Evening Trio

Google Finance: BREAKING: Dow soars 485 points

Voice of America: Freed European, Egyptian Hostages Contradict Government Tale of Rescue

Fox Sports: State of emergency for Ohio NFL teams

Afternoon Trio

BBC: More religious violence in Orissa

AP: Consumer confidence unexpectedly improves in September

Sporting News: ALDS Matchup: Angels vs. Red Sox

Morning Trio

MarketWatch: Asian stocks end mixed amid bailout review hopes

USA Today: Nashville pastors shun national pulpit protest

WYMT: Crusade Brings Hundreds Together

Evening Trio

Boston Globe: McCain blames Democrats for bailout defeat

Fox News: Pastors Preach Politics, Risk Tax-Exempt Status

AP: Winless Rams fire coach Scott Linehan

FLASH: BAILOUT IS DEAD!

The $700 billion bailout proposal is dead. The US House rejected the monster legislation 228-205. It is clear that the people have spoken: We do not want to pay for the sins of fat cat CEOs by nationalizing our financial system.

UPDATE at 3:17pm ET: Here is how Kentucky's Congressmen voted (h/t Michelle Malkin):

Ed Whitfield (1st District): Nay
Ron Lewis (2nd): Yea
John Yarmuth (3rd): Nay
Geoff Davis (4th): Nay
Hal Rogers (5th): Yea
Ben Chandler (6th): Nay

Afternoon Trio

The Economist: Hog wild: When pig jokes go badly (A reporter recently visited my hometown of Whitesburg to look at how rural voters reacted to Obama's recent "pig" comment.)

USA Today: Kentucky doesn't just fall left or right on political scale

Wall Street Journal: Citigroup to Acquire Wachovia Assets

Morning Trio

The Economist: The mortgage-rescue plan: Unpleasant but essential (My take: While I don't like bailouts, looks like we'll have to live with this.)

Courier-Journal: Kentucky colleges, universities issue most degrees, credentials

Kingsport Times-News: PBS documentary chronicles ‘Appalachia: A History of Mountains and People’

Evening Trio

AP: Lawmakers work to nail down $700B bailout plan

Wall Street Journal: Medicare Drug Premium on Rise

AccuWeather: Kyle Inundates Maine with Rain

Morning Trio

AP: Deal reached on financial markets bailout

AP: UPDATE: Kyle puts Maine on rare hurricane watch

Lexington Herald-Leader: Cats find offensive groove

Evening Trio

Wall Street Journal: Bailout Negotiations Move Forward

AP: Paul Newman, actor who personified cool, dies

AP: Hurricane watch for Maine as Kyle heads north

Morning Trio

Times of London: Developing: Killer car bomb hits Damascus

Fox News: Candidates Accuse Each Other of Recklessness on Economy, Military

Bloomberg: WaMu Files for Bankruptcy Following FDIC Seizure

Presidential Debate Open Thread

Post your comments about tonight's debate. Remember THE rules about comments on my blog: Keep it civil and clean. :)

Evening Trio

Media Research Center: Jim Lehrer Not a “Bias-Free” Moderator

AP: No-name storm lands with rain, gusts in Carolinas

AP via kypost.com: Grants Help Promote Higher Education In Appalachia

Friday Afternoon Update

Couple of notes: My sister Ellen make it through the surgery successfully and is recovering at home. Thank you for your prayers.

The other big news: The McCain-Obama debate WILL be on tonight. I will have an open thread during the debate.

I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Morning Trio

L.A. Times: Wall Street bailout plan proves elusive

CBN: Six VA Troopers Quit Over Prayer Rules

ESPN: No. 1 USC flops at Oregon State

Thursday Night Update

I hope all is well with all of you tonight. I have two prayer requests:

• PRAY for my sister Ellen, who will undergo surgery tomorrow morning in Whitesburg to remove a growth on her foot. I will post an update about the surgery later that day.
• PRAY for this nation and its leaders. Never in my 29 years have I seen so much bickering in Washington. The future of America depends not only on what happens in Washington in the coming days, but depends on each of us PRAYING to God for national unity and healing. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. See ya and God Bless.

Evening Trio

AP via Fox News: Congress Nears Deal on Bailout

Jerusalem Post: Study says US textbooks misrepresent Jews and Israel

The Economist: Hindu-Christian tensions in India: Marching as to war

Afternoon Trio

CBN: Schools Eye Four Day School Week Editor's Note: This article focuses on the Jenkins Independent Schools in Letcher County.

