorism charges (Reuters) A former U.S. Navy sailor stationed in the Middle East was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Friday for spying and providing material support to a terrorist organization. Egyptian student cleared in Florida explosives trial (Reuters) A U.S. jury acquitted an Egyptian student on Friday of two explosives charges that could have sent him to prison for up to 20 years in a case that resulted in a terrorism conviction against another student. Texans delay 'Agent Orange' test New York Times threatens to shut Boston Globe Google in talks to buy Twitter	Rachel Maddow Grills Colin Powell on Torture Authorization In Bush Admin. Exposing Anti-Union BS On Fox News(!) One in five Medicare patients readmitted One in five Medicare patients end up back in the hospital within a month of discharge, a large study found, and that practice costs billions of dollars a year Admiral says war veterans will suffer for years Homelessness, family strains and psychological problems among returning veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will persist in the U.S. for generations to come, the top U.S. military officer said Thursday. Attorneys: Emanuel was alleged extortion victim President Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, was the congressman targeted by an alleged extortion plan described in the indictment against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich), according to attorneys familiar with the case. France considers taking in Algerian Guantanamo detainee 'Deaths' in New York state shooting At least 13 people reportedly shot dead in attack by at immigrant centre.Report: 2 taken in cuffs from deadly shootings Gunman Who Killed 3 Pittsburgh Policemen Was "Lying In Wait," Wore Bulletproof Vest Gunman's Friends Claim He Feared An Obama Gun Ban Smokers feeling abused as federal tax hike hits Larry Jukes remembers when he could buy 10 packs of cigarettes for $2.50. These days he's paying $58 for a 10-pack carton at the Cigarette Store in Denver, Colorado. The largest-ever federal cigarette tax increase takes effect today. Jukes and other smokers say they feel taken advantage of. "They're picking on us poor people," said Jukes. Chavez says he'd accept Gitmo inmates Terror watch-list duties shift from airlines Four small airlines have become the first to participate in the "Secure Flight" program, which transfers responsibility for checking passengers' names against terror watch lists from the airlines to the federal government, the Transportation Security Administration announced Tuesday. Can electric cars save Michigan? The future of Detroit is electric cars, the governor of Michigan declared in an opinion piece on Newsweek's Web site. Court rules against claim to Hawaiian lands In 9-0 decision, justices rule that 1993 apology by U.S. for 'illegal overthrow' of Hawaii's monarchy 100 years earlier does not give native Hawaiians claim to 1.2 million acres. Northrop Grumman-TRW whistle-blower case settled In one of the nation's largest settlements in a whistle-blower case, Northrop Grumman Corp. has agreed to pay the federal government $325 million to resolve claims that TRW, which it acquired in 2002, provided defective parts for a spy satellite program in the 1990s. Illegals get work permits for snitching A newly revealed law enforcement policy allows illegal immigrants arrested during work-site raids to be released from jail and given work permits in exchange for their testimony against their employers, a House panel was informed Thursday, a tactic one lawmaker described as "de facto amnesty." Maine lobstermen chafe at rope ban to help whales CDC: Rocket fuel chemical found in baby formula Lobbyist gets probation for destroying evidence (AP) A lobbyist was sentenced Friday to three years probation for destroying evidence about her ties with former Pennsylvania congressman Curt Weldon, who is under FBI investigation Fed. judge says courts can handle Gitmo cases (AP) A federal judge who presided over the trial of a 9/11 conspirator said Thursday that civilian courts are capable of handling the cases of Guantanamo Bay detainees. Noam Chomsky on the economy and democracy Pt.3 FBI deny Taliban are responsible for New York gun rampage which left 14 dead The FBI have ruled out Pakistani Taliban militant leader Baituallah Mehsud's claim that he was responsible for an attack on a U.S. immigration centre
Madoffed
1st US citizen charged in UBS probe A yacht company accountant became the first U.S. citizen Thursday to be charged in the government's investigation into wealthy citizens who hid assets from tax collectors in the Swiss bank UBS AG. Madoff scam well-known, investigator says Associates of convicted Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff knew he was scamming his clients but joined in anyway because of the big money they could make, a securities investigator testified in a sworn affidavit for a Connecticut court. Peter Madoff can spend $10K a month on expenses

Science
