Saturday, January 10, 2009
International
0TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 11 January, 2009
GAZA SOURCES: ISRAELI SHELLING KILLS GIRL, BURNS 49
Israeli shelling ignited several buildings, including a U.N.
school, in southern Gaza on Saturday, killing a girl and
severely burning 49 other people, local hospital sources said.
Meanwhile, Hamas militants fired 20 Grad long-range rockets into
Israel on Saturday, injuring four civilians, according to an
Israeli Defense Forces spokesman.
BUSH TAKES FINAL FLIGHT TO SEE DAD HONORED
An aircraft carrier named after the first President Bush was
commissioned Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia.
BUS TUMBLES INTO RAVINE IN PERU, KILLS 32
Thirty-two people were killed and 25 others injured when a bus
skidded off a rain-slicked mountain road and tumbled into a
ravine in northern Peru early Saturday : a transit police
spokesman
REPORT: EU, RUSSIA EDGE TOWARDS GAS DEAL
The European Union president held meetings in the Russian
capital Saturday to try to resolve a natural gas dispute between
Russia and Ukraine.
SOMALI PIRATES FREE TANKER AFTER RANSOM
Pirates holding a Saudi-owned oil supertanker off the coast of
Somalia have set the vessel free after receiving a ransom
payment, a piracy monitor in neighboring Kenya said Saturday.
LLOYDS TSB FINED OVER U.S. SANCTIONS BREACH
British bank Lloyds TSB has agreed to pay a $350 million penalty
to the U.S. authorities for illegal financial transfers that
violated sanctions, British media reports have said.
SUNNI-SHIA CLASHES IN PAKISTAN LEAVE 17 DEAD
Seventeen people have been killed and 30 wounded in clashes
between Sunni and Shia groups in villages in the Hangu District
in northwest Pakistan, police said Saturday.
ZIMBABWE INTRODUCES $50 BILLION NOTE
Zimbabwe's central bank will introduce a $50 billion note --
enough to buy just two loaves of bread -- as a way of fighting
cash shortages amid spiraling inflation.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
INDIAN OIL WORKERS END CRIPPLING STRIKE
Facing intense government pressure, Indian oil workers agreed to
call off a three-day strike and go back to work, the Oil and
Petroleum Ministry announced.
OBAMA CALLS FOR 'DRAMATIC ACTION'
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said Congress must take
"dramatic action" on his economic aid package as soon as
possible, warning that a failure to do so would have devastating
long-term consequences for the nation.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE REACH MONITORING DEAL
Russian energy giant Gazprom stated Thursday it was ready to
resume pumping gas to European markets through Ukraine as soon
as independent monitors are in place following EU-hosted talks
in Brussels.
worldNews
Philippines: Rebels bomb electricity tower, official says
01/10/09 07:32 AM, EST
Separatist rebels bombed an electricity transmission tower in the
southern Philippines on Saturday, according to military spokesperson
Lt. Stefani Cacho.
Somali pirates free tanker after ransom
01/10/09 04:23 AM, EST
Pirates holding a Saudi-owned oil supertanker off the coast of Somalia
have set the vessel free after receiving a ransom payment, a piracy
monitor in neighboring Kenya said Saturday.
VP-elect Biden arrives in Afghanistan for talks
01/10/09 03:37 AM, EST
Vice President-elect Joe Biden and Sen. Lindsey Graham arrived in
Kabul on Saturday for meetings with U.S. military commanders and
Afghan leaders, a U.S. military spokesman said.
Analyst: China Internet move part of global trend
01/10/09 03:00 AM, EST
China this past week released a list of major online portals and Web
sits that it claims provide and spread pornographic or obscene
content, state media reported.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 10 January, 2009
ISRAEL: OVERNIGHT STRIKES TARGET HAMAS
The Israeli military says it carried out air attacks on 40
targets in Gaza and killed 15 Hamas fighters in battles
overnight and Saturday morning. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said
Israel was disregarding a U.N. vote in favor of a cease-fire
because the resolution will not be heeded by "murderous"
Palestinian groups.
SOMALI PIRATES FREE TANKER AFTER RANSOM
Pirates holding a Saudi-owned oil supertanker off the coast of
Somalia have set the vessel free after receiving a ransom
payment, a piracy monitor in neighboring Kenya said Saturday.
5 WOUNDED IN CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL DRIVE-BY
Five people were shot Friday outside a Chicago high school,
police said.
INDIAN FORCES GUN DOWN SUSPECTED INSURGENTS
Indian forces gunned down two suspected insurgents Saturday in
Assam, killing one of them, a day after a bomb explosion in the
remote northeastern state, the federal home ministry said.
U.S. VP-ELECT BIDEN ARRIVES IN AFGHANISTAN
Vice President-elect Joe Biden and Sen. Lindsey Graham arrived
in Kabul on Saturday for meetings with U.S. military commanders
and Afghan leaders, a U.S. military spokesman said.
'SUICIDE BOMBER' CAUGHT AFTER LAHORE BLASTS
Three explosions rocked Pakistan's second largest city Friday,
according to Lahore police.
OBAMA TRAIN TRIP POSES SECURITY ISSUES
President-elect Barack Obama's January 17 train trip from
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Washington is intended to make
the inauguration the most open and accessible in history.
