Newser Story Index from April, 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.
Iraqi Slams U.S. Senate Vote
BBC
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Apr 27, 2007 8:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Iraqi government is blasting the U.S. Senate for approving the troop-withdrawal bill, saying it sends the wrong message to insurgents. "We see it as a loss of four years of sacrifices," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said yesterday of the legislation, which mandates an October 1 deadline for the beginning of a pullout.
Alec and Kim Play Hardball Over Ireland
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 27, 2007 8:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Not since the Easter Rising has there been this much fighting over Ireland—that is, the 11-year old daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. With Baldwin appearing on "The View" this morning to apologize to Ireland for the furious voicemail leaked last week, the LA Times revisits the gory custody battle.
Ex-CIA Chief Blasts Cheney
New York Times
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Apr 27, 2007 8:03 AM CDT
(Newser) -
George Tenet offers a scathing attack on Dick Cheney and other architects of the war in Iraq in a new book to be released Monday, the New York Times reports. The former CIA director alleges that "there was never serious debate" about whether Iraq was an imminent threat to the U.S., or discussion of containing Saddam without invading.
Giuliani Wants It Both Ways On Gays
New York Sun
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Apr 27, 2007 8:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rudy Giuliani is trying to tone down the gay-friendly stance he took as mayor of New York, criticizing New Hampshire's new civil unions bill because it "goes too far" toward gay marriage, which he opposes. As mayor, Giuliani signed a landmark domestic partnerships bill; on the campaign trail, he appears to be changing his tune.
Longtime Movie Lobbyist Valenti Dead at 85
CNN
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Apr 27, 2007 7:39 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Despite being neither movie star nor studio exec, Jack Valenti was one of Hollywood's most influential figures. An era ended Thursday when the longtime president of the film industry's trade association died at his home in Washington. The veteran lobbyist, who also served in the Johnson administration, was 85 and had suffered a stroke in March.
Dems Unite to Slam Iraq In First Debate
Washington Post
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Apr 27, 2007 7:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Eight Democrats butted heads last night in the first '08 debate, not so much with each other but with the president over the war in Iraq. Candidates at South Carolina State University competed at panning the war for making the country less safe and Bush for ignoring the voters' will for a prompt exit.
MIT Admissions Dean Resigns in Bizarre Scandal
New York Times
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Apr 27, 2007 6:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The dean of admissions at M.I.T. has resigned after revealing she lied on her resume 28 years ago. Marilee Jones, a college-admissions guru and author of a popular book on combating the pressure to be perfect, claimed degrees from three New York colleges; it turns out she doesn't even have a BA.
Prince Harry Heads for Iraq
Guardian (UK)
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Apr 27, 2007 6:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
England's Prince Harry is scheduled to deploy to south-east Iraq with his regiment next month, in spite of misgivings about the high-profile royal becoming a target for insurgents. The British Ministry of Defense continues to support his deployment, saying that holding him back would be a "tremendous propaganda coup" for the enemy.
New Hampshire Says "We Do" To Gay Unions
Associated Press
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Apr 27, 2007 5:53 AM CDT
(Newser) -
New Hampshire is about to become the fourth state to offer civil unions for gays—and one of the first couples in line may be the state’s gay Episcopal bishop and a senior state bureaucrat. “My partner and I look forward to taking full advantage of the new law," said Bishop V. Gene Robinson.
Sox Deny Sock Hoax
Associated Press
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Apr 27, 2007 5:39 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Many past and current Red Sox rushed to the defense of Curt Schilling yesterday after Baltimore announcer Gary Thorne claimed the blood that famously turned the injured pitching ace's sock red in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees was a hoax. Thorne said backup catcher Doug Mirabelli had told him it was a PR stunt.
Carbon Offsets Are Often Scams
Financial Times (UK)
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Apr 26, 2007 7:56 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Carbon offsets—the credits gas-guzzling consumers buy to cancel out their carbon production—may do little or nothing more than assuage consciences, a Financial Times investigation concludes. Some companies sell worthless credits; others use them to finance environmental projects they had planned anyway. And consumers have no means to...
Male Sportswriter Switches Teams
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 26, 2007 4:22 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A veteran Los Angeles Times sports columnist has announced to his readers that he's becoming a she. In lieu of his customary Mighty Ducks deconstruction, Mike Penner penned a poignant account of his lost overtime battle with his inner woman, and his ultimate decision to undergo a operation that will render him Christine Danner.
