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Financial System Suffers Relapse
The financial system, which had recently shown glimmers of improvement, is unraveling again.
Obama's Once-Disciplined Team Springs Leaks During Transition
Barack Obama was famously able to impose discipline and control over his presidential campaign, but it didn't take long for him to discover that running a transition is something quite different.
Unconvinced Congress Tables Auto Decision
With two of Detroit's Big Three automakers teetering on the brink of collapse, congressional leaders yesterday refused to advance a proposal for a federal bailout, saying auto industry executives had failed to persuade lawmakers that they would make good use of the money.
Falling Prices Raise a New Fear: Deflation
With the stock market crumbling and the economy shrinking, a whiff of deflation is in the air.
Japanese Artist Chronicles Young, Ambitionless Office Workers in Comic Books
TOKYO -- The American poet Theodore Roethke called it "the inexorable sadness of pencils." It's the desolation of time lost and dreams forsaken while sitting in an office.
Fairfax Police Searching for Answers in Triple Slaying
Andres Yelicie staggered out of his North Springfield home Wednesday night, trailing blood and pleading for help. He collapsed on the front stoop of a house across the street, bleeding profusely, and could barely blurt out his own name -- "Andy," he said -- before an ambulance arrived to take him...
Obama Faces Fierce Fight to Keep Education
Judge Orders Release of Five Guantanamo Bay Detainees
For the first time, a federal judge ordered the release yesterday of detainees from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay after evaluating and rejecting government allegations that five men were dangerous enemy combatants.
Detroit Automakers Lose Staunch Ally as Waxman Ousts Dingell on Key Committee
If beleaguered U.S. automakers did not have enough problems, Michigan Rep. John D. Dingell, their greatest congressional champion, was dethroned yesterday as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by Rep. Henry A. Waxman of California, an advocate of stiff measures against global war...
Attorney General Mukasey Collapses During Address in Washington; Hospitalized Overnight
Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey collapsed last evening while delivering a speech to a prominent legal group and was rushed to George Washington University Hospital.
In Transition: Education Secretary
CORRECTIONS
· A photo caption in the Nov. 19 Metro section incorrectly said that Western Maryland had experienced its first significant snowfall of the season the day before. A major snowstorm hit Garrett County on Oct. 29.
Under U.S. Proposal, Climate Change Wouldn't Be Factor in Assessing Risks to Endangered Species
The Bush administration is finalizing changes to the Endangered Species Act that would ensure that federal agencies would not have to take global warming into account when assessing risks to imperiled plants and animals.
As Sen. Stevens Says Goodbye, So Do Old Bulls, to an Era
There, for a final time at his Senate desk, stood Ted Stevens: longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history, shepherd of Alaska statehood, convicted felon.
Homeland Security Pick Napolitano Praised by Left and Right Alike
President-elect Barack Obama's pending selection of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) as secretary of homeland security was greeted yesterday as a sign that the new Democratic administration will fundamentally change the tone of the nation's post-Sept. 11 approach to domestic security.
Despite Government Support, Inter-Caste Couples in India Still Face Violence in Their Communities
NEW DELHI -- She was a gutsy student leader known for hunger strikes and provocative street theater at universities across the country, exposing the plight of India's beleaguered lower castes. He was a worldly gadfly with a passion for ending nuclear proliferation and exposing environmental crimes.
France, With the Continent's Highest Birthrate, Holds On to Its Social Welfare Program for New Moms
ALBI, France -- Stéphanie Guiraud-Chaumeil was still in law school when her son Paul was born 14 years ago. Later came Valentine, a daughter now 10. Then Mathieu, 9, and finally little Louise, 7.
Jones Would Bring Broad Experience to National Security Adviser Post
If President-elect Barack Obama turns to James L. Jones Jr. to be his national security adviser, his administration would gain someone whose career spans much of the contemporary security landscape.
U.S. Lawmakers Ask the Pentagon to Reconsider Rule Prohibiting Iraqi Interpreters From Wearing Masks to Protect Their Identity
Thirteen members of Congress and an association of interpreters this week urged the Pentagon to rescind a policy that prohibits interpreters who work with U.S. troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to conceal their identity.
In Chile, Fury Erupts Over Failure to Notify Patients of Positive HIV Tests
The latest face of Chile's HIV crisis is a woman with no face at all.
