The News Crawler

Senate votes to halt production of Pratt-made F-22 The Senate voted Tuesday to halt production of the Air Force’s missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets in a high-stakes, veto-laden showdown over President Barack Obama’s efforts to shift defense spending to a next generation of smaller, single-engine F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Obama Praises F-22 Funding Shut-off; Sen. Chris Dodd Upset

Limit How Much Utility Customers Pay Toward Executive Salaries Attorney General Richard Blumenthal urged state officials Tuesday to again consider limiting how much ratepayer money can be used to pay salaries of public utility executives.

Pratt may close 2 Conn. facilities Pratt & Whitney notified its employees that they are considering closing down the company's Cheshire plant as well as a repair facility in East Hartford. The union says the move would put over 1,000 jobs at risk

Researchers Use Salmon DNA To Make LED Lightbulbs

Civil Rights

Tyler Perry Treats 65 Swimming Pool Excluded Kids To Disney World

Library fight leads to book-burning demand A fight over books depicting sex and homosexuality has riled up a small Wisconsin city, cost some library board members their positions and prompted a call for a public book burning.

Wal-Mart settles lawsuit by Wash. workers for $35M Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of 88,000 workers at Washington state stores who were forced to skip meal and rest breaks or work off the clock.

Police

Harvard professor's charges dropped Prominent historian says he was victim of racism after arrested at home.

Riot police storm TX town amid protests White, black groups clash after murder charges dropped in dragging case.

Maine Lobsterman Charged With Shooting Other Lobsterman In Turf War

Cop Kills Unarmed, Swimsuit Clad Man Tyler Heilman was unarmed, wearing a swimsuit, when a cop fatally shot him.

Q&A: Making Wealthy Prison Inmates Pay

Drug War

COPS SAY LEGALIZE ALL DRUGS! 1/2

Tobacco Fuels Addiction, And Terrorism Tobacco smuggling is a lucrative business used to fund terrorist organizations around the world, according to a new report. David Kaplan, editor of "Tobacco Underground," explains how the illicit trade fuels organized crime.

JPMorgan follows Goldman Sachs with surge in profits

Coca-Cola’s earnings jump 43 percent Coca-Cola Co.’s second-quarter profit rose 43 percent, and the world’s largest beverage maker said Tuesday its rapid overseas growth helped offset weak domestic volumes.

Study: Mexican immigration to U.S. drops

GE Capital: OK to quit U.S. liquidity program

Iraqi Military: No Need for US Troops' Help in Security Mission

Tuesday: 13 Iraqis Killed, 97 Wounded

U.S. Saddened by Death of Two Contractors in Iraq The United States on Sunday expressed its sadness over the deaths of two employees of a U.S. security company and the wounding of two others in a helicopter crash in Iraq, and said an investigation had been launched.

Kurds demand in Nineveh unwelcome A number of Iraqi lawmakers in Nineveh Province affirmed that Kurds’ demand to form a local council to run Kurdish majority regions will complicate the situation and increase security deterioration. Lawmakers held Kurds responsibility for security violations in the province

Iraq bombings kill 19

Curfew Imposed on Falluja Iraqi security authorities on Tuesday imposed a curfew on Falluja after receiving intelligence information regarding possible attacks in the city, a police source said.

Iraq water shortage rings alarm bells

Iraq Defense Ministry arrests 24 terrorists

Blasts Kill at Least 15 in Baghdad A series of bombings killed at least 15 people and wounding more than 100 others around the capital on Tuesday, Iraqi security officials said.

Five Iran pilgrims killed in Iraq Five Iranian pilgrims are shot dead near Baquba in the troubled Iraqi border province of Diyala, police said.

Big cuts needed at huge Baghdad embassy Bush built The U.S. Embassy in Iraq, the government's largest overseas mission, is significantly overstaffed and needs to be downsized to reflect the reduced American role in the country, according to a new State Department report.

Obama: US on Track to Withdraw All Forces From Iraq by 2011

Wednesday: 6 Iraqis, 5 Iranians Killed; 14 Iraqis, 37 Iranians Wounded

Hello Mum, This Is Going to Be Hard for You to Read...-- Letters from a Dead Soldier in Afghanistan Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher's letters reveal the excitement of a teenager who dreamed of war, and his growing realization he may not make it home.

U.S. bombs poppy crop, hits Taliban ties The U.S. military bombed about 300 tons of poppy seeds in a dusty field in southern Afghanistan Tuesday in a dramatic show of force designed to break up the Taliban's connection to heroin.

