May 30, 2007

News Roundup: Taliban Attack, DOJ Probe, Stock Rally

Afghanistan. NATO reports that one of its helicopters was shot down over southern Afghanistan, killing five U.S. soldiers, in an attack for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility. But the Pentagon said Western forces have made progress in the region, putting the Taliban "on their heels."

Iraq. White House press secretary Tony Snow said today that President Bush envisions a lengthy stay in Iraq similar to the troop presence the United States has had in South Korea for the past 50 years. The president also held a videoconference with Iraqi officials today, as the search for five kidnapped Britons in Iraq intensified.

TB scare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working on locating 107 passengers on recent transatlantic flights who may have contracted a dangerous strain of tuberculosis. The Gate has more details on this story from a CDC press conference earlier today.

Administration. The Justice Department announced today it has widened its investigation into the agency's hiring and firing practices. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in early July amid strained relations between the two countries.

Congress. Democratic lawmakers are pledging to reverse the Supreme Court's gender discrimination ruling [PDF] handed down yesterday.

Economy. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index broke its 2000 record and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit its 25th peak for the year as U.S. stocks rallied for a third straight day.

Posted at 5:54 PM
Share via