Obama kin arrested

New York, Jan. 31: Barack Obama’s Kenyan half-brother, George, has been arrested in Nairobi on suspicion of possessing marijuana.

The 24-year-old, who denies the allegation, was told he would face a court hearing on Monday. George, who hardly knows Obama, had one joint of marijuana on him, police said. The White House declined comment.

Black in GOP

Washington (Reuters): The Republican Party picked its first black chairman on Friday as it elected former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele to rebuild the Grand Old Party (GOP) after a string of devastating defeats.

Tax glare

Washington: President Barack Obama’s choice to head healthcare reform, Tom Daschle, paid over $100,000 in back taxes for a three-year period, setting up a potential roadblock to his nomination. But the White House press secretary said Obama still expected Daschle to be confirmed.