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, '' said Deborah Autor , director of the office of compliance within the FDA 's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research . `` We will continue to take aggressive action against those firms that do not have the required FDA approval for their drugs . Today 's warning letters are another demonstration of our commitment to remove illegal , unproved drugs from the market . '' Although the FDA does not know whether these drugs are unsafe , it has not approved them so can not certify that the products are 100 percent safe and effective . `` Consumers have a right to expect that their drugs meet the FDA 's safety and effectiveness standards , '' said Dr. Janet Woodcock , director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research . `` Doctors and patients are often unaware that not all drugs on the market are backed by FDA approval . It is a high priority for the FDA to remove these products from the market because they may be unsafe , ineffective , inappropriately labeled , or of poor quality . '' The FDA believes Americans have access to plenty of legal narcotics for pain relief and | WHITE OAK , Maryland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Seeking to remove unapproved drugs from the marketplace , the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday ordered nine companies to stop manufacturing narcotics whose therapeutic claims have not been proved . The FDA ordered nine companies to stop selling unapproved drugs marketed for pain relief . The FDA 's warning letters notified the companies they may be subject to legal action if they do not stop manufacturing and distributing `` prescription unapproved products '' that include high-concentrate morphine sulfate oral solutions and immediate-release tablets containing morphine sulfate , hydromorphone or oxycodone . This action does not include oxycodone capsules . All of these drugs are used for pain relief and are forms of previously approved medications . The agency says this is not a recall , but is instead a warning to manufacturers . The companies have 60 days to pull these pain-relief drugs from the market . Distributors have 90 days to stop shipping them . If these drugs are not off the market by those deadlines , a company could face seizure of the narcotics and legal action . `` We estimate there are several hundred unapproved drugs out there |
government regulation of business and industry , with 39 percent saying there 's too much government regulation and an equal amount saying too little . Twenty percent said the amount of government involvement is just right . Watch why most Americans back the bailout '' `` Attitudes toward government have not changed since 2006 , when the economy was still in pretty good shape , '' said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland . `` Most still say the government is doing too much that should be left to individuals and businesses , and trust in government is still low . '' On the other hand , he said , `` with the economy in such poor shape , government action to stimulate the economy seems to get an exemption to the general concerns about big government . '' There also appears to be a divide between the parties when it comes to government involvement . `` Six in 10 Democrats want to see the federal government do more , '' Holland said . `` But three-quarters of Republicans would like to see a smaller government . The tiebreaker is independents . A majority of the independents polled say that government | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A new national poll suggests most Americans favor an economic stimulus package even if it comes with an $ 800 billion price tag , although that support does n't indicate the public wants to see a new era of big government . Two-thirds of people polled think Present-elect Barack Obama 's stimulus package will help the economy . Fifty-six percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Tuesday said they favor the stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama is proposing ; 42 percent were opposed . Obama is pushing Congress to pass the plan soon after he 's inaugurated on January 20 , to help jump-start an economy mired in a deep recession . The poll also indicates that two-thirds of the public thinks the stimulus package will do just that , with 17 percent saying it will help the economy a lot and another 50 percent feeling that it will help the economy somewhat . Twenty-one percent say the stimulus package wo n't help the economy very much and 10 percent say it wo n't help at all . But Americans seem to be split on whether they 'd like more |
8 . `` If you do n't agree with me that we have standing , '' Cooper told the court , `` then I do urge you to answer the California Supreme Court decision . '' Then Judge Stephen Reinhardt questioned attorney Robert Tyler , who represented Vargas , about how a deputy clerk , instead of the clerk , could have legal standing in the appeal . After a lengthy exchange , Reinhardt appeared frustrated and stated : `` If you do n't know the answer , say so , as the prior attorney did . '' In asserting that his client has standing in the appeal , Tyler told the court that the county clerks are local officers , but they perform state functions such as civil marriages . Monday 's arguments in San Francisco , California , were being divided into two hour-long sessions -- one over the legal standing of those appealing the decision , and one over the constitutionality of Proposition 8 . Monday 's hearing is the latest in a lengthy legal battle over same-sex marriage in California . The state 's high court had allowed same-sex marriage , but then the 2008 Proposition | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Attorneys on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate faced off Monday in a federal appeals court in California , as a panel of judges heard arguments about the constitutionality of Proposition 8 . In August , a federal judge ruled that the voter-approved measure , which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman , violated the U.S. Constitution . The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered an appeal of that judge 's ruling Monday . The three-judge panel opened Monday 's hearing with tough questioning of parties seeking to appeal the decision , including ProtectMarriage.com and Isabel Vargas , who 's a deputy clerk and deputy commissioner of civil marriages for Imperial County , California , where voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 8 . `` What 's your best case to allow for your standing in federal court ? '' one judge asked attorney Charles Cooper , representing ProtectMarriage.com . `` Your honor , I do n't have a case , '' Cooper responded , referring to relevant court cases . Cooper later urged the panel to consider how the California Supreme Court earlier ruled in favor of the voter-approved Proposition |
was found dead in her bed , half-naked , with a knife wound to her neck . In court papers , prosecutors stated that Sollecito held Kercher by her wrists while Knox poked at her with a knife and Guede sexually assaulted her . Prosecutors say they have physical evidence placing the defendants at the scene , and that they gave investigators confusing and contradictory statements about their whereabouts the night Kercher died . Knox first said she was at the house she shared with Kercher , then changed her story , according to court records . Sollecito , meanwhile , said he was never at the house , but was at his apartment , watching a movie on his computer with Knox . Later , he told investigators he did not remember whether Knox was with him the entire night . Defense lawyers are expected to argue that the physical evidence was tainted by sloppy police work . The case is being heard by a panel of eight judges . The trial has drawn more than 140 journalists from 86 news outlets to the courthouse in Perugia , Italy . The presiding judge in the case , Giancarlo Massei | ROME , Italy -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Amanda Knox will testify Friday in an Italian courtroom to defend herself against charges that she took part in the killing of her roommate two years ago , her lawyer said . American college student Amanda Knox , 21 , is expected to take the witness stand Friday at her Italian murder trial . Knox , 21 , an American college student from Seattle , Washington , will be questioned by her attorneys first and her testimony could continue Saturday , said Luciano Ghriga , one of her lawyers . The trial against Knox and her Italian former boyfriend , Raffaele Sollecito , 24 , began January 16 in Perugia , a university town about 185 kilometers -LRB- 115 miles -RRB- north of Rome . They are charged with murder and sexual assault in the November 2007 slaying of Knox 's roommate , British exchange student Meredith Kercher , who died in what prosecutors called a `` drug-fueled sex game '' with the couple . A third person , Rudy Hermann Guede , from the Ivory Coast , was convicted of murder in October and sentenced to 30 years in prison . Kercher |
born Martha Sharp Crawford into a wealthy family . She inherited a fortune conservatively estimated at $ 75 million , according to an article on the von Bulow case posted on truTV.com 's Crime Library Web site . In her early years , she drew comparisons to actress Grace Kelly . She became known as Princess von Auersperg with her first marriage , to Prince Alfred von Auersperg of Austria . That marriage produced two children : Alexander and Annie Laurie . The von Bulows married in 1966 and had a daughter , Cosima . On the morning of December 22 , 1980 , family members found Martha von Bulow unconscious in the bathroom of the family 's posh Newport , Rhode Island , home . She never regained consciousness . She had been hospitalized a year earlier after lapsing into a coma but recovered , according to the Crime Library site . Doctors had diagnosed her with hypoglycemia , or low blood sugar . Prosecutors accused Claus von Bulow of twice attempting to kill his wife by injecting her with insulin . The case also led to a major motion picture , `` Reversal of Fortune . '' Actor | NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After spending nearly 28 years in an irreversible coma , heiress and socialite Martha `` Sunny '' von Bulow died Saturday in a New York nursing home , according to a family statement . She was 76 . Sunny von Bulow is pictured during her 1957 wedding to Prince Alfred von Auersperg . Von Bulow was subject of one of the nation 's most sensational criminal cases during the 1980s . Her husband , Claus , was accused of trying to kill her with an overdose of insulin , which prosecutors alleged sent her into the coma . He was convicted of making two attempts on her life , but the conviction was overturned on appeal . He was acquitted in a second trial . His retrial in 1985 received national attention . `` We were blessed to have an extraordinarily loving and caring mother , '' said the statement from Von Bulow 's three children -- Annie Laurie `` Ala '' Isham , Alexander von Auersperg and Cosima Pavoncelli -- released by a spokeswoman . `` She was especially devoted to her many friends and family members . '' Martha von Bulow was |
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are commonly used drugs for both children and adults because they are effective in reducing fevers and relieving minor aches and pain , such as headaches and muscle aches , '' said Dr. Charles Ganley , director of nonprescription drugs in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research . `` However , the risks associated with their use need to be clearly identified on the label so that consumers taking these drugs are fully aware of the potential harm they can cause . It is important that they know how to take these medications safely to reduce their risk . '' The new labeling for acetaminophen also warns against taking multiple drugs that contain acetaminophen at the same time and exceeding the recommended dosage of the drug . And , it warns that drinking alcohol -- three or more drinks a day -- while using the painkiller can increase the risk of liver damage . For NSAIDs , the new labels will also caution users that alcohol use and taking the drugs for longer than directed can increase the risk of stomach bleeding . The agency says the use of blood thinning drugs or steroids while taking | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Over-the-counter painkillers and fever reducers will now carry new labels warning consumers of the potential risks of liver damage and internal bleeding associated with the drugs , according to a final ruling Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration . The new warning labels will affect over-the-counter pain relievers including Tylenol , aspirin and ibuprofen . The new rule covers acetaminophen , the popular pain medicine also known as Tylenol , and a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs . The most commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin , ibuprofen -LRB- the main ingredient in Motrin and Advil -RRB- , naproxen and ketoprofen . The modified labeling also applies to all products that contain these ingredients , such as cough and cold medicines . Under the new rule , package labels and bottles must prominently state in highlighted text the drug 's ingredients . For acetaminophen , the label must include bold lettering warning patients about severe liver damage . The new labeling also instructs patients using the blood thinner warfarin to consult their doctor before using acetaminophen . Bold lettering on NSAIDs labels must warn of severe stomach bleeding . `` |
's freedom denied and then to find it and to insist that Americans stand for spreading the benefits of freedom and prosperity to others . '' Lantos , who was serving his 14th term in the House , was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December . He announced last month that he would not seek a new term . `` It is only in the United States that a penniless survivor of the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi underground could have received an education , raised a family and had the privilege of serving the last three decades of his life as a member of Congress , '' Lantos said in a statement at the time . `` I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country . '' Watch Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid remember Lantos '' The lawmaker is the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress . The Hungarian-born Lantos came to the United States in 1947 after surviving a forced-labor camp in his Nazi-allied homeland . He escaped and was sheltered in a Budapest safe house set up by Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg , who was | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rep. Tom Lantos , the Democratic chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs , died Monday due to complications from cancer , his office said . Lantos was 80 . Rep. Tom Lantos represented his Northern California district for 14 terms . He died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland , surrounded by his wife , Annette , daughters Annette and Katrina and many of his 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren , according to his office . Lantos ' life was `` defined by courage , optimism , and unwavering dedication to his principles and to his family , '' said his wife , Annette , his childhood sweetheart , in a statement the House of Representatives released . Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday that she was `` quite devastated '' by the death of her `` dear , dear friend . '' She called him `` a true American hero '' and `` the genuine article . '' `` He 's going to be really , really missed , '' she said . Rice described Lantos as `` the embodiment of what it meant to have one |
's Benjamin Becker 7-6 -LRB- 7-4 -RRB- 6-3 . Fourth seed Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard and 15th seed David Ferrer 7-6 -LRB- 7-5 -RRB- 6-4 and will next face eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga , who trounced Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6-2 6-2 . Fifth seed Robin Soderling of Sweden progressed with a 6-0 6-7 -LRB- 3-7 -RRB- 6-2 victory over Chile 's Fernando Gonzalez , while Mardy Fish of the U.S. was forced to retire while trailing 6-1 1-0 against 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny . In the women 's tournament , Venus Williams advanced to the semi-finals with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Agnieszka Radwanska . She will face France 's former Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli , who beat Yanina Wickmayer 6-4 , 7-5 . Williams , who had required three sets to defeat Daniela Hantuchova in the previous round , was delighted to have had an easier ride this time around . `` Getting through a match like yesterday makes me more confident because it was n't exactly my best game , '' she told the tournament 's official Web site . `` Today I was kind of eager to clean up my act . We had | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Roger Federer suffered a surprise defeat to Czech Tomas Berdych in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami . The Swiss top seed was a long way from his best as Berdych edged a tight battle 6-4 6-7 -LRB- 3-7 -RRB- 7-6 -LRB- 8-6 -RRB- . Federer had a match point in the deciding tie-break but missed his chance with a wayward forehand , allowing Berdych to claim the victory three points later . Federer , who won the latest of his record 16 Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open in January , had only lost once to Berdych in nine previous meetings . `` It 's no secret I 've struggled the last five matches I 've played here in the States , '' Federer told the official ATP Tour Web site . `` I 'm definitely lacking timing . I do n't know where that comes from because I played so nicely in Australia . So it 's disappointing to not be able to back it up . '' They were joined in the quarterfinals by American Andy Roddick , who fought back from 4-1 down to defeat Germany |
results would not hold true in a similar group of men . Christen and his colleagues examined the role of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid in AMD partly because previous studies have shown these vitamins are known to lower levels of homocysteine , an amino acid found in the blood that when elevated has been associated with higher risks of AMD . The 5,442 women who participated in the randomized , double-blind clinical trial already had heart disease or at least three risk factors for cardiovascular disease . The majority of them did not have AMD at the start of the study , which lasted more than 7 years . Christen explains that the underlying mechanism of AMD likely involves the vascular system , and researchers widely believe that cardiovascular disease and AMD share common risk factors . Age-related macular degeneration is a vision disease common among people older than 60 , involving the deterioration of tissues in the macula , the central part of the retina . The condition impedes the performance of critical everyday functions such as reading and driving because it affects the ability to see items that a person is looking at directly , | Researchers may be getting closer to an effective way of preventing age-related macular degeneration , one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans . A new study found that vitamins B6 , B12 and folic acid may help prevent age-related macular degeneration . A new study finds that women who took a combination of B6 and B12 vitamins along with a folic acid supplement had lower risks of developing age-related macular degeneration . The women who got the supplements , compared with those taking a placebo , had a 34 percent lower risk of developing any form of AMD , and a 41 percent lower risk of more severe forms of AMD . Epidemiologist and study author William G. Christen , Sc.D. , of Brigham and Women 's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , expects that if these findings are successfully replicated in future studies , `` the combination of these vitamins might become the first prevention method of early stages of age-related macular degeneration other than avoiding cigarette smoking . '' Christen also noted that although the study was conducted among women age 40 and older , there is no particular reason to believe the same |
to Wandsworth , it will mark the end of a more than 200-year association with Grosvenor Square , in the historic and exclusive neighborhood of Mayfair near Hyde Park . John Adams , who later became U.S. president , lived on the square from 1785 to 1788 , when he was the first U.S. minister to the Court of St. James . The building in which he lived still stands in the square 's northeast corner . The embassy moved to various locations in the West End before returning to Grosvenor Square in 1938 . For years , it occupied a building on the east side of the square -- a building that now houses the Canadian High Commission . During World War II , the square was known as `` Little America '' because the embassy was on one side and Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower 's headquarters were on the other . The embassy moved to its current site , occupying the entire west side of the square , when the building was completed in 1960 . The concrete , four-story structure was designed by Eero Saarinen , who also designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis , Missouri | LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. State Department has sold its London embassy building to a Qatari real estate company , the embassy announced Tuesday . The signing of the deal is another major step in the embassy 's plans to relocate from its longtime headquarters in central London to a new site in Wandsworth , on the south bank of the River Thames . It was n't immediately clear how much Qatari Diar Real Estate paid for the embassy building in Grosvenor Square , whose 1960s facade was recently given listed status , meaning its design ca n't be changed . The embassy will continue to operate from the current building until the new one is completed in 2016 or 2017 , the embassy said . Construction is expected to begin in 2012 or 2013 . It was a year ago that the embassy announced it was looking for a new site that is more modern , open , and secure than the current building in London 's West End . It has now settled on a site in Wandsworth and is having a design competition for the new building . When the embassy does move |
, including beheadings . Authorities said the arrests made Wednesday and Thursday occurred in California , Colorado , Georgia , Massachusetts , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Nevada , New York , North Carolina , Oklahoma , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Washington . Dozens of arrests occurred in the Dallas , Texas , area where agents with the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives filed charges against cartel members believed to have illegally purchased and shipped high-powered firearms to the cartel , which was based in the Mexican state of Michoacan . U.S. officials vowed to indict cartel leaders and extradite them to the United States . One leader , Servando Gomez-Martinez , was indicted in New York on Thursday . He remains at large , and is presumed to be in Mexico . A senior law enforcement official involved in the operation , who asked not to be identified , said he was certain the latest crackdown on La Familia would affect the methamphetamine market in the United States for months . `` It 'll make a difference not only because of how hard we hit 'em , but where we hit | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Justice Department on Thursday announced 300 additional arrests in a four-year operation that it says produced nearly 1,200 arrests and seizures totaling 11.7 tons of illegal drugs . Authorities look through seized property after a drug raid at a house near Atlanta , Georgia , on Wednesday . Attorney General Eric Holder announced the wrap-up of Project Coronado , which resulted in arrests in 15 states in the past two days . Holder said the operation targeted the distribution network of a major Mexican drug trafficking organization known as La Familia . About 3,000 federal agents participated in the investigation and raids , officials said . `` This unprecedented , coordinated U.S. law enforcement action -- the largest ever undertaken against a Mexican drug cartel -- has dealt a significant blow to La Familia 's supply chain of illegal drugs , weapons and cash flowing between Mexico and the United States , '' Holder said in a news conference . Watch Holder announce the arrests '' Michele Leonhart , acting chief of the Drug Enforcement Administration , said the cartel was known for specializing in the trafficking of methamphetamine and for its brutal violence |
early as the early 1990s , '' Mutangana said . Former president was killed in April 1994 when his plane was shot down near the capital , Kigali . The mass killings began hours later , and by the time they ended 100 days later , some 800,000 people had been killed . Most were members of the country 's Tutsi minority , killed by members of the Hutu majority . The circumstances surrounding Habyarimana 's death remain a mystery . He was a Hutu , and speculation immediately fell on Tutsis as the perpetrators of the attack -- but some have also speculated that Hutus themselves shot down the plane to provide cover for the genocide . Top officials such as army generals and politicians who allegedly took part in the genocide have been tried in the Rwandan justice system and the International Criminal Tribunal , which is based in Tanzania . Civilians who allegedly contributed either directly or indirectly are tried by local communities in `` gacaca '' courts , which allow survivors to confront their attackers . Some human rights organizations have criticized the gacaca courts for falling short on delivering justice . Agathe Habyarimana is now | Paris , France -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The widow of former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana , whose assassination sparked the 1994 genocide , was arrested Tuesday in Paris on a Rwandan warrant , French and Rwandan officials said . Agathe Habyarimana was arrested at her French home Tuesday morning and is scheduled to appear in court later in the day , said a deputy prosecutor who declined to give his name because he is not authorized to speak about the matter . Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo told CNN that Habyarimana was arrested on genocide charges . They include genocide , conspiracy to commit genocide , complicity to commit genocide , and direct and public incitement to commit genocide , said John Bosco Mutangana , the head of Rwanda 's Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit . The charges also cover crimes against humanity , specifically murder and extermination ; creation of a criminal gang , namely the Hutu militias ; and aiding and abetting the killings perpetrated by soldiers in violation of the Geneva Convention , Mutangana told CNN . `` We have of course strong evidence linking her to the genocide and the planning of the genocide itself , as |
