User-linked headlines w/comments plugin?

Hi all. My wife and I have been looking everywhere for a plugin that will allow her to add “headlines” to the top or sidebar of the main page and allow users to comment on them once they’re posted, like the “headlines” or “hot headlines” sections of these two sites, respectively:

http://hotair.com/
http://sistertoldjah.com/

We’ve scoured the Net as best we could. Not sure what to search for. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt