News Tidbits

Digital TV Transition Expected To Run Much More Smoothly: By delaying the conversion date by four months and boosting funds for outreach efforts, federal officials, broadcasters and experts say tomorrow's switch should be a non-event for most Americans. The switch to all-digital broadcast TV has been in the works since 1987. The effort gained momentum after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as lawmakers pressed for the end to analog broadcasts so some of those airwaves could be allocated to fire departments and other emergency agencies.

Report: Africa Making Unsteady But Remarkable Progress: Hat tip to reader Nanakwame for this one. The annual Africa Progress Report says that despite authoritarian and corrupt leaders, wars and coups, the overall trend in Africa is towards less conflict, more democracy and greater development. However, corruption is costing the continent $150 billion a year. Although international food prices have fallen, food crises persist in 20 African countries.

Rev. Wright: "I Meant Them Zionists, Not Them Jews": In an interview on a liberal satellite radio show, Rev. Jeremiah Wright said he misspoke and sought to clarify his comments about “them Jews” preventing him from speaking to former congregant and pal U.S. President Barack Obama (hat tip: The FOX Nation). Mr. Wright said, “I’m not talking about all Jews, all people of the Jewish faith, I’m talking about Zionists." He then criticized Israel: 'I quote Jews when I say this,' and referenced books by Jewish authors.

U.S. War Funding Bill Back On Track For Passage: Briefly held up in a battle over detainee abuse photos, a crucial war-funding bill appeared back on track, aided by a federal appeals court in New York. House-Senate negotiations on the war-funding bill first stalled as Senate Democrats balked at demands from House liberals that Congress allow a pending lawsuit to force the release of photos of U.S. troops abusing detainees to run its course without interference.

Cher’s Daughter Is Having A Sex Change Operation: She's going from Chastity Bono to Chaz Bono (hat tip: Drudge Report). "Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity," said Ms. Bono's spokesman. "He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his coming out did nearly 20 years ago."