Iraq: President Obama is sending 300 military advisors to stiffen the spine of the Iraqi army that’s collapsing before advancing Sunni Islamist rebels. Although the presence of “advisors” is often the first step to entering combat, Obama said American soldiers …

Iraq: The country’s biggest oil refinery appears to have fallen into the hands of Sunni Islamic militants after the army and helicopter gunships failed to hold them back. Black militant banners are reported to be hanging high within the refinery. …

Spin: Twin tornadoes ripped through northeast Nebraska yesterday, killing a five-year-old child and injuring possibly dozens of others. At least half the town of Pilgar was damaged or destroyed. Homes and grain elevators were flattened and livestock killed. Officials said …

Iraq: The State Department ordered the evacuation of a large number of American personnel from the US embassy in Baghdad in the face of an Islamic militant force trying to fight its way to the city. How many people would …

Friendly Fire: Five American Special Operations soldiers and one Afghan were killed by a “friendly” airstrike on their position. The team was conducting security operations prior to Saturday’s scheduled presidential runoff election when they came under attack by the Taliban. …

It’s a Negative: A deep cold has settled into the country from the Midwest to Maine in the wake of a major winter storm. Schools will be closed in Minnesota on Monday because it’s so freaking cold, with a low …

RussoPhobia: Hundreds of people in London yesterday protested Russia’s “homosexual propaganda” law that outlaws informing minors about homosexuality, staging gay pride events, publicly defending gay rights, or equating gay and heterosexual relationships. They called Vladimir Putin the “Czar of homophobia.” …

World: Cyprus is now planning to seize 20% of all bank deposits above 100,000 Euros at the Bank of Cyprus to pay off a $7.6 billion debt to the European Union due Monday. Accounts at foreign-owned banks would be taxed …