Newser Story Index from November, 2007
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
CIA Sat on Tapes of Al Qaeda Questionings
McClatchy Newspapers
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Nov 14, 2007 10:27 AM CST
(Newser) -
Though it twice declared otherwise in court, the CIA has three video and audio recordings of high-level al Qaeda interrogations, federal prosecutors revealed yesterday. The defense team for convicted terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui requested the tapes, but the CIA denied their existence. The tapes probably won’t undo Moussaoui’s conviction—the...
Transit Strike Cripples France
Bloomberg
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Nov 14, 2007 10:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
In France, the biggest strike since Nicolas Sarkozy's election paralyzed transportation services from national rail to the Paris metro today. Massive traffic jams, long waits for the few subway trains running, and fleets of bicycles were in evidence in the first day of what is seen as a critical showdown between Sarkozy and the public unions whose...
Arabic, Asian Languages Gaining More US Students
San Jose Mercury News
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Nov 14, 2007 10:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
American students are studying Arabic and Asian languages more than ever before, according to a Modern Language Association survey. Spanish has been the most studied language since 1995, still with more than 50% of students, but Arabic is fastest-growing, jumping 126.5% from 2002 to 2006—making up 1.5% of all language enrollments. Overall, modern...
Spitzer Dumps License Plan for Illegals
New York Times
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Nov 14, 2007 9:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is giving up on the plan to offer driver's licenses to illegal immigrants that drew a firestorm of criticism. “I am not willing to fight to the bitter end on something that will not ultimately be implemented,” he told the New York Times . The proposal became a hot-button issue in presidential candidate forums...
McD's Perks Up Coffee, Menu
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 9:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Vanilla lattes, cafe mochas, and caramel cappuccinos are coming to your local Golden Arches as McDonald’s Corp. positions itself to take a slice of the booming $12 billion specialty beverage market and become a “beverage destination,” reports the AP. McDonald’s will launch a sausage skillet burrito in two weeks and a Southern-style...
EU Eyes Single Telecom Market
BBC
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Nov 14, 2007 8:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Europe would be a single telecom market under a plan proposed by the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, which argues that cheaper broadband and phone service is being held up by conflicting legislation and national monopolies in member countries. Under the plan, a regulatory body would oversee broadband, landline, and mobile business...
Former FBI, CIA Agent Had Hezbollah Ties
Newsweek
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Nov 14, 2007 8:02 AM CST
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Lebanese native Nada Nadim Prouty overstayed her student visa, obtained US citizenship through a sham marriage, waitressed at a Detroit restaurant suspected of laundering money for Hezbollah, and became a CIA agent with access to sensitive intelligence. The case of Prouty, who tapped into government computers to obtain information about Hezbollah,...
Pope to Shun Boston on US Visit
Time
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Nov 14, 2007 7:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
For his much-anticipated inaugural trip to the US this spring Pope Benedict XVI plans to visit the White House, the United Nations, the site of the World Trade Center—but not Boston, where the Church sex abuse scandal first erupted. The omission of Boston from the papal tour has infuriated victims of priest sexual abuse, reports Time.
Oil Drops to $91 as Rush to $100 Stalls
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 14, 2007 7:37 AM CST
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After gushing toward $100 a barrel, oil traded as low as $90.13 yesterday, closing at $91.17. Analysts said the downward pressure could continue as demand for oil slows and OPEC increases production, reports the Wall Street Journal. Saudi Arabia's oil minister, meanwhile, told the Globe and Mail that prices have been jacked up by speculation and...
Europe Blocks DoubleClick Deal
New York Times
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Nov 14, 2007 7:29 AM CST
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European antitrust regulators have put up a roadblock to Google’s $3.1 billion bid for internet ad giant DoubleClick, ruling that it needs to be reviewed before approval. The US has yet to approve the deal, though Brazilian and Australian regulators signed off on it. Google already controls 70% to 80% of the paid search ad market, reports the...
Korean PMs Get Down to Business
AFP
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Nov 14, 2007 7:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
North Korea's prime minister is in Seoul today for the start of a 3-day summit with his South Korean counterpart. The leaders are discussing how to implement peace agreements from last month's landmark meeting of the two Korean top leaders. But in the first visit by a northern leader to Seoul in 15 years, Kim Yong-Il will also seek to ensure...
Art Market Defies Crash Fears With Record Sale
New York Times
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Nov 14, 2007 6:21 AM CST
(Newser) -
So much for a correction: at last night's sale of modern and contemporary art at Christie's in New York, 16 artists achieved record prices and 61 out of 66 lots sold. Dealers were in shock as collectors continued to snatch up works at astronomical prices. Even a lesser work such as Andy Warhol's Liz , put up for sale by Hugh Grant and expected to...