Bush, on His Final Trip Abroad, Goes to Peru for Asia-Pacific Summit
LIMA, Peru, Nov. 21 -- President Bush arrived in Peru's capital on Friday for his last scheduled overseas trip, taking a final chance to mingle with world leaders as they struggle with a worsening economic crisis and other looming threats.
Chinese Governor, Demonstrators Hold High-Profile Meeting
BEIJING, Nov. 21 -- A senior Chinese official met with participants in a recent riot, according to the protesters and media reports Friday, as the government sought to highlight how much it was doing in the face of a shaky economy and an increasingly restive population.
Mukasey Back at Work; Collapse Called ‘Fainting Spell'
Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey walked out of George Washington University Hospital yesterday afternoon and reported directly to work, brushing off his collapse a night earlier at the lectern of a conservative legal event.
Witness in Trial of Alaska's Stevens Says Prosecutors Improperly Influenced Him
A witness in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has told a federal judge that he received extensive help from prosecutors prior to taking the stand and would have testified differently had he not been given the assistance.
Army Seeks Entertainers to Visit Troops in Afghanistan; Strict Rules Apply
The war in Afghanistan is heating up, so it must be time for the wrestling divas.
Gates Backs Buildup of U.S. Troops in Afghanistan
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday that he supports a fresh troop buildup in Afghanistan -- officially estimated at more than 20,000 U.S. troops in the next 12 to 18 months -- to fight a growing insurgency and to safeguard the 2009 Afghan elections. But he stressed that in the long run...
More Workers Face Discipline Over Improper 'Joe the Plumber' Record Searches
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 21 -- Two more senior managers at the Ohio agency where computers were used to dig up information about "Joe the Plumber" have been suspended without pay for their roles in the searches, an official at the agency said Friday.
Indictment Alleges Agriprocessors Managers Knowingly Employed Illegal Immigrants
DES MOINES, Nov. 21 -- A federal grand jury has issued a 12-count indictment alleging that managers were intricately involved in efforts to employ illegal workers at a kosher slaughterhouse that was the site of one of the nation's largest immigration raids.
Financial System Suffers Relapse
The financial system, which had recently shown glimmers of improvement, is unraveling again.
Obama's Once-Disciplined Team Springs Leaks During Transition
Barack Obama was famously able to impose discipline and control over his presidential campaign, but it didn't take long for him to discover that running a transition is something quite different.
Editorial: Old Hands and a Fresh Face in Mr. Obama's Cabinet
ASSESSING THE emerging Obama administration is a bit like judging the design of the elephant without the trunk or tail. The president-elect's choices for some key posts, notably at the Defense Department, have yet to be leaked; few of the others have been formally announced. Nonetheless, an outline is taking shape, and it is encouraging in a number of ways.
Editorial: Some Maryland Authorities Operate in Unnecessary Secrecy
CONSIDER the following jaw-droppers divulged at a recent meeting of Prince George's County lawmakers: The county expects a $73 million budget shortfall next fiscal year (the current operating budget is $2.7 billion); it may need to lay off hundreds of employees; County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) may attempt to circumvent the county charter to give the council more power to tax residents.
Editorial: Agencies Ignore a Deadline on Changes in Regulations
ACKNOWLEDGING "the historical tendency of administrations to increase regulatory activity in their final months," White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten issued a directive to federal agencies in May to release any final regulations before Nov. 1. The administration billed this as a bit of "good government." We would agree, were it not for new rules with broad implications that continue to churn their way to adoption long after Mr. Bolten's deadline.
Editorial -- Five Guantanamo prisoners must be released
"SEVEN YEARS . . . is enough." With those words yesterday, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon ordered the release of five Algerians held at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, since January 2002. A conservative appointed by President George W. Bush, Judge Leon also delivered a forceful indictment of the administration's detention decisions and provided indisputable proof of the importance of allowing federal judges to evaluate the secret evidence the government used to justify detentions.
Editorial -- CPJ and Courage in Journalism
PLAINCLOTHES Ugandan police officers descended yesterday on the newsroom of the weekly newsmagazine the Independent, seizing computer documents and attempting to deliver an arrest warrant to managing editor Andrew M. Mwenda. "Unluckily, I was out of Uganda," Mr. Mwenda told us. Unluckily? "Yes. I do not want them to think I am running away."
