CNN news 2007-12-11 加文本

cnn 2007-12-11


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Hello, I m Melissa Long here at the cnn Center in Atlanta on this Monday, December 10th, here's a look at some of the stories that are happening Now In The News.

A federal judge in Richmond Virginia has sentenced Michael Vick to 23 months in prison. The former pro football star pleaded guilty in August on charges related to his role in a dogfighting conspiracy. With time off for good behavior, the 23-month sentence could be reduced to 18 months.

Lewis ''Scooter'' Libby is dropping his appeal on the CIA leak case. Vice President Dick Cheney' s former Chief of Staff was convicted of perjury and obstruction for his statements about conversations with reporters on outed CIA operative Valerie Plame. President Bush commuted Libby's 30-month jail sentence in July. His lawyers say going on with the appeal process would put a huge burden on Libby and his family. Libby paid a fine and must serve two years probation.

The Supreme Court ruled today that judges can impose shorter prison sentences than those recommended by federal guidelines. That gives judges more leeway to reduce the disparity between sentences for crack cocaine and powder. Some critics say longer sentences in crack cases often amounted to racial and economic discrimination.

A deadly ice storm is wreaking havoc in the nation's mid section and it's getting worse today. Ice warnings, freezing rain advisories and winter watches are up from Texas to New Hampshire. Oklahoma was especially hard hit, more than 300 thousand homes and businesses are without power in that state. People are also dealing with slick hazardous roads. And all flights are cance(l)led in and out of Tulsa International Airport. The storm is also affecting residents in Missouri , Illinois and Kansas. At least 11 deaths are blamed on the storm in Oklahoma.

Some North Koreans won't have to leave their country to see the New York Philharmonic perform live. The orchestra will formally announce plans tomorrow for its concert in North Korea. The concert is scheduled for February 26th. Now critics say the trip only legitimises a brutal communist regime. The philharmonic's president says it's a cultural breakthrough.

And those are the headlines for you making news at this hour. Do stay with cnn for more on these stories or other news of the day.