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National and World News

Obama Eyes Napolitano For Homeland Security

President-elect Barack Obama is considering Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as head of the Department of Homeland Security. Kent Alexander, who went to law school and served as U.S. attorney with Napolitano, talks about the Democratic governor's qualifications.
Waxman Defeats Dingell For Coveted Chairmanship

California Rep. Henry Waxman on Thursday unseated Rep. John Dingell for the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dingell, 82, of Michigan, had been the top Democrat on the panel for 28 years.
Why Do Pirates Have Us Hooked?

Americans are fascinated by pirates: swashbuckling, salt-soaked seafarers who sport blousy shirts, spiffy vests, leather boots, eye patches, peg legs and the occasional parrot on the shoulder. But will the recent hijackings by Somali pirates make them not so lovable?

Mexico A Leading Danger Zone For Journalists

Last week, Mexican journalist Armando Rodriguez was brutally murdered by gunfire outside his home in Juarez. Rodriquez is the 24th journalist to be murdered in Mexico since 2000, making Mexico one of the most dangerous countries for reporters. Journalist Arturo Chacon and Monica Campbell, from the Committee to Protect Journalists, discuss the situation.
'The Obama Effect' Prompts Europeans To Confront Racism

President-elect Barack Obama's historic win is the source of much discussion overseas. Many Europeans hope that the election of an African American president in the US will spur their own countries to re-examine their own racial dynamics. Steven Erlanger, New York Times' Paris Bureau Chief, and author Mely Kiyak explain the phenomenon of "The Obama Effect."
English To Become Official Language In Rwanda

Since the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, the Rwandan government has worked to unify the country's conflicted Hutu and Tutsi heritages and rebuild the economy. As part of that effort, the Rwandan government says that schools must begin to conduct classes in English, an effort to help Rwanda become a part of the global economic community. Toronto Globe and Mail correspondent Stephanie Nolen explains the effort.

Modern-day Somali Pirates Increase Attacks Off East Africa Coast

Somali pirates are increasing the frequency of their attacks and targeting larger ships, including oil supertankers and grain cargo vessels. Experts explain the rise in modern-day piracy and the efforts among the international community to curb the problem.
U.S., World Stocks Tumble Again Amid Bleak Employment Report

U.S. stocks opened lower Thursday as investors worried that a possible failure by automakers to get a bailout would add to the economy's woes and as new data showed new claims for jobless benefits was at the highest level in 16 years. In Tokyo and Seoul, markets lost almost 7 percent each.
GM CEO Defends Auto Industry's Bid for Government Rescue

Auto industry executives testified before Congress Wednesday, asking lawmakers to provide aid to the struggling companies and responding to criticisms of poor management. General Motors' CEO Rick Wagoner discusses the industry's crisis.

UN agrees DR Congo troop increase

The UN Security Council votes to send 3,000 more troops to DR Congo following renewed fighting in the east of the country.
US warns of China 'cyber-spying'

China has increased computer espionage attacks on US government and business interests, Congress is warned.
Madonna's divorce to be finalised

Singer Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie are to be divorced in London on Friday, High Court lists show.

Jobless claims jump unexpectedly to 16-year high (AP)

AP - New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to a 16-year high, the Labor Department said Thursday, providing more evidence of a rapidly weakening job market expected to get even worse next year.
Perino: Bush would sign jobless benefits extension (AP)

AP - With weekly jobless claims benefits at a 16-year high, the White House said Thursday that President George W. Bush would quickly sign legislation pending in Congress to provide further unemployment benefits.
Dems: Napolitano emerges for Homeland Security job (AP)

AP - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, an early Barack Obama supporter from the southwestern part of the country, is the likely choice for the job of secretary of homeland security, a top Obama adviser said Thursday.