Morning Swim

Here’s a brief rundown of what’s happening in the news on the second morning of 2009:

• Gaza death toll climbs to 414 as Israel continues air raids. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vows to use "iron fist" against Hamas.
   
• Israel allows some foreigners to leave Gaza — possibly an ominous sign of an impending ground invasion. Palestinian Islamists vow revenge.
   
• Nine Muslim passengers were kicked off an airplane at Washington Reagan National Airport after making "suspicious" remarks. AirTran officials refused to rebook them even after the FBI had cleared them of any wrongdoing.
   
• Paulson partially blames emerging markets for the current credit crisis. "A lot more needs to be learned about global imbalances."
   
• No settlement reached after Russia cut off gas supply to Ukraine.
   
• Josh Bolten and Stephen Hadley reflect on their time serving under Bush.
   
• Scientists say that the decline of coral growth in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a warning sign of bigger changes yet to come.
   
• A witness that was sent home from the Ted Stevens trial has died.
   
• Who wants Guantanamo detainees? Apparently not Australia or United Kingdom.