The News Crawler

Women protesting at 'pro-rape' law attacked by Afghan men Women marching against new legislation which effectively legalises rape met violent opposition from an opposing mob in Kabul yesterday.

Plan for Palestinian state is 'dead end,' Israel tells U.S. In a direct challenge to President Barack Obama's commitment to rejuvenate moribund Mideast peace talks, Israel on Thursday dismissed American-led efforts to establish a Palestinian state and laid out new conditions for renewed negotiations.

NYT: Agency Tried Wiretapping Lawmaker Without A Warrant... Was Believed To Be In Contact With Extremist Who Had Possible Terrorist Ties... NSA Intercepted More Private Emails, Phone Calls In Recent Months Than Legally Allowed

Olberman: 'Mr. President, you are wrong' In a "Special Comment" regarding the release by the Obama Administration of "the remainder of this nightmare of Bush Administration torture memos," MSNBC's Keith Olbermann offered the current Commander in Chief some praise for going "half-way," then blasted him for issuing a statement which said that "nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past."

Citizens group puts military projects on its list of ‘waste’ The gym at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, was one of thousands of projects included in the 2009 Pig Book, an annual publication by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Wast

Great Video:Speaking Truth to Crazy at the Pensacola Tea Party I had planned to cover the local teabaggery for a while, but really only to livetweet it for posterity. However, after arriving and taking a few pictures and such, they announced via megaphone, "Anyone who'd like to say a few words is welcome to do so." Well, they did say anyone ...I gave a lot of thought to what I wanted to say, making sure to draw the crowd in so they'd listen carefully before bringing the rhetorical hammer down. I guess it worked.

Book tells of female U.S. soldiers raped by comrades Based on 40 in-depth interviews, Helen Benedict’s "The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq" recounts stories of female veterans who served in combat zones and endured rape, sexual assault and harassment by male counterparts.

Feds Plan to Prosecute Captive Pirate in N.Y. More high drama on high seas as France captures pirate ship

Marine Corps changing armor decision process The Marine Corps has heard enough complaints from Marines that their body armor was too heavy, too hot, and slowed down their movements.

Back to the 1930s, Part VII

Internet used by more than half in U.S. election

Child abuse spikes as U.S. economy founders

Pipe From India Incenses Illinois Town Unions began to widen their efforts against imported steel after a train’s foreign freight for an oil pipeline project was spotted in Granite City, Ill.

IBM Hires Ex-Bush Aide for Lobbying

Iraq air raids hit mostly women and children Air strikes and artillery barrages have taken a heavy toll among the most vulnerable of the Iraqi people, with children and women forming a disproportionate number of the dead.

Gates: 'Last gasp' remark on al Qaida in Iraq was mistake Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday that he'd made a mistake when he said that the rising tide of violence in Iraq is the "last gasp" of al Qaida there

Iraq war deaths: Executions leading cause Execution-style killings, not headline-grabbing bombings, have been the leading cause of death among civilians in the Iraq war, a new study shows.

Monday: 1 US Soldier, 3 Iraqis Killed; 5 Iraqis Wounded

Tuesday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 10 Wounded

Wednesday: 16 Iraqis Killed, 27 Wounded

ID 2.5 Bln for "Sons of Iraq" As Salaries in Diyala Directorate of militias integration and disarmament finished paying about ID 2.5 billion as salaries for members of Awakening Councils in Diyala province include more than 8 thousand members, ID 295 000 for each one, a Government's official in the province said.

Bomber in army uniform dies in Iraq blast A suicide bomber struck an Iraqi military base Thursday in an attack that Iraqi officials first said killed 16 soldiers but later maintained no one died but the attacker

Kurds anxious over U.S. withdrawal A senior Kurdish official warned Thursday that security gains in Iraq could evaporate if American troops withdraw on schedule in two years without a political accord among Sunni Arabs, Shi'ite Arabs and Kurds.

Iraq MPs request more time for Kirkuk vote report Iraqi lawmakers said on Wednesday they would request a two-month extension to complete a report on holding local elections in the ethnically divided oil hub of Kirkuk.

Dutch citizen to be sentenced in Iraq bombing An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen faces sentencing in what prosecutors say is the United States' first criminal prosecution of attacks targeting Americans in Iraq.

Iraq Bombing Kills at Least 10 in Kirkuk, Injures 22 (Update1) A car bombing today near a police academy in Iraq’s northern city of Kirkuk left at least 10 people dead and injured 22 others.

US sergeant found guilty of murders in Iraq A US sergeant was found guilty Wednesday of the murder of four detainees in Iraq in 2007, but acquitted in the death of a fifth, following a court martial in Germany.

$40M fuel theft prompts global manhunt Authorities are searching the globe for suspects in the theft of $40 million worth of fuel from a U.S. Army base in Iraq.

Minorities Fear Christian Exodus Iraqi minority groups have reacted with anxiety following reports a large number of Iraqi Christian refugees are emigrating to Europe.