Pakistan Arrests Imran Khan After Escape
Bloomberg
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Nov 14, 2007 5:57 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pakistani police today arrested Imran Khan, the former cricket star turned opposition politician, Bloomberg reports. Khan was initially detained in his house in Lahore, but he escaped to rally students against Pervez Musharraf, whom he calls "the dictator." Khan's arrest comes as a blow to attempts by Benazir Bhutto, who's still under house...
Marvel Takes Superheros Online
Reuters
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Nov 14, 2007 5:50 AM CST
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Comic giant Marvel will soon launch a website where fans can access thousands of new and vintage titles featuring Spider Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and other iconic superheroes. The Internet has dealt a heavy blow to newsstand comic sales, and Marvel hopes to recoup some of the loss with $4.99-$9.99 monthly online subscriptions, Reuters reports.
London About to Sack Plastic
Independent (UK)
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Nov 14, 2007 5:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
The ubiquitous free plastic bag will soon be more than London merchants can handle. That's because Council officials yesterday voted to ban London retailers from handing out the free sacks, sending the matter to the House of Commons for a final ruling. The London bill would require shoppers to use sturdy reusable plastic "bags for life" or...
McDonald a Hero Again in Ducks Win Over the Kings
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 5:21 AM CST
(Newser) -
For the second straight game Andy McDonald scored the clinching goal in a shootout and the Mighty Ducks defeated the Kings 4-3 last night. The Ducks barely hung on: they blew a two goal third period lead and let Michael Cammalleri score the tying goal with 6:49 left to play.
Axed OJ Book Publisher Sues News Corp. for $100M
Bloomberg
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Nov 14, 2007 4:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
Axed publisher Judith Regan has filed a $100 million lawsuit against News Corp., charging the company made her the target of a smear campaign and fired her because she had information damaging to Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign. "The smear campaign was necessary to advance News Corp.'s political agenda," she said. Regan was dumped after...
14 of 17 Blackwater Killings Unjustified: FBI
New York Times
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Nov 14, 2007 4:46 AM CST
(Newser) -
Fourteen of the 17 Iraqi civilians Blackwater guards killed at a busy Baghdad intersection in September were unjustified shootings, FBI investigators have concluded. Three deaths—including a mother and son in a car—could be considered a valid use of lethal force in response to a perceived threat, the New York Times reports. The...
Shaq Scores 17 in Heat Loss to Bobcats
Miami Herald
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Nov 14, 2007 4:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Heat's struggles continued last night with a 97-91 loss to the Bobcats. Shaq scored 17 points in 25 minutes, but was only one of two Heat players in double figures. " I should play," sputtered furious coach Pat Riley. "I guarantee you I should suit up. I would play better than some of them right now."
Chlamydia Cases Hit Record High
USA Today
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Nov 14, 2007 4:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
Known cases of chlamydia in the US have topped a million for the first time, with the highest rates among adolescent girls, USA Today reports. Under-reporting of the sexually transmitted disease means the real number could be nearly three times higher. Syphilis and gonorrhea are also on the rise, partly due to antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
AG Mukasey Sics Justice Probers on Wiretap Program
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 14, 2007 4:00 AM CST
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New Attorney General Michael Mukasey has named the Justice Department 's first investigative target: the Justice Department. Mukasey has reopened an internal probe of the role played by the agency's own attorneys in the controversial post-911warrantless wiretap program, reports the Wall Street Journal. The move is a key signal that Mukasey may operate...
Feisty TX Tech Coach Hit With Record Fine
Dallas Morning News
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Nov 14, 2007 3:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Big-12 has handed down its biggest-ever fine to Mike Leach, the Texas Tech coach who lashed out at game officials following a hotly contested loss last weekend. Leach got a bill for $10,000 and a public censure for suggesting that a referee favored his hometown Longhorns and calling the Big-12 review system "a sham," reports the Dallas...
Hannah Montana Fan Club Sued for 'Ticket Trick'
MTV
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Nov 14, 2007 3:46 AM CST
(Newser) -
Hannah Montana fans have filed a class-action lawsuit against the actress' fan club, charging they were deceptively lured into paying a $30 entrance fee with the promise that they would have better access to concert tickets. In fact the "vast majority of club members" couldn't get tickets to star Miley Cyrus' first concert series.
N. Arizona Nearly Upsets No. 17 AU, 76-69
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Nov 14, 2007 3:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Arizona Wildcats didn't start their season well, struggling at times to pull off a 76-69 victory against unranked Northern Arizona. AU has 24 straight wins against NAU, but playing without coach Lute Olsen caused some faltering last night, with NAU outshooting and outrebounding the Wildcats, reports the Arizona Republic . Elsewhere in the world...
