NPR Topics: News

Top Iraqis Seek Timetable For U.S. Withdrawal  - Iraq's national security adviser says there won't be a security deal with the U.S. unless it contains dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops. On Monday, the country's prime minister said he expects the deal to include a timetable for withdrawal. McCain, Obama Court Hispanics  - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama address the League of United Latin American Citizens. Democrats aim to increase Hispanic turnout, while Republicans hope to build on the inroads George W. Bush made among Hispanic voters in 2004. Bernanke Wants to Expand Fed's Market Oversight  - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke called on Congress Tuesday to write new laws that would expand the Fed's role in preventing financial crises, such as the collapse of Bear Stearns last March. He also indicated the Fed may keep its discount window lending open to big financial firms longer. Housing Bill Moves Slowly Through Congress  - The housing bill is inching forward though Congress with bipartisan support, while Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign tries to attach a package of energy tax breaks. The tax breaks also have bipartisan support, but only if their cost is offset. Panel Offers New Policy For Going To War  - A bipartisan panel seeks to scrap the War Powers Act of 1973 and pass new legislation that requires the president to consult with a group of lawmakers before taking the nation into any "significant armed conflict."

NPR Topics: Legal Affairs

Anheuser-Busch Sues Belgian Suitor  - Anheuser-Busch has sued InBev, calling the Belgian brewer's plan to buy the iconic U.S. brewer "illegal." Matt Sepic, of member station KWMU in St. Louis, says the suit seeks to bar InBev from soliciting support from Anheuser-Busch shareholders. Blackwater Back in Court  - The private security firm has been accused of tax evasion and murder. Now, the city of San Diego is claiming that the company undermined the permitting process for a new building near the Mexican border. Candidates To Speak At Latino League Convention  - The League of United Latin American Citizens — the nation's oldest civil rights organization — meets in Washington, D.C., this week, and presidential candidates Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain are slated to speak at the convention today. LULAC's national executive director, Brent Wilkes, discusses what he hopes to hear from candidates and the role Latino voters may play in elections this November. Kennedy Emerges As High Court's Heavyweight  - In looking at the most recent Supreme Court term, journalist Jeffrey Toobin concludes that Justice Anthony Kennedy dominated its controversial decisions. Bipartisan Group Proposes New War Powers Law  - A bipartisan study group led by two former secretaries of state — James Baker and Warren Christopher — is proposing new war powers legislation. It would require the president to consult lawmakers before initiating combat lasting longer than a week, except in emergencies.

NPR Topics: Politics & Society

White House Red-Faced Over Berlusconi Gaffe  - The White House has apologized for a biography of Silvio Berlusconi that calls the Italian leader "one of the most controversial leaders in the history of a country known for government corruption and vice." The bio was distributed at the G-8 summit. McCain, Obama Court Hispanics  - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama address the League of United Latin American Citizens. Democrats aim to increase Hispanic turnout, while Republicans hope to build on the inroads George W. Bush made among Hispanic voters in 2004. Housing Bill Moves Slowly Through Congress  - The housing bill is inching forward though Congress with bipartisan support, while Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign tries to attach a package of energy tax breaks. The tax breaks also have bipartisan support, but only if their cost is offset. Blackwater Back in Court  - The private security firm has been accused of tax evasion and murder. Now, the city of San Diego is claiming that the company undermined the permitting process for a new building near the Mexican border. Did The White House Manipulate Climate Documents?  - A former EPA official claims the White House pushed for major deletions in congressional testimony about the health consequences of climate change. We examine the alleged attempt to avoid regulating greenhouse gases.