Saturday, February 07, 2009
Breaking News
Baseball star Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003,
sources tell Sports Illustrated.
News Alert!
KBR charged with bribing Nigerian officials for contracts
02/06/09 10:03 PM, EST
The former Halliburton subsidiary KBR has been charged with bribing
Nigerian government officials with "tens of millions of dollars" to
obtain "billions of dollars in contracts," according to court
documents filed late Friday in Houston, Texas.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Georgia's FirstBank Financial closed by U.S., marking seventh bank failure of 2009
Georgia's FirstBank Financial closed by U.S., marking seventh bank
failure of 2009
2/6/2009 5:19:32 PM EDT
Senators set tentative pact on $780 billion stimulus bill: reports
Senators set tentative pact on $780 billion stimulus bill: reports
2/6/2009 6:03:19 PM EDT
Consumer credit fell by $6.6 billion in December, the third straight month in which shoppers cut borrowing, according to the Fed.
Consumer credit fell by $6.6 billion in December, the third straight
month in which shoppers cut borrowing, according to the Fed.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 06 February, 2009
BONG PHOTO COSTS PHELPS A SPONSOR
Olympic hero Michael Phelps is suspended from competitive
swimming for three months-- just hours after one of his sponsors
announced it would not renew his contract after a photo surfaced
of him smoking from a bong.
CLINTON: KYRGYZSTAN BASE CLOSURE 'REGRETTABLE'
Kyrgyzstan's decision to close a strategic U.S. military base is
"regrettable," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said
Thursday, but added it wouldn't affect the U.S. military effort
in nearby Afghanistan. The United States uses the base as a
route for troops and supplies for Afghanistan.
U.S. DIPLOMAT IN ETHIOPIA FOUND DEAD
Brian Adkins, a newly assigned American diplomat in Ethiopia,
was found dead last weekend at his home in the Ethiopian
capital, Addis Ababa, an embassy spokesman and a senior State
Department official said.
ZIMBABWE'S PARLIAMENT PASSES UNITY BILL
In a move that may signal the beginning of the end of the
political crisis that has gripped Zimbabwe for months, the
parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to form a unity
government with President Robert Mugabe and the opposition.
SRI LANKA MILITARY: REBEL NAVAL BASE CAPTURED
The Sri Lankan military claimed it has struck a decisive blow
against Tamil rebels in the taking of a rebel naval base at
Chalai.
CHILD WORKERS RESCUED IN FACTORY RAID
Indian labor authorities rescued 18 child workers in raids at
metal-embroidery units in the western state of Gujarat,
officials said Friday.
TOYOTA REVENUE FALLS 28 PERCENT
Toyota announced Friday that its third-quarter revenues fell
about 28 percent from a year ago, which means the auto giant
will face an operating loss for the fiscal year. That news came
a day after the automaker halted all but one of its Japanese
assembly lines, a move that idled tens of thousands of workers
across the country.
OBAMA FIRES UP PARTY ON STIMULUS BILL VOTE
President Barack Obama said Thursday that "the scale and the
scope" of his economic plan is right, turning up the heat on
critics he said were hawking "phony arguments" and "false
theories of the past" to chip away at the bill's programs.
---------------------------------
BUSINESS
U.S. SENATE ADJOURNS WITHOUT STIMULUS DEAL
The U.S. Senate wrapped up Thursday night after hours of
sometimes acrimonious work without voting on a massive economic
recovery plan championed by President Barack Obama.
SSANGYONG WINS BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION
Ssangyong Motor Company bought itself time to attempt a
turnaround on Friday, receiving court approval for bankruptcy
protection.
SCANDAL-HIT INDIAN FIRM NAMES NEW CEO
Scandal-hit Satyam Computer Services has appointed a senior
executive as its new chief operating officer.
Breaking News
U.S. unemployment rose by 598,000 to 7.6 per cent in January, Labor
Dept. reports, the worst monthly job loss since 1974.
NEWS Alert!
FEMA food kits may contain tainted peanut butter
02/04/09 10:07 PM, EST
Food kits recently distributed as part of a disaster relief effort in
Kentucky and Arkansas may contain peanut butter contaminated with
salmonella linked to a nationwide outbreak, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency said Wednesday.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Treasury's Geithner to unveil 'comprehensive' bank-rescue plan Monday
Treasury's Geithner to unveil 'comprehensive' bank-rescue plan Monday
2/5/2009 4:00:43 PM EDT
News Alerts!
