In the News: Dec-22

Sidebar: Bush v. Gore Still Influencing Court Decisions - 22 Dec 2008 at 2:39pm - The Supreme Court?s decision in Bush v. Gore was never intended to set a precedent, but it is turning out to have lasting value after all.

Iraq Frees 24 Detainees, Denies Ties to Banned Party - 22 Dec 2008 at 1:47pm - Iraq?s interior ministry released a statement on Monday detailing the charges against its officials who were detained last week in a security crackdown.

U.S. Marine killed in combat in Iraq - 22 Dec 2008 at 1:08pm - The U.S. military says a Marine has died from wounds he received in combat in Iraq's Anbar province.

Pentagon Memo: Redefining the Role of the U.S. Military in Iraq - 22 Dec 2008 at 11:30am - Military planners are quietly acknowledging that many soldiers will stay in Iraq as "trainers" and "advisers."

Analysis: Census data shows 8 states could lose House seats - 22 Dec 2008 at 10:48am - Eight states — most in the Northeast and Midwest — would lose seats in Congress in 2010, based on an analysis of Census estimates of 2008 state populations released today. Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania each would lose a seat, according to an analysis by Election Data Services, Inc.

Iraq parliament may remove speaker over shoe incident - 22 Dec 2008 at 8:47am - An Iraqi lawmaker says parliament will hold an emergency session to vote on removing its speaker from office over a row last week ago about an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush. As a result of the crisis, a vote was delayed Monday to approve a resolution allowing British and other non-American troops to stay until July 2009. Without the resolution, those troops would have no legal ground to remain after a U.N. mandate expires on Dec. 31

Iraq shoe-thrower to go on trial amid new torture claims - 22 Dec 2008 at 8:41am - BAGHDAD (AFP) - The Iraqi journalist thrust to instant fame when he threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush will go on trial this month on charges that carry up to 15 years in jail, a judge said on Monday.

Where'd the bailout money go? Shhhh, it's a secret - 22 Dec 2008 at 7:02am - WASHINGTON -- It's something any bank would demand to know before handing out a loan: Where's the money going?

British troop vote delayed in Iraq parliament - 22 Dec 2008 at 8:35am - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Approval of a measure that would allow troops from Britain, Australia and a few other nations to stay in Iraq after a U.N. mandate expires at year's end fell hostage on Monday to a political row in Iraq's parliament.

Suspected U.S. drones kill 7 in Pakistan: agents - 22 Dec 2008 at 6:31am - DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - Suspected U.S. drones fired at least two missiles into Pakistan's South Waziristan region on the Afghan border on Monday, killing seven people, intelligence agency officials and residents said.

Thought for the day:
When you drink the water, remember the spring. -Chinese Proverb