Asking for money...Ultimate exit interview...Gay bishop invited



Washington (AP) President George W. Bush has agreed to ask Congress to release the remaining $350 billion of the federal financial rescue money. Senate leaders say they are feeling better about releasing it after hearing from President-elect Barack Obama's economic adviser. The White House says Bush is acting after a request from Obama.

WASHINGTON (AP) President George W. Bush has conducted what he calls "the ultimate exit interview" a final White House news conference. In it, he vigorously defended his record, saying, among other things, that the nation's "moral standing" has not been damaged by the war in Iraq or how the nation has gone after terrorists.

WASHINGTON (AP) In a farewell news conference, President George W. Bush is admitting to some mistakes. Among them declaring "Mission Accomplished" after the Iraq invasion. Bush also noted "not finding weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq as a "significant disappointment."


WASHINGTON (AP) The United States is imposing sanctions on people and companies connected to a black market nuclear network led by a Pakistani scientist. The State Department says it believes the sanctions will "help prevent future proliferation-related activities." The network is believed to have leaked atomic secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Bishop Gene Robinson is scheduled to say a prayer at the Lincoln Memorial in one of President-elect Barack Obama's first inauguration events. Robinson is the Episcopal church's first openly gay bishop. His selection follows criticism from gay-rights groups over Obama's decision to have the Rev. Rick Warren give the invocation at his Jan. 20 inauguration.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-12-09 1049CST | save this article / add to your favorites list