April 02, 2007

Earlybird Roundup

Tsunami: Thirteen people are now confirmed dead after a tsunami struck the Solomon Islands early this morning, AP reports.

Iraq: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., led a delegation to Baghdad this weekend, the Los Angeles Times reports, and he "insisted to journalists that tangible improvements in the security situation in the Iraqi capital were being underemphasized in news reports." More than 500 Iraqis were killed last week during a fresh wave of violence.

Washington: "The White House on Sunday sought to increase pressure on Iran to return the 15 British sailors and marines it is holding, but took care to defer to Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has emphasized that he is seeking a diplomatic solution," the New York Times reports. Bush called the captives "hostages" and called Iran's actions "inexcusable." CNN.com also reports that Iran has aired "confessions" from all 15 sailors.

Trade: With just minutes to go before a deadline this morning, the United States and South Korea agreed to "the biggest U.S. trade pact for 15 years," Reuters reports. "In one major surprise, the United States agreed to give, at least in principle, preferential treatment to South Korean products made in North Korea."

Campaigns: In Earlybird's Campaign News section (subscription), first-quarter filings reveal that Hillary Rodham Clinton's $26 million triples the previous fundraising record.

Posted at 10:39 AM
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