Snap Together Devices Could Revolutionize Electronics Biz
Discovery News
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Nov 14, 2007 3:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
A line of electronic devices that snap together like Legos could revolutionize the consumer electronics industry. Discovery News reports a New York software developer came up with the system, which is open source, so that numerous innovators can contribute new devices. A hub called a Bugbase contains the basics electronics. Up to 81 devices, called...
No. 9 Wash. State Fights for Comeback Win
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 2:54 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Washington State Cougars rode the late-surging performance of Derick Low and Kyle Weaver to an 86-74 comeback victory over the Boise State Broncos last night. Trailing 32-26 at halftime, the ninth-ranked Cougars outscored the Broncos 33-12 in the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half, reports AP.
Writers March on Wall Street
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 2:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Striking writers waving banners marched on Wall Street to complain that the nation's media giants aren't sharing the wealth from online content. The Writers Guild of America targeted CBS, Disney, Viacom Inc., which owns Comedy Central and MTV; News Corp., owner of the Fox TV and film studios, and others
San Antonio Wins Fourth Straight
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 1:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Spurs' defense held Kobe to 18 points, and the offense shone, outscoring the Lakers 107-92 for their fourth consecutive victory, AP reports. Tony Parker led the team with 26 points to go along with his nine assists, and Bruce Bowen put on a clinic, hitting 6-of-6 from three-point territory en route to a 23-point finish. In other action:
Truant Marbury: Zeke Okayed Departure
New York Post
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Nov 14, 2007 12:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
Stephon Marbury's career with the Knicks may be close to over, as the mercurial point guard left the team in the midst of a West Coast road trip and flew back to New York, saying Isiah Thomas had agreed that he could do so. Thomas disputed Marbury's account, saying he wanted the five-year Knick on the floor that night. The two allegedly feuded over...
12th-Ranked Spartans Open with Rout
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 12:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
With an embarrassing exhibition loss to Grand Valley State behind them, No. 12 Michigan Spartans started their season with 86-53 rout of Chicago State. Sophomore forward Raymar Morgan scored a career-high 25 points and snagged 15 rebounds, while All-American Drew Neitzel scored all of his 12 from behind the arc and dished 8 assists, according to the...
Pierce Leads C's Past Pacers
Associated Press
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Nov 14, 2007 12:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Celtics needed to overcome their largest deficit of the season, a six-point first quarter hole, to defeat the Pacers 101-86. Paul Pierce scored 31, including 13 in the final three minutes of the second quarter, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Kevin Garnett also had a double-double—his sixth in six games—with 18 points and 11 boards, reports...
Game Over for Colts Def. End Freeney?
ESPN
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Nov 13, 2007 11:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
Though swelling so far has hindered a definitive diagnosis, a source told ESPN yesterday that Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney's left foot might prove to have a Lisfranc injury, requiring season ending surgery. The defensive end suggested following Sunday's loss that the damage might have been caused when a Chargers blocker stepped on his foot.
Price, Montreal Beat Toronto in OT 4-3
Toronto Star (Canada)
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Nov 13, 2007 11:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Montreal’s Mike Komisarek scored 35 seconds into overtime as the Canadiens defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3. Kyle Wellwood scored his first two goals of the season for the Habs, in his fourth game back since returning from hernia surgery, while Carey Price was superb between the pipes, recording 37 saves, according to the Toronto Star . Elsewhere...
C.C. Gets the Cy
Cleveland Plain Dealer
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Nov 13, 2007 11:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Leviathan Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia won the 2007 A.L. Cy Young Award, edging out 20-game winner Josh Beckett of Boston, to whom he lost twice in the playoffs. Sabathia led the majors in innings pitched with 241, and became the first African-American pitcher to win the award since Dwight Gooden in 1985. I definitely thought it would be close and I...
French Rail Workers Strike
BBC
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Nov 13, 2007 8:02 PM CST
(Newser) -
French rail workers tested Sarkozy's mettle today by walking off the job in defense of their pensions, the BBC reports. Only 90 of France's 700 high-speed trains will run tomorrow and subway service in Paris will be dead, according to the metro operator. "Tomorrow is going to be a hellish day for travelers and perhaps for many days beyond that,"...
Os Mutantes Returns in Force
PopMatters
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Nov 13, 2007 7:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
The reunion of Brazilian psych-rock pioneers Os Mutantes has been much celebrated by music enthusiasts. Now the band’s first new recording in 30 years shows the group hasn't missed a beat, says PopMatters’ Michael Keefe, who awards Live at Barbican 8 of 10 stars. Os Mutantes is “every bit as skillful and expressive as they were...
One Who Just Won't Love Huck
Salon
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Nov 13, 2007 7:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
GOP longshot Mike Huckabee has a national rep for being funny and lovable, but one newspaper editor’s got a bone to pick. The Huckabee that governed Arkansas opposed the arts and evolution, pillaged government coffers, and destroyed all hard drives when he left office, writes Max Brantley in Salon . He was five times sanctioned by the Ethics...
