2/16 Yahoo! News: Top Stories

GM, UAW talks resume as deadline looms (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 8:03 pm Reuters - Talks between General Motors Corp and the United Auto Workers resumed on Sunday, just two days before a deadline for the struggling automaker to submit a new restructuring plan to the U.S. government. Chavez asks Venezuelans to let him run in 2012 (AP) February 15, 2009 at 7:57 pm AP - President Hugo Chavez tried Sunday for the third time in his tumultuous decade in power to cast aside constitutional barriers to his re-election, arguing that only he can complete the transformation of Venezuela into a socialist state. Obama plans to head west to sign stimulus bill (AP) February 15, 2009 at 7:54 pm AP - Keeping the economy front and center, President Barack Obama heads west this week to sign the $787 billion stimulus bill and tackle the home mortgage foreclosure crisis. The direct appeals for public support follow scant GOP backing in Congress for his agenda and increasing partisan bickering. NKorea to go ahead with missile launch: state media (AFP) February 15, 2009 at 7:53 pm AFP - North Korea will go ahead with a missile launch but this would be part of a space programme and not an act of military provocation, official media said Monday. Kenseth wins rain-shortened Daytona 500 (AP) February 15, 2009 at 7:50 pm AP - The rain was coming, and Matt Kenseth knew it was time to get going. Study: 'Astonishing richness' in polar sea species (AP) February 15, 2009 at 6:39 pm AP - The polar oceans are not biological deserts after all. Chris Brown says he's `sorry and saddened' (AP) February 15, 2009 at 4:49 pm AP - Chris Brown, who was arrested a week ago in connection with a domestic violence investigation, said Sunday he is "sorry and saddened" by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones. White House dampens stimulus expectations (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 3:17 pm Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters)- President Barack Obama's aides warned Americans on Sunday not to expect instant miracles from the $787 billion economic stimulus bill he will sign this week, but said it would help eventually. Rain threatens start of Daytona 500 (AP) February 15, 2009 at 12:38 pm AP - Rain is threatening to delay the start of the Daytona 500. Obama focusing on stimulus, foreclosure crisis (AP) February 15, 2009 at 12:36 pm AP - President Barack Obama promotes his economic agenda this week with trips outside Washington to sign the $787 billion stimulus package and to tackle the home mortgage foreclosure crisis. Crude oil is getting cheaper — so why isn't gas? (AP) February 15, 2009 at 12:31 pm AP - Crude oil prices have fallen to new lows for this year. So you'd think gas prices would sink right along with them. Amid nurse shortage, hospitals focus on retention (AP) February 15, 2009 at 12:29 pm AP - Newly minted nurse Katie O'Bryan was determined to stay at her first job at least a year, even if she did leave the hospital every day wanting to quit. Roadside bomb kills US soldier in Iraq (AP) February 15, 2009 at 11:54 am AP - The U.S. military says an American soldier has been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Iraq. Israel mulls Gaza truce after demanding seized soldier (AFP) February 15, 2009 at 11:17 am AFP - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert consulted key cabinet members on Sunday on Egyptian-brokered Gaza truce talks, a day after ruling out any deal without the release of a captured soldier. Livni says "no" to joining Netanyahu-led coalition (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 11:02 am Reuters - Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni wrote in a private note captured by cameras on Sunday that her centrist Kadima party would not join any coalition government headed by right-wing Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel's Olmert confirms Pope to visit in May (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 10:26 am Reuters - Pope Benedict will visit Israel in May, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday, confirming the spring pilgrimage and avoiding any mention of tense Catholic-Jewish relations over a Holocaust-denying bishop. Obama to lift ban on stem cell research soon: aide (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 10:01 am Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama will soon issue an executive order lifting an eight-year ban embryonic stem cell research imposed by his predecessor, President George W. Bush, a senior adviser said on Sunday. Obama to sign stimulus bill Tuesday (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 9:21 am Reuters - President Barack Obama will sign the $787 billion economic stimulus bill on Tuesday in Denver, a White House official said on Saturday. Axelrod: Effects of stimulus will be seen soon (AP) February 15, 2009 at 8:42 am AP - President Barack Obama's senior White House adviser says Americans will soon see positive effects of the massive economic stimulus plan passed last week by Congress. GM, UAW talks break off and Chrysler talks stall (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 8:01 am Reuters - Talks between the United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp central to a turnaround plan for the struggling automaker have broken down over the issue of retiree healthcare costs, a person briefed on the talks said on Saturday. California lawmakers vote on $41 billion budget plan (Reuters) February 15, 2009 at 3:38 am Reuters - California lawmakers began voting late Saturday on plans to raise taxes and cut spending to close a $42 billion budget deficit the state's government faces over the next 17 months.

