The Associated Press: At least 7 dead as storms pound South for 2nd day

The Associated Press: At least 7 dead as storms pound South for 2nd day: "EDOM, Texas (AP) — Violent weather ripped through the South for a second straight night, killing at least seven people from Arkansas to Alabama, damaging homes in a rural Texas community and spreading destruction into Georgia and Tennessee."

Obama to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta as defense secretary - The Washington Post

Obama to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta as defense secretary - The Washington Post: "President Obama will nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta this week as secretary of defense, replacing Robert M. Gates as part of a series of national security shifts that will also place Afghanistan war commander Gen. David H. Petraeus in the top CIA job, U.S. officials said."

My Way News - Gadhafi seeks Venezuela's help in ending conflict

My Way News - Gadhafi seeks Venezuela's help in ending conflict: "CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has sent a delegation to Venezuela to seek peaceful solutions to the conflict in the North African nation, President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday."

U.S. broadens Mexico travel warning - CNN.com

U.S. broadens Mexico travel warning - CNN.com: "The U.S. State Department has broadened its travel warning for Mexico, advising citizens to avoid certain areas and steer clear of driving at night."

US Economy: US Banks Warn Obama on Soaring Debt - CNBC

US Economy: US Banks Warn Obama on Soaring Debt - CNBC: "A group of the largest US banks and fund managers stepped up the pressure on Congress and the Obama administration to reach a deal to increase the country’s debt limit, saying that even a short default could be devastating for the financial markets and economy."

9 Americans dead after Afghan officer opens fire - Yahoo! News

9 Americans dead after Afghan officer opens fire - Yahoo! News: "KABUL, Afghanistan – Eight American troops and a U.S. contractor died Wednesday after an Afghan military pilot opened fire during a meeting at Kabul airport — the deadliest episode to date of an Afghan turning against his coalition partners, officials said."