Editorial -- Greener Acres in Prince George's
THE ECONOMIC downturn has helped drag down a bill that would steer Prince George's County toward responsible development. The County Council postponed land-preservation legislation Tuesday that would require developers to purchase a certain number of transferable development rights (TDR) credits, which help preserve land in rural parts of the county, in exchange for the right to build projects of higher density. Critics of the bill, including developers, some council members and County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), argue that it is unwise for the county to put up any barriers to development during a financial crisis. These concerns are understandable, as is criticism that the bill has some rough edges. But a TDR program is unlikely to worsen county finances in the short term and can help promote long-term economic growth. It's good that the proposal made it out of committee for the first time in the four years it has been studied; we hope the council considers an improved version of the bill in its next term.
Editorial -- Detroit Automakers at the Brink
AFTER TWO DAYS of congressional testimony from the heads of the Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers, the prospects for federal aid are anything but certain, and a big part of the reason is that Detroit is still in denial. Yes, the auto industry has cut costs and improved products more than its critics may recognize. But the companies and union must stop insisting that the financial crisis alone is responsible for their current predicament -- and that federal aid should therefore not hinge on more restructuring.
Editorial -- Eric H. Holder Jr.'s Imperfect Record
IF TAPPED as attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr. would bring years of experience and top-notch credentials as a prosecutor, judge, lawyer in private practice and former top official in the Justice Department. The predominant features of his record are independence, integrity and effectiveness. But there is one stain on his record that Senate confirmation hearings should examine.
Colbert I. King -- Sleeping Rough in a D.C. Juvenile Center
Dogs in animal shelters have it better. At least they sleep alone at night.
Sally Quinn -- A Church for the Obamas
Along with the speculation on what kind of puppy Sasha and Malia will choose, where the kids will go to school (it's Sidwell Friends), and, oh yes, who will be appointed to the White House staff and the Cabinet, the matter of where the Obamas will choose to worship is drawing a lot of interest in Washington and elsewhere.
Answering the Auto Executives' Pleas
The truth is that the chief executives of the Big Three automakers could have hitchhiked to Washington to beg for alms and they still would have been raked over the coals. But the fact that they came in their corporate jets was a bit much.
Obama and Arab-Israeli Peace
The election of Barack Obama to be the 44th president is profoundly historic. We have at long last been able to come together in a way that has eluded us in the long history of our great country. We should celebrate this triumph of the true spirit of America.
Closing Guantanamo Won't Be So Easy
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates came into office wanting to close the American detention operation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Nearly two years later, Guantanamo is still there. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said she wants to close it. Guantanamo will outlast her. Yet, to watch the post-election Democratic triumphalism, you'd think that Guantanamo is as good as shuttered. President-elect Barack Obama has reiterated his campaign promise to close it, and some self-described advisers talk as though he'll wave a magic wand on Jan. 20 and a problem that has bedeviled this country for seven years will evaporate.
Success in Iraq
A war that once seemed likely to end in a panic of helicopters fleeing the American Embassy now seems destined to conclude as the result of a parliamentary process. A landmark status-of-forces agreement (SOFA) -- requiring the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities by the end of June and from Iraq itself by the end of 2011 -- is headed for a final reading in the Iraqi parliament next week.
Obama's Vast Grass-Roots Network
While the nation's capital obsesses over Barack Obama's next Cabinet pick, the president-elect's lieutenants are engaged with what may be a more important long-term issue: What will become of Obama's vast grass-roots network?
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News Analysis: Obama Tilts to Center, Inviting a Clash of Ideas
President-elect Barack Obama?s reported selections for two major cabinet jobs suggest a preference for pragmatists rather than ideologues.
Clinton Is Said to Accept Offer of Secretary of State Position
Two confidants said Hillary Rodham Clinton will give up her Senate seat and accept the nomination for secretary of state after talks with the president-elect about her role.
For Treasury, Geithner Said to Be Choice
The news that Timothy F. Geithner would be named Treasury secretary helped drive stocks sharply higher.
G.M. Pins Hopes on a Plug-In Car, 2 Years Off
The Chevrolet Volt is the centerpiece of G.M.?s strategy to convince Congress of the strength of its business plan.
Citigroup, Under Siege, Holds Talks With U.S.
Options discussed included a public endorsement from the government or a new financial lifeline.
Housing Crisis Snares Elderly Who Can?t Sell
The housing crisis has kept thousands of older Americans from moving into retirement communities.
Flux in Latin America Affects Russia?s Diplomacy
In a rapidly changing landscape, most Latin American countries are recalibrating their political interests, frustrating Russia?s efforts to deepen regional ties.
