Keepingitreal

Today's News Highlights 11.11.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Rick Perry does damage control, vows to press on 
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry spent much of Thursday trying to contain the damage from his debate night debacle by poking fun at himself and promising to press on.
(By Amy Gardner and Philip Rucker) 

For Rick Perry, retrieval wasn’t golden 
What happened to the Texas governor Wednesday night was something that neuroscientists say is very ordinary, exacerbated by stress: a “retrieval failure.”
(By Joel Achenbach) 

State Dept. to reassess pipeline route 
The move will delay the contentious permitting process beyond the 2012 election.
(By Juliet Eilperin) 

Europe slipping toward recession 
A possible prolonged slowdown will make it harder for countries to hit their deficit targets and further complicate efforts to ease the ongoing debt crisis.
(By Howard Schneider) 

At Arlington, mementos get more personal 
Remembrances for the latest war dead from Iraq and Afghanistan have brought a colorful new poignancy to the cemetery.
(By Christian Davenport) 

NATION 
Panetta orders review in mortuary probe 
Defense secretary orders review of discipline in Dover mortuary probe of mishandled remains. 
( by Craig Whitlock and Jason Ukman , The Washington Post) 

State Dept. to reassess pipeline route 
The move will delay the contentious permitting process beyond the 2012 election. 
( by Juliet Eilperin , The Washington Post) 

For Rick Perry, retrieval wasn’t golden 
What happened to the Texas governor Wednesday night was something that neuroscientists say is very ordinary, exacerbated by stress: a “retrieval failure.” 
( by Joel Achenbach , The Washington Post) 

Top Middle East adviser to step down 
Dennis Ross, Middle East trouble-shooter to four presidents, becomes the second high-ranking adviser to quit in six months. 
( by Joby Warrick , The Washington Post) 

GOP skepticism drives down renewable energy support 
Support for putting federal funds into alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen has slipped to its lowest point in polls since 2006. 
( by Juliet Eilperin and Jon Cohen , The Washington Post) 

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METRO 
Deal on Dulles rail financing 
The major stakeholders in the second phase of the Dulles rail project have reached a final deal on financing. 
( by Dana Hedgpeth , The Washington Post) 

Raymond D. Watts, Senate committee lawyer 
Raymond D. Watts, 86, who retired in 1977 as general counsel for the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, died Oct. 13. 
(, The Washington Post) 

Ex-priest on probation for fondling 2 Georgetown Prep students 
A former priest was sentenced to five years’ supervised probation Thursday for fondling two students at Georgetown Preparatory School, where he taught from 1989 to 2003, as prosecutors compared the school’s initial response in the case to the scandal unfolding at Penn State University. 
( by Dan Morse , The Washington Post) 

Hal Bruno, retired ABC News journalist, dies at 83 
Hal Bruno, former ABC News political director and a longtime volunteer firefighter, dies at 83 
( by Matt Schudel , The Washington Post) 

Driver pleads guilty in crash that killed three 
Moments after pleading guilty Thursday, Kevin Coffay took a seat, dropped his head and listened to a prosector lay out how drunk he was and how horribly his friends died when he crashed a car in Olney at 3 a.m. one day last spring. 
( by Dan Morse , The Washington Post) 

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POLITICS 
Friday-night media dumps? Our suspicions were right. 
Al Kamen’s In the Loop on statistical proof that the government dumps bad news at the end of the workweek, and a Grinch in the Cabinet. 
(, The Washington Post) 

Rick Perry does damage control, vows to press on 
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry spent much of Thursday trying to contain the damage from his debate night debacle by poking fun at himself and promising to press on. 
( by Amy Gardner and Philip Rucker , The Washington Post) 

Houck concedes Va. Senate race 
Republican Bryce Reeves wins tight contest, dashing Democratic hopes of hanging onto power. 
( by Laura Vozzella , The Washington Post) 

Reggie Love to leave White House 
Love’s exit comes at a time of transition for the administration: several longtime advisers have left over the last year, in keeping with the time-honored tradition that close aides do not abandon the president immediately before an election. 
( by Anne E. Kornblut , The Washington Post) 

Postal Service to customers: Give us our stuff back! 
Starting Saturday, the cash-strapped delivery service is giving customers two weeks to return any stolen or inadvertently taken equipment, no questions asked. 
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post) 

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STYLE 
‘Immortals’ falls short of Olympus 
“Immortals,” a CGI-heavy bloodbath, owes less to Greek myth than to “The Lord of the Rings,” Hong Kong costume epics and American comic books. 
( by Mark Jenkins , The Washington Post) 

Divining the import of 11/11/11 
Some number fans believe that elevens are the most special of the special master numbers, so 11/11/11 is getting a lot of attention. 
( by Monica Hesse , The Washington Post) 

A perplexed husband 
After 15 years of marriage, he learns that being the breadwinner isn’t enough. 
(, The Washington Post) 

Romenesko resigns from Poynter 
Jim Romenesko, who pioneered the practice of collecting news about journalism and the media industry, resigned from his job after his editor publicly questioned his own journalism standards. 
( by Paul Farhi , The Washington Post) 

Crystal replaces Murphy as Oscars host 
Billy Crystal was tapped Thursday to take over for Eddie Murphy as host of the Academy Awards broadcast by Brian Grazer — the movie mogul who was tapped a day earlier to produce this year’s Oscarcast, replacing Brett Ratner. 
(, The Washington Post) 

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SPORTS 
Tom Bradley in as Penn State football coach after Joe Paterno firing 
Tom Bradley held a news conference on Thursday to discuss his promotion to interim head coach, which came after long-serving Joe Paterno was fired in the fallout from the Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. 
(, The Washington Post) 

Players to mull new proposal from owners 
League puts forth a new offer to players that includes a 72-game season that would start Dec. 15. 
( by Michael Lee , The Washington Post) 

TV and radio listings: November 11 

(, The Washington Post) 

Hokies rumble past Yellow Jackets 
Quarterback Logan Thomas accounts for five touchdowns and David Wilson rushes for 175 yards as 10th-ranked Virginia Tech improves to 9-1. 
( by Mark Giannotto , The Washington Post) 

W.T. Woodson makes first states 
VOLLEYBALL | W.T. Woodson senior Rachel Conway waited four years for a chance to get to the state tournament, and she wasn’t going to let it pass her by. 
( by Matt Brooks , The Washington Post) 

More Sports: Sports News, Scores, Analysis, Schedules & More - The Washington Post 

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WORLD 
Warring factions divide Yemen’s capital 
Life deteriorates as rivals in the country’s civil conflict draw battle lines in Sanaa, neighborhood by neighborhood. 
( by Sudarsan Raghavan , The Washington Post) 

Ugandan gay rights activist honored 
Frank Mugisha, one of Uganda’s few openly gay activists, receives an award in Washington for his advocacy work. 
( by Tiffany Harness , The Washington Post) 

Senior banker to head Greece’s government 
Economist Lucas Papademos will be tasked with keeping the debt-strapped nation out of bankruptcy and in the euro zone. 
( by Michael Birnbaum , The Washington Post) 

Italy's political class struggles for consensus 
Lawmakers slowly unite around a plan for Berlusconi to make way for political outsider Mario Monti. 
( by Anthony Faiola , The Washington Post) 

India’s jobs program sparks fears of labor shortages 
A program credited with giving millions of poor Indians jobs is facing criticism. 
( by Rama Lakshmi in MANJAPUDOOR, India , The Washington Post) 

More World: World News, International News, Foreign Reporting - The Washington Post 

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS 
Ask The Post: Chief Experience Officer Laura Evans 
Laura Evans, vice president, research and chief experience officer for The Washington Post, was online Thursday, Nov. 10 to discuss her now role and plans for the print newspaper, Web site, mobile apps and other Post products. 
(, vForum) 

Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams on interior decorating and home improvement | Home Front 
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams joined the weekly chat. 
(, vForum) 

Free Range on Food 
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary. 
(, vForum) 

Celebritology Live 
Join Celebritology blogger Jen Chaney to gab about the latest celebrity gossip and pop culture news making waves across the Web. 
(, vForum) 

Got Plans? Discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun. 
The Going Out Guide staff discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun. 
(, vForum) 

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TECHNOLOGY 
Report: Zynga redistributing stock ahead of IPO 
Zynga is reportedly redistributing stock among its employees. 
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post) 

Should celebs manage own Twitter feeds? 
A misguided tweet from Ashton Kutcher has him stepping away from his personal Twitter account. 
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post) 

Apple updates iOS 5 
Apple released its first patch to iOS 5 on Thursday, which included a patch that “fixes bugs affecting battery life.” 
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post) 

iOS 5’s hidden auto-suggest: No jailbreaking required 

( by Jamie Keene | The Verge , The Washington Post) 

Facebook restoring “most recent” on news feed 
Facebook will let users sort their feeds by time again. 
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post) 

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EDITORIAL 
Democrats need to hear GOP ideas, too 

(, The Washington Post) 

D.C.’s switch to taxi meters made for a fairer fare 

(, The Washington Post) 

Who really owned Iraq before the U.S. invasion 

(, The Washington Post) 

When words fail, is ‘thank you’ enough? 