Taliban claims responsibility for new wave of attacks in Afghanistan The coordinated assaults targeting a U.S. military base and government compounds kill at least six Afghan security officers, but eight insurgents die as well. Sowing security fears less than a month before presidential elections, a wave of gunmen and suicide bombers staged coordinated attacks in two eastern cities Tuesday that killed at least six Afghan security officers and eight of the insurgents during hours of chaotic fighting

Afghanistan: Taliban suicide bombings kill 14

Gunmen Blow Up House in Mosul

Fairly Small’ Amount of Afghan Forces Getting COIN Training Just got off a fascinating conference call with Col. John Agoglia, the head of the Counterinsurgency Training Center-Afghanistan, which seeks to instill and harmonize counterinsurgency capabilities across the 43 contributing coalition militaries in Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan security forces

Military investigates how Taliban seized US soldier

‘Pak handed over dossier on Indian link to attacks to India’ A leading English daily in Islamabad has claimed that Pakistan has handed over to India a dossier allegedly containing "comprehensive evidence" of Indian involvement in several terrorist acts on its soil, including the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

Is Pakistan still aiding Kashmir militants?

Kalashnikov demand soars with violence in Pakistan

Burma-N Korea ties 'of concern' US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says military co-operation between North Korea and Burma is a regional danger.

New video 'shows Jakarta bomber' Indonesian TV shows footage of suspected bomber in attack on JW Marriott hotel.

Beer-drinking model faces caning

Fiji police hold church leaders The Methodist Church of Fiji says seven of its leaders are being held by police in political conflict over conference plans.

More shooting on road to Freeport's Papua mine Australian shot dead at Freeport mine in Indonesia : Indonesia: 17 Suspects Jailed in Attacks Killing 3 at World’s Largest Gold Mine

USA to sell India sophisticated arms

Chinese Web Sites Close Amid Crackdown

Continental under fire for frisking dignitary An Indian police investigation was launched Tuesday into employees from Continental Airlines after India's former president was frisked before boarding a flight to the United States.

Japanese PM dissolves parliament Taro Aso criticised for leadership and handling of recession as ruling Liberal Democratic Party trails opposition with just 23% backing. The Japanese prime minister, Taro Aso, today dissolved parliament and called a general election for 30 August that could see his party cast out of power for only the second time in almost 55 years.

Vietnam police detain 18 Catholics after clashes

Spanish minister visits Gibraltar amid new row over British rock David Miliband to meet counterpart as Spain lays claim to sea surrounding UK territory. A Spanish minister will visit Gibraltar for the first time in more than 300 years today, insisting that his country will never renounce its claim to the rocky peninsula captured by Britain in 1704.

Ukrainian General Admits To Killing Journalist

Rights group: Companies fuel Congo conflict International companies are fueling the conflict in eastern Congo by not checking the origins of the minerals they buy, a human rights group said.

Soldiers probably involved in kidnapping, says intelligence chief In an exclusive interview granted to FRANCE 24, Somali intelligence chief General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan (pictured) said that members of the Somali military were probably involved with last week's kidnapping of two French agents.

Violence hits South African towns Protesters clash with police in several townships over lack of basic services.

Nigerian militants release six hostages, honoring cease-fire

Sudan welcomes oil border ruling North and south Sudan agree to respect a border decision by international judges that awards a big oilfield to the north

VENEZUELA: Drug Trafficking Getting Worse, Says U.S. Report.

Canada proposal due shortly on "buy American" Concerned at being shut out of city and state contracts by "buy American" rules, Canada said on Wednesday it was close to finalizing a proposal that would open up public procurement to both Canadian and U.S. firms.