----------------------------------
BUSINESS
EU: RUSSIA GAS SUPPLY SHOULD RESTART
Gas should start flowing again through the Ukraine from Russia
immediately after a deal was reached for EU monitors to
supervise the system, the EU says. The standoff has affected
millions of people across Europe, who have been forced to cut
down on gas heating or live without it amid freezing
temperatures.
INDIA RUNNING DRY AS OIL STRIKE BITES
Fuel pumps across India ran dry Friday as a strike by workers at
state-run oil companies entered a third day.
OBAMA CALLS FOR 'DRAMATIC ACTION'
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said Congress must take
"dramatic action" on his economic aid package as soon as
possible, warning that a failure to do so would have devastating
long-term consequences for the nation.
Friday, January 09, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 10 January, 2009
ISRAEL, HAMAS BRUSH OFF U.N. CEASE-FIRE RESOLUTION
Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, hitting more than 50
targets, despite calls for an immediate cease-fire by the U.N.
Security Council. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel was
disregarding the U.N. vote because the resolution will not be
heeded by "murderous" Palestinian groups.
'SUICIDE BOMBER' CAUGHT AFTER LAHORE BLASTS
Three explosions rocked Pakistan's second largest city Friday,
according to Lahore police.
BLAGOJEVICH IMPEACHED IN OBAMA SEAT ROW
The Illinois House of Representatives on Friday voted almost
unanimously to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
OBAMA NAMES NEW INTELLIGENCE CHIEFS
President-elect Barack Obama will announce Friday that he is
naming Leon Panetta as CIA director and Dennis Blair as director
of national intelligence, two officials close to the transition
said.
'RANSOM PAID' TO PIRATES FOR SAUDI SUPERTANKER
Pirates holding a Saudi-owned supertanker off the coast of
Somalia have set the vessel free, according to Andrew Mwangura
of the Kenya Seafarers Association.
CHARLES TAYLOR'S SON SENTENCED FOR TORTURE
The son of former Liberian President Charles Taylor Sr. was
sentenced Friday to 97 years in prison for charges including
torture and conspiracy, according to a federal court in Florida.
'CANCER-FREE' BABY GIRL BORN IN LONDON
A woman gives birth to the first child in Britain known to have
been screened as an embryo to ensure she does not carry a gene
linked to breast and ovarian cancer, a spokesman for University
College London said.
14 DEAD, 22 MISSING AFTER COSTA RICA QUAKE
Fourteen people have died and another 22 are missing after a
6.2-magnitude earthquake Thursday in north central Costa Rica,
officials said Friday.
----------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
EU: RUSSIA GAS SUPPLY SHOULD RESTART
Gas should start flowing again through the Ukraine from Russia
immediately after a deal was reached for EU monitors to
supervise the system, the EU says. The standoff has affected
millions of people across Europe, who have been forced to cut
down on gas heating or live without it amid freezing
temperatures.
INDIA RUNNING DRY AS OIL STRIKE BITES
Fuel pumps across India ran dry Friday as a strike by workers at
state-run oil companies entered a third day.
OBAMA CALLS FOR 'DRAMATIC ACTION'
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said Congress must take
"dramatic action" on his economic aid package as soon as
possible, warning that a failure to do so would have devastating
long-term consequences for the nation.
Dow finishes nearly 150 points lower after a dreary jobs report spooks investors.
Dow finishes nearly 150 points lower after a dreary jobs report spooks
investors.
Robert Rubin resigns from Citigroup: Wall Street Journal
Robert Rubin resigns from Citigroup: Wall Street Journal
1/9/2009 3:10:59 PM EDT
USnews
Obama to name intelligence appointments Friday, sources say
01/09/09 08:56 AM, EST
President-elect Barack Obama will announce Friday that he is naming
Leon Panetta as CIA director and Dennis Blair as director of national
intelligence, two officials close to the transition said.
Stem cell discovery could mean faster healing
01/09/09 08:34 AM, EST
Researchers have found a way to prompt bone marrow to release a flood
of certain stem cells which could help heart attack patients recover
faster.
Breaking News
Gov. Blagojevich impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 09 January, 2009
SECURITY COUNCIL PASSES GAZA TRUCE RESOLUTION
The U.N. Security Council overwhelmingly approves a resolution
calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. All members of the
council vote in favor except the United States, which abstains.
HAMAS OFFICIAL SAYS FIGHTERS 'STILL STRONG'
A senior Hamas official who had crossed the border into Egypt
from Gaza said Thursday his fighters are "still strong" and
vowed to continue fighting despite a continuing ground and air
assault by Israel that has killed more than 700 people in the
Palestinian territory.
LEBANESE PM CONDEMNS ROCKET ATTACK ON ISRAEL
Four rockets fired from from Lebanon strike northern Israel,
wounding two people, Israeli police and emergency medical
services say. A statement from the Lebanese Army says the
rockets were launched by "an unknown group" and that the Israeli
retaliatory fire inflicted no casualties.
U.S. HOUSE TO VOTE ON ISRAEL RESOLUTION
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote Friday on a
resolution "recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against
attacks from Gaza," Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday.
BIDEN ARRIVES IN PAKISTAN FOR HIGH-LEVEL TALKS
Vice President-elect Joe Biden and Sen. Lindsay Graham arrived
in Islamabad Friday afternoon for scheduled talks with senior
Pakistani government officials on a variety of regional issues,
according to a U.S. Embassy spokesman.