(, The Washington Post) 

A government that can’t even fix a pothole 

(, The Washington Post) 

---

BUSINESS 
Stock markets advance on jobless claims 
U.S. stocks advanced Thursday, rebounding from the previous day’s tumble, as jobless claims declined, while a retreat in Italian bond yields and the selection of a new Greek premier tempered concern about Europe’s debt crisis. 
( by Rita Nazareth , Bloomberg) 

Republican will direct MF Global probe 
The chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission had ties to Jon Corzine, a former Democratic officeholder who was head of the brokerage. 
( by David S. Hilzenrath , The Washington Post) 

At Fed, louder calls for action 
Federal Reserve officials who advocate new action to try to strengthen the economy are becoming more vocal, but their words haven’t resulted in deeds. 
( by Neil Irwin , The Washington Post) 

Europe slipping toward recession 
A possible prolonged slowdown will make it harder for countries to hit their deficit targets and further complicate efforts to ease the ongoing debt crisis. 
( by Howard Schneider , The Washington Post) 

Americans remain depressed despite economic gains 
A rift is emerging between Americans’ state of mind and the state of the economy. 
( by Ylan Q. Mui , The Washington Post) 

 

Video: Troy Davis denied clemency

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today's News Highlights 06.29.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Kabul hotel attacked by suicide bombers
A squad of bombers and gunmen attacked a landmark hotel in the Afghan capital late Tuesday, exploding a vehicle at its gate and then entering the building.
(By Pamela Constable)

New IMF chief Lagarde faces immediate tests
Lagarde faces immediate tests in Greece, as well as a longer-range commitment to giving developing nations more power within the IMF.
(By Howard Schneider)

FBI looks at Arlington Cemetery procedures
A broad criminal inquiry also seeks evidence of possible contracting fraud and falsification of records, people familiar with the investigation said.
(By Jerry Markon and Christian Davenport)

Kerry, McCain share long friendship
Their personal bonds and foreign policy views have been shaped by war.
(By Paul Kane)

D.C. seeks foothold in online gambling
D.C. officials are scrambling to launch an online casino in the city, which is the first jurisdiction in the United States to sanction Internet gambling.
(By Michael Laris)

POLITICS
Latest scandals show South Korea still struggles to shed corrupt, collusive ways
SEOUL, South Korea — Allegations of multibillion dollar fraud at banks and revelations by South Korea’s top business conglomerate of shady dealings are forcing the country to grapple anew with a legacy of deep-seated corruption.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Republicans turn labor dispute with Boeing into political headache for Obama
WASHINGTON — The government’s labor dispute with Boeing Co. is turning into a political headache for President Barack Obama, giving his Republican rivals a fresh opening to bash the administration’s economic policies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama, Biden to meet Senate Democratic leaders in debt discussions
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden plan to meet with Senate Democratic leaders Wednesday, the latest step in debt negotiations with Congress.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Matching Supreme Court justices
The Supreme Court term that ended Monday appeared to make clear that Bush and Obama got what they hoped for when they nominated the justices who will shape the court’s future.
( by Robert Barnes , The Washington Post)

DC readies nation's first government-run online poker operation, and stakes will be low
WASHINGTON — Residents of the nation’s capital could be able to play government-sponsored Texas Hold ‘Em poker and other online games on their laptops within three months even though such wagering is essentially banned in the rest of the country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Ask Amy: Couple can’t agree to disagree about exes
My boyfriend and I are thinking about becoming engaged. He keeps in regular contact with his exes, and I think this is really weird.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Ketchup concern
In a Heloise flashback, a reader wonders: Should ketchup be refrigerated after it’s opened?
(, King)

Marriage or cohabitation?
After two years of dating he’s ready to move in with her. But after lots of divorces in his family he’s not ready for marriage.
(, The Washington Post)

Shylock’s the highlight in contrived ‘Merchant’
Mark Nelson is a superb Shylock in Shakespeare Theatre’s otherwise forcibly contrived handling of “The Merchant of Venice.”
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)



(, The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
General Electric extends global Olympic sponsorship through 2020 Summer Games
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — General Electric Co. extended its global Olympic sponsorship through 2020 on Wednesday in a four-games deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports In Brief
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won’t revive baseball star Roger Clemens’ lawsuit against his former personal trainer for claiming he injected the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormones.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ndamukong Suh says he sees 'positive light' in talks to end the NFL lockout
WALLED LAKE, Mich. — Ndamukong Suh is spending his offseason traveling, working out, rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder and spending time with family and friends.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Carolina repeats as national champion with 5-2 win, sweep of CWS finals over Florida
OMAHA, Neb. — Michael Roth pitched 7 2-3 innings on three days’ rest, and South Carolina won its second straight national championship with a 5-2 victory Tuesday night that completed a two-game sweep over Florida in the College World Series finals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Interim financing deal will allow Dodgers to keep playing during bankrutpcy, but battle looms
WILMINGTON, Del. — Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt may have won the first round in a bankruptcy court fight with Major League Baseball, however the two sides are gearing up for what could be a protracted battle for control of one of the most storied teams in baseball.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
AP IMPACT: FBI's hunt for al-Qaida's 'third man' merges identities of two different people
LONDON — The FBI’s most-wanted list features a dated black-and-white photograph for the man wanted in connection with the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya. Saif al-Adel, reads the glaring red banner, alias Muhammad Ibrahim Makkawi.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

North Korea says it will retaliate militarily for South Korea army units' anti-Pyongyang signs
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s military vowed Wednesday to retaliate for anti-Pyongyang signs posted at front-line South Korean army units, as rare talks between the rivals on a stalled joint tourism project broke down.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sizzle of fizzle? Britain faces mass strikes as unions try to increase the heat on government
LONDON — Thousands of British schools will close and travelers will face long lines at airport immigration this week when three quarters of a million workers go on strike — the first blast in what unions hope will be a summer of discontent against the cost-cutting government’s austerity plans.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Myanmar state media warn democracy leader Suu Kyi that planned tour could trigger riots
YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s state media warned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that her plans to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters could trigger riots.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Embattled Sudan president visits chief diplomatic backer, China
BEIJING — Sudan’s embattled president conferred Wednesday with his chief diplomatic backer, China, reaching agreements on economic support just days before the southern part of his country becomes independent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Don't make the economy worse: Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Dana Milbank Live
Dana Milbank is recruiting cabin stewards, apologists and Tiffany's liaisons to help Newt Gringrich on his 2012 campaign.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Toyota to recall 82,200 vehicles in the US due to possible faulty computer boards
TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will recall about 82,200 hybrid SUVs in the U.S. due to computer boards with possible faulty wiring.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

That Was Quick: Chrome Extension Adds Facebook, Twitter Sharing To Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Good First Sign: I Have A Strong Desire To Keep Using Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Kodak looks to vanquish Apple and RIM in patent forum, brightening its turnaround picture
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Innovation turned Eastman Kodak Co. into one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Imitation by its rivals might help keep the picture-taking pioneer from fading into history.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Square Closes That $100 Million Round, Mary Meeker Joins Board

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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BUSINESS
Toyota to recall 82,200 vehicles in the US due to possible faulty computer boards
TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will recall about 82,200 hybrid SUVs in the U.S. due to computer boards with possible faulty wiring.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stock markets rise on signs that Greece may adopt controversial austerity measures
BANGKOK — Hopes that Greece will enact an unpopular set of austerity measures to prevent the country from defaulting on its massive debts sent world stocks higher Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek austerity bill set to pass as all bar one Greek Socialist deputy appear in favor
ATHENS, Greece — Greek deputies are poised to back a deeply unpopular austerity bill Wednesday that is essential for the country to get crucial bailout funds and avoid a devastating default on its debts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

That Was Quick: Chrome Extension Adds Facebook, Twitter Sharing To Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

France to name new finance minister after Lagarde chosen to head IMF
PARIS — France is expected to name a new finance minister to replace Christine Lagarde, who is leaving to take up the top job at the International Monetary Fund next week.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 06.20.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
McIlroy captures history at Congressional
Rory McIlroy posts the lowest mark in tournament history, shooting a final-round 69 for a total of 16-under 268, as he runs away with the 111th U.S. Open.
(By Barry Svrluga)