The News Crawler
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World Headlines
Click here Updates from Iran as of July 23 The Case of the Fatwa to Rig Iran's Election In one prominent example, on June 7, five days before Iran’s presidential election, the website Tehran Bureau reported:In an open letter, a group of employees of Iran’s Interior Ministry (which supervises the elections) warned the nation that a hard-line ayatollah, who supports President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has issued a Fatwa authorizing changing votes in the incumbent’s favor. Ahmadinejad defies ayatollah on vice president Iran's president refuses an order by the supreme leader to dump the newly chosen official, who is despised by hard-liners for his remarks on Israelis. In Tehran, authorities crack down on protesters. Click here Updates from Honduras as of July 23 VENEZUELA: Drug Trafficking Getting Worse, Says U.S. Report. Rights group: Companies fuel Congo conflict International companies are fueling the conflict in eastern Congo by not checking the origins of the minerals they buy, a human rights group said. More shooting on road to Freeport's Papua mine Australian shot dead at Freeport mine in Indonesia : Indonesia: 17 Suspects Jailed in Attacks Killing 3 at World’s Largest Gold Mine Taliban attack presidential candidate, killing civilian in North Israel cuts 1948 'catastrophe' from Arabic texts The Israeli government will remove references to what Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation from textbooks for Arab schoolchildren, the education minister said Wednesday. Jordan begins revoking Palestinians' citizenship en masse Is Israel serious about closing 23 fringe settlements? It is reportedly planning to dismantle the outposts in a single day to minimize the violence and bad PR that marred the last major evacuation, in 2006. Kurds demand in Nineveh unwelcome A number of Iraqi lawmakers in Nineveh Province affirmed that Kurds’ demand to form a local council to run Kurdish majority regions will complicate the situation and increase security deterioration. Lawmakers held Kurds responsibility for security violations in the province	From Colombia: Multinational mining company 'hired paramilitaries' Pak handed over dossier on Indian link to attacks to India’ A leading English daily in Islamabad has claimed that Pakistan has handed over to India a dossier allegedly containing "comprehensive evidence" of Indian involvement in several terrorist acts on its soil, including the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. Japanese PM dissolves parliament Taro Aso criticised for leadership and handling of recession as ruling Liberal Democratic Party trails opposition with just 23% backing. The Japanese prime minister, Taro Aso, today dissolved parliament and called a general election for 30 August that could see his party cast out of power for only the second time in almost 55 years. Tamiflu-resistant swine flu case found in Canada Canada has recorded its first case of Tamiflu-resistant swine flu virus in a man who had been given the drug to prevent infection Russian postal workers to let police open mail The Russian government has issued an order telling postal workers that police and security agents have a right to open mail, causing alarm among rights advocates who fear a return to the Soviet-era tactics of the KGB. NPR: Bin Laden's Son Killed By US Missile in Pakistan Hamid Karzai pulls out of historic TV debate just hours before ... U.S. debating payoffs to poppy growers The Obama administration is considering whether to pay off Afghan farmers to stop them from growing heroin poppies on contract for the Taliban, senior officials said Tuesday.Paying farmers not to plant poppy would essentially supplant U.S. cash for the fees paid up front by the Taliban to its contract farmers. The idea seems to follow logically from the administration’s policy of protecting Afghan civilians and eroding support for the insurgency, but skeptics say it won’t work because farmers would take the money and plant poppies anyway. Disguised Taliban hit Afghan bases Fighters dressed as women attempt to storm government buildings and military base. Big cuts needed at huge Baghdad embassy Bush built The U.S. Embassy in Iraq, the government's largest overseas mission, is significantly overstaffed and needs to be downsized to reflect the reduced American role in the country, according to a new State Department report
US Headlines
