The News Crawler

FTC to curb mortgage-lending abuse: report The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will use new authority to bar lending practices by mortgage brokers who have deceived borrowers, Bloomberg said, citing the FTC's chairman.

FILIBUSTERS ABUSE In fact, the number of filibusters has been relatively steady since 1986 — until this year, when Republicans found themselves in the minority for the first time in a decade and decided to throw an unprecedented temper tantrum about it. If they keep things going at their current pace, they'll have conducted 153 filibusters by the end of 2008, compared to the previous record of 58.

2000 Commodities Act Paved Way For Problems Melissa Block talks with Michael Hirsh, senior editor at Newsweek talks about how the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 was passed to keep financial derivatives, including credit default swaps, unregulated. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission failed to rein in the derivatives market.

The President's Message to the Iranian People - Farsi Subtitles This isnt a bad video, but it is strange how every American politician thinks the problem with Iran began in 1979 when Islamic radicals came to power, and not the 1950's when the US plotted to overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran, and installed a King in its place. He could have also been the first US polititian to officaly aploigize for THE DOWNING OF FLIGHT 655: US DOWNS IRAN AIRLINER MISTAKEN FOR F-14 killed 256 Iranian nationals.

Goldman Sachs, living on your taxes

Madoff will await sentencing in jail

Friday: 1 US Soldier, 3 Iraqis Killed; 6 Iraqis Wounded

Did Nouri al-Maliki's Government Disappear an Iraqi MP for Exposing Human Rights Abuses? Authorities say Mohamed al-Dainy planned a deadly suicide bombing. His allies say he's a fighter for human rights. But nobody knows where he is.

Iraq Army offensive kills 12 Qaeda militants Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier Mohammed Al Askari announced that 12 Al Qaeda members were killed in an army clampdown on Al Qaeda cache near Baldroz village. In central Baghdad, gunmen opened fire on the car of Interior Ministry workers and wounded them both.

Israeli police to halt Arab Jerusalem event Israeli police warned on Friday it would not allow the Palestinians to hold cultural events in east Jerusalem to mark the city's designation as the 2009 "capital of Arab culture."

Al Maliki excludes Baath Party from politics

Iraq urges foreign country to accept PMOI Iraq urged foreign countries to accept members of People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI) who have been located in Iraq for about 20 years. “We do not wish to take responsibility for the sin of the presence of a terrorist organization in Iraq, which causes us domestic problems

Iraqi budget woes force security hiring freeze The drop in oil prices has forced Iraq's military and police to put recruiting on hold even as the U.S. hands over more responsibility for protecting the country.

Hamas: We'll kidnap more soldiers if Israel doesn't show flexibility

Militants' Rocket in Pakistan Tribal Area Kills 10

Official: Taliban chief Mullah Omar in Afghanistan Taliban leader Mullah Muhammed Omar is not in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, a senior official said Friday, and urged the United States not to carry out missile attacks in the region.

Pirates seize Greek cargo ship in Gulf of Aden

Somali Islamists behead two sheikhs: group Somalia's hard-line al Shabaab insurgents have beheaded two sheikhs from a rival Islamist movement, a spokesman for the Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca group said on Friday.

U.S. congressman meets Hugo Chavez in Venezuela U.S. Rep. William Delahunt has met with President Hugo Chavez and says he's encouraged by the prospect of improved relations between Venezuela and the United States.

FARC rebels in alleged Venezuela smuggling The U.S. government says it will seek the extradition of two leftist rebel "cocaine brokers" arrested in Colombia on charges of conspiring to export a ton of the drug through Venezuela.

