BASRA, Iraq – Britain’s prime minister told President Bush he backed the invasion of Iraq while he was still seeking a second U.N. resolution on the military action, British media reported Thursday. Tony Blair is alleged to have told Bush in January 2003 he was “solidly behind” U.S. plans for …
Read More »Maui Running Low on Sand
WAILUKU, Hawaii – Maui may be running out of sand, threatening not only its famous year-round beaches but the state’s booming construction industry. Sources of readily available sand may run out within five to seven years, according to a report being prepared for Maui County. The vast system of sand …
Read More »McDonald's Might: Fast Food Sales Up 5.7% in Jan.
CHICAGO – McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) Wednesday posted a 5.7 percent increase in January global comparable sales, helped by demand for breakfast food, extended hours, gift cards and mild U.S. weather. The world’s biggest fast food company said January sales were up 9.7 percent at U.S. restaurants open at least 13 …
Read More »Dutch Nab 12 in E-Mail Scam Bust
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Dutch authorities have arrested 12 suspects in two cities as part of a joint U.S./Dutch investigation into a criminal gang operating the so-called “419” e-mail scam. The arrests took place during raids of seven houses in Amsterdam and neighboring Zaandam this week, and authorities also seized computers …
Read More »States Raise Awareness of Post-Partum Depression
NEW YORK – The attention goes to celebrity sufferers, such as Brooke Shields, or to grim cases in which mothers kill their children. But beyond the headlines about postpartum depression, states are making strides in raising awareness of the disorder and screening more mothers for it. The boldest move has …
Read More »'40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Wedding Crashers' Lead MTV Movie Awards
NEW YORK – Comedies, frequently snubbed by award shows, will be front and center at this year’s MTV Movie Awards. “The 40-Year Old Virgin” and “Wedding Crashers” lead with five nominations each, MTV announced Monday. Both films will compete for best movie along with “Batman Begins,” “King Kong” and “Sin …
Read More »Former Clinton Chief of Staff Sworn In as UNC System President
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles was sworn in Wednesday as the president of the University of North Carolina system, calling it the greatest honor of his career. “As I’ve gotten a little older, balder and maybe a little wiser, I’ve learned that sometimes in …
Read More »Univ. Michigan: Consumer Sentiment Rises in April
NEW YORK – U.S. consumer sentiment edged higher in April, helped by a stronger labor market and rising equity prices, a report showed on Friday. The University of Michigan‘s preliminary April index of consumer sentiment was at 89.2, up from March’s final reading of 88.9, said sources who saw the …
Read More »Oscars Moving Back to February
LOS ANGELES – The Oscars are moving back to February. The 79th annual Academy Awards will be held Feb. 25, 2007 — the last Sunday of the month — at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre. It will be televised by ABC-TV. This year’s show was moved to the first Sunday in March …
Read More »Bob Woodruff Tells Co-Workers He's Enjoying Family Life
NEW YORK – Bob Woodruff wanted to deliver the news to his colleagues himself: He’s moving on to outpatient care for injuries he suffered in Iraq and enjoying family life, the ABC anchorman said in a written message. “Though I know there is still a long road ahead, it’s nice …
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