This new feature to the blog will include daily updates on news happenings from around the world along with some basic commentary.

• Palin abused power while in Governor’s office
  The Alaska ethics probe has given its decision in the “Troopergate” scandal and it is not good news for Sarah Palin. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. It will not be a game-changer in the elections by any means but it is definitely not good news for the McCain camp. Think he regrets picking her as his VP yet?

• Obama’s lead continues in national polls
  Newsweek has him up 11, Reuters/Zogby have him up 4. These latest polls also coincide with McCain’s decision to rein in the strategy of negative attacks on Obama’s character according to Reuters. Can McCain still win? Doubtful, especially considering his latest debate performance in the town-hall format.

• Markets continue to plummet
  World markets are down again with the Nikkei down over 800 pts and the FTSE100 well under 4000 pts, down 381 on the day. Dow is down as well and so are all the major European indexes. When will this stop? Hopefully the G7 meetings will come up with some solutions.

• GM considering merger with Chrysler
  GM, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world is considering a merger with Chrysler. Could a possible merger help he two struggling car companies in the long-run or is this a short term solution?

• Russia test-fires Ballistic missiles in the Pacific
  Another show of strength on behalf on of the re-surging Russians with Medvedev assuring Russian citizens that the global financial crisis will not stop Russia’s strengthening of its armed forces. 

• World Cup Qualifiers
  Football World Cup qualifiers on tonight. 

• Angelina Jolie breast-feeding photo
  Why is there so much coverage over this story!? It has popped up in many media outlets. Haven’t we had enough of Brangelina? Guess not. 

• Apple shares rally on news of lower-cost laptops
  Will this be anything revolutionary? Doubt it.