U.S.: TOP AL QAEDA CHIEFS KILLED IN PAKISTAN
Two top al Qaeda terrorists have been killed in a U.S. missile
strike on a building in northern Pakistan on New Year's Day,
according to two senior U.S. officials.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE TO ALLOW GAS MONITORS
The heads of Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine's
state-run gas company Naftogaz held brief talks overnight in
Moscow to discuss the impasse on natural gas deliveries, a
Gazprom spokeswoman said Thursday.
DEADLY QUAKE STRIKES COSTA RICA
Two girls died in a landslide Thursday triggered by a
6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck near Costa Rica's capital
of San Jose, the National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica
said.
-------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
OBAMA CALLS FOR 'DRAMATIC ACTION'
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said Congress must take
"dramatic action" on his economic aid package as soon as
possible, warning that a failure to do so would have devastating
long-term consequences for the nation.
SOUTH KOREA AUTOMAKER FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY
Ssangyong Motor Co., South Korea's fifth largest automaker,
filed for bankruptcy Friday, citing the company's worsening
finances.
Energy: Oil falls for fourth session after U.S. jobs data
Crude-oil futures fall Friday for a fourth consecutive session,
heading for a weekly loss of more than 11%, after government reports
showed that the U.S., the world's biggest oil consumer, lost the most
jobs in 2008 since World War II.
Employers shed 524,000 jobs in December and 2.6 million in '08 - worst year since 1945, U.S. says. Unemployment rate spikes to 7.2%.
Employers shed 524,000 jobs in December and 2.6 million in '08 - worst
year since 1945, U.S. says. Unemployment rate spikes to 7.2%.
Breaking News
Gazprom says it will resume pumping gas through Ukraine once EU
monitors are in place.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Moderate earthquake hits Southern California 55 miles east of Los Angeles
Moderate earthquake hits Southern California 55 miles east of Los Angeles
1/8/2009 11:04:41 PM EDT
Breaking News
U.N. Security Council passes resolution calling for Gaza cease-fire,
with United States abstaining from vote.
Breaking News Thu., January 8, 2009
Ill. House Committee Recommends Impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Breaking news: Obama urges passage of stimulus plan
WASHINGTON (AP) - In his first speech since his election,
President-elect Barack Obama warned that the economy could become
"dramatically worse" if Congress doesn't enact a massive stimulus
program. He laid out goals of doubling the production of alternative
energy over three years, updating most federal buildings to improve
energy efficiency, making medical records electronic, expanding
broadband networks and updating schools and universities.
Obama takes campaign for massive economic rescue plan to the public amid 'crisis unlike any we have seen in our lifetime.'
Obama takes campaign for massive economic rescue plan to the public
amid 'crisis unlike any we have seen in our lifetime.'
Breaking News
Gazprom says it will resume pumping gas through Ukraine once EU
monitors are in place.
Breaking News
At least three rockets have struck northern Israel from Lebanon,
Israeli police say.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 08 January, 2009
ISRAEL MILITARY STEPS UP GAZA AIRSTRIKES
The Israeli air force intensifies its operations across Gaza,
launching strikes against approximately 60 targets in the
Palestinian territory. The attacks came as four rockets fired
from from Lebanon strike northern Israel, wounding two people.
ROCKETS FROM LEBANON STRIKE ISRAEL
Four rockets fired from from Lebanon strike northern Israel,
wounding two people, Israeli police and emergency medical
services say. A statement from the Lebanese Army says the
rockets were launched by "an unknown group" and that the Israeli
retaliatory fire inflicted no casualties.
RED CROSS DEMANDS ACCESS TO GAZA
The International Committee of the Red Cross calls on Israel to
allow it immediate access to Gaza, saying a trip into Gaza City
revealed weak children laying with their dead mothers and other
"shocking" scenes.
RUSSIA AND UKRAINE GAS OFFICIALS HOLD TALKS
The heads of Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine's
state-run gas company Naftogaz held brief talks overnight in
Moscow to discuss the impasse on natural gas deliveries, a
Gazprom spokeswoman said Thursday.
REPORT: NORTH KOREA TO HOLD ELECTION IN MARCH
North Korea will hold its delayed parliamentary elections in
March, a sign that leader Kim Jong-il's health is improving,
according to South Korean state-run media.
WOMAN SUSPECTED OF WITCHCRAFT BURNED ALIVE
A woman in rural Papua New Guinea was bound and gagged, tied to
a log and set ablaze on a pile of tires this week, possibly
because villagers suspected her of being a witch, police said
Thursday.
ALLEGED POLYGAMISTS ARRESTED IN CANADA
Two leaders of a Canadian polygamist sect are arrested and
charged with polygamy in what could be a landmark case.
JETBLUE, SCREENERS SETTLE ARABIC T-SHIRT LAWSUIT
JetBlue Airways and two TSA screeners will pay $240,000 to
settle an Iraqi man's claim he was denied access to a flight
until he covered a T-shirt that read in English and Arabic, "We
Will Not be Silent."
----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
AUTOMAKERS FACE GRIM JOB REPORTS
A rebound in sales will be difficult, if not impossible, to come
by for General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler LLC as long as
the unemployment rate keeps rising.