Marijuana helps in battle against cancer: study Study links Gulf War exposures, brain changes A new study of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suggests that exposure to neurotoxins such as anti-nerve agent pills, insect repellent and Sarin caused neurological changes to the brain. Antarctic ice shelf about to break loose Wilkins Ice Shelf, held only by deteriorating ice bridge, about to collapse. Dark matter energy signal detected? Sun has fewest sunspots since 1913, better GPS (AP) The sun has been unusually quiet lately, with fewer sunspots and weaker magnetic fields than in nearly a century. A quiet sun is good for Earth: GPS systems are more accurate, satellites stay in orbit longer; even the effects of manmade global warming are marginally reduced, though just by three-tenths of a degree at most.	Jupiter's stormy Great Red Spot is shrinking Facebook at work make better employees: Study Contrary to belief Facebooking at work increases productivity Sailing The Seas Of Trash - CBS News John Blackstone reports on how sea currents have formed a vast floating garbage dump in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the effect that is having on marine life. Inbreeding taking toll on Michigan wolves (AP) The two dozen or so gray wolves that wander an island chain in northwestern Lake Superior are suffering from backbone malformations caused by genetic inbreeding, posing yet another challenge to their prospects for long-term survival, according to wildlife biologists. An Antarctic ice shelf has disappeared: scientists
Politics
Pulp Nonfiction A tax loophole could let the ten largest paper companies rake in a whopping $8 billion. Where's the outrage? Filner says further GI Bill changes must wait The Post-9/11 GI Bill is flawed and unfair to some veterans, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee chairman said Thursday, but any major fix in the education benefits plan that takes effect on Aug. 1 will have to be put off until 2010. Senators agree on patent changes Leaders of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee said on Wednesday they had reached agreement on key elements of a bill to revise U.S. patent law. Students Storm the Hill Youth leaders march on Washington to lobby for affordable education and the DREAM Act Fed 'extremely uncomfortable' about bailouts While acknowledging that the Federal Reserve was "extremely uncomfortable" about last year's bailouts of big financial companies, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday the central bank's strategy to ease the financial crisis is working Banks Told They Can Lie. Stocks Soar. Huh? The Financial Accounting Standards Board just made it easier for banks to say they're worth whatever they want to say they're worth. The stock market reacted with seeming approval. Senate OKs measure calling on Fed to name firms (Reuters) In an unusual political challenge to the Federal Reserve, the Senate on Thursday called on the central bank to disclose the names of institutions that receive emergency loans and pushed for a study to determine the "appropriate" number of regional fed banks. Economist: US collapse due to 'fraud,' Geithner covering up American bank insolvency	Bill would reimburse reservists for travel Sen. Ben Nelson has introduced legislation allowing new travel reimbursements for National Guard and Reserve members. Geithner Defends TARP Figures, Blasts GAO Treasury Chief sticks to $135B figure, despite serious doubts raised elsewhere. U.S. House passes $3.55 trillion budget House OKs bill to give feds key controls over tobacco industry Anti-smoking forces won a long-awaited victory Thursday as the House passed legislation that would give the federal government key controls over the tobacco industry for the first time. Senators ask Petraeus to define Afghanistan goals New U.S. spy satellite program sought The national intelligence director and defense secretary are asking the Obama administration to approve a new top-secret U.S. spy satellite program that could cost more than $10 billion, according to government, military and industry officials. Senate keeps charitable deductions The Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to preserve the full charitable-giving deduction in the tax code, rejecting yet another key part of President Obama's strategy for paying for the ambitious spending programs in his 2010 budget. Bill Moyers- Truths About Banking Fraud Reach Highest Levels of Govt - W. Black Attorney General's Guidelines for FBI Domestic Operations Summers Took Hundreds Of Thousands In Speaking Fees From TARP Recipients
Obama
Obama's Blackwater? Chicago Mercenary Firm Gets Millions for Private Security in Israel and Iraq Federal records obtained by AlterNet reveal a multi-million dollar contract for a private U.S. paramilitary force operating out of Jerusalem. President Obama Says America Has Shown 'Arrogance' Should Obama control the Web? Bill would give emergency authority to halt Net traffic, access private data. Geithner plan first proposed by Buffett How the tax burden has changed since 1960 Obama's Cigarette Tax Puts the Lie To His No New Taxes Pledge Read his lips: No new taxes on people making under $250,000...except smokers.	Obama’s Census Choice Unsettles Republicans Robert M. Groves, a sociology professor at the University of Michigan, has reportedly been chosen by President Obama to run the Census Bureau. Obama plans $400 million for border security Obama says unregulated markets went off rails FEMA's revolving door? (Politico) The White House will not seek an ethics waiver for FEMA Chief of Staff Jason McNamara, but he must recuse himself from matters involving his former employer. Obama Admin Helping Firms Avoid Bailout Pay Restrictions
Economy
FHA sees rise in defaults on its mortgages As the Federal Housing Administration has stepped in to help stabilize the housing market by underwriting more mortgages, the Depression-era agency is seeing growing default rates that could undermine its health, the Department of Housing and Urban Development inspector general testified Thursday. Service sector shrinks for 6th straight month	Oil jumps more than $4 Banks consider cutting Chrysler's debt Stocks surge on economic data Payday lenders thwart limits (AP) The payday loan industry, threatened by Congress with extinction, has deployed well-connected lobbyists and hefty sums of campaign cash to key lawmakers to save itself.