Wall Street's Vast Private Judicial System Exposed as Fraud National Arbitration Forum isn't impartial -- it's financially shackled to debt collection law firms representing major credit card companies. White House: TARP Money Might Not Be Traceable TARP watchdog cites lack of transparency in Obama administration Neil Barofsky's stinging report on a survey of banks' use of bailout funds reveals Treasury's refusal to give, or seek, answers. Critics say the White House hasn't met pledges of more open government. TARP Chief: Most Banks Using Funds For Lending Towns: TARP failing transparency test Lawmaker likens bailout handling to Madoff scandal Goldman buys back TARP warrants for $1.1B Exclusive: Bush US Attorney arranged lenient plea deal with company paying terrorists...Between 1997 and February of 2004, Chiquita made $1.7 million in payments to a right-wing paramilitary group, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), in regions where it had banana-growing operations. During that period, AUC conducted a “dirty war” against Colombia’s left-wing FARC guerrillas, marked by widespread murders of union leaders and farmers, as well as trafficking in cocaine and heroin. Disturbing Details About "C Street House" Revealed More and more information is beginning to leak out about the "C Street House" and the conservative and religious brethren of GOP politicians who live or have lived in the now infamous house. The house made headlines recently when it was discovered that among its occupants had been John Ensign, Mark Sanford and Charles Pickering, all religious Republican politicians who were revealed to be having extramarital affairs. Liz Cheney Defends Obama "Birthers," Carville Stunned Lou Dobbs Speculates If Obama Is Undocumented (AUDIO) Rick Sanchez Reads Obama Birth Certificate, Slams Citizenship Critics Highway agency wanted total cell phone ban As long as seven years ago, the federal National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration recommended that drivers not use cell phones, even with hands-free equipment, while on the road except in emergencies. But that recommendation was never made public until Tuesday.	Oakland Voters Pass Landmark Marijuana Tax Obama Nominee Tied To Genocidal Sudanese Regime Financing Senator Blocks Obama Nominee for Latin America Over Honduras U.S. Senator Jim DeMint has placed a “hold” on President Barack Obama’s nominee for the top diplomatic post for Latin America over dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of Honduras’ political crisis. Governors say climate policy could create jobs Three Democratic governors told a Senate panel Tuesday that efforts to curb global warming and spur the development of cleaner sources of energy have created jobs and new businesses in their states, a trend that could expand nationwide if Congress passes federal legislation. GAO says Pentagon didn't break rules on propaganda The Pentagon did not violate a federal prohibition on propaganda by using retired military officers to tout the Bush administration's war policies in the media, congressional investigators said Tuesday Senate Beats Back Military-Industrial Complex In Historic Vote The Senate, by a vote of 58-40, approved an amendment proposed by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) to strip $1.75 billion in funding for the F-22 fighter. Levin worked hand in hand to kill the F-22 money with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Tobacco Fuels Addiction, And Terrorism Tobacco smuggling is a lucrative business used to fund terrorist organizations around the world, according to a new report. David Kaplan, editor of "Tobacco Underground," explains how the illicit trade fuels organized crime. COPS SAY LEGALIZE ALL DRUGS! 1/2 9/11 decision allows judges to toss civil suits they disfavor Decided in May, Ashcroft v. Iqbal has already been cited over 500 times by lower courts, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. The lawsuit, which named former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, stemmed from the alleged torture and humiliation of a Pakistani man, arrested in New York City in November, 2001. In a 5-4 decision, the court found that the two Bush administration officials could not be sued without evidence that they ordered the abusive treatment Ron Paul: End foreign wars to fund health care
Connecticut
A renewed push to end the death penalty in Connecticut Connecticut to fill prison jobs Connecticut's Department of Correction is hiring new prison guards, despite the state's hiring freeze. Bankruptcies rise dramatically in New London County Greenwich man sentenced in investment scam - A former Greenwich man has been sentenced to three years in prison for an investment scam. Forty-seven-year-old Bradley Kabbash has also been ordered to pay more than $800,000 restitution IRS shuts down Danbury manufacturer The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday shut down Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp., a Danbury-based maker of products for commercial, institutional, industrial and nuclear-power facilities Mailbox Baseball Delivers Anger Dozens of Guilford residents aren’t getting their bills, magazines and more delivered to their homes because of vandals.	Senate votes to halt production of Pratt-made F-22 The Senate voted Tuesday to halt production of the Air Force’s missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets in a high-stakes, veto-laden showdown over President Barack Obama’s efforts to shift defense spending to a next generation of smaller, single-engine F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Obama Praises F-22 Funding Shut-off; Sen. Chris Dodd Upset Limit How Much Utility Customers Pay Toward Executive Salaries Attorney General Richard Blumenthal urged state officials Tuesday to again consider limiting how much ratepayer money can be used to pay salaries of public utility executives. Pratt may close 2 Conn. facilities Pratt & Whitney notified its employees that they are considering closing down the company's Cheshire plant as well as a repair facility in East Hartford. The union says the move would put over 1,000 jobs at risk Researchers Use Salmon DNA To Make LED Lightbulbs