CEO Pay: What the area’s executives make
Hefty stock awards and bonuses drove total compensation up over 20 percent for Washington’s highest-paid chief executives last year, reflecting a nationwide trend among the largest public companies.
(By Danielle Douglas)

With executive pay, rich pull away from America
A mounting body of economic research indicates that the rise in pay for company executives is a critical feature in the widening income gap.
(By Peter Whoriskey)

Rise in charitable giving may signal economic rebound
Charitable giving in the United States rose last year for the first time in two years, signaling a rebound in the economy.
(By Annie Gowen)

Hospitals courting primary-care doctors
The push is forcing doctors to make decisions about how to deliver care to patients.
(By Lena H. Sun)

POLITICS
PROMISES, PROMISES: No action yet from Obama on guns despite call for steps
WASHINGTON — More than five months after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, the White House has yet to take any new steps on gun violence, even though that’s what President Barack Obama called for in the wake of the shooting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Black slaves, freedmen risked their lives to work as Union spies down South during Civil War
WASHINGTON — In the Confederate circles he navigated, John Scobell was considered just another Mississippi slave: singing, shuffling, illiterate and completely ignorant of the Civil War going on around him.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

PROMISES, PROMISES: No action yet from Obama on guns despite call for steps
WASHINGTON — More than five months after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, the White House has yet to take any new steps on gun violence, even though that’s what President Barack Obama called for in the wake of the shooting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Michelle Obama aims to inspire youth leaders during upcoming visit to South Africa, Botswana
WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama is fond of saying there’s no magic to her being first lady.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

First lady departs for trip to to Africa
First lady Michelle Obama, along with her two daughters, left for Africa on Sunday, her second official solo journey abroad.
(, The Washington Post)

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STYLE
Ask Amy: Words of love, uttered and ... forgotten?
During a weekend outing, her boyfriend told her he loved her, would marry her “in a week” and wanted her to have his baby. The next day, he couldn’t remember what he said. Yes, there was drinking involved.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Special guest request
Heloise asks: Is it fair to ask for unusual, specialty or hard-to-find food items when you are a guest in someone’s home? Readers, what do you have to say?
(, King)

Why a mom may have stayed with an abusive husband
Mom didn’t leave her abusive husband and now a daughter won’t forgive her. Did Mom have a good reason for staying — such as loss of her children?
(, The Washington Post)

Calm by the green, crazed by the pitch
At the U.S. Open and the Gold Cup, vastly dissimilar cultures were on display — entirely different, yet very much the same.
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

FTC vs. National Gallery
Republican lawmaker’s push to have the National Gallery take over the historic FTC building has sparked a turf battle in Washington.
( by Ned Martel , The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Giants fan beating suspect up for parole revocation hearing at Los Angeles jail
LOS ANGELES — The main suspect in the brutal beating of a San Francisco Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium in March faces a court hearing to determine whether he should remain in jail for violating terms of his parole.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sunday's Sports In Brief
BETHESDA, Md. — On another brilliant day of golf, Rory McIlroy ran away with the U.S. Open title, winning by eight shots and breaking the tournament scoring record by a whopping four strokes.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Franchitti wins in Milwaukee, pulls even with Power in IndyCar points standings
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — With Sunday’s win in Milwaukee, Dario Franchitti pulled even with Will Power in the IndyCar Series points standings.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Even with White Sox, Cubs under .500, crosstown series could provide some drama
CHICAGO — Ozzie Guillen’s kidney stone just might be the perfect metaphor for this baseball season in Chicago.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ticket to Augusta: Kevin Chappell's strong US Open comes to a Masters-ful conclusion
BETHESDA, Md. — The top eight finishers at the U.S. Open qualify for next year’s Masters, and that’s a big deal for someone like Kevin Chappell.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Reports: Japan's prime minister under pressure to resign next month
TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, criticized for his handling of the tsunami disaster and the country’s sluggish economy, is under pressure to resign next month if budget bills are passed by parliament, reports said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syria’s president: ‘Saboteurs’ are trying to exploit a movement seeking legitimate reforms
Syria’s embattled president says “saboteurs” are trying to exploit legitimate demands for reform in the country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

British foreign secretary says Syrian leader Assad must reform or go, asks Turkey's help
LUXEMBOURG — Britain’s foreign secretary said Monday that Syria’s leader must reform or go, as the country’s regime continues a brutal crackdown on dissent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek power company workers start strikes against privatization, potentially causing shortages
ATHENS, Greece — Greece faces potential power outages as employees at the main power utility strike to protest the company’s privatization, part of austerity plans essential for the country to avoid a default.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Handful of Melbourne-Sydney flights canceled as volcanic ash moves over southern Australia
SYDNEY — Qantas and Virgin Australia plan to cancel flights into and out of the southern city of Adelaide on Tuesday, when an ash cloud from a Chilean volcano is expected to again move into Australian airspace. Some service on a budget carrier between the country’s two largest cities was also suspended.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS

Outlook: Faux lesbians and anonymity online
Join Washington Post bloggers Melissa Bell and Elizabeth Flock as they discuss the quest to unmask the real blogger behind the "Gay Girl in Damascus" blog.
(, vForum)

D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

Outlook: Faux lesbians and anonymity online
Join Washington Post bloggers Melissa Bell and Elizabeth Flock as they discuss the quest to unmask the real blogger behind the "Gay Girl in Damascus" blog.
(, vForum)

From devoted, to deadbeat, to cannibal: How animal fathers survive in the wild
Join Dr. Stephen Vessey as he chats about the various ways animals choose to rear their young. How different are they from human dads?
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
‘Reminder: Call Dad,’ Another Notch In Google’s Belt Of Social Fail

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Adobe Software Updates To Help Devs Build iOS, PlayBook And Android Apps

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The Bitcoin Trials Continue: Mt. Gox Exchange Collapses Due To Compromised Account

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

VillageVines Relaunches As Savored, Expands Discount Dining To 10 Cities

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Yup, YouTube Counts Video Ads As Regular Views

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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EDITORIAL
More questions about those erasures
D.C. school officials wonder why the popular Singapore math program hasn’t worked at an elementary school.
(, The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Athens will get loan to avoid default, but must act on spending, privatization laws
LUXEMBOURG — The markets were in jittery mood once again Monday after eurozone finance ministers failed to agree to release the next bailout loan installment to Greece — money that is needed to prevent a debt default that could trigger financial chaos.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Athens will get loan to avoid default, but must act on spending, privatization laws
LUXEMBOURG — European stocks and the euro slipped Monday after eurozone finance ministers came up short of a final deal to get Greece its next installment of bailout money that is needed to prevent a default that could cause financial chaos.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Airbus superjumbo A380 grounded at Paris Air Show after clipping a wing
LE BOURGET, France — Airbus’ star jet has been grounded after clipping a wing on a taxiway structure, the latest in an embarrassing string of incidents for the European jet maker at the aviation industry’s premier showcase.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japanese exports drop 10.3 percent in May as impact from quake and tsunami lingers
TOKYO — Japan’s exports dropped for the third straight month in May, hit by massive production losses in the auto sector following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disasters, the government said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

‘Reminder: Call Dad,’ Another Notch In Google’s Belt Of Social Fail

Today's News Highlights 06.16.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
White House defends Libya action
The administration’s stance puts it at odds with GOP leaders and some anti-war Democrats.
(By Scott Wilson)

Greek default fears sharpen
Growing political turmoil intensifies concerns that Greece may be spiraling toward default, potentially igniting a new phase in Europe’s debt crisis.
(By Anthony Faiola and Howard Schneider)

A new low for U.S., Pakistan
Officials say the security relationship between the two nations is the rockiest it’s been since 2001.
(By Karen DeYoung and and Griff Witte)

Arizona Rep. Giffords released from Houston hospital, 5 months after being shot
HOUSTON — Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was released from a Houston hospital on Wednesday, five months after being shot in the head during a Tucson political event.
(By Associated Press)

Bruins hoist the Stanley Cup
Boston captures the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years with a 4-0 victory over the Canucks in Game 7 in Vancouver.
(By Associated Press)

POLITICS
AP source: House Democratic leaders plan to meet Thursday to consider next step in Weiner case
WASHINGTON — House Democratic leaders are planning to meet Thursday to consider the next step in handling the scandal embroiling Rep. Anthony Weiner, who has resisted calls to resign in the midst of a sexting scandal that has been a major distraction for his party for nearly three weeks.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Study finds dads are spending much more time with kids than they did a few generations ago
WASHINGTON — The percentage of American fathers who live apart from their children has doubled over the last half-century. But, to their credit, many of today’s dads are spending more than twice as much time with their kids as they did back then.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

