Historic Health Care Reform Passes House
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At 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the historic passage of a health care bill revamping the health care system and bringing about the reforms promised by President Obama during the November 2008 election.
The vote was 220 to 215 with one Republican, Representative C...
$1 billion minimum required annually to reach children still at risk.
WASHINGTON, DC | GENEVA -- Reversing a downward trend, immunization rates are now at their highest ever and vaccine development worldwide is booming, according to a new assessment released today by the World Health Organizati...
Barely nine months into office, President Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, substantially boosting his prestige and standing in the United States and internationally.
The Nobel Committee said the President won the award for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diploma...
More than 400 of the nation's most respected health care leaders issued a joint Open Letter to Congress declaring that the health care system is in crisis and is unsustainable and calling on Congress to act now on meaningful reforms. They state that Congress has a moral and ethical obligation to imp...
Speaking to a joint session of Congress last night, President Obama gave a clear, inspiring and unusually detailed explanation of our nationīs health care crisis and his plan to address it.
The President outlined the two key goals of health care reform: safety and security for those already insu...
Stay in school and take personal responsibility are two messages President Barack Obama delivered to U.S. school children.
Obama's speech to the nation's school children Tuesday encouraged them to do the best they can.
"(At) the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most...
The number of people hit by deadly floods across West Africa has now topped 600,000, and the heavy rains have also destroyed crops and infrastructure in a region already hard hit by poverty, the United Nations humanitarian arm reported today.
The rains that began in June have claimed nearly 160 l...
GENEVA -- Monitoring of outbreaks from different parts of the world provides sufficient information to make some tentative conclusions about how the influenza pandemic might evolve in the coming months.
WHO is advising countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic ...
A strong earthquake struck Indonesia Wednesday, killing at least 13 people, injuring 18 others and damaging several older buildings, witnesses said.
The earthquake, centered about 150 miles from Jakarta, initially was categorized at 7.4 magnitude before being downgraded to 7 by geological official...
By William M. Welch
LOS ANGELES -- Two firefighters died in a wildfire Sunday in the San Gabriel Mountains that threatened more than 10,000 homes and the century-old Mount Wilson Observatory.
Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bryant said the two firefighters died in the Angeles Nationa...
Praise for the long political career of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., began coming in early Wednesday as word of his death was reported.
The Kennedy family released a brief statement announcing the death and thanking those who cared for the senator in his last months.
"He loved this count...
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told assembled bankers and policymakers in Wyoming Friday to expect the U.S. economy to grow soon.
"Fears of financial collapse have receded substantially," Bernanke said at the Fed's annual retreat in Jackson Hole.
"After contracting sharply over the...
A tropical storm warning was issued Sunday for Florida and Alabama as a tropical depression organized off the Gulf Coast, meteorologists said.
The depression, on the brink of becoming Tropical Storm Claudette, was located about 125 miles south-southeast of Apalachicola and moving toward the Florid...
By Karen Jeffrey, Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass.
HYANNIS -- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, an internationally acclaimed advocate for people with physical and development disabilities, died early this morning at Cape Cod Hospital, according to a statement from the family.
Born into the privilege...
Former Democratic President achieves diplomatic coup.
By Matt Williams
Two American reporters were freed from North Korea's notorious labour camps after former President Bill Clinton flew in for talks. Clinton met Kim Jong-il yesterday during a surprise visit to the secretive Asian state.
...
Inspectors General fault Bush-Era surveillance tactics for questionable effectiveness and circumvention of legal safeguards.
Top federal investigators from the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, CIA, Directorate of National Intelligence, and the National Security Agency issued a detai...
AVE MARIAH FOR MICHAEL; STARS FLOCK TO MEMORIAL AS 17,000 FANS FIND OUT OF THEY'VE GOT A TICKET
By Keith McLeod
Mariah Carey will sing the Jackson Five's classic I'll Be There as Tinseltown pays tribute to the King of Pop today.
