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Catholic bishops. Bishops Call Obama-Supported Abortion Rights Bill a Threat to Catholic Church "The nation's Catholic bishops approved a statement declaring that if the Democratic-controlled Congress and the incoming Obama administration enact proposed abortion rights legislation, they would see it as an attack on the church." Catholic bishops warn Obama they'll fight on abortion "The nation's Catholic bishops decided yesterday to fire an opening salvo at the incoming Obama administration, pledging to work with the new president on issues such as immigration and healthcare but also warning that the Catholic Church will do everything it can to oppose his support for abortion rights." Bishops to challenge Obama on abortion "In a direct challenge to President-elect Barack Obama, America's Roman Catholic bishops vowed to accept no compromise for the sake of national unity until there is legal protection for the unborn."

U.S. economy. U.S. announces mortgage affordability plan "The latest government-backed effort to stem the country's soaring rate of foreclosures could help several hundred thousand borrowers keep their homes but will do little for 80% of seriously delinquent borrowers, especially in once-hot real estate markets such as California." Economic woes squeeze children out of day care "Some parents have been laid off and must pull their children out of the day care center until they find a job. Others' employment hours have been cut, so they reduce their children's attendance to a few days a week."

Gun sales. Obama win triggers run on guns "Some say they are worried that the incoming Obama administration will attempt to reimpose the ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004. Others fear the loss of their right to own handguns. A few say they are preparing to protect themselves in the event of a race war."

Global economy. President-elect to stay away from G20 summit "Barack Obama will keep his distance from this weekend's G20 summit and will not meet with any of the world leaders attending the event." Britain's prime minister urges nations to tackle economy together "Ahead of a global summit to tackle the international financial crisis, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday called on nations to enact coordinated fiscal stimulus packages and to seal a new deal on world trade."

Detention. Battle in Bush administration over interrogation techniques "As the clock runs down on the Bush administration, moderates within the government are mounting what may be one last drive to roll back many of the harsh detention and interrogation policies pushed through by Vice President Dick Cheney." Guantanamo Closure Called Obama Priority "The Obama administration will launch a review of the classified files of the approximately 250 detainees at Guantanamo Bay immediately after taking office, as part of an intensive effort to close the U.S. prison in Cuba, according to people who advised the campaign on detainee issues."

Immigration. Economic Crises Will Take Precedence Over Near-Term Immigration Overhaul "The next administration's preoccupation with economic crises will likely prevent immigration advocates from capitalizing on steep losses suffered by their foes in last week's election, delaying any attempt to ease entry for people in the U.S. illegally."

Interfaith dialogue. Bush, other leaders to promote interfaith dialogue at U.N. "World political leaders this week are meeting to heighten the visibility and broaden the commitment to interfaith dialogue. On Nov. 12 and 13 at the United Nations, President Bush gathers with a dozen heads of state and other leaders to lend political backing to interfaith initiatives." Peres at U.N. forum: Dream of peace didn't die with Rabin "President Shimon Peres on Wednesday commemorated the anniversary of the assassination of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin during a U.N. General Assembly Meeting on Inter-Faith Dialogue. Rabin's death, he said, had been a catalyst to bringing down some of the barriers between Israel and the Arab world."

Brazil. Brazil demanding bigger role in setting the world's agenda "Brazil has surpassed the U.S. as the biggest producer of iron ore and coffee. It's become the world's biggest exporter of beef, poultry, biofuels and orange juice concentrate. It has $200 billion in reserves. When the G-20 meets to consider the world's financial crisis in Washington this weekend, Brazil wants a bigger role." Farming superpower Brazil spreads its know-how "The significance for the globe is huge.