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 15 Iraqis Killed; 25 Iraqis Wounded No forensic match for ammo in Blackwater shooting FBI scientists were unable to match bullets from a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting to guns carried by Blackwater Worldwide security guards, according to laboratory reports that leave open the possibility that insurgents also fired in the crowded intersection. Friday: 1 US Soldier, 2 Iraqis Killed; 10 Iraqis Wounded Baghdad Secretariat Urges Military to Stop Trespasses on Streets Baghdad’s secretariat on Wednesday called on U.S. and Iraqi troops to stop trespassing in many of the capital’s streets. Teacher Gunned Down in Mosul Concrete Barricades Removed from Falluja Streets Concrete barricades will be removed from several main streets in Falluja, the city’s police chief said on Wednesday Iraq: Funds Invested in the Rehabilitation of the Diala Province Went to Terrorists An investigation committee appointed to oversee rehabilitation works in the Iraqi province of Diala in the years 2005-2007 has revealed that senior officials, government employees, contractors, and private companies were involved in transferring PM says Saddam loyalists infiltrated Iraq's Sahwa militia Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iraqis on Friday that Al-Qaeda rebels and Saddam Hussein loyalists had infiltrated a pro-government militia that had helped to tame the country's deadly insurgency. US Marine stood with gun over Iraqi: witness (AFP) A US Marine charged with killing an unarmed Iraqi was found by fellow troops pointing his pistol at the man and standing over his body, a witness said. Iraq disbands Sunni militia that helped defeat insurgents One hundred thousand members of the Awakening Councils will now be given jobs at the interior ministry, but many fear the plan will renew sectarian tension and spark disaffection among those not given security roles. Ex-Blackwater Workers May Return To Iraq Jobs	Thursday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 22 Wounded U.S. kills Iraqi paramilitary planting bomb A U.S. aircraft attacked a group of men believed to be members of a government-allied Sunni paramilitary group as they were planting a roadside bomb north of Baghdad, killing one and wounding two, the U.S. military said Friday. Iraq decides to pay Sunni groups despite clashes Swiss Authorities expel Iraqi citizen Swiss Authorities announced that that they have expelled on Thursday to Sweden Iraqi citizen Fahed Khamas after a week of his arrest in Zurich. It is to be noted that Swiss authorities rejected asylum of Al Khamas who said he used to work as an Iraqi interpreter with the US military in Baghdad Peshmerga Confirms That War Will Not Outbreak with Arab in the Event of the U.S. Withdrawal The border guard forces of the region of Kurdistan "Peshmerga", have confirmed that war will not break out between Kurds and Arabs in the event of the withdrawal of the American forces from Iraq. A Journalist Exposed to Beating and Threatening in Basra Sunni paramilitary leader released from Iraq jail A judge dismisses murder charges against Raad Ali, who spent 10 days jailed as part of an apparent crackdown against the Sons of Iraq movement by the Shiite-led government. Claims of Rising Official Corruption in Iraq Danger of a Double Rift in the Sadr Movement PM says Saddam loyalists infiltrated Iraq's Sahwa militia (AFP) Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iraqis on Friday that Al-Qaeda rebels and Saddam Hussein loyalists had infiltrated a pro-government militia that had helped to tame the country's deadly insurgency. Gays killed in Baghdad as clerics urge clampdown (Reuters) Two gay men were killed in Baghdad's Sadr City slum, a local official said on Saturday, and police said they had found the bodies of four more after clerics urged a crackdown on a perceived spread of homosexuality.