Fungus Could Be Culprit in Death of Bees
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 26, 2007 2:48 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Finally, a lead in the mysterious honeybee crisis that's had scientists and keepers buzzing for months. A fungus called nosema ceranae is showing up frequently in colonies that have suffered heavy losses, giving scientists hope of controlling what they call "colony collapse disorder," the Los Angeles Times reports.
Grant Flings For His Supper
Daily Mail (UK)
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Apr 26, 2007 2:14 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Maybe Hugh Grant just needs a new cook. The actor was arrested in London late Tuesday night after allegedly throwing a tub of baked beans at a persistent paparazzo. Photographer Ian Whittaker claims that he asked Grant to smile for a photo, and the rom-com star kicked him and said he wished his kids would die of cancer.
Senate Passes Troop Pullout Bill
New York Times
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Apr 26, 2007 2:09 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Senate approved the Iraq funding bill 51-46 early this afternoon, conferring its expected stamp of approval on an October troop pullout. But the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to avoid a promised veto. Democrats are already ruminating on post-veto counter-proposals, including replacing the rigid timetable with benchmarks.
Ford Turnaround Plan Pays Off
Detroit Free Press
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Apr 26, 2007 10:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A loss is a win for Ford this morning, as the company's shares soared nearly 10% on smaller-than-expected first-quarter losses. Investors see the $282 million net loss—down from $1.4 billion in first quarter 2006—as a sign the company's ambitious turnaround plan is on track.
Embryos Screened for Cancer Risk
Times (UK)
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Apr 26, 2007 10:57 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The British government is poised to OK a procedure that screens embryos for genes that greatly increase the risk—but do not necessarily cause—breast cancer. Two couples with strong family histories of the disease are expected to pioneer the technique, already approved in principle, and crank up the debate over "designer babies."
Peavy’s 16 Ks Not Enough, as Padres Take It
Associated Press
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Apr 26, 2007 10:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Stephen Drew stole the spotlight from Jake Peavy, connecting on a two-run walk-off homer off Trevor Hoffman in the ninth inning as the Diamondbacks upended the Padres 3-2. The rookie’s blast off of the future Hall of Famer overshadowed a historic effort from Peavy, who tied a career high in fanning 16 D-Backs.
Spurs Put The Clamps On The Nuggets
Associated Press
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Apr 26, 2007 10:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The big three for the San Antonio Spurs heated up at the right time, as the Spurs stifled the Nuggets 97-88 last night, to even their series at one apiece. Tim Duncan led the way with 22 points, Tony Parker dropped in 20, and Manu Ginobili scored 17 off the bench.
The Decider With the 'Yee Haw' Aesthetic
Salon
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Apr 26, 2007 10:01 AM CDT
(Newser) -
You can learn a lot from the art in someone's office, says Sidney Blumenthal, even the oval one. George Bush's prized painting of cowboys riding into the unseen helps explain his "stay the course" mentality, while a painting of the Alamo feeds W's evangelically inflected insistence on a "fight to the finish."
Oz Bans Snoop Dogg
BBC
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Apr 26, 2007 10:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Add Australia to the list of countries that don't want Snoop Dogg making a mess in their yards. Just weeks after the U.K. turned away the recording artist and actor, Oz canceled his visa. "He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country," Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews told a Sydney radio station.
Democrats Dole Out Subpoenas
The Hill
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Apr 26, 2007 8:58 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Democratic Congress flexed its oversight muscle today, with both houses dishing out subpoenas all the way up to Condi Rice. A House committee subpoenaed the Secretary of State to discuss the lead-up to the Iraq War, while both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees summoned aides involved in the U.S. attorney firings.
Putin Lashes Out at Foreign Meddlers
BBC
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Apr 26, 2007 8:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Vladimir Putin threatened to stonewall a key defense treaty if the U.S. doesn't back down on anti-missile bases in Eastern Europe, and lashed out against "foreign meddlers" in Russian politics. In his annual speech to parliament, Putin also repeated his pledge to stand down when his term ends next year, the BBC reports.
Cops Capture "Bishop" Bomber
Chicago Sun-Times
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Apr 26, 2007 8:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Police nabbed "The Bishop"—the bandit who's been sending unwired pipe bombs to Midwestern investment firms for the last two years—they announced yesterday. John P. Tomkins, a 42-year-old machinist in DuBuque, Iowa, was charged with one count each of mailing an extortion letter and possessing an unregistered explosive device.