United States
Security Issues Highway agency wanted total cell phone ban As long as seven years ago, the federal National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration recommended that drivers not use cell phones, even with hands-free equipment, while on the road except in emergencies. But that recommendation was never made public until Tuesday. Intel chief: Computer attacker still a mystery the top U.S intelligence official says the U.S. still has not figured out who was behind the July 4 cyberattacks that took down a series of government Web sites Many translators unfit in any language Feds: Man gave al-Qaida NYC subway info Courts FDNY written exams excluded hundreds of black and Hispanic firefighters, federal judge rules 9/11 decision allows judges to toss civil suits they disfavor Decided in May, Ashcroft v. Iqbal has already been cited over 500 times by lower courts, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. The lawsuit, which named former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, stemmed from the alleged torture and humiliation of a Pakistani man, arrested in New York City in November, 2001. In a 5-4 decision, the court found that the two Bush administration officials could not be sued without evidence that they ordered the abusive treatment Is America on the Verge of a Geriatric Crime Wave? Granny get your gun -- over the past 10 years arrest rates for those over 50 have shot up 85 percent. Judge restores Rather’s fraud claim vs. CBS A New York City judge has restored a fraud claim he previously dismissed from Dan Rather’s lawsuit against CBS Corp. over a story about former President George W. Bush. Rather’s lawyer Martin Gold said Tuesday the fraud stems from CBS’ failure to keep promises it made to Rather before firing him over problems with the story about Bush’s Vietnam-era military service. Dan Rather Wins Access To Thousands Of Documents In Suit Against CBS American charged with aiding al Qaeda An American from New York has been indicted on charges that he aided al Qaeda and helped attack a U.S. military base in Afghanistan, court documents show. Courts: Cops who allege corruption can be firedPolice who tell investigators about alleged corruption in their departments have no constitutional protection for their statements and can be fired, a federal appeals court ruled Education Christian right aims to change history lessons in Texas schools Environmental Ala. city plows beneath Indian site for Sam's Club Bucket loaders and bulldozers are tearing apart a hill that researchers call the foundation of an ancient Native American site to provide fill dirt for a Sam's Club store, a move that appalls preservationists.	Media Microsoft running sound ads on Xbox New Reality TV: Hunting Down Terrorists On Monday night, NBC News premiered a program called The Wanted, which takes viewers along on a mission to track down alleged terrorists and war criminals and bring them to justice. David Crane served as the chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and talks about why he made the decision to join the show's cast Liz Cheney Defends Obama "Birthers," Carville Stunned Lou Dobbs Speculates If Obama Is Undocumented (AUDIO) Rick Sanchez Reads Obama Birth Certificate, Slams Citizenship Critics Civil Rights Tyler Perry Treats 65 Swimming Pool Excluded Kids To Disney World Library fight leads to book-burning demand A fight over books depicting sex and homosexuality has riled up a small Wisconsin city, cost some library board members their positions and prompted a call for a public book burning. Wal-Mart settles lawsuit by Wash. workers for $35M Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of 88,000 workers at Washington state stores who were forced to skip meal and rest breaks or work off the clock. Police Harvard professor's charges dropped Prominent historian says he was victim of racism after arrested at home. Riot police storm TX town amid protests White, black groups clash after murder charges dropped in dragging case. Maine Lobsterman Charged With Shooting Other Lobsterman In Turf War Cop Kills Unarmed, Swimsuit Clad Man Tyler Heilman was unarmed, wearing a swimsuit, when a cop fatally shot him. Q&A: Making Wealthy Prison Inmates Pay Drug War COPS SAY LEGALIZE ALL DRUGS! 1/2 Tobacco Fuels Addiction, And Terrorism Tobacco smuggling is a lucrative business used to fund terrorist organizations around the world, according to a new report. David Kaplan, editor of "Tobacco Underground," explains how the illicit trade fuels organized crime.