Maria, who had a hit with the haunting ballad in 1992, is o...
Protesters hit the streets of Tehran again Tuesday to express anger over election results they say were manipulated to keep Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.
The government has begun cracking down harder on the demonstrations that have turned deadly, while reaction from world leaders remains subdued, ...
By Marie McCullough, The Philadelphia Inquirer
The tobacco-control movement celebrated another milestone yesterday as the U.S. Senate easily passed a bill giving the government unprecedented power over the making and marketing of tobacco products.
Supporters say the law will enable the Food ...
By PAUL KANE; JOBY WARRICK
FORMER US vice-president Dick Cheney personally oversaw at least four briefings with senior members of Congress about controversial interrogation programmes, part of a secretive and forceful defence he mounted throughout 2005 in an effort to maintain support for the hars...
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has nominated federal judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York for the U.S. Supreme Court positioning the longtime federal jurist to become the first Hispanic member of the nation's high court.
Sotomayor, a former federal prosecutor who first was appointed to the fed...
North Korea claimed Monday it had "successfully" conducted a nuclear test, its second since October 2006, to "bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense."
South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported the testing comes in the wake of the Communist country's warning last month about its nuclear pla...
Poor weather conditions prevented the the U.S. space shuttle Atlantis from landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said Friday.
The landing was rescheduled for Saturday.
Two landings were waved off at the center because weather conditions wouldn't permit a safe landing, the space agen...
Los Angeles - Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, sank six free throws in the final 30.5 seconds and came up with the game-sealing rebound in the final seconds, as the Lakers rallied to beat Denver, 105-103, in the opener of the Western Conference finals.
Bryant had 18 of his points in the fourth quarte...
By Tom Troy, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame University gave a thunderous welcome during Sunday's graduation ceremony to President Obama and cheered him throughout the program despite stark differences on abortion that prompted protests on the Catholic campus.
Mr. Obama w...
Pope Benedict XVI, in Israel on his Middle East tour, called for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would lead to a homeland for both sides.
The pontiff said, "I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstandin...
By Bangor Daily News, Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday signed a gay marriage bill passed just hours before by the Maine Legislature.
Baldacci made his announcement within an hour of the Maine Senate giving its final approval to LD 1020. The Senate voted 21-13 in favor o...
Washington During a debate on hate crimes legislation taking place last week in the well of the United States House of Representatives, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) claimed that Matthew Shepard's murder and torture were "a hoax."
While Matthew's mother, Judy Shepard looked on from above in the H...
By DENIS STAUNTON
US SUPREME court justice David Souter is set to retire this summer, offering President Barack Obama his first opportunity to shape the court after almost a decade of conservative government.
Mr Obama yesterday declined to comment on Mr Souter's decision, which had yet to be m...
By ADAM THOMSON
Governments and health authorities worldwide went on the alert over the weekend for a possible influenza pandemic as the death toll from a new strain of swine flu in Mexico reached 81.
Janet Napolitano, US homeland security secretary, yesterday declared a "public health emergen...
By Sandy Bauers and John Shiffman, The Philadelphia Inquirer
WASHINGTON -- In a landmark move that countered eight years of inaction by the Bush administration, the Environmental Protection Agency determined yesterday that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare because they contribu...
By Rachel Stassen-Berger, Pioneer Press
Democrat Al Franken won last year's U.S. Senate race, three judges decided Monday.
The decision comes after a tough and testy two-year campaign, a two-month statewide hand recount and a detailed seven-week trial.
In the cool spring evening Monday, F...
Pope Benedict XVI began the Easter Vigil late Saturday at St. Peter's in Rome, celebrating the mass that opens the holiest day of the Christian calendar.
The service began in darkness, the BBC reported. After Benedict lit a candle to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he was joined by thousand...
Vote to override Governor's veto makes Vermont first state to recognize marriage for lesbian and gay couples through legislative process. Vermont becomes the fourth state to recognize gay marriage.
