In what must be welcome news to the White House, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Italy would consider taking on detainees from the Guantanamo detention facility in an interview with CNN on Monday. "If we can do this favor for the American people and the U.S. government, we will certainly do it," Berlusconi said, though he did not specify a number of detainees. He said Italy wants to help fight terrorism, since it's "a phenomenon that affects us all." Congress shut down Obama's plans to close Guantanamo last week over worries relocating the detainees would threaten national security.

Plenty more where that came from: North Korea has tested two more short-range missiles. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is drafting a resolution against North Korea after the country tested a nuclear bomb Monday, which was comparable to the bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. South Korea announced it will join a U.S.-led initiative to intercept North Korean ships that might be spreading weapons of mass destruction. North Korea warned South Korea that doing so would be considered an act of war. The blast was much more powerful than a test they conducted in 2006—it had the power of a 4.5-category earthquake. North Korea warned that it will also fire a short-range missile off its west coast. "Our army and people are fully ready for battle...against any reckless U.S. attempt for a pre-emptive attack," North Korea's news agency wrote. The resolution will contain "strong measures" against the nation.

The moment of truth: California's Supreme Court will issue its decision on Proposition 8, the voter initiative that banned same-sex marriage last November, today at 10 am. It doesn't seem likely the court will overturn Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, but about 18,000 couples who married when it was still legal (from May to November 2008) are anxious to find out if their unions will still be recognized after Tuesday. Some of the court's justices have suggested they do not think Proposition 8 should be applied retroactively, but advocates against gay marriage say that allowing some couples to stay married would create "two classes" of gay couples in the state (though, apparently, they do not think having "two classes" of all couples--married straights and unmarried gays--is a problem). Law professor Karl M. Manheim said that same-sex couples would be able to sue in federal court on due-process grounds if California retroactively invalidates their marriages.

Has North Korea's nuclear test emboldened Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? The Iranian president has challenged President Obama to debate face-to-face on "global issues as well as world peace and security" at the UN, if he's re-elected next month. According to the Associated Press, Ahmadinejad also made it clear that the nuclear issue "is closed." The talk about nuclear technology and the debate may be simple campaign posturing, but as the Associated Press put it, "it does put Ahmadinejad on record as supporting a potentially groundbreaking encounter following Obama's offer for dialogue." Ahmadinejad has also been under fire this week as reformists have accused his supporters inside the regime of blocking Facebook, an important tool for mobilizing the youth vote, as well as blogs and websites critical of the incumbent regime.

Republicans are ready to take aim at Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, whose growing unpopularity in his home state and increasing involvement in partisan battles make him an appealing target. But Reid has a powerful supporter in his bid for re-election: President Obama agreed to help fundraise for Reid, who is crucial to his political agenda. Though only 35 percent of Nevadans polled said they would vote for Reid in 2010, the senator has made it clear he will raise a record $25 million for his campaign, and is working to foster a less liberal image. He supported the firearms in national parks provision and broke with the administration by not supporting the closure of Guantanamo's detention facility. But Republicans aren't scared: “We view this race as highly competitive, if not the most highly competitive race for a seat held by a Democratic incumbent today,” said the political director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Mel Gibson confirmed that his girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva is pregnant in a colorful appearance on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Leno jokingly asked if that would be the 29th kid for the actor. "Well, actually eight. I guess I'm Octo-Mel," Gibson responded. The actor also talked about his divorce with ex-wife Robyn: "Look. When it's all said and done, I did a pretty good hatchet job on my marriage myself. I'm to blame. If you're inclined to judge, put it here," he said. Gibson is one of the special guests lined up for Leno's last week with the show before Conan O'Brien takes over June 1.

Might President Obama make his first nomination to the Supreme Court as soon as Tuesday? “Those involved with Obama’s decision” say it could come as soon as then, according to the Associated Press. Obama has interviewed two candidates for the job, but Republicans are keeping the option of a filibuster open, with Democratic Senator Ben Nelson threatening to join their opposition. "We don't want to have to read judges' minds. So I think that's the test—will they be an activist or not?" Nelson said. "I would hope that there wouldn't be any circumstances that would be so extreme with any of the president's nominees that the other side would feel the need to filibuster or that I might feel the need to filibuster in a case of extraordinary circumstances."

Sad news from Monday: Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter, Exodus, accidentally strangled herself on a cord attached to a treadmill and now is on life support in very critical condition in a Phoenix hospital. Her mother sent Exodus' seven-year-old brother to look for her, when he found the four-year-old hanging from the treadmill cord. The mother began CPR and called 911. Tyson was away from home on a trip at the time but has since arrived at the hospital.