evening , the center of Paloma was about 25 miles -LRB- 40 kilometers -RRB- south of Grand Cayman Island and about 275 miles -LRB- 443 kilometers -RRB- southwest of Camaguey , Cuba . It was moving northeast at about 7 mph and was expected to pass near Grand Cayman Friday night and approach the coast of central Cuba late Saturday , the hurricane center said . The storm 's projected path would steer it away from the U.S. mainland and into the Atlantic . See where the hurricane could be headed '' J.B. Webb , a manager at a radio station on Grand Cayman , said Friday evening that some residents had gone to shelters and others were shutting themselves in downtown businesses rebuilt to withstand a Category 5 hurricane . He said the local government had advised people to be off the roads by 11 a.m. . The storm is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over the Caymans and central and eastern Cuba , with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches possible . Flash floods and mudslides are possible , forecasters said . Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hurricane Paloma continued to intensify Friday night as the Category 3 storm pounded Grand Cayman island with strong winds and heavy rain . As of 10 p.m. ET Friday , Paloma was moving northeast through the Cayman Islands . The National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening of the storm could occur through Saturday night as Paloma turned northeast and headed toward Cuba . A hurricane warning was in effect Friday throughout the Cayman islands , with residents being told that `` preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion , '' the center said . A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours . Cuban officials also issued a hurricane warning for the provinces of Sancti Spiritus , Ciego de Avila , Camaguey and Las Tunas , the Miami , Florida-based hurricane center said in an advisory . As of 10 p.m. ET , Paloma 's winds were near 115 mph -LRB- 185 kph -RRB- with higher gusts . Paloma is forecast to approach Cuba as a Category 2 storm after weakening late Saturday , according to the hurricane center . Watch rainstorms beat the Cayman Islands '' Friday |
`` a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with , '' according to court documents released last week . Brown issued a public apology to his fans last month . `` Words can not begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired , '' he said in a statement released by his spokesman . `` I am seeking the counseling of my pastor , my mother and other loved ones , and I am committed , with God 's help , to emerging a better person . '' When Brown made his first appearance in court last Thursday , Rihanna 's lawyer asked the judge not to prohibit him from having contact with her while he faces the charges . Media reports have said the couple has reunited since the alleged incident ; spokespersons for both have neither confirmed nor denied it . Watch some tough love for Rihanna '' Brown is due back in court on April 6 for his formal arraignment . If he is convicted , he could face as much as four years and eight months in prison , the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's Office said . The | LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Singer Chris Brown has recorded a song with his girlfriend , Rihanna , after charges were filed against him for allegedly assaulting her , a source close to the record 's producer , Polow Da Don , said Thursday . A music producer says Rihanna recorded a duet with Chris Brown , who is accused of assaulting her . The source , who did not wish to be named because she was not authorized to speak on the matter , did not have any further details `` My heart goes out to both Chris and Rihanna for what has happened in the past , '' Da Don said in a statement . `` They are both great artists to work with , and I wish them well . '' The Los Angeles , California , district attorney filed two felony counts against Brown , 19 , last week relating to a February 8 incident in which police said he assaulted Rihanna , 21 . A police statement said the incident began when Rihanna , whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty , found a text message on Brown 's cell phone from |
take into account Kerik 's life and career , which he said `` included good '' as well as wrongdoing . Kerik put his head in his hands at that point . Kerik has spent the past two weeks in jail after a judge revoked his bail . According to court papers released in late October , he violated the terms of his bail by leaking confidential evidence about his case to a lawyer who published the material online . Kerik served as New York police commissioner from 1998 to 2002 -- a tenure that included the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attack that destroyed the World Trade Center and killed more than 2,700 people . He spent a brief stint in Iraq training the country 's police force after the U.S. invasion in 2003 , and was nominated by President George W. Bush for the post of homeland security secretary in 2004 . However , he withdrew from consideration after allegations surfaced that he employed a nanny whose immigration status was murky . In 2006 , Kerik pleaded guilty to accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts while he worked as city corrections commissioner , but | White Plains , New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik on Thursday pleaded guilty to charges of lying to Bush administration officials who vetted his unsuccessful 2004 nomination to be homeland security secretary . Kerik admitted to eight counts as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors , who are recommending a 27 - to 33-month prison term . U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson set Kerik 's sentencing for February 18 . In court papers , prosecutors said Kerik denied to a White House official that there was `` any possible concern '' about his relationships with the contractors involved in renovations to his apartment or that he had any financial dealings with prospective city contractors . Kerik , 54 , had been scheduled to go to trial next week on a variety of corruption charges , including allegations that he received and concealed benefits of about $ 255,000 in renovations to his Riverdale , New York , apartment from a company seeking to do business with the city of New York . He pleaded guilty to that charge and several tax-related counts during Thursday morning 's hearing . Robinson said he would |
things worse , and 35 percent saying what he 's done has had no effect on the economy . One reason for that , Holland said , may be the growing federal budget deficit : Two-thirds say that the government should balance the budget even in a time of war and recession . The survey indicates that only 18 percent said the economic conditions in the country today are good , down 3 points from August . Eighty-two percent said economic conditions are poor . `` Some economic indicators may suggest that the economy has turned the corner -- but try telling that to the American people , '' Holland said . The number of Americans who said the economy is in good shape -- a number that grew steadily through the spring and summer -- has now stalled , with fewer than one in five expressing a positive view of current conditions . More than eight in 10 say that economic conditions are in poor shape , with 43 percent calling them very poor . The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll was conducted November 13-15 , with 1,014 adult Americans questioned by telephone . The survey sampling error is plus | Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nearly two years into the recession , opinion about which political party is responsible for the severe economic downturn is shifting , according to a new national poll . A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Friday morning indicates that 38 percent of the public blames Republicans for the country 's current economic problems . In May , 53 percent blamed the GOP . According to the poll , 27 percent now blame the Democrats for the recession , up 6 points from May , and 27 percent now say both parties are responsible . `` The bad news for the Democrats is that the number of Americans who hold the GOP exclusively responsible for the recession has been steadily falling by about two to three points per month , '' said Keating Holland , CNN polling director . `` At that rate , only a handful of voters will blame the economy on the Republicans by the time next year 's midterm elections roll around . . '' Thirty-six percent of people questioned said that President Obama 's policies have improved economic conditions , with 28 percent feeling that the president 's programs have made |
and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer , according to a Virginia State Police report . `` The impact forced the Honda Odyssey to rear-end the vehicle in front of it , a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee , '' it says . `` The Jeep Grand Cherokee was then forced into the next lane over where it struck a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt . '' The drivers of the Jeep and the Chevrolet also were taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital . Their injuries were not considered life-threatening . The driver of the truck , Allan W. Snader , 59 , of Ohio , was charged with reckless driving , the police report said . He was not injured in the crash . The tractor-trailer was carrying rolls of plastic . The 70-year-old senator visited his wife and daughter shortly after hearing of the accident at 2:15 p.m. , then returned to his office in the Capitol to work on health care legislation , said Reid spokesman Jim Manley . He was back at the hospital later in the afternoon and stayed until midnight , then returned early Friday to be there for his wife 's surgery , Summers said . Summers told | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The wife of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid underwent neck surgery Friday after being injured with their daughter in a four-vehicle wreck in suburban Washington a day earlier , her surgeon said . Since the surgery , Landra Reid , 69 , has been able `` to get out of bed , her pain is well-controlled and she 's able to swallow some , '' said Dr. Elizabeth Franco of Inova Fairfax Hospital . She can move her arms and legs , but is expected to go through physical therapy before being released in a few days , Franco said . Reid 's wife broke her neck , a vertebra in her lower back and her nose , the doctor said . The couple 's adult daughter , Lana Reid Barringer of McLean , Virginia , suffered a neck injury and facial lacerations , the senator 's spokesman , Jon Summers , said Thursday . Lana Reid was released from the hospital Thursday night . The wreck occurred in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Fairfax County at 1:10 p.m. , when the 2005 Honda Odyssey driven by the daughter began braking in stop-and-go traffic |
million movie . However , all indicators point to a quick descent for the Jack Black/Michael Cera flick . `` Year One '' dropped 24 percent from Friday to Saturday -LRB- never a reassuring sign -RRB- , and the movie received an unimpressive `` B - '' rating from CinemaScore . `` Year One '' is all but certain to join `` Land of the Lost '' as another box-office disappointment for high-concept comedies . On the other hand , `` The Hangover '' -LRB- No. 2 with $ 26.9 million -RRB- and `` Up '' -LRB- No. 3 with $ 21.3 million -RRB- continued to show off their box-office stamina , dropping only 18 percent and 31 percent , respectively , from the prior weekend . `` Up '' now stands at $ 224 million , and may levitate past `` Star Trek '' -LRB- currently at $ 239 million -RRB- to become the year 's highest-grossing film . Finishing off the top five was `` The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 , '' which fell an alarming 52 percent for an $ 11.3 million weekend stash . Also opening this weekend was Woody Allen 's `` Whatever | -LRB- Entertainment Weekly -RRB- -- Sandra Bullock will surely be popping open the champagne as her new romantic comedy , `` The Proposal , '' accepted the top spot at the box office this weekend by grossing $ 34.1 million , according to early estimates by Hollywood.com Box Office . Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock have reason to celebrate after `` The Proposal '' takes top box office spot . Not only did `` The Proposal '' win the weekend , but it was by far the best opening of Bullock 's career , nearly doubling the opening of her previous best , `` Premonition , '' which debuted to $ 17.6 million in 2007 . While `` The Proposal 's '' success was fueled mostly by women -LRB- 73 percent of the audience was female -RRB- , both women and men gave it a healthy `` A - '' CinemaScore rating , so expect the movie to hold up fairly well during the next few weeks . The weekend 's other big release , the prehistoric buddy comedy `` Year One , '' landed in fourth place with $ 20.2 million -- an okay debut for the $ 60 |
with conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses . `` Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism . This charge alleges that after the bombing , Ghailani continued in his service to al Qaeda as a document forger , physical trainer at an al Qaeda training camp , and as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden . '' The charges say he purchased bomb components , scouted the embassy with the suicide bomb driver , met with co-conspirators , and fled to Karachi , Pakistan , one day before the bombing . The convening authority for military commissions , Susan J. Crawford , will determine whether probable cause exists for a trial by military commission , said Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartman of the Office of Military Commissions . For Ghailani to ultimately be sentenced to death , the 12-member jury would have to unanimously find him guilty , determine that aggravating factors apply , and concur on the death sentence , Hartman told reporters at the Pentagon . `` Everything has to be unanimous . '' `` And then there are four levels of post-trial review , which is an extraordinary set of rights available , | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An al Qaeda suspect alleged to have been involved in the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania that killed 11 people faces war crimes charges , the Pentagon announced Monday . Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is shown in a photo posted by the FBI in 2004 . The bombing in Dar es Salaam , which also wounded hundreds , was one of two carried out nearly simultaneously on August 7 , 1998 . One in Nairobi , Kenya , killed 213 people . Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani , from Tanzania , faces nine charges , six of them offenses that could carry the death penalty if he is convicted by a military tribunal . He was captured by Pakistan in 2004 and is being held at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . In a written announcement , the Pentagon said Ghailani is `` charged with the following substantive offenses : murder in violation of the Law of War , murder of protected persons , attacking civilians , attacking civilian objects , intentionally causing serious bodily injury , destruction of property in violation of the Law of War and terrorism . In addition , he is charged |
reach a bilateral agreement on how long the U.S. military will remain in Iraq and what role it will play in Iraq 's security . But al-Maliki media adviser Ali Hadi said negotiations between Iraq and the United States are in their `` very early stages '' and were not part of Sunday 's talks . Watch Ahmadinejad and al-Maliki sit down for talks '' `` The treaty is purely an Iraqi-American treaty . The Iranians have nothing to do with it , '' Hadi said . `` We will not discuss the progress or the key elements of agreements or disagreements with them because this is an Iraqi issue . '' The proposed U.S.-Iraqi pact has triggered street protests in Iraq , where many suspect the deal could lead to the establishment of permanent American bases , a long-term presence of U.S. troops and a weakening of Iraqi government control over those troops . Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr , whose militia was the target of a U.S.-backed Iraqi clampdown in Basra and Baghdad recently , has called for weekly protests against the agreement . Al-Maliki and Ahmadinejad met Sunday afternoon , with Ahmadinejad calling on Iraq 's neighbors and | TEHRAN , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraq 's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Sunday tried to allay Iranian fears over a planned U.S.-Iraq security pact , saying his government would not allow Iraq to become a launching pad for an attack on its neighbor . Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , left , greets Iraq 's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Sunday . `` Iraq today does n't present any threat as it used to be in the times of the former regime , '' al-Maliki told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during a Sunday meeting between two leaders , according to a statement from the prime minister 's office . `` Today 's Iraq is a constitutional state based on the rule of law , and it seeks to develop its relations with the regional countries based on cooperation and mutual respect , '' al-Maliki said . Earlier , Iran 's state-run news agency IRNA quoted the Iraqi leader as saying that `` Baghdad would not allow its soil to be used as a base to damage the security of the neighboring countries , including Iran . '' His remarks come as the United States and Iraq are trying to |
rail network last April . Each of the corridors identified by the administration last year are between 100 and 600 miles long . The program is `` a long-term venture in which states will need to plan projects , purchase and lay track , build and assemble equipment , and construct or upgrade train stations , tunnels and bridges , '' the statement said . In addition to the $ 8 billion mentioned by Obama , the plan also includes $ 1 billion a year for five years in the federal budget `` as a down payment to jump-start the program , '' the White House said . Train corridors in the program include : -- San Diego-Los Angeles-San Luis Obispo in California -- Oakland-Sacramento in California -- Portland-Eugene in Oregon -- Seattle-Portland in Washington and Oregon -- Chicago-St . Louis in Illinois and Missouri -- St. Louis-Kansas City in Missouri -- Minneapolis/St . Paul-Madison in Minnesota and Wisconsin -- Madison-Milwaukee in Wisconsin -- Milwaukee-Chicago in Wisconsin and Illinois -- Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati in Ohio -- Detroit/Pontiac-Chicago in Michigan , Indiana and Illinois -- Tampa-Orlando in Florida -- Raleigh-Charlotte in North Carolina -- Washington-Richmond in the District of Columbia and Virginia -- | Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama announced Thursday that the federal government will spend $ 8 billion developing a nationwide high-speed train system -- an investment the White House says is needed to help spur long-term economic growth . The investment , to be made through a series of state grants , will be funded through the government 's $ 862 billion economic stimulus package . Overall , projects and planning involving the rail corridors will take place in 31 states , according to a White House statement . The program `` will help accelerate job growth in an economy that is already beginning to grow , '' Obama said at a town hall at the University of Tampa in Florida . `` There is no reason why other countries can build high-speed rail lines and we ca n't , '' Obama said . More than 30 rail manufacturers have agreed to establish or expand U.S. operations if they are hired to work on the high-speed rail network , the administration said . The president first mentioned the program in his State of the Union speech Wednesday night . The administration initially released an outline for a national high-speed |
defends him and is gradually opening its archives in an effort to show that he acted behind the scenes . Franco gave the news of Pope Benedict 's visit to Yad Vashem at a news conference in Jerusalem . Pope John Paul II also did not visit the museum section on his historic pilgrimage to Israel in 2000 , Father Federico Lombardi , a papal spokesman , said as he confirmed that Pope Benedict will not do so . An official with Israel 's Foreign Ministry said the decision was made jointly because of the sensitivity of the matter . Yigal Palmor conceded that there is an argument over the wartime pope 's actions during the Holocaust and noted that the museum has a sign stating that the facts are in dispute . He said that Pope Benedict may visit other parts of the Yad Vashem complex , which is divided into several compounds , and that the pontiff will lay a wreath at the site 's Hall of Remembrance , which is part of the protocol for visiting heads of state . The announcement that Pope Benedict will visit only part of Yad Vashem also follows international outrage over | JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pope Benedict XVI will not visit Israel 's Holocaust museum when he makes his first trip to the region as pope in May , though he will visit a memorial that is part of the site , his ambassador to Israel said Tuesday . Pope Benedict XVI , shown at the Vatican during a prayer Sunday , has spoken out forcefully against the Holocaust . He will also become the first pontiff to visit the Dome of the Rock , one of the holiest sites in Islam , said the envoy , papal nuncio Antonio Franco . Foreign heads of state normally visit the Holocaust museum , which is part of the Yad Vashem complex in Jerusalem . But it includes controversial wording describing the role of Pope Pius XII during World War II , which is why Pope Benedict balked , an Israeli official said . Critics have accused Pope Pius of doing too little to prevent the mass murder of European Jews by the Nazis under Adolf Hitler . A caption in the museum says he maintained a neutral position during the years of mass extermination of Europe 's Jews . The Vatican |
lived in El Paso , the State Department said . The third victim , found dead in a separate vehicle , was identified as the husband of a Mexican employee of the consulate . His wife was not traveling with him , but two of their children in the car were wounded , officials said . All the victims had left a birthday party at the consulate Saturday before they were attacked , Reyes and State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Monday . The slain couple , Arthur Redelfs , 34 , and Lesley Ann Enriquez , 35 , were on their way home to El Paso , Crowley said . Redelfs was a 10-year veteran of the El Paso County Sheriff 's Office , according to Jesse Tovar , a spokesman for the department . Reyes said the attackers may have been confused because both groups of victims were traveling in similar-looking vehicles . Redelfs and his wife were in a white late-model Toyota RAV4 SUV . The third victim , Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros , was driving a late-model white Honda Pilot , the mayor said . Salcido , 37 , was a state police officer who was | Mexico City , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities believe assassins targeted a pregnant woman and two other people connected with a U.S. consulate who were killed in drive-by shootings over the weekend , Ciudad Juarez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz said Monday . The killings were carried out by a local gang , known as Los Aztecas , that is allied with the Juarez Cartel , Reyes told CNN . No arrests had been made by Monday afternoon . `` We know that the U.S. citizens were targeted , '' Reyes told CNN , saying a police officer saw gunfire from a car directed at the Americans ' car . `` We know they were chasing them . We know they wanted to kill them . '' Two of the victims were a four-months-pregnant employee of the consulate in Juarez and her U.S. citizen husband who was a jailer in nearby El Paso , Texas , U.S. and Mexican officials said . The couple 's 10-month-old child , who was in the vehicle , was not injured , Reyes and other officials said . The child has been turned over to U.S. consular officials , Reyes said . The couple |
I think are important , '' he said . Martinez added that he has no plans to run for any other public office . At a news conference at McDill Air Force Base in Florida , Gov. Charlie Crist said he will `` undertake a very thorough , comprehensive , thoughtful process '' to find a replacement for Martinez . He vowed not to appoint himself to complete Martinez 's six-year term , which ends in about 17 months , and predicted that he would reach a decision before the Senate returns from recess September 8 . Crist , a Republican , had announced in May that he would not seek a second term as governor and instead would run for Martinez 's seat in the 2010 election . Martinez was elected in 2004 . He announced in December his intention to retire at the end of his term . Martinez is the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate . He joined eight other Republicans on Thursday in voting to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court . Democrats hold a tenuous filibuster-proof majority in the Senate , with 60 votes | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sen. Mel Martinez , a Florida Republican , announced Friday that he will resign his seat as soon as a replacement can be named by the governor . Sen. Mel Martinez is the only Hispanic Republican in the U.S. Senate . `` My priorities have always been my faith , my family and my country , and , at this stage of my life and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and in Washington , it is time to return to Florida and my family , '' the 62-year-old said in Orlando , Florida . `` So today I am announcing my decision to step down from public office . '' Martinez said he is resigning `` of my own free will . There is no impending reason ; it 's only my desire to move on and to get on with the rest of my life . '' He added that he is in good health and that he expects the next phase of his life will take place in the private sector . `` However , I do hope that I can have a voice to speak out on issues |
to speculate as to a cause at this point , '' Southwest said in a statement Monday night . Watch as passenger describes watching the hole form '' `` We have safety procedures in place , and they were followed in this instance to get all passengers and crew safely on the ground , '' the airline said . `` Reports we have are that our passengers were calm and that our pilots and flight attendants did a great job getting the aircraft on the ground safely . '' Southwest dispatched a replacement aircraft to take passengers on to Baltimore . See map of flight path '' Charleston airport spokesman Brian Belcher said a local pizzeria provided food for the passengers as they waited . The damaged jet will remain on the ground there until federal inspectors can examine it , he said . In addition , all 181 of Southwest 's 737-300s -- about a third of the airline 's fleet -- will be inspected overnight after the emergency landing , McInnis said . Southwest does not expect the inspections to create delays , she said . CNN 's Shawn Nottingham and Stephanie Gallman contributed to this report . | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Southwest Airlines jet made an emergency landing in Charleston , West Virginia , on Monday after a football-sized hole in its fuselage caused the cabin to depressurize , an airline spokeswoman said . Southwest Flight 2294 made an emergency landing at Yeager Airport in Charleston , West Virginia , on Monday . There were no injuries aboard the Boeing 737 , which was traveling at about 34,000 feet when the problem occurred , Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis told CNN . The sudden drop in cabin pressure caused the jet 's oxygen masks to deploy . Southwest Flight 2294 was en route from Nashville , Tennessee , to Baltimore , Maryland , with 126 passengers and a crew of five aboard , McInnis said . It landed at 5:10 p.m. after the crew reported a football-sized hole in the middle of the cabin near the top of the aircraft , McInnis said . What caused the damage to the jet had not been determined , she said . Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident , FAA spokeswoman Holly Baker said . `` There is no responsible way |
