Recently in National (2) Category

WASHINGTON--Stricter limits are to be set by a leading Congressional opponent of abortion rights.

Representative Joe Pitts, Republican of Pennsylvania, plans to move forward with plans on abortion and family planning . With vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Laurie Rubiner saying Pitts was "as anti-choice as a member of Congress can be."

Even in Iowa, lawmakers are drafting a bill to prevent a Nebraska doctor who performs late-term abortions from opening a clinic reported The Chicago Tribune.

Pitts introduced a bill that would ban the use of federal subsidies "to pay for any abortion, or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion." reported The New York Times.

A man who claimed a priest abused him was awarded $30 million in Delaware on Wednesday.

John Vai claimed Francis DeLuca, the former priest who was a teacher at St. Elizabeth's parish in Wilmington, repeatedly abused him as a boy in the 1960s reported NPR.

Facing more than 100 priest abuse lawsuits and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Wilmington diocese is under strong heat.

Thomas Neuberger, Vai's attorney said he did not expect to collect all damages from DeLuca but said the parish has sufficient assets to pay the award.

In a statement to Mr. Vai and other victims, bishop W. Francis Malooly apologized and said that the bishop of the diocese, not the parishes should be held responsible reported The New York Times.

Four manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks have an ultimatum from the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday, giving them 15 days to stop adding caffeine to products or stop selling.

The Dallas Morning News reported the abrupt decision after an incident involving 14-year-old Valeria Rodriguez who died in a car crash after being ejected from a car her boyfriend was driving who police suspect was drinking a "Four Loko".

The ever popular "Four Loko" sold by Phusion Projects said it would stop putting caffeine in the drink reported The New York Times.

Charge Beverages Corp., New Century Brewing Co. and United Brands Company Inc. also received letters warning them about their products.

Although there is minimal research on the effects of caffeine and alcohol, several studies suggest that the combination of these beverages do heighten risky behavior.

A new series on TLC starring Sarah Palin and her home life in Alaska?

You better believe it. The Republican vice presidential nominee of 2008 is starting a show that she claims is not a reality show, rather a nature series for political voyeurs reported The New York Times.

In each of the eight episodes, The Wall Street Journal reported that the former Alaska governor takes a camera crew and family members on an outdoor adventure.

This show is a risky step for a politician who may or may not run for president in 2012, but for now she may be focusing on her increasing popularity and fame.

NEW ORLEANS- Federal scientists have found damage to deep sea coral and other marine life miles from the BP well, concurring that the damage could be greater than officials previously stated.

As for the coral, computer models and research cruises say that this could mean long-term trouble for the area southwest of the well reported USA Today.

Not only does the contamination pose problems for the coral reef, the coral serves as a habitat for many species, posing a significant threat to other marine life.

A Penn State University biologist, Charles Fischer, said that this was the first time anyone had seen an indication of impact to deep sea animals due to this deep-sea event.

BP officials could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday reported CNN News.

WASHINGTON --- President Obama appeared on "The Daily Show" on Wednesday as host Jon Stewart drilled him about "change."

"You ran on very high rhetoric, hope and change, and the Democrats this year seem to be running on, 'Please baby, one more chance,' " Mr. Stewart said.

USA Today reported that Stewart proceeded to egg the president on while critiquing him of pursuing a legislative agenda that "felt timid at times."

While Obama supported Stewart's remarks, Stewart continued to drill the president with quotes such as, ""What have you done that we don't know about? Are you planning a surprise party for us, filled with jobs and health care?"

The New York Times stated that although Stewart said remarks about the change that has been taking place, Obama retorted, "When we promised during the campaign 'change you can believe in,' it wasn't 'change you can believe in in 18 months,' " he said. "It was 'change you can believe in -- but we're going to have to work for it.' "

After the accusations against Justice Clarence Thomas' sexual harassment 20 years ago, Justice Thomas's wife called Anita Hill in hopes for an apology.

"Good morning Anita Hill, it's Ginni Thomas," it said. "I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and the years and ask you to consider something. I would love you to consider an apology sometime and some full explanation of why you did what you did with my husband." said Virginia Thomas.

Nearly 20 years ago, Ms. Hill was the aide to Mr. Thomas at the Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Of which, in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ms. Hill said Mr. Thomas repeatedly made inappropriate sexual comments to her in the workplace said The New York Times.

Mrs. Thomas said there was no offense ever intended, but The Wall Street Journal reported that Ms. Hill issued a statement calling Mrs. Thomas's call "inappropriate."

SAN DIEGO--- The "don't ask, don't tell" policy received a worldwide injunction ending the military's ban on openly gay troops on Tuesday.

U.S. Department of Justice attorneys have 60 days to appeal U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips' ruling, which was greatly received by gay rights organizations.

Phillips ruled the policy unconstitutional last month because of its violation against servicemembers Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination reported the USA Today.

An immediate injunction was called by the Log Cabin Republicans to eliminate the policy for any U.S. military personnel anywhere in the world.

The "don't ask, don't tell" repeal provision caused the Senate Republicans to oppose the defense bill earlier this month, which has gay advocated worried that they lost an opportunity to change the law said The New York Times.

The Log Cabin Republicans further sued the Pentagon of which they will likely appeal.

Phoenix- Recent surveys show that the Arizona Immigration law diminishes many Latino voters to cast their ballot at the next November election.

With the Arizona Immigration law in place, many Latino voters, although still faithful to the Democratic party, are less motivated to vote this upcoming November, reported The Wall Street Journal.

With the Latino population constituting the largest minority group, their votes hold a lot of weight for the Democratic Party.

A recent survey showed that only 51 percent of Latino registered voters said they would absolutely go to the polls, reported The New York Times.

However, the survey done by the Pew Hispanic Center said that the Latino's still support the Democrats over Republicans, 65% to 22%.

Madison, Wis--- President Obama delivered a passionate speech to college students in Madison Tuesday night.

"Change is going to come for this generation -- if we work for it, if we fight for it, if we believe in it!" Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times reported that over 17,000 people attended the event with 9,000 more people spilling on the streets.

However, CNN reported that regardless of the numbers, the attitude of the people seemed down from what it was in the 2008 election.

Two more visits are scheduled this week in order for Mr. Obama to reconnect with voters before the election.