Iraq on Weapons Shopping Spree In preparation for the departure of the multinational forces from its territory in 2011, Iraq has signed agreements to buy weapons from Russia, France, Serbia, South Korea, Brazil and Italy, in addition to the U.S. and other NATO member countries.

Drought dries up Iraq's ‘Garden of Eden’ A severe drought is threatening Iraq's southern marshes — the traditional site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

Thursday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 46 Wounded

U.S. says new troops push Taliban away from Kabul

Afghans arrest two over murder of woman activist Afghanistan's police have arrested two men accused of gunning down a women's rights activist in the southern province of Kandahar, the interior ministry said on Thursday.

Japan sees role for Iran in Afghanistan-Pakistan

16 dead in Pakistan suicide bombing A suicide bombing killed 16 people at a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, police said.

15 people die in Pakistan suicide bombing attack In Pakistan 15 people died on Wednesday in a booby trapped car attack that aimed a police checkpoint west of Pakistan. Riyad Khan the Head of Sharsada Police Department said that 8 policemen and 7 civilians were killed

Expelled Nuclear Inspectors Leave NKorea U.N. nuclear inspectors remove seals from reactor before leaving North Korea.

China plans 'human rights action' China announces a human rights action plan, vowing to uphold the rule of law - and emphasising the right to make money.

China GDP growth slows to record low

Mumbai 'attacker' lawyer sacked The defence lawyer for the only surviving suspected gunman from the Mumbai attacks is sacked as he appears in court.

French boats block Channel ports French fishing boats mount a blockade of Channel ports in a dispute over fishing quotas

Pirate Bay confident over Swedish trial One of the founders of The Pirate Bay site says he anticipates victory in the court battle over alleged copyright theft

Police, protesters at Caterpillar site in France Police deployed Thursday at a plant in the French Alps run by U.S. manufacturer Caterpillar where workers camped out overnight to protest layoffs.

Medvedev: Russia needs more political competition Russia needs stronger political competition and a greater freedom to protest, President Dmitry Medvedev said in remarks released Thursday, sending the strongest signal yet that he may rethink the legacy of predecessor Vladimir Putin.

(Spanish) Judge wants to keep Gitmo case alive (investigation of the Bush Six) A Spanish judge moved Friday to keep alive an investigation into six former Bush administration officials for alleged torture of prisoners at the U.S. detention camp for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba.

US Senator: Sudan will allow aid back to Darfur U.S. Senator John Kerry said Thursday that Sudan has agreed to allow some aid back into Darfur, more than a month after the Sudanese president expelled over a dozen aid groups from the region.

DEA says Mexican drug cartels are creeping south Mexican drug cartels are creeping south into Central America, U.S. drug enforcement officials said Wednesday, as the Obama administration put new pressure on drug kingpins ahead of the president's trip to Mexico City. Drug Enforcement Administration officials said there are growing signs that stepped-up law enforcement efforts on the U.S.-Mexico border are driving the cartels south toward Central America

Benefits may have cost Canadian autoworkers their advantage Chrysler and General Motors are demanding steep givebacks in pensions and other benefits from members of the Canadian Auto Workers union on the grounds that, unlike their American counterparts, they can count on generous government-sponsored health care.