Champ Claims NASCAR is Rigged
Associated Press
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Apr 26, 2007 7:56 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two-time champion Tony Stewart charges that NASCAR is rigged like pro wrestling. He said officials control races by throwing bogus caution flags for debris on the track. “They can almost dictate the race instead of the drivers doing it. It’s happened too many times this year," said Stewart on his Sirius Satellite Radio radio show.
It Must Be Spring: Prior Out for Season
MLB.com
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Apr 26, 2007 7:41 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Cubs right-hander Mark Prior underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery Tuesday and will not pitch again this year. An 18-game winner in 2003, Prior has been on the DL once in each of his six big-league seasons but had not had shoulder surgery before. "This is a step in the right direction," said manager Lou Piniella.
McCain: Gonzales Should Resign
Politico
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Apr 26, 2007 7:39 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain joins the chorus calling for Alberto Gonzales to resign. In an interview after officially launching his campaign in New Hampshire, McCain told the Politico that the attorney general could no longer usefully serve the president. "I reached that conclusion a long time ago," he said, "I just haven’t been asked.”
High Court Eyes McCain- Feingold
Legal Times
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Apr 26, 2007 7:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Supreme Court looks poised to pull an about face on the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law by striking down its strictures on "issue ads"—pre-election commentary that mentions candidates by name. Sandra Day O'Connor joined a majority in upholding the ban in 2003; Alito and Roberts may provide critical mass to strike it down.
Governator Says He'll Sue EPA
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 26, 2007 6:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Arnold Schwarzenegger says he'll take the Environmental Protection Agency to court if California doesn’t get a green light for its tough new auto emissions laws within six months. "The clock is ticking. If we don't see quick action from the federal government, we will sue the EPA," Schwarzenegger said yesterday.
House Passes Pullout Bill
New York Times
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Apr 26, 2007 6:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Just hours after Gen. David Petraeus told lawmakers he needed more time to gage the success of the surge in Iraq, the House passed the funding bill requiring troops to begin withdrawing in October. President Bush has promised to veto the bill, which Majority Whip James Clyburn nonetheless called an "exit strategy the president should be pleased...
Police Search for Answers at VT
Washington Post
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Apr 26, 2007 6:14 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Post reports on the ongoing probe into the Virginia Tech shootings, with police reconstructing details of gunman Cho Seung-Hui's movements and searching for motives. Questions include whether Emily Hilscher, his first victim, was a random target, and the possibility that someone else mailed Cho's manifesto to NBC News.
Aussies Dismantle South Africa
Australia's News Network
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Apr 26, 2007 5:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Australia's wily bowlers looked unbeatable in an all-around thumping of fellow Antipodeans South Africa. The Aussies will oppose Sri Lanka in the final of a cricket World Cup marked by controversy and intrigue, including the as-yet-unexplained death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer following an eliminating loss to Ireland on St. Patrick's Day.
Abortion Ship To Sail Again
Times (UK)
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Apr 25, 2007 3:52 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The "abortion ship" is returning to international waters after a three-year hiatus, offering early-term procedures to women whose countries ban them. The Dutch nonprofit Women on Waves will distribute abortion pills to women up to seven weeks pregnant on the ship, which was prevented from docking in Lisbon in 2004 by a Portuguese navy blockade.
Dow Breaks 13,000 In Record Close
MarketWatch
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Apr 25, 2007 3:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Dow Jones surged to a record close this afternoon, riding better-than-expected durable good orders in March and soaring profits from online bellweather Amazon to close just past 13,000. News that Alcoa was exploring plans to sell its packaging and consumer business also buoyed shareholders.
Wanted: Geese Who'll Gorge Themselves
New York Times
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Apr 25, 2007 3:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
In the quest for kinder, gentler fois gras, some producers claim to have succeeded in getting the birds to gorge naturally, fattening up their livers without force-feeding them. A Spanish company says its prize-winning pate was produced by letting the birds roam freely and butchering them right before they would natually migrate.
Public Binge Predicted for Private Equity
Financial Times (UK)
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Apr 25, 2007 2:09 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Private equity giant Carlyle Group will likely go public within five years, its co-founder said at a conference yesterday. David Rubenstein predicted a sea-change for the industry, as fund founders cash out before they retire, the FT reports.
South Korean Women Get In the Swing
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 25, 2007 1:36 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Men dominate business in South Korea, and the country has just 250 golf courses. Yet in the nine years since Se Ri Pak won four tournaments as an LPGA rookie, South Koreans have come to dominate the world's top women's tour, the Journal reports. Ambitious parents even pull their daughters out of school to train.