the Europa League and Genk eliminated from Europe . There was late drama in Group F , where Marseille came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Dortmund , a result that saw them go through to the last 16 in second place behind already-qualified Arsenal . Poland midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski put the home side ahead from close range in the 23rd minute and Mats Hummels doubled Dortmund 's advantage nine minutes later from the penalty spot , after captain Sebastian Kehl received a nasty kick in the face from defender Stephane Mbia . But Marseille gave themselves hope on the stroke of half-time when Loic Remy headed home Morgan Amalfitano 's right-wing cross . The score stayed that way until five minutes from the end when Andre Ayew powerfully headed home Amalfitano 's corner . And a sensational comeback was completed just two minutes later when substitute Mathieu Valbuena skipped past a couple of challenges before curling home a delightful winner . Marseille 's victory was bad news for Olympiakos , who beat a depleted Arsenal side 3-1 in Piraeus . Rafik Djebbour put the hosts ahead from a tight angle after a defensive mix-up and David Fuster | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chelsea have qualified for the last 16 of the European Champions League after two Didier Drogba goals helped them to a 3-0 Group E victory over Valencia at Stamford Bridge . The English Premier League side needed a victory to guarantee their place in the knockout stage and they got the perfect start when Drogba scored in the third minute -- Chelsea 's fastest ever Champions League goal . Midfielder Ramires doubled their advantage midway through the half after capitalizing on some hesitant Valencia defending . Real Madrid to topple Barcelona in ` El Clasico ' clash ? And Drogba sealed the victory 14 minutes from time when sliding the ball home from Juan Mata 's slide-rule pass . The result also means Chelsea top the group with 11 points after Bayer Leverkusen -- who had already qualified -- were held to a 1-1 draw by Genk in Belgium . Jelle Vossen put the home side ahead in the first half with a superb volley , but Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok leveled for the Bundesliga side 11 minutes from time . Leverkusen go through as group runners-up on 10 points , with third-placed Valencia going into |
. McAteer was critical of the mine 's owner , Virginia-based Massey Energy , in the days after the blast . `` Some companies , and this appears to be one , take the approach that these violations are simply a cost of doing business -- it 's cheaper for us to mine in an unsafe way or in a way that risks people 's lives than it is for us to comply with the statutes , comply with the laws , '' McAteer said last week . There was no immediate response from Massey Energy to McAteer 's appointment , but Massey CEO Don Blankenship said last week that its safety history is among the best in the industry . The Montcoal , West Virginia , mine received 458 citations from federal inspectors in 2009 , and more than 50 of those were for problems that the operators knew about but had not corrected , according to federal mine safety records . Inspectors cited the operators more than 100 times in the first quarter of 2010 , including six times for `` unwarrantable failure '' to correct violations . Massey subsidiary Aracoma Coal pleaded guilty to 10 criminal charges | Naoma , West Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- West Virginia 's governor on Tuesday named a former head of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration to lead a state investigation into last week 's coal mine explosion that left 29 miners dead . Davitt McAteer has overseen investigations into two previous mine accidents , the Sago disaster that killed 12 miners in 2006 and the fire at the Aracoma Alma No. 2 mine that left two workers dead . The West Virginia native served as the Clinton administration 's assistant labor secretary for mine safety in the 1990s and is vice president of Wheeling Jesuit University . `` Davitt has the experience and knowledge to lead what will be a complex and extensive investigation into this horrible accident , '' Gov. Joe Manchin said in announcing McAteer 's appointment . `` We made tremendous progress in 2006 immediately following the Sago and Aracoma accidents , and I fully expect that we will learn even more from this and make dramatic changes to protect our miners . '' The last bodies were recovered early Tuesday from the Upper Big Branch mine , the scene of the fatal explosion April 5 |
before they were randomly assigned to take a placebo , vitamin E supplements -LRB- 600 IU every other day -RRB- or aspirin -LRB- 100 mg per day -RRB- , either alone or in combination . At the end of 10 years , 760 of the 19,937 women who took vitamin E alone or with aspirin developed COPD compared with 846 of the 19,939 who took a placebo or aspirin alone -- a 10 percent risk reduction . Vitamin E did not lower the risk of asthma , a condition associated with a higher risk of COPD . Health.com : 10 ways to have cleaner air at home The researchers took into account factors such as cigarette smoking and age , which can affect COPD risk . The study , conducted by Cornell University and Brigham and Women 's Hospital researchers , is to be presented this week at the annual American Thoracic Society meeting in New Orleans . The idea that vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing COPD is `` biologically plausible , '' says Yvonne Kelly , Ph.D. , an associate professor in the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London . Experts believe | -LRB- Health.com -RRB- -- People who take vitamin E supplements regularly for years -- whether they are smokers or nonsmokers -- may lower their risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , the lung condition that is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States . COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is often , but not always , caused by smoking . While the risk reduction is relatively small , 10 percent , COPD is a common and life-threatening condition in which a decline in lung function can be slowed down but not reversed . COPD symptoms include shortness of breath , coughing , and fatigue . `` The effect appears to be modest . But for something for which there is n't really any effective therapy and tends to be a degenerative condition , anything that would reduce the risk even somewhat is not an insubstantial benefit , '' says Jeffrey B. Blumberg , Ph.D. , a professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston who was not involved in the study . The research , from the government-funded Women 's Health Study , included 39,876 women 45 years and older who were free of COPD |
Denver , Colorado , last August , the deadline mandated by the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance law . The former New York senator was forced to forgive the entire loan amount . Her campaign owed $ 6.4 million to 16 creditors at the end of November ; $ 5.9 million to five creditors at the end of December ; and the current $ 2.3 million owed to just one creditor at the end of March . That creditor is Penn , Schoen & Berland , a political consulting and polling firm that advised Clinton during her presidential bid . The firm 's president , Mark Penn , was Clinton 's senior campaign strategist until he stepped down last April amid revelations that he had lobbied on behalf of Colombia for a U.S.-Colombia trade deal that Clinton opposed . Penn remained involved with the campaign . Earlier this year , Clinton and her supporters raced to pay as much of the debt as possible by the time she was confirmed and sworn in as the nation 's 67th secretary of state on January 21 . As of that date , Clinton became subject to a federal law known as the Hatch | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached an important milestone Wednesday in her quest to pay the debt from her failed 2008 presidential bid : For the first time in eight months , her campaign committee reported having more money in the bank than it owes . Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's campaign committee reported owing $ 2.3 million in debt at the end of March . On a day most Americans were preoccupied with filing their federal income taxes , Clinton 's campaign committee filed finance documents with the Federal Election Commission , reporting a total of $ 2.3 million in debts at the end of March , compared with $ 2.6 million in the bank . The nation 's top diplomat has been steadily chipping away at unpaid campaign bills since suspending her White House bid in June 2008 , when her debt peaked at $ 25.2 million . That amount covered $ 12 million owed to vendors , as well as the $ 13.2 million she loaned her campaign from personal funds . Clinton 's campaign was unable to repay that personal loan by the time the Democratic National Convention convened in |
military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 , whether before , during or after . '' Israel launched its offensive in Gaza with the stated intent of stopping a barrage of rockets -- primarily short-range homemade Qassam rockets -- fired from the territory into southern Israel by Hamas fighters . The Israeli government is not assisting the investigators , who are not scheduled to visit Israel as part of the inquiry . Yigal Palmor , a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry , said that `` there is not a chance we will cooperate with this mission '' under the terms of the Human Rights Council mandate . `` The resolution was adopted by a vote of non-Democratic countries , and the democratic countries either abstained or rejected the resolution , '' Palmor said . Israel has been long been a critic of the Human Rights Council , arguing that it is one-sided in its approach to the Jewish state . The Israeli military conducted an investigation of its actions in the Gaza conflict and concluded in a report released in April that it `` operated in accordance with | JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A U.N. team entered Gaza on Monday to investigate possible human rights abuses by Israel and Hamas during a three-week conflict that ended January 18 . Palestinians run from an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school in northern Gaza on January 17 . Richard Goldstone , a former Rwanda and Yugoslavia war crimes prosecutor , is leading the Human Rights Council investigation of the conflict that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 Palestinians and 13 Israelis . Goldstone and three other investigators entered Gaza via Egypt for a five-day visit . Upon crossing into the Palestinian territory , Goldstone told reporters , `` We 've come here to see . We 've come here to learn . We 've come here to talk to people in all walks of life , ordinary people , governmental people , administrative people , obviously nongovernmental organizations that are so important in this sort of situation . '' The Geneva , Switzerland-based Human Rights Council established the fact-finding mission April 3 `` to investigate all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the |
that the lifetime risk of maternal deaths is greater in the United States than in 40 other countries , including virtually all industrialized nations . The report also noted that severe pregnancy-related complications that nearly cause death -- known as `` near misses '' -- have increased by 25 percent since 1998 . Up to 40 percent of near misses are considered preventable with better quality of care , according to a 2007 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology . Minorities , women living in poverty , Native Americans , immigrants and those who speak little or no English are particularly affected , Amnesty International said . `` The thing that really struck us was that these problems hit women of color , low-income , particularly hard , '' said Nan Strauss , researcher and co-author of the Amnesty report . `` But every woman who is going through pregnancy in this country is at risk . '' Figures compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta , Georgia , show that black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than their white counterparts . White women have a | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Deaths from pregnancy and childbirth in the United States have doubled in the past 20 years , a development that a human rights group called `` scandalous and disgraceful '' Friday . In addition , the rights group said , about 1.7 million women a year , one-third of pregnant women in the United States , suffer from pregnancy-related complications . Most of the deaths and complications occur among minorities and women living in poverty , it noted . Amnesty International issued a report Friday that calls on President Obama to take action . `` This country 's extraordinary record of medical advancement makes its haphazard approach to maternal care all the more scandalous and disgraceful , '' said Larry Cox , executive director of Amnesty International USA . `` Good maternal care should not be considered a luxury available only to those who can access the best hospitals and the best doctors . Women should not die in the richest country on earth from preventable complications and emergencies , '' Cox said in a news release . The report , `` Deadly Delivery : The Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA , '' notes |
consistently denied that he or his family was involved in any wrongdoing . In August , Thaksin and his wife skipped a court appearance and fled to the United Kingdom rather than testify in the real-estate case . He said he did so because he did not think he would get a fair trial in Thailand . Thaksin , a telecommunications tycoon , once owned the English Premier League Manchester City Football Club but sold his stake this year . His party won two landslide victories before he was deposed in a bloodless military coup in September 2006 after massive anti-government street protests . He returned to Thailand after his allies in the People Power Party won nearly half the seats in the lower house in December 's parliamentary elections and formed the ruling coalition . In recent weeks , the country has seen daily demonstrations from anti-government protesters who want PPP leaders purged from the Cabinet . They have laid siege to the Government House -- the seat of the Thai government -- since August 26 . The protesters -- led by the People 's Alliance for Democracy -- contend that the PPP is trying to amend the constitution | BANGKOK , Thailand -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Thai court has found deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of corruption , and sentenced him in absentia to two years imprisonment . Thaksin Shinawatra lives in self-imposed exile in London . The case stemmed from a Bangkok land deal while Thaksin was in office . He was convicted of violating a law that bans ministers or their wives from conducting business with government agencies . Thaksin , who now lives in the United Kingdom , is unlikely to serve any jail time . He fled from Thailand in August just as he was to appear in court . In the land deal , Thaksin 's wife , Pojama , is accused of using her husband 's political influence to buy undeveloped land from a government agency for about a third of its estimated value . Watch more about the verdict '' The case is one of several corruption cases against Thaksin and his family that are winding their way through the legal system . The billionaire is accused of abusing the country 's system of checks and balances and bending government policy to benefit his family 's business . Thaksin has |
scene as `` horrific . '' Police released few new details in the case at a Tuesday news conference , except to say they think the killings were premeditated . They added that under the law , `` premeditated '' does not necessarily mean a crime was planned far in advance . Damas was last seen about 9 p.m. Thursday at the Naples restaurant where he was employed as a cook , authorities said . On Friday , he is thought to have arrived at Miami International Airport about 7 a.m. . He boarded a flight for Haiti about 10 a.m. , Rambosk said . His car was found at the airport . He purchased a one-way ticket to Haiti , police said Tuesday . Police had asked the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for help in finding Damas . The FBI 's legal attaché in the Dominican Republic notified Collier County authorities that a man believed to be Damas was taken into custody Monday by the Haitian National Police . `` Information obtained by CCSO shows Damas was found hiding near a hotel in the capital city of Port-au-Prince , '' a sheriff 's statement said Tuesday | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Florida man in custody in Haiti faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his wife and five children , authorities said Tuesday . Police have obtained a warrant to arrest Mesac Damas , 33 , on suspicion of six counts of first-degree murder . Police obtained a warrant overnight to arrest Mesac Damas , 33 , on suspicion of six counts of first-degree murder , the Collier County , Florida , Sheriff 's Office said in a statement . `` This warrant was obtained based on information and evidence collected thus far in the investigation and statements made by Damas to a federal agent after his detention in Haiti , '' the statement said . The body of Damas ' wife , Guerline Damas , 32 , was found Saturday in the family 's North Naples , Florida , home , along with those of the couple 's five children -- Michzach , 9 ; Marven , 6 ; Maven , 5 ; Megan , 3 ; and Morgan , 11 months , police said . Authorities have not said how the five were killed , but Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk described the |
year after more than a decade on the run and was found to have been living in Belgrade , the capital of Serbia , and practicing alternative medicine in disguise . In a letter dated Wednesday and made public Thursday , Karadzic complains that he has not been given the relevant case material on time -- and he says the volume of material would have been too much to go through even if he had received it promptly . `` I ask Your Excellencies -- why and how is it possible that the prosecution is allowed to literally bury me under a million of pages , only to start disclosing relevant material many months after my arrest ? '' he writes . `` Why and how is it possible that the prosecution is allowed to file its final indictment against me on the eve of the planned trial date ? '' Karadzic says he should not be penalized for representing himself . `` No lawyer in this world could prepare defense within this period of time , '' he writes . `` I hereby inform you that my defense is not ready for my trial that is supposed to begin | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic intends to skip the start of his war crimes trial because he says he has had too little time to prepare , a spokeswoman for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia said Thursday . Radovan Karadzic wrote to the court to say he would not attend the trial . The trial is still expected to begin on Monday despite Karadzic 's intended absence , which he announced in a letter to the court , the spokeswoman said . `` The tribunal judges control court proceedings . They are the only relevant body that can make a decision about the readiness of the case for trial , '' she said . Karadzic , who is defending himself , faces genocide charges and nine other counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Bosnian Muslims , Bosnian Croats and other non-Serbian civilians during the brutal and bloody dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s . The conflict introduced the phrase `` ethnic cleansing '' into the lexicon describing war crimes , as different factions in multi-ethnic Yugoslavia sought to kill or drive out other groups . Karadzic was arrested last |
intelligence official said . Al-Balawi says in the video that his faith can not be sold to bidders , an apparent message to Jordanian and U.S. officials that they had failed to win his allegiance . It puts into question how well the CIA and other intelligence agencies can penetrate al Qaeda . Gen. David Petraeus , head of U.S. Central Command , told CNN 's Christiane Amanpour that local officials are better at `` human intelligence '' than foreign agents . `` That 's not to say that you ca n't have some real breakthroughs , '' Petraeus said during the interview , to be aired Sunday . `` It 's not to say you ca n't develop sources , you ca n't put people in there and so forth . '' Al-Balawi mentions Baitullah Mehsud , the leader of the Taliban in Pakistan who was killed in a missile strike last August . `` We will never forget the blood of our leader Baitullah Mehsud , may God have mercy on his soul , '' he says in Arabic , according to a CNN translation . `` It will remain that we take revenge -LRB- for his death | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The man believed to be the suicide bomber who killed seven CIA employees and contractors last month appears in a newly released video , in which he vows revenge for the killing of a Taliban leader . The video shows Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi , whom a former U.S. intelligence official identified as the suicide bomber . Al-Balawi 's brother told CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson that the man in the video , who uses the alias Abu Dajana Al-Khorasani , was his sibling . In the tape , which aired Saturday on the Arabic satellite news channel Al-Jazeera , al-Balawi says his message is for the CIA and Jordanian intelligence . The December 30 bombing at a U.S. base in Khost , in southeastern Afghanistan , killed seven CIA operatives and a Jordanian army captain . Al-Balawi was a Jordanian doctor whom Jordanian authorities had recruited as a counterterrorism intelligence source , a Jordanian official told CNN this week . Jordanian and U.S. intelligence agencies apparently believed al-Balawi had been rehabilitated from his extremist views and were using him to hunt Ayman al-Zawahiri , al Qaeda 's No. 2 figure , a former U.S. |
report concluded there were `` credible allegations , which , if proven , indicate that a wide range of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international humanitarian rights law was committed both by the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE -LRB- rebels -RRB- , some of which would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity . '' In the war 's final stage , which lasted from September 2008 to May 2009 , the Sri Lankan army advanced into an area of northern Sri Lanka known as the Vanni , where about 330,000 people were trapped by fighting . The report said the government used `` large-scale and widespread shelling '' that left many civilians dead . Some of the shelling happened in no-fire zones where the government had encouraged civilians to congregate , the report said . Government forces also shelled a U.N. hub and food distribution lines and fired near International Committee of the Red Cross ships that were picking up the wounded , the report said . The government also shelled hospitals on the front lines , some of them repeatedly , the report said . `` Most civilian casualties in the final phases | Colombo , Sri Lanka -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sri Lanka 's response to a scathing United Nations report alleging war crimes and human rights violations has reached the president 's desk . President Mahinda Rajapaksa received the 400-page document on Sunday night . The response , compiled by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission , will be presented to Parliament , though Rajapaksa did not say when . At their president 's urging , Sri Lankans took to the streets in May to rail against the U.N. report , which cites `` credible allegations '' that crimes were committed by both sides during the final stages of the country 's civil war . A three-member U.N. panel recommended that Sri Lanka immediately conduct an investigation into the alleged violations of international law . Human rights groups have already alleged both government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels violated humanitarian laws and that thousands of civilians were killed during the war , which ended in May 2009 after the government declared victory . The rebels had fought a 26-year bloody separatist war that left thousands dead and large numbers of others internally displaced , according to the United Nations . The U.N. |
stage debut in 1938 and first appeared in films in the 1940 melodrama `` They Knew What They Wanted . '' After serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II , he made his mark in the New York production of `` Streetcar , '' by Tennessee Williams . Watch Malden talk about why he got into acting '' Malden also did extensive work in television , starring with Michael Douglas in the police drama `` The Streets of San Francisco '' from 1972-77 . He was nominated four times for Emmys for the show , and won a supporting-actor Emmy for his part in the miniseries adaptation of the true-crime bestseller `` Fatal Vision '' in 1985 . His other well-known screen roles include his performances in `` Patton , '' in which he played World War II Gen. Omar Bradley alongside George C. Scott 's title character ; the steamy `` Baby Doll , '' another Elia Kazan-Tennessee Williams collaboration ; and `` Gypsy . '' Malden was also famous for a series of television ads for the American Express card , in which he advised viewers , `` Do n't leave home without it . | LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Veteran actor Karl Malden , who won an Academy Award for his role in `` A Streetcar Named Desire , '' has died at age 97 , his manager said Wednesday . Karl Malden in `` The Streets of San Francisco '' in 1974 . Malden was nominated for four Emmys for the series . Malden died in his sleep about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday , said his manager , Bud Ross . Malden appeared alongside Marlon Brando in two of director Elia Kazan 's classic films of the 1950s -- `` A Streetcar Named Desire '' and `` On the Waterfront . '' He won the best supporting actor Oscar for `` Streetcar , '' which was released in 1951 , in 1952 and was nominated for his role as a priest crusading against crooked union bosses in `` On the Waterfront . '' Ross said he did not know the cause of death . `` It could be a combination of things , '' Ross said . `` He was 97 years old . '' Born Mladen George Sekulovich in Gary , Indiana , the bulb-nosed actor made his New York |
