Newser Story Index from January, 2008
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.
Ted Kennedy to Endorse Obama
Boston Globe
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Jan 27, 2008 1:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ted Kennedy, the heir to his slain brothers' Camelot ideal, will endorse Barack Obama's bid for the Oval Office tomorrow, the Boston Globe reports, ending his year-long seat on the fence and giving the candidate's surging chances a second Kennedy boost in a day. The Democratic godfather's coveted nod is a crushing blow for longtime family friend...
Dutch Pharma Firm Preps Pot Pill
Reuters
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Jan 27, 2008 1:31 PM CST
(Newser) -
Why smoke pot when you can pop a pill? Echo Pharmaceuticals is jumping into Phase II trials for a new cannabis pill that could snag 20%-30% of the booming medical marijuana market, Reuters reports. The Dutch firm plans to sell the pill within 5 years, giving medical marijuana users a healthier way to take the drug.
Edwards Can't Steal Spotlight
Washington Post
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Jan 27, 2008 1:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
The nation is enraptured with the prospect of a female or black president, and John Edwards' loss in his home state yesterday underscores his inability to nab the spotlight from his celebrity rivals. "He is the most gifted athlete on the field, but there's just not room," one staffer tells the Washington Post .
Vicious Bugs Lurk in Digital Photo Frames
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jan 27, 2008 12:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Digital photo frames of the kids on shelves across America are cute and trendy—but they can hide computer heartbreak, warns the San Francisco Chronicle . Destructive bugs can lurk in the software and wipe out entire files as photos are being downloaded. "It was the nastiest virus I've ever encountered," said one man of a Christmas...
Romney Tied With McCain in Fla.
Reuters
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Jan 27, 2008 12:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mitt Romney picked up 3 points overnight to tie Republican rival John McCain at 30%, just three days before the Florida primary, according to the Reuters/C-Span/Zogby tracking poll. Reuters reports that Mike Huckabee picked up 4 points to take over a distant third. Rudy Giuliani, who has been campaigning vigorously in Florida after largely ignoring...
Sex Appeal and the Single Quarterback
New York Times
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Jan 27, 2008 12:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
As the Super Bowl nears, pundits are comparing rival quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning—right down to who they date and for how long, the New York Times reports. Brady, who escorts leggy Gisele Bundchen to chi chi clubs, descends from the Joe Namath tradition of playboy QB. Manning is more the straitlaced Roger Staubach, searching the stands...
War Report May Sink Olmert
Haaretz (Israel)
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Jan 27, 2008 11:28 AM CST
(Newser) -
In three days, Israel's Winograd Committee will release its long-awaited findings on the abortive 2006 war with Lebanon, and the expected drubbing will increase calls for PM Ehud Olmert to resign, Haaretz reports. Foreign minister Tzipi Livni is meeting today with families of fallen soldiers who are calling for Olmert's departure—angering the...
Putin Opponent Kasyanov Barred From Election
BBC
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Jan 27, 2008 11:01 AM CST
(Newser) -
Mikhail Kasyanov, a former Putin loyalist who became one of his fiercest critics, has been disqualified from the presidential ballot, reports the BBC. Russia's electoral commission ruled that too many of his supporting signatures were fraudulent—up to 5% is OK. Kasyanov has another theory: "There is no doubt that the decision not to register...
UK Tories Give Hillary a Hand
Telegraph (UK)
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Jan 27, 2008 10:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
Since David Cameron became leader in 2005, Britain's Conservative Party has moved steadily to the political center on issues from climate change to gay rights. That shift has alienated the Tories from their American cousins, the Republicans, and in an election year the division has become especially acute. As the race heats up, writes the Sunday Telegraph...
Afghans Search for Abducted American
AFP
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Jan 27, 2008 10:04 AM CST
(Newser) -
Afghan police are searching for an American aid worker and her driver kidnapped yesterday in Kandahar. Police have tightened security in the southern city, AFP reports, blocking traffic and questioning Afghans in the area where Cyd Mizell was seized. Nobody has claimed responsibility; a Taliban spokesman refused to say whether the militant group was...
