News roundup


--> US news: The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to take up President Barack Obama's controversial jobs bill this week, with a key procedural vote on the $447 billion measure currently scheduled for this evening.

Among other things, the package includes an extension and expansion of the current payroll tax cut, an extension of jobless benefits to help the unemployed, new tax credits for businesses that hire the long-term unemployed and additional money to help save and create jobs for teachers and first responders such as firemen.

Republicans are vehemently opposed to a provision recently added by Senate Democrats that would pay for the measure through a 5.6% surtax on annual incomes over $1 million. GOP leaders have accused the president of engaging in so-called "class warfare" for political reasons, and are expected to prevent the bill from reaching the critical 60-vote threshold needed to clear the Senate.

Top Republicans have also said they will prevent a vote from being held on the original version of the measure in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

Asked last week if he is laying the groundwork to run against a "do-nothing Congress" -- a reprise of President Harry Truman's 1948 campaign -- Obama told reporters: "If Congress does something, then I can't run against a do-nothing Congress." (Via CNN)

--> US news: 'Underwear bomber' trial begins:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



--> Election 2012: With barely three months to go before the first Republican presidential nominating contests, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads the GOP field in both Iowa and New Hampshire, according to new NBC News-Marist polls of these early races.

While Romney holds a commanding 30-point advantage over the nearest competition in New Hampshire, he clings to just a three-point lead over former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain in Iowa, largely due to his lack of support among the Tea Party. More at NBC News.

--> In related news: The net worth of the 9 GOP presidential contenders is worth somewhere between $190 million and $250 million.

--> Sports: The first two weeks of the NBA's regular season have been canceled, as basketball players and management have yet to reach a deal on a new labor agreement, Commissioner David Stern (pictured) announced.

The two sides remain far apart, Stern said from the NBA meetings. He added that no further talks are scheduled.

Derek Fisher, the president of the NBA Player's Association, said the entire season may be in jeopardy. And the association's executive director, Billy Hunter, said the owners are more dug in than in the past.

Stern has said that last season was not profitable for most of the league's 30 owners, who want cost-cutting help from players.

The league lost as much as $300 million in the 2010-11 season, according to the commissioner.

Less than a week ago, the NBA canceled its preseason, which meant the loss of about $200 million in revenue, Stern said. More at CNN.

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