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FTC to curb mortgage-lending abuse: report The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will use new authority to bar lending practices by mortgage brokers who have deceived borrowers, Bloomberg said, citing the FTC's chairman. FILIBUSTERS ABUSE In fact, the number of filibusters has been relatively steady since 1986 — until this year, when Republicans found themselves in the minority for the first time in a decade and decided to throw an unprecedented temper tantrum about it. If they keep things going at their current pace, they'll have conducted 153 filibusters by the end of 2008, compared to the previous record of 58. 2000 Commodities Act Paved Way For Problems Melissa Block talks with Michael Hirsh, senior editor at Newsweek talks about how the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 was passed to keep financial derivatives, including credit default swaps, unregulated. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission failed to rein in the derivatives market. The President's Message to the Iranian People - Farsi Subtitles This isnt a bad video, but it is strange how every American politician thinks the problem with Iran began in 1979 when Islamic radicals came to power, and not the 1950's when the US plotted to overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran, and installed a King in its place. He could have also been the first US polititian to officaly aploigize for THE DOWNING OF FLIGHT 655: US DOWNS IRAN AIRLINER MISTAKEN FOR F-14 killed 256 Iranian nationals.	Critics rap coal-slurry storage Regulators in a handful of Appalachian states that let coal companies inject slurry into abandoned mines say they are confident the practice is safe, but an Associated Press survey shows they lack scientific data to answer citizens who believe aquifers, water wells and their own health are at risk. 43 criminal investigations of Wall Street Criminal investigations of Wall Street continue to soar and now total 43, a top FBI official told Congress Friday. Regulator: It's 'Ponzimonium' Did Nouri al-Maliki's Government Disappear an Iraqi MP for Exposing Human Rights Abuses? Authorities say Mohamed al-Dainy planned a deadly suicide bombing. His allies say he's a fighter for human rights. But nobody knows where he is. Israeli Soldiers Expose Atrocities in Gaza Based on testimony from Israeli soldiers who took part in the recent war in Gaza, Israel is being confronted directly with the serious charge that permissive rules of engagement allowed for the killing of Palestinian civilians and widespread destruction of Palestinian property. Kissinger meets with Russians, echoes Obama's line Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sounds optimistic about improved relations after Nixon's secretary of State and other former high-ranking officials pay an informal visit.
Connecticut
Conn. public defender arrested over deportation Report Says Countrywide Bent Loan Rules For Dodd An executive at mortgage giant Countrywide Financial overrode the company's loan-writing policies to give a discount to Sen. Christopher Dodd, the powerful chairman of the Senate banking committee, according to an internal Countrywide document turned over to congressional investigators and obtained by The Courant. Connecticut biologist voiced concerns about chimp A Connecticut biologist warned state officials nearly five months ago that a 200-pound chimpanzee who mauled a woman last month could seriously hurt someone if he felt threatened, according to a memo released to state lawmakers Friday.	Dodd says he was misled on bonus legislation Conn. judge sentences Canadian for smuggling money Conn. DCF head approved to clear DUI charge 6th Madison cop faces department charges AIG Execs Ordered to Testify in CT One subpoena down, one more to go: The company has turned over documents related to bonuses. Now the state wants them to raise their right hands. State Subpoena For AIG Bonuses in Wilton, CT
United States
Ratings Agencies, To Blame For Some Of The Crisis, Could Now Benefit Nineteen US states go after AIG Nineteen US states are demanding that insurance giant AIG release details of bonuses paid to executives, so they can take steps to recover the funds. The Hilarious Hypocrisy of the GOP's So-Called 'Tea Bag Revolution' Their gimmick to protest the bailout is hilarious because GOP tax policies are more in line with King George than colonial patriots. NRA appeals ruling blocking guns in national parks Fishing group seeks status in herring lawsuit Herring fishing companies that operate off the Maine coast and Georges Bank are seeking official status in a federal lawsuit aimed at banning their trawlers from fish spawning grounds. Many of Sacramento's homeless