Wall Street Journal: Bailout Pact Gains Momentum Amid Push for Tough Controls

AP: MySpace tries to strike new chord in digital music

Morning Trio

AP: Obama, McCain to attend economic bailout talks

WKYT: Three Miners Accused Of Violating Mine Safety Act

Sports Network: Astros blank Reds to keep slim playoff hopes alive

Drudge: Letterman mocks McCain

David Letterman is obviously in the tank for Obama. Drudge has the scoop:

David Letterman tells audience that McCain called him today to tell him he had to rush back to DC to deal with the economy. Then in the middle of the taping Dave got word that McCain was, in fact just down the street being interviewed by Katie Couric. Dave even cut over to the live video of the interview, and said, "Hey Senator, can I give you a ride home?" Earlier in the show, Dave kept saying, "You don't suspend your campaign. This doesn't smell right. This isn't the way a tested hero behaves." And he joked: "I think someone's putting something in his Metamucil." "He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering? Fine, put in your second string quarterback, Sarah Palin. Where is she?" "What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"

In fact, McCain did put his country first today by asking debate organizers to postpone the first debate, which was to be about foreign policy. Despite the fact that there is a global economy, the ailing US economy--and what we do about it--comes first at this time. Letterman needs to realize that our future depends on what happens the next few weeks.

Evening Trio

Fox News: Bush Will Address Nation Wednesday Night on Financial Bailout

Wall Street Journal: McCain to 'Suspend' Campaign Amid Crisis, Return to D.C.

Boston Herald: Kirk Cameron talks about faith, marriage and his new movie ‘Fireproof’

Afternoon Trio

Voice of America: UN Says N. Korea Ejects Inspectors From Nuclear Reprocessing Plant

Wall Street Journal: Buffett to Invest $5 Billion in Goldman

Canadian Press: French Olympic Committee says it will bid for 2018 Winter Olympics

Morning Trio

Albert Mohler: A Christian View of the Economic Crisis

AP: Democrats concede, will end offshore drilling ban

AP: Eight Belles' trainer Larry Jones plans retirement

This is worth a thousand words...

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Fed Chair Ben Bernanke in front during a Senate hearing on the $700 billion monster bailout while a protester in the back holds up the "FAIL" sign. (Photo via Drudge Report)

Evening Trio

AP: UPDATE: Gunman kills 10 at school in Finland, then self

WYMT: VDOT, Coal Company Sign Agreement For Coalfields Expressway

Lexington Herald-Leader: Letcher County environmentalist John Cleveland, 55, dies

Former ALC President Mullinax becomes Executive VP at College of the Ozarks

The Springfield (MO) Business Journal is reporting that former Alice Lloyd College president Fred Mullinax has become the new executive vice president at the College of the Ozarks in Missouri. From the online article:

"Mullinax, a former dean at the Point Lookout school, started Aug. 1. In his new role, he acts on behalf of President Jerry C. Davis while Davis is traveling for the school, according to a news release. He also assists with special projects such as fund-raising and oversees some campus industries. He previously was a higher education consultant in Lexington, Ky., specializing in institutional advancement and international education programs, the release said. Prior to that, he was dean of public affairs at College of the Ozarks 1997–2001."

Jerry C. Davis, like Mullinax, is also a former president of Alice Lloyd College. Davis was president of ALC from 1977-1988. On a personal note, Mullinax, who served as Davis' successor at ALC from 1988-1995, was the speaker at my commencement ceremony at ALC in 2002. He had a great speech that day on service. I am sure he will do a great job at the College of the Ozarks. God bless him and his family.

Afternoon Trio

MarketWatch: Bernanke, Paulson urge fast action from Congress

Fox News: 5th-grader suspended for wearing anti-Obama shirt

Sporting News: The Real Reasons Behind Favre's Comeback

Morning Trio

BBC: Finland gunman 'kills students'

Bloomberg: Livni Will Try to Form Israeli Coalition Government

WYMT: Pennies To Get New Look

ESPN: Munson leaves Georgia's radio booth after 43 years

Even though I am a big-time Kentucky Wildcat fan, I am asking my fellow Wildcat fans to pray for the legendary Larry Munson.

