News Headlines

Headlines from OPB

Oregon Counties Try To Fend Off Financial Insolvency (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:32 -0800)

Several Oregon counties are asking the state for more flexibility in spending, as they try to stave off financial insolvency. Curry County is likely to run out of operating money this summer. Several other counties aren't far behind.

In The Face Of Education Cuts, More Families Consider Private School (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:35:49 -0800)

OPB is tracking the effects of budget cuts over the course of this school year. It's a series we're calling "Learning with Less." Public schools are seeing larger classes and fewer course offerings. And as Rob Manning reports, some parents are responding to those changes by seeking out alternatives – in the private school sector.

State Bar Assumes Control Over Bend-Based Law Firm (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:08:47 -0800)

A judge in Deschutes County has turned over control of a Bend-based law firm to the Oregon State Bar.  That body is investigating allegations that the firm’s lead attorney may have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded to his clients.

Same-Sex Marriage Decision Personal For Lawmakers (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:44:41 -0800)
A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is in the hands of Governor Chris Gregoire. It passed the Washington House Wedesday with a 55-43 vote. During the three-hour debate, many lawmakers shared their own personal stories.

Oregon Revenues Down, Slightly (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:36:22 -0800)
Oregon lawmakers have a clearer picture of what they'll need to do to bring the current spending plan back into balance. State economists said Wednesday that they expect revenues to fall another $35 million. That's not considered a very big drop.

TriMet Plans Changes In Face Of Budget Shortfall (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:55 -0800)

Facing yet more budget woes, Portland's transit agency TriMet has proposed a broad range of changes.

Vestas Announces $220 Million Loss For 2011 (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:17:31 -0800)

Vestas has announced losses almost triple the size of those expected. The Danish wind-turbine company has its North American headquarters in Portland.

Both Sides Of Gay Marriage Debate React To Wash. House Vote (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:15:47 -0800)
Gay marriage supporters are thrilled. Opponents are gearing up for a ballot fight. That's the dynamic after the Washington House voted Wednesday to send a same-sex marriage bill to the governor.

Growth A Source of Pride — And Strain — At Some Northwest Tribes (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:59:30 -0800)
The membership rolls at some Northwest tribes are swelling much faster than growth in the general population. Some of that increase is due to a high birth rate among American Indians. Also, rising prosperity from casinos and other businesses is luring Native Americans back into the fold. However, fast growth has strained the fabric of some tribes, while others wish they had more.

Washington Lawmakers Pass Gay Marriage 55-43 (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:29:58 -0800)
A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is on its way to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk. After a three hour debate Wednesday, the state House of Representatives passed the plan 55-43.

Health Care 'Transformation' Would Buy Low-Cost Innovations (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:27:30 -0800)
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber hopes his so-called health care transformation will save hundreds of millions of dollars. Oregon lawmakers are poised this month to take the next step in making that a reality.

Hanford Contractor Hires New Safety Culture Manager (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:51:13 -0800)
The main government contractor building the waste treatment plant at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, has hired a new safety culture manager. This move comes after multiple federal reports have criticized the southeast Washington project -– some saying that employees feel reluctant to raise concerns with the plant.

Possible Tolling Between Wash. And Oregon (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:29 -0800)
Washington lawmakers are moving forward with plans to allow tolls on the proposed Columbia River Crossing between Portland and Vancouver. The project will cost as much as $3.5 billion and drivers will likely bear some of that cost.

Campbell's Mother Settled Case To Avoid Pain Of A Trial (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:21:11 -0800)

The mother of Aaron Campbell has explained why she agreed to settle her case against the Portland Police Bureau.

Much Ado About Not Moving: Bend DMV Office To Stay Put (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:16:02 -0800)

Oregon’s Department of Transportation says its DMV office in Bend will be staying put.  The decision a little more than a year after the agency aborted a controversial plan to move the office to a shopping plaza.