White House report on Libya does little to soothe anger among lawmakers on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON — The White House is vigorously defending President Barack Obama’s right to keep the U.S. military engaged in Libya without seeking congressional approval, a move that appears to have done little to soothe anger among Republican lawmakers and anti-war Democrats over the president’s consultations with Congress during the nearly three month-long campaign.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

White House report on Libya does little to soothe anger among lawmakers on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON — The White House is vigorously defending President Barack Obama’s right to keep the U.S. military engaged in Libya without seeking congressional approval.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hackers who breached Senate computer system say they hit CIA website
WASHINGTON — A group of hackers who breached the Senate computer system earlier this week claimed responsibility for problems with the CIA’s website Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Carolyn Hax: Money matters
How to handle a situation in which you loan an old friend money.
(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Teacher needs to go to spending school
Retiree scrimped and saved so much during her working years that she’s at a loss now on how to enjoy her hard-earned money.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Miss Manners: Who wins in ‘culture’ clash?
Dear Miss Manners: When cultural differences result in different expectations of the hostess and guest obligations, to whose culture should we defer; the hostess’s or the guest’s?
(, United Media)

Is it a musical? Or a textbook? ‘Canto’ can’t decide
GALA Hispanic Theatre’s final offering of the 2010-11 season trips over its wordiness.
(, The Washington Post)

‘Green Lantern’ is plausible and none too illuminating
‘Green Lantern’ is neither amusing nor exciting enough to ensure a long-running franchise.
( by Mark Jenkins Special to The Washington Post , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Wednesday's Sports In Brief
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Tim Thomas drew a virtual line in his crease throughout the crazy, contentious Stanley Cup finals, and Boston’s brilliant goalie just wouldn’t allow the Vancouver Canucks to cross it whenever it really mattered.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Vancouver fans set cars on fire, fling bottles after Stanley Cup loss to Bruins
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Parked cars were set on fire, others were tipped over and people threw beer bottles at giant television screens following the Vancouver Canucks’ 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Luongo insists Canucks will compete for Stanley Cup again after falling to Bruins in Game 7
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Roberto Luongo insists the Canucks will be back.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Boston Bruins end 39 years of futility beat Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 for Stanley Cup
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Zdeno Chara thrust the Stanley Cup high above his 6-foot-9 frame, knocking off his own championship hat and nearly falling down. The Boston Bruins’ captain passed it to 43-year-old Mark Recchi, who raised the shiny silver trophy for a third and final time.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Malaysian soccer coach is third suspect charged with match-fixing in youth tournament
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian authorities have charged a second soccer coach in a widening scandal over match-fixing at a domestic youth tournament.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Countries back treaty recognizing labor rights for millions of domestic workers
GENEVA — Countries have voted to to back a new convention that will recognize labor rights for millions of maids, nannies and cooks around the world
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

ConocoPhillips, Bangladesh sign contract to explore for gas in deep waters of Bay of Bengal
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh has signed a production-sharing contract with American energy giant ConocoPhillips to explore for gas in the virtually unexplored deep waters of the Bay of Bengal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

French health authorities recall hamburgers after 5 children sickened from E. coli
PARIS — French health authorities have ordered a recall of hamburger patties after five children were contaminated with E. coli.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Second governing Socialist party deputy resigns his parliamentary seat in Athens
ATHENS, Greece — Second governing Socialist party deputy resigns his parliamentary seat in Athens.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian authorities detain hundreds of young men in the northwest, activists say
GUVECCI, Turkey — Syrian security forces made sweeping arrests Thursday, randomly detaining males above the age of 16 in a northwestern province that has been under military siege for a week, a Syrian human rights activist said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Campus Overload Live with Jenna Johnson
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus.
(, vForum)

The Weather Gang Lab with Jason Samenow (Video)
Capital Weather Gang's Jason Samenow digs into this week's big weather story. Join the chat to find out what will happen -- and why.
(, vForum)

D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (Video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

Elementary graduations, D.C. best for families, Catholic U ditches co-ed dorms: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (Video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Citigroup says hackers stole data on 360,000
HONG KONG — Hackers stole account information of more than 360,000 of Citigroup Inc.’s U.S. credit card customers in a recent data breach, the bank said Wednesday, almost double the number initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hell Yes, Mayor Bloomberg. I’m With You.

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Citigroup says hackers stole account information of 360,000 customers in recent data breach
HONG KONG — Citigroup Inc. says hackers stole the account information in a recent data breach of more than 360,000 U.S. credit card customers, much higher than initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Yahoo Tries Its Hand At Mobile App Search

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Attn Sports Fans, Journalists, And Parents Of Young Athletes, GameChanger Is On Line Two

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Korean Air takes first A380 to the skies with unique configuration for business travelers
INCHEON, South Korea — Korean Air showed off its first Airbus A380, outfitted with a unique full business class upper deck, in a pair of special flights Thursday, a day before the launch of regular international service.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Asian markets tumble on unrest over Greek debt crisis, China ecomomy fears
HONG KONG — World stocks tumbled on Thursday, hammered by continuing fears that Europe’s debt crisis could spiral out of control and worries over China’s economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek PM may resign amid austerity riots
Greece’s beleaguered government was in power-sharing talks with the opposition conservatives and negotiating the resignation of Prime Minister George Papandreou, an effort to ensure approval of new austerity measures required to avoid bankruptcy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UK retail sales fall 1.4 pct in May after royal wedding spending spree in April
LONDON — Officials figures show that retail sales in Britain fell by a worse than expected 1.4 percent in May as consumers turned their attention from a royal wedding to their own economic worries.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Citigroup says hackers stole data on 360,000
HONG KONG — Hackers stole account information of more than 360,000 of Citigroup Inc.’s U.S. credit card customers in a recent data breach, the bank said Wednesday, almost double the number initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 06.15.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
A tough mission in Afghanistan 
A low-key Marine, Gen. John R. Allen, is set to take over the war at high-stakes moment.
(By Craig Whitlock) 

Nuclear waste dump is mired in inertia 
Yucca Mountain is a case study in government dysfunction and bureaucratic inertia. The project dates back three decades. It has not solved the problem of nuclear waste.
(By Joel Achenbach and Brian Vastag) 

Bachmann basks in newfound momentum 
Rep. Michele Bachmann enjoyed a day of fundraising, media exposure and glowing analysis of her newfound momentum on Tuesday, following a strong presidential debate performance.
(By Amy Gardner and Sandhya Somashekhar) 

States seeking to save on Medicaid 
Republican governors step up their resistance to rules requiring states to maintain current levels of health-care coverage for the poor and disabled under Medicaid.
(By Michael A. Fletcher) 

Graduating from elementary school? 
Dozens of elementary students in the D.C. area are celebrating what some critics call graduation inflation, the growth of ceremonies to mark the end of elementary school. 
(By Steve Hendrix) 

POLITICS 
Ambassador post blocked as US adoptive families fight for release of Vietnamese orphans 
HANOI, Vietnam — Marsha Sailors painted the nursery pink and green at her Missouri home, put up princess pictures and built a crib for her new little girl. They hadn’t yet met, but she already was in love with the smiling 6-month-old in a photo sent from Vietnam. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Detainee who provided key information about bin Laden courier rejoins al-Qaida 
WASHINGTON — The terrorist described as the linchpin in the hunt for Osama bin Laden has rejoined al-Qaida after the Bush administration released him from a secret CIA secret prison under pressure from Pakistan, according to former and current U.S. intelligence officials. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

House Democrats hoping pressure from colleagues and wife's return will prod Weiner to resign 
WASHINGTON — House Democratic colleagues of scandal-scarred Rep. Anthony Weiner are looking for him to step down this week amid a growing chorus for him to resign. Even President Barack Obama has suggested he should leave. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Detainee who provided key information about bin Laden courier rejoins al-Qaida 
WASHINGTON — The terrorist described as the linchpin in the hunt for Osama bin Laden has rejoined al-Qaida after the Bush administration released him from a secret CIA secret prison under pressure from Pakistan, according to former and current U.S. intelligence officials. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

New era sees more, bigger wildfires, echoing blazes a century ago as control policies change 
WASHINGTON — The fires searing parts of the West are an eerie echo of the past, a frightening reminder of a once terrible danger that had been held largely at bay for decades. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

STYLE 
Group lists Coltrane house, Chicago hospital among endangered sites; Charleston on watch list 
WASHINGTON — Jazz musician John Coltrane’s home on Long Island, N.Y., a cloverleaf-shaped Chicago hospital building and a Pillsbury plant in Minneapolis that once was the world’s most advanced flour mill are among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Ask Amy: Military couple failing basic training 
A military couple who live in separate states, decided to set up joint checking and savings accounts to strengthen their bond. Alas, one side didn’t practice complete transparency. 
(, Tribune Media Service) 

