The Commercial Appeal (2007-Current)

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MOST READ Snow blankets Greater Memphis with 2 to 8 inches

Nonprofit Newspaper Concept Gains Favor -- Ability of Market to Sustain Journalism Questioned

As sharp revenue cuts put the future of many U.S. newspapers in doubt, one idea gaining attention is converting them into tax- exempt nonprofits supported by large endowments. Although viewed by many as a long shot at best, such a radical change could be a savior for the industry and its vital role in a democracy.

First 100 Days / Obama Staying the Bush Course? -- Realities of Office Require Keeping Some Policies

WASHINGTON - For all the sweeping changes that President Barack Obama has delivered, there also has been an ample helping of more- of-the-same. The Bush policy of imprisoning enemy combatants in Afghanistan without trial? The Obama White House is OK with that.

Mid-South's Attic -- Pink Palace to Add Science, Technology Exhibits to Its Collections

When Memphis Pink Palace Museum curators clean the Plexiglas case, static electricity sometimes causes the hair on the shrunken head exhibit to stand on end. "It's an eerie feeling," says museum registrar Tammy Braithwaite of one of the museum's favorite exhibits. It is part of what makes the Pink Palace "the attic of the Mid-South," a museum reflecting the history of the region and the sometimes peculiar donations from people who helped make the museum what it is.

Sources: Aig to Get $30b More in Aid -- Insurer Expected to Announce $60b Loss Today

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Struggling insurer American International Group Inc. will receive up to $30 billion in additional federal assistance in the fourth government rescue of the company, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Sunday. The new infusion is intended to prop up AIG - once the world's largest insurer - as it is expected to announce $60 billion in quarterly losses early today, a person said on the condition of anonymity because the discussions are still ongoing.

Guards Charged

Briefly

Korean Peninsula Missile test tension soars

Top Dogs

E. Europe Denied Bailout -- Struggling Nations Also Won't Get Euro

BRUSSELS - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other EU leaders flatly rejected a new multibillion euro (dollar) bailout for eastern Europe on Sunday, suggesting that additional aid be given to struggling nations only on a case-by-case basis. Germany and the Netherlands also shot down suggestions that eastern European countries that have seen their currencies plummet be given a quick entry to the euro, which has remained strong against the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. But French President Ni...

West Bank / Watered-Down Product

Ready to Police

Iraqi Defense Planners Over a Barrel

BAGHDAD - Falling oil prices will force Iraq to cut back on military spending, leaving questions about whether it can handle tasks such as protecting oil platforms in the Persian Gulf once the American pullout is complete, a top U.S. commander said. Iraq's leaders now have to decide where the cuts will be deepest: arms, patrol boats or air power - all of which the country needs to create a fully functioning security force.

Lead Levels Down in Children, Study Finds

CHICAGO - In a stunning improvement in children's health, far fewer kids have high lead levels than 20 years ago, new government research reports - a testament to aggressive efforts to get lead out of paint, water and soil. Lead can interfere with the developing nervous system and cause permanent problems with learning, memory and behavior. Children in poor neighborhoods have generally been more at risk because they tend to live in older housing and in industrial areas.

Newsmaker / Embattled Sen. Burris Digs In

WASHINGTON - If it were up to Roland Burris, he'd be here to stay. A week of lonely walks, calls for his resignation and cameras following his every move didn't seem to affect the new senator from Illinois. The opposite, actually: Burris spent most of his time digging in.

Military Mom Takes Kids to Fort Bragg

DAVIDSON, N.C. - A North Carolina woman who was recalled to the Army four years after being honorably discharged was driving nearly 400 miles and braving a Southeastern winter storm to report for duty Sunday, with her children by her side. Lisa Pagan was en route to Fort Benning, despite the snow, and said in a phone interview she hoped to reach the Georgia post by early evening.

Names in the News

Israel's attorney general notified Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday that he plans to indict him on suspicion of illicitly taking cash-stuffed envelopes from Jewish-American businessman Morris Talansky . Olmert would be the first Israeli prime minister ever indicted. Before a decision on an indictment is made, Olmert will have one last chance to try to persuade Attorney General Meni Mazuz not to charge him, Mazuz said. The attorney general is already considering bringing Olmert to trial in...

They Said It

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced more than 1,300 sanitation workers would spread salt and plow city streets to prepare for a big snowfall expected today. "It's the first of March, which as you know is the month that we say comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. It's pretty clear that the lions are getting ready to roar."

Briefly

Clinton pledges $300M to Gaza SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today will pledge about $300 million in U.S. humanitarian aid for the war-torn Gaza Strip, plus about $600 million in assistance to the Palestinian Authority, a U.S. official said Sunday.

Washington State to Allow 'Dignity' Death -- Some Doctors May Not Comply

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Terminally ill patients with less than six months to live will soon be able to ask their doctors to prescribe them lethal medication in Washington state. But even though the "Death with Dignity" law takes effect Thursday, people who might seek the life-ending prescriptions could find their doctors conflicted or not willing to write them.

On the Front

U.S. drones kill 8 in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Two missiles fired Sunday from American remotely piloted aircraft killed at least eight militants in a Taliban stronghold on the Afghan border, according to a local intelligence official and news reports.