Momentum in favor of same-sex marriages increases following similar victory for marriage equality ...
By Rod Boshart, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
In a precedent-setting ruling, the Iowa Supreme Court Friday upheld a lower court decision legalizing same-sex marriages in Iowa.
The unanimous landmark decision is expected to carry national implications as Iowa becomes the first Midwest state...
By Erica Werner, The Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control after years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries.
"We cannot and we must not wait a moment longer to protect our...
By Vanessa Gera, The Associated Press
BONN, Germany - From an Antarctic research base to the Great Pyramids of Egypt and beyond, the world switched off the lights Saturday for Earth Hour, dimming skyscrapers, city streets and some of the world's most recognizable monuments for 60 minutes to high...
By Ben Feller, Associated Press
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- President Barack Obama consigned the Iraq war to history Friday, declaring he will end combat operations within 18 months and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.
"Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our comb...
Chinese President Hu Jintao met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Beijing Saturday amid calls for closer ties between the nations, officials said.
Hu and Clinton said the need to deepen and develop ties between China and the United States is becoming ever more important, Xinhua, the ...
WASHINGTON - Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, a confident young leader ushering in a new era with a promise of bold action to lift the country out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Taking the oath on the steps of a Capitol built...
Top Headlines
The U.S. House Saturday night narrowly passed a sweeping overhaul of the healthcare system that backers say would provide coverage to almost all Americans.
Nov. 8--A Philadelphia state representative is the latest politician to voice concern about the state's practice of sentencing juveniles to life in prison without parole.
Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Zach Collaros threw for 480 yards and a score and ran for two more touchdowns, as fourth-ranked Cincinnati held on for a 47-45 win over Connecticut to stay undefeated.
WASHINGTON _ The House of Representatives late Saturday approved the most sweeping health care legislation in two generations, advancing President Barack Obama's campaign to guarantee health coverage to almost all Americans.
7 Cincinnati piled up a school-record 711 yards of offense Saturday to hold on for a 47-45 victory over Connecticut and remain undefeated.
Every once in a while society pauses to take stock, usually through the courts, to see if its actions measure up to "evolving standards of decency."
Nov. 8--CINCINNATI -- Defense be damned.
SHANGHAI, China - Phil Mickelson won the HSBC Champions on Sunday by rallying against a familiar foe.
Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the U.S. Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 fellow military members at Fort Hood, has been taken off a ventilator, the Army said.
Nov. 8--WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House voted Saturday to remake the nation's health insurance system and take a major step toward universal coverage.
Nov. 8--TUSCALOOSA -- California dreamin'.
Phil Mickelson held off Ernie Els, whose course-record-tying effort Sunday made for a dramatic finish, and won the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.
Hurricane Ida grew in strength Sunday as it neared the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and was expected to pass by Cuba, officials said.
Nov. 8--A pounded gavel, the votes, then four words: "The bill is passed."
WASHINGTON Triumphant Democrats steered landmark health care legislation to the brink of passage in the House late Saturday night, spurred by a summons from President Barack Obama to "answer the call of history" and expand coverage to millions who lack it.
Business
Nov. 7--There's a gold rush of sorts going on right now, but not with pick axes and dynamite.
Nov. 8--For months, investors in a soured currency investment program that was promoted by some Twin Cities financial advisers have been left to wonder what became of their money that seemingly vanished overnight.
Nov. 7--CUMBERLAND -- Following the filing of unfair trade complaints by NewPage Corp. and others in September, the U.S. International Trade Commission voted unanimously Friday to investigate the importation of coated paper from China and Indonesia.
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kohlberg Capital Corporation (Nasdaq:KCAP) today announced that it will delay its investor conference call previously scheduled for Monday November 9, 2009 at 8:30am.