LENOVO TO CUT 2,500 JOBS, RESTRUCTURE
Personal computer maker Lenovo, expecting to report a loss for
the third fiscal quarter ending December 31, announced it would
cut 2,500 jobs as part of a restructuring expected to save $300
million.
CONTINENTAL, BOEING TEST BIOFUELED JET
A Continental Airlines jetliner flew with one engine powered by
a mix of oils from algae and jatropha plants Wednesday in what
the plane's manufacturer called an "outstanding" test flight.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 08 January, 2009
ISRAEL RESUMES GAZA CAMPAIGN AFTER BRIEF HALT
A temporary truce in Gaza that was supposed to last three hours
on Wednesday failed just 15 minutes after it was scheduled to
take effect. The suspension of the campaign from 1 p.m. until 4
p.m. was intended to allow residents of the Hamas-ruled
Palestinian territory to receive food and medical supplies.
ISRAEL TO SEND ENVOYS TO GAZA TRUCE TALKS
Israel will send two envoys to Cairo, Egypt, in the coming days
to discuss a Gaza truce plan which is still in its early stages,
an Israeli Foreign Ministry official said Wednesday.
U.N.: NO MILITANTS AT SHELLED GAZA SCHOOL
U.N. officials are "99.9 percent certain" there were no
Palestinian militants in or on the grounds of a school that was
shelled by Israeli forces, killing more than 40 people, a
spokesman said Wednesday.
WANTED SADDAM ALLY URGES PALESTINIANS TO FIGHT
An audio message attributed to Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the
highest ranking former member of Saddam Hussein's regime still
at large, salutes the "People of Palestine" and calls on them to
fight back against Israel in Gaza.
SATYAM SHARES DIVE AFTER FRAUD ADMISSION
The chairman of India's fourth-largest software-services
provider resigned Wednesday after confessing to inflating the
company's profits for years with "fictitious" assets and
non-existent cash.
GAS ROW SENDS SHIVER THROUGH ICY EUROPE
Gas supplies to Europe from Russia remained cut or reduced
Wednesday as Russia and Ukraine continued their dispute over the
supply of natural gas.
OBAMA TO CALL FOR 'URGENT ACTION' ON ECONOMY
President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday will announce his pick
for "chief performance officer," a newly created position that
will work on the federal budget and to reform government.
MEXICAN PRESIDENT UNVEILS RECOVERY PLAN
Mexican President Felipe Calderon outlined a series of economic
recovery measures Wednesday, including freezing gasoline prices
for the rest of the year and lowering natural gas prices by 10
percent.
-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
M&S TO CUT UP TO 1,230 JOBS
British retail giant Marks & Spencer unveiled its worst sales
figures for almost a decade Wednesday and announced plans to cut
up to 1,230 jobs.
CHELSEA'S ABRAMOVICH LOSES RICH-LIST STATUS
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has lost his position at the top
of football's rich list but David Beckham remains the wealthiest
player.
BOA SELLS 5.6B SHARES IN CHINESE BANK
Bank of America has sold 5.6 billion shares, or $3 billion, of
its holdings in China Construction Bank, a spokesman for the
Chinese bank said Wednesday.
USnews
Real estate power broker dead of apparent suicide
01/07/09 11:28 AM, EST
One of Chicago's most well-known real estate moguls appears to have
shot himself to death, police said.
Coming up in January: Business Traveller airport special
01/07/09 10:30 AM, EST
They are often the bane of our traveling lives. But they are often the
place where we feel the holiday has really begun.
iPhoto update helps show merits of geotagging
01/07/09 09:55 AM, EST
With its launch of iPhoto 09, Apple has begun showing some reasons why
it's worth enduring the hassle of geotagging your photos.
WorldNews
Woman dies of bird flu in China
01/07/09 12:29 AM, EST
A 19-year-old woman who handled ducks in northern China has died in
Beijing from bird flu, the World Health Organization said
Brain implant better than meds for Parkinson's disease
01/06/09 08:58 PM, EST
People with Parkinson's disease who have a pacemaker-like device
implanted in the brain spend an extra four-plus hours a day free of
tremors and involuntary movements than they do on medication,
according to the largest study of the treatment, which is known as
deep brain stimulation.
Blackwater defendants plead not guilty
01/06/09 08:47 PM, EST
Five former Blackwater Worldwide security guards pleaded not guilty
Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter charges and other crimes stemming
from a shooting incident in Baghdad that left 17 Iraqis dead.
NATO-led soldier killed in Afghanistan
01/06/09 08:41 PM, EST
A member of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan has been killed in the
country's volatile south, the International Security Assistance Force
said.
Al Qaeda message blames Obama, Egypt for Gaza violence
01/06/09 07:41 PM, EST
An audio message reportedly from al Qaeda's deputy chief vows revenge
for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and calls the Jewish
state's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama.
Israel to open 'humanitarian corridor' for Gaza aid
01/06/09 06:30 PM, EST
Israel has agreed to establish a "humanitarian corridor" to supply
residents of Gaza with aid as international concerns about conditions
among civilians mount, according to a government statement.
Obama will ban earmarks from stimulus bill
01/06/09 06:24 PM, EST
Members of Congress won't be allowed to slip earmarks into the
economic recovery package Congress will soon take up, President-elect
Barack Obama said Tuesday.
Venezuela expels Israeli ambassador
01/06/09 06:04 PM, EST
Venezuela expelled Israel's ambassador to the country Tuesday and
accused Israel of attempting to carry out "genocide" against the
Palestinian people.
