WHO chief: swine flu pandemic continues – WFAA
GENEVA (AP) — It is too early to declare that the swine flu pandemic has peaked worldwide and many more people could become sick with the virus this winter, the head of the World Health Organization said in an interview published Tuesday. The swine flu outbreak has peaked in the United States
House Dems pessimistic about public option – MSNBC
WASHINGTON – House Democrats aren’t optimistic that a government insurance plan, a central element of health care legislation passed in their chamber, will survive negotiations with the Senate. While insisting “it’s not dead,” Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said Sunday he recognizes realities in
Avatar’s titanic haul hits $617 million worldwide as Sherlock Holmes and Chipmunks bring big box office – canada.com
The 3-D extravaganza Avatar ruled the worldwide box office for a second weekend Sunday, while the latest exploits of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Sherlock Holmes helped set a North American sales record. Avatar, an eco-friendly morality tale from Titanic writer/director James Cameron, earned $220
Iran accuses West of fomenting violent protests – Houston Chronicle
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran on Tuesday accused Western countries of fomenting deadly anti-government protests in the capital this week and said it was summoning Britain’s ambassador to file a complaint. The comments by Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mahmanparast added to growing tensions between Iran
China Executes British Drug Smuggler, Snubbing Brown (Update3) – BusinessWeek
Dec. 29 (Bloomberg) — China executed a British national for smuggling heroin, brushing off clemency pleas from the U.K. government and protests that the father of five was suffering from a mental illness that made him unfit to stand trial. “I condemn the execution of Akmal Shaikh in the strongest
San Jose police mount cameras on officers’ heads – MLive.com
(AP) — SAN JOSE, California – Grainy cell phone images are often used against cops accused of using excessive violence. Now, officers are being armed with their own cameras. The so-called head cameras are the latest technology to come from TASER International, Inc., makers of the stun guns popular
Bump in retail sales pushes stocks higher – Columbus Dispatch
NEW YORK (AP) — Better holiday sales and rising commodities prices pushed stocks to their sixth straight gain and new highs for 2009. Major indexes edged higher yesterday after sales figures showed that shoppers spent more freely this holiday season, a sign of optimism about the economy. Figures