Study: Hormone therapy caused breast cancer for thousands
02/04/09 05:08 PM, EST
U.S. breast cancer cases have dropped in women aged 50 to 69 in recent
years because many women have stopped taking hormone therapy,
according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine.
WWII vet frozen to death leaves estate to hospital
02/04/09 04:04 PM, EST
A 93-year-old World War II medic who froze to death last month in his
Bay City, Michigan, home left his entire estate to a local hospital,
an estate attorney said.
Breaking News Thu., February 5, 2009
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized for Pancreatic
Cancer Surgery [1:05 p.m. ET]
First-time unemployment filings surge 35,000 to 626,000, a 26-year high, in latest week.
First-time unemployment filings surge 35,000 to 626,000, a 26-year
high, in latest week.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Obama details his salary crackdown – caps pay at $500,000 for senior execs at firms that got 'exceptional' bailout help.
Obama details his salary crackdown – caps pay at $500,000 for senior
execs at firms that got 'exceptional' bailout help.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 04 February, 2009
OBAMA: 'I SCREWED UP' ON DASCHLE APPOINTMENT
President Barack Obama admits he made a mistake in handling the
nomination of Tom Daschle as his Health and Human Services
secretary, saying Daschle's tax problems sent a message that the
politically powerful are treated differently from average
people.
SRI LANKAN HOSPITAL CLOSES AFTER SHELLING
A hospital caught in the middle of fierce fighting between
government forces and Tamil rebels in northern Sri Lanka has
been closed down after being shelled for a ninth time in four
days, the United Nations says.
NATO TRUCKS ATTACKED IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN
Suspected militants fired rockets on NATO trucks in northwest
Pakistan early Wednesday -- the latest in a series of recent
attacks meant to choke supplies into Afghanistan for the United
States and its allies.
CLINTON TALKS WITH EURO ALLIES ON AFGHANISTAN
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sought Tuesday to shore up
cooperation with two key European allies on Iran and other
issues, capitalizing on the goodwill earned by the election of
President Barack Obama.
REPORTS: KYRGYZSTAN TO SHUT KEY U.S. BASE
The Kyrgyz government is planning to close a strategically
important U.S. military base that Washington uses as a route for
troops and supplies heading into Afghanistan, Russian media
reported Tuesday.
PANASONIC TO CUT 15,000 JOBS
Panasonic, hard hit by the global recession, will cut 15,000
jobs by March 2010, the company announced Wednesday.
MYSPACE BLOCKS 90,000 SEX OFFENDERS
MySpace.com has identified and removed 90,000 convicted sex
offenders from its popular online social-networking site,
according to one of the dozens of state attorneys general who
pressured the site to beef up its safety standards.
AL QAEDA LEADER'S MESSAGE FOCUSES ON GAZA
Al Qaeda's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, released a new
audio message Tuesday, condemning Israel and calling for renewed
attacks.
-----------------------------------------
BUSINESS
BANK OF MEXICO MOVES TO HELP PESO
The Bank of Mexico auctioned off billions of dollars Tuesday in
an attempt to support the faltering Mexican peso.
BP PROFITS RISE BY 39 PERCENT
Oil giant BP announced Tuesday that its annual profits had
jumped by 39 percent to $25.6 billion, as last year's soaring
oil prices fueled results.
AIRLINE SAS CUTS JOBS, PLANS RESTRUCTURE
Swedish airline SAS has announced it is to ax 3,000 jobs and
sell off several of its stakes in other airlines after unveiling
its fourth quarter results.
U.S. service sector still shrinking in January -- but at reduced rate
U.S. service sector still shrinking in January -- but at reduced rate
2/4/2009 10:08:50 AM EDT
Breaking News
Vatican orders Holocaust-denying bishop to publicly "distance himself"
from his views, Catholic official says.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Breaking News Tue., February 3, 2009
Obama to Announce Exec Compensation Limits for Banks Receiving TARP
Funds [6:02 p.m. ET]
General Motors vehicle sales in January tumble 49%.
General Motors vehicle sales in January tumble 49%.
