Blagojevich victory...SEC self-probe...Pet communication



SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) The Illinois Supreme Court is rejecting an effort from the state attorney general to have Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (blah-GOY'-uh-vichz) authority removed from him.

Meanwhile, a lawyer for the governor has told the legislative panel considering the governor's impeachment that some of its members appear to have already made up their minds. He wants them replaced.

Washington (AP) The Securities and Exchange Commission probe into its failure to spot the alleged Ponzi scheme by money manager Bernard Madoff (MAY'-dawf) has reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing by SEC staff so far. The agency's head promises a thorough self-examination.

WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department has no immediate comment on a report that it may have to find some other way to protect its diplomats in Iraq besides the security firm Blackwater Worldwide.

The report says Blackwater may lose its license in Iraq, in the aftermath of a deadly shooting incident.

WASHINGTON (AP) More details are in place for the inauguration of Barack Obama. Congressional leaders say Aretha Franklin will sing during the program on the steps of the U.S. capitol, and Pastor Rick Warren will pray. Yo-Yo Ma will also perform.

WASHINGTON (AP) A new poll suggests two-thirds of pet owners feel they know what their animals are trying to tell them with their sounds. The survey by The Associated Press and Petside.com also finds 62 percent of the pet owners who were surveyed feel their animals understand human sounds.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-17-08 1443CST | save this article / add to your favorites list