Iran tests its first nuclear power plant

Iran tested its first nuclear power plant Wednesday, a stride that prompted one Iranian technician to declare it was "independence day" for the Islamic republic. Tests were carried out at the Bushehr nuclear power plant using “dummy” fuel rods, loaded with lead in place of enriched uranium to simulate nuclear fuel. In a news release distributed to reporters at the scene, officials said the test measured the “pressure, temperature and flow rate” of the facility to make sure they were at appropriate levels

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How a New Fleet of White House Choppers Spiraled Out of Control

One response of the Bush Administration to the attacks of 9/11 was to invade Iraq. Another was to order up a new fleet of hyper-secure helicopters to transport the commander-in-chief — out of concern that a president borne by the current generation of choppers could be cut off from the rest of the world.

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Young son of UK opposition leader dies

The disabled young son of UK opposition leader David Cameron has died, UK media have reported. In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, Obama said it’s time to act boldly not just to revive the economy, but “to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity.” “While the cost of action will be great, I can assure you that the cost of inaction will be far greater,” he said.

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Apparent rebellion hits Bangladesh force

Shots continued to ring out from inside the headquarters of Bangladesh’s border security force in the capital, Dhaka, hours after a gunbattle began Wednesday morning. In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, Obama said it’s time to act boldly not just to revive the economy, but “to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity.” “While the cost of action will be great, I can assure you that the cost of inaction will be far greater,” he said. The president struck an optimistic tone, asserting that “we will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.” Obama focused on the three priorities of the budget he will present to Congress later this week: energy, health care and education

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Can Michael Steele Broaden the Grand Old Party?

Michael Steele assumed the Republican party chairmanship barely a month ago, promising vast changes to help the GOP successfully compete in 21st century America. One of his first forays in that quest occurred Friday night, when Steele came to DuPage County, an affluent Chicago suburb of nearly one million, where the largely Republican establishment is battling an increasingly potent Democratic Party

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Jindal calls stimulus ‘irresponsible’ in GOP response

Tapped by the Republican party to deliver the GOP’s response to President Barack Obama’s congressional address Tuesday night, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal took on the massive stimulus package and big government — and pledged that his party would regain the nation’s trust.

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