Sunday, September 26, 2010

Morning report, 9/27/2010

TOP NEWS
RAYMOND MCDANIEL OF MOODY'S
Raters Ignored Proof of Unsafe Loans, Panel is Told
The Financial Crisis Investigation Committee heard testimony last week that ratings agencies dismissed evidence that many mortgage loans that went into mortgage securities in the run-up to the collapse of the housing bubble were dubious.
Veteran Lawyer Accuses Justice Department of Bias
Christopher Coates accused his agency of refusing to prosecute voter discrimination cases on behalf of white voters. His charges are bringing new attention to the case against the New Black Panther Party, which DOJ had won by default before dismissing the case.
Computer Worm Attacks Computers At Iran's First Nuke Plant
The Stuxnet computer worm, specifically designed to take over industrial plants, appears to have spread to staff computers at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. A team of Iranian software experts are attempting to remove the infection and Iran claims it will not delay the plant's startup next month.

POLITICS
Democrats Face Skeptics In Rural Areas
San Francisco Chronicle Won't Endorse Boxer
President Obama's Job Approval Hits New Low - Poll
Boehner: Tax Cut Punt "Most Irresponsible Thing I've Seen"

THE ECONOMY, STUPID
Paul Krugman: "Structural Unemployment Is An Excuse"
Robert Samuelson: A Trade War With China?
Exporters Lead Nikkei Index Up
Banks Keep Failing, No End In Sight

SPORTS
Phillies Fans Cheer Despite Loss to Mets
Phillies Lose But Clinch Playoff Berth
Cowboys Finally Win, 27-13 Over Texans
Sloppy but Strong, Tide Rallies & Rolls To Win 24-10

FAMOUS FOR BEING FAMOUS
Tragic: Lohan pictured with syringe, tourniquet
Emily Deschanel Ties The Knot
Lindsey Lohan Posts Bail, Goes Back Into Rehab

FOREIGNERS
U.S. Prosecutors Focus on Afghan President's Brother
Unidentified Helicopter Attacks Somali Militants
UN Appoints Official Ambassador to Space Aliens
Iranian Prez Meets With Farrakhan, New Black Panthers

BLOGS & STUFF
Ann Coulter At Homocon: "Marriage Is Not A Civil Right. You're Not Black."
Exchequer v. Economist
Steny Hoyer on Colbert Testimony
Confederate History Month Now History In Virginia