Survivalism isn't just for fanatics anymore: SUV-driving, mortgage-paying, urban Americans are stocking up on water purification tablets and freeze-dried foods in preparation for an economic collapse. Camping supply stores are reaping the benefits of this urge to prepare for the worst—they now sell 55-gallon water jugs, freeze-dried foods, and lamp oil in droves to customers who aren't planning a camping trip. The new crop of survivalists are worried that if the economy collapses, they will suffer for depending on complicated systems for their most basic needs. "I don't want to be a slave to anybody," one survivalist, who regularly freezes 15 pounds of meat and buys flour in a 50-pound bag, said. "The more systems you're dependent on, the more likely things are going to go bad for you."

Ben Stiller's Night at the Museum sequel out-performed Christian Bale’s Terminator sequel this weekend, hauling in $70 million at the box office. The comparatively low returns for Terminator Salvation ($53.8 million) had some wondering if Bale's tantrum on set (which became a YouTube sensation) hurt the film's chances. But executives said the movie out-performed others in the Terminator franchise, and called the results "excellent." The first Museum was a sleeper hit grossing $30.4 million its first weekend and then picking up $251 million by the end of its run. And good news for Hollywood: this year's box office revenue is pacing 8 percent ahead of last year's.

Does President Obama’s first foreign crisis loom? He said today on the White House steps that the world must “stand up to” North Korea after the country conducted a nuclear test. The test and subsequent firings of short-range ground-to-air missiles “pose a grave threat to the peace and security of the world and I strongly condemn their reckless action,” he said. "North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons. We will work with our friends and allies to stand up to this behavior. The United States will never waver from our determination to protect our people and the peace and security of the world."

Buried in a New York Times article about Fox News host Greta Van Susteren's too-cozy relationship with the Palins is this nugget: Sarah Palin relied on Van Susteren's husband, John Coale, to verify a call from Bill Clinton. Coale, a former supporter of Hillary Clinton, switched to back McCain-Palin and has been criticized for his advice to the Palins considering Van Susteren's job. "He confirmed that Mr. Clinton was indeed trying to reach her," the Times writes. Why the former president reached out to her—and whether they actually talked—is unclear.

John W. McCluskey, the Bridgehampton resident accused of threatening Rudy Giuliani, is mounting a defense: He released a press release to Gawker today, calming that “The fact is that while crossing the street I simply informed Rudy of my contempt for his sleazy bullying tactics for most of his prosecutorial life. I pointed out he would gladly prosecute and persecute the innocent as well as the guilty if it gained him publicity.” He claims that Giuliani then became “irate and angry and threatened to beat me up for daring to express my opinion,” using “the foulest of language.” He also told Newsday that Giuliani “would prosecute and persecute a cheese sandwich if he got the opportunity.” Okay fine, but would he prosecute this cheese sandwich?

File under things-you-didn't-need-to-know: In a candid interview with Health magazine, Brooke Shields admitted that she lost her virginity when she was 22 years-old. Shields blamed a lack of self-confidence during her youth for her late arrival to the party. When asked about her biggest health regret, Shields responded, "Not learning to love the way I looked earlier. And I think I would have had sex a lot earlier! I think I would have lost my virginity earlier than I did at 22." TMZ wisely notes that this is somewhat of a surprise (to those who care) because Shield's seemed pretty comfortable with herself in Blue Lagoon when she was only 15 years-old.

Here in the U.S., scientologists enjoy the legal protections afforded all religions. But in France, the Church of Scientology faces a bit more skepticism. The religion that believes—among other things—that disgruntled alien spirits are at the root of our anxieties, has long been accused of being a "money-making cult" in France. Now the church stands accused of duping several people into spending exorbitant amounts of money on books, "purification packs," and something called an "e-meter" that gauges a person's spiritual state. The prosecution also claims that the vitamins doled out by the scientologists should not have been freely sold. If the Church of Scientology loses the case, their Paris headquarters and bookstore will likely be closed.

The world's favorite working class siren continues her march toward stardom. Singing "Memory," from the musical Cats, Susan Boyle once again dominated the competition on Britain's Got Talent, making her the clear favorite for the finale next week. The Associated Press reports that the unlikely star has decided to not change her appearance too much, instead remaining as she is. "I just want people to see me for who I am, and do my best at singing the song, that's what I am focusing on," she said. Boyle became a YouTube sensation as her humble appearance led superficial viewers to assume she could not sing. Much to the contrary, in her first TV appearance Boyle belted out a rousing version of "I Dreamed a Dream," winning over the hearts of all her skeptics. Even if there is an American Idol-esque upset this Saturday, one can safely assume that a record deal is in the works.