Hints From Heloise: A change in dishwasher detergent 
After years of using the same dishwasher and the same detergent, a white film developed on a baffled reader’s dishes. 
(, King) 

Carolyn Hax: The ‘other woman’ first needs to face the truth 
She’s in love with a guy who’s seeing someone else. He won’t take her out in public and bad-mouths the woman he’s with. Ditch him? Well . . . 
(, The Washington Post) 

U.S., Russian actors connect without words 
President Obama’s reset of relations with Russia takes center stage, this time with California students in a Moscow theater. 
( by Kathy Lally , The Washington Post) 

---

SPORTS 
Defending champion Serena Williams seeded No. 8 at Wimbledon; Nadal and Wozniacki both No. 1 
WIMBLEDON, England — Defending champion Serena Williams was seeded No. 8 for Wimbledon on Wednesday and will avoid playing the highest-ranked players until at least the quarterfinals. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

JOC president Takeda says Tokyo nearing a decision on whether to bid for 2020 Olympics 
TOKYO — Japanese Olympic officials expect to know within weeks if Tokyo will bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Tuesday's Sports In Brief 
NEW YORK — An end to the NFL lockout might not be imminent, but it does appears much closer than at any point in the last three months. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Singaporean faces 20 years in prison after being charged in Malaysia for match-fixing 
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian prosecutors have charged a Singaporean man with match-fixing at a youth football tournament. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Earning spot in Gold Cup quarterfinals with sloppy 1-0 victory can't disguise US problems 
Less than a year after Spain won the World Cup, it’s already time to kick off qualifying for the 2014 tournament in Brazil. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

WORLD 
South Korea's capital turns ex-military command with painful past into modern art museum 
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea is trying to make peace with its painful past by turning a building once allegedly used as a torture center into a modern art museum. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

New flooding kills 7, leaves 7 others missing in China as torrential rains continue 
BEIJING — More flooding in central and south China has killed another seven people over the past three days, the government said Wednesday, as the country continued to be battered by seasonal rainstorms. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Former Bahrain editor claims outside plot to plant false stories 
MANAMA, Bahrain — The former chief editor of Bahrain’s main independent newspaper says he has evidence of an apparent effort to plant false news stories during Shiite-led protests for greater rights in the Gulf island kingdom. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Attack on Afghan governor’s office kills 8 
MAIDAN SHAR, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber killed eight people and wounded four in a strike Wednesday on the governor’s office in a northeastern province, while a mortar targeted a building where NATO and Afghan officials were attending the inauguration of the country’s largest police training center in central Afghanistan. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Putin says Russia's economy has two-thirds recovered from global financial crisis 
GENEVA — Russia’s prime minister says his nation’s economy remains well below the level it was at before the global financial crisis. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS 
Parenting advice: Help for raising children of all ages 
Family Almanac columnist Marguerite Kelly discusses the ups and downs of parenting, and tips for helping children through challenging times. 
(, vForum) 

Tuesdays with Moron: Chatological Humor Update 
Gene Weingarten brings you an update to his monthly Chatological Humor live chat. 
(, vForum) 

D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (Video) 
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for. 
(, vForum) 

Real Wheels Live 
Live online discussion with Real Wheels columnist Warren Brown about car-buying and the auto industry.
(, vForum) 

Campus Overload Live with Jenna Johnson 
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus. 
(, vForum) 

---

TECHNOLOGY 
Crowd-Source Your Night In The City With The AreaNow iPhone App (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Exposed: Facebook’s Secret iPhone Photo Sharing App (Which Looks Amazing) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Could Efficiency 2.0 Eclipse Solar? CEO Tom Scarmellino Thinks So (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

On BizSpark And Bubbles: Q&A With Microsoft VP Dan’l Lewin (Video) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Internet radio service Pandora delivers latest IPO hit as strong demand drives shares to $16 
SAN FRANCISCO — Pandora Media Inc. sold its initial public offering of stock at $16 per share late Tuesday, fetching twice as much as the popular but unprofitable Internet radio service expected less than two weeks ago. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

BUSINESS 
Crowd-Source Your Night In The City With The AreaNow iPhone App (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Oil falls below $99 in Asia as traders eye mixed signs on US economy 
SIGNAPORE — Oil prices fell below $99 a barrel Wednesday in Asia as traders eyed mixed signs about the strength of the U.S. economy and crude demand. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

World stock markets down as investors anticipate rate hikes in India, China 
BANGKOK — World stock markets mostly slipped Wednesday as investors anticipated growth-denting rate hikes by central banks in India and China to contain stubbornly high inflation. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

UK unemployment rate holds steady at 7.7 percent as wage growth remains moderate 
LONDON — Official data show Britain’s unemployment rate held steady at 7.7 percent in the three months ending April, matching the rate reported a month ago. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

UK government to back proposals to separate banks 
LONDON — The British government intends to force banks to insulate their retail operations from their more volatile investment banking, a Treasury source confirmed Wednesday. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Morning News 05.09.11

Why Won't Pakistan Let the US Talk to Bin Laden's Wives? ' Mistrust and tensions grow as Pakistan refuses access to the captured Bin Laden family. ' READ FULL STORY

Apple Tops List of World's Most Valuable Brands iPad maker ends Google's four-year reign atop rankings. READ FULL STORY

Cairo's Sectarian Clashes Turn Deadly ' Violent disputes between Christians and Muslims leave at least 10 dead and nearly 200 wounded. ' READ FULL STORY

Osama bin Laden's killing a huge boost for President Obama

A foreign policy novice when he came to office, President Obama can now claim a national security victory that eluded his predecessor for almost eight years.

The caliber of his leadership, often the target of withering attacks by the Republican opposition, has now been bolstered in a very tangible way, as the image of celebrating crowds gathering spontaneously at the White House and the former World Trade Center in New York late Sunday night demonstrated.

Photo gallery: Reactions to Osama bin Laden death

In his speech to Americans announcing the death of Osama bin Laden, he made clear Sunday night that he had been in the driver's seat all along, noting that he had approved the operation at its key moments And he could trumpet that no Americans were harmed in the mission carried out by U.S. special forces.

More details are likely to emerge in coming days that could alter public attitudes. And the unexpected news that "justice had been done" after almost a decade-long hunt may not be the turning point many Obama supporters would like it to be. Similar developments over the years, such as the successful Persian Gulf war of the early 1990s or the apprehension of Saddam Hussein in 2003, did not prove to have lasting impact.

But the immediate result will almost certainly help Obama's sagging popularity, which had returned to its lowest levels in the midst of high gas prices and even questions about the legitimacy of his presidency.

The development is "a great boost for him, as it would be for any president," said pollster Andrew Kohut, who directs the nonpartisan Pew Research Center.

"This is the most symbolic victory he could have," Kohut said. "It's not the end of the war on terror, but it is likely to be seen as a great achievement for the country."

In tracing the roots of the successful mission back almost a year, Obama may have validated his oft-criticized reputation for caution. In combination with the military surge that Obama ordered in Afghanistan and the recent attacks on Libya, the successful operation to kill Bin Laden will make it much more difficult for a Republican to employ in next year's campaign the familiar charge that Democrats are weak on defense.

Obama was able to proclaim that "the most significant achievement to date" in the war against Al Qaeda was a triumph for the U.S. military and intelligence personnel who hunted down and killed the architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that no Americans were killed in the operation.

By comparison, another Democratic president, Jimmy Carter, had to break the sad news to the nation that a rescue attempt to free the U.S. hostages in Iran had not only failed but had resulted in the loss of U.S. lives.

"This can be portrayed credibly as one more example of a president willing to take the long view for success and to achieve it," said Bill Galston, a former Clinton White House aide. "It is also likely to generate a reevaluation of [Obama's] foreign policy apparatus, which hasn't exactly been showered in praise."

