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National and World News

Expectations Tempered As Obama Returns To D.C.

It's been a rough start for President-elect Barack Obama in his first week back at work in Washington, from violence flaring in Gaza to showdowns brewing in the U.S. Senate. But Obama is staying focused on his economic stimulus plan, even if key Republicans remain skeptical.
Obama Announces Accessible Inaugural Event

President-elect Barack Obama has announced one of the presidential inauguration balls will be a Neighborhood Ball "open to our new neighborhood here in Washington, D.C." D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton says she hopes this means Obama will sign a measure that will grant the District of Columbia voting rights.
D.C. Schools Chief's Plan Faces Opposition

Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee is fast becoming the country's best-known urban school reformer. But her proposal to do away with teacher tenure and replace it with an ambitious merit pay program has divided the teachers union.

Egypt Sends Ambulances Into Gaza

Some Egyptian ambulances have been allowed into the embattled Gaza Strip, presumably to pick up badly wounded civilians for treatment in Egyptian hospitals. Israeli warplanes and drones remain active along the frontier, drawing fire from Hamas militants.
Fighting In Gaza Overwhelms Medical System

The heaviest fighting in the Gaza Strip since the 1967 Six Day War is taking an enormous toll on the territory's civilians. The medical system is particularly strained. Medical personnel are struggling under dangerous conditions and with limited supplies.
Shooting Crime Scenes In Juarez, Mexico

Violence plagues the city, just over the border from El Paso, Texas. We meet with a a newspaper photographer, whose days are spent shooting crime scenes.

Israeli Troops Backed by Airstrikes Move Deeper Into Gaza

Israeli forces continued their military campaign in the Gaza Strip Monday as international calls for a cease-fire intensified. Foreign policy analysts mull the latest developments in the fighting.
Obama Works on Stimulus Plan, Reportedly Picks Panetta for CIA Chief

President-elect Barack Obama met with party leaders on Capitol Hill Monday to discuss an economic stimulus package. Reports also emerged that he selected former White House chief of staff Leon Panetta to lead the CIA. Journalists discuss the latest news.
Even Insured Patients Struggle as Health Care Costs Rise

As health insurance premiums and deductibles rise, even patients who have insurance are struggling to keep up with escalating costs. Betty Ann Bowser reports on the plight of the underinsured in Nashville, Tenn.

Israel 'expands Gaza offensive'

Israeli forces reportedly widen their ground assault in the Gaza Strip to include Khan Younis in the south, after fierce clashes around Gaza City.
European gas supplies disrupted

Several European countries report major disruption to their gas supplies from Russia following Moscow's row with Ukraine.
US vows 'huge' marine protection

The US is to establish "the largest area of protected sea in the world", banning fishing and mining, around its Pacific islands.

Gaza civilian toll rises; diplomats seek truce (AP)

AP - Israel ignored mounting international calls for a cease-fire and said it won't stop its crippling 10-day assault until "peace and tranquility" are achieved in southern Israeli towns in the line of Palestinian rocket fire.
Obama says his plan with tax cuts to get quick OK (AP)

AP - President-elect Barack Obama plunged into rare pre-inaugural crisis talks with congressional leaders Monday, declaring the national economy was "bad and getting worse" and embracing tax cuts now expected to reach $300 billion. He predicted lawmakers would approve a mammoth revitalization package within two weeks of his taking office.
Obama's intel picks short on direct experience (AP)

AP - President-elect Barack Obama's selection of an old White House hand to head the CIA shows a preference for a strong manager over an intelligence expert.