Some New Yorkers in the Upper East Side awoke with a start at 3:30 a.m. Monday when a small bomb exploded in front of a Starbucks, shattering the cafe's windows. Thus far, the culprit remains a mystery, though the ubiquitous coffee chain makes an easy target for anarchist-types. Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building housing the Starbucks. There have been several recent cases involving small bombs set off in the wee hours of the morning in NYC. A mysterious biker has been connected with improvised explosive devices thrown at the Mexican and British consulates, as well as a military recruiting station in Times Square.

The iPhone is so handy that artists can now leave their brushes and easel at home. The latest cover of the New Yorker was made entirely using the "Brushes" iPhone application over the course of an hour. The artist, Jorge Colombo, set up shop on 42nd Street and painted the cover portraying people hanging around a hot dog stand in the evening. The most convenient aspect of using the iPhone? No interruptions. An artist trying to paint the old fashioned way will be pestered by onlookers, not so when using an iPhone. “It gives him an anonymity in the big city that an artist with the easel wouldn’t have,” the art editor of the New Yorker said.

Perhaps he should call former president Clinton for advice? Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has said that he may explain his relationship with teenage aspiring model Noemi Letizia to parliament, The Times of London reports. The 72-year old Berlusconi's relationship with the 18-year-old Letizia is at the center of his divorce row with his wife, who said that she couldn't stay with a man "who frequents minors." Berlusconi claims a close relationship with Letizia's parents, although Letizia's ex-boyfriend recently said, "Noemi's parents have nothing to do with this, the link was just with her." Berlusconi denies charges of improprieties, insisting the relationship is "nothing improper."

Hillary Clinton, who graduated from Yale Law School in 1973, is set to rack up yet another degree from the venerable institution. According to the Yale Daily News, the secretary of State will receive an honorary degree Monday. It's unclear whether Clinton will be able to accept the honors in person—a State Department Spokeswoman wouldn't confirm or deny whether Clinton would attend the event. However, an unnamed insider says she'll be there, and the Commencement budget for security is suspiciously high—it's remained the same as it was during last year's visit by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Not your usual post-concert ritual: After performing for fans in Atlanta last night, the rapper T.I. packed up to head to prison, where he’s due to serve a sentence of one year and one day on federal weapons charges. 16,000 fans turned out at the Philips Arena to celebrate the native son, who brought his children on stage, said he hoped his fans would learn from his mistakes, and ended by saying "I'll see y'all in 366 days." T.I. was rung up on charges of trying to purchase unregistered machine guns from federal agents in 2007.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that construction will continue in existing Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. He intends, however, to remove about two dozen unauthorized settlement outposts and will not establish new settlements. The statements were made during Netanyahu’s briefing to his cabinet on the meetings held in the United States with President Obama and other officials. “We can't accept the idea that families will not bring children into the world, or that children will have to move away from their parents,” said the prime minister, while making clear that “there should be no doubt to our commitment [to remove the illegal outposts].” President Obama had made a call for all new construction to be stopped. This is the second time since returning from Washington that Netanyahu has highlighted significant differences with Obama. They also seem to disagree on whether Jerusalem should be included in treaty negotiations.

President Obama can't even relax on Memorial Day. He's dodged racial controversy, the Associated Press reports, by following presidential tradition and sending a wreath to the Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, which was once Gen. Robert E. Lee's estate. He'll also send one to the African American Civil War Memorial in the historically black U Street area of DC. Last week, a group of 60 professors--including Bill Ayers--petitioned Obama to slight the Confederate soldiers because their monument is a "denial of slavery as the cause of secession." Obama will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns today and breakfast with family members who have lost loved ones in the war.

He may not have the support of the Senate, but President Obama’s plan to close Guantanamo Bay gained support on Sunday from a current and a former military leader. Bush-era secretary of state Colin Powell spoke out on CBS's Face the Nation: “I felt Guantanamo should be closed for the past six years, and I lobbied and presented reasons to President Bush.” Powell's protestation marks a sharp split from fellow Bushie and former vice president Dick Cheney, who has been blitzing the media in support of Bush’s treatment of detainees. In fact, Powell claimed even President Bush wanted Guantanamo to go away: “President Bush stated repeatedly to international audiences and to the country that he wanted to close Guantanamo. The problem he had was he couldn’t get all the pieces together… it is a complex problem.” Meanwhile, on ABC's This Week, Admiral Michael Mullen, the current head of the joint chiefs, denounced Guantanamo as “a recruiting symbol for those extremists and jihadists who would fight us.”

Threats and other harassing communications against federal court personnel have more than doubled in the past six years, from 592 to 1,278, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. This has prompted hundreds of judges to get 24-hour protection from armed U.S. marshals. Many are altering their routes to work, shielding their addresses by paying bills at the courthouse or refraining from registering to vote. Some even pack weapons on the bench. "I live with a constant heightened sense of awareness," said John R. Adams, a federal judge in Ohio who began taking firearms classes after a federal judge's family was slain in Chicago and takes a pistol to the courthouse on weekends. Officials blame the violence on disgruntled defendants whose anger is fueled by the Internet, as well as terrorism and gang cases that bring more violent offenders into federal court. Frustration at the economic crisis might also be a factor.

