Top Scoop Stories June 26th, 2009 News Summary

Friday, 26 June 2009, 1:39 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Smacking: Cost Of Referendum Suddenly Its Opponent's Fault
Family First NZ is calling on Barnardos, Plunket and other government funded agencies running the Yes Vote campaign for the upcoming Referendum to support a minor law change and save the country $9m. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00287.htm

ALSO:

Speech: Roy - Anti-Smacking Referendum [2]

Anti-smacking law insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga [3]

Real Issues - Referendum, Education, KiwiSaver [4]

Barnardos drop legal threat re ‘Vote No’ Video [5]

Dr Seuss's guide to John Key on CIR [6]

82% Will Be Voting NO – 76% Want It Binding [7]

Smacking – “It’s wrong, full stop” say children [8]

Dad’s Name Should Not Have Been Published [9]

What happened to adult self-control? [10]

Making Sense of the Referendum [11]

Sri Lanka: Undoing The Misuse Of Referendums [12]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00329.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00290.htm [3]

[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00286.htm [4]

[5] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00274.htm [5]

[6] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00261.htm [6]

[7] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00262.htm [7]

[8] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00259.htm [8]

[9] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00258.htm [9]

[10] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00256.htm [10]

[11] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00166.htm [11]

[12] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00359.htm [12]

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NZ POLITICS

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ALSO:

Questions for Oral Answer - 25 June 2009 [2]

Today In Parliament: 25.06.09 [3]

Question and Answers - 24 June 2009 [4]

Today In Parliament: 24.06.09 [5]

Questions And Answers - 23 June 2009 [6]

Today In Parliament: 23.06.09 [7]

Mallard thrown out of Parliament after offending PM [8]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00351.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00271.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00336.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00259.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00315.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00245.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/23630.html [8]

Car Chases: IPCA Finds Police Should Have Abandoned Pursuit
A Police pursuit that ended in the death of 17-year-old Jamie McElrea should have been abandoned prior to the fatal crash, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00292.htm

Power: Fitzsimons Calls For Even Smarter Meters
“Just a few dollars more per installation would give homeowners power over their electricity bills, saving money right across the economy. It could be win-win for everybody, but instead it’s a rort by the power companies.” More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00359.htm

ALSO:

Kiwis miss out on smart power [2]

Smart meters the smart way [3]

Govt Can Make Smart Meters Live Up To Their Name [4]

New meters will give customers control of costs [5]

Contact’s smart meters equipped for the future [6]

Power companies are keeping consumers in the dark [7]

Report on smart meters Welcome [8]

Will smart meters fail consumers? [9]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00280.htm [2]

[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00355.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00368.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00594.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00616.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00289.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00282.htm [8]

[9] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00334.htm [9]

Prisons: Corrections Staff Get Sweetener For Double-Bunking
Corrections Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the announcement that frontline correction officers will receive increased tactical communications training and more personal protective equipment. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00311.htm

ALSO:

Double bunks essential to manage prison crisis [2]

Potential of Maori Focus Units yet to be realised [3]

Sign Language classes another casualty of ACE Cuts [4]

Proposed student loan threshold changes harsh [5]

Nats, Dunne make education harder [6]

Community learning cuts show Govt social vandals [7]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00308.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00346.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00353.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00341.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0906/S00075.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00283.htm [7]

Auckland: Councils Prepare Submissions
The North Shore City Council, at its June Council meeting, has tonight signed off its submission to the Select Committee on Auckland Governance in response to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00323.htm

ALSO:

Mayors share vision for Auckland [2]

Think Regionally, Act Locally [3]

Rodney Residents say No to Super City [4]

Council Submission to Committee on Auck Governance [5]

Manukau submission for Auckland Governance finalis [6]

Waitakere Submission Off To Select Committee [7]

Council Votes For Maori Representation [8]

Order your Local Government before it's too late [9]

Auckland supercity makes it inevitable for Wgtn [10]

Forced Amalgamation not what Wellington Needs [11]

Report Calls For Auckland Super City [12]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00291.htm [2]