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Headlines	Click here for Yesterdays Edition
Women protesting at 'pro-rape' law attacked by Afghan men Women marching against new legislation which effectively legalises rape met violent opposition from an opposing mob in Kabul yesterday. Plan for Palestinian state is 'dead end,' Israel tells U.S. In a direct challenge to President Barack Obama's commitment to rejuvenate moribund Mideast peace talks, Israel on Thursday dismissed American-led efforts to establish a Palestinian state and laid out new conditions for renewed negotiations. NYT: Agency Tried Wiretapping Lawmaker Without A Warrant... Was Believed To Be In Contact With Extremist Who Had Possible Terrorist Ties... NSA Intercepted More Private Emails, Phone Calls In Recent Months Than Legally Allowed Olberman: 'Mr. President, you are wrong' In a "Special Comment" regarding the release by the Obama Administration of "the remainder of this nightmare of Bush Administration torture memos," MSNBC's Keith Olbermann offered the current Commander in Chief some praise for going "half-way," then blasted him for issuing a statement which said that "nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past." Citizens group puts military projects on its list of ‘waste’ The gym at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, was one of thousands of projects included in the 2009 Pig Book, an annual publication by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Wast Great Video:Speaking Truth to Crazy at the Pensacola Tea Party I had planned to cover the local teabaggery for a while, but really only to livetweet it for posterity. However, after arriving and taking a few pictures and such, they announced via megaphone, "Anyone who'd like to say a few words is welcome to do so." Well, they did say anyone ...I gave a lot of thought to what I wanted to say, making sure to draw the crowd in so they'd listen carefully before bringing the rhetorical hammer down. I guess it worked.	Kurds anxious over U.S. withdrawal A senior Kurdish official warned Thursday that security gains in Iraq could evaporate if American troops withdraw on schedule in two years without a political accord among Sunni Arabs, Shi'ite Arabs and Kurds. McCain Campaign Manager: Religion Could Kill The GOP...Says GOP Should Back Gay Marriage Waterboarding, boxes and bugs used on suspects A 2002 Bush administration memo argues that using waterboarding on terrorism suspects inflicts no pain or harm U.S. tax chief says offshore tax evasion biggest focus The U.S. government plans to step up criminal prosecutions of tax cheats hiding money in offshore accounts and has seen a boost in individuals turning themselves in, the top U.S. tax official said on Monday. Offshore Tax Havens: A State-By-State Breakdown Of The Cost To Taxpayers A Senate report estimated in 2008 that the United States loses up to $100 billion a year in tax revenue to offshore tax havens AIG, Others Routinely Denying Care To Contractors Injured In Iraq, Afghanistan WATCH: Daily Show's John Oliver Lectures Tea Partiers On British Tyranny (Spanish) Judge wants to keep Gitmo case alive (investigation of the Bush Six) A Spanish judge moved Friday to keep alive an investigation into six former Bush administration officials for alleged torture of prisoners at the U.S. detention camp for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba. Tax Day: You Pay Your Taxes -- Why Don't the Rich Pay Their Share? Few Americans realize just how incredibly little our nation's wealthy now pay in taxes. Our grandparents seriously taxed the rich. Why can't we?
Connecticut
Conn. lobster catch smallest in 25 years Connecticut officials say the state's 2008 commercial lobster catch in Long Island Sound was the smallest in 25 years and that likely means new size restrictions on future catches. Maine lobster catch and value fall for 2008 State Loses 7,100 Jobs Amid Faint Signs Of Improvement Connecticut lost 7,100 jobs in March, and unemployment rose to 7.5 percent from 7.4 percent in February, according to a report released today by the state Department of Labor. Economists Send Up Red Flags On Dems' Tax Plan With the state's three-year budget deficit forecast hovering between $6 billion and $9 billion, Democrats are pushing a tax plan that economists warn will wipe out thousands of jobs both in old-line and emerging Connecticut industries Newspaper Editor Canned for 'Opinions' The opinion editor of a college newspaper is firing back after being let go for her membership in a socialist action club. Smoke ‘Em If You Can Afford To No, don’t smoke. But if you do, your neighbors in CT are ready to tax the tar out of you.	Madoff-Linked Asset Freeze Lifted in Connecticut Suit (Update1) Assets of Bernard Madoff ’s family members and “feeder funds” that steered money to his investment-management unit were unfrozen after a hearing in a lawsuit over almost $42 million in Fairfield, Connecticut, pension money. Connecticut casinos' slot revenues rebounding Tea Party Rally Outside State Capitol Draws Big Crowd The state Capitol police, who provide the official crowd estimates for all events at the Capitol, estimated the crowd Wednesday at 3,000 people. State ‘housing wage’ 6th-highest To afford a two-bedroom apartment in the New Haven area, a person must earn $21.17 per hour in a full-time job, according to a national report released Tuesday. Let’s Play ‘Who Gave Chris Dodd More Money Than Connecticut Residents?’ We know that Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), burned by voter anger over his coziness with Wall Street, received only $4,250 in donations from actual residents of his home state during the first three months of this year.