ESPN: Munson leaves Georgia's radio booth after 43 years

Evening Trio

Kevin Hassett: How the Democrats Created the Financial Crisis

AP via Fox News: Missouri Police Issue Amber Alert for 4 Children

New York Times: Facing NFL Competition, The Emmys May See a Record Low Rating

Afternoon Trio

Chicago Tribune: McCain ad takes on Obama and 'Chicago machine'

Wall Street Journal: Jury Selection Starts In Sen. Stevens's Trial

AP: Tubby Smith's nephew killed in Massachusetts

Price Season 37 begins Today

Carrie Grosvenor at about.com has the lowdown on the big changes for The Price is Right, which begins its 37th year on CBS today:

About.com: The Price is Right Returns Monday in HD, with New Game and Other Changes

Morning Trio

Toronto Star: Hindu mobs hit Christians in India

Bloomberg: Goldman, Morgan Stanley Bring Down Curtain on an Era

AP: Galveston area remains dangerous in Ike's wake

FLASH: USA WINS RYDER CUP!!!

What an amazing performance...for the first time since 1999, the United States wins the Ryder Cup. Congrats to J.B. Holmes, Kenny Perry, Boo Weekley, captain Paul Azinger and the entire US team...you have made all of US proud.

Evening Trio

AP: With Olmert gone, clock starts on Israel coalition

WYMT: Eastern Kentuckians Look To Set Longest ATV Parade Record

Natonal Hurricane Center: Tropical disturbance in Puerto Rico may become a depression

Where does Bruce Lunsford really live?

Watch this gem of a video from the McConnell campaign:

Morning Trio

I am a little late with this Morning Trio because of problems with my Internet connection. Here we go:

AP: Olmert to officially resign Sunday evening

Lexington Herald-Leader: Waiting years for clean water

MLB.com: Yanks hoping to close Stadium with 'W'

Evening Trio

BBC: UPDATE: Dozens killed in Pakistan attack

Voice of America: Thabo Mbeki Accepts Party’s Call To Resign

Courier-Journal: Ryder Cup: Solid putts lead Perry/Furyk to commanding win

BREAKING: Terrorists bomb Pakistan hotel

At least 17 are reported dead when terrorists bombed a Marriott hotel in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad. Rescue and recovery operations continue there. The BBC has more here.

PRAY for the victims and the families.

Morning Trio

Jerusalem Post: Knesset member claims that Kadima primaries were riddled with irregular activities

BBC: 'All-out effort' for China babies

Courier-Journal: Ryder Cup: Pumped-up jump start: Energized Yanks take surprising lead

Evening Trio

Google Finance: BREAKING: Dow soars over 360 points

Fox News: Political Fate of South African President Thabo Mbeki Up in the Air

AP: Wow! Americans actually ahead at the Ryder Cup

Developing: Miner Killed in Perry County Mine

Tragedy struck a Perry County mine early this morning. From a news release issued by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet:

"A miner was killed today in an accident near the Ary community in Perry County. Harold Lee Graham, 55, of Campton, was operating a bulldozer at the ICG Hazard mine when the accident occurred. Initial reports indicate he was moving debris over a 180-foot tall highwall when the dozer traveled over the wall. The accident occurred at 1:15 a.m.

"Officials with the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) are investigating the accident. Following routine procedure, the mine will remain closed pending completion of the on-site investigation, said Johnny Greene, OMSL executive director. It is the fourth fatal mine accident reported in Kentucky in 2008."

PRAY for the family of Harold Lee Graham.

Afternoon Trio

Bloomberg: Paulson, Bernanke Expand U.S. Power to Rescue Markets

Wall Street Journal: Israel's Prime Minister-Elect Seeks to Rebuild Coalition

L.A. Times: Metro train, bus collide in downtown L.A.

Morning Trio

Wall Street Journal: U.S. Drafts Sweeping Plan to Fight Crisis As Turmoil Worsens in Credit Markets

Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky combo won't raise curtain for Americans in Ryder Cup

WYMT: Accidental price drop: 40 cents for premium gas in Hazard

Thursday Night Update

Hey folks, thank you for your continued loyalty to this blog. Each one of you is very special to me. Another special group of people I would like to salute is my fellow graduates of the Whitesburg High School Class of 1998. I really enjoyed the Kids Day portion of the reunion, especially the fellowship. Even though I did not attend the dinner portion of the reunion, I understand it was a great time. Thank you, my classmates. Each one of you has a very special place in my heart.

Today, I received a partial schedule of events for the Appalachia Day Homecoming at a place that is also special to me---my alma mater, Alice Lloyd College. It will be held on Saturday October 11. Here it is (all times Eastern):

Beginning at 10am: Appalachian crafts, traditional mountain music

1pm: ALC Alumni Association Meeting and Reception

All day: Alumni athletic activities

5pm: Traditional Soup Bean Supper

7pm: June Buchanan School/ALC Theatre Performance

There will be other events scheduled as well. For more info, call Teresa Grender, the Alumni Director at (606) 368-6044. I hope to attend this year---the last time I attended was in 2003.