[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00282.htm [3]

[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00295.htm [4]

[5] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00294.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00345.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00336.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00329.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00346.htm [9]

[10] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00309.htm [10]

[11] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00321.htm [11]

[12] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0903/S00344.htm [12]

All Wet: Government To Save Economy With Gastroenteritis
The right to safe drinking water should be top priority for the Government the Green Party said today and slammed the decision by the Government to delay the introduction of safe drinking water standards by three years. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00342.htm

ALSO:

Councils have more time for water compliance [2]

Hide wins water moratorium and puts health at risk [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00324.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00367.htm [3]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Employment: Fletcher Building To Close Kumeu Mill
The National Distribution Union is challenging Prime Minister John Key and NZ corporate giant Fletcher Building to take proactive action to deal with the 41 jobs lost as a result of the decision of Fletchers to close its Kumeu mill in the PM’s Helensville electorate. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00285.htm

GDP: Economy Not Doing So Good
Economic activity, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was down 1.0 percent in the March 2009 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today. On an annual basis, GDP decreased 1.0 percent for the year ended March 2009, the first annual decline in economic activity since the year ended June 1992. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00617.htm

ALSO:

NZ economy contracted for fifth straight quarter [2]

Export sector where jobs, growth will come [3]

GDP: greater scale and urgency needed on jobs [4]

NZ dollar gains before GDP, greenback weakens [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00620.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00376.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00291.htm [4]

[5] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/26/nz-dollar-gains-before-gdp-greenback-weakens/" target="_blank [5]

Carbon: ETS TBC
Inclusion of the stationary energy and industrial processes sectors in the Emissions Trading Scheme from next January was never achievable, Enviroment Minister Nick Smith told the Local Government and Environment select committee this morning. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/25/smith-signals-inevitable-ets-delays/

Employment: Chorus Out Of Tune, Says Union
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has serious concerns about the decision to shift work done by Telecom’s Chorus division in Auckland and Northland to Visionstream – a move that will affect around 400 EPMU members. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00276.htm

ALSO:

Chorus announces planned service company changes [2]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00585.htm [2]

Science: How Homing Pigeons Find Home
Ground-breaking work by Professor Michael Walker, a co-director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, the Māori Centre of Research Excellence, and Dr Cordula Mora at the University of Auckland showing how pigeons navigate precisely from unfamiliar locations ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0906/S00035.htm

Scoop Business: Belgian Dentists Return To Kiwi
Sales of New Zealand dollar urisdashi and eurokiwi bonds in June outpaced redemptions for the first time in more than a year, suggesting renewed appetite for high-yields will underpin the kiwi heading into the biggest month of maturities in at least a decade. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/24/currency-focus-belgian-dentists-return-to-kiwi/

ALSO:

NZ dollar falls as Fed sees low rates enduring [2]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/25/nz-dollar-falls-as-fed-sees-low-rates-enduring/ [2]

International Trade: Govt Intervention Helps Global Dairy Prices
The near-term outlook for global dairy markets continues to underwhelm, according to a report just released by Rabobank. However, intervention buying by governments in the northern hemisphere has been serving to sustain global dairy prices at current ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00579.htm

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COMMENT

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Suzan Mazur: Vincent Fleury On Origin Of Form (And PZ Myers)
Vincent Fleury is a French scientist investigating origin of form with experiments involving cellular flow. He was recently featured in a PZ Myers Pharyngula blog -- where his work first caught my eye. Born in 1963, Vincent Fleury lived for eight years in Uruguay before... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00277.htm

Connie Lawn's Kiwi Blog: Pacific Night In Washington, D.C.
Downtown Washington D.C. rocked with the sound of Maori, Fijian, Hawaiian, and other Pacific Island music and dancing. The ninth annual Pacific Night was held in the spacious courtyard of the National Geographic Museum. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00273.htm

Iran: Myths & Realities - What Do The People Want?
Iran is at the top of international news. What led to the mass protests? How did the situation change so dramatically over a week? What do people want? What will be the outcome of this protest movement? These are the questions discussed repeatedly ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00280.htm