Sources: CNN's Gupta approached for surgeon general
01/06/09 04:38 PM, EST
The Obama transition team approached Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief
medical correspondent, about becoming U.S. surgeon general, according
to sources inside the transition and at CNN.
Panetta pick as CIA chief under fire
01/06/09 04:14 PM, EST
Could someone without intelligence experience effectively lead the
United States' top spy agency, particularly in a time of war?
U.S. budget deficit in 2009 will rise to record $1.2 trillion, or 8.3% of GDP, not counting any Obama stimulus, government estimates.
U.S. budget deficit in 2009 will rise to record $1.2 trillion, or 8.3%
of GDP, not counting any Obama stimulus, government estimates.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 07 January, 2009
ISRAEL OFFERS SHORT RESPITE FROM STRIKES
Israel will halt its bombardment of Gaza for three hours every
day to allow residents of the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory
to obtain much-needed supplies, a military spokesman says.
ISRAEL MULLS EXPELLING VENEZUELAN DIPLOMAT
Israel said Wednesday it may expel Venezuela's top diplomat from
the country in a tit-for-tat gesture after the South American
nation ordered the Israeli ambassador to leave over the
increasingly bloody ground war in Gaza.
AL QAEDA NO. 2 BLAMES OBAMA FOR GAZA
An audio message reportedly from al Qaeda's deputy chief vows
revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and calls
the Jewish state's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.
GAZA DOCTORS: HOSPITAL CROWDED WITH CIVILIANS
Far more civilians than Hamas fighters are arriving for
treatment of war wounds at Gaza's main hospital as Israel's
military incursion into the territory continues, two doctors
say.
FRENCH SHIP FREED AS ANTI-PIRATE PATROLS START
Two Chinese destroyers and a supply ship were patrolling the
waters in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia on Wednesday, according
to news reports, and at least 15 vessels have requested their
protection.
RUSSIAN GAS DISPUTE SQUEEZES EUROPE SUPPLIES
Gas supplies to Europe from Russia remained cut or reduced
Wednesday as Russia and Ukraine continued their dispute over the
supply of natural gas.
VIDEO SPURS PROBE OF U.S. POLICE SHOOTING
A New Year's Day shooting in which a subway police officer fired
a deadly shot into the back of an unarmed man has the San
Francisco Bay Area demanding answers as authorities appeal for
patience.
BLACKWATER GUARDS DENY IRAQ SHOOTING CHARGES
Five former Blackwater Worldwide security guards plead not
guilty to voluntary manslaughter charges and other crimes
stemming from a shooting incident in Baghdad that left 17 Iraqis
dead.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
BOA SELLS 5.6B SHARES IN CHINESE BANK
Bank of America has sold 5.6 billion shares, or $3 billion, of
its holdings in China Construction Bank, a spokesman for the
Chinese bank said Wednesday.
GERMAN BILLIONAIRE KILLS SELF
German billionaire Adolf Merckle, one of the richest men in the
world, committed suicide Monday after his business empire got
into trouble in the wake of the international financial crisis,
Merckle's family said Tuesday in a statement.
Breaking News
Israel's temporary pause in fighting in parts of Gaza has taken
effect, according to U.N. and Israeli spokesmen.
U.S. private sector shed 693,000 jobs in December, ADP payrolls survey shows
U.S. private sector shed 693,000 jobs in December, ADP payrolls survey shows
1/7/2009 8:17:07 AM EDT
U.S. private sector shed 693,000 jobs in December, ADP payrolls survey shows
U.S. private sector shed 693,000 jobs in December, ADP payrolls survey shows
1/7/2009 8:17:07 AM EDT
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 07 January, 2009
ISRAEL TO OPEN GAZA AID 'HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR'
Israel has agreed to establish a "humanitarian corridor" to
supply residents of Gaza with aid as international concerns
about conditions among civilians mount, according to a
government statement.
GAZA DOCTORS: HOSPITAL CROWDED WITH CIVILIANS
Far more civilians than Hamas fighters are arriving for
treatment of war wounds at Gaza's main hospital as Israel's
military incursion into the territory continues, two doctors
say.
SYRIA: HAMAS WILL TALK PEACE IF ISRAEL LEAVES GAZA
Any cease-fire in the Gaza conflict will require "clear and
definitive action" to halt the smuggling of weapons and money
into the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory, former British Prime
Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday.
VENEZUELA EXPELS ISRAELI AMBASSADOR
Venezuela expelled Israel's ambassador to the country Tuesday
and accused Israel of attempting to carry out "genocide" against
the Palestinian people.
GAS ROW FLARES AS SUPPLIES TO EUROPE CUT
Several European countries said Tuesday their supply of natural
gas from Russia had been cut or reduced amid a dispute over
payments between Russia and Ukraine.
GERMAN BILLIONAIRE KILLS SELF, FAMILY SAYS
German billionaire Adolf Merckle, one of the richest men in the
world, committed suicide Monday after his business empire got
into trouble in the wake of the international financial crisis,
Merckle's family said Tuesday in a statement.
JUDGE: ZIMBABWE ACTIVISTS MUST REMAIN IN JAIL
A leading Zimbabwean human rights activist must remain in
custody until the Supreme Court decides whether the charges
against her are valid, a judge ruled Tuesday.