Earth's Mystery Core Plumbed
Der Spiegel
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Jan 27, 2008 9:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
Climate change has sparked heated debate about the Earth’s surface, but a controversial new theory is directing scientists to its core, Der Spiegel reports. To explain why contintental plates drift on the surface of the Earth's molten mantle, Maruyama Shigenori, a leading geophysicist, argues that continents actually have life cycles. Old,...
Musharraf Nixes Greater CIA Role in Pakistan
New York Times
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Jan 27, 2008 9:00 AM CST
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Washington's top two intelligence officials made a secret trip to Pakistan this month "to convince Musharraf that time is ticking," the New York Times reports, quoting senior officials. DNI director Mike McConnell and CIA chief Michael Hayden sought greater latitude for the CIA to operate in Pakistan's near-lawless tribal regions bordering...
Obama Proves Appeal Across Racial Lines
New York Times
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Jan 27, 2008 8:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Clintons threw their worst at Obama during the past week in South Carolina, hoping they'd rattled him, but in fact he emerged from this test of mettle with new strength, Patrick Healy writes in the New York Times . Obama's landslide rested on a high turnout of black voters, but also drew key support across racial lines in a southern state.
From Rogue Trader to Left-Wing Hero
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 27, 2008 7:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
For a man who nearly sank one of the largest and most venerable banks in France, rogue trader Jérôme Kerviel has certainly won a lot of support, writes the Observer . In a country that remains weary of so-called "Anglo-Saxon" business models, the Société Générale banker now finds himself in the profoundly...
River of Blood Runs in Kenya
Associated Press
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Jan 27, 2008 7:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kenyans were burned alive and hacked to death with machetes as raging ethnic violence in western Kenya claimed another 69 lives in the latest bloodshed since last month's controversial presidential election. Houses were in flames in the tourist getaway of Naivasha today and bodies were stacked up in the morgue in Nakuru, the provincial capital where...
Miss Michigan Wins Tiara in Made-Over Pageant
Associated Press
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Jan 27, 2008 7:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Another year, another Miss America—it was Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund doing the delighted gasping as she donned her crown yesterday—and this time the pageant itself had a makeover. The 87-year-old competition is going for a hip new look and feel, adding doses of blue jeans and reality TV to draw in younger viewers, AP reports.
Now Rodeo Bulls Face Steroid Tests
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 27, 2008 7:18 AM CST
(Newser) -
Juicing isn't just for humans anymore—or at least that's the new worry on the rodeo circuit, as bulls are now being tested for steroids. To keep suspicion away from the ring, the Professional Bull Riders are beginning tests to "ensure the integrity of the sport," and first up is celebrity bronco Big Bucks, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Djokovic Takes First Slam Title
ABC News (Australia)
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Jan 27, 2008 6:57 AM CST
(Newser) -
Novak Djokovic, the third-ranked Serbian who ousted Roger Federer on his way to the Australian Open finals, now has a Grand Slam title of his own. Facing fierce newcomer Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in an epic battle, Djokovic held on—and maintained his composure—to prevail 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2), ABC News reports.
Despite Laws, Amazon Jungle Disappearing
Time
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Jan 27, 2008 6:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
The deforestation of the Amazon jungle is speeding up, and Brazil may be unable to stop it, Time magazine reports. Over the last five months an estimated 2,700 square miles of forest have been cleared—more than twice the size of Rhode Island. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has reacted with tough new regulations banning deforestation in...