Science
Scientists Find HIV's 'Missing Link' in Ill Chimps E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals, FDA says Federal health officials said Wednesday they have found cancer-causing ingredients in electronic cigarettes, despite manufacturers' claims the products are safe
Politics
Q&A: Making Wealthy Prison Inmates Pay Disturbing Details About "C Street House" Revealed More and more information is beginning to leak out about the "C Street House" and the conservative and religious brethren of GOP politicians who live or have lived in the now infamous house. The house made headlines recently when it was discovered that among its occupants had been John Ensign, Mark Sanford and Charles Pickering, all religious Republican politicians who were revealed to be having extramarital affairs. No More IOUs: Schwarzenegger Reaches Deal To Close California's $26B Budget Deficit Palin's fund for fees questioned An independent investigator has determined that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated state ethics laws by soliciting and accepting... Senate Senate Beats Back Military-Industrial Complex In Historic Vote The Senate, by a vote of 58-40, approved an amendment proposed by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) to strip $1.75 billion in funding for the F-22 fighter. Levin worked hand in hand to kill the F-22 money with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Fact Sheet: The F/A-22 “Raptor” Fighter The F-22, known as the “Raptor,” is an air-superiority fighter intended to replace a portion of the Air Force’s fleet of F-15s. The aircraft utilizes “stealth” technologies, and is able to cruise at supersonic speed without afterburners, thus saving fuel. Lockheed-Martin is the prime contractor, while Boeing (airframes) and Pratt & Whitney (engines) are major subcontractors. Highlights Of House Armed Services Committee Action On The Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 2647) The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) completed its markup of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Defense Authorization bill (HR 2647) on June 17, 2009. HASC’s marked up bill recommends an overall FY’10 authorization level of $680.5 billion, $348 million more than requested by the administration. This $680.5 billion total includes $130 billion for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $550.5 billion for National Defense (function 050). Of the $550.5 billion slated for National Defense, $534.0 billion is for the Department of Defense (DOD) and $16.5 billion is for the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons activities. The full House is expected to take up the Defense Authorization bill this week Governors say climate policy could create jobs Three Democratic governors told a Senate panel Tuesday that efforts to curb global warming and spur the development of cleaner sources of energy have created jobs and new businesses in their states, a trend that could expand nationwide if Congress passes federal legislation. Senator: All workers should be immigration-checked Senators raise alarms on Delaware sports betting A pair of veteran Republican senators urged Attorney General Eric Holder to look into the legality of a new Delaware law allowing sports betting and to defend a federal anti-sports betting law that New Jersey politicians are challenging. Taxes Oakland Voters Pass Landmark Marijuana Tax Federal Reserve/Bailouts White House: TARP Money Might Not Be Traceable TARP watchdog cites lack of transparency in Obama administration Neil Barofsky's stinging report on a survey of banks' use of bailout funds reveals Treasury's refusal to give, or seek, answers. Critics say the White House hasn't met pledges of more open government. TARP Chief: Most Banks Using Funds For Lending Towns: TARP failing transparency test Lawmaker likens bailout handling to Madoff scandal Goldman buys back TARP warrants for $1.1B	Health Insurance Ron Paul: End foreign wars to fund health care Crisis: Nearly Five Million Adults Have Lost Insurance Since Sept. '08 President Obama's Longtime Physician Opposes White House Health Plan, Advocates Single Payer Dr. David Scheiner was President Obama’s doctor from 1987 until he entered the White House. Today Dr. Scheiner is publicly opposing Obama’s health plan and is calling for a single-payer system. Steele unsure of own health coverage Steele says he's "happy" with his coverage but can't name which company covers him for sure Steele Calls Obama Health Plan "Socialism" GITMO/Abu Ghraib/Bahgram Guantanamo review report delayed Illegal Bush Activities Exclusive: Bush US Attorney arranged lenient plea deal with company paying terrorists...Between 1997 and February of 2004, Chiquita made $1.7 million in payments to a right-wing paramilitary group, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), in regions where it had banana-growing operations. During that period, AUC conducted a “dirty war” against Colombia’s left-wing FARC guerrillas, marked by widespread murders of union leaders and farmers, as well as trafficking in cocaine and heroin. GAO says Pentagon didn't break rules on propaganda The Pentagon did not violate a federal prohibition on propaganda by using retired military officers to tout the Bush administration's war policies in the media, congressional investigators said Tuesday DoJ: Don't release Cheney interview Justice Dept. says Cheney’s interview with prosecutors in the CIA leak case should remain secret. Group Plans Lawsuit To Unveil the CIA’s ‘Pentagon Papers’ Group Plans Lawsuit To Unveil the CIA’s ‘Pentagon Papers’ The CIA and other agencies are sitting on a trove of documentary evidence of actual and suspected wrongdoing under the Bush Obama Democrats scold Obama on signing statements Democrats scold Obama on signing statements President Obama is taking a hit from fellow Democrats on another issue -- the use of signing statements on bills passed by Congress Benjamin: Too Heavy to Be Nation's Top Doc? Regina Benjamin not a good role model given obesity epidemic, say some experts. Senator Blocks Obama Nominee for Latin America Over Honduras U.S. Senator Jim DeMint has placed a “hold” on President Barack Obama’s nominee for the top diplomatic post for Latin America over dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of Honduras’ political crisis. Obama Nominee Tied To Genocidal Sudanese Regime Financing STIMULUS Why the stimulus isn't working The stimulus program wasn't engineered to maximize its economic impact; it was mostly a political exercise, designed to claim credit for any recovery, shower benefits on favored constituencies and sig Lobbying AIG Files Termination Report for Second-Quarter Lobbying Insurance giant American International Group continued to spend money in Washington, although the company says it wasn't engaged in federal lobbying and plans no more filings this
Economy	Click for Economic Statistics
Wall Street's Vast Private Judicial System Exposed as Fraud National Arbitration Forum isn't impartial -- it's financially shackled to debt collection law firms representing major credit card companies. American dream? How the US ranks in the social mobility stakes Chrysler to Match 'Cash for Clunkers' Incentive Senate Rejects Concealed Weapons Proposal in a Defeat for Gun Rights Groups US wins trade dispute with China over CDs, DVDs	JPMorgan follows Goldman Sachs with surge in profits Coca-Cola’s earnings jump 43 percent Coca-Cola Co.’s second-quarter profit rose 43 percent, and the world’s largest beverage maker said Tuesday its rapid overseas growth helped offset weak domestic volumes. Study: Mexican immigration to U.S. drops GE Capital: OK to quit U.S. liquidity program