Headlines from NPR

Tai Chi May Help Parkinson's Patients Regain Balance (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
The ancient Chinese martial art has been shown to benefit older people by maintaining balance and strength. Now, researchers find Tai Chi can also benefit patients who suffer from Parkinson's, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and motor control.

What Do The Dow's Daily Swings Mean? Not Much. (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Even the guy in charge of the Dow doesn't check it every day. Yet we're constantly bombarded by news of the Dow's daily movements.

Potential Conflicts At Freddie Mac Draw Scrutiny (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
A federal watchdog confirmed it is looking into Freddie Mac investments that act as bets against homeowners being able to refinance. In addition, U.S. senators are expected to probe Freddie Mac's investment practice at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

What Do Democracy Promoters Actually Do? (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Egypt might put nongovernmental workers on trial because it says they're operating illegally. But the U.S. insists Egypt needs to allow the pro-democracy groups to continue their work. American groups say they are helping political parties develop platforms around citizens' needs.

Powerful GOP-Linked SuperPAC Has Clear Agenda (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
The most powerful superPAC in this election may be one that hasn't visibly flexed its muscles yet. But the man who runs American Crossroads and its nonprofit sibling Crossroads GPS says the groups have a clear goal: stop President Obama's agenda and replace him as president.

Arizona Lawmakers Target Public Workers' Unions (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Four bills quickly moving through the state legislature could make last year's Wisconsin labor laws look modest by comparison. Three restrict the way unions collect dues and the way workers get paid for union activities; the fourth bans collective bargaining between governments and government workers.

China Laces Up Its Chuck Taylors (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
China's consumer market is massive, and breaking in isn't easy. Some U.S. products have struggled. But in recent years, an old American sneaker has become an unlikely success story: the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.

Israel Isn't Going To Attack Us, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Says (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:55:00 -0500)
"Iran is so strong," Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee tells NPR, and "the consequences would be devastating for [Israel] and maybe for whoever helped them. ... There are wise enough people around the world to tell them not to do such a crazy thing."

Greek PM, Debt Inspectors End Talks (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:13:00 -0500)
Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the main point of contention — cuts in pensions — has not been resolved. He says there must be an agreement before a planned meeting of eurozone finance ministers later Thursday.

Officials: New Military Roles To Open For Women (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:59:00 -0500)
Pentagon rules will recommend that women be allowed to serve closer to the front lines. Though the rules are expected to continue to keep women from serving as infantry, armor and special operations forces, they will formally allow women to serve in other jobs at the battalion level.

Washington State Lawmakers OK Gay Marriage (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:00 -0500)
The move would make the state the seventh in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed. Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the measure into law next week. The vote comes a day after a federal appeals court ruled that California's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.

Fabio Capello Quits As Manager Of England's National Soccer Team (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 -0500)
Capello resigned suddenly amid disagreement over the stripping of John Terry's captaincy. Terry is facing criminal charges for allegedly aiming a racial slur at an opponent.

'Congress Will Act': Fight Over Birth Control Coverage Moves To The Hill (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:17:00 -0500)
Some religious groups have attacked the Obama administration's plan to require most employers to provide coverage for prescription contraceptives. GOP lawmakers are now vowing to overturn the requirement; meanwhile, Democrats say they'll fight to maintain it to protect women's health.

Does Offering Smaller Portions At Restaurants Help People Eat Less? (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:12:00 -0500)
Asking for less food isn't something most people think about when ordering from a menu. A new study suggests that asking people if they want less food and, in turn, fewer calories, before they order is key.

Counting The GOP Delegates, But Not Before They're Official (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:34:00 -0500)
The NPR Delegate Tracker credits a candidate with delegates only when party rule or state law unambiguously awards those delegates to that candidate.

NATION

Potential Conflicts At Freddie Mac Draw Scrutiny (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
A federal watchdog confirmed it is looking into Freddie Mac investments that act as bets against homeowners being able to refinance. In addition, U.S. senators are expected to probe Freddie Mac's investment practice at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Arizona Lawmakers Target Public Workers' Unions (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Four bills quickly moving through the state legislature could make last year's Wisconsin labor laws look modest by comparison. Three restrict the way unions collect dues and the way workers get paid for union activities; the fourth bans collective bargaining between governments and government workers.