Beyond that, Obama has further elevated himself above a field of Republican challengers that is remarkably lacking in foreign-policy expertise, unlike his 2008 opponent, John McCain. Initial reaction from GOP presidential candidates was, as might be expected, positive.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney called it "a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere" and praised "our intelligence community, our military and the president." SOURCE

Morning News 04.14.11

1. A Man, A Plan, A Deficit
   President Obama outlined his plan for tackling the national debt Wednesday, drawing on liberal values and proposing tax cuts for the rich.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

2. Nuclear Safety? Please Refer to Industry Guides.
   When it comes to nuclear regulatory guides, industry often writes the rules say critics.
   Read original story in ProPublica | Thursday, April 14, 2011

3. For Libyan Rebels, Cell Phones Replace Semaphore
   A young telecom entrepreneur has helped rebels pinch Qaddafi's wireless network.
   Read original story in | Thursday, April 14, 2011

4. FAA Ends Solo Air Traffic Night Shifts
   After another incident of a controller nodding off, federal authorities now insist each night shift must be a sleepover with more than one controller at the party.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Thursday, April 14, 2011

5. States Seek to Ban Animal Farm Exposes
   Undercover photos and videos are a favored tool of animal advocates looking to reveal squalid conditions and inhumane practices. Some states want to make them illegal, because not all animals are equal.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

6. Kobe Bryant Fined $100,000 for Anti-Gay Slur
   NBA commissioner slapped a fine on the Lakers star after he made homophobic comments during a game on Tuesday night.
   Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

7. Civil War Lesson Plan: Auction Black Students
   A Virginia schoolteacher divided her classroom by race and then told white students to bid for black ones.
   Read original story in TPM | Thursday, April 14, 2011

8. Big Mac, Brought to You by Identity Theft
   McDonald's managers in Georgia have been charged with hiring prospective workers using the stolen identity cards of U.S. citizens.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 14, 2011

9. Top CIA Spooks Leave for Private Firms
   The private sector has steadily chipped away at the CIA's top talent since 9/11 in the hope of securing government contracts.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

10. Congress Yanks Wolf Off Endangered Species List
    In last week's budget, Congress took the unprecedented step of removing wolves from the Endangered Species List and handing their management over to pro-hunting states.
    Read original story in New York Times | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

11. Donald Trump, Harbinger of Doom
    The popularity of the real estate magnate shows just what a bad position the GOP is in when it comes to presidential candidates.
    Read original story in FiveThirtyEight | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

12. Blogger Sues Huffington Post
    Ariana Huffington is a "robber baron" who has made millions off the backs of unpaid bloggers, says one contributer who's filed suit against the site.
    Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Morning News 04.11.11

1. Obama To Deliver Deficit-Reduction Speech Wednesday
   Senior adviser David Plouffe told the Sunday shows that the president will outline his plan to reduce federal budget deficits and debt, including a call for wealthier Americans to pay more taxes.
   Read original story in USA Today | Sunday, April 10, 2011

2. Qaddafi Agrees to Peace Plan
   Libya's leader has agreed to the African Union's proposed cease-fire and "dialogue." But rebels say they will accept nothing less than the despot's resignation.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Monday, April 11, 2011

3. Concern Grows Over Debt Ceiling Vote
   If it was so difficult to reach a deal on a budget until September that cut $38 billion, many are growing worried about the possibility that a divided Washington won't be able to agree on raising the current $14.25 trillion federal debt ceiling.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Sunday, April 10, 2011

4. General McChrystal is Back
   After dismissing McChrystal following his Rolling Stone debacle, Obama has asked the former Afghanistan commander to lead a program for military families.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, April 11, 2011

5. New Quake Hits As Japan Widens Nuclear Evacuation
   A 7.1 earthquake rocked Japan on Monday as officials said they would evacuate more areas around the Fukushima nuclear plant.
   Read original story in Reuters | Monday, April 11, 2011

6. In GOP Presidential Field, the Sound of Crickets
   Congressional Republicans are worried that no promising presidential candidates have emerged for 2012.
   Read original story in Politico | Monday, April 11, 2011

7. Krugman: "What Have They Done With President Obama?"
   The NYT columnist says the president has gone from inspiring to spineless.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, April 11, 2011

8. Deadly Chinese Milk Poisoned on Purpose
   Milk that killed three children appears to have been tainted intentionally.
   Read original story in Guardian | Monday, April 11, 2011

9. U.N. Hammers Ivory Coast President
   President Laurent Gbagbo is vying for the title of most tenacious dictator, which means the U.N. and France have started bombarding his forces again.
   Read original story in CNN | Monday, April 11, 2011

10. Retired Justice O'Connor Under Ethics Fire
    Critics say she needs to choose between hearing cases in U.S. appeals courts or playing a role in public policy issues because doing both is a clear conflict of interest.
    Read original story in The Associated Press | Sunday, April 10, 2011

11. Unusual Device Led To Confusion in Synagogue Blast
    First, officials said it was a bomb, then they said it was an accident, and now it's a bomb again. Part of the issue had to do with the fact that the explosive was layered under hundreds of pounds of concrete, making it difficult to identify.
    Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Sunday, April 10, 2011

12. Mubarak Denies he Was a Corrupt President
    In his first comments since he was ousted from the Egyptian presidency, Hosni Mubarak denied he had abused his power and vowed to cooperate in any investigation.
    Read original story in Al Jazeera | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Morning News 04.07.11

1. Budget Dispute Drags on
   Obama, Boehner, and Reid met for 90 minutes in the Oval Office on Wednesday, and say they are inching closer to a deal.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 7, 2011

2. Liberal Judge Declares Victory in Wisconsin
   Challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg leads the unwitting anti-union avatar David Prosser by 204 votes, but a recount may be necessary.
   Read original story in Politico | Thursday, April 7, 2011

3. Fox Drops Glenn Beck
   Ding-dong! The demagogic host announced his departure from Fox News Wednesday, but not before likening himself to Paul Revere.
   Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Thursday, April 7, 2011

4. Portugal Begs for Bail-Out
   The E.U. will ride to the debt-stricken country's aid to the tune of billions.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 7, 2011

5. Ivory Coast Megalomaniac Still in Denial
   Despite French diplomacy, the Ivory Coast's Gbagbo refuses to leave his palace, saying Sarkozy wants to assassinate him.
   Read original story in Guardian | Thursday, April 7, 2011

6. Qaddafi to Obama: Be My Pen Pal?
   "Our dear son, Excellency, Baraka Hussein Abu oumama, your intervention is the name of the U.S.A. is a must," the Libyan dictator wrote in a letter.
   Read original story in AP | Thursday, April 7, 2011

7. Granny Cuts Armenia Off From Internet
   An old woman on a scrap hunt severed a cable with her spade, plunging the whole of Armenia into internet darkness.
   Read original story in Guardian | Thursday, April 7, 2011

8. YouTube Wants to Rival TV
   Google is revamping YouTube by adding channels featuring original programming.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 7, 2011

9. Japan Plant Plugs Leak Into Pacific
   Workers have stopped the flow of radioactive water into the Pacific, preventing the tragedy of fluorescent sushi.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

10. Stuff White People Like? Not Breeding.
    The numbers of Hispanic and Asian children are rising, while white kids are on the decline in the U.S.
    Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

11. Archaeologists To Exhume Macabre Mona Lisa
    A team of Italian researchers hopes to find the withered remains of the Florentine woman whose face may solve the secret behind that enigmatic smile.
    Read original story in Telegraph | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

12. Berlusconi to Bunga Bunga Another Day
    Both the Italian Prime Minister and his alleged escort, "Ruby Heartstealer," skipped their first day in court. The trial will resume May 31.
    Read original story in NPR | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Morning News 03.22.11

1. Explosion Rocks Qaddafi's Compound
   Allied forces targeted the Libyan dictator's ground forces Sunday, allowing rebels to regroup.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, March 21, 2011

2. Japan Plant Repair Delayed
   Workers are trying to repair a ventilation system in the plant and channel enough power to a cable connected to reactor No. 2.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, March 21, 2011

3. Wyclef Jean Shot in Haiti
   The pop star was grazed by a bullet as he campaigned for fellow musician Michel Martelly in the Haitian presidential election.
   Read original story in CNN | Monday, March 21, 2011

4. AT&T Buys T-Mobile for $39 Billion
   The deal will make AT&T the biggest wireless carrier in the United States. It also means trouble for competitors and workers as AT&T consolidates the two companies.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Monday, March 21, 2011

5. In Brazil, Obama Balances International Issues
   President Obama kicks off a tour of Latin America this week, but is at pains to show he isn't neglecting pressing issues elsewhere.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Monday, March 21, 2011

6. Knut Is Dead
   The star polar bear of the Berlin Zoo died suddenly on Saturday, aged 4, as hundreds of tourists looked on in horror.
   Read original story in AP | Monday, March 21, 2011

7. The Congressman from Koch?
   Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo received more money from Koch Industries than any other politician in 2010. Liberal groups say he's now pushing Koch-friend legislation in the House.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Monday, March 21, 2011

8. Egyptians Go to the Polls as Regional Turmoil Continues
   A historic reform vote begins in Egypt, but security forces continue to take a hard line against protestors in Bahrain, Syria, and Yemen.
   Read original story in Reuters | Saturday, March 19, 2011