United States
Secret Service Shuts Down Tea Party (VIDEO) The "Teabag" Protests Smack of Neo-McCarthyism Good News...TEXAS GOVERNOR THREATENS TO SECEDE Angry Ron Paul Supporters Say GOP Stole Tea Party Sorry Teabaggers: Majority Of Americans Support Expanded Government Role In Economy Who pays taxes - and how much? For most Americans, Wednesday is the day they have to make sure they're square with the tax man. At tax time, cases like Geithner's raise pointed questions The Treasury secretary, who oversees the IRS, initially didn't pay all his taxes. Neither did five other top nominees for the Obama administration or their spouses. Now, as tonight's tax deadline looms, some Americans are rhetorically asking: What would have happened to me if I had done the same thing? The New McCarthyism: DHS Reports on Right-Wing Extremism‎ - Great Video:Speaking Truth to Crazy at the Pensacola Tea Party I had planned to cover the local teabaggery for a while, but really only to livetweet it for posterity. However, after arriving and taking a few pictures and such, they announced via megaphone, "Anyone who'd like to say a few words is welcome to do so." Well, they did say anyone ...I gave a lot of thought to what I wanted to say, making sure to draw the crowd in so they'd listen carefully before bringing the rhetorical hammer down. I guess it worked. Reflections on Teabaggers Fox News and the Republican Party are playing with fire here. Let’s face it, there are a lot of nuts out there. And a lot of guns to go with them.read more Bush Administration Requested DHS Report On Right-Wing LEFT-WING EXTREMISM: The Current Threat Leftwing Extremists Increase in Cyber Attacks PHOTOS: The 10 Most Offensive Tea Party Signs The Latest Absurdity in the Fight to Conserve Water: Making Rainwater Harvesting Illegal Absurd laws are challenging the collection in some states, while others are embracing the practice. The Consequences of 'Drill, Baby Drill': More Than 90 Oil Spills a Day in the U.S. Spain rejects US 'torture' probe Spain's attorney-general rejects a request to investigate six former US officials over torture allegations at Guantanamo Bay. More whites, fewer blacks in prison for drugs For the first time since the war on drugs became a national law enforcement obsession in the mid-1980s, the number of African-Americans in state prisons for drug offenses has declined, a criminal justice reform organization said. Book tells of female U.S. soldiers raped by comrades Based on 40 in-depth interviews, Helen Benedict’s "The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq" recounts stories of female veterans who served in combat zones and endured rape, sexual assault and harassment by male counterparts. Feds Plan to Prosecute Captive Pirate in N.Y. More high drama on high seas as France captures pirate ship Citizens group puts military projects on its list of ‘waste’ The gym at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, was one of thousands of projects included in the 2009 Pig Book, an annual publication by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste. Marine Corps changing armor decision process The Marine Corps has heard enough complaints from Marines that their body armor was too heavy, too hot, and slowed down their movements. Back to the 1930s, Part VII Internet used by more than half in U.S. election Child abuse spikes as U.S. economy founders Pipe From India Incenses Illinois Town Unions began to widen their efforts against imported steel after a train’s foreign freight for an oil pipeline project was spotted in Granite City, Ill. IBM Hires Ex-Bush Aide for Lobbying	Gitmo detainee claims beatings by jailers Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detainee Mohammed el Gharani says he was hit with batons until his teeth broke and tear-gassed at the U.S. prison camp. Gharani, speaking clandestinely to the al-Jazeera network Tuesday on a telephone provided by jailers to call relatives, said his mistreatment began only 20 days before Barack Obama became the new U.S. Chase's Collection Agency Accused Of Posting Threats On MySpace Page Of Debtor's Daughter United Airlines To Charge Obese Passengers Extra Suit: Yankees force fans to sit for 'God Bless America' A baseball fan says he was ejected from Yankee Stadium for leaving his seat to use the bathroom while "God Bless America" played CIA documents shine light on secretive Air America (airline, not radio station) 'That's So Gay': Words That Can Kill Anti-gay taunts in school lead to 11-year-old's suicide and calls for change. The 50 Most Polluted Sites in the U.S. Govt. deems areas the most contaminated by mining waste, lead and other hazards. Cocaine Highways: Post-NAFTA, Most Drugs Cross U.S. Borders in Trucks Mexican cartels using fleet of 18-wheelers; only 5% inspected at borders. Justice Dept. Whistleblower Defends Decision to Leak Bush Domestic