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Obama says his plan with tax cuts to get quick OK
(AP)
AP - President-elect Barack Obama plunged into rare pre-inaugural crisis talks with congressional leaders Monday, declaring the national economy was "bad and getting worse" and embracing tax cuts now expected to reach $300 billion. He predicted lawmakers would approve a mammoth revitalization package within two weeks of his taking office.
With nothing good to say, Obama keeps mum on Gaza
(AP)
AP - President-elect Barack Obama's studied silence on the subject of Israel's 10-day-old war against Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip is only partly out of deference to the man who still has the big job for two more weeks.
Burris making personal bid to join the new Senate
(AP)
AP - Although he calls himself a senator, Roland Burris has found little support among fellow Democrats in his effort to take the Senate seat to which embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed him.
Nation's health spending rises, but not so much
(AP)
AP - Health care continued to take up a greater share of the economy in 2007, as spending on hospitals, doctors and other services increased 6.1 percent to $2.2 trillion.
Obama's 'Dear Rod' letter
(Politico)
Politico - With the Blagojevich scandal breaking around them last month, aides to Barack Obama said there had been “no contact” between Obama and embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Biden to head to Asia for congressional trip
(AP)
AP - Joe Biden is heading to Southwest Asia on a congressional trip just days before he's set to become vice president.
Franken on top in Minn. recount; Coleman to sue
(AP)
AP - A Minnesota board on Monday certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning the state's U.S. Senate recount over Republican Norm Coleman, whose lawyer promised a legal challenge that probably will keep the race in limbo for months.
Congressmen sound off against SEC in Madoff affair
(AP)
AP - Republican and Democratic House members said Monday that the alleged $50 billion fraud involving Wall Street figure Bernard Madoff reflects deep, systemic problems at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Motorists' habits spur call for tax increases
(AP)
AP - Motorists are driving less and buying less gasoline, which means fuel taxes aren't raising enough money to keep pace with the cost of road, bridge and transit programs.
Obama names Harvard Law dean solicitor general
(AP)
AP - President-elect Barack Obama on Monday chose the dean at his alma mater, Harvard Law School, to represent the United States before the Supreme Court.
Gaza civilian toll rises; diplomats seek truce
(AP)
AP - GAZA CITY, Gaza — Israel ignored mounting international calls for a cease-fire Monday and said it won't stop its crippling 10-day assault until "peace and tranquility" are achieved in southern Israeli towns in the line of Palestinian rocket fire.