Here is your R&D for December 17th:
Mexico Drug War Death Toll Climbs to 30,196 Since 2006, Government Says from Bloomberg
Mexican Attorney General Arturo Chavez has announced that over 30,000 Mexicans have died from drug related violence since President Felipe Calderon was elected four years ago. This year’s death toll is the highest since Calderon took office.
Bailout Deal Fails to Quell EU Rifts from the Wall Street Journal
Although European leaders have endorsed plans for a rescue fund for euro-zone members, they have not yet resolved disagreements about whether a stronger fiscal union should be created to stop future crises.
Drug used in Okla. execution could gain wider use from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Death penalty experts believe that Oklahoma’s use of a sedative used to euthanize animals could become popular after a nation wide shortage of sodium thiopental, which is usde to put inmates to sleep.
WikiLeaks: Julian Assange says he expects US to charge him with spying from the UK Telegraph
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, recently released on bail in Britain over sexual assault accusations in Sweden, has announced that he prepares to be charged by the U.S. government for spying.
US Senator to have surgery, may miss key votes from the Agence France Presse
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has announced that he has prostate cancer and is going to have surgery next week. The surgery could force Wyden to miss key votes on issues like the START treaty and a vote to repeal don’t ask don’t tell.