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N Korea claims 'space programme' February 15, 2009 at 11:25 pm North Korea asserts its right to a "space programme" amid speculation of a planned missile launch. Japan's economy in quarterly dive February 15, 2009 at 10:53 pm Japan's economy contracted by 3.3% in the final quarter of 2008 - its worst showing since the oil crisis of the 1970s, figures show. Australian arson suspect named February 15, 2009 at 10:44 pm The identity of the first suspect to be charged with arson over Australia's bush fires is named, despite fears for his safety. Venezuelan leader wins key reform February 15, 2009 at 10:43 pm Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wins a referendum, allowing him to stand for re-election beyond his second term. Slave to music? February 15, 2009 at 7:14 pm Jackson Five in Nigeria museum controversy HIV gene therapy trial promising February 15, 2009 at 7:07 pm One of the first attempts use gene therapy to treat HIV has produced promising results in preliminary clinical trials. CBI warning over recession cash February 15, 2009 at 7:06 pm The government will have to borrow £100bn more than thought to stave off the worst of the recession, the CBI says. Pinki's pride February 15, 2009 at 6:58 pm Story of cleft-lip girl is India's other Oscar hope Beckham reluctant to return to US February 15, 2009 at 6:53 pm David Beckham is reluctant to return to the LA Galaxy as he seeks to make permanent his loan spell with AC Milan. Strauss ton puts England on top February 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm Andrew Strauss makes a superb century as England reach 301-3 at stumps on day one of third Test against West Indies. Fatal US plane 'was on autopilot' February 15, 2009 at 3:56 pm A plane that crashed in New York state, killing 50 people, was on autopilot when it went down in icy weather, investigators say. New Zimbabwe minister blames bank February 15, 2009 at 3:33 pm Zimbabwe's central bank is at the heart of the nation's economic decay, new Finance Minister Tendai Biti says. Species common to polar regions found February 15, 2009 at 3:29 pm A marine census finds that at least 235 species live in both polar regions, despite being 12,000km apart. Guantanamo inmate 'fit to travel' February 15, 2009 at 3:19 pm A British man held at Guantanamo Bay - Binyam Mohamed - is fit enough to return to the UK, the Foreign Office says. Live text - Inter Milan v AC Milan February 15, 2009 at 1:57 pm Italian league leaders Inter Milan host David Beckham's AC Milan in a crucial Serie A match. Pop star Allen hits UK chart double February 15, 2009 at 1:57 pm Lily Allen's new album has shot straight to the top of the chart, while her single also remains at number one. In pictures February 15, 2009 at 1:54 pm Soviet war veterans mark Afghan anniversary Cancer 'danger receptor' discovered February 15, 2009 at 1:01 pm A "danger receptor" that may kick-start an immune reaction to cancer in the body has been found by UK researchers. Taleban announces Swat ceasefire February 15, 2009 at 12:16 pm The Taleban in north-west Pakistan's restive Swat Valley announce a 10-day ceasefire during talks with the government. Making a turn February 15, 2009 at 11:54 am US prisoners learn secrets of business running Clinton makes first visit to Asia February 15, 2009 at 11:48 am US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sets off on her first overseas visit to Asia days after pledging greater engagement. Uganda army 'to stay in DR Congo' February 15, 2009 at 10:55 am Uganda says DR Congo will allow its army to continue operations against Lord's Resistance Army rebels in the country. Gaza population 'rising rapidly' February 15, 2009 at 10:35 am A census taken in 2007 shows the population of Gaza has risen by almost 40% in the past 10 years. China's Hu grants aid to Tanzania February 15, 2009 at 9:59 am China's President Hu Jintao grants $22m in aid to Tanzania as he continues an African tour aimed at building ties. Fire tears through Russian hostel February 15, 2009 at 9:33 am At least 15 people are killed and seven more injured as a fire consumes a hostel in southern Russia. Live text - West Indies v England February 15, 2009 at 8:32 am Day one of the third Test between England and West Indies has been delayed because of rain at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Live text - Murray v Nadal February 15, 2009 at 8:00 am Britain's Andy Murray takes on world number one Rafael Nadal in the final of the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. Ultimate 'gentleman's agreement' helps tropical birds mate February 15, 2009 at 7:48 am Rather than compete for females, male long-tailed manakins pair up to perform their courtship song and dance. Israeli tennis player refused Dubai visa February 15, 2009 at 7:16 am Israeli player Shahar Peer is refused a visa to take part in the Dubai Tennis Championships where she was due to play on Monday. Border beat February 15, 2009 at 7:03 am US turns to songs to deter illegal border crossings Venezuelans vote on term limits February 15, 2009 at 6:53 am Venezuelans begin voting on whether to allow President Hugo Chavez and other officials to seek as many terms as they wish. US army 'wants more immigrants' February 15, 2009 at 6:46 am The US army is to accept immigrants with temporary US visas for the first time since the Vietnam war, a report says. Australia mourns for fire victims February 15, 2009 at 6:32 am Victims of Australia's devastating bush fires have been mourned at services across the country. FSA boss admits watchdog's errors February 15, 2009 at 6:28 am Lord Turner, chairman of the Financial Services Authority, admits it did not spot that the banking system was too risky. US to include Afghans in review February 15, 2009 at 6:09 am The Obama administration is to include Afghanistan in a major US policy review of the region, President Hamid Karzai says. Zimbabwe 'treason case dropped' February 15, 2009 at 5:32 am Zimbabwe authorities drop a treason charge against politician Roy Bennett, replacing it with lesser charges, his party says. Galaxy has 'billions of Earths' February 15, 2009 at 5:25 am There could be one hundred billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy, a US conference hears. Anne Frank guardian reaches 100 February 15, 2009 at 3:07 am The last surviving member of the small group who helped hide the Dutch Jewish girl Anne Frank from the Nazis turns 100. Global warming 'underestimated' February 14, 2009 at 9:11 pm The severity of global warming over the next century will be worse than forecast, a leading climate scientist warns. Pakistan 'in fight for survival' February 14, 2009 at 9:10 pm Pakistan's president says his country is fighting for its survival against the Taleban, whose influence, he says, has spread. Hope revived February 14, 2009 at 7:17 pm Transplant cured our daughter's blood disorder'