Bruce Clark: Sri Lanka - The World Has Moved On
As with other dramatic and often bloody developments that capture the world’s major media players, (and thereby our own attention), from time to time, the short-lived but intense focus on events in the tiny island state of Sri Lanka has subsided... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00281.htm

ALSO:

The Bank [2]

Hide covers crude oil worker [3]

Collins goods train [4]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00262.htm [2]

[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00235.htm [3]

[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00234.htm [4]

Gordon Campbell: Iraq, And Its Foreign Oil Deals
Remember how, when the US invaded Iraq in 2003, critics said it was all about oil? Next week, political events in Iraq – and the long simmering conflict between the central government in Baghdad and the local government... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/24/gordon-campbell-on-iraq-and-its-foreign-oil-deals/

Roland Michel Tremblay: The Battle Of The Sexes Is Still Raging
I don’t think much of women in this world. This is quite a hard statement to make, it is politically incorrect, I certainly will lose my job for stating it so clearly. However you have not heard the end of my argument yet. I don’t think much of men ... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00255.htm

Duncan Graham: Deluding Ourselves
There’s a certain mantra chanted by overseas visitors interviewed on Radio National. It requires the newcomer to congratulate us on the beauty of our land, the friendly folk, and the quality of the lifestyle. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00240.htm

"Give Me Liberty ..." Iranian People Demand Democracy
"Give Me Liberty ..." Iranian People Demand Democracy Click to enlarge Iranian citizens charge police with courage, their bodies, and a few rocks to secure their rights to self determination and clean elections. Image More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00236.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Film: Tom Scott’s "Separation City" Premieres in Wgtn
World Premiere at Embassy in Wellington on Wednesday August 5 (Opens in Cinemas everywhere from Thursday, August 6, 2009 Hoyts Distribution NZ Ltd and the NZ Film Commission are proud to announce Tom Scott’s “Separation City” will celebrate a World ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00279.htm

Bang Bang Clang... Wail: Strike and Saxophonist Collaborate
Strike Percussion are regular performers at Downstage, most recently with their hugely popular shows Strike Elemental (2008) and Strike Soundsystem (2009 NZ Fringe Festival). Adam Page Solo was a hit at the 2009 NZ Fringe Festival winning ‘Best Music’ ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00277.htm

Words: Ian Wedde Takes Michael King Residency
Distinguished Wellington poet, novelist and critic, Ian Wedde, has been selected for a six month writer’s residency in Auckland starting in July. The residency is a partnership between The University of Auckland, Creative New Zealand and the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00274.htm

ALSO:

Words Come Alive on Montana Poetry Day [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00276.htm [2]

Scoop Wellington: Pollinating The Arts In Thorndon
A Thorndon writers’ residency, composers’ residency and artists’ residency all within five minutes walk of each other have been making art with a capital A-R-T. The initials stand for Art Residencies Thorndon... More »[1]

[1] - http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=7585

Art: Don’t Look Now, We’re In A Recession
Hold Still - a video installation by sound and visual artist Rachel Shearer points a sharp light on the work of amateur female film makers during the Depression in 1930s New Zealand. Shearer describes Hold Still as ''An installation of fragments ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00259.htm

TV Documentary: PLO: History of a Revolution
This series contains many exclusive interviews with Palestinians who have been at the heart of the armed struggle over the last 50 years: including the last interview given by Yasser Arafat to discuss the history of the Palestinian revolution. Also ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00247.htm

1 in 16,290,120: Your Chance To Win $35m And Go Bling
NZ Lotteries has today increased Big Wednesday’s First Division to $35 million in cash and prizes due to exceptional sales this week, says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive, Todd McLeay. “Our retailers are reporting huge interest from existing ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00245.htm

Electronic Cigarettes: Smoking Now Even More Glamorous
Electronic cigarettes are helping save lives. If you smoke 20 to 30 cigarettes a day, and have tried everything to quit, or at lease cut down but without success, you might like to try an electronic cigarette. The Electronic cigarette can help ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00521.htm

