Newser Story Index from August, 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.
Jury Convicts Jealous Punter of Assault
Associated Press
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Aug 10, 2007 6:35 AM CDT
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Mitch Cozad, the North Colorado punter who stabbed rival Rafael Mendoza in the leg in an attempt to steal his starting spot on the football team, was convicted of second-degree assault yesterday and faces up to 16 years in prison. The more serious charge of attempted murder was tossed out.
Harris's Grab Wins Series Game for Braves
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Aug 10, 2007 6:32 AM CDT
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Willie Harris made a spectacular ninth-inning grab to rob the Mets' Carlos Delgado of what would have been a game-tying home run. The catch helped preserve a 7-6 win by the Braves, clinching the series victory over the first-place Mets.
Depleted Colts Tumble, 23-10
Indianapolis Star
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Aug 10, 2007 6:21 AM CDT
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In their preseason opener, Dallas romped over an Indianapolis defense already decimated by injury and free agency, chewing up 17 minutes on two early drives that ended in field goals. Peyton Manning and the first-string offense were given only one drive to show off, mustering a long field goal after Manning overthrew Marvin Harrison in the end zone.
Credit Fears Rock Asian Markets
Bloomberg
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Aug 10, 2007 5:51 AM CDT
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Asian stocks nosedived today as market fears triggered by the US subprime mortgage crisis rippled across the globe. The steepest drop in 5 months echoed upheaval spreading outward from Wall Street, with Toyota and Samsung leading a retreat by large exporters hurt by fears that the lending catastrophe and resultant tighter credit will curtail growth.
Chain-Smoking Daly Dominates on Day 1
Golf.com
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Aug 10, 2007 5:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John Daly, the hard-living golfer and author of the confessional, "My Life In and Out of the Rough," came out gangbusters on Day 1 of the last major event of 2007, the PGA Championship. Sustained by Diet Coke and Marlboros, the 41-year-old withstood 110-degree heat and put on a bravura putting show in the front nine.
Countrywide Reeling From Mortgage Woes
Los Angeles Times
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Aug 10, 2007 5:42 AM CDT
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The nation's largest mortgage lender has warned that troubles in the subprime credit market have led to "unprecedented disruptions" that will hurt their bottom line. The Los Angeles Times reports that Countrywide is steeling its investors for bad news: in a suddenly illiquid market the already-troubled company has been forced to hold $1...
Euro Bank Injects $190B to Avoid Crash
Times (UK)
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Aug 10, 2007 5:28 AM CDT
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The European Central Bank has released $190 billion in emergency funds in a desperate attempt to restore liquidity to the region's markets. The Financial Times reports that the ECB's emergency injection echoes moves by central banks in Japan, the US and Canada but is unprecedented in scale. The move rattled investors and sent stocks sliding even...
Monster Truck Plows Into Crowd
Associated Press
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Aug 10, 2007 5:19 AM CDT
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A mother and child were seriously injured yesterday when a monster truck stunt went horribly wrong and the vehicle plowed into a crowd of 100 spectators, AP reports. The trunk was crushing cars outside an auto parts store in Dekalb, Illinois, when the accident occurred. Another mother and her four children were treated at a local hospital and released.
The Right Rips Into Romney
New York Times
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Aug 10, 2007 5:18 AM CDT
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GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is getting flamed by all-out assault on his conservative bona fides in the run-up to tomorrow's straw poll in Iowa, reports the New York Times . The former Massachusetts governor has been hit by particularly withering criticism for his change of heart on abortion, with talk radio and YouTube videos ganging...
Libya Admits to Torturing Medics
Associated Press
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Aug 10, 2007 5:07 AM CDT
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Moammar Gadhafi's son burnished his pro-Western image yesterday by admitting that Libya had tortured 5 nurses and a doctor once accused of spreading HIV among children, the AP reports. Seif al-Islam Gadhafi conceded that the "Benghazi six" were electrocuted and threatened after their 1999 imprisonment, but he did not apologize, and even accused...
Brit Resident to Be Released From Gitmo
Reuters
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Aug 10, 2007 5:07 AM CDT
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One of five British residents has been cleared for release from Guantanamo, the US announced, following demands from authorities in London that all the prisoners be freed. The man, whose name and nationality were not disclosed, won't be returned to his homeland because of concerns he would be mistreated there, according to a US spokeswoman.
No Sign of Trapped Miners
CNN
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Aug 10, 2007 4:48 AM CDT
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A microphone lowered into a Utah coal mine cavity through a 2.5-inch hole has so far picked up no signs of life from six miners believed to be trapped there. Mine Company CEO Bob Murray cautioned against interpreting the development as bad news. He said the "good news" is that the drill found the cavity. There has been no communication with...
