US welcomes Somalia’s new Islamist president (AFP)
AFP - The United States welcomed moderate Islamist cleric Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's election as Somali president Saturday and vowed to support his efforts to restore stability in the Horn of Africa nation.
In Senate trial, Coleman turns to Bush v. Gore (AP)
AP - The success of Norm Coleman's lawsuit to reclaim his Senate seat could depend on how willing the trial judges are to find a precedent in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling from another messy, political charged election battle: Bush v. Gore.
At retreat, upbeat GOP looks to 2010 (Politico)
Politico - HOT SPRINGS, Va.—For the first time in eight years, Republicans held their annual retreat without a visit from the president.Obama seems unlikely to widen war in Afghanistan (AP)
AP - President Barack Obama, who pledged during his campaign to shift U.S. troops and resources from Iraq to Afghanistan, has done little since taking office to suggest he will significantly widen the grinding war against a resurgent Taliban.
Tax troubles arise for 2nd Obama Cabinet nominee (AP)
AP - Former Sen. Tom Daschle's failure to pay his taxes on time isn't expected to derail his confirmation as health secretary for the Obama administration, Republicans and Democrats say.
Stimulus plan mixes long and short term job goals (AP)
AP - No matter the color of your work shirt, this recession is sparing few.
Despite layoffs, federal work force is growing (AP)
AP - Companies are cutting jobs by the tens of thousands. State and local governments are penny-pinching, too. So what about Uncle Sam? Tough times for him as well?
GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill (AP)
AP - Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama's economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
Iraqis vote in key test of nation’s progress (AFP)
AFP - Millions of Iraqis voted in provincial elections on Saturday in a crucial test for a nation struggling to emerge from years of sectarian strife and to strengthen its fledgling democracy.