China Lifts Ban on French Spidey
Associated Press
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Nov 13, 2007 7:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Only a few months after China booted out French daredevil Alain Robert for illegally climbing Shangai's tallest building, the communist superpower has invited him back. Robert, known as the French Spider-Man for scaling tall structures without safety gear, was expelled for five years and spent some quality time in jail, but will return to ascend a...
For Blacks, Income Ladder More Like Chute
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 13, 2007 7:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Middle-class African Americans are much less likely to surpass their parents’ income than their white counterparts, a new study finds. Overall, two-thirds of American adults earned more than their parents, adjusted for inflation. But among the black middle class, 69% are making less. “Black children and white children do not have equal...
Hamas Nabs Fatah Activists
New York Times
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Nov 13, 2007 6:46 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hamas arrested Fatah activists today—one source says dozens, another hundreds—a day after a Gaza rally turned violent, the New York Times reports. Hamas also threatened political action against the group. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a Fatah member, declared three days of mourning and compared the Hamas move to "crimes of...
Don't Blame China for Toy Recalls: Study
Globe and Mail
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Nov 13, 2007 6:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
Don't blame China for soaring toy recalls, a new Canuck study says; the problem is design. "If you are going to get into a finger-pointing game, you should point it mostly on the design side," said a Canadian prof. "It has got nothing to do with China." Recalls of toys made elsewhere actually spiked higher than Chinese-made products,...
Pacman Will Take Plea Bargain
Associated Press
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Nov 13, 2007 5:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Adam 'Pacman' Jones will take a plea deal which will get him a year's probation in exchange for testimony about a shooting that took place during his Las Vegas strip club brawl, the AP reports. Pacman will plead no contest to conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct and receive a suspended one-year sentence.
Putin Claims 'Moral Right' to Power
Reuters
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Nov 13, 2007 5:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Putin claimed a “moral right” to keep a hand in Russian politics today if his party wins the December 2 election, Reuters reports. A victory for the pro-Kremlin United Party looks likely, so how would he rule after resigning as president in May? "I will refrain from a direct reply about the form in which this will be done," he...
Harry Can't Commit to Love or War
AFP
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Nov 13, 2007 5:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Prince Harry has had commitment troubles recently, the AFP reports. The young royalty lost girlfriend Chelsy Davy earlier this month after skipping her 22nd birthday party to attend the Rugby World Cup between London and South Africa. And now he's "ready to quit' the army unless assigned to combat duty in Afghanistan.
Iranian Official Says Gays Merit Death Penalty
Times (UK)
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Nov 13, 2007 5:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tehran is sanctioning the execution and perhaps torture of homosexuals, reports the London Times, and an Iranian politician confirmed the policy at a meeting with British MPs. Quizzed about the hanging of two boys accused of homosexual activity, a member of Iran's energy committee responded that gays should be killed—though he initially said...
Yahoo Settles With Chinese Journalists
CNET
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Nov 13, 2007 5:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
One week after being labeled moral “pygmies” in a House hearing, Yahoo settled a lawsuit brought by two Chinese journalists jailed when the Internet giant turned over their personal data to Beijing. The two men, now serving 10-year sentences on charges of leaking state secrets, sued Yahoo for providing the Chinese government with...
OJ Told His Buddies to Bring Guns
Associated Press
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Nov 13, 2007 5:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
OJ Simpson asked his buddies to bring guns to their confrontation in a Las Vegas hotel room with two sports memorabilia dealers, one of his accomplices testified today. Walter Alexander, one of OJ's golfing pals, said Simpson wanted everyone to bring "heat." OJ also told another accomplice to draw his weapon before entering the room, he said.
Deadly Bird Flu ID'd on UK Farm
Telegraph (UK)
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Nov 13, 2007 4:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
The avian flu that decimated a British turkey farm is the dangerous H5N1 strain, which can spread to humans. Authorities are taking extreme precautions, reports the Telegraph, slaughtering about 6,000 birds and forbidding the transportation of poultry within a 6-mile "surveillance zone.” The H5N1 strain has killed more than 150 people...
Gas Prices Likely to Climb 20 Cents by Next Month
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 13, 2007 4:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Gas prices will go up at least another 20 cents in December, and they could climb further after that if OPEC doesn't increase production, says a top Energy Department forecaster. Gas prices will keep rising even if crude prices fall, says Guy Caruso, because the refiners haven't fully passed along their rising costs to the consumer yet.
Ga. Governor Prays for Rain
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Nov 13, 2007 4:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Georgia's governor called a prayer meeting in front of the Capitol today and asked residents of his parched state to "reverently and respectfully pray up a storm." About 250 Georgians joined Sonny Perdue in his unconventional bid for drought relief, reports the Journal - Constititution . A block away, protesters held signs reading "Pray...