What Do Democracy Promoters Actually Do? (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Egypt might put nongovernmental workers on trial because it says they're operating illegally. But the U.S. insists Egypt needs to allow the pro-democracy groups to continue their work. American groups say they are helping political parties develop platforms around citizens' needs.

Officials: New Military Roles To Open For Women (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:59:00 -0500)
Pentagon rules will recommend that women be allowed to serve closer to the front lines. Though the rules are expected to continue to keep women from serving as infantry, armor and special operations forces, they will formally allow women to serve in other jobs at the battalion level.

Washington State Lawmakers OK Gay Marriage (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:00 -0500)
The move would make the state the seventh in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed. Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the measure into law next week. The vote comes a day after a federal appeals court ruled that California's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.

Counting The GOP Delegates, But Not Before They're Official (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:34:00 -0500)
The NPR Delegate Tracker credits a candidate with delegates only when party rule or state law unambiguously awards those delegates to that candidate.

American Convicted Of Stealing Trade Secrets (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:09:00 -0500)
However, the Chinese-born Motorola employee was acquitted of more serious charges of corporate espionage. The trial in Chicago highlighted fears about China pilfering U.S. company secrets.

Buoyant Santorum Takes Campaign To Texas — And Corrals Some Perry People (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:06:00 -0500)
Fresh off victories in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum campaigned in Texas on Wednesday. He told a small group of pastors, some of them former supporters of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, that he is the true conservative left to challenge Mitt Romney.

A New Weapon Against Nukes: Social Media (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:38:00 -0500)
A top State Department official wants to unleash the power of Twitter, Facebook and other services to crowdsource the fight to control the world's nuclear weapons.

Detroit Schools' No. 1 Mission: Getting Kids To Class (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:53:00 -0500)
Dismal attendance rates have put Detroit Public Schools at risk of losing vital state funding, so the city has launched an assault on truancy. Attendance agent George Eason says, "If we see that the parent is willfully ... not sending the child to school, then we will take every means necessary to enforce the law."

Beached Dolphins Keep Cape Cod Rescuers Busy (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:22:00 -0500)
Dolphins have been stranding themselves along the shores of Cape Cod Bay since the Pilgrims' times, and this winter is no different. What is different is how long the latest round of strandings has lasted — almost a month. No one knows why the animals come ashore, but when they do teams of rescuers mobilize to try to save them.

After Glum Night, Romney May Find Signs Of Hope In Colorado Swing County (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:10:00 -0500)
Rick Santorum won the Colorado caucuses Tuesday on the strength of social conservative and Tea Party voters. Yet he fared differently in one battleground county that will be key in the swing state in November.

States Debate Foreclosure Robo-Signing Settlement (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0500)
California, New York and a handful of other states have yet to sign on to a deal with mortgage lenders that would resolve the "robo-signing" issue. Lenders have pledged $25 billion to reduce outstanding mortgages, but some states say the deal doesn't go far enough to protect consumers.

Obama Shifts His Position On Super PACs (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500)
President Barack Obama's campaign has urged top donors to support a super PAC run by former Obama aides. The president previously called the fundraising groups a "threat to democracy." The Center for Responsive Politics' Sheila Krumholz discusses the shift and NPR's Ken Rudin reviews the week in politics.

Three Takes On What Defines Conservatism In 2012 (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500)
The remaining GOP presidential candidates, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, New Gingrich and Ron Paul, are all fighting to sell a slightly different brand of conservatism. Conservatism has undergone some big changes and its definition in 2012 continues to morph.

WORLD

China Laces Up Its Chuck Taylors (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
China's consumer market is massive, and breaking in isn't easy. Some U.S. products have struggled. But in recent years, an old American sneaker has become an unlikely success story: the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.