Middle East
The term 'Jewish Arabs' ignores the truth of Middle Eastern Jews' unhappy history in Arab lands There is no denying that in Israel there is discrimination and an ethnic divide. Choice quotes from Israel's leaders in the 1950s do betray contempt for Mizrahim – the 40% of Jewish Israelis who hail from Arab lands. As Rachel Shabi writes in Not The Enemy, they were portrayed as 'weak, dirty, poor, culturally deficient and superstitious". U.N. to Probe Alleged Israeli Crimes in Gaza U.N. appoints ex-prosecutor to lead probe into alleged Israeli crimes in Gaza.Jewish judge to probe 'Gaza war crimes' Israel FM: No Peace Without War Israel's foreign minister refuses to explicitly endorse a two-state solution. PA: Death penalty for those who sell land to Jews Authority's Chief Islamic Judge issues warning after reports of US Jews buying land from Palestinians. 'Israel unlikely to attack Iran this year' U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the Financial Times on Wednesday that Israel is unlikely to launch military operations against Iranian nuclear installations this year in a bid to derail the Islamic regime's drive to attain atomic weapons Ergenekon planned president’s assassination Ergenekon, a clandestine terrorist organization, of which 152 suspected members currently are standing trial for plotting to overthrow the government, planned to assassinate President Abdullah Gül, an additional indictment accepted by the İstanbul 13th Higher Criminal Court hearing the case claims Ergenekon blacklisted unions, indictment claims Israel cabinet picture doctored to remove women Two ultra-Orthodox Jewish newspapers alter a photo of Israel's cabinet, removing two women so as not to offend readers.	Police again question Israeli FM Lieberman on bribery Israeli police on Friday questioned the new foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, for the second straight day on suspicion of bribery and money laundering, a police spokesman said. Haaretz exclusive: The man who bribed Indians for Israeli arms sales Unflattering reports in the Indian press have recently revealed new information about the Indian middleman, Sudhir Choudrie Iran denies having had 'talks' with U.S. Iran dismissed U.S. reports that senior U.S. and Iran envoys had a cordial — and promising — face-to-face exchange at an international conference, saying Wednesday that no "talks" took place. Israeli settlers seize house in Jerusalem Israeli settlers seized a house in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem Old City's on Thursday after breaking in before dawn, the owner's family and witnesses said. Spanish prosecutors seek to shelve Israel case (AFP) Spanish public prosecutors have asked a Spanish court to shelve a complaint against seven top Israeli military figures over a deadly bombing of Gaza in 2002, a judicial official said Thursday. Egypt police beat and detain 18 protesters: witnesses (Reuters) Egyptian police beat and detained at least 18 members of an anti-government protest group on Saturday during a demonstration to demand the release of two activists, eyewitnesses said. Woman fires on police station in southern Israel (AP) A woman opened fire on a police station in southern Israel Saturday before officers shot back and killed her, in an apparent Palestinian militant attack. Parents of captive U.S. journalist heading to Tehran
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
'10 dead' in Afghanistan attack A suicide attack on a local council building in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar kills at least 10 people, officials say. Afghan villagers trying to keep Taliban at bay On a wind-swept hill at the foot of snowcapped mountains, a ragtag force of farmers, students and other unemployed men snapped to attention, their guns slung across the shoulders, their new black boots shining. IEDs now cause 75% of Afghanistan casualties Roadside bombs cause 75 percent of casualties to coalition forces in Afghanistan, up from 50 percent two years ago, prompting urgent pleas from commanders there for more armored vehicles to protect troops, according to data and interviews. 3 Bagram Prisoners Granted Habeas Corpus Obama’s Blackwater? Jeremy Scahill on Triple Canopy, the New Lead US Mercenary Force in Iraq and Israel Taliban to Lighten Up on Beards, Burqas The Taliban said this week that it is prepared to stop measuring men's beards and allow women to take off their burqas, or head coverings, in public as part of a trade-off in negotiations with the Afghan... Karzai says anger at Afghan Shi'ite law "inappropriate" (Reuters) Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday concerns expressed by the United States and the United Nations toward a new law for Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority and its impact on women's rights were inappropriate. 35 Taliban die in blast soldier in a Nato-led force in Afghanistan died in a bomb blast yesterday while the US military announced it had killed 35 Taliban-linked insurgents.	