Old Europe and New Brooklyn in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is being transformed by an influx of affluent buyers from Western Europe.
Tibetan Exiles to Follow ?Middle Path?
Delegates say that exiled Tibetan leaders meeting on how to advance their struggle for freedom have agreed to keep following the Dalai Lama?s path of compromise with China.
Nebraska Revises Child Safe Haven Law
The revision to a law permitting parents to hand children over to state custody limits its reach to infants.
Your Money: Leaner Holiday Gift Giving, Bountiful in Spirit
At a time when so many people have so much less than they did just a few months ago, there ought to be a way to lessen the gift-giving pressure.
For Utah and B.Y.U., Football Rivalry a Religion
Many college football rivalries are conducted with a religious fervor, but when Utah and B.Y.U. play, as they will on Saturday, the fervor has religion in its roots.
New York Weighs Options to Fill the Seat of Senator Clinton
Gov. David A. Paterson of New York hasn?t begun a formal search to replace Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, aides say. But he won?t pick himself.
Another Triumph for Clinton, Many Women Agree
As Hillary Rodham Clinton transforms herself into the nation?s top diplomat, she cannot seem to shake the role of a canvas for women?s hopes and fears about the workplace.
Hints of Relief From the Siege
Reports that Timothy F. Geithner would lead the Treasury Department were seen as a sign of continuity to a new administration.
The New Team: Timothy F. Geithner
Timothy F. Geithner has straddled Wall Street and Washington as a central player in trying to resolve the most significant financial crisis in more than 60 years.
Woes at Citigroup Began With Failed Bid for Wachovia
In a stunning turnabout, the banking giant has sunk to its knees and is running short on time and options.
The Caucus: And the Winner Is … Sidwell Friends
After a school search that inspired weeks of frenzied speculation among parents in the nation's capital, the Obamas announced they will send their two daughters to Sidwell Friends School.
Obama Lobbies for Chicago Games in 2016
President-elect Barack Obama spoke via video on Friday to European Olympic committees at a meeting in Istanbul in an effort to sell Chicago?s bid for the 2016 Summer Games.
Clinton Is Said to Accept Offer of Secretary of State Position
Two confidants said Hillary Rodham Clinton will give up her Senate seat and accept the nomination for secretary of state after talks with the president-elect about her role.
For Treasury, Geithner Said to Be Choice
The news that Timothy F. Geithner would be named Treasury secretary helped drive stocks sharply higher.
Irwin C. Gunsalus, Vitamin Biochemist, Dies at 96
Dr. Gunsalus discovered lipoic acid, which has been used as a treatment for chronic liver disease, and one of the active forms of vitamin B6, essential in metabolism.
News Analysis: Obama Tilts to Center, Inviting a Clash of Ideas
President-elect Barack Obama?s reported selections for two major cabinet jobs suggest a preference for pragmatists rather than ideologues.
Citigroup, Under Siege, Holds Talks With U.S.
Options discussed included a public endorsement from the government or a new financial lifeline.
Bush, in Peru, Will Press Plans to Avert Future Financial Crises
President Bush, confessing he already ?felt a little nostalgic,? began what could be his last official overseas trip on Friday, arriving in Peru for a financial meeting.
Mukasey Leaves the Hospital
Doctors do not believe that a stroke caused the late Thursday evening collapse of Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey.
Obamas Pick Sidwell School, Ending a Washington Guessing Game
Malia and Sasha Obama will attend Sidwell Friends School, the pricey and prestigious academy that has educated generations of Washington?s elite.
Hints of Relief From the Siege
Reports that Timothy F. Geithner would lead the Treasury Department were seen as a sign of continuity to a new administration.
Names of the Dead
The Department of Defense has identified 4,196 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the death of the following American on Friday:.
At Exile Meeting, Tibetans Debate Independence
Long associated with the Dalai Lama and his ?middle way,? the exile movement has reached a crossroads.
Flux in Latin America Affects Russia?s Diplomacy
In a rapidly changing landscape, most Latin American countries are recalibrating their political interests, frustrating Russia?s efforts to deepen regional ties.
Protests in Baghdad on U.S. Pact
More than 10,000 supporters of Moktada al-Sadr gathered to protest the Iraqi plan to sign the security agreement.
Tokyo Killings May Be Tied to Scandal on Pensions
The grisly knifing death of a former health ministry official and his wife by an unknown assailant has thrown this normally low-crime nation into an unusual uproar.
