In the News: Mar-18

Fed to buy long-term U.S. government debt - 18 Mar 2009 at 2:41pm - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday, in a surprise move, said it will buy up to $300 billion worth of longer-term U.S. government debt over the next six months and expand purchases of mortgage-related debt to help ease credit market conditions.

Pentagon to bring families to Dover if they choose - 18 Mar 2009 at 2:12pm - WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon says it will pay for families of fallen soldiers to travel to the Delaware air base where the U.S. military's deceased are flown from overseas.

US endorses UN gay rights text - 18 Mar 2009 at 12:24pm - WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is formally endorsing a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.

Sources: Pentagon to stop forced tour extension - 18 Mar 2009 at 12:55pm - The Army will substantially reduce use of the unpopular practice of holding troops beyond their enlistment dates and will pay $500 to those still forced to stay in the service, defense and congressional officials said Wednesday.

Federal judge denies release of alleged terrorist - 18 Mar 2009 at 12:16pm - CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A federal magistrate in South Carolina has ruled an alleged al-Qaida sleeper agent must stay behind bars as the criminal case against the man continues.

Thought for the day:
I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell. -Harry S Truman (1884 - 1972)