set up lives in tents The capital's tent city, sprawling messily on a grassed-over landfill, is home to some 200 men and women with nowhere else to go. Records: Whistleblower at syringe plant warned FDA Several months before federal investigators linked a North Carolina syringe manufacturer to hundreds of illnesses and five deaths, a whistleblower wrote to regulators to warn about the poor conditions inside a room vital to producing a sterile product. Feinstein seeks block solar power from desert land California's Mojave Desert may seem ideally suited for solar energy production, but concern over what several proposed projects might do to the aesthetics of the region and its tortoise population is setting up a potential clash between conservationists and companies seeking to develop renewable energy. Washington Mutual sues FDIC for over $13 billion Washington Mutual Inc, the failed U.S. savings and loan, has sued the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp for well over $13 billion in connection with the loss of its banking operations, which was acquired by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Katrina flood lawsuit against Army Corps advances A lawsuit blaming the Army Corps of Engineers for flooding from Hurricane Katrina can proceed to trial, a judge ruled Friday in a case seen as a likely last recourse for storm victims seeking compensation from the federal government for alleged negligence by the agency.	Oil giants have “cornered the market” on Western Slope water rights, study says Update: AIG, Countrywide sue each other Blackwater sued in US court over alleged cover-up Military draws anger with new look at Vieques Six years after angry protesters chased the Navy out of Vieques, the U.S. military has provoked a new outcry by suggesting it could re-establish a presence on the tiny Puerto Rican island Russia halting chicken imports from 3 plants Russia says it found drug residue in chicken from processing plants in Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia, and will stop taking imports from them next Friday. FBI puts spies in U.S. mosques, group says Ten U.S. Muslim organizations threatened this week to cease working with the FBI, citing "McCarthy-era tactics" by the agency, including efforts to covertly infiltrate California mosques. Protest Planned Outside NY Immigration Office to Stop Deportations of 30,000 Haitians Did Putin meet Reagan as KGB agent? Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has landed in a row after the release of a photograph showing him meeting the then US President Ronald Reagan as an undercover KGB agent disguised as a tourist in 1988. PSA reenacts alleged Rihanna beating A new video by the teen organization DoSomething.org features actors recreating pop star Rihanna's grim, highly publicized confrontation with her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown. Double jeopardy in before US Supreme Court A former Enron Corp. executive is hoping a little known component of the Fifth Amendment's double jeopardy clause will help him avoid a retrial on charges related to financial fraud at the once mighty energy giant. Narragansett tribe marches against court decision The Narragansett Indian Tribe and its supporters will march in Providence against a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting the tribe's ability to govern its lands FTC to curb mortgage-lending abuse: report The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will use new authority to bar lending practices by mortgage brokers who have deceived borrowers, Bloomberg said, citing the FTC's chairman. Critics rap coal-slurry storage Regulators in a handful of Appalachian states that let coal companies inject slurry into abandoned mines say they are confident the practice is safe, but an Associated Press survey shows they lack scientific data to answer citizens who believe aquifers, water wells and their own health are at risk. More US police using gunfire detection system 5,000 evacuated after hazardous acid spill in Pa. Tax havens exist because of the hypocrisy of larger states Some Rich Districts Get Richer as Aid Is Rushed to Schools
Madoffed
13 bailed-out banks failed to pay taxes Over $220M in federal taxes; 'This is shameful,' a 'disgrace': lawmaker. SEC probes subprime, builders, hedge funds Several U.S. investigations into subprime lenders involve possible insider trading before announcements of negative news about the lender, a Securities and Exchange Commission member said on Friday. 43 criminal investigations of Wall Street Criminal investigations of Wall Street continue to soar and now total 43, a top FBI official told Congress Friday. Regulator: It's 'Ponzimonium' Goldman Sachs, living on your taxes Madoff will await sentencing in jail