Clemens, Torre Hit With Suspensions
New York Post
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Aug 10, 2007 3:14 AM CDT
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Roger Clemens was suspended five games and Joe Torre one for their part in Tuesday's contentious Yankees/Blue Jays game. The combative three-game series saw a number of incidents, culminating with Roger Clemens beaning Alex Rios in the back as payback for pitches thrown at A-Rod.
Feds Simplify Security Plan
Associated Press
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Aug 9, 2007 8:28 PM CDT
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The Homeland Security department unveiled a plan today to screen all airline passengers’ personal data through US watch lists. The proposal, a revision of an earlier plan that provoked congressional action over privacy concerns, will be tested beginning this fall, the AP reports. "Secure Flight will not harm personal passenger privacy,"...
Great Heights Indeed for Ukraine Giant
Associated Press
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Aug 9, 2007 7:18 PM CDT
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Leonid Stadnik knows how the weather is up there. The 8-foot-5 Ukrainian was declared the planet's tallest man by Guinness World Records yesterday, the AP reports, displacing a 7-9 Mongolian. Stadnik is 6 inches short of the all-time mark, held by an American.
Wal-Mart Hits Facebook
Reuters
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Aug 9, 2007 6:57 PM CDT
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Wal-Mart is launching a back-to-school marketing campaign using Facebook, Reuters reports. The megachain has created a "Roommate Style Match" Facebook group to give college students a chance to coordinate decorating before moving in—and then browse an array of "recommended" Wal-Mart goods, including many the retailer promotes...
Two Bodies Pulled From Bridge Debris
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Aug 9, 2007 6:30 PM CDT
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Authorities recovered two more bodies from the wreckage of the I-35W bridge today, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports, bringing the official death toll to seven. One of the bodies has already been identified, and police anticipated retrieving a third as work continued for a seventh full day in and around the Mississippi River.
Marines Won't Face Charges in Haditha Case
San Diego Union-Tribune
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Aug 9, 2007 6:10 PM CDT
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The Marine Corps dropped all charges today against two Marines tied to an alleged massacre of 24 Iraqis in 2005. Citing holes in prosecution evidence, the general reviewing the charges cleared Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt, accused of murdering three civilians to avenge a comrade's death, and Capt. Randy Stone, charged with turning a blind eye to the...
Bush Dismisses Gas Tax Hike for Bridge Repair
New York Times
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Aug 9, 2007 5:51 PM CDT
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President Bush today rejected a gasoline tax increase that would raise money for bridge repairs across the country, saying Congress should reevaluate the way it allocates tax revenues now. In a wide-ranging press conference before departing for vacation in Maine, he continued to defend Alberto Gonzales and fielded numerous questions about Iraq, the...
Russians Hot for Cold War Habit
Reuters
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Aug 9, 2007 5:19 PM CDT
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Russia's air force has revived the Soviet-era practice of flying to areas policed by NATO and the US, Reuters reports. A Tu-95 bomber "exchanged smiles" today with American pilots who raced to track it as it flew over Guam. As during the Cold War, Russian officials called the incident a routine flexing of military muscle.
Search Engines Improve Privacy Policies
PC World
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Aug 9, 2007 5:06 PM CDT
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Search engines are beginning to take user privacy more seriously, but stronger federal privacy legislation is still necessary, a new study says. In the online marketplace, privacy policies have become competitive factors, with sites one-upping each other to make surfers feel that they're safe and have control over their personal info, says the report...
Dow Tumbles Over 380 Points
Bloomberg
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Aug 9, 2007 4:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Dow Jones lost nearly 3% of its value today, tumbling 387.18 points to 13,270.68 in the second-worst drumming of the calendar year. Trading curbs were in place early, after BNP Paribas froze funds that took a bath in the US credit market and Chinese exchanges crashed overnight, but they couldn't prevent the hemorrhaging caused by liquidity fears...
Mexico Apologizes for Booing Miss USA
Associated Press
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Aug 9, 2007 4:29 PM CDT
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Over 2 months after a Mexico City crowd booed Miss USA during the Miss Universe pageant, a national tourism official today apologized for the “incorrect behavior of a small group.” The blink-and-you-missed-it international incident started during the interview portion of the competition and crested after Rachel Smith fell backward in her...
'41' Feels for '43'
New York Times
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Aug 9, 2007 4:08 PM CDT
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George H.W. Bush is closer to his son than the White House has let on, the New York Times reports, with the 41st president and the office's 43rd and current occupant speaking almost daily. Dad is often stung by criticisms of George W., an aide says: “It wears on his heart and his soul.”
From Whispers, GOP Hopefuls Aim for a Roar
Slate
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Aug 9, 2007 3:42 PM CDT
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With second-tier candidates sensing that Saturday's straw poll may be their last, best chance to stay in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Iowa is abuzz with whispering campaigns, Slate 's John Dickerson says. The homegrown negative ads are a major tool for cash-poor politicians with names like Tancredo, Brownback and Huckabee.