That decision is up to her . '' Lohan 's attorney , Shawn Chapman Holley , told CNN on Sunday that she will appear at the hearing on Lohan 's behalf . `` Since her case was resolved , Ms. Lohan has been in compliance with all the terms and conditions of her probation and all orders of the court , '' Holley said in a statement . `` The warrant issued on Friday was , in our view , born out of a misunderstanding which I am confident I can clear up next week , '' Holley said . Police said Saturday they were not actively seeking Lohan , as they would not usually go after a person to take them into custody in such cases . Beverly Hills police Sgt. Mike Foxen said on Friday authorities were hoping Lohan would turn herself in . Lohan was arrested twice in 2007 on driving under the influence charges , with a cocaine possession charge in the second incident . The first arrest , in May 2007 , came after Lohan lost control of her Mercedes-Benz convertible and struck a curb in Beverly Hills . Just two weeks after checking out | LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A hearing is set for Monday in a case involving actress Lindsay Lohan after an arrest warrant was issued for her Friday , officials said . A warrant issued for Lindsay Lohan apparently stems from her 2007 drunken driving convictions , police said . Lohan 's attorney told CNN the warrant was issued `` out of a misunderstanding . '' It was not known whether she would attend the hearing Monday . The warrant was issued by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in Beverly Hills , California . It apparently stems from Lohan 's 2007 convictions for drunken driving , police said Friday . She is serving three years probation . Sandi Gibbons of the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's office told CNN on Sunday the warrant is believed to be in connection with a possible probation violation . The district attorney 's office prosecuted the original 2007 case , she said . The hearing is set to begin sometime after 8:30 a.m. , she said . Lohan `` has the right to appear '' at the hearing , said Alan Parachini , Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman . `` |
. If he is extradited , his British sentence could be interrupted so he could stand trial in the U.S. , the Home Office has said . If he receives a prison sentence in the U.S. , he would return to England to complete his sentence there before serving time back in the States , the Home Office said . Abu Hamza formerly preached at the Finsbury Park Mosque in London . His followers included the so-called `` shoe bomber '' Richard Reid , who was convicted of trying to light a bomb in his shoes on a trans-Atlantic flight . They also included Zacarias Moussaoui , who was charged in the U.S. over the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terror attacks . The cleric was also convicted of possessing eight video and audio recordings , which prosecutors said he intended to distribute to stir up racial hatred . In all , police seized some 2,700 audio tapes and about 570 video tapes from two addresses -- one of them his home - during raids in 2003 . The material included a 10-volume `` encyclopedia '' of Afghan jihad , which prosecutor David Perry described as `` a manual for | LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza moved a step closer Friday to extradition to the U.S. , where he faces terrorism-related charges . Abu Hamza al-Masri 's followers include the `` shoe bomber '' and the only person charged in the 9/11 attacks . UK authorities had ordered his extradition , but he appealed . Britain 's High Court dismissed the appeal Friday , a spokesman for Britain 's Home Office said . That gives the Egyptian-born cleric , who lives in London , 14 days to apply to the High Court for permission to appeal to the House of Lords . The one-eyed , hook-handed cleric faces 11 terrorism-related charges in the U.S. . They include conspiracy in connection with a 1998 kidnapping in Yemen and conspiring with others to establish an Islamic jihad , or holy war , training camp in rural Bly , Oregon in 1999 . Abu Hamza , one of the highest-profile radical Islamic figures in Britain , is already in prison for inciting racial hatred at his North London mosque . He was convicted in Britain on 11 terror-related charges and sentenced to seven years prison in 2006 |
al-Shehhi to be the country 's ambassador to Iraq . Al-Shehhi , who previously served as the Emirates ' ambassador to India , is to travel to Iraq after his nomination is confirmed . An official government source said the UAE intends to reopen its embassy in Baghdad by the end of the year . The United States and other nations have urged Arab countries to post ambassadors to Iraq , reopen embassies and forge closer relationships with Iraq 's government . The UAE mission in Iraq has n't been active since a UAE diplomat was kidnapped and released two years ago . The year before that , two Iraqis working for that mission were killed . No ambassador from an Arab country has been stationed permanently in Iraq since July 2005 , when Egypt 's ambassador , Dr. Ihab al-Sherif , was abducted from a Baghdad street and slain . Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the assassination , saying it had killed al-Sherif because of Egypt 's foreign policies and its alliances with the United States and Israel . The UAE 's announcement Sunday came a month after its foreign minister , Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan , visited | DUBAI , United Arab Emirates -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Dubai has forgiven the nearly $ 7 billion Baghdad owes it , Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced Sunday . UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has promised to appoint an ambassador to Iraq . UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan promised to `` put out these debts , '' appoint an ambassador to Baghdad , and `` help Iraq building the holy shrines that were targeted by the terrorists , '' al-Maliki said in a written statement . Al-Maliki and the sheikh met Sunday , the first day of a two-day official visit . Al-Maliki was accompanied by the Iraqi ministers of Interior , Commerce and Industry . `` Our biggest challenge is now the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the economic situation and to provide services to our citizens , '' al-Maliki said . Debt relief is a major issue for Iraq , and the United States has urged other nations to forgive Iraqi debt , most of which is held by Arab states , U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said in late May . Also , the UAE Cabinet on Sunday nominated Abdullah Ibrahim |
in the United States without notifying the attorney general as required by law ; two counts of providing false statements on a firearms purchase form ; and two counts of providing false statements to federal law enforcement , the Justice Department said . This comes amid Syria 's seven-month-long crackdown against protesters . `` Today 's indictment alleges that the defendant acted as an unregistered agent of the Syrian government as part of an effort to collect information on people in this country protesting the Syrian government crackdown . I applaud the many agents , analysts and prosecutors who helped bring about today 's case , '' said Lisa Monaco , assistant attorney general for national security . The indictment says Soueid has been an agent of the Syrian Mukhabarat , a reference to Syrian intelligence agencies . `` At no time while acting as an agent of the government of Syria in this country did Soueid provide prior notification to the Attorney General as required by law , the indictment alleges , '' the Justice Department said . `` Under the direction and control of Syrian officials , Soueid is accused of recruiting individuals living in the United States | Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Syrian-born naturalized American was ordered held in custody Wednesday after he was charged for allegedly spying on Syrian protesters in the United States . Judge Theresa Buchanan at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ordered Mohamad Anas Heitham Soueid , 47 , held until Friday , when there will be a detention hearing . Prosecutor Dennis Fitzpatrick told the judge that Soueid was a flight risk . Soueid , of Leesburg , Virginia , was charged October 5 with conspiring to collect video and audio recordings and other information about people `` in the United States and Syria who were protesting the government of Syria and to provide these materials to Syrian intelligence agencies in order to silence , intimidate and potentially harm the protestors , '' the Justice Department said Wednesday . The Syrian Embassy in Washington responded Wednesday by denying the allegations , saying Soueid never worked for the Syrian government to spy on protesters . Soueid was arrested Tuesday after a federal grand jury charged him in a six-count indictment . He is charged with conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Syrian government |
mortality in Peru are scandalous . The fact that so many women are dying from preventable causes is a human rights violation . `` The Peruvian state is simply ignoring its obligation to provide adequate maternal health care to all women , regardless of who they are and where they live . '' Garcia added : `` Health services for pregnant women in Peru are like a lottery : If you are poor and indigenous , the chances are you will always lose . '' The report said pregnant women in Peru die because they lack access to emergency obstetric care , to information on maternal health , and to health staff members who can speak Indigenous languages such as Quechua -- a native Andean language spoken by some 5 million people in Peru . According to the report , 27 percent of deaths of women from pregnancy-related causes occurred during pregnancy ; 26 percent occurred during the birth itself ; and 46 percent during the first six weeks after giving birth . A 2007 Census of Indigenous People showed that 60 percent did not have access to a health facility , said Amnesty International . The Amnesty International report | LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pregnant women in Peru are dying at scandalous rates , according to the author of an Amnesty International report into maternal mortality in the South American country . The report , `` Fatal Flaws : Barriers to Maternal Health in Peru '' found that hundreds of poor , rural and indigenous pregnant women are dying because they are being denied the same health services as other women in the country . It also concluded that the government 's response to tackling the problem was inadequate . Peruvian government figures state 185 in every 100,000 women die in childbirth , but the United Nations says the number is much higher , 240 per 100,000 , which makes it one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the Americas . In wealthy developed nations , only nine women die for every 100,000 births . The five main causes of pregnancy-related deaths in Peru are hemorrhage , pre-eclampsia , infection , complications following abortion and obstructed birth , according to Peru 's Ministry of Health figures . Amnesty 's Peru researcher Nuria Garcia said , in a written statement : `` The rates of maternal |
and take painkillers or other pills whenever he wanted . Brancato admitted to breaking a window at the home , but said it was strictly because he was going through intense heroin withdrawal that night and he said he was trying to wake up his friend to get the drugs . When Brancato and Armento entered the home , the next door neighbor -- Enchautegui -- came outside to investigate . That 's when prosecutors said Armento shot the officer through the heart with his .357 Magnum . Armento was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in November . The jury in that trial took less than six hours to convict Armento . Enchautegui was shot in the chest by Armento when he interrupted the alleged robbery , but managed to shoot both suspects multiple times before dying . `` This jury spoke loud and clear , that Lillo had nothing to do with the murder of this police officer , '' Tacopina said . Brancato appeared on six episodes of the hit HBO series `` The Sopranos '' as a wannabe mobster in 2000 . As a teen , Brancato starred alongside actor Robert De | NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lillo Brancato Jr. , an actor who appeared in `` The Sopranos , '' was acquitted of the 2005 killing an off-duty New York City police officer but found guilty of attempted burglary . Lillo Brancato Jr. appeared on `` The Sopranos '' and played alongside Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale . '' Brancato , 32 , was also acquitted of two counts of burglary , but could face three to 15 years in prison on the attempted burglary charge . He has already served three years , according to his attorney , Joseph Tacopina . Police officer Daniel Enchautegui , 28 , was killed trying to break up a burglary attempt at his neighbor 's house in the Bronx in December 2005 . During the trial , Brancato said there was not a break-in . Brancato said he knew the owner of the home , and that he and friend Steven Armento , 51 , were drinking at a strip club when they decided to go hunt for valium . Brancato told the jury that the owner , a Vietnam veteran , gave him permission to come to his house |
on May 30 , 2005 . All three men have maintained their innocence in her disappearance . View a timeline of the case '' No information was immediately available about what the new evidence was that led to the arrests . Aruban prosecutors said a team of detectives from the Netherlands has been reviewing the Holloway case at the request of authorities in Aruba , and had been on the island as late as last month to complete the investigation . The Kalpoe brothers were being interrogated by Aruban police Wednesday , Aruba prosecutor Dop Kruimel told CNN . They will appear before a judge Friday for a preliminary arrest hearing , in which the judge determines whether the arrest was credible , she said . The judge can then authorize their being detained for eight more days , meaning police have that much time to produce evidence . The suspects then go before a judge again , she said . Van der Sloot was arrested in Arnhem , the Netherlands , by Dutch police , Kruimel said . Aruban authorities have asked for him to be extradited to Aruba within eight days . Because they were not familiar with | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities have re-arrested three men in connection with the disappearance of an Alabama teenager in Aruba in 2005 , based on new evidence in the case , prosecutors announced Wednesday . Natalee Holloway disappeared while on an Aruba vacation in 2005 . Brothers Deepak and Satish Kalpoe were arrested in Aruba at the same time authorities in the Netherlands picked up Joran Van der Sloot at the request of the Aruban government , the statement said . Van der Sloot is attending school in Holland . The three had previously been arrested in 2005 , Aruban prosecutors noted in a statement , but a court released them , citing insufficient evidence . They are now charged with `` involvement in the voluntary manslaughter of Natalee Holloway or causing serious bodily harm to Natalee Holloway , resulting in her death , '' the statement said . Watch interview with Holloway 's father '' Van der Sloot , now 20 , and the Kalpoes , now ages 24 and 21 , were the last people seen with Holloway , 18 , as she left Carlos n ' Charlie 's nightclub in Oranjestad , Aruba , about 1:30 a.m. |
cholesterol -RSB- , people tended to forget triglycerides . '' he said . Being too heavy , getting too little activity , drinking lots of alcohol and eating lots of saturated fat can all add up to higher triglyceride levels because the body stores excess calories as triglycerides . Health.com : Fats to eat , fats to avoid Triglycerides are a third type of fatty particle found in the blood , along with LDL cholesterol and HDL -LRB- also known as good -RRB- cholesterol . People taking certain medications or those who have diabetes or a genetic condition can have high triglycerides . Health.com : What cholesterol tests reveal about your heart 's health Nordestgaard said that high triglycerides are as dangerous as high cholesterol levels as a risk marker for heart disease and early death . `` There 's a really big potential for further prevention of heart disease and strokes by getting more focused on that , '' he said . Health.com : How stress can trigger heart problems The problem : Right now , the best way to attack high triglycerides is by losing weight , eating more healthily , and becoming more active -- a tall | What the heck are triglycerides ? If you do n't know , you have plenty of company . One in every three Americans has high triglyceride levels , which elevate risk of heart disease and early death . The fatty particles found in your blood are important for heart health , but do n't get nearly as much attention as , say , cholesterol . Now a new study suggests that there 's a good chance that your triglycerides are in the unhealthy zone , whether you know what they are or not . About one-third of American adults have triglyceride levels that are borderline or too high , according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published Monday in Archives of Internal Medicine . `` I see it as a major problem that we 've completely ignored this problem so far , '' said Dr. Børge Nordestgaard of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark . Nordestgaard has conducted research linking high triglyceride levels to cardiovascular disease and early death , but was not involved in the CDC research . `` Everyone in clinical practice seemed to be so focused on LDL , LDL , LDL -LSB- bad |
For healthy people , the current target for LDL cholesterol is less than 160 mg/dL , and for those with two or more heart disease risk factors , it 's less than 130 mg/dL . For people with heart disease , LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL and possibly even less than 70 mg/dL for those at super-high risk . The survey , known as the Lipid Treatment Assessment Project 2 , is an update of a similar survey done in the United States in 1996 and 1997 . At that time , just 38 percent of Americans in general and 18 percent of people with heart disease who were trying to lower cholesterol actually had their LDL cholesterol under control . Health.com : 4 tips for healthy drinking while dieting Things have definitely gotten better . Waters and his colleagues found that in 2006 -- 2007 , 73 percent of people had their LDL cholesterol in an acceptable range . This included 86 percent of people at relatively low risk of heart problems , 74 percent at moderate risk , and 67 percent at high risk . But just one in three people , or 30 percent , | After years of rising cholesterol levels from fatty diets and pudgy waistlines , there 's finally good news , experts say . More people who are trying to lower their cholesterol are actually succeeding in getting their low-density lipoprotein , or bad cholesterol , down to healthy levels . Research suggests that decreasing LDL -- via drugs , exercise and/or diet -- can ward off heart attacks and strokes . However , there 's still room for improvement , according to research from nine countries , including the United States and Canada . And there 's good reason to stay focused on lowering your cholesterol : Research suggests that decreasing LDL can ward off heart attacks , strokes , and other health problems . In the new study , which was funded by Pfizer and published in Circulation : Journal of the American Heart Association , an international group of researchers led by David D. Waters , M.D. , of the University of California , San Francisco , looked at 9,955 people with an average age of 62 to see whether cholesterol-lowering efforts -- including taking medication or trying diet and exercise alone -- were having the intended effect . |
consequences of accepting bribes can and will be severe . '' Jefferson 's family was in the courtroom when District Judge T.S. Ellis handed down the sentence . He had faced up to 150 years in prison . `` This sentence should be a clear signal that our society will not tolerate bribery , '' U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said in a written statement . `` It 's not just another cost of doing business in government . `` Mr. Jefferson 's repeated attempts to sell his office caused significant damage to the public 's trust in our elected leaders . This sentence will begin to repair that damage and to restore that trust . `` Mr. Jefferson is well-known for the $ 90,000 found in his freezer . It is our hope that he will now be well-known for the tough sentence handed down today , showing that no one -- including our elected officials -- are above the law . '' Jefferson , of New Orleans , still faces the forfeiture of nearly $ 500,000 -- money a jury said is linked to criminal activity for which he has been convicted . On August 5 , a | Alexandria , Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on 11 counts of corruption . Jefferson was also ordered to forfeit more than $ 470,000 after his conviction for using his office to solicit bribes . He will also have to pay $ 1,100 in special assessments . The case against the former nine-term Louisiana Democrat included allegations of influence-peddling and the discovery of $ 90,000 in cash in his freezer . Judge T.S. Ellis will determine at a hearing next Wednesday whether Jefferson will remain free pending appeal . Until then , he is free . `` The court 's sentence today reaffirms the principle that all people -- no matter what their title or position -- are equal before the law , '' said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman in a statement . `` In a stunning betrayal of the public 's trust , former Congressman Jefferson repeatedly used his public office for private gain . The lengthy prison sentence imposed on Mr. Jefferson today is a stark reminder to all public officials that the |
's attorney , declined to comment . The indictment also charges that Kerik made several false statements to the White House and other federal officials when he applied for the position as adviser to the Homeland Security Advisory Council , to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq and in connection with his nomination to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security . U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson did not rule Monday on whether the two counts that include charges of lying to White House officials will be tried in Washington or White Plains , New York . Kerik is due back in court February 3 for a hearing on pretrial motions , Hadad said . A trial date has not been set . Kerik , 53 , is a longtime friend and former protege of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani . President Bush nominated him to be secretary of homeland security after winning re-election in 2004 , but Kerik withdrew his name amid allegations that he employed a nanny who had a questionable immigration status . Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson began investigating allegations that Kerik had traded payment on repairs to his Bronx apartment for favors , including | NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded not guilty in federal court Monday to a revised indictment charging him in a corruption and tax evasion case , according to a spokesman for the New York District Attorney . A revised indictment brings to 15 the number of counts against former police Commissioner Bernard Kerik . The revised indictment includes two new counts of aiding the filing of false returns and a charge involving making false statements while applying for a housing loan , spokesman Herbert Hadad of the district attorney 's office told CNN . Kerik is accused of failing to report more than $ 500,000 in income between 1999 and 2004 , said Patricia Haynes , the IRS agent in charge of the case . Prosecutors allege Kerik received and concealed benefits of about $ 255,000 in renovations to his Riverdale , New York , apartment from a company seeking to do business with the city of New York . Revisions to the original indictment , which included charges of corruption , conspiracy and tax evasion , bring to 15 the number of counts against Kerik . Barry Berke , Kerik |
with $ 18.8 million and $ 17.2 million , respectively . The 3-D `` Shrek '' - spinoff , cost as much as Dreamworks ' `` Megamind , '' which opened in early November 2010 , but that film began with $ 46 million , and it played well through the Thanksgiving season on its way to a $ 148.4 million total . `` Puss in Boots '' entered theaters a week earlier , but it will need to endure even better than `` Megamind '' to earn back its budget . The `` A - '' CinemaScore grade it earned from audiences should at least make that achievement possible , but considering people are already familiar with the `` Puss in Boots '' character , it 's doubtful that the film will attract many uninitiated viewers . We wo n't officially know where `` Puss in Boots '' is headed until next weekend , when we see how much the snowstorm , the World Series , and Halloween really affected the box office this frame . -LRB- My guess is not much -- and I 'm not just being catty . -RRB- Second place belonged to `` Paranormal Activity | -LRB- EW.com -RRB- -- The box office had to contend with the World Series , a very early snowstorm in the Northeast , and Halloween festivities across the country this weekend , but audiences still managed to make it to the movies ! That being said , grosses for new releases `` Puss in Boots , '' `` In Time , '' and `` The Rum Diary , '' were n't all that strong . Check out how they performed below : Dreamworks Animation 's `` Puss in Boots '' was the top cat this weekend , clawing its way to a $ 34 million debut , 51 percent of which came from 3-D screens , and 7 percent of which was from IMAX theaters . On paper , that number sounds good -- and , to be clear , it is by no means a disaster -- but the result comes with a `` Real Steel '' - ish caveat . `` Puss in Boots '' cost $ 130 million to produce , and it earned Dreamworks ' third-worst debut for a computer animated film , beating only `` Flushed Away '' and `` Antz , '' which started |
protect yourself In the United States , infant circumcision is declining . About 64 percent of American male infants were circumcised in 1995 , down from more than 90 percent in the 1970s . Rates tend to be higher in whites -LRB- 81percent -RRB- than in blacks -LRB- 65 percent -RRB- or Hispanics -LRB- 54 percent -RRB- . Some opponents say the removal of the foreskin is an unnecessary surgical procedure that may reduce sexual sensitivity in adulthood . In Jewish and Muslim cultures , young or infant boys are routinely circumcised for religious reasons . Circumcision rates have traditionally been higher in the U.S. than in Europe , but the American Academy of Pediatrics currently says that the medical benefits are insufficient to recommend circumcision for all baby boys . In the new study , a research team at the Rakai Health Sciences Program in Uganda -- in collaboration with researchers from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore , Maryland , and Makerere University in Uganda -- conducted two clinical trials involving 3,393 uncircumcised men ages 15 to 49 . All the men were negative for HIV and genital herpes -LRB- also known as | Men who are circumcised are less likely to get sexually transmitted infections such as genital herpes and human papillomavirus -LRB- HPV -RRB- , but not syphilis , according to a study of adult African men published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine . Circumcision rates have traditionally been higher in the U.S. than in Europe , but they 've been on the decline . The finding adds to the evidence that there are health benefits to circumcision . It was already known that circumcision can reduce the risk of penile cancer , a relatively rare disease . In a previous study , the same research team found that adult circumcision could reduce the risk of HIV infection . Efforts to increase the practice of male circumcision in areas with high rates of sexually transmitted infections , including Africa , could have a tremendous benefit , say the study 's authors . Genital herpes has been associated with an increased risk of HIV , and HPV can cause genital warts as well as a higher risk of anal , cervical -LRB- in women -RRB- , and penile cancers . Health.com : Is your partner cheating ? How to |