What Do Democracy Promoters Actually Do? (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
Egypt might put nongovernmental workers on trial because it says they're operating illegally. But the U.S. insists Egypt needs to allow the pro-democracy groups to continue their work. American groups say they are helping political parties develop platforms around citizens' needs.

Israel Isn't Going To Attack Us, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Says (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:55:00 -0500)
"Iran is so strong," Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee tells NPR, and "the consequences would be devastating for [Israel] and maybe for whoever helped them. ... There are wise enough people around the world to tell them not to do such a crazy thing."

Greek PM, Debt Inspectors End Talks (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:13:00 -0500)
Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the main point of contention — cuts in pensions — has not been resolved. He says there must be an agreement before a planned meeting of eurozone finance ministers later Thursday.

American Convicted Of Stealing Trade Secrets (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:09:00 -0500)
However, the Chinese-born Motorola employee was acquitted of more serious charges of corporate espionage. The trial in Chicago highlighted fears about China pilfering U.S. company secrets.

A New Weapon Against Nukes: Social Media (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:38:00 -0500)
A top State Department official wants to unleash the power of Twitter, Facebook and other services to crowdsource the fight to control the world's nuclear weapons.

China's Demolition Derby Turns History Into Rubble (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:00 -0500)
Historic buildings in Beijing are being demolished in the pursuit of quick profit. Even the home of the architect who urged Mao Zedong to preserve Beijing's old city has fallen to the wreckers' ball, sparking considerable outrage. And the epidemic of destruction is spreading to new buildings, too.

In Russia, Punk-Rock Riot Girls Rage Against Putin (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:21:00 -0500)
Anti-government protests in Russia are taking many forms — one of the latest is a feminist collective's performance in Red Square of a song criticizing Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The guerrilla group says it plans more exploits before March's presidential elections.

Egyptian Judge Details Charges Against NGO Workers (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500)
Egyptian authorities have released details of the charges against 43 people, including 19 Americans, who worked for democracy-building NGOs around the country. Cairo says the suspects were carrying out political, not civil society activities, particularly after the revolution began just over a year ago.

Tensions Bubbling Again Over Falkland Islands (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500)
It's been 30 years since Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falkland Islands. The British won, leaving the islands off the coast of Argentina in British hands. While the war may be over, tensions between the two countries about who owns the Falklands have risen in recent months. Host Robert Siegel talks with professor Mark Jones of Rice University for more.

In Restive Syrian City, Signs Of Sectarian Violence (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500)
Activists say three families, including women and children, were stabbed or shot at close range just outside their houses in Homs on Tuesday. Human rights groups say killings like these are becoming increasingly sectarian, which doesn't bode well for a conflict that's already spinning out of control.

Hamas, Palestinians Sign Unity Agreement (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500)
Robert Siegel speaks with Daoud Kuttab, director general of a Palestinian media organization and the Community Media Network in Amman, Jordan, about the unity agreement between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Greek Leaders Begin Crucial Debt Talks (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:57:00 -0500)
The talks began Wednesday after three days of delays, with the prime minister to review a draft deal on steep cutbacks demanded by creditors in return for a $170 billion bailout. Eurozone finance ministers will meet Thursday to discuss a second massive bailout for Greece — a key indication that a deal is close.

Finding 'Life, Death And Hope' In A Mumbai Slum (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:01:00 -0500)
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo spent more than three years in Mumbai's Annawadi slum. In her new book, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, she profiles people living in extreme poverty — right in the shadow of luxury hotels.

Egyptian Judge Says Foreign Groups Have Been Working There Illegally (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:15:00 -0500)
Authorities have shut some foreign groups, including ones run by Americans, because of what they say may be the organizations' support of protesters. Among those prevented from leaving is the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

POLITICS & POLICY

Powerful GOP-Linked SuperPAC Has Clear Agenda (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
The most powerful superPAC in this election may be one that hasn't visibly flexed its muscles yet. But the man who runs American Crossroads and its nonprofit sibling Crossroads GPS says the groups have a clear goal: stop President Obama's agenda and replace him as president.

