Obama to tout 'cliff' plan at diesel plant
REDFORD, Mich., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- President Obama traveled to Michigan Monday to urge lawmakers to act before the U.S. economy goes over the "fiscal cliff."
Obama met privately at the White House Sunday with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in their first face-to-face meeting in nearly a month.
It was also their first one-on-one session since July 2011, when they tried to forge a far-reaching "grand bargain" on taxes and spending.
Neither side would provide details, but the White House and Boehner's office issued identical statements afterward saying "the lines of communication remain open."
Obama was to push for action at Detroit Diesel Corp., a diesel engine maker owned by Daimler AG in Redford, Mich., 15 miles west of Detroit.
"We're getting down to as late as it's physically possible to actually turn a framework into enactable legislation and then actually get it passed," Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del., told The Washington Post.
"For senators to responsibly vote on a big, bold framework or package, we need time to review, debate and discuss this. And we are rapidly running out of running room," he said, explaining he anticipated a complex bill with "many real consequences for average Americans' lives."
Disclosure of the meeting indicated private discussions were moving forward despite political theatrics and threats from both sides, the Los Angeles Times said.
If no agreement is reached, virtually all the tax cuts passed under the George W. Bush administration would expire after Dec. 31, resulting in a $2,200 tax hike for an average family of four next year, officials estimate. Obama wants to extend the cuts for the middle class, but let them lapse for taxable incomes above $250,000 a year.
Republicans oppose higher tax rates for all U.S. taxpayers and have proposed raising revenue by eliminating tax loopholes and ending some deductions.
9 die in Taliban attack in Pakistan
BANNU, Pakistan, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Taliban militants attacked a police station and then opened fire on a nearby mosque in Pakistan Monday, killing at least nine people, officials said.
Police said three police officers and a soldier were killed at the Kakki station near Bannu, Geo News reported.
Militants used hand grenades at the station, which was occupied by about 20 officers, and then fired at the mosque, killing five people who were leaving after prayers, officials said.
A gunfire exchange lasted at least 90 minutes, police said.
At least seven security officers were injured.
The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, known as the TTP, claimed responsibility, Geo News said.
Police said four suicide attackers detonated their explosives when they were surrounded by security forces deployed from Bannu. One attacker, believed to be 12 years old, fled.
Afghan provincial women's leader killed
MIHTARLAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The head of eastern Afghanistan's Laghman province women's affairs department was shot and killed Monday by two gunmen on a motorcycle, officials said.
Najia Sediqi was shot as she made her way to her office, Khaama Press reported.
Fazal Ahmad Shirzad, provincial security chief for Laghman province, said Sediqi died at the scene.
Police said no organization had taken responsibility for the killing.
Brother: Jenni's death 'a devastation'
LAKEWOOD, Calif., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Jenni Rivera's brother, Pedro Rivera Jr., said the singer's weekend death in a Learjet crash in Mexico was "a devastation to the family."
The 43-year-old recording star was among seven people killed when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff Sunday, Mexican authorities said.
Pedro Rivera said his sister's body had not been recovered but when it is the family will head to Mexico to bring it home.
"We are feeling devastated. It's a devastation to the family," he told E! News Sunday outside the family's home in Lakewood, Calif.
Jenni Rivera sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and was recently named one of People En Espanol's 25 most powerful women. The mother of five children starred in the reality TV show, "I Love Jenni" and was set to headline an ABC sitcom called "Jenni."
Pregnant Kate Middleton ailing again
LONDON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Kate Middleton, British Prince William's pregnant wife, is again suffering from acute morning sickness, representatives for St. James's Palace said.
Kate was treated for dehydration related to the ailment in a London hospital for several days last week.
he Sun newspaper said the prince canceled a planned appearance at Sunday night's British Military Tournament at Earl's Court to be with his wife at home.
Kate is scheduled to attend the London premiere of "The Hobbit" Wednesday but sources told The Sun she is unlikely to make it.
William and Kate married in April 2011. They confirmed this month they are expecting their first child. The baby's gender and anticipated birthdate have not been disclosed.