Surveillance Program & Calls for Prosecution of Gov't Officials and Telecoms We speak with Thomas Tamm, the man who blew the whistle on the Bush administration’s secret domestic surveillance program. Tamm worked as an attorney at the Justice Department when he leaked the story to the New York Times in 2004. In 2007, the FBI raided his home and seized three computers and personal files. He still faces possible arrest for disclosing classified secrets. Bush Torture Memos Released: Read The Complete Documents Child Abuse Spikes As U.S. Economy Flounders US silent on Guantanamo abuse claim No comment on claim made to Al Jazeera that prisoner was abused by prison guards. No DNA on truck in racially charged dragging case Texas prosecutors say they still plan to take to trial a racially charged murder case against two white men accused of running down a black man with a pickup truck, even though they have no physical evidence or eyewitnesses linking the suspects to the crime. US to tackle resurgent bed bugs The US government moves to tackle bed bugs, which have re-emerged as a major problem in many parts of the country Schwarzenegger says illegal immigrants aren't to blame for fiscal crisis Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that the claim by some conservative activists that illegal immigration is to blame for all of the state's fiscal problems is ignorant and bigoted. Jurors decry post-trial arrest of Egyptian student Four jurors who acquitted an Egyptian college student of federal explosives charges criticized U.S. immigration authorities on Wednesday for trying to deport him, saying it was a "blatant disregard" of their verdict. Bring on the taxes, Vermont counterprotesters say Protesters nationwide demanded lower taxes on Wednesday. A group in Vermont can't get enough of them. Army officials say war concussions overdiagnosed Mild brain injuries - once considered an under-recognized problem in returning military troops - are being overdiagnosed because the government is using soft criteria instead of hard medical evidence, an Army doctor and two other officials contend IG: IRS allows improper tax credits for foreigners The IRS allowed more than 1 million foreigners - many of them in the U.S. illegally - to improperly claim $1.8 billion in child tax credits in 2007, a government investigator said Thursday. Bush Administration Used Commercial Diets To Justify Detainee Treatment Gotcha TV: Crews Stalk Bill O’Reilly’s Targets Many of the most recent subjects of on-the-street, ambush interviews on “The O’Reilly Factor” have been political and personal opponents of the host. (Spanish) Judge wants to keep Gitmo case alive (investigation of the Bush Six) A Spanish judge moved Friday to keep alive an investigation into six former Bush administration officials for alleged torture of prisoners at the U.S. detention camp for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba. WATCH: Daily Show's John Oliver Lectures Tea Partiers On British Tyranny AIG, Others Routinely Denying Care To Contractors Injured In Iraq, Afghanistan Olberman: 'Mr. President, you are wrong' In a "Special Comment" regarding the release by the Obama Administration of "the remainder of this nightmare of Bush Administration torture memos," MSNBC's Keith Olbermann offered the current Commander in Chief some praise for going "half-way," then blasted him for issuing a statement which said that "nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past." Fed contractor, cell phone maker sold spy system to Iran Two European companies — a major contractor to the U.S. government and a top cell-phone equipment maker — last year installed an electronic surveillance system for Iran that human rights advocates and intelligence experts say can help Iran target dissidents. Contractor sentenced to over 5 years in 9/11 fraud A former contractor was sentenced on Friday to more than five years in prison for defrauding the federal government during reconstruction of the Pentagon after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Madoffed
SEC Sues Church Leaders For Swindling Parishioners Dallas hedge fund exec Barrett Wissman pleads guilty to securities fraud Offshore Tax Havens: A State-By-State Breakdown Of The Cost To Taxpayers A Senate report estimated in 2008 that the United States loses up to $100 billion a year in tax revenue to offshore tax havens Peter Madoff's $235,000 Company Car Trustees of Bernie's U.K. firm want to seize his brother's vintage Aston Martin. 'Shortfall' in Stanford accounts The firm appointed to liquidate the Antiguan arm of Sir Allen Stanford's financial empire has found "an enormous shortfall" in its accounts. Credit Card Processor Asked for Offshore Data The I.R.S. wants to force the First Data Corporation to turn over account information on scores of merchants SEC: Tighter oversight of rating firms needed The head of the Securities and Exchange Commission says the agency must do more to tighten oversight of Wall Street's credit-rating industry to help bolster investor confidence. U.S. tax chief says offshore tax evasion biggest focus The U.S. government plans to step up criminal prosecutions of tax cheats hiding money in offshore accounts and has seen a boost in individuals turning themselves in, the top U.S. tax official said on Monday.