Housing Sales Plunge In March
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 25, 2007 12:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sales of previously occupied homes fell 8.4 percent in March, marking the biggest monthly drop since 1989 and ending hopes for a spring rebound. The new National Association of Realtors numbers reflect an oversupply of homes, lenders subdued by the sub-prime crisis, and bad winter weather, the Wall Street Journal speculates.
Tornado Hits Texas, Killing 10
ABC News
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Apr 25, 2007 11:41 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A tornado on the Texas-Mexico border killed 10 and wounded over 70 as severe storms walloped the plains states late last night. The twister touched down in the small border town of Eagle Pass, where it destroyed an elementary school, more than 20 homes, and a sewer-treatment plant, according to Mayor Chad Foster.
US Lets China Dominate Asia
Newsweek
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Apr 25, 2007 11:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The U.S. is so wrapped up in the Middle East that it's sacrificing chances to improve relations with Asia, leaving China to dominate the region, Newsweek 's Fareed Zakaria contends. "Beijing has become remarkably adept at using its political and economic muscle in a patient, low-key and highly effective manner," he writes.
Gritty Raptors Get Even With Nets
Associated Press
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Apr 25, 2007 9:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Toronto Raptors won their first playoff game in nearly five years last night, beating the New Jersey Nets 89-83 to even their best-of-seven series at one game apiece. Toronto used a 31-point fourth quarter to overcome a five-point deficit.
Rosie's Leaving "The View"
ABC News
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Apr 25, 2007 9:57 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Loose-cannon comedienne Rosie O'Donnell will give up her post as a co-host of ABC's "The View" in June, after a one-year stint marked by public tiffs with celebs like Donald Trump that embarrassed "View" doyenne Barbara Walters.
Bush Calls Withdrawal Plan 'An Invitation to Attack America'
Washington Post
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Apr 25, 2007 9:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush yesterday accused the Democrats of “offering an invitation to our enemies to attack America.” With the House and Senate poised to vote this week on a war funding bill with a troop drawdown deadline, the Washington Post reports, the dispute between Congress and the White House is becoming increasingly personal.
Physicist Wants To Wipe Out Toilet Paper
Der Spiegel
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Apr 25, 2007 9:20 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A German physicist is engineering toilet paper that he says is more efficient and softer than the familiar white roll. TP visionary Siegfried Hustedt claims a single ply of his new paper—which can "hold its shape longer under pressure"—will be sturdy enough to do the job, not to mention healthier and more ecofriendly.
Local TV Pushes Fake Medical News
Columbia Journalism Review
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Apr 25, 2007 8:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
TV stations across America broadcast fake medical news stories that are really ads produced by providers to tout their new techniques and procedures, according to an investigation by the Columbia Journalism Review . “I kick, scream, and fight, and make them as journalistically ethical as possible," says one reporter. "It makes me sick.”
Taliban Video Shows Young Boy Beheading Prisoner
Guardian (UK)
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Apr 25, 2007 8:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
International outrage is building over a Taliban video in which a preteen boy appears to behead a prisoner. The Guardian reports that the boy, who "appears no older than 12," denounces the man, a Pakistani militant, as an "American spy" in a high-pitched voice before apparently using a long knife to execute him.
Critic Carries Flag for Cancer Survivors
Chicago Sun-Times
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Apr 25, 2007 8:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Roger Ebert will show up at his ninth annual Overlooked Film Festival in Urbana, he writes in the Sun-Times , although he's recovering from cancer surgery that's left him temporarily mute and heavily bandaged. "We spend too much time hiding illness," Ebert writes. "I'm not going to miss my festival."
Wolfowitz Catches Hell From Angry World Bank Managers
New York Times
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Apr 25, 2007 7:56 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Top managers at the World Bank held a tense closed-door meeting with Paul Wolfowitz last week, details of which have leaked to the Times. Managing director Graeme Wheeler told the sullied president he would cause “fantastic damage” by staying at the bank, which is facing "the biggest crisis in its history."
Mexico City Legalizes Abortion
CNN
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Apr 25, 2007 7:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Mexico City has passed a law legalizing first-trimester abortions and offering them virtually free. The move by the city's predominantly leftist leadership was bitterly opposed by the Catholic Church and Mexico's conservative government, CNN reports.
Earth-Like Planet Could Sustain Life
Space.com
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Apr 25, 2007 7:29 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Astronomers have discovered a planet that can sustain liquid water, the prerequisite for life as we understand it. Named Gliese 581 C, the new planet orbits a red dwarf star in what's called the "Goldilocks zone"—not so close that water melts, and not so far that it freezes.