boarded the vessel while armed with guns , threatened its captain and took control , holding the ship 's captain and crew hostage . While on the ship , prosecutors said , Muse aimed a gun at one of the hostages and threatened to kill him . He also showed a hostage what appeared to be an improvised explosive device , the statement said . `` Muse placed the IED in the vicinity of the hostage , and indicated that if the authorities came the IED would explode and the hostage would be killed . '' In April , Muse and the others left Ship-1 on a small boat , called `` the skiff , '' prosecutors said . When the skiff returned , the ship and the skiff `` were made to rendezvous '' with another ship , Ship-2 . `` The captain of Ship-1 was ordered to pull Ship-1 up to Ship-2 . Ship-1 was then attached to Ship-2 , '' according to the statement . `` Muse and others held hostage , on board Ship-2 , both the captain and the crew of Ship-1 and the captain and crew of Ship-2 . '' On April 8 , | New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Somali suspect in the hijacking of the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean last April has been charged with involvement in two additional hijackings , authorities said Tuesday . One of the hijacked vessels is still being held hostage , federal prosecutors said in announcing a 10-count indictment filed against Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse . The vessels are identified in court documents as `` Ship-1 '' and `` Ship-2 . '' Under the indictment , Muse faces charges including piracy ; seizing a ship by force ; kidnapping and hostage taking , along with charges of possessing a machine gun in the commission of other offenses . If convicted , he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison . He was to be arraigned on the additional charges Tuesday afternoon in federal court , authorities said . Muse is accused of participating in the two hijackings before the Maersk Alabama was hijacked April 8 , prosecutors said in a statement . Ship-1 was seized by pirates in March in the Indian Ocean , according to the indictment and a criminal complaint . Authorities say Muse and others `` known and unknown '' |
and Robert Hymers , 27 , his accountant , provided information from a man they claimed was a co-signer , but who had not authorized his name to be used . Leases were not approved at two dealerships , but the pair and Christopher Gavanis , 30 , a friend of Dykstra 's , drove off with three cars at one company by providing fraudulent information to a dealer , Deputy District Attorney Alex Karkanen said . When Dykstra was arrested in April , Los Angeles police detectives allegedly found cocaine and ecstasy along with somatropin , a synthetic human growth hormone , when they searched his Encino home . In September , Hymers pleaded no contest to one felony count of identity theft . Gavanis pleaded no contest to one felony count of filing a false financial statement , prosecutors said . In a separate case , Dykstra was indicted in May on federal charges , including obstruction of justice for allegedly taking more than $ 400,000 in property that should have gone to his bankruptcy creditors and then lying about it under oath , prosecutors claim . Dykstra 's stellar professional baseball career began in 1981 , when | LOS ANGELES -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former baseball great Lenny Dykstra reached a deal with prosecutors , pleading no contest Wednesday to three counts of grand theft auto and filing a false financial statement , the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's Office said . Dykstra , a three-time Major League Baseball All-Star who led the New York Mets to a World Series championship , was released pending sentencing Jan. 20 , 2012 , the office said in a statement . The former athlete , who faces up to four years in prison , admitted the loss was more than $ 100,000 , according to a statement from the district attorney 's office . In exchange for Dykstra 's plea , 21 charges against him , including attempted grand theft auto , identity theft , possession of a controlled substance and unauthorized possession of a syringe , will be dismissed at sentencing , according to the statement . Beginning in January , Dykstra , 48 , and two co-defendants tried to lease various high-end automobiles from several area dealerships by providing fraudulent information and claiming credit through a phony business , prosecutors said . A criminal complaint contended that Dykstra |
home in Stoneham , Massachusetts . Mark Kerrigan , through his attorney , has denied any responsibility in his father 's death . Daniel Kerrigan 's death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner , but Middlesex County prosecutors have not said whether other charges might be filed against the younger Kerrigan in light of the finding . The Kerrigan family has said , in a statement released through their attorney , that they believe the medical examiner 's finding to be `` premature and inaccurate . '' `` The Kerrigan family does not blame anyone for the unfortunate death of Dan Kerrigan , who had a pre-existing heart condition , '' said the family statement , released by attorney Tracy Miner . According to Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley , police responded to a 911 call at approximately 1:30 a.m. January 24 from Brenda Kerrigan , wife of Daniel and mother to Mark and Nancy Kerrigan . Keeley told District Court Judge Mark Sullivan during the arraignment for Mark Kerrigan that there was a violent argument and struggle between the father and his son , resulting in the elder Kerrigan falling or collapsing on the kitchen | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The brother of skater Nancy Kerrigan , charged with assault and battery in an incident involving his father , was released on bond , authorities said Wednesday . Mark Kerrigan posted the previously set $ 10,000 bail and was released from custody , according to the Woburn District Court Clerk 's office in Massachusetts . Kerrigan , 45 , was fitted with a tracking device and under conditions of his release is not allowed to leave his home other than to visit his attorney , the clerk 's office said . He also is forbidden to use any drugs or alcohol other than prescription medication , can have no access to weapons and must have mental health counseling . `` The Kerrigan family is delighted to have Mark back with them , '' family spokeswoman Nancy Sterling said in a statement . `` They ask that you respect their privacy as they welcome Mark home . '' He was arraigned in January and pleaded not guilty to charges he assaulted his father , Daniel Kerrigan , 70 . The elder Kerrigan died January 24 after an alleged altercation with his 45-year-old son at the family 's |
Flintoff to captain Collingwood at long-on from the penultimate delivery of the final over , in which he also cleared the boundary ropes once . Virender Sehwag top-scored with 68 off 52 balls , putting on 136 for the first wicket with Gautam Gambhir , who hit 58 off 41 deliveries . Broad ended with the embarrassing figures of 0-60 off his four overs , while fellow seamer Chris Tremlett took 2-45 . In reply , England battled gamely but could only post 200-6 in their 20 overs . Opener Vikram Solanki top-scored with 43 off 31 balls , and Kevin Pietersen hit 39 off 23 deliveries , but no-one could match the fireworks provided by Singh . Left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan claimed figures of 3-37 off four overs , while Rudra Pratap Singh took 2-28 . If India can beat South Africa , it would create a three-way tie and require net run-rates to decide the two teams going through . The Proteas have two wins from two Group E outings after beating New Zealand , who have completed their Super Eights fixtures with two victories and a defeat . South Africa restricted the Black Caps to 153-8 from | DURBAN , South Africa -- India 's Yuvraj Singh smashed six sixes in one over as England crashed out of cricket 's World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa on Wednesday . Yuvraj Singh smashes his sixth successive six off England fast bowler Stuart Broad Paul Collingwood 's side were eliminated at the Super Eights stage after South Africa earlier beat New Zealand by six wickets in Durban . England then lost by 18 runs to the Singh-inspired Indians , who kept their semifinal hopes alive ahead of Thursday 's must-win clash with the hosts . Singh reached the fastest 50 in Twenty20 history , needing just 12 deliveries , as India made 218-4 . The left-hander 's six consecutive sixes in the 19th over bowled by Stuart Broad made him the first player to do so in Twenty20 matches and just the fourth in all senior cricket . South Africa 's Herschelle Gibbs performed the feat at the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year , while Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri achieved it in first-class matches . Singh 's innings ended on 58 -- from 16 balls -- when he hit a full-toss from Andrew |
October were the lowest in 50 years and that 540,000 new unemployment claims had been filed , the most in 16 years . iReport.com : How are you making yourself layoff-proof ? `` We must do more to put people back to work and get our economy moving again , '' he said . More than a million jobs have been lost this year , he said , and `` if we do n't act swiftly and boldly , most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year . '' The plan will be aimed at jump-starting job creation , Obama said , and laying the foundation for a stronger economy . `` We 'll put people back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges ; modernizing schools that are failing our children ; and building wind farms and solar panels , fuel-efficient cars and the alternative energy technology that can free us from our dependence on foreign oil and keep our economy competitive in the years head , '' he said . He noted that he will need support from both Democrats and Republicans to pass such a plan and said he welcomes suggestions | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President-elect Barack Obama offered an outline of his economic recovery plan Saturday , and jobs were the top priority . President-elect Barack Obama talks about his economic plan Saturday on a video on his Web site . American workers will rebuild the nation 's roads and bridges , modernize its schools and create more sources of alternative energy , Obama said in the weekly Democratic address , posted on his Web site . `` The plan will mean 2.5 million more jobs '' by 2011 , Obama said . His Web site clarified that the plan would `` save or create '' that many jobs . `` These are n't just steps to pull ourselves out of this immediate crisis , '' he said . `` These are the long-term investments in our economic future that have been ignored for far too long . '' Details of the plan are still being worked out by his economic team , Obama said , but he hopes to implement the plan shortly after taking office January 20 . Listen to Obama 's economic plan '' He referred to figures out this week showing that new home purchases in |
plan . Under existing protocols , full-body scans are optional at airport checkpoints . Travelers who decline the scans are funneled to a location where they may be given a pat down and subjected to other tests such as swabs that can detect minute traces of explosives on hands or luggage . The TSA said most passengers prefer a body scan to a pat down . But others have objected to the body scans , calling them electronic strip searches . Passenger privacy is maintained during the scannning process by blurring all images , deleting images after they are viewed and placing the screener viewing the images in a remote location , according to DHS officials . Acting TSA Administrator Gale Rossides testified before Congress on Thursday that the machines will not significantly slow the passenger screening process , saying it will be done at the same time as carry-on baggage screening . The TSA has spent years testing full-body imagers . Plans to deploy them this year were given added urgency after the arrest of a Nigerian man , Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab , who has been accused of attempting to detonate an explosive sewn into his underwear on a | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The federal government is starting to deploy full-body scanning machines to 11 airports across the United States , Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday . Forty body-imaging machines already have been put into use at 19 airports nationwide as part of a field test , according the Department of Homeland Security . The Transportation Security Administration expects to deploy 450 units by the end of this year . `` By accelerating the deployment of this technology , we are enhancing our capability to detect and disrupt threats of terrorism across the nation , '' Napolitano said in a statement . The first of the new units are being installed Friday at Boston 's Logan International Airport , according to a DHS statement . The list of other airports set to receive the scanners by the end of summer includes Chicago O'Hare International , Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International , Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International , Mineta San José International , Los Angeles International , Port Columbus International , Oakland International , San Diego International , Kansas City International and Charlotte Douglas International . The imaging machines are being funded through the Obama administration 's $ 862 billion economic stimulus |
manslaughter Members of Michael Jackson 's family -- including his parents Joe and Katherine Jackson , sister La Toya Jackson , and brothers Jackie , Jermaine , Randy and Tito Jackson -- attended the hearing . `` Not enough , '' Jermaine Jackson said when asked what he thought of the charge . `` I do n't like what happened , '' Joe Jackson said as he left the courthouse . La Toya Jackson later issued a statement through a publicist . `` Michael was murdered and although he died at the hands of Dr. Conrad Murray , I believe Dr. Murray was a part of a much larger plan , '' her statement said . `` There are other individuals involved and I will not rest and I will continue to fight until all of the proper individuals are brought forth and justice is served . '' Her statement did not elaborate on what she meant in her reference to `` a much larger plan . '' Murray traveled to Los Angeles at the end of January from his home in Houston , Texas , in expectation of possible charges , his lawyer said . He used part of | Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Dr. Conrad Murray , personal physician to Michael Jackson , was charged Monday with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the pop star 's death last summer . A criminal complaint filed earlier in the day alleged that Murray `` did unlawfully , and without malice , kill Michael Joseph Jackson . '' Murray turned himself in shortly before 4 p.m. at a branch courthouse near Los Angeles International Airport . He pleaded not guilty during a brief hearing before Judge Keith L. Schwartz . The judge set bail at $ 75,000 , despite arguments from prosecutor David Walgren that Murray is a flight risk . The judge refused to suspend Murray 's medical license as a term of his bond , but he did order him not to use any anesthesia on patients . `` I do n't want you sedating people , '' Schwartz told Murray . Read the criminal complaint The involuntary manslaughter charge means that Murray caused Jackson 's death by acting `` without due caution and circumspection . '' If convicted , Murray would face a maximum four-year prison sentence , according to prosecutors . More on involuntary |
Umar Khan told www.pakpassion.net . `` The Indian Premier League have been using Afridi 's name and pictures to publicize the tournament and to build up the hype , and he was expected to be one of the most popular players amongst the franchises . '' Big-hitting all-rounder Afridi was stunned to be left out , having played for the Deccan Chargers in 2008 but did not feature last year as the team won the title . `` I 'm stunned by the omission and , yes , I 'm obviously very disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing once again in the Indian Premier League and testing my skills against the world 's best players and against friends and colleagues , '' he said . `` I thought I would be picked and am very surprised at the outcome of the auction . '' Pollard was sought by four teams , with Mumbai heading off Kolkata , the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings after making a sealed-envelope final bid . The 22-year-old Pollard , who has played only 15 one-dayers and 10 Twenty20 internationals , takes $ 750,000 as his payment while the undisclosed | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- World Twenty20 champions Pakistan were left stunned after none of their players were signed up for the lucrative Indian Premier League cricket tournament in Tuesday 's auction . With this year 's budget slashed from $ 2 million per team to just $ 750,000 , only 11 of the 66 international players on offer were snapped up . West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and veteran New Zealand pace bowler Shane Bond were the biggest winners as the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders respectively used their entire allocated funds to sign them for the 2010 season . But Pakistan 's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi , one of the world 's most explosive players in the limited-overs format , failed to secure a place along with teammates highly-rated Mohammad Aamer , Umar Gul and Umar Akmal . Afridi 's manager blamed the Indian government for continuing its long-running tensions with Pakistan . `` I 'd heard prior to the auction that franchises were being advised not to bid for Pakistani players as the players from Pakistan would not be issued with visas by the Indian government , and that is precisely what has happened , '' |
the measure 's effects . Jennifer Kerns , a spokeswoman for the proposition , called Wednesday 's decision `` a huge victory . '' `` We believe it deals a strong blow to our opponents and sends a strong message that they wo n't be able to keep the ballot initiative away from the people of California , '' she said . Calls Wednesday to Equality California were not immediately returned . If the proposition is approved , it would be the second time same-sex marriages have been voided in California . In February 2004 , San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom -- who is considering a run for governor -- challenged the state 's laws against same-sex marriage , ordering city officials to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples . Those unions were voided by the California Supreme Court , though the justices sidestepped the issue of whether banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional , allowing legal cases to work their way through the lower courts . Several gay and lesbian couples -- along with the city of San Francisco and gay-rights groups -- sued , saying they were victims of unlawful discrimination . A lower court ruled San | SAN FRANCISCO , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The California Supreme Court has cleared the way for Californians to vote in November on whether to ban same-sex marriages in the state . A gay couple is married in California in June . Voters could void same-sex marriages in the state in November . The court on Wednesday denied a petition to remove the initiative from the state 's general election ballots . The unanimous decision was handed down without elaboration . Hundreds of marriage licenses have been issued to same-sex couples since mid-June , a month after the court overturned the state 's laws against such unions . However , on June 2 , opponents of same-sex marriage filed for a ballot initiative that would ban such marriages in the state 's constitution . Such a ban would overturn the court 's May ruling . Equality California , a Sacramento-based activist group , filed a petition against the initiative -- Proposition 8 -- arguing that it involves a constitutional revision that ca n't be adopted through a ballot vote . The group also contended that petitions circulated to qualify the proposition for the ballot contained material that misled readers about |
the job of vice president , let alone president . Watch Zakaria slam Sarah Palin '' CNN : You do n't think she is qualified ? Zakaria : No . Gov. Palin has been given a set of talking points by campaign advisers , simple ideological mantras that she repeats and repeats as long as she can . But if forced off those rehearsed lines , what she has to say is often , quite frankly -- nonsense . Just listen to her response to Katie Couric 's question about the bailout . It 's gibberish -- an emptying out of catchphrases about economics that have nothing to do with the question or the topic . It 's scary to think that this person could be running the country . Here is their exchange : Katie Couric : Why is n't it better , Gov. Palin , to spend $ 700 billion helping middle-class families who are struggling with health care , housing , gas and groceries ; allow them to spend more and put more money into the economy instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess ? Gov. Sarah Palin : | NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In a column appearing in Newsweek , world affairs expert and author Fareed Zakaria said he thinks it would be best for Republican presidential hopeful John McCain if Gov. Sarah Palin bowed out as his vice presidential running mate . `` For him to choose Sarah Palin to be his running mate is fundamentally irresponsible , '' says Zakaria . Zakaria says McCain did not put the country first in making his V.P. choice , and he says Palin is not qualified to lead the United States . CNN spoke to him about his commentary titled , `` Palin is ready ? Please . '' CNN : What did you initially think when Sarah Palin was announced as the Republican vice presidential nominee ? Zakaria : I was a bit surprised -- as I think most people were . But I was willing to give her a chance . And I thought her speech at the convention was clever and funny . But once she began answering questions about economics and foreign policy , it became clear that she has simply never thought about these subjects before and is dangerously ignorant and unprepared for |
even though she filed her complaint within 180 days of when she first learned that she was getting paid less than comparable male employees , she had failed to file within 180 days of the first unequal paycheck . After Tuesday 's House vote , Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber had `` taken a bold step '' in passing the legislation . `` In doing so , it has injected fairness , reason and common sense back into policy , '' Pelosi said . The legislation , which passed the Senate on Thursday , now goes to President Barack Obama , who has promised to sign it into law . It is the first major piece of legislation Congress has sent to Obama for his approval . On the campaign trail , Obama and Republican nominee Sen. John McCain debated the bill . Obama heavily emphasized what he called the plan 's benefits to working women , while McCain criticized it as a boon for trial lawyers . Pelosi said Obama called to congratulate her on the bill 's passage . Obama danced with Ledbetter at one of his inaugural balls , and she spoke at the Democrat National | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill that would make suing for pay discrimination easier by altering a time limit on such suits . The act is named for Lilly Ledbetter , seen here in 2008 . Her discrimination lawsuit victory was overturned in 2007 . The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act , which passed 250-177 , would give workers alleging unequal pay the right to sue within 180 days of their most recent paycheck . Current law says such employees must sue within 180 days of receiving their first unfair paycheck . Supporters of the new legislation say that , under the current law , an employer merely needs to hide unfair pay practices for three months before being able to continue them without penalty . The act , named for a former Goodyear Tire employee who sued the company for gender discrimination in 1998 , would effectively overturn a 2007 Supreme Court decision on the limit . Ledbetter was awarded $ 360,000 in back pay by a federal judge in Alabama , but the verdict was overturned in a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in May 2007 . The court said that |
teenagers can get certain forms of the condition , Klippel said . The Arthritis Foundation reports two-thirds of people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis are under age 65 . Watch more on arthritis fact and fiction  '' Stephens was in her late 30s when she developed osteoarthritis after injuring her knees running and playing volleyball . She felt a sharp pain and recalled , `` It was downhill after that . '' Researchers do n't know the exact cause of arthritis , but they do know what puts people at risk . Klippel said that while the disease is associated with aging , other risk factors include heredity , joint injury , obesity and lack of fitness . Common myth 2 : Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis Despite what your grandmother told you , experts say cracking your knuckles is not a risk factor for arthritis . `` It 's annoying -- it 's certainly not good for the joints , but on the other hand , it does n't cause arthritis , '' Klippel said . Common myth 3 : Predicting the weather `` Boy , there 's a good myth , '' Klippel said with a chuckle . `` | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The bad economy and downturn in the housing market are n't the only painful things for Realtor Anne Stephens . Her knees , hips and ankles hurt from arthritis . Anne Stephens , 61 , was in her late 30s when she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis . `` I ca n't sit too long . I ca n't stand too long , and I ca n't walk too long , '' said Stephens , 61 , from Conyers , Georgia . Stephens is among the 27 million Americans who suffer from the most common form of arthritis called osteoarthritis . `` I think people tend to think of this as more of a nuisance , '' said Dr. John Klippel , president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation . `` They think of it as only aches and pains and not the serious problem that it actually is -- the leading cause of disability in this country . '' Klippel said part of the misconception has to do with all the myths surrounding the disease . Common myth 1 : Arthritis is a disease of the elderly While older people do develop arthritis , children and |
central website or phone number to book Hotel Week rooms . Several hotels have created special websites for the promotions , while others require calling the reservations number . Links are at the end of this article . Always mention Hotel Week when booking and know that these specific discounts are limited . For visitors who wo n't be able to take advantage of limited Hotel Week discounts , more than 120 participating New York City hotels are offering discounts between January 2 and February 29 , sponsored by NYC & Co. , the city 's tourism office . Discounts include a free night for stays of three or more nights , complimentary upgrades or complimentary breakfast . To book a room , click here . During the same period , a group of 20 luxury hotels is offering a free third night to visitors who book two consecutive nights at one of 20 participating `` Signature Collection '' hotels . More information can be found here . Theater-lovers can score two-for-one tickets during Broadway Week , January 17 to February 4 . Off-Broadway theater week offers the same deal between January 30 and February 12 . Tickets also go | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As families head home after the holidays and children return to school , New York City is on sale for travelers willing to brave the cold temperatures in exchange for lower prices . New York 's first-ever Hotel Week will feature discounts for eight city hotels between January 6 and January 15 . More basic hotel rooms , or those slightly off the beaten path , can be found for as little as $ 100 per night plus taxes , while fancier rooms can go for $ 200 or $ 250 per night -- still a deal by city standards . `` Hotel occupancy dips considerably during the first week in January , '' said hotel publicist Nancy J. Friedman , who launched the Hotel Week concept with six of her hotel clients and two nonclients . `` It 's a similar model to Restaurant Week , which is so successful at filling up restaurants during quiet times . '' Speaking of Restaurant Week , the city 's 20th anniversary promotion starts January 16 and runs through February 10 -LRB- Mondays through Fridays -RRB- . For more information , click here . There is n't a |
