latimes.com - Washington

Proposal to allow breakup of huge banks gains momentum

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

In the U.S. and abroad, support grows for giving regulators the authority to preemptively dismantle giant financial institutions whose collapse could cripple the economy.

Momentum is growing in the U.S. and abroad to deal with the problem of gigantic financial institutions deemed too big to fail by breaking them up before they can threaten the economy.

U.S. youths recruited to fight in Somali militia, authorities say

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Young Somali Americans, many in Minneapolis, were lured to fight with an Al Qaeda-affiliated group, court documents allege. Eight suspects alleged to be part of that network face criminal charges.

Federal authorities unsealed criminal charges Monday against eight suspects alleged to be part of a U.S. recruiting network that sent young men to fight in Somalia -- one of the largest militant operations uncovered in this country since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Glenn Beck has big plans

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The conservative TV and radio host wants to hold conventions to move his followers to political action and 'change America's course.' Some say his activism could widen the split within the GOP.

Glenn Beck wants to become . . . a community organizer.

Obama's Afghanistan announcement may be soon

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Senior diplomats and Defense officials are reportedly scheduled to testify before Congress next week about the situation, raising expectations that a troop buildup will be announced.

The Obama administration's leading war planners and diplomats are preparing to testify before Congress about the conflict in Afghanistan, senior officials said Monday, the latest sign that President Obama's decision on a new strategy and troop hike could come next week.

Wary India seeks reassurance in U.S. visit

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's official visit to Washington will seek to reaffirm the importance of ties between the two nations.

Today's summit between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and President Obama is laden with symbols. It will be the first official visit that Obama hosts. There will be much language on the importance of the relationship and the links between the two major democracies.

For a healthcare holdout, it's lonely in the middle

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Arkansas Democrat Blanche Lincoln, who remains undecided on Senate legislation, is getting pummeled from the left and right.

As one of the few senators undecided on healthcare reform, Arkansas Democrat Blanche Lincoln faces a huge headache. Liberals attack her as an obstructionist, even though she cast a key vote keeping the effort alive. Republicans are lining up to run against her -- seven, so far, and counting.

Congress targets senior abuse

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Support is broad for the Elder Justice Act, which is linked to healthcare reform measures.

When it comes to political, social or health causes, elder abuse has not had the star power of some other movements focusing on the rights of vulnerable people.

Centrist senators say healthcare bill needs major changes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson says he supported a procedural motion to begin debate but doesn't approve of the legislation as it stands. Democratic leaders face a tough fight ahead.

Only a day after Senate Democrats voted to move into a historic debate on overhauling the nation's healthcare system, key centrists made it clear Sunday that the party was still a long way from delivering on its promise to provide near-universal insurance coverage and contain medical costs.

Obama gathers his A list for first state dinner

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The guest list for Tuesday's gala remains a secret, but it should solidify who is considered a VIP in the Obama White House. The dinner honors India's prime minister.

What's the hottest ticket in the nation's capital? An engraved invitation to Tuesday's White House state dinner, the first hosted by President Obama.

Legislation to stop whining gets an earful

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A Missouri congressman calls for a complaint-free day before Thanksgiving. Angry respondents feast on the bill.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.) wanted people to stop complaining for a day and count their blessings.