Myanmar Gives Comedian 45-Year Sentence for Cyclone Comments
A secret court run by Myanmar?s military leadership sentenced a prominent Burmese comedian and activist on Friday, continuing a recent crackdown on regime dissidents.
Dozens Killed as Fighting Intensifies in Somalia
At least two dozen people, including six children, were killed in heavy fighting between government troops and Islamic insurgents in the capital.
Anti-Land Mine Campaign Says Britain Isn?t Abiding by Treaty
Nearly 10 years after it signed a treaty banning land mines, Britain had failed even to start clearing land mines in territories under its jurisdiction.
Mexico Arrests Ex-Chief of Antidrug Agency
Noé Ramírez Mandujano is the highest-ranking official to come under suspicion in a purge of police and prosecutors for possible ties to drug traffickers.
Suspected U.S. Missile Strike Kills 5 in Pakistan
A suspected U.S. missile strike killed five militants in northwestern Pakistan, officials said. There were unconfirmed reports that the dead included a British suspect in a foiled plot to down trans-Atlantic jetliners.
Martine Aubry to Lead French Socialists
The woman who masterminded France?s 35-hour workweek won a runoff for the leadership of the Socialist Party by a razor-thin margin.
Editorial: If Bankruptcy Hits Detroit
Failing to bail out Detroit?s automakers would be a truly irresponsible act and could cause other bankruptcies and mass unemployment.
Editorial: Harmful Lending Practices
Federal regulators could have done a great deal more to avert the mortgage crisis by reining in predatory lenders.
Editorial: Breaking the Shares
Gov. David Paterson?s proposal to bring new flexibility and fairness to the old method of distributing state money to school districts is long overdue.
Editorial: Ms. Lewis Refuses to Listen
Suzanne Lewis, Yellowstone National Park?s superintendent, should be dismissed if she ignores scientists? warnings that 720 snowmobiles a day would have ?major adverse impacts? on the park.
Op-Ed Contributor: Obama?s First Fumble
Barack Obama?s proposal for an eight-team playoff at the end of the college football season would ruin the sport.
Op-Ed Contributor: A Pardon to Remember
The brokering of clemency for Marc Rich, a commodities trader, by Eric Holder, who was deputy attorney general at the time, was unjustifiable and should be scrutinized if Mr. Holder is a choice for attorney general.
Op-Ed Columnist: Help Is on the Way
A new advertising campaign may help troubled veterans come in from the cold and piercingly lonely environment of post-wartime stress.
Op-Ed Columnist: Time for Him to Go
Can I see a show of hands? How many people want George W. Bush out and Barack Obama in right now?
The Opinionator: America's Next Top Economist
Speculation about Barack Obama?s favorite for the job of chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
Campaign Stops: The ?O? in Obama
The graphic designer Sol Sender talks about the logo he created for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Measure for Measure: Anatomy of a Flop
A sure hit is never a sure thing, and some songs find all kinds of ways not to make the charts.
Letters: Colombia, Trade and Human Rights
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Letter: The Catholic Conscience
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Letter: Make Veterans a Priority
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Letters: Is Gay Marriage a First Amendment Issue?
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Obama says drafting bold economic stimulus
CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said on Saturday that he was crafting an aggressive, two-year stimulus plan to revive the troubled economy, warning that swift action was needed to prevent a deep slump and a spiral of falling prices.
Citigroup talking to U.S. government as shares dive: source
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc has begun talks with the U.S. government as its plummeting share price raises doubts about the bank's ability to survive, a person familiar with the matter said.
GM cuts output, jets as U.S. demands turnaround plans
DETROIT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Detroit automakers began work on turnaround plans demanded by Congress in return for $25 billion in aid as General Motors Corp said it would cut production more and give up two of its controversial corporate jets.
General Motors board weighs bankruptcy option: report
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The board of directors of embattled U.S. automaker General Motors Corp is considering "all options" including bankruptcy, according to a report on the Wall Street Journal's website late on Friday.
Wall Street stages late rally on Geithner news
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks stormed higher in a late rally on Friday to cap another volatile week as investors welcomed reports that President-elect Barack Obama has chosen his point person to combat the U.S. economic crisis, instilling confidence about the administration's ability to take action.
Soros says U.S. needs billions more in aid measures
BERLIN (Reuters) - The U.S. economy needs additional support measures of between $300 billion and $600 billion to help it withstand the financial crisis, U.S. billionaire investor George Soros was quoted as saying by a German weekly.