penalty or life in prison without parole , San Joaquin County District Attorney James Willett told reporters after the hearing . A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made later , he said . Huckaby did not enter a plea or speak during the court hearing , although she flinched when Sandra Cantu 's name was spoken , and she cried at times . Sandra 's body was found April 6 , stuffed into a suitcase and submerged in a pond at a dairy farm . Huckaby was arrested Friday night after questioning by police . Sandra was last seen alive March 27 in the mobile home park where she lived with her family -- the same mobile home park where Huckaby lives with her daughter . The two children were close friends and played together frequently , police said . Huckaby is the granddaughter of Clifford Lane Lawless , pastor of Clover Road Baptist Church near the mobile home park , and she taught Sunday school at the church , police have said . The church was searched as part of the investigation into Sandra 's disappearance and death . Before her arrest , Huckaby | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police are searching for any other alleged victims of a Sunday school teacher accused of raping and killing an 8-year-old girl from Tracy , California . Melissa Huckaby is charged with killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu , who was a friend of her own daughter . `` We are asking the public if they have any indication that any of their children may have had inappropriate contact with -LSB- the suspect -RSB- to contact us , '' Tracy Police Sgt. Tony Sheneman said Tuesday evening . `` There has been no indication that this has happened . But she is a Sunday school teacher and did have contact with children , so that is why we are asking . '' Melissa Huckaby , 28 , was arrested and charged with killing and raping 8-year-old Sandra Cantu , a friend of her 5-year-old daughter . Huckaby , wearing red jail scrubs over a white T-shirt , was in court Tuesday for an arraignment . She was charged with murder , kidnapping , the performance of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14 and rape by instrument . If convicted , Huckaby would face the death |
Tamil Tigers . The rebels initially denied the death of their leader , claiming on Tamilnet.com that Prabhakaran was `` alive and safe . '' The defense ministry said the bodies of Prabhakaran and 18 other senior rebel leaders were among corpses found in mop-up operations , after government troops routed the Tigers -- formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam . The leaders included Prabhakaran 's eldest son , Charles Anthony , as well as Pottu Amman , the Tigers ' intelligence leader , according to the ministry . Watch the U.N. chief discuss the humanitarian crisis '' Prabhakaran founded the Tamil Tigers , who have been declared a terrorist organization by 32 countries . It initiated the use of women in suicide attacks and , according to the FBI , invented the explosive suicide belt . Prabhakaran is accused of masterminding the killing of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 in the Tamil-dominated Indian state of Tami Nadu . Sri Lankan authorities allege that Prabhakaran was avenging Gandhi 's decision to send Indian peacekeepers to Sri Lanka . Two years later , a Tigers suicide bomber , allegedly acting on Prabhakaran 's orders , | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tamil Tiger rebels acknowledged the death of their leader Sunday , nearly a week after the Sri Lankan government said it had recovered the body of Velupillai Prabhakaran and declared victory in the country 's 25-year civil war with the rebels . In this picture taken 27 November 2003 , Velupillai Prabhakaran stands next to an LTTE flag . Prabhakaran `` attained martyrdom fighting the military oppression of the Sri Lankan state '' on May 17 , according to Tamilnet.com , a rebel Web site , citing the group 's international affairs spokesman . On Tuesday , President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared victory against the Tamil Tigers . `` We are celebrating the defeat of terrorism , '' he said in a nationally televised speech before parliament . `` We have won and restored democracy in the country . '' The president declared a national holiday for the following day to celebrate the war 's end and begin a new phase in the country 's history . Watch the victory parade '' A short time after the presidential address , the military announced that it had recovered the body of Prabhakaran , leader and founder of the |
were deadlocked on three perjury counts , said that it was not proven that Bonds lied when he testified that he had not knowingly used steroids . Prosecutors decided not to pursue a retrial . Prosecutors still argued in the sentencing memo that Bonds ' denial that he was `` taking steroids and human growth hormone were patently false . '' Bonds ' testimony in December 2003 was part of the investigation that targeted Bonds ' personal trainer Greg Anderson and employees of the California drug testing laboratory known as the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative -LRB- BALCO -RRB- . The testimony that led to Bonds ' conviction came when a grand jury prosecutor asked Bonds if Anderson ever gave him `` anything that required a syringe to inject yourself with . '' Bonds told the grand jury that only his personal doctors `` ever touch me , '' and he then veered off the subject to say he never talked baseball with Anderson . Defense lawyers argued that Bonds thought the creams and ointments Anderson was giving him were made of flax seed oils . Sentences for other athletes convicted in connection with the BALCO investigation have not included prison | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Baseball legend Barry Bonds is scheduled to be sentenced Friday for his obstruction of justice conviction . The hearing at 11 a.m. -LRB- 2 p.m. ET -RRB- will take place in a San Francisco federal courtroom less than two miles from the ballpark where Bonds broke Hank Aaron 's major league home run record in August 2007 . Federal prosecutors want Bonds , 47 , to serve 15 months in prison , according to a sentencing memo filed in court earlier this month . Defense lawyers argued in their filing that the judge should accept the probation office 's recommendation that Bonds be sentenced to two years ' probation , fined $ 4,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service . Jurors who found Bonds guilty in April said he was `` evasive '' in his testimony to the federal grand jury investigating illegal steroids use by pro athletes . `` Because Bonds 's efforts were a corrupt , intentional effort to interfere with that mission , a sentence of 15 months imprisonment is appropriate , '' the prosecution said in its memo to U.S. District Judge Susan Illston . But jurors , who |
lawyer on Karadzic if he continues to refuse to cooperate . Karadzic faces 11 counts of genocide , war crimes and crimes against humanity against Bosnian Muslims , Bosnian Croats and other non-Serbian civilians during the brutal and bloody dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s . Bosnia and Herzegovina were a part of Yugoslavia at the time . The conflict introduced the phrase `` ethnic cleansing '' into the lexicon describing war crimes , as different factions in multi-ethnic Yugoslavia sought to kill or drive out other groups . Karadzic was arrested last year after more than a decade on the run and was found to have been living in Belgrade , the capital of Serbia , and practicing alternative medicine in disguise . In a letter dated Wednesday and made public Thursday , Karadzic complained to the International Criminal Tribunal that he had not received the relevant case material on time . He also said there was too much material to go through , even had he received it promptly . `` I ask Your Excellencies -- why and how is it possible that the prosecution is allowed to literally bury me under a million of pages , only | The Hague , Netherlands -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prosecutors in the long-awaited war crimes trial of Radovan Karadzic said they will push ahead Tuesday , though the Bosnian Serb leader is expected to be a no-show once again . On Monday -- the opening day of the trial -- the court was forced to adjourn after Karadzic refused to appear , saying he did not have enough time to prepare . Karadzic , who is accused of masterminding the worst massacre in Europe since World War II , is representing himself . `` Obviously , it is the court 's preference for Karadzic to attend , '' said Nerma Jelacic , spokeswoman for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia . `` But if he chooses not to attend , then some facility will be provided to him to allow him to watch the court 's proceedings from his prison cell . '' The court can not force a defendant to appear . Karadzic , as a `` self-representing accused , '' is the only one who can cross-examine witnesses and speak in court about the substance of the charges against him . However , judges can impose a |
, attorney for Dustin Heard . `` We had no idea that the vice president was going to announce a political decision . '' Last month , U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina found that the government 's case was built largely on `` statements compelled under a threat of job loss in a subsequent criminal prosecution , '' a violation of the Fifth Amendment rights of the five men charged . `` In their zeal to bring charges against the defendant in this case , the prosecutors and investigators aggressively sought out statements the defendants had been compelled to make to government investigators in the immediate aftermath of the shooting and in the subsequent investigation , '' Urbina wrote in a 90-page decision . Federal prosecutors `` repeatedly disregarded the warnings of experienced , senior prosecutors assigned to the case '' in doing so , he found . Urbina also sharply criticized prosecutors and federal agents who developed the case , calling their explanations for using the guards ' statements `` all too often contradictory , unbelievable and lacking in credibility . '' `` In short , the government has utterly failed to prove that it made no impermissible use | Baghdad , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States plans to appeal a federal judge 's dismissal of charges against five Blackwater security guards accused of killing 17 people in Baghdad in 2007 , Vice President Joe Biden announced Saturday . Speaking at a joint appearance with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad , Biden said he was `` disappointed '' with the ruling , and that the Justice Department would file the appeal next week . `` The United States is determined to hold accountable anyone who commits crimes against the Iraqi people , '' Biden told reporters . The September 2007 shootout in Baghdad 's Nusoor Square left 17 Iraqis dead and two dozen wounded . The killings led Iraq 's government to slap limits on security contractors hired by Blackwater , now known as Xe , and other firms . An attorney representing one of the five defendants in the case said he was disappointed by Biden 's announcement in Iraq , saying it was motivated by `` political purposes '' as opposed to legal reasoning . `` This is not how the Justice Department announces its intentions in any case , '' said David Schertler |
Clinton 's strength is about where it was throughout the summer , indicating that she has lost the support she gained last month but that Obama has not yet cut into her core constituency , '' CNN political director Keating Holland said . Clinton is the top choice of 44 percent of the likely Democratic voters interviewed for the poll . Her closest rival , Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois , was the top choice of 25 percent , and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina has 14 percent . All other Democratic candidates were in single digits . New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was backed by 4 percent , Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware by 3 percent , Sen. Christopher Dodd by 2 percent , Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich by 2 percent and former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel was at 1 percent . The poll involved 467 interviews conducted on November 2-4 with Democrats or independents who lean Democratic . The poll 's margin of error was plus or minus 4.5 percentage points . View the poll results '' In an October CNN/Opinion Research poll , Clinton was supported by 51 percent of Democratic voters and had a | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- With the election of the next president a year away , Sen. Hillary Clinton remains the person to beat , a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday suggests . As the countdown begins to November 4 , 2008 , the New York Democrat continues to dominate the race for the Democratic presidential nomination , and comes out ahead when voters are asked whether they prefer her or the GOP front-runner , former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani . But Clinton 's path to the White House is in no way certain . Clinton was criticized for her performance during a debate last week , and her rivals for the Democratic nomination have stepped up attacks that she has equivocated on her position on Iraq , Iran and other major issues . The Republican presidential candidates have also stepped up their attacks on the Democratic front-runner , with each suggesting that he has the best chance of stopping Clinton . The attacks may be working . The CNN/Opinion Research polls suggests that Clinton 's support has slipped from its height one month ago . Watch CNN 's Bill Schneider on the latest poll numbers '' `` |
the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality : A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone , '' is the culmination of a study started in 2000 , the EPA said . The White House moved quickly to try to squelch any concerns that the EPA would immediately issue any regulations concerning the gases . `` The president has made clear his strong preference that Congress act to pass comprehensive legislation rather than address the climate challenge through administrative action , '' White House spokesman Ben LaBolt said . `` That 's why the president has repeatedly called for a bill to provide for market-based solutions to reduce carbon pollution and transition to a clean-energy economy that creates millions of green jobs . '' The EPA announcement comes amid efforts by Congress to enact a limit on global warming pollution . The House Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to begin hearings next week on a comprehensive energy and climate bill , called the American Clean Energy and Security Act . Committee Chairman Henry Waxman is said to want the bill out of committee by Memorial Day , which falls on May 25 , and House | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Six heat-trapping gases that contribute to air pollution pose potential health hazards , the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in a landmark announcement that could lead to regulation of the gases . `` This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem , '' EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said . The gases -- carbon dioxide , methane , nitrous oxide , hydrofluorocarbons , perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride -- have been the subject of intensive analysis by scientists around the world , the EPA said . The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the EPA 's scientific review in 2007 . `` This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations , '' EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a release , later adding , `` The science clearly shows that concentrations of these gases are at unprecedented levels as a result of human emissions , and these high levels are very likely the cause of the increase in average temperatures and other changes in our climate . '' The EPA 's finding now goes into a public comment period . The report , titled `` Assessment of |
's Press Association . Services marking the exact time of the attack at 1903 GMT were also due to take place later in local churches . A private service for relatives of victims and former Pan Am employees will also take place at London 's Heathrow airport , where the airliner began its final flight . In the U.S. , remembrance services were scheduled to take place at Arlington National Cemetery and at New York 's Syracuse University , which lost 35 students in the bombing . Scotland 's First Minister Alex Salmond said the anniversary marked an opportunity to reflect on `` the lasting links that have been established with those in other nations who were touched by the disaster . '' `` I know that through the events being organised in Lockerbie , at Syracuse University , and at other locations in the UK and the U.S. , that fitting tribute will be paid to those who so tragically lost their lives and those , in the south of Scotland and beyond , whose lives have been affected by the atrocity . '' A former Libyan intelligence officer , Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi , was convicted of | LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Events commemorating the bombing of an American airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie were taking place Sunday in both the UK and the U.S. to mark the 20th anniversary of the attack which killed 270 people . Mourners gathered at a wreath-laying ceremony Sunday to mark the Lockerbie bombing . All 259 people on board Pan Am flight 103 from London to New York were killed when the plane exploded in midair on December 21 , 1988 . A further 11 people died on the ground as debris rained down on Lockerbie . In Scotland , mourners watched as a commemorative wreath was laid at Dryfesdale Cemetery , the site of a permanent memorial and remembrance garden to the victims of the attack . Canon Michael Bands , who led the service , said that the disaster had `` long ceased to be a Lockerbie event and become a world event . '' `` It is awful that we should gather today on this stormy sort of day to feel the sadness again of the tragedy that took place here 20 years ago , '' Bands said , according to the UK |
Terry Probyn , and Dugard 's two daughters . Earlier this month , Judge Douglas Phimister denied a request by the Garridos to be able to see each other while they remain jailed . Instead , the judge ruled , the couple can have one five-minute phone conversation this month and in June . He also said that officials can monitor the calls . The judge did not offer a reason for denying the request . The prosecution had opposed the motion on security grounds . Authorities maintain Dugard does not want to speak to Garrido or his attorneys and have tried to keep her location a secret . In March , Dugard made her first public statement since the arrests of her alleged captors . `` Hi , I 'm Jaycee . I want to thank you for your support , and I 'm doing well , '' Dugard said in a home video released exclusively to ABC News . `` It 's been a long haul , '' said Dugard , `` but I 'm getting there . '' The video showed Dugard baking cookies with her mother and playing with her dogs . `` We released this | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A court hearing is scheduled Thursday in the case of a northern California couple accused of abducting Jaycee Dugard and holding her captive for more than 18 years in a ramshackle backyard compound . Phillip Garrido , 58 , and his wife , Nancy , 54 , are charged with 29 felony counts in the kidnapping of Dugard , who was 11 when she was snatched in 1991 from the street in front of her house in South Lake Tahoe , California . The couple has pleaded not guilty . The hearing , scheduled for 1 p.m. -LRB- 4 p.m. ET -RRB- at the El Dorado County Superior Court , is a procedural matter about witnesses in the case . Authorities say the Garridos held Dugard in a hidden compound behind their home for 18 years . She was 29 when she was found in August at the Garridos ' home in Antioch about 120 miles from her house . Garrido , a registered sex offender on parole at the time of his arrest , is accused of fathering two daughters with Dugard during her captivity . Dugard now lives in seclusion with her mother , |
. The poll of polls is an average of five surveys : CNN -LRB- September 5-7 -RRB- , ABC/Washington Post -LRB- September 5-7 -RRB- , CBS -LRB- September 5-7 -RRB- , Gallup -LRB- September 5-7 -RRB- and Diageo/Hotline -LRB- September 5-7 -RRB- . The poll of polls does not have a sampling error . The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Monday shows McCain and Obama tied at 48 percent . The poll , which was conducted Friday through Sunday , carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points . It was based on 1,022 telephone interviews . Republicans are hoping that if McCain can close the popular vote gap , he can also make gains in the electoral gap . The Electoral College will ultimately decide who takes over the White House . Watch what the different standings mean '' Although polls across the country are open on one day , the election is not a national poll but a series of 51 state-level elections that decide the members of the Electoral College . Technically , voters are n't choosing a candidate but a slate of electors who have pledged to vote for that candidate when | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sen. John McCain has inched ahead of Sen. Barack Obama in national polls , but the Democratic candidate holds a steady lead in the most recent Electoral College estimates . John McCain and Sarah Palin are campaigning hard in battleground states . In national surveys , McCain leads by 2 points , 47 percent to 45 percent , according to CNN 's poll of polls released Monday night . In the Electoral College standings , the most recent survey shows 243 electoral votes either safely in Obama 's column or leaning his way . At this point , McCain can claim only 189 . Many of the state polls used to determine the Electoral College standings , however , were conducted before the conventions . Monday marked the first time McCain passed Obama in CNN 's poll of polls . Watch how the race has tightened '' On Saturday , Obama was up by 3 in the poll of polls . That lead shrank to just 1 point Sunday before disappearing Monday . In the most recent survey , 8 percent of respondents said they were still unsure about who they were going to vote for |
in the conflict are guilty of `` egregious violations '' of humanitarian law . `` I think the government claims that they 're not using heavy weapons do not pass the laugh test any more , '' she said . `` Witnesses are telling us about the shelling . We also get photos of remnants of the shells that hit the areas . '' U.N. spokesman Gordon Weiss told CNN on Monday that hundreds of civilians died during weekend fighting because the Sri Lankan army had put residents in the crossfire , and Obama and the Security Council urged the government to live up to its commitment to stop using heavy weapons . Neistat said at least 30 hospitals had been attacked in the conflict zone as well . Meanwhile , the Tigers -- who have been branded a terrorist organization by the United States , more than 30 other countries and the European Union -- are refusing to let the civilians who surround them evacuate , Neistat said . `` Witnesses are telling us that they were not allowed to leave , that those who tried to leave were shot at by the Tamil Tigers , '' she said | The U.N. Security Council and U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called for both sides in Sri Lanka 's civil war to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid into the conflict zone , where tens of thousands are trapped . President Obama criticized the Tamil Tigers for using civilians as `` human shields . '' In a statement at the White House , Obama urged Sri Lankan government troops to halt the `` indiscriminate '' shelling of civilians trapped with the remnants of the country 's Tamil Tiger rebels and demanded the rebels stop using civilians as `` human shields . '' Security Council members issued a statement demanding `` that all parties respect their obligations under international humanitarian law . '' Though the rebels once controlled much of northeastern Sri Lanka , government troops have forced them from all but a small portion of the island since November . The remaining rebel force is pinned down on a narrow strip on the island 's northern coast , but more than 50,000 civilians are trapped there as well , the United Nations estimates . Anna Neistat , of the New York-based Human Rights Watch , told CNN that both sides |
down premature birth rates by continent . The highest premature birth rate is in Africa , where 11.9 percent of births each year are preterm , with more than 4 million premature deliveries annually . In populous Asia , although the preterm birth rate is lower at 9.1 percent , the number of premature births is higher , at nearly 7 million a year . While North America -- consisting of the United States and Canada in this report -- counts fewer than 500,000 premature births a year , its preterm birth rate is close to that of Africa , at 10.6 percent of all births , according to the report . The rate is the world 's second highest . In the United States , the rate of preterm births has increased 36 percent in the past 25 years , with births between the 34th and 36th week of gestation accounting for the majority of the increase , the organization found . Much of the hike in preterm births is linked to more pregnancies after the age of 35 and the use of fertility treatments that can lead to multiple births . `` Wherever trend data are available , | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than 1 million babies born prematurely die each year before they are a month old , the March of Dimes said Sunday in the first comprehensive global report on premature births . A premature baby rests at a hospital in Kabul , Afghanistan , in October 2007 . The organization suggested the situation could worsen if the rate of premature births increases . Each year , 12.9 million infants -- or nearly 10 percent of the annual worldwide birth total -- are born before 37 weeks of development in the womb , the organization said . More than 85 percent of the premature births occur in developing countries in Africa and Asia . `` Premature births are an enormous global problem that is exacting a huge toll emotionally , physically and financially on families , medical systems and economies , '' March of Dimes President Jennifer Howse said in a statement . `` In the United States alone , the annual cost of caring for preterm babies and their associated health problems tops $ 26 billion . '' The March of Dimes report , which used data collected by the World Health Organization , breaks |