Speaking of events, there is also the Mountain Heritage Festival next week in Whitesburg. Of course, the big event I attend (weather permitting) is the parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. The area's attention this week, though, is on the Black Gold Festival in Hazard. The headliner concert there will be country duo Halfway to Hazard.

As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome. See ya and God Bless.

Evening Trio

Google Finance: BREAKING: Dow closes up over 400 points

Compass Direct: In Laos, Christians are pressured to renounce faith

Diana West: We Are Losing Europe to Islam

Afternoon Trio

Times of London (UK): Have Pentecostalism, will travel

AP: New interstate bridge in Minneapolis opens

Sports Network: Cardinals, Reds conclude series in Cincy

Morning Trio

Voice of America: Livni Wins Israeli Election by Narrow Margin

Fox News: Palin’s E-Mail Account Hacked, Published on Web Site

Wall Street Journal: Microsoft's Coming Vista Ads Will Feature Other Celebrities

Evening Trio

Google Finance: BREAKING: Another big drop for the Dow

Christian Post: Christian Music Artist's Confession Shocks Believers

AP: Crews finish sweep of Galveston; thousands stay

Good news for Cats, Hilltopper fans

Courier-Journal: UK game against WKU to be shown on live TV

This is GOOD news for those who love a great in-state matchup.

Afternoon Trio

Catholic News Agency: Behind the anti-Christian violence in India

Times of London (UK): 3 babies dead, 6,000 sick as milk poisoning spreads in China

Bristol Herald-Courier: Bond Issue Approved For Landfill To Serve Controversial Coal-Fired Power Plant

Developing: More Layoffs at the Herald-Leader

Big Media is continuing its decline. The Lexington Herald-Leader, owned by McClatchy, announced today that it will cut its workforce by 11 percent. This is part of McClatchy's company-wide plan to reduce its workforce by 10 percent, or about 1150 jobs.

This shows that Americans are continuing to turn from the liberal Old Media and are flocking to new and more balanced media such as Fox News and the blogosphere. Your thoughts???

Morning Trio

Jerusalem Post: Islamic Jihad in Yemen claims responsibility for US Embassy bomb

MarketWatch: AIG gets Fed rescue in form of $85 billion loan

L.A. Times: Google Phone to be unveiled next week

Evening Trio

Wall Street Journal: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged

Drudge Report: Obama to hold $28,500 per plate fundraising dinner tonight

L.A. Times: Ryder Cup to go on amid wind devastation in Kentucky

Afternoon Trio

AP: McCain: Commission should look at economic crisis

Bloomberg: China Milk Scandal Widens as Melamine Found in Yogurt

Kingsport Times-News: Protesters target Southwest Virginia power plant site

Morning Trio

AP: Fed may cut interest rates again after all

AP: Ike resurrects river flooding fears across Midwest

Human Events: Hollywood: It's Not Just for Actors Anymore

Evening Trio

MarketWatch: BREAKING: Dow drops over 500 points

Voice of America: China Investigates Tainted Milk Powder

MLB: Brewers fire manager Yost

Afternoon Trio

MarketWatch: U.S. stock indexes plummet as Lehman goes under

OneNewsNow: School case involves 'knee-jerk hostility' towards Christianity

Courier-Journal: Deadly wind storm slams region; boy, 10, killed

Morning Trio

Bloomberg: Lehman Files for Biggest Bankruptcy as Suitors Balk

AP: Nearly 2,000 brought to safety in Texas after Ike

WYMT: Church Pays $7,000 to Bring Movie to Perry County

Wall Street On The Brink

Sunday, September 14, 2008 will be remembered as one of the key days in recent American financial history. Lehman Brothers is on the brink of bankruptcy tonight as Barclays pulled out of the running to buy the troubled firm. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Bank of America is buying Merrill Lynch for about $44 billion. Stock index futures are down anywhere from two to three percent. At least ten oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were hit by Hurricane Ike.

What will happen tomorrow when the opening bell rings? Post your thoughts...keep it civil and clean.

UPDATE at 10:33pm ET: The New York Times is reporting that insurance AIG is seeking a $40 billion loan from the Fed in order to survive.

Ike's remnants knock out power to thousands in Kentucky

The remnants of Hurricane Ike have caused a huge windstorm in Central and Western Kentucky. About 300,000 people are reportedly without power in Louisville, where the Jefferson County public schools and Louisville's Catholic schools have decided to call off classes for tomorrow. Jefferson and several other Kentucky counties, especially in the western part of the state, have declared states of emergency due to the wind damage.

