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Today's Headlines | Wednesday, November 25, 2009



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Today's Headlines


Maj. Gen. Michael Flynn encounters military resistance in his task of overhauling U.S. intelligence-gathering in Afghanistan to boost efforts to defeat the Taliban.

A recent operation offers a peek inside the 'underground railroad,' a network of safe houses and secret border crossings that assists in the escape of North Korean refugees.

Little Mogadishu residents talk of a lack of identity and a life of poverty and racism. And they disagree over their former neighbors who are accused of plotting jihad in Somalia.

The suggestion bouncing around Capitol Hill points to the fiscal anxieties President Obama faces if he asks Congress to write another big-ticket item into the budget.

The firms were working without required contracts. The official who oversees the pension fund's $5.8-billion hedge fund portfolio reportedly was disciplined.




California/Local


Wilson was deeply involved in Weston's career and influenced his work. She also was the author of several books, including, with her husband, 'California and the West.'

Companies could buy and sell allowances under plan to reduce pollutants 15%.

Members also signal that they may cap dispensaries to between 70 and 200. The council plows through 50 proposed changes to its medical marijuana ordinance.

Demand has never been higher at Loaves & Fishes, a Van Nuys food bank that helps about 3,000 families a year.




Arts and Entertainment


The hand-drawn animated Disney film set in jazz-soaked 1920s New Orleans is a refreshing, lively version of the fairy tale.

The films will be hand-cranked and there will be live music accompanying the silent pictures. One night will feature Mary Pickford films.

The former 'American Idol' contestant's racy performance on the 'American Music Awards' draws complaints. He will appear on CBS' 'The Early Show.'




National


Mike Huckabee, like Sarah Palin, is pitching his books and persona to potential voters. Romney and Pawlenty take a more traditional tack, focusing on strengthening ties with the GOP establishment.

A two-decade-old rule kept those with the virus out of the U.S. Now such immigrants will be able to visit the country and apply for legal status.

Sanofi Pasteur opens its factory doors to reveal the creation process. Officials at the Pennsylvania company say the shots are made the same way seasonal flu vaccines have been made for decades.




World


One of the first officials interviewed about the decision by Tony Blair's government to join the U.S.-led war speaks of 'drumbeats in Washington' before 9/11 to oust Hussein.

The Chinese comedian's use of 'Shanghainese' gives him flexibility that most Mandarin-speaking performers don't have -- the government in Beijing can't understand him. And his fan base is growing.

After talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the president says the nations have agreed to boost cooperation in areas including the economy, agriculture, technology, trade and security.




Business


Are toys safer now? Sure, say federal regulators and Mattel, the world's biggest toy maker. But a study from a consumer watchdog group and my recent trip to the Toy District cast serious doubts.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index of 20 U.S. cities rises 0.3% from August, but some experts say the recovery is fading.

Growth last quarter was less than initially estimated. The Federal Reserve doesn't expect the economy to pick up steam until 2011, despite huge stimulus spending and low interest rates.

The City Council is expected to vote on an agreement that could clear the way for the electric vehicle maker to build a factory on the site of the former space shuttle plant.




Sports


In a conversation covering an array of topics, Clippers owner says that winning a title remains his top priority

A nighttime start and a non-network telecast are clear indicators that Bruins-vs.-Trojans has lost some of its old cachet when compared to, say, Ohio State-Michigan or Alabama-Auburn.

Ohio State-Michigan heads the top 5 -- and UCLA-USC doesn't even make the list.




Features


Your holiday menu is in hand. But what about hors d'oeuvres? Here are 25 last-minute appetizers.

What to do with all that turkey, stuffing and cranberry after the holiday? Here are some easy options.

Friday night salad with toasted cumin, honey and lime dressing





Opinion


Thanks to the former governor, a state law restricts access for at least 50 years after an administration ends. That should change, and Brown should lead the way.

Much like the Depression-era demagogue Father Charles Coughlin, the Fox News personality is promoting a mass movement. Should his bosses be pulling the plug?

Italian women seem to have Sophia Loren's curves in their DNA. So when in Rome ...