The Washington Post reports the U.S. military expects to station 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 to help state and local officials respond to assist in homeland security. The Pentagon’s plan calls for three rapid-reaction forces to be ready for emergency response by September 2011. The first 4,700-person unit, built around an active-duty combat brigade based at Fort Stewart, Ga., is already available to be deployed domestically.

400 Nigerians Killed in Christian-Muslim Clashes
In Nigeria, over 400 people have died in the city of Jos after clashes between Christians and Muslims following a disputed local election. The Red Cross estimates 7,000 people have fled their homes. Churches and mosques were reportedly burnt to the ground during the fighting.

Labor Department Pushes Rule Change on Toxic Substances in Workplace
The New York Times reports the Labor Department is racing to complete a new rule that would make it much harder for the government to regulate toxic substances and hazardous chemicals to which workers are exposed on the job. The proposal would, in many cases, add a step to the lengthy process of developing standards to protect workers’ health. Public health officials and labor unions said the rule would delay needed protections for workers, resulting in additional deaths and illnesses. The rule change has been strenously opposed by President-Elect Barack Obama. The Labor Department proposal is one of about 20 highly contentious rules the Bush administration is planning to issue in its final weeks.

U.S. War Resister Seeks Asylum in Germany
A U.S. war resister who fought in Iraq has applied for asylum in Germany saying the Iraq war was illegal and that he could not support the “heinous acts” taking place. Andre Shepherd has been living in Germany since going AWOL last year. On Thursday Shepherd say: “When I read and heard about people being ripped to shreds from machine guns or being blown to bits by the Hellfire missiles I began to feel ashamed about what I was doing. I could not in good conscience continue to serve.” Andre Shepherd is believed to be the second U.S. soldier to seek asylum in Germany since the start of the Iraq war.

Stampede of Shoppers Kill Worker At Wal-Mart
In Long Island, New York, a worker at Wal Mart died after being trampled to death by a stampede of shoppers on Friday, the traditional first day of the holiday shopping season. The 34-year-old worker Jdimytai Damour was killed after a crowd of 2,000 broke down store doors and ran over him shortly before the store’s scheduled 5 a.m. opening. Four shoppers were injured in the stampede including a pregnant woman. Nassau County police were trying to determine what happened during the stampede, but said it was unclear if there would be any criminal charges. Shoppers at Wal-Mart described a chaotic scene at the store.

Lisa Williford: “It was mayhem. It was mayhem. It was a real mob. It was a real mob and I was on the line at 10 minutes to four, so it was at least four or five-thousand before I had even got here. So I think that people were anxious. I’m going to get in. I’m going to get in. I’m going to get in and I don’t think the security that they had was enough to calm the crowd or make the crowd feel like you’re going to get your turn.”

National Day of Mourning Held on Thanksgiving
In Massachusetts, members of the United American Indians of New England held a protest on Thursday to mark the National Day of Mourning. The day is observed by many Native Americans and their supporters in protest of the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. Speakers included Juan Gonzalez, representing the consulate of Mayan Elders.

Chris Matthews Seen As Possible Senate Candidate
And in political news, rumors have it that MSNBC host Chris Matthews is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania against Republican Arlen Specter. Matthews is a Philadelphia native and once served as an aide to House Speaker Tip O’Neill.

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When An Elder Passes On To Higher Life , Its Like One Of The Library Have Shut Down