9. Japanese Hospital Workers Left Elderly People To Die
   Grisly scenes at abandoned hospitals and care homes underscore the plight of Japan's elderly tsunami survivors.
   Read original story in The Guardian | Saturday, March 19, 2011

10. Utah Adds Semi-Automatic To List of State Symbols
    Officials say the John M. Browning-designed M1911 handgun "captures a portion of Utah's history" and symbolizes the defense of freedom.
    Read original story in Reuters | Saturday, March 19, 2011

11. When Maggie Met Jimmy
    A new trove of letters and documents suggest that hard-nosed British leader Margaret Thatcher was surprisingly chummy with President Jimmy Carter.
    Read original story in The Associated Press | Saturday, March 19, 2011

12. Majority of American Support Gay Marriage
    For the first time in over a decade of polling, a new ABC News/Washington Post survey finds.
    Read original story in Talking Points Memo | Friday, March 18, 2011

iphone morning news 02.28.11

1. The King's Speech Triumphs at Oscars
   The period costume drama won best picture while its star Colin Firth picked up the best actor Oscar. Natalie Portman of Black Swan won best actress in a ceremony critics are calling anticlimactic.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

2. Rebels Closing In on Qaddafi
   Armed forces opposed to the Libyan dictator are in control of a town 30 miles west of Tripoli that is now surrounded by government forces. Is Oman next?
   Read original story in The New York Times | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

3. Pro-Union Activists Rally Across the Country
   Despite steady snow, as many as 100,000 people gathered in Madison in what may have been the city's largest protest since the Vietnam War.
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

4. Protests Spread to Oman
   Six are dead after demonstrators demanded their rights from yet another oppressive U.S.-backed sultanate.
   Read original story in Reuters | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

5. JPMorgan Wants a Piece of Twitter
   The investment bank is in talks to buy a 10 percent stake that would value the social networking service at $4.5 billion.
   Read original story in The Daily Telegraph | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

6. Hacktivists Target Koch-Backed Web Site
   "Anonymous" strikes again, this time against the Web site of Koch-backed conservative group Americans for Prosperity.
   Read original story in Politico | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

7. Sullivan Takes Blog to Daily Beast
   Andrew Sullivan will move his blogging fiefdom from the Atlantic to the Daily Beast in April.
   Read original story in The Huffington Post | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

8. Last Doughboy Dies at 110
   Born in 1901, Frank Buckles bluffed his way into the army at age 16 and crossed the seas to fight in World War I.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

9. Beverly Hills Child Psychiatrist Busted for Lewd Facebook Photos
   Public bum flashing? Crystal meth and Rentboy.com? A child custody expert defends his antics as "satire."
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

10. London Parlor Offers Breast Milk Ice Cream
    Baby Gaga--frozen human milk infused with vanilla and lemon zest--costs $20 per scoop and comes in a cocktail glass.
    Read original story in The Guardian | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

11. U.K. Medical Chiefs: Abortion Is Safer Than Delivery
    The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that those who are advising women considering an abortion say that terminating a pregnancy is "generally safer" than having the baby.
    Read original story in The Telegraph | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

12. The Last Airbender Named Worst Picture
    Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashton Kutcher also got awards. Meanwhile, Black Swan wins big in the Independent Spirit Awards.
    Read original story in The Hollywood Reporter | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

Morning News 02.23.11

1. Campaign of Terror Engulfs Libya's Capital
   Qaddafi says he will kill protesters "house by house" in Tripoli.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

2. Rahm Emanuel Wins in Chicago
   The former White House chief of staff will be the Windy City's next mayor.
   Read original story in Chicago Tribune | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

3. New Zealand Earthquake: 75 Dead, 300 Missing
   The search continues for survivors trapped in the rubble while some buildings teeter on the brink of collapse.
   Read original story in AP | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

4. Cell Phones Set Brain Whirring
   Using a cell phone speeds up activity in the part of the brain next to the device, researchers find. But is that harmful?
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

5. Federal Judge Upholds Health Care
   And dismisses the Commerce Clause argument as "pure semantics" that "ignore reality."
   Read original story in TPM | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

6. Baby Dolphin Deaths Spike in Gulf
   Are baby dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico tied to the BP oil spill?
   Read original story in The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

7. Harry Reid Calls for End to Prostitution
   The senator's appeal to Nevada's puritanical side was met with silence.
   Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

8. Indiana Democrats Ditch Capital To Avoid Vote on Anti-Union Bill
   Illinois is now sheltering renegade Democrats from both Wisconsin and Indiana.
   Read original story in Indianapolis Star | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

9. 100,000 Protest in Bahrain
   One-fifth of the country's population was in the streets Tuesday.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

10. Boehner: We're Not Going To Let the Government Shut Down
    The speaker of the House said Tuesday that Republicans will pass "a short-term bill to keep the government running," but it will also cut spending.
    Read original story in Reuters | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

11. Sarah Palin Uses Alternate Facebook Account To Praise Sarah Palin
    Someone using Palin's personal Gmail address and the name "Lou Sarah" has a Facebook account that they use almost exclusively to "like" Sarah Palin's official page and post nice things about Bristol.
    Read original story in Wonkette | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

12. Even Atheists Get Mad at God
    In a survey of people's attitudes toward God, nonbelievers reported experiencing more anger at God during their lives than believers.
    Read original story in CNN | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

Morning News 01.19.2011

1. Bomb Discovered Along MLK Jr. Day Parade Route
   A "potentially deadly" bomb was found in a backpack in Spokane, Washington on MLK Jr. Day.
   Read original story in AP | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

2. Peace Corps Founder Sargent Shriver Dies
   The brother-in-law to the Kennedys was a paragon of Big Government idealism, presiding over the Peace Corps and president Johnson's "War on Poverty."
   Read original story in Time | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

3. Employment Upswing in Manufacturing
   Factories are a bright spot in an otherwise bleak employment landscape.
   Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

4. Chinese President Expected to Emphasize "Harmony" During State Visit
   The Obama administration would very much like to engage on serious subjects including human rights, trade laws, and currency valuation, but Hu Jintao has more modest expectations.
   Read original story in CNN | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

5. Are Statins Like Lipitor Overrated?
   Chloresterol-lowering drugs are a cash cow for drug companies but researchers say the medications may not benefit those at low risk of heart disease.
   Read original story in Reuters | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

6. Goldman's Partners: Rich and Male
   Beyond the bank's top execs lie Goldman Sachs' 475 partners, who stand to make a fortune off of company stock options. Only 13 percent of them are women.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

7. Two Students Shot in L.A. School
   A high school sophomore apologized to his classmate and then fled the room after a gun in his backpack went off accidentally, wounding two classmates.
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

8. Haiti Charges Baby Doc With Corruption, Theft
   The former dictator said he returned to Haiti to help his country, but instead he's being held accountable for the harm he inflicted 25 years ago.
   Read original story in BBC | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

9. Lieberman Joins Ranks of Retiring Senate Liberals
   The Connecticut independent will officially announce that he's not seeking reelection Wednesday, the day after North Dakota Democrat Kent Conrad said he won't run in 2012
   Read original story in Politico | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

10. Royal Succession Courts Gender Equality
    Elizabeth II would never have been Queen if she'd had a younger brother. The British government is out to change that.
    Read original story in The Daily Telegraph | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

11. Apple Made $27 Billion Last Quarter, Shipped 7.3 million iPads
    But the even-better-than-expected earnings report was overshadowed by questions about CEO Steve Jobs' health.
    Read original story in Business Insider | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

12. Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Hits Pakistan
    The tremor was felt as far away as Dubai, but isn't believed to have caused massive damage.
    Read original story in | Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Morning Papers 08.16.10

1. Gen. Petraeus: 2011 Afghan Exit Date Could Be Impossible 
   Appearing on Meet the Press, the United States' top army general announced his support for President Obama's timetable to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011, but warned he could foresee circumstances that would make it impossible for him to recommend such action.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

2. Tea Party Activists Gather in Support of Controversial Immigration Law 
   More than 400 Tea party activists met at a remote section of the border between the United States and Mexico south of Tucson on Sunday to hear more than a dozen conservative speakers demand President Obama do more to step up security.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

3. GOP Turns Anti-Islamic Sentiment Into Winning Issue 
   The party once tried to court Muslim voters, but now Republicans are playing to their base's mistrust of Islam, injecting the issue into local races across the country.
   Read original story in Politico | Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010

4. UN Chief Calls on Donors to Speed Up Aid to Pakistan 
   After flying over some of the hardest-hit areas of Pakistan with President Zardari, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has visited many natural disaster sites, called the monsoon-induced flooding some of the worst destruction he has ever seen.
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

