Daily Democratic Wire 7-7-2009

George Wenschhof

President Barack Obama continues successful visit to Russia - yesterday, after staff had prepared the groundwork, Presidents Medvedev and Obama agreed to further reductions of nuclear arsenals in both countries. Also agreed upon was the use of Russian airspace by the U.S. in transporting supplies to Afghanistan. Today, Obama met with Russian Prime Minister Putin and former President Gorbachev. Time.com has more here.

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Violent clashes continue in Xinjiang, China - the rioting has resulting in 156 reported deaths and 1000 injured. This is a western region of China where ethnic and economic differences between Muslim Uigurs and Han Chinese run deep. It also happens to be an area where there are oil reserves. Stay Tuned. The NY Times has more here.

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Zelaya to meet with Secretary of State Clinton today - after being denied reentry into Honduras, the ousted Honduran Leader is back in the U.S. and scheduled to meet with Hillary Clinton today. Yesterday, President Obama called for Zelaya to be reinstated and to allow the people to determine who their leader will be. Zelaya was forcibly removed from office over a disagreement pertaining to presidential term limits. Stay tuned. Reuters.com has more here.

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U.S. Hospitals agree to share cost of health care reform - an agreement was reached to spend 155 Billion over the next ten years toward the cost of insuring 47 uninsured Americans. The American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, and Catholic Health Association have all agreed to help. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to make the announcement. This agreement, along with the Pharmaceutical industry participation will give President Obama's health care reform a boost. The Washington Post has more here.

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S.C. Republicans vote to Censure Sanford - last night, after three rounds of balloting, the vote was 22 for Censure, 10 for Resignation and 9 supporting the Governor. Looks like the S.C. Governor has survived his recent disappearance and dalliance with a woman in Argentina. Politico.com has more here.

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Franken to be sworn in today - finally, the Senator from Minnesota will be sworn in at noon today by Vice President Joe Biden. Al Franken has asked they use the family Bible of the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone. You can read more here.

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