Potential Conflicts At Freddie Mac Draw Scrutiny (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500)
A federal watchdog confirmed it is looking into Freddie Mac investments that act as bets against homeowners being able to refinance. In addition, U.S. senators are expected to probe Freddie Mac's investment practice at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

'Congress Will Act': Fight Over Birth Control Coverage Moves To The Hill (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:17:00 -0500)
Some religious groups have attacked the Obama administration's plan to require most employers to provide coverage for prescription contraceptives. GOP lawmakers are now vowing to overturn the requirement; meanwhile, Democrats say they'll fight to maintain it to protect women's health.

Counting The GOP Delegates, But Not Before They're Official (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:34:00 -0500)
The NPR Delegate Tracker credits a candidate with delegates only when party rule or state law unambiguously awards those delegates to that candidate.

Buoyant Santorum Takes Campaign To Texas — And Corrals Some Perry People (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:06:00 -0500)
Fresh off victories in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum campaigned in Texas on Wednesday. He told a small group of pastors, some of them former supporters of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, that he is the true conservative left to challenge Mitt Romney.

Conservatives Worry Romney's Vision Is Cloudy (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:59:00 -0500)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's losses on Tuesday have raised questions once again about his ability to inspire passion from his party's base. There has been a daily drumbeat begging Romney to put some meat on the bones of his policy agenda and set out his vision for the country.

After Glum Night, Romney May Find Signs Of Hope In Colorado Swing County (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:10:00 -0500)
Rick Santorum won the Colorado caucuses Tuesday on the strength of social conservative and Tea Party voters. Yet he fared differently in one battleground county that will be key in the swing state in November.

Ron Paul Fans Stay Committed After Colorado (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500)
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has yet to win a primary, but his supporters remain enthusiastic. Robert Siegel speaks with Ron Paul supporters Christa Leonard in St. Paul, Minn., and Ken Stanton in Fort Collins, Colo., following the caucuses in those states about what's keeping them committed.

Obama Shifts His Position On Super PACs (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500)
President Barack Obama's campaign has urged top donors to support a super PAC run by former Obama aides. The president previously called the fundraising groups a "threat to democracy." The Center for Responsive Politics' Sheila Krumholz discusses the shift and NPR's Ken Rudin reviews the week in politics.

Three Takes On What Defines Conservatism In 2012 (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500)
The remaining GOP presidential candidates, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, New Gingrich and Ron Paul, are all fighting to sell a slightly different brand of conservatism. Conservatism has undergone some big changes and its definition in 2012 continues to morph.

Romney Still Looks Like Front-Runner Even After Santorum's 3-State Romp (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:47:00 -0500)
While it obviously would have been better for Romney if he had won at least one and preferably two if not all three of Tuesday's contests, he has the money hoard and all the organization and TV ads it can buy to get through a rough week and then some. And let's not even get into his allied superPAC.

Santorum Wins Big In Three Early Voting Contests (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500)
GOP hopeful Rick Santorum carried wins in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri, on Tuesday. The White House also tries to manage a controversy over requiring many Catholic institutions to provide free contraception in their employees' health coverage. Host Michel Martin covers these topics and other political news with a diverse panel of politicos.

Is Komen's Image Beyond Repair? (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500)
The breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, took a lot of heat last week for cutting grants to Planned Parenthood. The group reversed the decision this week, and Karen Handel resigned as vice president. Host Michel Martin continues the conversation on this week's major news with a diverse panel of politicos.

Did Santorum Win Big Or Win Squat? What's A Nation To Believe? (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:49:00 -0500)
The results of Missouri's "beauty contest" primary and caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado may be poor indicators of the sentiment of most Republicans and independents. Instead, they show the ardor of the fraction of voters who turned out — and the potency of the abortion issue in national politics.

Santorum's Wins: Huge? Meaningless? In Between? (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:35:00 -0500)
Headline writers and political pundits are calling Tuesday's results a big deal for the Republican presidential race. A closer look raises some questions about that conclusion.

