Today's Headlines from LA Times | Thursday, November 20, 2008, by Melissa Gruz, USA Editor for Biodun Iginla, BBC News, Paris

by Melissa Gruz, USA Editor for Biodun Iginla, BBC News, Paris
Today's Headlines
California/Local
Movie Reviews new
Arts and Entertainment
National
World
Business
Sports
Features
Opinion

Today's Headlines
Talking in secret in Zimbabwe, with a 'Mugabe man' who isn't really By Robyn Dixon A senior officer of the CIO, the nation's intelligence agency, discusses the waning loyalty to Zimbabwe's president.
World grapples with pirate problem By Peter Spiegel and Henry Chu Nations and shipping companies have different takes on how to battle piracy at sea.
Prop. 8 gay marriage ban goes to Supreme Court By Maura Dolan and Jessica Garrison The California high court will review legal challenges to Prop. 8. A hearing is set for March. Prior to a ruling, gay weddings will not be allowed to resume.
Daschle to join Obama's Cabinet By Janet Hook and Noam N. Levey The former senator will be the secretary of Health and Human Services. Observers say the move shows Obama is determined to overhaul healthcare.
The mayor-elect's new clothes: Silverton, Oregon, elects a transgender leader By Kim Murphy After a major makeover, including breast surgery, the longtime public servant is still just Stu Rasmussen to residents of this small Willamette Valley town.
Federal Reserve sees recession to at least mid-2009 By Maura Reynolds and Ronald D. White The central bank indicates interest rates will be cut again soon. The news, along with other economic concerns, sends Wall Street into another panic.
FDIC chief Sheila Bair could have role on Obama team By Jim Puzzanghera Her proposal for mortgage aid puts her at odds with the Bush administration. But it might earn her a place in the next regime.
More Today's Headlines

California/Local
Adrian Kantrowitz dies at 90; surgeon performed first U.S. heart transplant By Thomas H. Maugh II Kantrowitz performed the first pediatric heart transplant, developed an intra-aorta balloon pump and cultivated assist devices that helped boost circulation.
Within minutes of attacking blaze, fire crew was surrounded By Christopher Goffard The Freeway Complex fire moved so fast that a truck heading to protect homes soon after the blaze started had to be diverted to save colleagues in peril.
Hollywood stars sue over access to a neighborhood gate By Martha Groves Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Reba McEntire, Sylvester Stallone, Magic Johnson and Barry Bonds are involved in the lawsuit between North and South Beverly Park homeowners.
L.A. to pay nearly $13 million over May Day melee, sources say By Joel Rubin The settlement would mark one of the largest payouts ever made to resolve LAPD misconduct. Department has sanctioned officers and trained force to prevent another such incident.
More California/Local News

Movie Reviews
Review: 'Dostana' By Mark Olsen Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra star in a Bollywood comedy jampacked with fun. There's also a slightly rebellious nod to gay life.
'Pray the Devil Back to Hell' By Kenneth Turan Documentary spotlights the power of women -- and of perseverance -- in thwarting Liberia's repressive regime.
'The Alphabet Killer' issues go unsolved Also reviewed: 'Antarctica'; 'B.O.H.I.C.A.'; 'The First Basket'; 'Johnny Got His Gun'
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Arts and Entertainment
Director Catherine Hardwicke saw the 'Twilight' mania coming By Gina Mcintyre > > > Best known for her adolescence drama 'Thirteen,' she knew how young fans adored the book series.
'Slumdog Millionaire' has the inside track to box-office riches By John Horn Will anyone see the prestige pictures, and do they have a chance of making money?
An open letter to MOCA's board of trustees By Christopher Knight After overseeing the art museum's financial meltdown, its trustees should write checks.
More Arts and Entertainment News

National
Would-be attorney general Eric Holder haunted by Marc Rich pardon By Josh Meyer Republicans say they're surprised that Barack Obama's transition team didn't gauge their feelings about the likely nominee.
Antiwar groups fear Barack Obama may create hawkish Cabinet By Paul Richter Activists note that most of the candidates for top security posts voted for the 2002 resolution authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq or otherwise supported launching the war.
Recount in Senate race begins in Minnesota By P.j. Huffstutter Incumbent Republican Norm Coleman leads Democratic challenger Al Franken by 215 votes. Observers from both sides take part in the recount.
More National News

World
At the Dalai Lama's urging, hundreds of Tibetans converge to discuss their future By Mark Magnier The aging spiritual leader called on Tibetans to consider what direction their relationship with China will take.
Iraqi session on U.S. pact ends in shouting match By Saif Rasheed and Tina Susman Legislators' squabbling could hinder quick passage of security plan extending the American troop presence.
In China, the U.S. opens food inspection office By John M. Glionna The FDA field office is the first of three to be opened in the nation and is meant to boost consumer confidence in products coming from China.
More World News

Business
Housing slowdown spurs auction of construction equipment By Tiffany Hsu Sellers dump equipment to pull in capital. Buyers are lured by cheap prices, although some are reluctant to spend on equipment that could remain idle for months.
Big 3 fail to close deal on bailout By Jim Puzzanghera and Richard Simon Lawmakers scrap a vote for $25 billion in aid. Auto execs take heat over private jets.
Carmakers charge ahead with electrics By Martin Zimmerman At the L.A. Auto Show, Nissan-Renault announces plans to start selling a competitively priced electric car in 2010. Other makers, including BMW and Chrysler, show off what's developing.
Chinese carmakers also seek government aid By Don Lee Caught in a slowdown, they urge policy changes rather than bailouts. Some are deferring export plans and cutting their costs.
More Business News

Sports
Obama's playoff plan is trumped by BCS lobby By Chris Dufresne There's little chance that the president-elect can bring about a playoff in major college football.
Shaquille O'Neal brings different dimension to Lakers-Suns rivalry By Mike Bresnahan The Phoenix center takes on his former team Thursday night after taking Lakers Coach Phil Jackson to task in recent comments.
UCLA's chances rest on young shoulders By David Wharton Fourth-ranked Bruins have four veterans in starting lineup, but it will be play of newcomers Drew Gordon, Jrue Holiday, J'mison Morgan, Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson that determines how far they go.
More Sports News

Features
How to host a successful holiday meal By Russ Parsons When lots of cooks pitch in, it's up to you to make sure the mix works.
Recipe: Cream of parsnip soup with crisp-fried pancetta Cream of parsnip soup with crisp-fried pancetta
More Features

Opinion
The courts and Prop. 8 California's Supreme Court is the right place to rule on the same-sex marriage ban.
Obama and foreign policy: It shouldn't be personal By Lionel Beehner and Vikram J. Singh Personal connections are no substitute for sound policies based on national interests.
Bush's land mines for Obama By Rosa Brooks Last-minute rules and regulations by the Bush administration could take years to undo.
More Opinion

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