"...the buck stops with me."

NEWSREEL
This new "Newsreel" feature is a summary of news that has recently caught my attention. The title of the feature refers to the segments that appeared before films in movie theatres in the first half of the twentieth century, a major source of news for the people of the era. My opinions, where applicable, have been written in plain text and italicised.

The President comments on attacks
President Barack Obama gave a press conference to address the results of inquiry and investigation regarding the recent terrorist attacks and attempts on our nation, especially the Christmas Day attempt on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. He commented that a plan is in motion to improve communication between intelligence agencies and avoid further mistakes. Among these comments he said, "We are at war with Al Qaeda."

Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary, led a press conference with Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, among others. Helen Thomas, a member of the White House Press Corps, asked among other things, why Al Qaeda wishes to attack us. The government officials tap danced around the issue.
Source: Fox News

Benedict XVI encourages youth in vocations
At the Thanksgiving Vespers December 31st at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged vocations among the youth, that they should not be afraid of living out God's will for their lives. The 25th anniversary of World Youth Day will be celebrated 25 March 2010.
Source: EWTN

New Jersey defeats gay marriage bill
The New Jersey Senate defeated the gay marriage bill on 7 January. Supporters of the bill worked to push the bill through before Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie takes office 19 January. Outgoing Governor Jeff Corzine vowed to sign the bill while Governor-elect Chris Christie will veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
Source: Fox News

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this Sunday
This Sunday the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The conclusion of Vespers that day marks the end of Christmastide. Pope Benedict XVI, continuing in tradition, will celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Baptism in the Sistine Chapel this Sunday. EWTN will broadcast the Mass at 3am CT with an encore at 11am CT.