Collison, Love Rocket Bruins Past Beavers
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 27, 2008 6:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
With Darren Collison back in top form, UCLA seems to be even more of a threat than before. The junior point guard had a career-high 33 points in the Bruins' 85-62 thumping of Oregon State, reports the Los Angeles Times . Amid boos and worse, native son Kevin Love scored 16 and hauled in 21 boards. Elsewhere on the college courts:
JFK's Caroline Endorses Obama
New York Times
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Jan 27, 2008 6:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
In an announcement packing clout, Caroline Kennedy has endorsed Barack Obama for president, saying he has the same kind of ability as her late father to inspire people. "I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president,"...
'Sushi Capital' Japan Isn't Sweating Tuna Scare
Associated Press
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Jan 27, 2008 5:35 AM CST
(Newser) -
New Yorkers may be in the throes of a sushi scare after the Times reported on the dangerous mercury levels in tuna, but the Japanese aren't batting an eyelid. One official's biggest concern was that the controversy would ignite "groundless rumors" about a healthy food, AP reports. "We're not talking about eating 10 tuna sushi every...
Sheryl Crow: Single, Singing & Cancer-Free
Telegraph (UK)
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Jan 27, 2008 4:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
Singer Sheryl Crow took one of life's "Detours"—the name she has given to her new album—after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, the Telegraph reports. She now says that serious illness always brings a lesson: “For me, it was to quit worrying about what people thought about me.” Having left cyclist Lance...
Grizzlies Fend Off Clippers in OT
Commercial Appeal (Memphis)
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Jan 27, 2008 4:41 AM CST
(Newser) -
With the Clippers and Grizzlies looking at depleted rosters and coming off disheartening weeks, the stakes were high for both teams, reports the Commercial Appeal . Los Angeles (minus Chris Kaman) didn't lead at all during regulation, but went up by three in overtime before Memphis (less Paul Gasol and Damon Stoudamire) pulled ahead for good to take...
Indonesia's Suharto Dies at Age 86
Reuters
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Jan 27, 2008 2:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Former Indonesian president Suharto, a US Cold War ally whose legacy of economic development was marred by charges of human rights abuses and corruption, died today of organ failure at 86, Reuters reports. Suharto ruled for 32 years until being forced out in 1998; his deteriorating health prevented him from ever going to trial even though accusers...
Lofton, Tennessee Crush Georgia
Associated Press
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Jan 27, 2008 2:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Tennessee's Chris Lofton nearly outplayed the Bulldogs alone in the first half of yesterday's match up, the AP reports. Lofton had 20 points in the half to give the No.3 Volunteers a 44-23 lead which they would not come close to relinquishing. He finished with a season high 27 points, including seven threes. In other NCAA action:
Streaking Hornets Sting Spurs
San Antonio Express-News
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Jan 27, 2008 1:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Hornets made it look easy last night, beating the Spurs 102-78, and further cementing their No. 1 spot in the Southwest division, the San-Antonio Express-News reports. The win marked the eighth straight for New Orleans, and put an end to three in a row for San Antonio, who were handed their worst loss of the season.
ASU Falls Short Against Washington State
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Jan 27, 2008 12:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Sun Devils were a rim short last night, losing to Washington State 56-55, the Arizona Republic reports. Freshman star James Harden's shot with eight seconds remaining in regulation fell just short, spoiling what would have been an epic end to the final minutes of play in which ASU scored 7 unanswered points leading up to that last driving...
Obama Wins SC in a Rout
State (Columbia, SC)
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Jan 26, 2008 11:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama scored a resounding triumph in the South Carolina primary last night, with massive support from black voters and stronger-than-expected backing from whites. Obama got 55% of the vote, more than doubling Hillary Clinton (27%) and tripling the state's native son, John Edwards (18%). Election officials said a record 530,000 voters participated,...
Bobcats Mauled in Second Half, Fall to Philly
Charlotte Observer
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Jan 26, 2008 11:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Charlotte couldn't capitalize on a dominant opening salvo in which they hit 10 of their first 12 shots, nor could they hold onto an eight-point half time lead, as the Sixers roared back to beat them 103-96. Andre Iguodala clinched the 17-point turnaround with a dunk seconds before the end of regulation. Iguodala finished with 33, the Charlotte...