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Iraqi Military: No Need for US Troops' Help in Security Mission Tuesday: 13 Iraqis Killed, 97 Wounded U.S. Saddened by Death of Two Contractors in Iraq The United States on Sunday expressed its sadness over the deaths of two employees of a U.S. security company and the wounding of two others in a helicopter crash in Iraq, and said an investigation had been launched. Kurds demand in Nineveh unwelcome A number of Iraqi lawmakers in Nineveh Province affirmed that Kurds’ demand to form a local council to run Kurdish majority regions will complicate the situation and increase security deterioration. Lawmakers held Kurds responsibility for security violations in the province Iraq bombings kill 19 Curfew Imposed on Falluja Iraqi security authorities on Tuesday imposed a curfew on Falluja after receiving intelligence information regarding possible attacks in the city, a police source said.	Iraq water shortage rings alarm bells Iraq Defense Ministry arrests 24 terrorists Blasts Kill at Least 15 in Baghdad A series of bombings killed at least 15 people and wounding more than 100 others around the capital on Tuesday, Iraqi security officials said. Five Iran pilgrims killed in Iraq Five Iranian pilgrims are shot dead near Baquba in the troubled Iraqi border province of Diyala, police said. Big cuts needed at huge Baghdad embassy Bush built The U.S. Embassy in Iraq, the government's largest overseas mission, is significantly overstaffed and needs to be downsized to reflect the reduced American role in the country, according to a new State Department report. Obama: US on Track to Withdraw All Forces From Iraq by 2011 Wednesday: 6 Iraqis, 5 Iranians Killed; 14 Iraqis, 37 Iranians Wounded
Middle East	Map of the Middle East
Jordan Begins Revoking Palestinians' Citizenship Supreme Leader Sacks New VP Choice, Ahmadinejad Fights Back LEBANON: 14 UN peacekeepers injured in protest Is Israel serious about closing 23 fringe settlements? It is reportedly planning to dismantle the outposts in a single day to minimize the violence and bad PR that marred the last major evacuation, in 2006. Gaza blast shakes Dahlan wedding An explosion injures 50 people at a wedding in Gaza for the nephew of controversial Fatah strongman Muhammad Dahlan. Yemen: Army Colonel Is Killed A local official blamed Shiite rebels for the attack on the officer, who was part of the army staff in Saada Province, the site of a rebellion by Shiite Muslims.	Jordan begins revoking Palestinians' citizenship en masse Lebanon army arrests 'terror cell' At least 10 people detained on suspicion of plotting attacks, officials say. Israel to use Hitler shot for PR Israeli embassies are told to use for public relations purposes a picture of Hitler meeting a Palestinian cleric, officials say Israel to demolish 23 illegal settlements Israel cuts 1948 'catastrophe' from Arabic texts The Israeli government will remove references to what Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation from textbooks for Arab schoolchildren, the education minister said Wednesday. Hamas sets up conditions to hold general elections
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Hello Mum, This Is Going to Be Hard for You to Read...-- Letters from a Dead Soldier in Afghanistan Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher's letters reveal the excitement of a teenager who dreamed of war, and his growing realization he may not make it home. U.S. bombs poppy crop, hits Taliban ties The U.S. military bombed about 300 tons of poppy seeds in a dusty field in southern Afghanistan Tuesday in a dramatic show of force designed to break up the Taliban's connection to heroin. Taliban claims responsibility for new wave of attacks in Afghanistan The coordinated assaults targeting a U.S. military base and government compounds kill at least six Afghan security officers, but eight insurgents die as well. Sowing security fears less than a month before presidential elections, a wave of gunmen and suicide bombers staged coordinated attacks in two eastern cities Tuesday that killed at least six Afghan security officers and eight of the insurgents during hours of chaotic fighting Afghanistan: Taliban suicide bombings kill 14 Gunmen Blow Up House in Mosul Fairly Small’ Amount of Afghan Forces Getting COIN Training Just got off a fascinating conference call with Col. John Agoglia, the head of the Counterinsurgency Training Center-Afghanistan, which seeks to instill and harmonize counterinsurgency capabilities across the 43 contributing coalition militaries in Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan security forces Military investigates how Taliban seized US soldier	Disguised Taliban hit Afghan bases Fighters dressed as women attempt to storm government buildings and military base. What has happened to other captured soldiers? Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl is only the second American service member taken hostage in Afghanistan since 2001. Soldier abductions have been rare in Iraq, too. Four US soldiers killed in Afghanistan by roadside bomb Did US forces watch Afghan massacre?-Afghan detainees allege that Americans witnessed a mass killing U.S. debating payoffs to poppy growers The Obama administration is considering whether to pay off Afghan farmers to stop them from growing heroin poppies on contract for the Taliban, senior officials said Tuesday.Paying farmers not to plant poppy would essentially supplant U.S. cash for the fees paid up front by the Taliban to its contract farmers. The idea seems to follow logically from the administration’s policy of protecting Afghan civilians and eroding support for the insurgency, but skeptics say it won’t work because farmers would take the money and plant poppies anyway. How Afghanistan's War Is Spilling into Central Asia Hamid Karzai pulls out of historic TV debate just hours before ... Taliban attack presidential candidate, killing civilian in North