Aid agencies issue Afghan warning Leading charities warn that increased military deployments in Afghanistan could lead to more civilian casualties US-Iran thaw could bolster Afghanistan rebuilding efforts US, Uzbekistan sign deal for Afghan resupply The United States has signed a new deal with the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan to bring nonmilitary supplies to U.S. fighting forces in Afghanistan. Noam Chomsky on US Expansion of Afghan Occupation, the Uses of NATO, and What Obama Should Do in Israel-Palestine Taliban storm Afghan government office Four Taliban suicide bombers disguised in army uniforms detonated a car bomb and stormed a government office Wednesday, killing 13 people. The assault highlighted the increasingly deadly tactics that Taliban militants are learning from al-Qaida, an expert said. NATO Leaders Endorse Obama's Afghan Plan Up to 1,000 more British troops to go to Afghanistan Nato: 'Europeans say 'thanks but no thanks' to new US stance on Afghanistan NATO ALLIES REFUSE TO SEND COMBAT TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN Europe to contribute 5,000 extra troops to Afghanistan
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Official: Suspected U.S. missile attack kills 13 in Pakistan Islamabad rocked by massive suicide bomb Pakistan finds 46 dead Afghans in truck container: police Pakistan found the dead bodies of up to 46 Afghans crammed into a truck container in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday that was believed to have been bound for Iran, police said. American UN hostage released in Pakistan: UN, police Foiled suicide attack on Pakistani troops kills 17 civilians At least 17 civilians, including five schoolchildren, were killed and several others were injured Saturday in a foiled suicide attack	Pakistan suicide attack kills at least 4 people At least four people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a paramilitary checkpost in tribal Pakistan Saturday, police and hospital officials said. Top Pakistan judge to probe woman's flogging (AFP) Pakistan's top judge has ordered a court hearing into the public flogging of a veiled woman, filmed on an amateur video, that has raised alarm about the tightening grip of Islamist hardliners Video Showing Flogging Of Girl Causes Outrage In Pakistan... Watch (Warning: Graphic Images) Zardari pledges to stop fundamentalists Obama: No NATO troops for Pakistan (AP)
Asia
Clashes on Thai-Cambodia border Troops exchange fire near disputed temple but no reports of casualties.
Europe
Gang of villagers chase away Google car Google's ambitious plan to offer a 3-D street level view of communities across three continents hit a snag when angry residents of a UK village blocked the search engine's camera car from photographing their homes. Police fire tear gas at NATO protesters Black-clad protesters attacked police and set a hotel and a customs station ablaze Saturday near a bridge linking France and Germany that served hours earlier as the backdrop for a show of unity by NATO leaders.	Piracy law cuts internet traffic Internet traffic in Sweden falls by a third as the country's new anti-piracy law came into effect, reports suggest. Thousands Join Anti-Government Rally in Ukraine More than 10,000 gathered in Kiev to demand a change of government, and President Viktor Yushchenko said he was considering calling early elections. Russia may offer US Afghan access Russia agrees to discuss the transit of American military supplies to Afghanistan across its territory.
Africa
Bashir in S Arabia despite warrant Sudanese president makes fifth visit to a foreign country since war crimes charges. Man claims in video to be US jihadist in Somalia A man who calls himself an American promotes holy war in Somalia in a video posted this week on an Islamic militant Web site. Darfur crisis 'on the brink of deepening': envoy (AFP)	Some in Uganda immune to HIV Doctors say breakthrough find of HIV immunity may lead to a vaccine Racism accusations fly over man in Sudan denied emergency passport Supporters of Abousfian Abdelrazik — a Canadian citizen blacklisted as a terrorist and stranded in Sudan US dollar eases Zimbabwe inflation
The Americas
The Lost People of La Joya Five years after a massacre, a Salvadoran town still battles for survival against US-backed military forces. Venezuelan police sentenced for 2002 violence A Venezuelan court on Friday sentenced nine former police officials to as long as 30 years in prison for the killings of demonstrators during street protests before the failed 2002 coup against President Hugo Chavez, lawyers said. Mexican President: US authorities 'complicit' in drug trade	Military Justice System under Fire The Mexican government, legislators and human rights organisations are calling for a review of the outdated military justice system, accused of letting human rights violators off the hook. But only activists seem to actually be doing anything to bring that about. Venezuela ups US oil sales despite OPEC, US says Venezuela increased oil shipments to the United States in January, despite President Hugo Chavez's anti-U.S. rhetoric and a promise to OPEC to cut output, the U.S. Department of Energy said Wednesday.