Surging Rutgers Stuns No. 13 Pittsburgh
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 9:31 PM CST
(Newser) -
Corey Chandler scored 18 points and Mike Coburn had 17 to lead Rutgers to a 77-64 Big East upset of No. 13 Pittsburgh today, reports the Associated Press. The Scarlet Knights (10-11, 2-6) beat No. 18 Villanova Wednesday. Pitt (16-4, 4-3), which was 11-0 at home coming in, was led by Gilbert Brown's 16 points. In other Top 25 action:
Florida Gov. Backs McCain as Race Turns Nasty
Miami Herald
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Jan 26, 2008 9:02 PM CST
(Newser) -
Florida's popular governor endorsed John McCain tonight, giving a major boost to the Arizona senator as his tight race with Mitt Romney took a nasty turn. Gov. Charlie Crist called McCain a "true American hero" three days ahead of the state's primary, the Miami Herald reports. The endorsement came as McCain and Romney dropped the polite...
Purdue Upsets No. 11 Wisconsin
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 8:34 PM CST
(Newser) -
Robbie Hummel had 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Purdue, but his day wasn't done until the final seconds. Hummel blocked a driving layup by Michael Flowers to preserve a 60-56 Big Ten upset of No. 11 Wisconsin, reports the Associated Press. The Boilermakers, who have won five straight, snapped the Badgers 10-game win streak.
Old Spy Satellite Falling to Earth
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 8:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
A dead US spy satellite will likely tumble out of space and hit Earth late next month or early March, the AP reports. Unnamed officials admitted it may contain toxic material but refused to say where it might land or whether it could be shot from the sky. "We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause,"...
Wade, Heat Finally Taste Victory Again
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 8:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Miami Heat are about as happy as a 9-33 team could be tonight, after Dwayne Wade scored 35 points to lead a charge past the Indiana Pacers 98-96, ending a 15-game losing streak, reports the Associated Press. The streak was the longest in the NBA this season and the second longest in franchise history.
Don't Worry, Hill, This School Loves You
WDBJ7 (Virginia)
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Jan 26, 2008 8:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
It may not have been her night in South Carolina, but Hillary Clinton can take solace from the results out of a small liberal arts college in Virginia whose students pick political winners with uncanny accuracy. Washington and Lee University's mock convention pegged Clinton as the eventual nominee, WDBJ7 reports. Students there have been wrong only...
Tiger Builds Huge Buick Lead
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 7:47 PM CST
(Newser) -
Justin Leonard said it best after his 65 today moved him into a tie for fourth at the Buick Invitational. "There's two tournaments going on. I'm going to try to win the tournament that Tiger's not playing." Tiger Woods shot a 6-under 66 to take an eight-shot lead going into tomorrow's final round, reports the Associated Press.
Brando's Troubled Firstborn Dies
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 26, 2008 7:44 PM CST
(Newser) -
Christian Brando, the eldest of the late Godfather's nine children, died today from pneumonia at 49. Brando, the product of his iconic father's first marriage, earned the media limelight in 1990 for shooting to death his sister's boyfriend, he LA Times reports. But he was in and out of the court system for much of his troubled life.
Texas A&M Wins Thriller to End Skid
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 7:37 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 18 Texas A&M snapped a three-game losing streak today with a 59-56 Big 12 road win over Oklahoma State, reports the Associated Press. The win wasn't in the bag until OSU's Ibrahima Thomas missed two free throws with 20 seconds left. Dominique Kirk had hit two go-ahead free throws with 44 ticks remaining.
5 Joyriders Die After Car Flies 200 Feet
Ocala Star-Banner
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Jan 26, 2008 6:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Five young men were killed on a joyride in Florida last night when their speeding car careened off a private airstrip, flew 200 feet in the air, hit a large tree, and split in two. Three were thrown from the car and two were partly ejected, but all were pronounced dead on the scene, the Ocla Star-Banner reports.