Headlines from BBC

WORLD

Deadly shelling hits Syrian city (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:29:54 GMT)
The Syrian army resumes its bombardment of the restive city of Homs, killing at least 13 people early on Thursday, activists say.

Maldives 'warrant' for ex-leader (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:23:19 GMT)
A criminal court in the Maldives has issued an arrest warrant for former President Mohamed Nasheed, officials in his party say.

Heart disease risk 'inherited' (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:00:06 GMT)
Scientists say a common heart disease which kills thousands each year is passed genetically from father to son.

NZ quake building 'sub-standard' (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:51:40 GMT)
A building that collapsed during last year's Christchurch earthquake, killing 115 people, did not meet industry standards, an official report finds.

Greek parties fail to agree cuts (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:30:57 GMT)
Greece's PM says more talks are needed on fresh austerity proposals for a new bailout package, as euro finance ministers prepare to meet.

Washington approves gay marriage (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:12:58 GMT)
Lawmakers in the US state of Washington pass a bill legalising gay marriage, making Washington the seventh US state to back the measure.

China's inflation rate up to 4.5% (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:23:59 GMT)
China's rate of inflation accelerated to 4.5% in January after consumers increased their spending around Chinese New Year.

China policeman mystery deepens (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:33:42 GMT)
The mystery over a top Chinese police chief deepens as the US confirms he visited its consulate - but China says it was "resolved smoothly".

Argentina rock star Spinetta dies (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:25:20 GMT)
Argentine rock musician Luis Alberto Spinetta dies aged 62 after suffering lung cancer.

Why zebras evolved their stripes (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:59:14 GMT)
A zebra's unmistakeable stripes may have evolved to make the animals unattractive to blood-sucking flies, say scientists.

Corals inflate to escape the sand (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:38:33 GMT)
Time-lapse footage reveals how mushroom corals inflate and deflate to free themselves from smothering sand.

Santorum hails campaign momentum (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:05:47 GMT)
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum pledges to push for victory in March's Super Tuesday votes, after a hat-trick of wins on Tuesday night.

US mortgage deal nears agreement (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:39:43 GMT)
Some of the biggest US banks are said to be close to agreeing a multi-billion dollar settlement with the US government.

Brazil police strike talks fail (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:41:36 GMT)
Talks to end a police strike in the Brazilian state of Bahia break down, as troops blockade the state assembly occupied by striking officers.

Argentina to take Falklands to UN (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:02:22 GMT)
Argentina will make a formal complaint to the UN about British "militarisation" around the disputed Falkland Islands, says President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Cafe in Somalia hit by car bomb (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:18:12 GMT)
At least 15 people are killed and more than 20 injured when a car bomb planted by Islamist militants explodes near a cafe in Somalia's capital, officials say.

Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:36:14 GMT)
Ivory Coast beat Mali 1-0 in Libreville to reach Sunday's Nations Cup final, where they will face Zambia.

US-Japan marine deal resurrected (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:31:30 GMT)
The US and Japan resurrect a deal to move thousands of US Marines from Okinawa, but the future of a major base on the island remains unclear.

New Tibet self-immolation report (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:28:02 GMT)
A Tibetan is reported to have set himself on fire in south-west China, the 20th such case in a year, amid unrest among ethnic Tibetan communities.

Russians claim Antarctic success (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:29:52 GMT)
Russian scientists are reporting success in their quest to drill into Lake Vostok, a huge body of liquid water buried under the Antarctic ice.

Capello quits as England manager (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:28:38 GMT)
Fabio Capello resigns as England manager, the Football Association confirms.

Egypt PM dismisses US aid threat (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:46:26 GMT)
Egypt's prime minister says it will not be persuaded by the potential loss of US aid to end a probe into foreign-funded non-governmental organisations.

Palestinian hunger striker fears (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:43:19 GMT)
Doctors say a Palestinian prisoner who has been on hunger strike for 54 days while being detained without trial by Israel is in a critical condition.

