SPB News for Thursday

Madoff Shared His Prison Cell With A Drug Dealer

Ex-NJ Trooper Arrested For Threat Against Obama

Iraq makes pitch to US investors

Backed by Obama WH, Iraqis seek investment as their economy struggles.

‘Die quickly’ congressman creates namesofthedead.com; GOP cries foul — Rep. Alan Grayson, whose “die quickly” remark gained him much attention, has created a new website based on his meme called “namesofthedead.com.” — On the site, visitors can log the names and stories of friends

They All Look Alike: MSNBC Mistakes Jesse Jackson for Al Sharpton — Reverends! All reverends look alike. Jesse Jackson was on MSNBC today to help poor people, and Contessa Brewer introduced him as “the Rev. Al Sharpton.” If Fox News did this, there would be sit-ins.

Michelle Obama Hula-Hooping our way to health — First, the buff first arms. Then the First Lady's White House playground. Then the First Lady's White House victory garden. Then the First Lady's patronage of farmer's markets for things that grow in the filthy ground or hang on trees where birds perch and do things.

Franken Schools Right-Wing Analyst On Medical Bankruptcies In Countries With Universal Care: 'It's Zero' — Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled “Medical Debt: Can Bankruptcy Reform Facilitate a Fresh Start.” The hearing examined medical bankruptcies in America …

White House Clears Habitat Protections for Polar Bear The White House yesterday completed its review of proposed habitat protections for the polar bear, clearing the Interior Department to introduce the regulations. The White House Office of Management and Budget determined the rule was not economically significant or a "major rule," putting it on a potentially faster track for completion. OMB sent the rule back to the Interior Department yesterday, two weeks after receiving the proposal -- a relatively quick turnaround for the agency.