'Male' Panda Gives Birth to Twins
Reuters
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Aug 9, 2007 3:18 PM CDT
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A giant panda once thought to be male gave birth to twin cubs this week in China. Jinzhu was believed to be male at birth, but the panda showed zero sexual interest after being shipped to Japan in 2000 to breed with a female. When scientists attempted artificial insemination, they discovered that Jinzhu had no penis, Reuters reports.
For Palestinian Hamas Faction, Surprise Payday
BBC
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Aug 9, 2007 2:56 PM CDT
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To victors in Palestinian factional fighting went the spoils, if temporarily, the BBC reports. Officers of Hamas' security force, which wrested control of the Gaza Strip from rival Fatah in June, were notified yesterday that Fatah had paid their salaries. The West Bank-based, Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority rushed to correct its error—but...
Webcaster Mutes Band's Anti-Bush Lyrics
Chicago Tribune
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Aug 9, 2007 2:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pearl Jam is slamming AT&T after the telecom company censored its Webcast of the band's performance at Lollapalooza Sunday. Lyrics telling George Bush to "leave this world alone" and "find another home" during the Chicago show vanished from the streaming version of the gig; AT&T blames an "overzealous" editor for...
Europe Beckons; Penny-Pinchers Can Respond
New York Times
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Aug 9, 2007 2:06 PM CDT
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The euro and the pound are kicking the dollar's butt, but that doesn't mean you need to cancel your vacation plans. The Times gives you 10 tips for traveling on a shoestring: Find cheap flights abroad Find a budget hotel or rent a villa Within Europe, try the budget airlines Pack light so you can steer clear of airport...
Second Suspect Surrenders in Newark Killings
Star-Ledger
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Aug 9, 2007 1:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A man Newark's mayor called the "principle suspect" in last weekend's brutal schoolyard murders turned himself in to police this afternoon, the Star Ledger reports. Jose Carranza was picked out of a photo array by the lone survivor of the killing spree several hours after cops arrested a 15-year-old boy whose fingerprints were found at...
Minorities Become Majority
New York Times
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Aug 9, 2007 1:12 PM CDT
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Nonwhites account for more than half the population in 10% of all US counties and in nearly one-third of the most populous ones, new census results show. Figures through mid-2006 demonstrate the suburban flight of blacks and Hispanics and fallout from Hurricane Katrina, the Times reports. And in three dozen counties with populations over 500,000,...
Musharraf Backs Down From Emergency Rule
Reuters
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Aug 9, 2007 12:53 PM CDT
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After wide speculation that he would invoke emergency measures to deal with mounting violence and instability, Pakistan's president put out word today that he will stay the course on elections, Reuters reports. Beset by Islamic militants, constitutional challenges and declining poll numbers, Pervez Musharraf was thought to be on the verge of delaying...
BNP Paribas Halts Fund Withdrawals
Bloomberg
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Aug 9, 2007 12:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
France's largest bank today froze three investment funds threatened by the subprime mortagage collapse, claiming it can’t “fairly” place a value on their rapidly declining assets. Citing the “complete evaporation of liquidity” in the US securities market, BNP Paribas halted withdrawals from the funds, which were worth...
Campbell's to Shed Chocolatier
Bloomberg
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Aug 9, 2007 12:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Campbell's may be trimming some fat from its budget: Bloomberg reports the food company is looking to sell the luxe Godiva brand, which is weighing down on the more wholesome corners of its pyramid. Campbell's is intent on slurping up new markets in Russia and China, and the sweets trade—7% of the iconic soupmaker's business—may be a distraction.
Don't Call Us, We'll Call You
BusinessWeek
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Aug 9, 2007 12:09 PM CDT
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BusinessWeek gives job-seekers seven signs that you're getting the brush-off: Your calls to the recruiter generate nothing but silence. You miss the first phone screen; that ship has sailed. Musical interviewers; someone else has landed the job.
Polish Regime Continues to Crumble
International Herald Tribune
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Aug 9, 2007 11:43 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Poland's Kaczynski regime came to the brink of collapse today following the dismissal of the country's interior minister on corruption allegations, writes the International Herald Tribune . The Kaczynskis, whose two years at the top of Polish politics have increasingly isolated the nation in Europe, have conceded that early elections are now likely.
Bush Was Treated for Lyme Disease
Baltimore Sun
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Aug 9, 2007 11:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush has increased his vigilance toward pesky invaders—ticks—since undergoing successful treatment for Lyme disease last August, the White House says. The report did not explain how the president contracted the disease, but a spokesman said it was “not uncommon for him to be riding a mountain bike and receive a tick bite,”...