Rooney leads calls for Redknapp (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:19:47 GMT)
England striker Wayne Rooney leads calls for Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as manager of the national team.

Care referrals reach record high (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:06:49 GMT)
The number of children referred into care in England hits a record high, after rising steadily in the years since the Baby P case.

Diageo half-year profits rise 15% (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:46:31 GMT)
Drinks group Diageo reports a rise in half-year profits as demand for its global brands continues to grow in emerging markets.

Vodafone hit by eurozone crisis (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:01:57 GMT)
Mobile phone operator Vodafone's revenue growth is held back by weak trading in some eurozone countries.

Credit Suisse tumbles into loss (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:52:20 GMT)
Switzerland's second largest bank, Credit Suisse, reports a fourth quarter loss of 637m Swiss francs ($698m; £440m).

Ajmal makes Worcs return for T20 (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:43:08 GMT)
Worcestershire re-sign Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal for next season's Friends Life t20.

Zambia 1-0 Ghana (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:51:26 GMT)
Emmanuel Mayuka scores a late goal to earn Zambia a shock win over Ghana and a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Rodgers agrees new Swansea deal (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:36:41 GMT)
Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers signs a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

Medical drama House to end run (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:37:34 GMT)
The show, which stars British actor Hugh Laurie, will finish after the current eighth season ends.

Kate attends Lucian Freud preview (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:27:16 GMT)
The Duchess of Cambridge carries out her first solo public engagement, attending a preview of a new Lucian Freud exhibition in central London.

Nickelback lead Juno nominations (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:04:08 GMT)
Nickelback, Drake and Feist are among the artists nominated for more than one prize at Canada's Juno music awards.

VIDEO: Will Sirte accept Libya's revolution? (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:23:30 GMT)
The new Libyan government faces a formidable challenge in persuading Gaddafi loyalists in Sirte to accept the revolution.

VIDEO: Europe's extreme cold snap explained (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:40:17 GMT)
The BBC's Lucy Hockings and weather presenter Helen Willetts look at why Europe is experiencing such unusually cold weather.

VIDEO: Bankski: Russia's mystery street artist (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:04:58 GMT)
The mysterious Russian street artist, 'Pavel 183', is being compared to Britain's Banksy.

VIDEO: Greek coalition fails to agree cuts (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:13:06 GMT)
Greek PM Lucas Papademos has failed to secure the support of his coalition for a raft of new austerity measures, after more than seven hours of talks.

VIDEO: Russia finds vast sub-glacial lake (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:57:25 GMT)
Russian scientists have been drilling for two decades in the Antarctic and say they have found a vast sub-glacial lake.

VIDEO: Ex-Maldives president 'in safe house' (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:29:50 GMT)
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has said that he was forced to resign "at gunpoint" by police and army officers in a coup.

VIDEO: Nepal national park breeds crocs (Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:05 GMT)
A breeding centre in Nepal's Chitwan National Park is preparing endangered Gharial crocodiles for release back into the wild.

VIDEO: James Marsh on his IRA thriller (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:21:09 GMT)
British filmmaker James Marsh's new film Shadow Dancer is to be screened at the Berlin Film Festival.

VIDEO: One-minute World News (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:45:07 GMT)
Watch the latest news summary from BBC World News. International news updated 24 hours a day.

Could coffee become India's top drink? (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:38:58 GMT)
Is India falling in love with the cappuccino?

Philippines seeks US muscle on South China Sea (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:19:00 GMT)
Filipinos defend islands amid South China Sea tensions

VIDEO: Tribes untouched by civilisation (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:04:24 GMT)
Saving the mysterious Amazon tribes untouched by modern world

All for the want of a winter horseshoe (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:43:18 GMT)
Why Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia ended in disaster

Brazil oil giant Petrobras gets new chief (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:09 GMT)
Meet the woman set to run Brazil's oil giant

CEO pay not linked to performance (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:13:10 GMT)
Why chief executives are paid so much

Lenovo profits continue to soar (Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:20 GMT)
Second-largest PC maker reports 54% rise

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