Troubling news from Asia: North Korea is trumpeting what it calls a “successful” underground nuclear test. The country’s state-run KCNA agency says the underground test, the second since October 2006, was “aimed at strengthening its [North Korea’s] self-defense nuclear deterrent in every way,” and that it was more powerful than the previous test. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting in response. The American and South Korean geological agencies both detected a seismic tremor early Monday indicating a nuclear explosion. President Obama has since condemned the test in a statement. "The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities warrants action by the international community," he said. "We have been and will continue working with our allies and partners in the six-party talks as well as other members of the UN Security Council in the days ahead."

Woodward and Bernstein are synonymous with Watergate itself. What if The New York Times had scooped their story? Robert M. Smith, a reporter for the Times in 1972, lunched with the acting FBI director, who told him about aspects of the case including former attorney general John Mitchell’s involvement and hinted at White House involvement. Smith rushed back to the bureau to work on the story, but he had to hand it over the next day when he set off for Yale Law School. The editor he told about the story, Robert H. Phelps, traveled to Alaska for a month, and the rest of the reporting staff was overwhelmed by the Republican convention. So what happened to Smith’s tape recordings and notes? “I have no idea,” says Phelps, whose memoir Editor: My Search for Meaning at The New York Times comes out this month.

Welcome to what economists are calling the third wave of foreclosures. The New York Times reports that, with unemployment slated to rise into double digits from its current 8.9 percent, foreclosures among homebuyers with decent financial histories and prime mortgages are also going to rise. Mortgage defaults based on unemployment are expected to rise from 29 percent last year to 60 percent this year, according to Economy.com, and the number of delinquent prime mortgages increased by 473,000 to more than 1.5 million from November to February. Each foreclosure costs lenders $50,000, so additional foreclosures represent a serious financial risk. An Obama administration plan to spend $75 billion to incentivize mortgage servicing companies to go easy on troubled homeowners appears to be a drop in the bucket. A Treasury spokeswoman said the number of loans modified was between 10,000 and 55,000.

The first rule of the robocall industry is you don't talk about robocalls. A court case is revealing all the dirty secrets of the annoying telemarketing industry, which often deceives people into buying their products. The company in the Federal Trade Commision's crosshairs is Transcontinental Warranty, a seller of car warranties. A former employee turned whistle blower has stepped forward and dished the dirt on Transcontinental Warranty's unethical and possibly illegal business practices. Employees were instructed to not reveal the company's name, and pretended that they had important information about a person's car when in reality they knew nothing. The company also bombarded people with calls despite multiple request to be taken off their list. Transcontinental denies all wrongdoing and says they adhere to "the best practices of telemarketing."

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim—sometimes ranked as the richest man in the world—is known to have rescued The New York Times, but might he have bigger projects to save? “In April, when President Obama visited Mexico, Slim attended a dinner of prominent Mexicans held in Obama’s honor,” Lawrence Wright writes in The New Yorker. “According to someone at Slim’s table, Obama asked Slim to visit him the next time he was in Washington, and said to him, ‘Make sure you talk to Larry Summers before you go, because we need your advice.’ Slim did speak to Summers.” Slim tells Wright that “this crisis is the same one as 2000 and 2001.” His solution? “First, stabilize the financial system. Instead of talking about toxic assets and other in­vestments, you should recapitalize the banks through the public sector, using convertible bonds or preferred stocks.”

Neither Twitter nor television were distracting enough on their own, apparently. The Associated Press reports that Twitter has teamed up with Reveille productions and Brillstein Entertainment Partners, the big guns who created The Office and the Sopranos respectively, to create a show based on the social network. The unscripted show would feature players using Twitter to trail celebrities in a competitive format.

The rate of suicide in the Army has exceeded that of the general population for the first time since the Vietnam War, officials say. The number of cases reported in 2008 rose to 140 from 115 in 2007, and as many as 57 cases were recorded during the first three months of this year alone. January was an all-time monthly high, with a total of 24 suspected suicides. Reverend Susan Turley’s son, Army Pfc. Keith Moore, shot himself while manning a desolate checkpoint south of Baghdad on Oct. 14, 2006. The day he died, Keith had quarreled with an officer because he didn't see the point of patting down the same Iraqi civilians who came through their isolated checkpoint each day. According to Turley, members of her son’s unit told her that his last words were, “I don't know why we're doing this anyway. They're not bombing us.” She is now working on a documentary about mothers who have lost children in the war.