Drug Giant Sues Red Cross Over ... Red Cross
Wall Street Journal
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Aug 9, 2007 10:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pharmaceutical behemoth Johnson & Johnson has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the American Red Cross over its signature logo, the Wall Street Journal reports. The suit claims the humanitarian organization is violating the Johnson & Johnson trademark by licensing the signature red cross symbol to companies for use on products such...
756 Could Be Worth $1M
BBC
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Aug 9, 2007 10:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The ball from Barry Bonds' record 756th home run could fetch a cool million at auction, some experts say—though they warn Queens native Matt Murphy to sell now or risk striking out. "In today's memorabilia world, proximity to the event is important," one auction-house president says.
Murder, He Wrote: Novelist Faces Prison
Times (UK)
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Aug 9, 2007 9:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A Polish author is on trial for allegedly committing the murder upon which he based his best-selling novel. A jury is currently deliberating the case of Krystian Bala, whose grisly novel Amok fictionalized a famous unsolved murder, the Times of London reports. Prosecutors maintain that the book contains details that only the victim's killer could...
Born-Again Actor Leads Charge into Iraq
Nation
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Aug 9, 2007 9:22 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A ventriloquist and a born-again movie star are among those headed for Iraq to entertain US soldiers and fold them into the arms of the Lord, writes Max Blumenthal in the Nation . All well and good, but this version of the Almighty, delivered by the likes of Stephen Baldwin, is funded by the US Defense Department.
Chavez Lavishes Oil Wealth on Neighbors
Guardian (UK)
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Aug 9, 2007 8:53 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is spreading hundreds of millions of oil dollars around South America in an effort to limit the influence of the International Monetary Fund and forge a strong alliance. Chavez began a four-nation tour in Argentina referring to the IMF as "Dracula" and called for a united front against the US.
Obama Does Housework
Chicago Tribune
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Aug 9, 2007 8:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama mopped, dusted, and made breakfast for an elderly amputee yesterday as a precondition for gaining endorsement from the powerful Service Employees Union. Accompanied by a throng of photographers, Obama helped a caregiver perform her daily duties, and did his best to please. "Is this the way he likes it?" he asked when making...
Kenyan Fossil Rattles Human Family Tree
National Geographic
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Aug 9, 2007 8:15 AM CDT
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Two of our ancestors apparently lived alongside each other in Africa rather than evolving from one to the next on the path to Homo sapiens , as scientists once believed. National Geographic reports that a Homo habilis skull dug up in Kenya is surprisingly young, making its 1.4 million-year-old owner a neighbor to Homo erectus rather than an...
Rescuers 500 Feet From Miners
Associated Press
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Aug 9, 2007 7:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rescue crews have drilled to within 500 feet of where the trapped Utah coal miners are thought to be. The small hole—2 1/2 inches in diameter and now down to a depth of 1,000 feet—would allow a communication line to be dropped. A larger hole—now at 100 feet—would allow food and water to be lowered down.
Murder Charge for Boyfriend of NYU Student
New York Post
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Aug 9, 2007 7:42 AM CDT
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The ex-boyfriend of a New York University student found dead Sunday has been charged with her murder, the New York Post reports. Michael Cordero told his brother-in-law he'd killed her, in a jealous rage, then slit his wrists and fled. He was chased by both family members and cops and caught on the roof of a West Side building.
Bush Ready to 'Push Hard' for Biz Tax Breaks
Washington Post
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Aug 9, 2007 7:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush is considering a new package of corporate tax breaks in a bid to perk up Wall Street, calm volatile markets and send a message the economy is sound, the Washington Post reports. At the same time he rejected Democratic proposals to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac more leeway to buy mortgages to bolster the shaky housing market.
Bonds Breaks Record Again
San Francisco Chronicle
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Aug 9, 2007 7:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barry Bonds broke the home run record again last night -- and this time it was his. Bonds hit #757 in last night's 5-0 win over the Nationals to a notable lack of pomp, though it could have been that the celebration was reserved for manager Bruce Bochy's 1,000th win.
Celtics Bid To Lure Miller Out of Retirement
ESPN
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Aug 9, 2007 6:53 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The newly star-studded Boston Celtics might not be done wheeling and dealing quite yet. They've been in touch with retired Pacer Reggie Miller in an attempt to lure him out of retirement, and—according to GM and former on-court rival Danny Ainge—Miller is considering it. "Reggie and I have talked and, yes, we plan to have further...
Cheap Flights: a Ticket to Skin Cancer
Independent (UK)
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Aug 9, 2007 6:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Doctors in Britain have blamed a 50% rise in the incidence of skin cancer on cheap flights to the beach, reports the Independent . Statistics from Cancer Research UK and the British travel agents' association confirm that easier access to sunny climates have made melanoma the nation's fastest-rising disease, particularly among young people.