APPLE PRESENTS ILIFE AT MACWORLD SWANSONG
When Apple vice president Philip Schiller takes the stage here
Tuesday morning for the keynote address at the Macworld
Conference & Expo, he'll face a good-news, bad-news scenario.
--------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
U.S. ECONOMIC STIMULUS MEETING RAISES HOPES
Congressional leaders from both parties are optimistic that U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama's package of tax cuts and spending
proposals will revive the beleaguered economy.
OBAMA: $300 BILLION IN TAX CUTS
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama launched his campaign for a
massive package of tax cuts and spending proposals aimed at
reviving an economy mired in recession.
GLOBAL MARKETS BUILD ON GAINS
European stocks traded mostly higher Tuesday morning, adding to
Monday's gains. London, Paris and Frankfurt were all up about
half a percent.
World News
Ebola outbreak forces Angola to close Congo border
01/06/09 09:35 AM, EST
An outbreak of the deadly ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of
Congo has prompted neighboring Angola to close its border with that
country, Angola's state news agency reported Tuesday.
Breaking News Tue., January 6, 2009
Senator Norm Coleman Sues Over Outcome of Minnesota Senate Recount
[4:14 p.m. ET]
Breaking News Tue., January 6, 2009
Barack Obama Taps CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta for Surgeon General [3:30 p.m. ET]
Breaking News
At least 30 dead following Israeli artillery strike near perimeter of
U.N. school in northern Gaza, U.N. aid chief says.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 06 January, 2009
TOLL RISES AS ISRAEL ENCIRCLES GAZA CITY
As the Israeli military surrounds densely populated Gaza City,
it says it has killed 130 Hamas fighters since beginning a
ground offensive over the weekend.
GAZA HORRORS SOW SEEDS FOR FUTURE VIOLENCE
Children in Gaza and Israel say they are frightened, having
witnessed terrible images of tragedy during the conflict.
Psychiatrists worry that the violence will sow the seeds for
future violence.
ARAB LEADERS MEET TO PRESENT GAZA RESOLUTION
Foreign ministers from several Arab nations huddle in New York
-- the eve of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' address to
the U.N. Security Council -- to work up a U.N. draft resolution
calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
UKRAINE: RUSSIA CUTS EUROPE GAS SUPPLY
A natural gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine flared Tuesday
when Ukraine accused the Russian supplier of blocking pipelines
to Europe, and two Eastern European countries said their supply
from Russia had been cut or reduced.
HUNDREDS IN AFGHANISTAN PROTEST GAZA INCURSION
Hundreds of people in southern Afghanistan have burned Israeli
flags and shouted anti-Israel and anti-American slogans to
protest Israel's military action in Gaza, according to
eyewitness accounts from a CNN stringer.
REPORT: CHINA TARGETS WEB SITES WITH 'PORN'
China has released a blacklist of 19 major online portals and
Web sites, including Google and Baidu, that it claims provide
and spread pornographic or obscene content, state media
reported.
TOYOTA EXTENDS SHUTDOWN OF PLANTS IN JAPAN
Toyota announced Tuesday it will idle all 12 of its wholly owned
factories in Japan for an extra 11 days in response to the
slumping auto market.
OBAMA PROPOSING $300B TAX CUTS
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama launched his campaign for a
massive package of tax cuts and spending proposals aimed at
reviving an economy mired in recession.
-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
U.S. ECONOMIC STIMULUS MEETING RAISES HOPES
Congressional leaders from both parties are optimistic that U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama's package of tax cuts and spending
proposals will revive the beleaguered economy.
ASIA MARKETS UP; U.S. STOCKS LOWER
Asian Pacific markets traded up Tuesday, as a stronger dollar
made export-related stocks favorable to investors.
LEADERS MEET TO END UKRAINE GAS CRISIS
European and Russian leaders are holding crisis meetings Monday
to try to defuse a dispute between the Russian energy giant
Gazprom and Ukraine's state-run gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy.
Gazprom chief executive Alexey Miller, pictured, was to meet
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
News Alert!
Report: China targets Web sites with 'porn' content
01/06/09 03:18 AM, EST
China has released a blacklist of 19 major online portals and Web
sites, including Google and Baidu, that it claims provide and spread
pornographic or obscene content, state media reporte.
U.S. factory shipments plunge a record 5.3%
U.S. factory shipments plunge a record 5.3%
1/6/2009 10:01:05 AM EDT
Monday, January 05, 2009
News Alert!
Hundreds in Afghanistan protest Gaza incursion
01/05/09 08:48 PM, EST
Hundreds of people in southern Afghanistan have burned Israeli flags
and shouted anti-Israel and anti-American slogans to protest Israel's
military action in Gaza.
Breaking News
The Israeli military says three of its soldiers have died as a result
of "friendly fire" from a tank in northern Gaza.
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 06 January, 2009
HAMAS DEFIANT OVER ROCKET STRIKES
A senior Hamas official says the Gaza leadership has no
intention of stopping its rocket attacks on Israel, despite
claims from Palestinian sources that more than 500 have died
during Israeli reprisals.
DOCTOR IN GAZA: PATIENTS 'LYING EVERYWHERE'
Gaza's main hospital, already overloaded with Palestinians
wounded in the week-long Israeli air assault, has reached
critical mass, according to a Norwegian doctor volunteering at
Shifa Hospital.