Science
Spam 'produces 17m tons of CO2' Spam wastes enough energy to power more than 2.4m homes every year, a study finds. Stem cells 'can treat diabetes' An experimental stem cell treatment has enabled diabetes patients to go for as long as four years without insulin injections Anti-addiction pills may turn rehab on its head Walter Kent was a hard-core alcoholic for 30 years. Now, he helps out in the kitchen in a bar and isn't tempted to drink. He credits a prescription medication called naltrexone. It's part of a new generation of anti-addiction drugs that may turn the world of rehab on its head. But despite studies showing effectiveness, established rehab programs have been slow to adopt the use of medication. Hubble Telescope's Amazing Space Photography	Amazonian ants abandon sex for a world without males A species of ant in the Amazon has abandoned sex and become female-only, say researchers - the first such species discovered. Buyer beware: New survey looks at environmentally friendly products Green buyers, beware: Many products that promise to be good for the planet aren't as environmentally friendly as they claim. Scientist: First cloned camel born in Dubai Iranian scientists claim they have cloned a goat Planet-hunting spacecraft's first images released
Politics
Richard Armitage On Torture: I Should Have Resigned From Bush Administration Bachmann falsely claims ‘flying imams’ were in Minneapolis for Ellison party Tax Day: You Pay Your Taxes -- Why Don't the Rich Pay Their Share? Few Americans realize just how incredibly little our nation's wealthy now pay in taxes. Our grandparents seriously taxed the rich. Why can't we? Homeland security chief apologizes to vets Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized Thursday after veterans groups were offended by a department report about right-wing extremism. Waterboarding, boxes and bugs used on suspects A 2002 Bush administration memo argues that using waterboarding on terrorism suspects inflicts no pain or harm Republicans Hold Firm to Block Seating of Franken As former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) and comedian Al Franken (D) continued to argue Tuesday over Minnesota's Senate seat, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) reaffirmed the GOP Conference's commitment to filibustering any Democratic attempt to seat Franken. Sen. Rockefeller: NSA May Have Wiretapped Me Campaign Contributions Up, Despite Economic Downturn	JPMorgan's $2.1B Profit: So When Will Govt. Get TARP Money Back? NYT: Agency Tried Wiretapping Lawmaker Without A Warrant... Was Believed To Be In Contact With Extremist Who Had Possible Terrorist Ties... NSA Intercepted More Private Emails, Phone Calls In Recent Months Than Legally Allowed MetLife says it will not seek US Treasury funds Pentagon sees "robust" buy of Lockheed C-130Js Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday the Pentagon will have a "robust" buy of Lockheed Martin Corp's workhorse C-130J transport airplane, the longest-running military aircraft production program EPA declares greenhouse gases a danger to public health McCain Campaign Manager: Religion Could Kill The GOP...Says GOP Should Back Gay Marriage Way More Than 27 Members of Congress Were Potentially Wiretapped I put together a preliminary list yesterday of 27 members of Congress who visited the Middle East in 2005 and 2006 — making them, per The New York Times, possible victims of illegal National Security Agency surveillance. Texas Senate Thumbs Nose At Gov. Perry, Votes For Stimulus Funds
Obama
White House Changes Course, Decides To Reveal Health Of Top Banks White House On Tea Parties: We Passed The Biggest Tax Cut In History No charges over CIA waterboarding US president says those who used interrogation technique will not face prosecution. Obama Administration Claims "Sovereign Immunity" in Attempt to Dismiss Lawsuit Against NSA over Domestic Surveillance We speak to attorney and blogger Glenn Greenwald about how the Department of Justice has demanded the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by the Electronic Frontier Foundation based on “state secrets” and “sovereign immunity.” Greenwald says the “sovereign immunity” claim is “of breathtaking scope—never before advanced even by the Bush administration—that the PATRIOT Act bars any lawsuits of any kind for illegal government surveillance unless there is ‘willful disclosure’ of the illegally intercepted communications.” Obama: Reducing drug, gun flow can be done President Barack Obama says cracking down on drug and gun trafficking is a realistic goal in his partnership with Mexico. Shame on Obama for Letting Torturers, and Their Bosses, Go Education Standards Likely to See Toughening The Obama administration will likely toughen rules on areas like teacher quality and academic standards.	Obama Leans Toward Keeping CIA Interrogation Memos Secret Obamas Pay More Than $900,000 In Taxes Obama Vows To Rewrite, Simplify 'Monstrous' US Tax Code Obama outlines high-speed rail goals, compares them to 1950s building of interstate highways Bidens earned $269,256 last year Obama: U.S. 'Committed' To Drug War....Obama: Drug wars 'sowing chaos' Acknowledging a Mexican drug war that is "sowing chaos in our communities," President Barack Obama signaled Thursday he will not seek the reinstatement of a U.S. assault weapons ban. New border czar to address Mexico crisis Top Obama official sought bonus after bailout Shortly before joining the Obama administration, Deputy Secretary of State Jacob J. Lew reported in a little-noticed government filing that he intended to collect a bonus for his 2008 work at Citigroup even though the Wall Street firm had just received a massive federal bailout. Now administration officials - who expressed outrage when other bailed-out firms such as American International Group Inc. (AIG) awarded bonuses to executives - are steadfastly refusing to say whether Mr. Lew accepted the money in January or how much of his nearly $1.1 million compensation from Citigroup last year was paid
Economy
Housing index posts biggest jump in 5 years Consumer Prices Dip In March, Post 1st Annual Drop Since '55 US jobless numbers hit new high Overall rise in jobless figures and fall in new housing building spark fresh fears. Homebuilder confidence jumps In a strong sign that the housing market may be picking up, builder confidence in April made its most dramatic increase in nearly seven years, according to an industry report. Prescription drug prices on the rise Why GameStop's stock is getting zapped Even when consumers curb their spending, they have a hard time letting go of their favorite vices. Sales of guilty pleasures such as chocolate, cigarettes, and alcohol usually stay strong during downturns. Now it might be time to add videogames to the recession-proof roster: Last year the industry's overall U.S. sales jumped 19% to $21 billion, according to NPD Group. March video game sales decline	U.S. FORECLOSURE INDEX: Foreclosures Soar in March, Up 44 Percent Over February’s High Treasurys fall on mixed economic news Treasurys fell Wednesday as investors responded to reports on inflation and industrial production. Honda moves beyond the car More like an engineering fraternity than an auto company, Honda Motor likes to explore technological challenges. Most have practical applications, like solar-powered refueling stations to convert natural gas into hydrogen for fuel-cell cars. Others seem whimsical, almost frivolous, as if Honda was pursuing the project just for the fun of it. Crude stockpiles rose much more than expected Crude oil inventories rose much more than expected last week, as demand for gasoline and other fuels continued to slide, according to government data released Wednesday IMF warns recession will be 'unusually long-lasting'