Haiti . 8:53 p.m. -- Although aid organization Doctors Without Borders is `` facing huge problems '' in receiving supplies , it is doing what it can to get work done , said Renzo Fricke , the group 's chief of Haiti operations . `` This morning we had to buy a saw in the market , in the city ... for our surgeons to do amputations , '' he told CNN 's Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday . `` We had to buy a saw because our materials -- the medical equipment is not coming as it should arrive . '' Bottlenecks at Port-au-Prince 's small airport has been a problem for aid groups since the earthquake ; Doctors Without Borders says that five of its supply planes have been diverted from Haiti to the Dominican Republic since January 14 . 8:40 p.m. -- Ena Zizi , the woman in her 70s who was rescued from rubble in Port-au-Prince today , has been airlifted by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to the USS Bataan , CNN 's Ivan Watson reports . Earlier , she was being treated at a clinic , but it did n't have the operating facilities she | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tuesday , January 19 10:37 p.m. -- Two children were pulled alive Tuesday night from the rubble of a two-story building in Port-au-Prince . The 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl , rescued by a team from the New York City fire and police departments , were taken to an Israeli tent hospital . 10:31 p.m. -- Rescue teams on Tuesday stopped searching the rubble of Port-au-Prince 's Caribbean Supermarket , where five people were rescued over the weekend . `` You have to accept the realization that the potential for survivability is extremely low , '' said Capt. Joe Zahralban of the South Florida Urban Search and Rescue team . `` It gets to a point where you can only risk the rescuers ' life so much before you say , we do n't think there is anybody left . '' 10:25 p.m. -- Heavy traffic is making the 200-mile drive from the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo to the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince take as long as 18 hours , a United Nations situation report says . This is hampering groups ' ability to send aid from the Dominican Republic to areas in need in |
The romaine lettuce , sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands , was recalled in connection with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 19 people in Michigan , Ohio and New York . Most E. coli strains are harmless , but some cause severe illness . Diarrhea , urinary tract infections , pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses are just some of the consequences of ingesting certain kinds of the bacteria . Blog : What you need to know about E. coli The lettuce under recall was sold to wholesalers and food service outlets in Alabama , Connecticut , the District of Columbia , Florida , Georgia , Illinois , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Missouri , New Jersey , New York , North Carolina , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Carolina , Tennessee , Virginia , West Virginia and Wisconsin . Freshway Foods also advised consumers not to eat `` grab and go '' salads sold at in-store salad bars and delis at Kroger , Giant Eagle , Ingles Markets and Marsh stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia . The Freshway recall does | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A multistate romaine lettuce recall because of fear of contamination with a potentially deadly bacteria has restaurants east of the Mississippi River scrambling to assure customers that their salad is safe . `` We have taken the extra precaution of contacting our lettuce supply chain partners to ensure that our product meets our usual high standard of quality , '' New York-based franchise Just Salad said in an e-mail to its customers . `` We are happy to say that we have confirmed that this recall will have no effect on Just Salad 's romaine lettuce , '' the e-mail said . On Thursday , Freshway Foods in Sidney , Ohio , announced a voluntary recall of products containing shredded romaine lettuce with a use-by date of May 12 or earlier because they may be contaminated with E. coli linked to outbreak of illness . Read about recall on CNN 's This Just in Yum ! Brands -- the largest restaurant company , and owner of popular fast food chains KFC , Pizza Hut , Taco Bell and Long John Silver 's -- said Freshway Foods is a not supplier to any of its brands . |
U.S. Government Accountability Office . The United States has put about $ 48 billion toward reconstruction since the 2003 invasion of Iraq , auditors reported . About $ 23 billion of that was spent on the oil and electricity industries , water systems and security . Iraq spent $ 3.9 billion on those sectors from 2005 through April 2008 , according to the GAO , the investigative arm of Congress . The ongoing fighting there , a shortage of trained staff and weak controls have made it difficult for the Iraqi government to spend its surplus on needed projects , the agency 's report concluded . Levin , a Michigan Democrat , has been an outspoken critic of the slow progress of reconstruction and an advocate of a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq . His criticism Tuesday was echoed by Sen. John Warner , a Virginia Republican who is the former chairman and now a leading member of Levin 's committee . `` Despite Iraq earning billions of dollars in oil revenue in the past five years , U.S. taxpayer money has been the overwhelming source of Iraq reconstruction funds , '' Warner said in a joint statement with Levin . | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraq is raking in more money from oil exports than it is spending , amassing a projected four-year budget surplus of up to $ 80 billion , U.S. auditors reported Tuesday . Oil accounted for 94 percent of the Iraq 's revenue from 2005 to 2007 , a U.S. report says . Leading members of Congress , noting that Washington is paying for reconstruction in Iraq , expressed outrage at the assessment . One called the findings `` inexcusable . '' `` We should not be paying for Iraqi projects while Iraqi oil revenues continue to pile up in the bank , including outrageous profits from $ 4-a-gallon gas prices in the U.S. , '' said Sen. Carl Levin , the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee . `` We should require that U.S. taxpayers be reimbursed for the cost of large projects . '' Baghdad had a $ 29 billion budget surplus between 2005 to 2007 . With the price of crude roughly doubling in the past year , Iraq 's surplus for 2008 is expected to run between $ 38 billion and $ 50 billion , according to a report from the |
, is the latest move in an escalating diplomatic battle that pits the United States against two of Latin America 's leftist leaders . It comes a day after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that he was expelling the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela , Patrick Duddy . Chavez also said he was recalling the Venezuelan ambassador from the United States . `` He has 72 hours , from this moment , the Yankee ambassador in Caracas , to leave Venezuela , '' Chavez told a crowd of supporters . `` When there 's a new government in the United States , we 'll send an ambassador . A government that respects Latin America . '' The president said he was making the moves `` in solidarity with Bolivia and the people of Bolivia . '' Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday accused the United States of fomenting a coup d'etat by rich eastern department landowners against him , and he called for the U.S. ambassador to leave for allegedly encouraging those protesters . For the past two weeks , the demonstrators in the country 's richer eastern lowlands have been protesting Morales ' plans to redistribute the country 's natural | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States is expelling the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States in response to a similar move by Venezuela , U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Friday . `` We have informed the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States that he will be expelled and should leave the United States , '' McCormack said . Separately , the U.S. Treasury Department accused Friday two senior Venezuelan intelligence officials -- Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios and Henry de Jesus Rangel Silva -- and one former official -- Ramon Rodriguez Chacin -- of assisting leftist rebels in the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia , or FARC , with narcotics trafficking . `` Today 's designation exposes two senior Venezuelan government officials and one former official who armed , abetted and funded the FARC , even as it terrorized and kidnapped innocents , '' said Adam J. Szubin , director of the Treasury 's Office of Foreign Assets Control , in a statement . The action freezes assets the three men may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits Americans from conducting business with them . The U.S. decision to expel the Venezuelan ambassador , Bernardo Alvarez Herrera |
interrogation practices that Bush administration critics consider torture for terror suspects . Just a month into office , Obama ordered 17,000 troops to Afghanistan , the original front in the `` war on terrorism '' sparked by the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington . `` I think it 's the right thing to do . But it 's a weighty decision because we actually had to make the decision prior to the completion of the strategic review that we were conducting , '' Obama said . Coming off a tumultuous week over the millions in bonuses paid out to employees of AIG , Obama said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner 's job is secure despite critics calling for his resignation . Obama joked that even if Geithner were to tender his resignation , the president would tell him , `` Sorry buddy , you 've still got the job . '' Geithner has come under fire over the $ 165 million in bonuses AIG paid its top executives after the insurance giant received more than $ 170 billion in federal bailout money . A loophole in the recently approved economic stimulus bill , included at the behest of | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama said in an interview aired Sunday that the hardest decision he 's made since taking office was to send more troops to Afghanistan . In a `` 60 Minutes '' interview , President Obama said , `` I fundamentally disagree with Dick Cheney . '' Also in the interview on CBS ' `` 60 Minutes , '' Obama defended his decision to shut down the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba , and he countered criticism from former vice president Dick Cheney . `` I fundamentally disagree with Dick Cheney -- not surprisingly , '' Obama said . `` I think that Vice President Cheney has been at the head of a movement whose notion is somehow that we ca n't reconcile our core values , our Constitution , our belief that we do n't torture , with our national security interests . I think he 's drawing the wrong lesson from history . '' Obama was responding to comments Cheney made to CNN 's `` State of the Union '' on March 15 , when he said the president is making the nation less safe by closing the Guantanamo prison and ending |
's interrogation policies and of senior administration officials who attempted to shift the blame for abuse ... to low-ranking soldiers , '' Sen. Carl Levin , D-Michigan , chairman of the Senate committee , said Tuesday . `` Claims , such as that made by former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz that detainee abuses could be chalked up to the unauthorized acts of a ` few bad apples , ' were simply false . '' The Senate report said that in December 2001 the Defense Department 's General Counsel 's Office solicited information on the `` exploitation '' of detainees from the federal agency charged with training U.S. troops on how to withstand enemy interrogation techniques considered illegal by the Geneva Conventions . The inquiry to that agency , the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency , was submitted more than a month before then-President George Bush signed a memo stating that U.S. military personnel `` shall continue to treat detainees humanely and , to the extent appropriate and consistent with military necessity , in a manner consistent with the principles of the Geneva Conventions . '' The Senate committee 's investigation was largely focused on the influence of a Joint | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Senior Bush administration officials authorized aggressive interrogation techniques -- including forced nudity and waterboarding -- on suspected terrorists , despite concerns from military psychologists and attorneys , according to a Senate report released Tuesday . The Senate report focuses on the authorization to use aggressive techniques to interrogate detainees . `` The fact is that senior officials in the United States government solicited information on how to use aggressive techniques , redefined the law to create the appearance of their legality , and authorized their use against detainees , '' said the report , which reveals new details about prisoner treatment at U.S. military prisons in Cuba , Afghanistan and Iraq . `` Those efforts damaged our ability to collect accurate intelligence that could save lives , strengthened the hand of our enemies and compromised our moral authority , '' the report said . The full report on the Senate Armed Services Committee investigation was declassified Tuesday by the Defense Department , less than a week after the Obama administration released several Bush-era memos detailing the use of such techniques . `` In my judgment , the report represents a condemnation of both the Bush administration |
a `` dysfunctional '' health care system that is draining the U.S. economy while leaving 46 million Americans without health insurance . `` We are going to accomplish what many people felt would n't happen in our lifetime , '' he said . But House Republicans slammed the Democrats ' bill and pledged to try to amend it as three House committees begin considering the legislation later this week . Rep. Roy Blunt , R-Missouri , said the bill `` without any question will kill jobs , will limit access to health care , will raise taxes and will lead to a government takeover of health care . '' Blunt said he will offer an amendment requiring all elected federal officials , including Obama and Vice President Joe Biden , to enroll in the new public insurance option . Republicans and some fiscally conservative Democrats also question the cost of health care reform . An earlier draft of the House Democrats ' bill carried a price tag of $ 1 trillion over 10 years . The Congressional Budget Office said the revised house bill also would cost $ 1 trillion . However , a senior Democratic House committee staffer said | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- House Democrats unveiled their revised version of health care reform Tuesday , offering a proposal that includes a government-funded health insurance option , requires both individuals and employers to participate , and taxes the wealthy to help cover costs . President Obama has urged Congress to work quickly on creating a health care reform bill . Democratic House leaders said the measure , titled `` America 's Affordable Health Choices Act , '' met the requirements set by President Obama for health care reform by lowering costs to consumers and businesses , letting people keep their current plan if desired , and preventing denial of coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions . `` The House proposal will begin the process of fixing what 's broken about our health care system , reducing costs for all , building on what works , and covering an estimated 97 percent of all Americans , '' Obama said in a written statement . `` And by emphasizing prevention and wellness , it will also help improve the quality of health care for every American . '' Rep. Henry Waxman , D-California , said the bill is intended to repair |
to Dubois ' body after being assured that it would not be used against him in court . Gardner avoided the death penalty with his guilty plea but will be sentenced June 1 to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole , under terms of the plea deal with prosecutors . On February 24 , a day before King went missing , an 11-year-old girl reported that she was walking home from school when she heard a vehicle slowly approaching her from behind , according to an affidavit requesting a police search of Gardner 's home , posted on the website of CNN affiliate KTLA-TV . The documents were unsealed Monday , KTLA reported . The girl told police the vehicle drove past her and then parked about 30 feet in front of her , the documents said . The driver stayed in the vehicle , the girl said , and did not attempt to speak to her . But a woman pulled up next to the girl and told her the person in the vehicle `` seemed very suspicious '' and offered to follow her home , according to the affidavit . The man , who was | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities believe that a registered sex offender who this month admitted killing two California teenagers attempted to follow an 11-year-old girl walking home from school the day before one of the teens disappeared , according to documents filed in the case . John Albert Gardner , 31 , pleaded guilty April 16 to killing Chelsea King , 17 , and Amber Dubois , 14 . He also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to commit rape in a December incident involving a third woman . King was last seen leaving Poway High School in suburban San Diego , California , on February 25 . Her car , with her cell phone inside , was found at Rancho Bernardo Community Park . King was known to run on the park 's trails . Her disappearance triggered a massive search that ended a few days later , when King 's remains were found in the park . Dubois disappeared in February 2009 while walking to school in Escondido , California . She was considered a missing person for more than a year until her remains were found in March . Prosecutors said Gardner led police |
, and as `` Six Million Dollar Man '' actor Lee Majors ' wife , when she shot a best-selling pinup poster in early 1976 at the behest of a Cleveland , Ohio , company called Pro Arts . Photographer Bruce McBroom placed Fawcett -- then known as Farrah Fawcett-Majors -- in the Indian blanket-draped front seat of his 1937 Chevy and snapped away . The poster , with Fawcett 's million-dollar smile front and center and right nipple obvious through the fabric of her red bathing suit , became a sensation . Soon after the photo shoot , Fawcett was asked to join the cast of a new Aaron Spelling TV show , `` Charlie 's Angels , '' about a trio of female detectives who work for a mysterious man named Charlie . Fawcett , who played Jill Munroe , was the last to be cast -- co-star Kate Jackson was the known name at the time -- but , thanks to her poster , Fawcett became the series ' breakout star . The highly rated TV series kicked off what came to be known as `` jiggle TV , '' series full of young actresses who appeared | LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Farrah Fawcett has been hospitalized in the latest stage of her battle against cancer , a producer working with the actress said Monday . Farrah Fawcett , shown here in 2004 , was first diagnosed with cancer in 2006 . `` She is not unconscious , she is not unresponsive , and she is not comatose , '' Craig Nevius told CNN . He added that Fawcett `` is surrounded by family and friends . '' She `` has a real iron will '' and is `` a fighter , '' he said . Nevius has been working with the 62-year-old on a documentary about her fight with cancer . Earlier , he told People magazine that Fawcett had checked into `` a Los Angeles hospital . '' Fawcett was diagnosed in 2006 . People magazine reported that she has anal cancer . Early in 2007 , Fawcett said she was told her cancer had gone into remission . Her official Web site has posts from February , 2007 celebrating the news . But the cancer returned later that year . Fawcett was a model best known for bit parts and commercials |
has repeatedly said he will listen to the protesters but will not accede to their demands . The anti-government demonstrations began Friday . By Sunday , tens of thousands of protesters had poured into the center of Bangkok . The rallies have been largely peaceful . Abhisit has said his government will not use force to quell the demonstrations . The nation 's tourism minister estimated the demonstrations might have resulted in a 20 percent drop in tourists . The impact on Chinese visitors appears to have been greater , with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce reporting a 50 percent cancellation rate . The protesters are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra , who was ousted in a bloodless military coup in 2006 . Thaksin was the only Thai prime minister to serve a full term and remains hugely popular . He fled the country in 2008 while facing trial on corruption charges that he says were politically motivated . The protesters say Abhisit was not democratically elected and have demanded that he call new elections . Since Thaksin 's ouster , Thailand has endured widespread political unrest that has pitted Thaksin loyalists against Abhisit supporters . Two people | Bangkok , Thailand -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Anti-government protesters poured a small amount of blood at the headquarters of the government in Bangkok on Tuesday , but the demonstration did not live up to their threat to douse the ministers ' offices in blood . The protesters had launched a blood drive earlier to collect enough samples for the demonstration . Thousands of `` red shirts '' -- so named for their clothing -- held out their forearms to allow their compatriots to draw blood . The protesters intended to collect 1,000 liters -LRB- 1 million cubic centimeters -RRB- and then throw the blood on the grounds of the Government House , which houses ministerial offices , at 6 p.m. -LRB- 7 a.m. ET -RRB- . `` Red shirts '' rally in Bangkok : Share your photos If Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva still refuses to dissolve parliament , the demonstrators said they will collect another 1,000 liters of blood Wednesday and splash it on the headquarters of the ruling party . The next day , they will collect 1,000 more liters and target the prime minister 's residence , the demonstrators said . What are the protests about ? Abhisit |
Murray will face Donald Young in Sunday 's Thailand Open final after the American upset second seed Gael Monfils . Young , ranked 55th , triumphed 4-6 7-6 -LRB- 7-5 -RRB- 7-6 -LRB- 7-5 -RRB- against the Frenchman in Saturday 's semis to reach his first top-level title match . He has already beaten Murray once this year , at Indian Wells , but lost to the Briton in the fourth round of the U.S. Open . Young will break into the men 's top-50 next week , having started August in 128th place . The defeat dented 14th-ranked Monfils ' hopes of reaching the season-ending ATP World Tour finals in London . Murray , who was runner-up in Bangkok in his first ATP final six years ago , is seeking his third title this year after winning 6-2 3-6 6-2 against another Frenchman , Gilles Simon . Agnieszka Radwanska boosted her hopes of qualifying for the season-ending WTA Championships in Turkey by winning the Tokyo Open title on Saturday . The Polish ninth seed defeated world No. 4 Vera Zvonareva for the third time this year , with the 22-year-old winning 6-3 6-2 to claim her sixth title . | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Serbian tennis player has been banned for life and fined $ 100,000 after being found guilty of match-fixing offenses . David Savic has been punished for three violations of the 2010 Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program in October 2010 , it was revealed on Saturday . A Tennis Integrity Unit investigation found that the 26-year-old tried to contrive the outcome of an event , sought to persuade another player to not try to win and also offered money `` with the intention of negatively influencing a player 's best efforts in any event . '' Savic is currently ranked 659th in singles , with a highest standing of 363 in October 2009 . He is a compatriot of world No. 1 Novak Djokovic , who helped Serbia win the Davis Cup last year before winning three grand slam titles in 2011 . Savic is the second man to be banned for life over match-fixing , following Austria 's Daniel Kollerer in May . The Tennis Integrity Unit is run by the International Tennis Federation , the Grand Slam Committee and the men 's ATP and women 's WTA tours . Meanwhile , world No. 4 Andy |
'' Tsvangirai has long been a leading opposition figure in Zimbabwe , but he joined a coalition government with Mugabe last month . That seemed to resolve an impasse created by a disputed presidential election between Mugabe and Tsvangirai last year . Tsvangirai received the most votes in the March 2008 election , but he fell short of the 50 percent required to avoid a runoff . He withdrew as a candidate in the runoff , citing political violence and intimidation targeting his supporters . Negotiations between the two sides culminated in the power-sharing agreement that was implemented just weeks ago . Questions about the wreck surfaced shortly after it happened Friday on a busy two-lane highway between Tsvangirai 's hometown of Buhera and the capital city of Harare . On Saturday , members of Tsvangirai 's political party , the Movement for Democratic Change , told CNN that Tsvangirai believed that the driver of the truck that struck his car deliberately drove toward him in an effort to take his life . The party 's secretary-general , Tendai Biti , said police should have provided better security for Tsvangirai . The wreck might not have happened , he said | HARARE , Zimbabwe -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of Zimbabwe said Monday that he does not believe foul play was involved in a car wreck that killed his wife . The vehicle the couple were traveling in was left overturned off the highway . `` When something like that happens there is speculation , but I want to assure you if it was foul play , it is one in a thousand , '' he said Monday . `` It was an accident that took her life . '' Tsvangirai 's comments came amid widespread speculation that the wreck was caused by his political opponents aligned with President Robert Mugabe . Tsvangirai 's political party , the Movement for Democratic Change , has said the crash was an assassination attempt . It has called for an independent inquiry . Zimbabwe 's new prime minister was hurt in the wreck and returned home Monday from neighboring Botswana . `` Life has to go on and I 'm certain that if she was here she would liked life to go on , '' he said . `` It will be difficult to fill the gap left by her . |
