Saturday, December 24, 2011
Must Read Stories Today
GOP: Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry will not be on Virginia ballot
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have failed to qualify for Virginia's March 6 Republican primary, a development that adds to the challenges faced by the recent frontrunner in the GOP presidential race.
Syria: Twin suicide bombs shake capital, kill 44
Twin suicide car bombs blasted outside two buildings of Syria's powerful intelligence agencies Friday, killing at least 44 people and wounding more than 150, authorities said, in the first such attacks since the country was thrown into turmoil by the 9-month-old uprising against the rule of President Bashar Assad.
Israel cancels defense deal over Turkey's ties to Iran
Israel's Defense Ministry announced Thursday the last-minute cancellation of a $140 million contract with Turkey over fears that a sophisticated aerial surveillance system could end up in Iran's hands.
U.S. exit from Iraq leaves a power void
The Iraqi government lost more than a fighting ally when the last U.S. troops left the country Sunday.
Congress approves short-term payroll tax, unemployment benefits
Congress closed out its legislative year on Friday the same way it began: with a divided House and Senate agreeing to a short-term extension, in this case renewing the payroll tax holiday for two more months, but leaving the bigger work for later.
Queen Elizabeth visits husband in hospital
Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday arrived at a hospital in Cambridge to visit her husband who is recovering from a heart operation.
South Carolina voter ID law rejected by Justice Department
South Carolina's attorney general says he will fight the Justice Department in federal court over South Carolina's voter ID law.
Repeal of military gay ban gets mixed review after three months
Three months after President Obama lifted the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military, Pentagon officials say heterosexual troops are adjusting well to the new policy. However, critics say they are just following orders, and many are complaining privately.
Poor job rating a bit 'mysterious' to Gray
D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray says he is undeterred by a new poll that gives him a poor approval rating and indicates he would lose theoretical matchups against either of the two mayors who came before him.
Iraq's vice president accuses Iran of being involved in his arrest warrant
Iraq's vice president says that Iran is "definitely" behind Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's move to jail him on terror charges, saying it is "not a coincidence" that his arrest warrant was announced the day after the last U.S. troops left Iraq.
Nationals acquire lefty starter Gio Gonzalez from Oakland
Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo made his requirements in the team's search for a starting pitcher this offseason perfectly clear. He wanted a left-hander, someone who could throw 200-plus innings and who had a proven track record.
Four of seven GOP hopefuls meet deadline for Virginia ballot
Four Republican presidential candidates — including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich — managed to file petitions to qualify for the GOP primary ballot in Virginia ahead of a 5 p.m. Thursday deadline.
Michigan bans domestic-partner benefits
The American Civil Liberties Union says it will mount a legal challenge against the state of Michigan after Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law Thursday a bill banning domestic-partner benefits for unmarried employees at state agencies.
Inside the Beltway
The Republican presidential hopefuls are essentially taking 72 hours off for Christmas, after months of ceaseless voter wooing, punctuated by big debates, grand gaffes and a shrill press.
Bombings rock Baghdad and kill scores
U.S. officials condemned Thursday's wave of bombings that killed at least 69 people in Baghdad and fed fears that renewed sectarian violence will fill a security vacuum created by the departure of the last U.S. combat troops from Iraq on Sunday.
Maryland redistricting plan hit by blacks
Black voters and lawmakers in Maryland said Thursday that a proposed state-level redistricting map provides too few majority-black districts and would lead to continued underrepresentation of minorities in the General Assembly.
Commentary |
DECKER: Five questions with Buddy RoemerBuddy Roemer is a candidate for the Republican nomination for president. He served in Congress from 1981-88 as one of the last truly conservative Democrats who crossed the aisle to back the Reagan agenda. He later was governor of Louisiana and switched party affiliation to the GOP. A longtime business executive, Mr. Roemer founded and was CEO of Business First Bank, a small community lender with $650 million is assets. AUGUSTINE: Iran's uranium enrichment expands, America's withersAs developing nations begin building dozens of nu- clear reactors to meet growing energy demands, the United States is on the verge of losing its leadership in one nuclear segment that will weaken our national security: our ability to provide energy and our capacity to discourage the spread of nuclear weapons. GATTUSO: Stoking fears about 'No More Tears'For as long as there have been cosmetics, they've been part of the holidays. They're popular Christmas gifts and part of looking good at big New Year's Eve parties, yet if you believe the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, personal care products - from skin creams to popular fragrances to baby shampoo - contain a "minefield of toxins." But the campaign's claims amount to a minefield of misinformation that could have far more dangerous repercussions than any of the chemicals it demonizes. Its latest target is Johnson & Johnson's "No More Tears" baby shampoo, used to help children look their best in countless holiday photos. EDITORIAL: Being Christian is a death sentencePersecuted Christians are fleeing from the Middle East in increasing numbers. The United States should open its doors to them as a guaranteed safe haven. DONATELLI: Walker confident despite looming recallThe class of Republican governors and state legislators elected in 2010 are fully invested in fundamental reforms at the state level. These Republican officeholders are moving aggressively to reform governmental institutions, tax policy and large state programs such as education and Medicaid. In effect, they're finally bringing the states into the 21st century. |
Most Read Stories |
Latest from WT Communities |
Independent Social Contributors Resolutions and New Years: January 2012 renewal List of Ten World’s Best-Selling Book After Hours at The Brew Lounge |
|