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Iraq air raids hit mostly women and children Air strikes and artillery barrages have taken a heavy toll among the most vulnerable of the Iraqi people, with children and women forming a disproportionate number of the dead. Gates: 'Last gasp' remark on al Qaida in Iraq was mistake Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday that he'd made a mistake when he said that the rising tide of violence in Iraq is the "last gasp" of al Qaida there Iraq war deaths: Executions leading cause Execution-style killings, not headline-grabbing bombings, have been the leading cause of death among civilians in the Iraq war, a new study shows. Iraq air raids hit mostly women and children Air strikes and artillery barrages have taken a heavy toll among the most vulnerable of the Iraqi people, with children and women forming a disproportionate number of the dead. Monday: 1 US Soldier, 3 Iraqis Killed; 5 Iraqis Wounded Tuesday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 10 Wounded Wednesday: 16 Iraqis Killed, 27 Wounded ID 2.5 Bln for "Sons of Iraq" As Salaries in Diyala Directorate of militias integration and disarmament finished paying about ID 2.5 billion as salaries for members of Awakening Councils in Diyala province include more than 8 thousand members, ID 295 000 for each one, a Government's official in the province said. Bomber in army uniform dies in Iraq blast A suicide bomber struck an Iraqi military base Thursday in an attack that Iraqi officials first said killed 16 soldiers but later maintained no one died but the attacker Kurds anxious over U.S. withdrawal A senior Kurdish official warned Thursday that security gains in Iraq could evaporate if American troops withdraw on schedule in two years without a political accord among Sunni Arabs, Shi'ite Arabs and Kurds.	Iraq MPs request more time for Kirkuk vote report Iraqi lawmakers said on Wednesday they would request a two-month extension to complete a report on holding local elections in the ethnically divided oil hub of Kirkuk. Dutch citizen to be sentenced in Iraq bombing An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen faces sentencing in what prosecutors say is the United States' first criminal prosecution of attacks targeting Americans in Iraq. Iraq Bombing Kills at Least 10 in Kirkuk, Injures 22 (Update1) A car bombing today near a police academy in Iraq’s northern city of Kirkuk left at least 10 people dead and injured 22 others. US sergeant found guilty of murders in Iraq A US sergeant was found guilty Wednesday of the murder of four detainees in Iraq in 2007, but acquitted in the death of a fifth, following a court martial in Germany. $40M fuel theft prompts global manhunt Authorities are searching the globe for suspects in the theft of $40 million worth of fuel from a U.S. Army base in Iraq. Minorities Fear Christian Exodus Iraqi minority groups have reacted with anxiety following reports a large number of Iraqi Christian refugees are emigrating to Europe. Iraq on Weapons Shopping Spree In preparation for the departure of the multinational forces from its territory in 2011, Iraq has signed agreements to buy weapons from Russia, France, Serbia, South Korea, Brazil and Italy, in addition to the U.S. and other NATO member countries. Drought dries up Iraq's ‘Garden of Eden’ A severe drought is threatening Iraq's southern marshes — the traditional site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Thursday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 46 Wounded
Middle East
Jordan jails 'Hamas spies' Men convicted after allegedly photographing Israeli embassy and border posts. Porn crackdown Iran's Revolutionary Guards lead fight on sex web sites Plan for Palestinian state is 'dead end,' Israel tells U.S. In a direct challenge to President Barack Obama's commitment to rejuvenate moribund Mideast peace talks, Israel on Thursday dismissed American-led efforts to establish a Palestinian state and laid out new conditions for renewed negotiations. Israeli Settlers Kill Palestinian After He Tried To Stab Residents Dozens more arrested in anti-PKK operations Operations against urban branches of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in which nearly 50 people were arrested earlier this week were extended to various other cities yesterday and dozens more suspected PKK members were detained.	IAF demolishes building in central Gaza No casualties reported in air strike that comes a day after Palestinians fire Kassam at western Negev. Second Lebanese man arrested over Israel espionage Officials say Hamas and Fatah no nearer to reconciliation Tensions in Saudi Shi'ite town over secession call The street graffiti is so brazenly political in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province that it hardly seems like Saudi Arabia at all Iran claims control of full nuclear fuel cycle Iran now controls the entire cycle for producing nuclear fuel, the Iranian president said Saturday, highlighting his country's growing capabilities at a time when the U.S. wants to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments came two days after the inauguration of a facility that produces uranium oxide fuel pellets for a planned heavy-water reactor - the final step in the long, sophisticated nuclear fuel cycle.
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Women protesting at 'pro-rape' law attacked by Afghan men Women marching against new legislation which effectively legalises rape met violent opposition from an opposing mob in Kabul yesterday. Violence to rise in Afghanistan The chairman of the military Joint Chiefs of Staff says violence can be expected to rise in Afghanistan in the next few months as the United States increases its combat presence there.	U.S. says new troops push Taliban away from Kabul Afghans arrest two over murder of woman activist Afghanistan's police have arrested two men accused of gunning down a women's rights activist in the southern province of Kandahar, the interior ministry said on Thursday. Japan sees role for Iran in Afghanistan-Pakistan