Breaking News Tue., February 3, 2009
Tax-Troubled Tom Daschle Withdraws Nomination; Obama Accepts With
'Sadness and Regret' [12:50 p.m. ET]
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 03 February, 2009
CHAVEZ HOPES FOR BETTER RELATIONS WITH OBAMA
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who once called George W. Bush
"the devil," says he hopes for better relations with U.S.
President Barack Obama. Marking 10 years as head of state in the
oil-rich nation, the leftwing leader said he backed
Obama's plans to develop alternative energy -- but said he
doubted the U.S. could shake its oil needs.
MYANMAR REFUGEES FOUND OFF INDONESIA
Indonesian authorities have found some 200 refugees from Myanmaroff
the country's west coast who said they had been drifting in a boat for
three weeks. The discovery comes after allegations arose one month ago
that a group of Myanmar's Rohingya minority had been dumped at sea by
Thai military authorities.
10 ARRESTED IN SPAIN FORGERY INVESTIGATION
Police arrested at least 10 people in Barcelona and Valencia
early Tuesday on suspicion of document forgery, possibly for
Islamic terrorists, a government source said.
ROCKET FROM GAZA FIRED INTO ISRAEL
Palestinian militants fired a long-range rocket from Gaza into
southwestern Israel on Tuesday morning. It was the first such
attack into the city of Ashkelon since the two sides declared a
cease-fire, the Israeli military said.
HILLARY CLINTON TO HEAD TO ASIA FIRST
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will bypass Europe and
travel to Asia on her maiden voyage overseas, diplomats familiar
with the planning have said. Clinton is expected to visit China,
Japan and South Korea on her first trip. The diplomats said she
may also add other stops, including one in Southeast Asia.
SOMALIA FIGHTING KILLS AT LEAST 39 CIVILIANS
At least 39 civilians were killed in Somalia's capital Monday
after a convoy of African Union peacekeepers was hit by a
roadside bomb, causing the troops to open fire, officials and
eyewitnesses said.
CHINA JOB LOSSES SEND 20M MIGRANTS HOME
Job losses triggered by the global financial crisis have driven
some 20 million Chinese workers from cities back to their rural
homelands, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.
SUSPECTED MILITANTS BLOW UP PAKISTAN BRIDGE
Suspected Taliban militants have blown up a bridge in the border
region between Pakistan and Afghanistan, suspending NATO supply
lines.
--------------------------------------
BUSINESS
HITACHI POSTS $4B LOSS IN THIRD QUARTER
Japanese electronics company Hitachi on Tuesday announced a
third-quarter loss of more than $4 billion. The company also
reshuffled its executive leadership.
SOURCES: REPUBLICAN GETS TOP COMMERCE NOD
Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire has accepted U.S.
President Barack Obama's offer to be commerce secretary, two
administration officials said.
AUSTRALIA CUTS KEY RATE, UNVEILS STIMULUS
The Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday cut its cash rate, or
overnight money market interest rate, by 1 percent to 3.25
percent to stimulate demand and cushion the nation's economy
amid a global recession.
Monday, February 02, 2009
news Alert!
02/02/09 10:49 AM, EST
Meeting the Obama Administration's goal of putting 1 million plug-in
electric vehicles on the road by 2015 will only happen with a
coordinated set of policies and technology advances, according to an
electric vehicle association.
Gates to brief Obama on shifting troops to Afghanistan
02/02/09 10:19 AM, EST
Defense Secretary Robert Gates will brief President Obama on Monday
afternoon about specific plans for adding 15,000 troops to
Afghanistan.
Comfortable family resort evokes another era
02/02/09 10:18 AM, EST
We miss the turn on the dark, winding road, a road that seems to go on
forever. But, then, there it is, right in front of us: a castle, a
sprawling, Victorian castle.
Zimbabwe removes 12 zeroes from currency
02/02/09 10:11 AM, EST
Zimbabwe slashed 12 zeroes from its currency as hyperinflation
continued to erode its value, the country's central bank announced
Monday.
Iraq reconstruction history details waste, failures
02/02/09 09:28 AM, EST
Iraqis in Diyala province sarcastically call it "the whale."