was a little nervous in the beginning , '' Oudin said . `` She definitely stepped up her game when she came out on court and served some really great service games . `` There was n't much I could do in the beginning , besides staying in there with her . '' France restored some pride with Pauline Parmentier 's 6-4 6-4 win over Christina McHale before Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber won the concluding doubles for the U.S. Defending champions Italy are also in the semifinals after a convincing 4-1 win over the Ukraine . Francesca Schiavone came from a set down to beat Kateryna Bondarenko to seal the victory after Flavia Pennetta had downed Alona Bondarenko on straight sets in the first reverse singles on Sunday . They will play the Czech Republic who beat Germany 3-2 thanks to a decisive doubles victory . Lucie Hradecka , who was making her Fed Cup debut as a late replacement for the injured Lucie Safarova , proved the final day star in Brno . In the opening reverse singles she beat Andrea Petkovic 6-1 7-6 to give the home team a 2-1 lead . Anna-Lena Groenefeld beat Petra Kvitova | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Four-time Fed Cup champions Russia edged Serbia 3-2 on Sunday to reach the semifinals of this year 's competition where they will play the United States . Russia owed their victory to the doubles partnership of Svetlana Kuznetsova and Alisa Kleybanova , who beat Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic 6-1 6-4 in the decisive rubber in Belgrade Earlier in the reverse singles , Kleybanova beat Ivanovic 6-2 6-3 while Jankovic scored her second victory of the weekend as she saw off Kuznetsova 6-3 4-6 6-3 to level the tie . `` We are really happy after this hard-fought victory , '' Kuznetsova told the official Web site www.fedcup.com `` We played the crucial doubles like real partners . Alisa was really good although she 's a singles player . '' The United States , missing both the Williams sisters , were still too good for France as they wrapped up a 4-1 win on an indoor clay court at the Stade Couvert Regional de Lievin . Teenage star Melanie Oudin continued her heroics with a second singles victory as she beat Julie Coin 7-6 6-4 to give her side an unassailable 3-0 lead . `` I |
or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution , '' the alert says . More than 16,000 people have died in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels shortly after assuming office in December 2006 . Ciudad Juarez , in Chihuahua state across the border from El Paso , Texas , is the most violent city in the nation . `` The situation in the state of Chihuahua , specifically Ciudad Juarez , is of special concern , '' the alert says . Two U.S. citizens were abducted and killed in Chihuahua , the State Department said . `` Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009 , '' the report states . `` Additionally , this city of 1.3 million people experienced more than 16,000 car thefts and 1,900 carjackings in 2009 . U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez , avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours , and remain alert to news reports . '' But the problems are not limited to Juarez , the State Department says . `` Mexican drug cartels are engaged | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Texas Department of Public Safety took the unprecedented step Thursday of telling college students not to visit Mexican border cities during spring break because they are just too dangerous . Several universities issued similar warnings last year , but this was the first time the Texas law enforcement agency had issued the specific advisory against travel , said spokeswoman Tela Mange . In the past , she said , Texas authorities had just urged students to be careful . `` Because of the increased violence , we decided to step it up a little bit and say , ` Parents , bad idea , ' '' Mange said . DPS Director Steven C. McCraw said , `` Parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety can not be guaranteed . '' The State Department renewed a travel alert to Mexico last month , citing increased violence in the country -- border areas in particular . `` Recent violent attacks have caused the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Michoacan , Durango , Coahuila and Chihuahua ... and to advise U.S. citizens residing |
include David Gray , Jill Scott , rock band Evanescence and country duo Sugarland . Johnson Sirleaf , a 73-year-old Harvard graduate whose political resilience has earned her the nickname `` Iron Lady , '' became Africa 's first democratically-elected female president in 2006 , three years after decades of civil war ended . Crediting women with ending the conflict and challenging the dictatorship of former President Charles Taylor , she declared a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and made education compulsory and free for all primary-age children . Gbowee , 39 , led a women 's movement that protested the use of rape and child soldiers in Liberia 's civil war . She mobilized hundreds of women to force delegates at 2003 peace talks to sign a treaty - at one point calling for a `` sex strike '' until demands were met . Read more about this year 's Nobel Peace Prize winners Although Karman , 32 , emerged as an icon of change as Yemen was swept up in the tumult of the Arab Spring , the mother-of-three has long been active in campaigning for women and human rights . Karman , the first Arab woman to win | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The struggle for women 's rights against the backdrops of the Arab Spring and democratic progress in Africa will be recognized by this year 's Nobel Peace Prize on Saturday , at a ceremony unlikely to repeat controversy seen last year . Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , and Leymah Gbowee , a social worker and peace campaigner from the same country , will share the prize with Tawakkul Karman , an activist and journalist who this year played a key opposition role in Yemen . The three , chosen `` for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women 's rights to full participation in peace-building work , '' will be honored in Oslo , Norway , during a program of events that culminates on Sunday in a star-studded concert . All three will be interviewed by CNN 's Jonathan Mann , a veteran of Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies , shortly after they receive their medals and $ 1.5 million in cash . The interviews and concert , hosted by actors Helen Mirren and Rosario Dawson , will be broadcast live online and mobile on CNN.com . Acts performing at the concert |
of her identity , and police dubbed her `` Baby Grace . '' After authorities distributed composite sketches of the girl nationwide , Sheryl Sawyers , the girl 's paternal grandmother , contacted police from her Ohio home to say the drawing resembled her granddaughter . DNA testing confirmed the child 's identity . According to an affidavit , Trenor told police Riley had been beaten and thrown across a room and that her head was held under water before she died on July 24 , 2007 . She said the couple hid the girl 's body in a storage shed for one to two months before they put it in the plastic container and dumped it into the bay . The disposal of the girl 's body led to the evidence-tampering charge . A medical examiner said Riley 's skull was fractured in three places , injuries that would have been fatal . A capital murder charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison , the Chronicle reported . A cross has since been erected on the island where the toddler was found , which was named Riley 's Island in her honor , according to the Houston | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A woman accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter and dumping her body in Texas ' Galveston Bay went on trial Tuesday on capital murder charges in the child 's death , court officials said . Kimberly Dawn Trenor has pleaded guilty to an evidence-tampering charge , her attorney says . Kimberly Dawn Trenor , 20 , pleaded guilty last week to tampering with evidence in the case , but she pleaded not guilty to the capital murder charge , said her attorney , Tom Stickler . Trenor 's husband , Royce Clyde Zeigler II , 25 , also faces capital murder and evidence-tampering charges , but is being tried separately and has not been arraigned . The body of Trenor 's daughter , Riley Ann Sawyers , was found in October 2007 in a large plastic blue container on an uninhabited island in Galveston Bay . Jurors in Trenor 's trial also will determine her sentence on the evidence-tampering charge , which carries a penalty of two to 20 years in prison , according to The Houston Chronicle . Riley Ann 's case drew national attention after a fisherman found her body . Authorities were unsure |
it to talk to her , Nowak sprayed her in the face with pepper spray , Shipman said . Police said Nowak was apprehended as she was disposing of her disguise in an airport trash bin . Nowak has said she went to the airport to talk to Shipman , who had begun dating Nowak 's former love interest , Navy Cmdr. Bill Oefelein , who was also an astronaut but has since left the astronaut corps . Judge Marc Lubet handed Nowak a legal victory in November 2007 when he ruled evidence found in her car and statements she made to police after her arrest were inadmissible at trial because both were unlawfully obtained . Prosecutors appealed , however , and in July 2008 , the Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled that evidence found in Nowak 's car was admissible , although it agreed her statements to police were not . At a hearing in August 2007 , Orlando police detective William Becton testified that when he searched Nowak 's car , he found maps showing how to reach the airport , maps of the airport 's layout , a buck knife and papers including a letter Nowak | ORLANDO , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An ex-astronaut accused of assaulting a romantic rival in a Florida parking lot will stand trial December 7 , a judge ruled . Prosecutors accuse Nowak of driving nearly 900 miles wearing NASA diapers to track down her rival . Lisa Marie Nowak , 46 , is accused of stalking Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman and pepper-spraying her in a parking lot at Orlando International Airport in February 2007 . She has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm , battery and burglary of a vehicle using a weapon . If convicted , she could face a sentence of up to life in prison . Prosecutors accuse Nowak of driving nearly 900 miles from Houston to Orlando -- wearing NASA diapers to cut down on the number of stops she needed to make -- and donning a disguise before following Shipman from baggage claim to a parking lot . Her attorney , Don Lykkebak , has denied that she wore the diapers . Shipman told police that after she got into her car , Nowak feigned distress and knocked on the window . When Shipman cracked |
of madness which puts the whole deal into jeopardy . '' The plan outlined in The Herald would give 14 government ministries to ZANU-PF and 13 to the MDC . Three ministries would go to Mutambara 's faction . Among the ministries reportedly allocated to ZANU-PF are defense , home affairs , foreign affairs , justice and legal affairs , and media and information . Ministries given to Tsvangirai 's MDC would include constitutional and parliamentary affairs , economic planning , health , labor , and sport , arts and culture , the paper said . Mutambara would oversee education , industry and commerce , and regional integration and international cooperation . The ministry of finance , the paper said , remains in dispute . The MDC accused the ZANU-PF of trying to undermine the work of former South African President Thabo Mbeki , who helped broker a deal to end months of violence following a disputed election . The paper said Mbeki was due to to go Zimbabwe to resolve the question of the finance ministry . Mbeki mediated the power-sharing talks that aimed to resolve the disputed March election . Tsvangirai won the most votes in March but | HARARE , Zimbabwe -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Robert Mugabe 's political rivals Saturday accused the Zimbabwean president of `` ambush '' in allocating key ministries to his own party in defiance of a power-sharing agreement aimed at ending political turmoil in the country . The opposition MDC accuses Mugabe of `` ambush . '' Zimbabwe 's state-run Herald newspaper reported that ministries inlcuding defense , justice , and media , were being placed in the hands of Mugabe 's ZANU-PF . Party spokesman Bright Matonga said the move had cross-party support but the Movement for Democratic Change 's Nelson Chamisa decried the move is an `` ambush '' that puts the power-sharing deal in jeopardy . Under the deal reached last month , Mugabe stays in office but shares power with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai , who became vice president . Arthur Mutambara , who leads a splinter MDC faction , became deputy vice president . `` The MDC dismisses ZANU-PF 's unilaterally gazetted wish list of ministries , which is a betrayal of the wishes , expectations and aspirations of the majority of Zimbabweans , '' the MDC said in a statement . `` It is a giant act |
fired on in their SUV as they left a birthday party at the U.S. consulate . Their 7-month-old daughter , Rebecca , who was in the back of the SUV , was unhurt . A third victim , who had also left the party , was identified as Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros , 37 , a state police officer who was married to a Mexican employee of the U.S. consulate . His wife was not traveling with him , but two of their children , ages 4 and 7 , were in the car and were wounded , officials said . `` We have all come together to find Barrio Azteca members as part of a major intelligence effort , '' said Andrea Simmons , a public information officer for the FBI in El Paso . In addition to the FBI and the DEA , other organizations involved are the Immigration and Customs Enforcement , U.S. Customs and Border Protection , the El Paso Police Department , the El Paso County Sheriff 's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety . `` Part of this is being done to generate leads regarding the ongoing investigation in Juarez as well | Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than 200 federal , state and local law enforcement personnel have been assigned to an operation intended to find who was responsible for Saturday 's fatal shootings of three people linked to the U.S. consulate in Cuidad Juarez , Mexico , an official said . Among the agencies involved in Operation Knock Down -- taking place in southern New Mexico and in the vicinity of El Paso , Texas -- are the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration , said DEA spokesman David Ausiello . El Paso is across the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez . A law enforcement official said investigators believe that there could be a connection between Barrio Azteca , a gang that operates in both cities , and the killings . The official said that mistaken identity has not been ruled out . A relative of U.S. consulate worker Lesley Ann Enriquez said Wednesday that the 35-year-old woman was four months pregnant with a boy when she was shot dead . Enriquez 's husband , 34-year-old Arthur Redelfs , was also killed . He was a 10-year veteran of the El Paso County Sheriff 's Office . The couple was |
hurricane center said . In anticipation of the storm 's arrival , Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon . Hurricane Ida `` threatens the safety and security of those citizens '' along the state 's southeast coastline , he wrote in the declaration . The declaration gives the director of the governor 's office of emergency preparedness authority `` to undertake any activity authorized by law which he deems necessary and appropriate '' to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane . Track Ida 's progress , potential path Alabama 's Baldwin County commission urged that residents living in mobile homes , coastal communities or low-lying , flood-prone areas voluntarily evacuate . The county is under a local state of emergency and opened a shelter , according to a Sunday night statement from the county commission . As of 10 p.m. ET Sunday , Ida had maximum sustained winds near 105 mph -LRB- 165 km/hr -RRB- with higher gusts . But the storm was expected to weaken on Monday and possibly begin losing tropical characteristics on Tuesday , the hurricane center said . The center of Ida was located about 400 miles -LRB- 645 km | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hurricane Ida moved into the southern Gulf of Mexico Sunday , prompting a declaration of emergency in Louisiana and concern along the U.S. Gulf Coast . The storm regained hurricane intensity overnight Saturday , becoming a Category 2 hurricane , but forecasters said it is expected to weaken as it moves north . Ida drenched Nicaragua after making landfall last week as a Category 1 hurricane , then weakened to a tropical storm before resuming strength . In El Salvador , at least 91 people died in flooding and mudslides , according to the government , but a low-pressure system out of the Pacific -- not Hurricane Ida -- triggered the disaster , forecaster Robby Berg of the National Hurricane Center said Sunday . A hurricane warning , meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours , extends from Pascagoula , Mississippi to Indian Pass , Florida , forecasters said . From Grande Isle , Louisiana , to west of Pascagoula , Mississippi , a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect . This area includes New Orleans , which the center earlier excluded from the watch , and Lake Pontchartrain , the |
and their driver were kidnapped outside of Kabul , Afghanistan , on November 10 , and Afghan and Western officials said recently that Rohde was being held in Pakistan . After leaving the compound Friday night , the two men then found a Pakistani army scout who led them to a nearby army base . On Saturday , they were flown to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan , the newspaper said . A U.S. official told CNN that Rohde will arrive in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at 10 p.m. Saturday . `` They just walked over the wall of the compound , '' Mulvihill said , according to the newspaper . Ludin hurt his foot during the escape , but otherwise both men appear to be in good health , the newspaper said . The driver , Asadullah Mangal , did not escape , the newspaper said . `` It is hard to describe the enormous relief we felt at hearing the news of David and Tahir 's escape and knowing he is safe , '' a statement from Rohde 's family said . `` Every day during these past seven months , we have hoped and prayed | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A New York Times reporter who was held by the Taliban for seven months has escaped , the newspaper reported Saturday . New York Times reporter David Rohde , shown in 1995 , escaped from the Taliban . David Rohde told his wife , Kristen Mulvihill , that he and a local reporter , Tahir Ludin , climbed over the wall of a compound late Friday where they were being held in the North Waziristan region of Pakistan . Pakistani military spokesman Gen. Athar Abbas told CNN that the Pakistani military was involved in freeing Rohde . Additional details were not immediately available . U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement expressing her relief about Rohde 's `` return to freedom . '' `` I would like to thank the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan for their assistance in ensuring his safe return , '' Clinton said . `` Journalists put themselves at risk every day to report the news in regions gripped by conflict . We rely on their vital role and I am grateful for their service . '' Watch CNN 's Nic Robertson report on the escape '' Rohde , Ludin |
not been involved in politics before her husband , opposition leader Benigno `` Ninoy '' Aquino Jr. , was gunned down at Manila 's airport in August 1983 as he returned from exile . The political novice took over the leadership of her husband 's movement after his death and challenged Marcos in a 1986 election , making a yellow dress her trademark and bolstered by the support of the country 's Roman Catholic churches . Marcos had been backed by the United States , the former colonial power in the Philippines , for two decades as a stalwart anti-communist . He and his wife Imelda were friends of then-President Ronald Reagan and his wife , Nancy . But widespread allegations of electoral fraud and a mutiny by the country 's military led the Reagan administration to withdraw its support , and Marcos went into exile in Hawaii . Aquino took office in a country with a $ 28 billion debt , widespread poverty and a persistent Marxist insurgency . She put in place a U.S.-style constitution that limited presidents to a single six-year term and survived seven coup attempts -- including one that was supressed with American help . | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino , whose `` People Power '' movement pushed out longtime strongman Ferdinand Marcos less than three years after her husband 's assassination , has died at age 76 , her family announced Saturday . `` She was the agent of change in Philippine democracy , '' said Ray Donato , the nation 's consul-general in Atlanta . Aquino , the first woman to lead the Philippines , had been battling colon cancer since March 2008 and died of cardio-respiratory arrest at 3:18 a.m. Saturday -LRB- 3:18 p.m. Friday ET -RRB- , said Mai Mislang , a spokeswoman for her son , Philippine Sen. Benigno Aquino III . Funeral arrangements were being set up , Mislang said . Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has also announced a 10-day mourning period for the former president , said Ray Donato , the country 's consul-general in Atlanta . `` She was the agent of change in Philippine democracy , and almost all the Filipinos I know revered her during her presidency , '' Donato said . Aquino had been born into a wealthy family and was educated in the United States . She had |
can be tried in a U.S. federal court , as long as the person is a U.S. national or is present in the United States , regardless of nationality . Calls to Taylor 's defense attorneys were not immediately returned . Prosecutors had asked for Taylor to be sentenced to 147 years . Taylor was born in Boston , Massachusetts , but he moved to Liberia when his father was named president . Prosecutors said Taylor became the leader of the Anti-Terrorist Unit and the Liberian National Police while his father was president . The two groups are accused of abducting , torturing and killing people . From 1999 to 2002 , Taylor committed torture and allowed others to commit torture , prosecutors said . Taylor and his associated burned victims with molten plastic , lighted cigarettes , candle wax and an iron . Some were severely beaten with firearms , cut and stabbed and shocked with an electric device , prosecutors said in an indictment that superseded the initial indictment from 2006 . In the initial indictment , Taylor was charged with one count of torture , one count of conspiracy to torture and one count of using a | -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The son of former Liberian President Charles Taylor Sr. was sentenced Friday to 97 years in prison for charges including torture and conspiracy , according to a federal court in Florida . The U.S.-born son of Charles Taylor Sr. , pictured , moved to Liberia when his father became president . U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Charles `` Chuckie '' Taylor Jr. , 31 , in a Friday morning session that lasted four hours , according to a court document . Altonaga cited Taylor 's `` sadistic , cruel and atrocious past , '' saying it `` constituted unacceptable , universally condemned torture , '' The Miami Herald reported . `` The lengthy prison term handed down today justly reflects the horror and torture that Taylor Jr. visited upon his victims , '' said Matthew Friedrich , acting assistant attorney general of the criminal division . Taylor , also known as Charles McArthur Emmanuel , was convicted October 30 of torture , conspiracy to commit torture and firearm charges . His case , tried in Miami , was the first brought under a 1994 U.S. law saying those accused of committing torturous acts overseas |
Obama 's inauguration as a `` moment of hope and pride for our whole nation . '' Bush predicted a bright future . `` We have faced danger and trial and there is more ahead , '' Bush said . `` But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals , this great nation will never tire , never falter and never fail . '' Recalling the defining moment of his presidency , Bush said the September 11 , 2001 , attacks forever altered the way he approached his job . `` As the years passed , most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11 , '' Bush said . `` But I never did . '' iReport.com : Share your thoughts on Bush 's farewell `` Every morning , I received a briefing on the threats to our nation . And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe , '' he said . He cited the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and changes in the military and intelligence communities as part of the reason the United States has not seen another significant | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In his final public address from the White House , a reflective President Bush on Thursday recalled the ups and downs of his eight-year tenure and said he was willing to make the tough decisions . President Bush touts what he considers his foreign policy achievements Thursday at the State Department . `` I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right . You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made . But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions . '' Bush , who as president has become known for adamantly sticking to positions even when they 've come under criticism , acknowledged setbacks and said he would have done some things differently . `` Like all who have held this office before me , I have experienced setbacks , '' Bush said . `` There are things I would do differently if given the chance . Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind . Watch Bush 's final address '' Bush also said he is `` filled with gratitude , '' and characterized |
hearing on the matter is set for Monday . In its motion , the government asked that Chiquita Brands International be fined and sentenced to probation , as well as being required to implement an effective ethics program in connection with the company 's guilty plea , Boyd said . Federal prosecutors accused the Cincinnati-based company of paying more than $ 1.7 million to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia , a right-wing paramilitary group , in two parts of Colombia where the company grew bananas . The payments to the group , known as the AUC , went through the company 's Colombian subsidiary , Banadex , from 1997 to 2004 , according to court documents filed in the case . Court papers also say Chiquita paid Colombia 's two leftist guerrilla groups , the FARC -LRB- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -RRB- and ELN -LRB- National Liberation Army -RRB- from about 1989 to 1997 . At the time , according to court documents , those groups controlled areas where the company grew bananas . The AUC , FARC and ELN are all combatants in Colombia 's decade-long civil war , and all have been designated as terrorist organizations | WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Banana producer Chiquita will pay a $ 25 million fine and serve five years ' probation for once paying millions of dollars to groups in Colombia considered by the U.S. to be terrorist organizations , a Department of Justice spokesman said Tuesday . A worker at a banana plantation in Santa Maria , Colombia , in December 2000 . In so doing , the banana producer avoided prosecution for the company 's now-defunct payoff of Colombian terrorists protecting its most profitable banana-growing operation , according to terms of a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department . If approved by U.S. courts , the $ 25 million fine would represent the largest U.S. criminal penalty ever imposed under federal global terrorism sanction regulations , said Justice spokesman Dean Boyd . The regulations prohibit transactions with people who commit , threaten to commit or support U.S.-designated terrorists and establish penalties for doing so . Attorneys from the Justice Department 's National Security Division and federal prosecutors for the District of Columbia filed a joint sentencing motion Tuesday asking the court to accept the plea agreement , which was reached March 19 , Boyd said . A |