Obama names special watchdog for federal spending
President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that reforming massive government entitlement programs - such as Social Security and Medicare - would be "a central part" of his effort to control federal spending. Obama made the pledge but provided few details as he named Nancy Killefer as his administration's chief performance officer, creating a new White House position aimed at eliminating government waste and improving efficiency.
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Richardson adviser worked for firm feds probing
One of Gov. Bill Richardson's close friends and advisers worked as a consultant for the California firm at the center a federal pay-to-play probe that derailed the governor's appointment as commerce secretary.
His US sentence served, Noriega fights extradition
As the only prisoner of war held on U.S. soil, inmate No. 38699-079 gets annual visits from the Red Cross and can wear his military uniform and insignia when he goes to court.
Israeli strikes, Hamas rockets resume after pause
Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets resumed after a brief pause Wednesday to allow food and fuel to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where an Israeli warplane dropped leaflets urging some residents to flee because of imminent attacks.
Gulp! Mexico tells citizens to swallow their gum
The country that gave the world chewing gum is getting gummed up: The average square yard (meter) of Mexico City sidewalk has 70 blobs of discarded chew.