MASKED GUNMEN ATTACK RIOT POLICE IN ATHENS
Gunmen attacked a riot police unit in Athens Monday, seriously
injuring an officer following weeks of violent protests sparked
by the deadly police shooting of a teenager last month.
NEW U.S. EMBASSY OPENS IN BAGHDAD
Just days after the U.S. military formally handed authority of
Baghdad's "Green Zone" over to the Iraqis, the new American
Embassy opened in Baghdad.
OFFICIALS: PANETTA, BLAIR PICKED FOR INTEL JOBS
Leon Panetta, chief of staff in President Clinton's White House,
will be President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be director of
the CIA, two Democratic officials told CNN on Monday.
BOARD CERTIFIES FRANKEN WIN; LAWSUIT LOOMS
In a move that leaves a post-election legal challenge the last
hope for Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, Minnesota's high court
has denied his campaign's request to consider about 650
additional rejected absentee ballots.
MEETING TO END UKRAINE GAS CRISIS
European and Russian leaders are holding crisis meetings Monday
to try to defuse a dispute between the Russian energy giant
Gazprom and Ukraine's state-run gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy.
INDIA HANDS MUMBAI ATTACKS FILE TO PAKISTAN
India says it has handed evidence it says links the November
massacre in Mumbai to "elements in Pakistan" over to Pakistani
government officials.
-------------------------------------
BUSINESS
MARKETS REOPEN AFTER TURBULENT 2008
Europe's major markets open higher at the start of the first
full trading week of 2009. London, Paris and Frankfurt were all
up less than a percent.
BRITISH FINE CHINA MAKER CALLS IN RECEIVER
Fine china and glasswork maker Waterford Wedgwood has called in
a receiver -- the British equivalent of bankruptcy.
RICHARDSON BOWS OUT OF U.S. COMMERCE JOB
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's pick for commerce secretary,
Bill Richardson, is withdrawing his nomination, citing the
distraction of a federal investigation into ties to a company
that has done business with his state.
News Alert!
Officials: Panetta to be tapped for CIA director
01/05/09 03:11 PM, EST
Leon Panetta, chief of staff in President Clinton's White House, will
be President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be director of the CIA.
Chrysler reports sales plummeted 53% in December.
Chrysler reports sales plummeted 53% in December.
Breaking News Mon., January 5, 2009
Former Congressman, Leon Panetta, Tapped by Obama to Head CIA. [2:47 p.m. ET]
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 05 January, 2009
ISRAEL POUNDS GAZA AS HAMAS ROCKET FIRE CONTINUES
Hamas rocket fire into southern Israel persists despite a now
10-day campaign of Israeli airstrikes and two nights of ground
combat in northern Gaza.
DOCTOR IN GAZA: PATIENTS 'LYING EVERYWHERE'
Gaza's main hospital, already overloaded with Palestinians
wounded in the week-long Israeli air assault, has reached
critical mass, according to a Norwegian doctor volunteering at
Shifa Hospital.
THAI CLUB OWNER CHARGED OVER DEADLY FIRE
Thai police charge a Bangkok nightclub owner in connection with
a New Year's Eve fire that claimed the lives of at least 64
people, police said.
INDIA HANDS MUMBAI ATTACKS FILE TO PAKISTAN
India says it has handed evidence it says links the November
massacre in Mumbai to "elements in Pakistan" over to Pakistani
government officials.
EX-COMIC FRANKEN SET TO WIN U.S. SENATE RACE
An election board is expected to announce on Monday that
Democrat Al Franken has defeated Republican incumbent Norm
Coleman in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, state officials say.
RICHARDSON HANDS OBAMA CABINET VACANCY
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has a Cabinet seat to fill
after New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson announced he was
withdrawing his nomination to be commerce secretary.
10-YEAR-OLD GIRL KILLED IN INDONESIA QUAKE
A 10-year-old girl was killed and 35 other people wounded in a
major earthquake near the north coast of West Papua, Indonesia,
government officials said.
EUROPEAN MARKETS FOLLOW ASIA HIGHER
Major markets in Europe and Asia open higher at the start of the
first full trading week of 2009.
------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
WALL STREET BRACES FOR BAD NEWS
Wall Street opens Monday to start the first full week of trading
after a classic holiday rally on Friday. But the weeks ahead
will prove the true test, as market pros return to digest a
barrage of bad economic news and corporate profit warnings.
GAZPROM FILES LAWSUIT OVER GAS DISPUTE
Russian energy giant Gazprom, in the midst of a standoff with
Ukraine over payments for gas, has filed a lawsuit to stop what
it claims is illegal siphoning, chief executive Alexey Miller,
pictured, says.
AUSTRIA TAKES OVER BANK HIT BY MADOFF CASE
The Austrian government has taken control of a private bank with
significant exposure to the alleged fraud by Bernard Madoff.
Austria's market regulator, the FMA, installed a supervisor to
take control of Bank Medici, saying the move would address the
danger that the bank would not be able to pay its creditors.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
news Alert!
Panel to declare Franken winner of Senate race
01/04/09 06:33 PM, EST
A state election board on Monday will announce Democrat Al Franken has
defeated Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in Minnesota's U.S. Senate
race.
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 05 January, 2009
DOCTOR IN GAZA: PATIENTS 'LYING EVERYWHERE'
Gaza's main hospital, already full of Palestinians wounded in
the week-long Israeli air assault, reached critical mass on
Sunday, according to a Norwegian doctor at Shifa Hospital.