Trademe Sensation: Scary Phenomenon Finds Good Home All Over NZ
Internet phenomenon Scary Washing Machine found a proud new owner last night who plans to take the famous appliance on a national tour. Electrical retailer 100% won a Trade Me auction that saw money raised for various children’s charities through ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00243.htm

ALSO:

The latest Trademe Sensation [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00141.htm [2]

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WORLD

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Animal Welfare: 1/3 Ocean Sharks Threatened With Extinction
Gland, Switzerland, June 25, 2009 (IUCN) – The first study to determine the global conservation status of 64 species of open ocean (pelagic) sharks and rays reveals that 32 percent are threatened with extinction, primarily due to overfishing. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00416.htm

Tyrannical Allegiance: Burma: News Blackout On North Korean Ship
The Burmese junta's censorship board has banned all internal media from publishing news about the Kang Nam 1 - a North Korean ship scheduled to dock near Rangoon in the next few days. The Kang Nam 1 is believed to be carrying arms and potentially ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00397.htm

ALSO:

Burmese Junta's Growing Nuclear Ambition [2]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00322.htm [2]

International Torture Day: Torture And Ill Treatment Of Detainees In Israel
This is done in violation of Israeli law, basic moral principles and international law, including international human rights conventions signed by Israel. The primary victims of this practice are Palestinian ‘security’ detainees. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00347.htm

ALSO:

Pakistan: Rogued Rule Of Law Allows Torture [2]

India: Proposed Bill On Torture Is Too Weak [3]

No To Torture, Establishment Of Rule Of Law [4]

Work Against Torture Is Fundamental To Human Right [5]

Bangladesh Govt Urged To Criminalise Torture [6]

Pakistan: Rouged Rule Of Law Allows Torture [7]

Cambodia: The Government Must Combat Torture [8]

Sri Lanka: The Elimination Of Torture [9]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00384.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00385.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00348.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00358.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00357.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00356.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00381.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00382.htm [9]

COHA: A Thoroughly Un-American Institution
Today, June 24, 2009, Congress will vote on an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act which would require the School of the Americas/WHINSEC to release to the public the names, ranks, countries of origin, courses taken and dates of attendance of all ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00394.htm

ALSO:

Situation In Iran Discussed by Ban [2]

Youtube Footage of Violence in [3]

Press Conference By The President [4]

IHS Jane Examines Post-Election Situation in Iran [5]

Brainstorming Iran: An X-Ray of Immediate History [6]

Use Of Force Amid Post-Election Violence In Iran [7]

Proof of Iranian Web Censorship Following Election [8]

Anonymous Harbors Iranian Refugees [9]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00403.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00396.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00390.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00354.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00344.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00328.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00295.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00257.htm [9]

Sex Crime: Conspiracy Of Silence: Sexual Violence In Wartime
New York, Jun 24 2009 6:10PM Women’s rights activists, senior military figures and top United Nations officials met in New York this week to discuss what the world body’s former humanitarian chief Jan Egeland described as “one of the biggest ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00408.htm

Recession Street: Unemployment In OECD To Approach 10% In 2010
23 June 2009 - Unemployment in OECD countries will continue to rise well into 2010, with the average unemployment rate approaching 10%, up from 7.8% in April, according to new OECD projections. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00353.htm

ALSO:

Damage From Crisis Likely To Be Long-Lasting [2]

Global Crisis Needs a Global Coordinated Response [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00417.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00415.htm [3]

Activism: Statement On Sweep Operation In Puncak Jaya
June 22 - Disturbing information has reached WPAT from a variety of sources of a very serious situation now transpiring in Puncak Jaya, West Papua. A ''sweep operation,' reportedly carried out by Indonesia's mobilized police or ''Brimob,'' has killed several ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00325.htm

ALSO:

The Masters of Terror [2]

Indonesia: Culture Of Police Abuse And Impunity [3]

Indonesia: Still No Criminalization Of Torture [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00410.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00411.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00412.htm [4]

ENDS

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Top Scoop Stories June 26th, 2009 News Summary