Giuliani Can't Connect in Fla.
Washington Post
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Jan 26, 2008 6:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Rudy Giuliani isn't the type to kiss babies in Florida—or even shake hands. The former mayor has run a detached, tightly controlled campaign, eschewing personal contact, avoiding questions, and rushing past crowds after events, the Washington Post reports. His brusque style is leaving uninspired voters in his wake. “There was just no...
Redskins Dump Williams and Saunders
Washington Post
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Jan 26, 2008 6:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
Last week it looked like Gregg Williams would be the head coach of the Washington Redskins. Today Williams is looking for a job. Williams, the Redskins defensive coordinator, and Al Saunders, Washington's offensive coordinator, were released by the team today, according the Washington Post . Greg Blache takes over for Williams and Jim Zorn replaces...
Zoo Leopards Find New Home at Preserve
Telegraph (UK)
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Jan 26, 2008 6:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Brother-sister pair Sirius and Pitou grew up in a French traveling circus, spent the last nine years at the Monaco zoo, and have now found a new home at a wildlife preserve in South Africa. The 16-year-old leopards undertook their recent journey—sedated and via two airplanes—thanks to British actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna,...
Irish Smack Slumping Villanova
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 5:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Notre Dame handed No. 18 Villanova its second straight Big East loss with a 90-80 win this afternoon, reports the Associated Press. Kyle McAlarney scored 30 points, Luke Harangody had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Fighting Irish (14-4, 4-2) hit nine 3-pointers. The Wildcats (13-4, 3-4) lost to Rutgers Wednesday. In other Top 25 action:
Connecticut Upsets No. 7 Indiana
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 5:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Connecticut was minus two key players and facing No. 7 Indiana and its 29-game home winning streak, after starting guard Jerome Dyson and backup Doug Wiggins were suspended Friday for violating team rules. No problem: fill-in Craig Austrie led five players in double figures with 15 points in a 68-63 win today in a nationally-televised game, the Associated...
No. 1 Memphis Takes Out Gonzaga
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 5:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
Top-ranked Memphis extended the nation's longest home winning streak to 43 with an 81-73 win over Gonzaga today, the Associated Press reports. The game marked the first time ever that the Tigers played at home ranked No. 1. The Tigers, 19-0, were led by Chris Douglas-Roberts' 21 points and Derrick Rose who had 19.
Greenies Aim to Stop Bush's Alaska Plan
Washington Post
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Jan 26, 2008 5:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
Greenies are hoping to stop President Bush from opening Alaskan woodland to logging and road construction, the Washington Post reports. Bush unveiled plans yesterday to let developers tackle 2.4 million acres of Alaska's Tongass National Forest, the nation's largest national woodland. But angry environmentalists and the Alaska Forest Association...
Clinton U-Turns on Michigan, Florida Ban
Reuters
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Jan 26, 2008 4:46 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Dems punished Michigan and Florida for slating their primaries early, but yesterday Hillary Clinton said she wants their delegates to count after all, Reuters reports. As the only Dem on last week's Michigan ballot and the front-runner in Tuesday's Florida's primary, she would reap nearly all 350 delegates at stake.
Race Takes Center Stage in SC
New York Times
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Jan 26, 2008 4:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
As South Carolina hits the polls today, one word looms large: race. This is, after all, the first primary state with a notable black population, which pollsters say will help boost Barack Obama to a double-digit victory. It’s also home to a newspaper that got an angry phone call for “supporting a black man for President of the United States.”
UK Cracking Down on Suicide Sites
Times (UK)
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Jan 26, 2008 3:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
A spate of apparent copycat suicides in a Wales town has lead to a nationwide campaign against suicide websites, the Guardian reports. Rumor has it that seven recent suicide victims in the town of Bridgend knew each other, and noted each others' deaths on a social networking site. Police are probing for a possible link, as politicians have swung...
