Radio America Online News Bureau

We have Friday’s top news…Why does President Bush believe $17.4 billion in loans to the auto industry had to be done?  What are the conditions Detroit must meet upon accepting this money?  How did the markets react?  What did Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich say Friday in his first official comments since being charged with trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacant senate seat?  Who is now ahead in the Minnesota senate recount?  And what figure from the Watergate era is dead?  We answer all of these questions as we bring you the biggest stories for Friday, December 19, 2008.

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After days of deliberation, President Bush is extending $17.4 billion in loans to critically ill automakers General Motors and Chrysler.  Will this set the stage for viability or just bring the auto executives back to Washington looking for more money?  How do members of Congress feel about Bush working around them?  What might have been a better response from the White House?  We ask Georgia Rep. Tom Price, a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

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The latest recount numbers in Minnesota suggest Democrat Al Franken has a slight lead over incumbent Republican Norm Coleman.  Why is Franken gaining?  How are decisions being made on challenged ballots?  Will either side accept a loss as legitmate?  And will Minnesota have a new senator when the next session convenes?  We ask Kevin Duchshere of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

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On Friday, scandal-tarred Illinois Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich vowed to stay on the job and said he would be exonerated of all corruption charges once he has the chance to defend himself.  So what is the impact of the governor staying put?  How does it impact the business of the state?  What will happen with the vacant Obama senate seat?  We ask Illinois State Senator Christine Radogno, who will serve as Republican leader in the state senate in the next session.

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We have Thursday’s top news…How much will the Big Three be reducing auto production in the coming weeks?  What new option is President Bush considering to help rescue the automakers?  What is Barack Obama doing to make sure Wall Street functions properly during his administration?  What happened on Wall Street today?  And have you seen the price of oil?  We answer all of these questions as we bring you the biggest stories for Thursday, December 18, 2008.

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Chrysler has announced it will suspend production at all 30 U.S. manufacturing plants on Friday for at least 30 days.  What’s behind this decision at this time?  How long could the assembly lines be quiet?  Will General Motors follow suit?  How soon will President Bush need to make a decision on a bailout?  And does this move show Chrysler can or cannot be viable?  We ask Marty Padgett, editor of www.thecarconnection.com.

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What impact did Paul Weyrich have on modern day politics?  What should we make of the latest additions to the Obama cabinet?  Will Rod Blagojevich hang on as governor in Illinois?  And what’s it like to attend a White House Christmas Party?  We ask John Gizzi, political editor of Human Events.

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Paul Weyrich died early Thursday morning and his passing is triggering an outpouring of tributes from politicians and grass roots activists alike.  Who was Weyrich?  How was he an indispensible part of the conservative movement?  And what is his political legacy?  We ask Craig Shirley, a Reagan biographer and president of a major public relations firm in the DC area.

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The holidays keep us busy in many wonderful ways, but don’t forget to take of some important financial issues before the end of the year.  What steps taken before the new year could significantly reduce your tax bill?  And what are some tips for maximizing your retirement funds?  We ask Mackey McNeill of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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We have Wednesday’s top news…Which of the Big Three automakers is shutting down all production for at least a month?  What was the impact of OPEC deciding to cut oil production?  How did Wall Street fare on Wednesday?  Who did Barack Obama name to his cabinet today?  Which Republican lawmaker will also be added to the cabinet?  What did Illinois lawmakers hear from the governor’s lawyer today?  And when will we hear from Gov. Blagojevich himself?  We answer all those questions as we bring you the biggest stories for Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

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