Science
Antarctica melting fast, ice cores show Global warming, human activity are speeding polar melt, say experts	US birds in 'widespread decline' Nearly one third of US bird species are "endangered, threatened or in significant decline", a report shows.
Politics
NY AG Gets List of AIG Workers Who Got Bonuses Russ Feingold Introduces Legislation to Abolish Federal Death Penalty Regulators Seize Control Of 2 Large Credit Unions BILLIONS IN MERRILL BONUSES WOULD EVADE TAX 2000 Commodities Act Paved Way For Problems Melissa Block talks with Michael Hirsh, senior editor at Newsweek talks about how the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 was passed to keep financial derivatives, including credit default swaps, unregulated. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission failed to rein in the derivatives market. DOE approves loan support for solar plant The government announced approval Friday of the first loan guarantee for an energy project under a program that Congress approved four years ago, only to see it hamstrung by years of delay. Extra $50M in AIG bonuses revealed Conyers suggests probe of ACORN In an startling partisan shift, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. on Thursday proposed holding hearings on claims the liberal activist group ACORN engaged in a pattern of crimes ranging from voter fraud to a mob-style "protection" racket. Obama Uneasy About Tax on Bonuses Costco, Starbucks, Whole Foods Present Alternative Labor Plan RACHEL MADDOW - De-Regulation for Dummies	NEW BILL WOULD BAN ALL BAILOUT BONUSES US deficit seen at record $1.8 trillion CBO's budget deficit estimate is 'far steeper' than its prior forecast. Frank says government should stop Fannie, Freddie bonus FILIBUSTERS ABUSE In fact, the number of filibusters has been relatively steady since 1986 — until this year, when Republicans found themselves in the minority for the first time in a decade and decided to throw an unprecedented temper tantrum about it. If they keep things going at their current pace, they'll have conducted 153 filibusters by the end of 2008, compared to the previous record of 58. WTC developer seeks government financial aid: report Sources said developer Larry Silverstein has sought financial help with at least two of the towers. Looking Back: A Federal Judge in Manhattan Developer Larry Silverstein has lost the majority of his insurance claims in court regarding the attacks on the World Trade Center. A Federal Jury in Manhattan IN 2004 ruled that the attacks on the Twin Towers constituted only one attack, and therefore the majority of Silverstein’s insurers only owed one payout. Former AIG head denies he started exec bonuses D.C. Voting Rights Bill Appears Likely to Carry Amendment The prospect of an amendment-free voting rights act for the District is looking more and more unlikely, with voting rights advocates conceding they still lack enough votes, and the city's mayor suggesting a gun amendment might be inevitable.
Obama
The President's Message to the Iranian People - Farsi Subtitles This isnt a bad video, but it is strange how every American politician thinks the problem with Iran began in 1979 when Islamic radicals came to power, and not the 1950's when the US plotted to overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran, and installed a King in its place. He could have also been the first US polititian to officaly aploigize for THE DOWNING OF FLIGHT 655: US DOWNS IRAN AIRLINER MISTAKEN FOR F-14 killed 256 Iranian nationals. Iran plays down new Obama video message Iran played down President Barack Obama's new video message to the Iranian people on Friday, saying it welcomed the overtures but warned that decades of mistrust can't easily be erased. Special Olympics bowler: I can beat the president! So President Barack Obama thinks he bowls like a competitor in the Special Olympics? He's obviously never met Kolan McConiughey, a mentally disabled man considered one of the nation's top Special Olympics bowlers, with five perfect games to his credit. He'd like to go to the White House and show the president a thing or two about how to roll	WATCH: Michelle Obama Sounds Off on Race What Obama Said Last Night That Really Was Controversial...Admits Banks Took Taxpayer Money And Beefed Up Balance Sheets... Kissinger meets with Russians, echoes Obama's line Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sounds optimistic about improved relations after Nixon's secretary of State and other former high-ranking officials pay an informal visit. FACT CHECK: Obama's gas-mileage claim sputters What's more fuel-efficient, a Ford Model T or a modern-day sport utility vehicle? President Barack Obama says the Model T, but his comparison is a stretch. OBAMA PLANS SWEEPING NEW REGULATIONS OF EXECUTIVE PAY Obama Uneasy About Tax on Bonuses Commodity Futures Modernization Act was passed to keep financial derivatives unregulated Obama underestimated deficit by trillions That's $2.3 trillion worse than the White House predicted in its budget OBAMA BUDGETS $9.3 TRILLION DEFICIT
Economy
Mortgage rate dip is temporary After hovering for months above 5 percent, mortgage rates have dipped below that benchmark for the first time since mid-January, and are poised to potentially fall further on the heels of Federal Reserve actions intended to drive rates lower. Oil Drifts Lower as Traders Reassess Outlook	IMF expects world economy to shrink World leaders urged to deal with "toxic" bank assets before instability spreads. FDIC closes three more banks: $207m Oil drifts lower as traders reassess outlookOil prices drifted lower Friday after surging above $51 a barrel, as traders reevaluated expectations for renewed crude demand amid persistent uncertainty about the global economy.