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
16 dead in Pakistan suicide bombing A suicide bombing killed 16 people at a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, police said. 15 people die in Pakistan suicide bombing attack In Pakistan 15 people died on Wednesday in a booby trapped car attack that aimed a police checkpoint west of Pakistan. Riyad Khan the Head of Sharsada Police Department said that 8 policemen and 7 civilians were killed	Pakistan grants bail to radical Red Mosque cleric Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the release on bail Wednesday of a hard-line cleric who was detained as soldiers stormed his radical Red Mosque in 2007, killing scores of people and energizing the country's Islamist insurgency. Taliban Exploit Class Rifts to Gain Ground in Pakistan Pakistan arrests 20 Indian fishermen: officials
Asia
Expelled Nuclear Inspectors Leave NKorea U.N. nuclear inspectors remove seals from reactor before leaving North Korea. China plans 'human rights action' China announces a human rights action plan, vowing to uphold the rule of law - and emphasising the right to make money. China GDP growth slows to record low Mumbai 'attacker' lawyer sacked The defence lawyer for the only surviving suspected gunman from the Mumbai attacks is sacked as he appears in court.	1,500 Farmers in India Commit Suicide: A Wake-Up Call for Humanity Fiji's military tightens control Security forces occupy Fiji's central bank building and expel three foreign journalists, in another sign of the military's tightening grip. Thai Protest Leader Shot At 84 Times In Assassination Attempt
Europe
Russia ends Chechnya operation Security regime was imposed 10 years ago to combat fighters in former breakaway republic. UK police hold 114 in power protest More than 100 people are arrested by police in Nottingham over a suspected plan to target a power station. Eurozone industrial output dives Eurozone industrial output fell 18.4% over the past year, the biggest drop since its inception in 1990, official figures show Russia angered by Nato exercises Russia asks Nato to cancel or postpone military exercises it plans to hold in Georgia next month. Russia says not selling missile system to Iran: report Russia has not supplied Iran its advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, an official in Russia's state arms export service was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Toyota workers block production at French plant A court on Friday convicted 9 workers at Caterpillar France of hampering the freedom to work and 11 others of illegally occupying company grounds, and ordered them all fined euro200 ($265) each time they repeat such actions to protest layoffs. Sweden Convicts 4 In Pirate Bay File-Sharing Trial	French boats block Channel ports French fishing boats mount a blockade of Channel ports in a dispute over fishing quotas Pirate Bay confident over Swedish trial One of the founders of The Pirate Bay site says he anticipates victory in the court battle over alleged copyright theft Police, protesters at Caterpillar site in France Police deployed Thursday at a plant in the French Alps run by U.S. manufacturer Caterpillar where workers camped out overnight to protest layoffs. Medvedev: Russia needs more political competition Russia needs stronger political competition and a greater freedom to protest, President Dmitry Medvedev said in remarks released Thursday, sending the strongest signal yet that he may rethink the legacy of predecessor Vladimir Putin. (Spanish) Judge wants to keep Gitmo case alive (investigation of the Bush Six) A Spanish judge moved Friday to keep alive an investigation into six former Bush administration officials for alleged torture of prisoners at the U.S. detention camp for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba.
Africa
ANOTHER US SHIP ATTACKED BY PIRATES Filipinos hijacked near Somalia Somali pirates hijack a fourth vessel in 48 hours, as they seize a Togo-flagged vessel. Mauritania coup leader cedes power to seek office The leader of a coup that ousted Mauritania's elected government gave up power Wednesday, freeing him to seek the presidency in balloting aimed at returning civilian rule.	Somali Pirates Vow To Kill American Sailors US Senator: Sudan will allow aid back to Darfur U.S. Senator John Kerry said Thursday that Sudan has agreed to allow some aid back into Darfur, more than a month after the Sudanese president expelled over a dozen aid groups from the region. French Forces Detain 11 Pirates Off The Coast Of Kenya
The Americas
Morales 'assassination plot foiled' Three suspected assassins shot dead and two others arrested. Bolivia says kills 3 foreigners in assassination plot Haitians want Hillary Clinton to stop deportations Women selling hot peppers and black beans in a sprawling market in Haiti's capital talk of their unending economic woes, their hungry children and their dismal hopes that politicians will do anything about it. Lawyer: Venezuela to press US on extradition President Hugo Chavez's government plans to reactivate its demand this week for the U.S. to extradite a former CIA operative accused of plotting the 1976 bombing of a Cuban plane, a lawyer for the Venezuelan government said Wednesday.	DEA says Mexican drug cartels are creeping south Mexican drug cartels are creeping south into Central America, U.S. drug enforcement officials said Wednesday, as the Obama administration put new pressure on drug kingpins ahead of the president's trip to Mexico City. Drug Enforcement Administration officials said there are growing signs that stepped-up law enforcement efforts on the U.S.-Mexico border are driving the cartels south toward Central America Benefits may have cost Canadian autoworkers their advantage Chrysler and General Motors are demanding steep givebacks in pensions and other benefits from members of the Canadian Auto Workers union on the grounds that, unlike their American counterparts, they can count on generous government-sponsored health care.