Wordpress News Link Aggregator

My client is looking for a simple Wordpress-backed design. It will work like the DrudgeReport - a featured/area section up top, and three columns/areas below. Each post will be be placed in area dependent on category selected (e.g. Left, Center, Right). Each link will have the headline (link) and number of comments in parenthesis (smaller font). If post contains an image it will be placed above headline text and auto thumbnailed. When user clicks on the headline link they will be directed to outside source. When user clicks on(Comment #) they will be directed to internal post which contains headline excerpt and comments. Fairly straighforward. Design should be clean with white background, web 2.0 look and feel. You may use any of the many WP News themes out there and tweak it. Any questions please send PM.