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Friday: 1 US Soldier, 3 Iraqis Killed; 6 Iraqis Wounded Did Nouri al-Maliki's Government Disappear an Iraqi MP for Exposing Human Rights Abuses? Authorities say Mohamed al-Dainy planned a deadly suicide bombing. His allies say he's a fighter for human rights. But nobody knows where he is. Iraq Army offensive kills 12 Qaeda militants Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier Mohammed Al Askari announced that 12 Al Qaeda members were killed in an army clampdown on Al Qaeda cache near Baldroz village. In central Baghdad, gunmen opened fire on the car of Interior Ministry workers and wounded them both. Israeli police to halt Arab Jerusalem event Israeli police warned on Friday it would not allow the Palestinians to hold cultural events in east Jerusalem to mark the city's designation as the 2009 "capital of Arab culture."	Al Maliki excludes Baath Party from politics Iraq urges foreign country to accept PMOI Iraq urged foreign countries to accept members of People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI) who have been located in Iraq for about 20 years. “We do not wish to take responsibility for the sin of the presence of a terrorist organization in Iraq, which causes us domestic problems Iraqi budget woes force security hiring freeze The drop in oil prices has forced Iraq's military and police to put recruiting on hold even as the U.S. hands over more responsibility for protecting the country. Hamas: We'll kidnap more soldiers if Israel doesn't show flexibility
Middle East
Israeli Soldiers Expose Atrocities in Gaza Based on testimony from Israeli soldiers who took part in the recent war in Gaza, Israel is being confronted directly with the serious charge that permissive rules of engagement allowed for the killing of Palestinian civilians and widespread destruction of Palestinian property. U.S. nuclear submarine collides in strait near Iran A nuclear-powered U.S. submarine and another U.S. vessel collided Friday in the Strait of Hormuz bordering Iran, but there was no damage to the atomic propulsion unit, the U.S. Navy said.	UN: Gaza assault was 'inhumane' UN special rapporteur says Israel's 22-day offensive "would seem to constitute a war crime". Palestinian Doctor, Peace Advocate Recounts Israeli Attack on Home that Killed 3 Daughters, Niece Iran's Supreme Leader Dismisses Obama Overtures
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Afghan leader Karzai says more U.S. forces "too late" Afghan President Hamid Karzai said in an interview on Thursday that he welcomes the U.S. deployment of 17,000 extra troops to Afghanistan but says efforts to stabilize the country are "seven years too late." Afghan kids' hospital can't afford bandages Afghanistan strategy: Lure fighters away from Taliban A key element of Obama's plan is to erode militants' power by strengthening local leaders, who can in turn provide incentives for foot soldiers to switch sides. Afghan clerics urge Saudi-led talks with Taliban	US-Afghan units 'kill 33 Taleban' The US in Afghanistan says Afghan and international troops have killed 33 militants in Helmand and Logar provinces. Suicide car bomber kills 5 Afghans, one policeman U.S. wants large boost in Afghan police force A suicide car bomber attacked a police checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing six people, police said, as the American envoy to the country said the U.S. would push for a “very significant increase” in the country’s police force to improve security and stability. Scores killed in Afghan fighting Up to 18 Afghan soldiers and four Canadian troops among those killed in latest clashes.
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Militants' Rocket in Pakistan Tribal Area Kills 10 Official: Taliban chief Mullah Omar in Afghanistan Taliban leader Mullah Muhammed Omar is not in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, a senior official said Friday, and urged the United States not to carry out missile attacks in the region.
Asia
Tiananmen Crackdown Soldier Held Ex-soldier who voiced regrets at role in 1989 Tiananmen crackdown detained U.S. crew: 'Chinese aggression; Sailors aboard a U.S. ocean surveillance ship reacted with a mix of bemusement and profanity to what they said was harassment by Chinese ships earlier this month, according to video released Friday by the Pentagon. Report: India bought advanced spy satellite from Israel China military trains first public relations team	Chinese guard shot dead in attack Desperate Japanese head to 'suicide forest' Japan's suicide rate, already one of the world's highest, has increased with the recent economic downturn. China clears Johnson & Johnson baby products after probe Chinese health authorities said on Saturday that they had found no evidence of cancer-causing chemicals in baby products made by U.S. company Johnson & Johnson.
Europe
US criticizes Spain on Kosovo pullout The United States is issuing unusually strong criticism of NATO ally Spain by expressing surprise at its decision to pull out its troops from the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. EU energy companies get euro1B subsidy for clean coal Some of Europe's biggest energy companies will get more than euro1 billion from the European Union to test out controversial "clean coal" technology under a deal struck Friday by EU leaders. Former US officials seek improved Russia ties Some of the biggest names in U.S. diplomacy of the past decades met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday, in an effort to improve frosty relations that experts say could threaten many U.S. foreign policy goals.	Austria frees 'murder pits guard' A former SS man alleged to have helped exterminate 8,000 Jews is freed by Austria, a day after being extradited from the US. Eurozone industrial output drops Eurozone industrial output fell by 17.3% over the past year, the biggest drop since its inception in 1990, official figures show Deadly clashes in Russia's Dagestan Security forces battle anti-government fighters in mountainous region for three days. Tens of thousands march in Naples against mafia
Africa
Pirates seize Greek cargo ship in Gulf of Aden Somali Islamists behead two sheikhs: group Somalia's hard-line al Shabaab insurgents have beheaded two sheikhs from a rival Islamist movement, a spokesman for the Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca group said on Friday.	Pope 'is trying to sow confusion' World Health Assembly president: Pope Benedict is wrong. Somali clerics reject Bin Laden call A group of influential Somali Islamic clerics has rejected Osama bin Laden's call to Somalis to overthrow the country's new president, the group's leader said on Friday
The Americas
Venezuela Chavez to nationalize Santander bank unit Venezuela will go ahead with the nationalization of the local unit of Spanish bank Grupo Santander, President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday, weeks after officials said the purchase was on hold. Mexico captures "drug lord" accused of U.S. attack CBS News: Death of Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier (1971)	U.S. congressman meets Hugo Chavez in Venezuela U.S. Rep. William Delahunt has met with President Hugo Chavez and says he's encouraged by the prospect of improved relations between Venezuela and the United States. FARC rebels in alleged Venezuela smuggling The U.S. government says it will seek the extradition of two leftist rebel "cocaine brokers" arrested in Colombia on charges of conspiring to export a ton of the drug through Venezuela.