News Tidbits

Confederation Cup Soccer: USA Shocks #1 Spain: 2-0. Apparently, this is a big deal since Spain is the world's top-ranked soccer team. The victory halted Spain’s 35-game unbeaten streak, handing the Spanish their first defeat since November 2006. Team USA now advances to the final on Sunday to face the winner of tomorrow’s semifinal between South Africa and Brazil.

Fresh Clashes As Ruling Cleric Says Iran Will Not Yield: Hundreds of protesters today clashed with waves of riot police and paramilitary militia in Tehran, as Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, insisted that the authorities would not yield to pressure from opponents demanding a new election following allegations of electoral fraud. Defying government warnings, protesters attempted to gather in front of the parliament. They were met with riot police and paramilitary militia, who struck at them with truncheons, tear gas and guns.

Italian Prime Minister: "I Have Never Paid For Women": Europe's most entertaining politician is emboiled in another sex scandal. First, it was the teen jumpoff. Now Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is slamming reports that women were paid to spend the night at his home. One woman claims she's got video and audio of their encounters in his home, which she's turned over to police. Two other women have come forward claiming to have been his escorts.

Conyers Seen Praising Suspect Pawn Shop: OK, OK, here's a Conyers tidbit. Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers used a regulatory meeting to defend a pawn shop from which she allegedly received jewelry, a video recording indicates. The Democratic politician is being investigated for claims that she received $40,000 in jewelry from a jeweler in return for her help.