Nov. 7--On Monday, all the time and money spent on appeals, and the estimated million of dollars of business lost to competitors come to a head: Both sides in what's known as the Bilski case will have 30 minutes to make their arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Nov. 7--The Great Recession may be over, according to a formula used by economists who define such things.
Nov. 7--Wooing the high-end tourist market, especially travelers from China, South Korea and Taiwan, is key to achieving the government's goal of attracting 20 million foreign visitors annually by 2016, the head of Japan's hotel association said Friday.
Sri lanka, Nov. 6 -- Criminal charges have been filed in the US against 14 individuals linked to the alleged insider dealing scheme involving billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam, the Sri Lanka-born philanthropist who has been let out on $100m (Pounds 60m) bail.
Nov. 7--A chance to rein in speculative investments that could be pushing up energy prices appears to be fading in Washington.
Fred's Inc. sales slid slightly in October to $128.1 million, down from $128.4 million last October.
A New York City man, Mark Andrew Moore, was charged with roping people into funding a fictitious online fitness magazine.
In these uncertain economic times, it is little surprise that HR professionals everywhere have major compensation-related concerns.
CEO PAY NEARLY FLAT DESPITE STOCK DROP CEO compensation declined by a mere 0.8 percent in the past year, although the S&P 500 Index fell by more than 37 percent, according to a report from the Corporate Library (www.thecorporatelibrary.com).
Nov. 7--First Financial Corp. reported a significant increase in third quarter profits this year compared with the third quarter of 2008.
A man involved in a pyramid scheme that accumulated losses of over [euro]500,000 has been given more time to raise money to compensate the victims.
NEW YORK, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Capital Gold (TSX: CGC; OTC Bulletin Board: CGLD) announced today that gross proceeds were approximately $11.7 million on 11,733 ounces of gold sold in the first fiscal quarter of 2010 (ended October 31, 2009) at its El Chanate mine in Sonora, Mexico.
Sports
Nov. 8--Sophomore Eric Evans already has been expressing his confidence loudly.
Nov. 8--The Owensboro Rampage hockey team overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Lexington Catholic 4-3 on Saturday in Lexington.
Nov. 8--One of the great benefits of being a soccer fan in South Florida is that every so often, South and Central American teams stage games here, giving our community a taste of the passion with which the rest of the world follows the sport.
Nov. 8--An in-depth preview of the five Division I men's college basketball teams for the 2009-10 season:
Nov. 8--LOS ANGELES -- Most hockey fans would agree that the sport belongs more in Canada than California, but count me out of any discussion that warm-weathered U.S. cities aren't good for the NHL.
Nov. 8--LAS CRUCES -- Las Cruces resident Javier Lopez wants to make a career change.
Nov. 8--For now, it's a poster and an intermission tribute.
Nov. 8--A season ago, the world turned upside down for college basketball fans in Kentucky.
Nov. 7--The Dickinson State defensive line wants to play every down like it's their last.
Nov. 8--ARCADIA, Calif. -- Highlights from the second day of the Breeders' Cup:
Nov. 8--In men's soccer Saturday, top-seeded Christopher Newport won 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw with North Carolina Wesleyan in Martinsville, taking its first USA South tournament crown.
Nov. 8--Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini on the win
Nov. 8--Style points don't carry as much weight when you're holding your team together with wire and duct tape.
Nov. 7--Momentum went back and forth throughout Dickinson State's game against the University of Great Falls (Mont.).
Nov. 8--ARCADIA, Calif. -- She had done nothing wrong a day in her life, yet the criticism still lingered much to her connections' dismay.
Nov. 8--Kentucky Wesleyan College earned a tough 55-52 win over the University of Evansville in an exhibition basketball game on Saturday night at Roberts Stadium.
Nov. 8--Adam Weber was sacked seven times in the Gophers' 35-25 loss to Illinois on Saturday, but in the postgame news conference the junior quarterback was willing to take the blame for the loss -- which is not characteristic of many athletes.