5. Accused Craigslist Killer Commits Suicide in Jail 
   Philip Markoff, who pleaded not guilty in June to a slew of charges for murdering, robbing and attacking girls that he met on Craigslist, was found dead Sunday in his cell at Nashua Street Jail.
   Read original story in ABC News | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

6. Top Republican Strategist: Michael Steele Has Been a Disaster 
   "Michael Steele has failed miserably to do the things he's supposed to do -- raise money and basically go out and articulate a message," said Ed Rollins on CBS's Face the Nation Sunday.
   Read original story in CQ Politics | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

7. Martin Kaymer Wins PGA Championship in Three-Hole Playoff 
   The 25-year-old German sunk a 15-foot putt on the 18th hole to tie America's Bubba Watson at an impressive 11 under at the USPGA at Wisconsin's Whistling Straits.
   Read original story in USA Today | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

8. Dems. Pushing Kennedy's Widow To Become Candidate 
   Many think Victoria Reggie Kennedy stands the best chance of beating Sen. Scott Brown, who has become hugely popular in Massachusetts. Some in the Kennedy clan aren't happy, saying she shouldn't do anything to distract from her work promoting her late husband's legacy.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010

9. Scientists Say Vat-Grown Meat Necessary to Feed Growing Population 
   Artificial meat is just one of the suggestions scientists raise for feeding a rapidly expanding population in a series of papers published as part of a UK government Foresight study on the future of the food industry.
   Read original story in The Guardian | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

10. Sly Stallone Crushes Roberts, Cera, Weekend Box Office 
    More women turned out to see ensemble action movie, The Expendables, than was expected, especially considering it went up against Julia Roberts' new flick, Eat Pray Love, based on Elizabeth Gilberts' best-selling memoir.
    Read original story in Hollywood Today | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

11. Earth Day Network Enlists 15 Countries, James Cameron to Plant One Million Trees 
    The Avatar director planted the first of the new trees in Brazil earlier this year. Trees will also be planted in Canada, Spain, Mexico, Haiti and various cities across the United States.
    Read original story in The Associated Press | Monday, Aug. 16, 2010

12. Obama Swims in the Gulf 
    Fearful of another tabloid obsession with the president's fit body, the White House didn't let reporters see the president enjoying the water with his daughter Sasha.
    Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010

Immigration ruling could send message to states

PHOENIX — States that had been watching Arizona's immigration law in hopes of copying it received a rude awakening when a judge put most of the measure on hold and agreed with the Obama administration's core argument that immigration enforcement is the role of the federal government.

The ruling marked a repudiation of the Arizona law as U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton indicated that the government has a good chance at succeeding in its argument that federal immigration law trumps state law. It was an important first-round victory for the government in a fight that may not be settled until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in.

But opponents of the law said the ruling sends a strong message to other states hoping to replicate the law. "Surely it's going to make states pause and consider how they're drafting legislation and how it fits in a constitutional framework," Dennis Burke, the U.S. Attorney for Arizona, told the Associated Press. "The proponents of this went into court saying there was no question that this was constitutional, and now you have a federal judge who's said 'hold on, there's major issues with this bill.'"

He added: "So this idea that this is going to be a blueprint for other states is seriously in doubt. The blueprint is constitutionally flawed."

Gov. Jan Brewer called Wednesday's decision "a bump in the road" and vowed to appeal.

Her spokesman Paul Senseman said the state would ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Thurdsay to lift Bolton's preliminary injunction and to expedite its consideration of the state's appeal.

The key sponsor of Arizona's law, Republican Rep. Russell Pearce, said the judge was wrong and predicted that the state would ultimately win the case.

In her temporary injunction, Bolton delayed the most contentious provisions of the law, including a section that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. She also barred enforcement of parts requiring immigrants to carry their papers and banned illegal immigrants from soliciting employment in public places — a move aimed at day laborers that congregate in large numbers in parking lots across Arizona. The judge also blocked officers from making warrantless arrests of suspected illegal immigrants. CONTINUE READING...
 

For Migrants, New Law Is Just Another Challenge

NOGALES, Mexico — Despite its intent to “discourage and deter” unlawful entry to the United States, Arizona’s tough new immigration law is not what prevented Verónica from sneaking into the state without papers. After all, she had already endured a harrowing train ride, escaped dangerous drug traffickers and eluded Mexican authorities who were after the money she had stuffed in her underwear.

Verónica did not make it to the United States, she said glumly, simply because she got nervous. Her palms got sweaty and she slipped off the pole she and others in her group were shimmying up to get over the border fence and into Arizona.

It was a long fall and Verónica, a Honduran immigrant who declined to give her last name out of fear that it might hurt her chances of migrating north in the future, was bruised and limping when she recounted her failed border crossing. She was pregnant, too, and worried about how her fetus had handled the trauma.

As strict as Arizona’s new immigration legislation may be, prompting the Mexican government to issue a travel alert warning that “any Mexican citizen could be bothered and questioned without cause at any moment,” it happens to be child’s play compared with what many illegal immigrants regularly endure on their way to the north.

“If they think the migrants will stop coming, they’re wrong,” Rafael Limón Corbalá, head of the regional migration office for the Mexican state of Sonora, said of the Arizona legislators who approved the law. “There’s still jobs over there, and many people will still have their eyes on getting across.”

If a migrant can pay enough, heading north can be as simple as waiting in line at a border crossing, handing a forged identity document to a border guard and, if it works, strolling into the United States. But it is more likely to be a nightmarish trek through the Mexican countryside and then across the Arizona desert.

Either way, migrants pool significant sums, anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, to make the passage. That is enough in many of their hometowns to build a basic home or start a small business, but it is widely viewed among migrants as a worthy investment.

Arizona’s new law — which calls for police officers who have “reasonable suspicion” of a person’s immigration status to demand proof of legal residency — was uniformly disliked by the many migrants interviewed in this border town on the Mexican side. The criticism seemed the same among those preparing to cross, those who were deciding what to do next after being deported and those in the midst of crossing who spoke as they trudged nervously north.

“We work for the people of Arizona and now they don’t want us,” fumed Miguel, who said he was part a group of several dozen people caught by the Border Patrol in the desert this week and bused back to the border. He said he would be making another attempt — his eighth in recent years — soon. CONTINUE READING...

Moving Forward With the 2010 Census

It’s that time of the decennial again, when the federal government starts sending out census questionnaires to millions of residents. And the government is urging everyone -- especially African Americans -- to fill out their forms and get counted.

“Historically, African Americans have been reluctant to participate in the census in the past,” says Arnold Jackson, associate director for the 2010 census. “Other than voting, I’m not sure anything is as important-the census helps dictate who represents us and where federal dollars are spent in our communities.” Unfortunately, the 2000 Census missed an estimated one million people of color and also undercounted low-income people and children.

The 2010 Census will ask for your name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home – the simple questions will take about 10 minutes to answer, he says. (Sample questionnaire) The Constitutionally mandated census is conducted every 10 years and counts every resident in the United States. The census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year and also help determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We’ve made progress on reducing the differential undercount, but it is extremely for any group that is concerned about equal representation to participate,” says Jackson.

By March, the 10-question census form will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The federal government would like the form mailed back by April 1. If the form isn’t returned, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. Though the majority – 90% -- of forms will be mailed, the census bureau will also send out staff to areas where is not delivered to residences uniformly and areas that historically have a low rate of return of questionnaires to conduct interviews. CONTINUE READING...

Haitians in U.S. wait for news and worry

With phone lines down and communication cut, Haitians living in America are "sick with worry" and scrambling for information about loved ones who experienced Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake on the island nation."At this point it looks like it's worse than we all imagined and we still don't know specifics because of the down power lines," Gepsi Metellus said Wednesday. She is the executive director of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami, Florida, which provides services to Haitians in South Florida ranging from help with taxes to how to navigate the American school system."We are assuming there are a lot more casualties than we might have initially thought," she said.

Metellus said she still hasn't heard from her mother, who splits her time between Haiti -- she lives in Pétionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince -- and Miami. Her mother flew from Miami to Haiti on Friday. "She's in her 70s. I'm very concerned."Metellus is also trying to find out how the center can best help people in Haiti, but without information, that's difficult to ascertain at the moment. "There are people who want to drop off medicine and food and water at the center, but we don't even know if that's what's needed, much less if we will be able to get those supplies to the island."

Are you looking for loved ones in Haiti?

Haiti is the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. Plagued with "political violence for most of its history," according to the CIA World Factbook, the Caribbean island nation has suffered from colonialism, coups and corruption since becoming the first black republic in 1804. CONTINUE READING...