PALESTINIAN SOURCES: DEATH TOLL TOPS 500
Palestinian medical sources say Israeli forces have killed 37
Palestinians -- both civilians and militants -- since moving
into the territory Saturday night. With those deaths, at least
507 Palestinians, including about 100 women and children, have
been killed in the week-long military operation, and 2,600
Palestinians have been injured, most of them civilians, sources
said.
EU, RUSSIA SENDING DELEGATIONS TO MIDEAST
International envoys scrambled to the Middle East Sunday to try
to end an Israeli assault on Gaza in response to months of
rocket fire from Palestinians.
BILL RICHARDSON BOWS OUT AS COMMERCE NOMINEE
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is withdrawing his nomination to
be commerce secretary, he and President-elect Barack Obama said
in statements Sunday.
DOZENS KILLED IN IRAQI PILGRIMAGE BOMBING
A suicide bomber killed at least 37 people and injured 53 --
many of them women -- during a Shia pilgrimage in northwestern
Baghdad Sunday,.
HUGE QUAKE KILLS AT LEAST 2, INJURES 35
A major earthquake struck Sunday near the northern coast of West
Papua, Indonesia, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
PAKISTAN SUICIDE BOMBING KILLS SIX
A small explosion struck a cafe in northwestern Pakistan Sunday
evening and, as police gathered to investigate, a suicide bomber
detonated his explosives, killing six people, according to local
police and the town's mayor.
-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
GAZPROM FILES LAWSUIT OVER GAS DISPUTE
Russian energy giant Gazprom, in the midst of a standoff with
Ukraine over payments for gas, has filed a lawsuit to stop what
it claims is illegal siphoning, chief executive Alexey Miller,
pictured, says.
AUSTRIA TAKES OVER BANK HIT BY MADOFF CASE
The Austrian government has taken control of a private bank with
significant exposure to the alleged fraud by Bernard Madoff.
Austria's market regulator, the FMA, installed a supervisor to
take control of Bank Medici, saying the move would address the
danger that the bank would not be able to pay its creditors.
WALL STREET STARTS YEAR WITH A BANG
Stocks rallied today, with investors starting off the new year
on the right foot after an abysmal 2008. The Dow closed above
9,000 for the first time since November. Analysts and investors
are cautiously optimistic that Wall Street will recover some in
2009, but the extent of any recovery will depend on a variety of
factors.
Bill Richardson withdraws as Commerce secretary nominee
Bill Richardson withdraws as Commerce secretary nominee
1/4/2009 2:12:27 PM EDT
Internationa
January, 2009
ISRAELI TROOPS, TANKS ENTER GAZA
Israeli ground forces crossed into Gaza on Saturday night, in
the second phase of its assault on the Hamas-ruled territory, an
Israeli spokeswoman said. Earlier Saturday, the Israelis began
firing artillery into Gaza, following a week of in airstrikes.
7.6 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES OFF INDONESIA
A major earthquake struck Sunday near the northern coast of West
Papua, Indonesia, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
MARS ROVERS MARK 5 YEARS ON RED PLANET
NASA's Mars rovers are celebrating their fifth birthday on the
Red Planet, with no end yet in sight to their work
AUTOPSY MONDAY FOR JOHN TRAVOLTA'S SON
The 16-year-old son of actor John Travolta has died after
suffering a seizure while vacationing with his family in the
Bahamas.
AUSTRIA TAKES OVER BANK HIT BY MADOFF CASE
The Austrian government has taken control of a private bank with
significant exposure to the alleged fraud by Bernard Madoff.
IRAQIS: AMERICANS SHOT WOMAN WITHOUT WARNING
An Iraqi TV employee who was shot and critically wounded on New
Year's Day said the U.S. soldiers who fired at her gave no
warning, her supervisor said Saturday.
GAZPROM ACCUSES UKRAINE OF SIPHONING GAS
Russian energy giant Gazprom has accused Ukraine of siphoning
off gas intended for European customers as the standoff between
them worsens.
114-YEAR-OLD U.S. WOMAN TO BE WORLD'S OLDEST
Gertrude Baines, a spry 114-year-old California resident, will
likely be crowned the world's oldest woman, according to the
organization that keeps track of such honors.
-------------------------------------
BUSINESS
WALL STREET STARTS YEAR WITH A BANG
Stocks rallied today, with investors starting off the new year
on the right foot after an abysmal 2008. The Dow closed above
9,000 for the first time since November. Analysts and investors
are cautiously optimistic that Wall Street will recover some in
2009, but the extent of any recovery will depend on a variety of
factors.
FORMER SANLU CHIEF FAULTS POOR REGULATION
The head of major Chinese dairy firm Sanlu Group argues that
the country's lack of regulations regarding a toxic chemical
contributed to a tainted milk scandal that sickened nearly
300,000 infants, state-run media reports.
SINGAPORE'S GDP SLUMPS 12.5 PERCENT
In a further indication of the weakening Asian economy,
Singapore on Friday said GDP had declined by 12.5 percent in
real terms in the fourth quarter of 2008 and revised downwards
its growth estimates for 2009.
Breaking News
At least 30 people missing and two confirmed dead after boat capsizes
on Nepal's Koshi River, police say.