Here in Eastern Kentucky, 861 customers of Kentucky Power were without power as of 6:16pm ET. Click here to see the Kentucky Power outage map.

If you have any wind damage reports, post it in the comments section. PRAY for those affected by Ike here and along the Gulf Coast.

Evening Trio

WKYT: Harsh Winds Smack Kentucky; Trees, Power Lines Down

MarketWatch: U.K.'s Barclays balks in Lehman talks

AP: 'Burn After Reading' is No.1 at the box office

Morning Trio

AP: Rescuing Ike stalwarts a race against the clock

BBC: Delhi shopping areas hit by bombs

Lexington Herald-Leader: No miracle for Middle

Open Thread: UK vs. MTSU

Post your thoughts about tonight's game. My prediction: UK by 10. GO BIG BLUE!!

7:54pm: End of First Quarter: UK and MTSU are tied at 7-7.

8:36pm: Halftime: UK leads 10-7.

9:42pm: End of 3rd Quarter: MTSU leads 14-10.

10:31pm: FINAL: UK survives 20-14

Evening Trio

AP: Rescue crews comb coastal Texas for Ike victims (PRAY for those affected by Hurricane Ike.)

Appalachian News-Express: Price $pIKE: Hurricane Ike's landfall fuels panic at the pumps

L.A. Times: George Putnam, longtime L.A. newsman, dies at 94

Morning Trio

AP: Devastating Ike slams Texas as a Category 2 storm

L.A. Times: 'Total destruction': At least 15 die in head-on Metrolink crash

Sports Network: Kentucky native Webb shines in 20th win as D'Backs snap six-game slide

Evening Trio

AP: Nearly $1 trillion of insured property in Ike's path


Lexington Herald-Leader: Girlfriend gets one year in Lexington slaying

Bristol Herald-Courier: Norton, VA Festival Salutes Legacy of Musician Dock Boggs

BREAKING: Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency

From The Courier-Journal:

"Gov. Steve Beshear today declared a state of emergency for the state aimed at preventing gasoline price gouging. The order was issued as prices rose overnight in parts of the state ahead of Hurricane Ike hitting the Texas coast. The order empowers the state attorney general to investigate and prosecute those who sell gasoline and other goods for a predatory price during a time of disaster. The order prohibits [the sale of] gasoline and other goods or services at "a price grossly in excess of the price prior" [to] the emergency declaration."

This marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina that such an emergency was declared. Here in Letcher County, a gallon of regular self-serve unleaded gas sold yesterday morning at $3.69, then rose later that day to $3.79, then rose to $3.99 by mid-morning today. Hopefully this declaration will bring prices down, but we'll see.

Your thoughts???

Morning Trio

AP via ABC News: Texas Prepares for a Gigantic Hurricane Ike

Wall Street Journal: McCain, Obama Debate National Service

Lexington Herald-Leader: Residents contest strip mining near Cumberland stream

Another S-bomb dropped on the Today Show

First it was "Hanoi" Jane Fonda, now a Norwegian ski jumper used the s-word on the "Today" show, when kids could be watching.

Culture and Media Institute: Coffee, News and S-bombs

Evening Trio

Bloomberg: Hurricane Ike Aims at Houston; Evacuations Called

WorldNetDaily: Rush Limbaugh to Obama: 'You are no Jesus Christ'

AP via Sporting News: Phillips: Hartline to start at QB for Kentucky

1998: A Look Back

I am less than 48 hours (at the time of this post) away from my 10-year high school reunion. Here is a look back at 1998:

Gas prices: $1.03 per gallon (national average)
Top grossing film: Armageddon featuring Bruce Willis
Top TV show: Seinfeld
Top music single: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
Top album: Soundtrack from Titanic
Super Bowl Champion: Denver Broncos
World Series Champion: New York Yankees
NBA Champion: Chicago Bulls
Stanley Cup (NHL) Champion: Detroit Red Wings
Men's College Basketball: Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Derby: Real Quiet

A lot has happened in the past ten years--war, school consolidation in Letcher County, advancements in technology--but there is one thing that has never changed: God's love. My prayer is that all of you realize the fact the God NEVER changes and that His love is eternal. God loves you and so do I.

Afternoon Trio

Fox News: Sept. 11 Marked With Ceremonies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania

CNSNews.com: No Talks on Jerusalem Yet, Israel Says

WVLT: UT to host world premiere of Appalachia documentary

Morning Trio

Newsday: Obama, McCain to attend 9/11 Ground Zero ceremonies

AP: Ike heading toward Texas; Lowell over Mexico

RealClearPolitics: McConnell leads Lunsford by 17 in internal polling

Faith Under Fire: India

PRAY for our Christian brothers and sisters in India.