McConnell: Republican senator may not take Cabinet post
02/01/09 10:40 PM, EST
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg won't take the job of commerce secretary in the
Obama administration if his appointment would tip the Senate balance
of power in favor of Democrats, the chamber's Republican
Analysis: Sri Lanka's media faces growing pressure
02/01/09 09:43 PM, EST
Journalists in Sri Lanka have come under a growing number of attacks
and intimidation, with some fleeing the country or losing their lives,
media analysts and rights groups say.
Obama's half brother says he's out of jail
02/01/09 05:49 PM, EST
George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, said on
Sunday that he was released from a Kenyan jail hours after his arrest
on suspicion of marijuana possession.
Phelps admits 'bad judgment' after pot pic published
02/01/09 03:17 PM, EST
Record-setting Olympic champion Michael Phelps admitted Sunday to
"regrettable" behavior and vowed it wouldn't happen again, after a
British newspaper published a photograph of the swimmer smoking
marijuana.
Hamas leader meets Iran's Khamenei
02/01/09 11:29 AM, EST
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal met with Iran's supreme leader on Sunday,
and provided Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a detailed account of Hamas'
"victory" over Israel in Gaza, according to Iranian media reports.
Pakistan: 43 civilians die in Taliban crossfire
02/01/09 10:35 AM, EST
At least 43 civilians were killed Sunday when they were caught in the
crossfire between Pakistani forces and Taliban militants, a Pakistani
military official said.
Breaking News Mon., February 2, 2009
Eric Holder Is Confirmed as Attorney General, The First
African-American to Hold the Post [6:39 p.m. ET]
Breaking News Mon., February 2, 2009
Kellogg Recalls Some Keebler Cookies and Special K Bars on Salmonella
Fears [4:35 p.m. ET]
Macy's says it will cut 7,000 jobs, or 4% of total workforce.
Macy's says it will cut 7,000 jobs, or 4% of total workforce.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Breaking News: Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl XLIII
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 to win
Super Bowl XLIII and capture Pittsburgh's sixth Super Bowl title.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 01 February, 2009
IRAQIS LAUDED FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS
Iraqis won praise from U.S. President Barack Obama for voting in
peaceful provincial elections, which contrasted with the
violence, intimidation and apathy that marked the balloting in
2005. It is truly a proud moment," Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister
Barham Saleh said.
GAZA MILITANTS FIRE ROCKETS INTO ISRAEL
Palestinian militants fired four rockets that landed in southern
Israel Sunday, the Israeli military said.
KENYA PETROL TANKER EXPLOSION KILLS 100
A petrol tanker exploded in Kenya's Rift Valley early Sunday,
killing at least 91 people and wounding more than 117, police
said.
MADAGASCAR OPPOSITION LEADER CLAIMS POWER
The head of the opposition to Madagascar's government took to
the streets Saturday, declaring himself the nation's leader
after a week of violence and looting that killed at least 83
people and wounded more than 300.
INDIA PM SINGH DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was discharged from a
hospital Sunday, a week after he underwent a heart bypass
surgery.
DEATHS RISE IN RUSSIA NURSING HOME FIRE
The death toll in a nursing home fire in northwestern Russia
rose to 23 Sunday, as rescue workers discovered more bodies in
the ruins, officials said.
CHINA NIGHTCLUB FIRE KILLS 15
A group celebrating a birthday shot off fireworks at their table
and set fire to a bar in China's Fujian province, leading to the
deaths of 15 people, China's state-run Xinhua news agency
reported.
VENEZUELA SYNAGOGUE VANDALIZED
Armed men forced their way into a Caracas synagogue, defacing
its administrative offices with anti-Semitic graffiti and
vandalizing an interior room where the Torah is kept, officials
said.
---------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
JAPAN UNVEILS $17B ASIAN AID PACKAGE
Japan will hand out $17 billion in development aid to other
Asian countries to help them face the global financial crisis,
Prime Minister Taro Aso said at the World Economic Forum.
U.S. JOB CUTS TOP 100,000 FOR WEEK
In a brutal week for the job market, an assortment of companies
across various industries announced more than 100,000 job cuts.
Two of the biggest announcements came Monday. Drugmaker Pfizer
and heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar each said they
would cut 20,000 jobs.
WORST JANUARY EVER FOR WALL STREET
The Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500
finished their worst January ever, as investors eyed abysmal
reports on economic growth and quarterly earnings.
