Racist, Anti-Obama Billboard Goes Up in Colorado

A billboard in Grand Junction, Colorado, depicting President Obama as a homosexual, a gangster, a Mexican and a Muslim suicide bomber is attracting international attention and controversy, as evidence by coverage from the Agency-France Presse. The local Republican Party chairman called the billboard "reprehensible and disrespectable." Artist Paul Snover designed the billboard. He reportedly frequents conservative and Tea Party web sites.

Justice Department Expected to Appeal DADT Ruling

The Obama administration is expected to appeal a ruling by a federal judge in California that declared the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy unconstitutional despite White House's effort to repeal the Clinton-era rule barring openly gay people from military service. The administration is also expected to seek a stay on the injunction placed by the same judge's injunction ordered Tuesday that demands the military immediately stop enforcing the ban, according to The Washington Post. The Justice Department is generally required to uphold existing law.

EPA Changes Ethanol Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week waived a rule that limited the sale of fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol to model 2007 and later cars and trucks. The new limit is now set at 15 percent. Ethanol is made from corn, and some energy advocates see it as a cleaner burning and domestically produced alternative to petroleum.

Afghan Leaders Plan Peace Talks

Afghanistan's peace council announced an important move toward peace talks with Taliban leaders today, according to The New York Times Afghan officials said they made direct contact with the Taliban through mediators, and the NATO coalition approved the movement of Taliban leaders to attend initial peace talks in Kabul.

Strikes Shut Down French Refineries

Union strikes and actions in response to changes in the French pension program continue across France, and now 11 of the country's 13 oil refineries have been shut down by strikes, according to The New York Times. French consumers are stocking up on gasoline in fear of a shortage, but officials assured the public that there will be enough fuel. The massive and continuing strikes and protests in France have gained international attention and praise from the worldwide labor movement.

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