Times of London: Christians in India face prospect of more attacks by extremists

BREAKING: Powerful Quakes Rattle Japan, Northeastern Indonesia

From the AP via Fox News:

"Indonesia's geological agency says a powerful earthquake hit the northeast part of the country, while Japan's Meteorological Agency says a magnitude 7 earthquake hit the northern part of that country. It triggered a tsunami alert for both areas. It was not clear if the two earthquakes were related.

"The Indonesia agency says Thursday's quake has a preliminary magnitude of 7.6. But the U.S. Geological Survey puts the preliminary magnitude at 6.6. It struck six miles beneath the Molucca Sea and was centered 75 miles from the Maluku capital of Ternate. The Japan quake hit off the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Authorities say there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The U.S. Geological Survey gives the quake a preliminary magnitude of 7.2."

PRAY for those affected by the quakes.

Evening Trio

AP: Crews search for victims in Va. building collapse

Scripps Howard News Service: How will evangelical Christians vote on election day?

AP: South Korea says Kim is on the road to recovery

Afternoon Trio

WorldNetDaily: Homeland Security goes on special alert

AP: Hurricane Ike enters Gulf; on path for Texas

CMT: Kenny Chesney Gets Seven Nominations to Lead Pack at This Year's CMA Awards

McCain Responds to the Smears

Your thoughts???

Morning Trio

AP: Largest particle collider conducts successful test

Wall Street Journal: Lehman Faces Mounting Pressures

Information Week: Google Offers Web Searchers, Chrome Users More Privacy

Obama smears Palin

The smears on John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin continue...this time, Barack Obama calls Gov. Palin a pig:



And you thought the Democrats are against sexism...think again. Keep your comments civil and clean.

Evening Trio

AP: Kim Jong Il: a familiar face but a mystery to most

L.A. Times: KFC's secret recipe is the Holy Grail of fast food

ESPN: Young's absence prompts police search, but agent downplays matter

Afternoon Trio

UPI: Bush said lower violence in Iraq a success

AP: Storm-fatigued Gulf Coast in crosshairs again

Voice of America: Russia Establishes Diplomatic Ties with Georgian Breakaway Territories

BREAKING: Kim Jong Il may have suffered stroke

From the AP via Fox News:

U.S. officials think North Korea's unpredictable dictator may have suffered a stroke. A U.S. intelligence official says there is reason to believe Kim Jong Il is sick after he failed to show up at a North Korean national celebration on Tuesday. That official and another U.S. source spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive intelligence gathering. Kim has not been seen in public for a month and U.S. officials were closely watching Tuesday's military parade for signs to the leader's health.

North Koreans call Kim the "Dear Leader" and he holds absolute power in the Stalinist regime. The centerpiece of the celebration had been expected to be a massive military parade through Pyongyang's central Kim Il Sung Square — named after the communist country's founding figure — as normally happens in key anniversary years.

Click here to read the full story. Could this be the beginning of the end for the Communist regime in North Korea? Post your thoughts.

Morning Trio

Voice of America: Pakistan Swears in Zardari as President

AP: Hurricane Ike kills 4 in Cuba, takes aim at Havana

Wall Street Journal: Digital-TV Switch Is Tested

Evening Trio

AP via Google: Former Abramoff lobbyist, Hill aide indicted

Fox News: Study: Aspirin, Ibuprofen May Interfere With Prostate Exams

AP via Sporting News: Hartline, Cobb will continue to split time at QB

Afternoon Trio

BBC: Scientology 'faces French trial'

PC World: Critical Vulnerability Patched in Google's Chrome

AP: Pats' quarterback to get MRI on injured knee today (UPDATE at 3:23pm ET: Brady is out for the season.)

Morning Trio

AP: World Court begins Georgia-Russia case

Bloomberg: Global Stocks Rise on Fannie, Freddie Takeover; Treasuries Drop

WKYT: Don Haskins Dies At 78, Coached Texas Western Against UK

NY Times: MSNBC Takes Incendiary Hosts From Anchor Seat

I wish MSNBC would have done this sooner. From the NY Times:

MSNBC tried a bold experiment this year by putting two politically incendiary hosts, Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews, in the anchor chair to lead the cable news channel’s coverage of the election. That experiment appears to be over.