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
‘Pak handed over dossier on Indian link to attacks to India’ A leading English daily in Islamabad has claimed that Pakistan has handed over to India a dossier allegedly containing "comprehensive evidence" of Indian involvement in several terrorist acts on its soil, including the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. Is Pakistan still aiding Kashmir militants? Kalashnikov demand soars with violence in Pakistan	Pakistan's Musharraf Told to Appear in Court (to explain 2007 firing judges) NPR: Bin Laden's Son Killed By US Missile in Pakistan : Pakistan Objects to US Expansion in Afghan War US To Give $165 Million To Pakistan Within A Few Weeks For Displaced 70 Reportedly Killed in Pakistan Clashes
Asia	Map of Asia
Burma-N Korea ties 'of concern' US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says military co-operation between North Korea and Burma is a regional danger. New video 'shows Jakarta bomber' Indonesian TV shows footage of suspected bomber in attack on JW Marriott hotel. Beer-drinking model faces caning Fiji police hold church leaders The Methodist Church of Fiji says seven of its leaders are being held by police in political conflict over conference plans. More shooting on road to Freeport's Papua mine Australian shot dead at Freeport mine in Indonesia : Indonesia: 17 Suspects Jailed in Attacks Killing 3 at World’s Largest Gold Mine	USA to sell India sophisticated arms Chinese Web Sites Close Amid Crackdown Continental under fire for frisking dignitary An Indian police investigation was launched Tuesday into employees from Continental Airlines after India's former president was frisked before boarding a flight to the United States. Japanese PM dissolves parliament Taro Aso criticised for leadership and handling of recession as ruling Liberal Democratic Party trails opposition with just 23% backing. The Japanese prime minister, Taro Aso, today dissolved parliament and called a general election for 30 August that could see his party cast out of power for only the second time in almost 55 years. Vietnam police detain 18 Catholics after clashes
Europe	Map of Europe
Who is really running Russia? President Medvedev is likened to a general without an army, with most top posts held by Putin's people. But there are signs he's pushing back. Russian postal workers to let police open mail The Russian government has issued an order telling postal workers that police and security agents have a right to open mail, causing alarm among rights advocates who fear a return to the Soviet-era tactics of the KGB.	Spanish minister visits Gibraltar amid new row over British rock David Miliband to meet counterpart as Spain lays claim to sea surrounding UK territory. A Spanish minister will visit Gibraltar for the first time in more than 300 years today, insisting that his country will never renounce its claim to the rocky peninsula captured by Britain in 1704. Ukrainian General Admits To Killing Journalist
Africa	Map of Africa
Rights group: Companies fuel Congo conflict International companies are fueling the conflict in eastern Congo by not checking the origins of the minerals they buy, a human rights group said. Soldiers probably involved in kidnapping, says intelligence chief In an exclusive interview granted to FRANCE 24, Somali intelligence chief General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan (pictured) said that members of the Somali military were probably involved with last week's kidnapping of two French agents.	Violence hits South African towns Protesters clash with police in several townships over lack of basic services. Nigerian militants release six hostages, honoring cease-fire Sudan welcomes oil border ruling North and south Sudan agree to respect a border decision by international judges that awards a big oilfield to the north
The Americas	Map of North America and South America
VENEZUELA: Drug Trafficking Getting Worse, Says U.S. Report. Canada proposal due shortly on "buy American" Concerned at being shut out of city and state contracts by "buy American" rules, Canada said on Wednesday it was close to finalizing a proposal that would open up public procurement to both Canadian and U.S. firms.	Chavez objects to Colombia base deal with U.S. Tamiflu-resistant swine flu case found in Canada Canada has recorded its first case of Tamiflu-resistant swine flu virus in a man who had been given the drug to prevent infection.