Annan, Carter barred from Zimbabwe
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Zimbabwe has barred former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other prominent figures from visiting the country to assess the humanitarian crisis, the group said on Saturday.
U.S. strike in Pakistan kills wanted British militant
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - Rashid Rauf, a British militant with al Qaeda links, was killed along with an Egyptian by a suspected U.S. missile strike in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, Pakistani television channels and intelligence officers said.
U.S. eyes "surge" of over 20,000 for Afghanistan
CORNWALLIS, Nova Scotia (Reuters) - The Pentagon is considering a plan to send more than 20,000 troops to Afghanistan over the next 12 to 18 months to help safeguard elections and quell rising Taliban violence, officials said on Friday.
U.S. Bancorp acquires deposits of failed Downey, PFF
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. banking regulators seized California banks Downey Savings and Loan and PFF Bank & Trust late Friday as the housing crisis claimed two more victims from the financial crisis.
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Obama outlines rebuilding plans to create jobs
(AP)
AP - President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday outlined his plan to create 2.5 million jobs in coming years to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize schools while developing alternative energy sources and more efficient cars.
Kin outraged, distraught over teen's cyber suicide
(AP)
AP - The family of a college student who killed himself live on the Internet say they're horrified his life ended before a virtual audience, and infuriated that viewers of the live webcam or operators of the Web site that hosted it didn't act sooner to save him.
Obama moves quickly to fill Cabinet positions
(AP)
AP - President-elect Barack Obama has moved with unusual speed to select officials for his administration, and senior Democratic officials say he intends to name Timothy Geithner as his treasury secretary as soon as Monday.
Carter, Annan, others refused entry to Zimbabwe
(AP)
AP - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said Saturday that he and others planning a humanitarian mission in Zimbabwe had been refused entry to the impoverished African country.
Is Alaska big enough for celebrity Palin?
(AP)
AP - Oprah wants her, and so do Letterman and Leno. Fresh from her political defeat, Sarah Palin is juggling offers to write books, appear in films and sit on dozens of interview couches at a rate that would be astonishing for most Hollywood stars, let alone a first-term governor.
Astronauts face hardest spacewalk to finish repair
(AP)
AP - Astronauts up on the international space station faced the longest and hardest spacewalk of their mission Saturday, a seven-hour-plus excursion to wrap up repair work on a gummed-up joint.
Bush urges countries to avoid protectionism
(AP)
AP - President George W. Bush, faced with a dwindling number of days in office, was using his final world summit to try to keep a virulent economic crisis from triggering a retreat into protectionism.
US: Financial woes no excuse in funding Afghan war
(AP)
AP - Even in a global financial crisis, the world cannot afford to skimp on its obligations to Afghanistan, which wants to double the size of its army but will never be able to pay for it, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says.
Year later, baby ordered back to adoptive parents
(AP)
AP - The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday ordered a year-old boy back into the home of an adoptive couple who had to give him up months ago after not telling the biological family the woman was pregnant.
Big day for Knicks ends with Marbury controversy
(AP)
AP - With two moves, the New York Knicks created salary space for a premier free agent and playing time for Stephon Marbury.
BBC
UK militant 'killed in Pakistan'
A British man wanted in connection with an alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners is killed in Pakistan, reports say.
Darling fine-tunes recovery plan
The chancellor is spending the weekend putting the final touches to a package of tax cuts and increases in public spending.
Children 'risking liver disease'
Excessive drinking by children is causing a health time bomb, with record levels of liver disease in the under-30s, a charity warns.
Zimbabwe refuses Annan group visa
Former UN head Kofi Annan and ex-US president Jimmy Carter cancel a visit to Zimbabwe after they are refused visas.
Tibetans back Dalai Lama on China
Tibetan exiles meeting in India back the Dalai Lama's policy of seeking autonomy, rather than full independence, from China.
Blears sounds warning about BNP
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears says some voters turn to the BNP because they feel ignored by mainstream parties.
Royal demands French vote re-run
Segolene Royal contests the razor-thin result of a vote to choose the leader of the French Socialist opposition
MP criticises energy firm charges
A senior MP says he believes energy companies are increasing customers' direct debit payments by more than is needed.
Sea eagles could be reintroduced
Conservationists plan to bring the sea eagle, the UK's largest bird of prey, back to the skies above England.
Postcard sale offers famous artists' work for £40 - or not
Postcards designed by some of the world's best known artists are to go on sale later at London's Royal College of Art.