After months of accusations of political bias and simmering animosity between MSNBC and its parent network NBC, the channel decided over the weekend that the NBC News correspondent and MSNBC host David Gregory would anchor news coverage of the coming debates and election night. Mr. Olbermann and Mr. Matthews will remain as analysts during the coverage.

The change — which comes in the home stretch of the long election cycle — is a direct result of tensions associated with the channel’s perceived shift to the political left. “The most disappointing shift is to see the partisan attitude move from prime time into what’s supposed to be straight news programming,” said Davidson Goldin, formerly the editorial director of MSNBC and a co-founder of the reputation management firm DolceGoldin.

Click here for the full story. Your thoughts???

Evening Trio

AP: Killer Ike blasts Bahamas, aims at Cuba

Boston Herald: Tom Brady knocked out of game

UPI: Cage takes 'Bangkok Dangerous' to No. 1

Open Thread: Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae Bailout

The Feds announced a bailout of mortgage firms Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, averting a possible financial disaster. The CEOs of the firms have been ousted and the mortgages will be managed by the government. Fox News has more here.

What effect, if any, will this bailout have on the stock market come tomorrow morning? How will taxpayers be affected? Post your thoughts...keep it civil and clean.

Morning Trio

Bloomberg: Ike Moves Toward Bahamas, Cuba After Crossing Turks and Caicos

Washington Post: Obama and McCain to Make Joint Sept. 11 Visit to Ground Zero

Lexington Herald-Leader: Far too early for snap judgments on UK season

UK-Norfolk State Game Thread

Post your thoughts about today's game. My prediction: UK 42, Norfolk State 7.

By the way, keep those who are in the path of Hanna--including the Norfolk State campus--in your thoughts and prayers. Also, today is Military Appreciation Day at Commonwealth Stadium. Thank God for those who are serving this nation in active duty military service as well as our veterans.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!

6:46pm: End of 1st Quarter: UK 7, Norfolk State 0

7:34pm: Halftime: UK 21, Norfolk State 3

8:32pm: End of 3rd Quarter: UK 24, Norfolk State 3

9:15pm: FINAL: UK 38, Norfolk State 3

Evening Trio

AP: Hanna rakes Carolinas with wind, rain, heads north

Christian Post: McCain's Patriotism Gains Points with Conservatives

Lexington Herald-Leader: Lunsford ad on McConnell votes might not work

Developing: Bank Robbery in Jenkins

From WYMT:

"Police are investigating a bank robbery at the Community Trust Bank on Main Street in Jenkins. Police say a man came into the bank just before four Friday afternoon with a knife and demanded money. He only got away with some money he grabbed out of a customer's hands.
Police say the suspect is a white man in his 20's. He was wearing a white cap and dark blue jeans. Nobody was injured."

Developing...

UPDATE at 7:26am ET on Saturday: The suspect is still on the loose. WYMT has an update here.

Morning Trio

AP: Government may soon back troubled mortgage giants

WYMT: State Trooper & ATV Collide in Neon

Lexington Herald-Leader: Hazard principal in another alcohol-related flap

Report: Many Don't Know What an 'Evangelical' Is

From CBN News:

Evangelical Christians are in the headlines a lot this election year. But today, we learned that most Americans do not know what an "evangelical Christian" is. Although the mainstream media and politicians regularly refer to evangelicals -- most Americans do not understand the term. Ellison Research found that 36 percent of Americans say they have no idea what the word means.

Fifty-six percent were able to give some kind of definition -- but their answers varied greatly.
"We only had 56 percent of all Americans who could even give any kind of a substantive answer as to what an evangelical was," said Ron Sellers with Ellison Research.

Click here to read the full story. Your thoughts???

Evening Trio

AP: Tropical Storm Hanna set to soak US East Coast

BetaNews: Google Analytics starts tracking Chrome, with intriguing results

Wall Street Journal: Microsoft Kicks Off Seinfeld Campaign

Afternoon Trio

National Hurricane Center: Latest on Tropical Storm Hanna

Wall Street Journal: Unemployment Rate Hits 5-Year High As Economy Continues to Shed Jobs

Lexington Herald-Leader: UK's Garry Williams out 2-3 weeks with knee injury

Something to think about...

Source: TriCities.com

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!

