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30 Apr 2009 10:14

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Biz, U.S.: Consumer spending takes another small tumble in March

  • -0.2% the bigger-than-expected decline in spending source

30 Apr 2009 09:17

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U.S., World: World Health Organization: We’ll get the answers

  • It really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic. We do not have all the answers right now, but we will get them.
  • WHO Director-General Margaret Chan • On yesterday’s Phase 5 alert, the second-highest one. We certainly hope they get the answers. Regarding Mexico’s status, part of what caused the high number of deaths is a general distrust of the health care system by the public, along with misdiagnosis of some cases. Part of what helps prevent the most serious effects of the disease is early, rapid treatment. • source

29 Apr 2009 23:05

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U.S.: President Obama: There will be “hundreds of days to follow”

  • I want to thank the American people for their support and their patience during these trying times, and I look forward to working with you in the next hundred days, in the hundred days after that, all of the hundreds of days to follow, to make sure that this country is what it can be.
  • President Barack Obama • During a live prime-time news conference that happened earlier tonight. Obama covered a ton of ground during his speech, specifically touching on the economy, Arlen Specter, the elusive promise of bipartisanship, swine flu, Iraq and the dynamics of getting things done in D.C. He’s not done yet – he still has hundreds of days of acts to go. • source

29 Apr 2009 10:30

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U.S.: Could part of the Voting Rights Act get flipped over?

  • At some point you have to say we’ve come far enough. Why do we and the other affected jurisdictions have to have the federal government looking over our shoulder?
  • Gregory S. Coleman • Attorney for the Northwest Austin, Tx. Municipal Utility District, who argues that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is too archaic and outdated. The section requires that the Justice Department approve changes in voting procedure for jurisdictions covered by the law (essentially, those with a history of disenfranchised voters). Coleman and the district will be arguing the case in front of the Supreme Court today, and many will be watching closely. • source

29 Apr 2009 10:16

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U.S., World: Five quick facts on swine flu that you should know

  • The swine flu virus was first isolated in 1930; this is not a new type of virus. source
  • The virus transferred from pigs to humans because it mutated. source
  • You can’t get swine flu from eating cooked pork or handling uncooked pork. source
  • Swine flu symptoms are essentially the same as regular flu strains. source
  • The last outbreak of swine flu happened in 1976. One died. source

29 Apr 2009 10:00

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U.S.: More optimistic numbers: The swine flu outbreak in the U.S.

  • 64 confirmed human cases of swine flu in the U.S. source

29 Apr 2009 09:51

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Biz, U.S.: The incredible shrinking economy shrinks even more

  • -6.1% free-fall in the United States’ GDP O_O source
 

29 Apr 2009 09:40

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Politics, U.S.: 100 days: Why is 100 days in office such a big deal?

  • Blame it on FDR. Franklin Roosevelt tried pushing through a boatload of legislation quickly at the height of the Great Depression, and mostly succeeded. If anything, Obama has gotten closest to FDR’s high standard for getting stuff done. A political science professor says it best: “There is no magic to the first 100 days,” said Ross Baker of Rutgers University. “I think people are always looking for a marker or some sort of guidepost.” source

29 Apr 2009 09:33

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U.S.: 100 days: Love him or hate him, Obama gets stuff done

obamabig0429

29 Apr 2009 08:35

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U.S.: Meet the motherlode of Obama 100 days data

The New York Times’ graphic is so thorough, you’ll spend 45 minutes poring it over. source