AP – Italy’s economy undersecretary has quit after being implicated in an alleged influence-peddling investigation in the third such resignation to rock Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s government in as many months.

Source:Berlusconi suffers 3rd gov't resignation in
(AP)

Politico – Softer recruits from the “millenial” generation require a drastically revamped routine.

Source:Basic training gets an overhaul
(Politico)

AP – The White House asserted Wednesday that the $862 billion stimulus law has been even better for the economically-struggling country than previously advertised.

Source:New WH report claims more jobs from stimulus bill
(AP)

AP – A newspaper is reporting that the CIA paid an Iranian nuclear scientist $5 million to provide intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program.

Source:Report: CIA paid Iranian scientist $5 million
(AP)

CQPolitics.com – John Raese, a wealthy Republican businessman who has taken on, and been defeated by, two of West Virginia’s most powerful Democrats in the past quarter-century, believes the third time might be the charm.

Source:Businessman Not Afraid of Taking on Capito
(CQPolitics.com)

McClatchy Newspapers – WASHINGTON — Looking to boost his standing in a tough congressional election year, President Barack Obama heads to Michigan Thursday armed with a fresh report that he hopes will help convince people that his economic policies are making life better.

Source:White House says policies have helped economy
(McClatchy Newspapers)

McClatchy Newspapers – WASHINGTON — Republicans almost unanimously oppose spending $33.9 billion for extended unemployment benefits for some 2.5 million people who’ve lost them, because they say it would increase federal budget deficits.

Source:GOP: No more help for jobless, but rich must keep tax cuts
(McClatchy Newspapers)

Politico – Michigan is leading the fight on behalf of Arizona.

Source:States rally to Arizona's defense
(Politico)

Reuters – President Barack Obama’s economic policies have significantly boosted U.S. growth and hiring this year, the White House said on Wednesday as it seeks to counter sagging confidence in his economic leadership.

Source:Obama policies saved millions of jobs: White House
(Reuters)

Reuters – The Congress will likely act to extend tax cuts for the middle class to avoid choking off the fragile economic recovery, key congressional Democrats said on Tuesday.

Source:Congress to extend middle-class tax cuts: Dems
(Reuters)