US President Barack Obama’s wealth in 2009 totalled between $2.3 million and $7.7 million, financial disclosure forms showed on Monday. The records also show the Obama family dog, Bo, is worth $1,600.
The Portuguese water dog was a gift to Obama, his wife Michelle and their two children from the late Senator Edward Kennedy.
The records showed the Obamas had some retirement savings accounts with the mutual fund company Vanguard and checking accounts at J.P. Morgan Chase and Northern Trust. The also own Treasury bills and notes. In addition, the couple have college savings accounts for their daughters Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8.
The figures do not include the value of their home in Chicago. Much of Mr Obama’s wealth comes from royalties from his two best-selling books — Dreams from My Father and Audacity of Hope — both of which were published before he became President. US vice-president Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill, reported wealth excluding their home of $155,000 to $679,000.
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US recalls 44,000 war helmets
Washington, May 18: The Pentagon has recalled 44,000 advanced combat helmets, issued to its soldiers in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq, after an investigation revealed that these helmets do not meet the US Army’s specifications. Investigations have been ordered into the matter.
Army officials, meanwhile, said these helmets do not pose a direct risk to soldiers. The 44,000 recalled helmets represent about four per cent of the total number of advanced combat helmets in the military’s inventory, Army Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller said. —PTI