Morning Trio

Fox News: McCain, Obama battle for mantle of change

Bloomberg: Tropical Storm Hanna Heads for U.S.; Ike Brews at Sea

Sports Network: Giants begin title defense with thumping of Redskins

Evening Trio

Washington Post: NFL Opener Has McCain Campaign Leery of Delay-of-Game Penalty

Canadian Press: Olympic hammer throw medallists from Belarus investigated for doping

AP: 'Peanuts' animator Bill Melendez dies at 91

Afternoon Trio

Fox News: McCain Faces High Bar After Palin Speech, Democratic Theater

BBC: Syria sets basis for Israel talks

AP: Detroit mayor agrees to plead guilty, resign

Morning Trio

Wall Street Journal: Gov. Palin Makes Her Case

BBC: Sarkozy joins Middle East talks

AP: Hanna takes aim at Bahamas, Ike next in line

Evening Trio

AP: It's Atlantic Coast's turn as Hanna eyes Southeast

Baptist Press: Southern Baptist disaster relief teams roll into Louisiana

BBC News: US gives $1 billion to rebuild Georgia

BREAKING: Lawson, Nighbert indicted in road probe

From The Courier-Journal:

"A federal grand jury today indicted road contractor Leonard Lawson, former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Brian Russell Billings, an employee of a Lawson company. Details of the federal investigation into possible bid tampering were laid out in an affidavit by an FBI agent filed in federal court in London last month. Special Agent T. Clay Mason said in the affidavit that James Rummage, a former Department of Highways engineer, leaked cost estimates of about eight projects to Lawson. The affidavit said Rummage did so at the direction of Nighbert. The affidavit also said that about the same time Rummage was paid $20,000 in cash by Lawson. Rummage has declined to comment on the investigation. But his attorney has said he is cooperating with investigators."

Click here to read the full story. No matter what happens in this case , this investigation will change the way Kentucky awards contracts to road builders. Your thoughts???

Afternoon Trio

CitizenLink: News Media, Left See Christianity Rooted in Forgiveness

AP: New Orleans residents to return to no power

PC Magazine: Google's Chrome Officially Enters the Browser Wars

Morning Trio

Voice of America: McCain, Palin to Formally Receive Republican Nomination

AP: Vice President Dick Cheney arrives in Azerbaijan

WYMT: Pharmacist Talks About Beating Drug & Alcohol Addiction

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

My cousin, Joe Bates, was taken into the emergency room at the Whitesburg ARH Hospital with a heart problem. He is undergoing tests at this time. PRAY for his speedy recovery.

UPDATE at 7:17pm: Joe later went back to work, but will go to Hazard for stress tests soon to determine if there was a blockage.

Evening Trio

Bloomberg: Gustav Insured Damage Not as High as First Feared

AP: Singer-actor Jerry Reed dies at the age of 71

AP: Don LaFontaine, voice of movie trailers, dies

Afternoon Trio

Albert Mohler: An Unexpected New Motherhood Debate

Appalachian News-Express: The Dr. is Out: Pike County icon and DJ retires after 30 years of entertaining

WKYT: Former Wildcat J.B. Holmes named to Ryder Cup team

Tropical Depression Gustav FINAL UPDATE

Tropical Depression Gustav has weakened further with winds of 25 mph. The National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory this morning at 11am ET. The eyewall made landfall near the town of Cocodrie, Louisiana at 10:30am ET yesterday. Eight people have been killed in the US as a result of the storm. The biggest threat now is flash flooding and tornadoes. People are asked not to return to many affected parishes until damage is assessed. The hardest-hit parish, Terrebonne, asked residents to stay away until Friday.

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney skipped the Republican National Convention yesterday due to Gustav. However, Bush will reportedly speak via satellite tonight to the delegates in the first nighttime session of the convention. There are also reports that presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain may give his acceptance speech via satellite from the Gulf Coast. The RNC had a shortened session yesterday including the roll call and the approval of the party platform. First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain asked delegates and those watching the convention at home to give to the Gustav relief effort.

PRAY for those affected by Gustav.

Morning Trio

Bloomberg: Gustav Spares New Orleans; Hanna Heads for Carolinas

Kingsport Times-News: Home repair ministry in need of $100,000 to complete projects

MarketWatch: Google unveils Chrome, a rival Web browser

BREAKING: Million Dollar Win on "Deal or No Deal"

History was made tonight on Deal or No Deal. Jessica Robinson from Utah became the show's first millionaire. She and her husband are expecting a baby. What an amazing performance by an amazing contestant. Congrats to the Robinsons.

Evening Trio

Before we get to the Evening Trio, I want to mention that I will continue to post the latest info and storm track on Gustav. See the thread "Hurricane Gustav Update" for the latest. Now to the Trio:

AP: Hurricane Gustav fades moving into Louisiana

Fox News: Palin's 17-Year-Old Daughter Is Pregnant

UPI: Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda resigns