2/18 Yahoo! News: Top Stories

A-Rod says cousin injected him with substance (AP) February 17, 2009 at 10:41 pm AP - Alex Rodriguez read from several sheets of crumpled paper, trying again to explain where he went wrong. "Amateur hour," he called it. The slugger who might someday become baseball's all-time home run king remembered more details about performance-enhancing drugs Tuesday, saying his cousin repeatedly injected him from 2001-03 with a mysterious substance from the Dominican Republic. GM, Chrysler seek more gov't aid, to cut more jobs (AP) February 17, 2009 at 10:39 pm AP - General Motors and Chrysler said Tuesday their request for federal aid ballooned to a staggering $39 billion — only months after receiving billions in loans — in new plans that envision massive job losses and intense restructuring to survive a deepening recession. Howard scores 45 as Magic beat Bobcats in overtime (AP) February 17, 2009 at 10:30 pm AP - Dwight Howard had a career-high 45 points, to go with 19 rebounds and eight blocks, leading the Orlando Magic to a 107-102 overtime victory against the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night. Animal experts are baffled by chimp attack (AP) February 17, 2009 at 10:20 pm AP - Travis the chimpanzee, a veteran of TV commercials, was the constant companion of a lonely Connecticut widow who fed him steak, lobster and ice cream. He could eat at the table, drink wine from a stemmed glass, use the toilet, and dress and bathe himself. U.S. charges Allen Stanford with "massive" fraud (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 9:39 pm Reuters - Texas billionaire Allen Stanford and three of his companies were charged with "massive" fraud on Tuesday as federal agents swooped down on his U.S. headquarters. Obama signs stimulus bill, readies homeowner plan (AP) February 17, 2009 at 9:30 pm AP - Racing to reverse the country's economic spiral, President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package into law Tuesday and readied a new $50 billion foreclosure rescue for legions of Americans who are in danger of losing their homes. Obama OKs about 17,000 more troops for Afghanistan (AP) February 17, 2009 at 9:28 pm AP - President Barack Obama approved adding some 17,000 U.S. troops for the flagging war in Afghanistan, his first significant move to change the course of a conflict that his closest military advisers have warned the United States is not winning. Burris tried to raise funds for Blagojevich (AP) February 17, 2009 at 9:20 pm AP - U.S. Sen. Roland Burris now acknowledges attempting to raise money for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich — an explosive twist in his evolving story on how he landed a coveted Senate appointment from the man accused of trying to sell the seat. Muslim TV exec accused of beheading wife in NY (AP) February 17, 2009 at 9:17 pm AP - The crime drips with brutal irony: a woman decapitated, allegedly by her estranged husband, in the offices of the television network the couple founded with the hope of countering Muslim stereotypes. Cache of Ice Age fossils found in Los Angeles (AP) February 17, 2009 at 9:09 pm AP - Scientists are studying a huge cache of Ice Age fossil deposits recovered near the famous La Brea Tar Pits in the heart of the nation's second-largest city. Clinton heads to Indonesia (AFP) February 17, 2009 at 9:02 pm AFP - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed Wednesday to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, aiming to show the Islamic world that Washington wants to open a new chapter in ties. Woman uses wedgie to capture suspected thief (AP) February 17, 2009 at 8:50 pm AP - It took a wedgie and a headlock to pin down a man suspected of breaking into a car. Yvonne Morris, a technician at the Brickyard Animal Hospital, said she chased a man who broke into a co-worker's car, but he kept squirming away from her. Obama signs most 'sweeping' stimulus bill in US history (AFP) February 17, 2009 at 8:40 pm AFP - President Barack Obama signed his huge 787-billion-dollar stimulus bill into law, declaring the "beginning of the end" of the worst US economic crisis since the 1930s. Los Angeles nears water rationing (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 7:59 pm Reuters - With a recent flurry of winter storms doing little to dampen California's latest drought, the nation's biggest public utility voted on Tuesday to impose water rationing in Los Angeles for the first time in nearly two decades. GM and Chrysler seek nearly $22 billion more in aid (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 7:14 pm Reuters - General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC requested nearly $22 billion in combined additional U.S. government aid and have reached a tentative deal with the United Auto Workers union to reduce labor costs. Israel engaged in covert war inside Iran: report (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 7:07 pm Reuters - Israel is involved in a covert war of sabotage inside Iran to try to delay Tehran's alleged attempts to develop a nuclear weapon, a British newspaper said on Tuesday, quoting a former CIA agent and intelligence experts. Obama signs stimulus into law, housing moves next (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 6:58 pm Reuters - President Barack Obama signed a $787 billion economic stimulus bill into law on Tuesday as global markets plunged on fears the recession would deepen despite government rescue plans around the world. Obama orders 17,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 6:57 pm Reuters - President Barack Obama, in his first major military decision, has ordered 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to tackle worsening insurgent violence, the White House said on Tuesday. New scrutiny over Burris Senate nomination (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 5:32 pm Reuters - Roland Burris came under fresh scrutiny on Tuesday after disclosing he tried to raise money for the disgraced former Illinois governor who named him to the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama. Burris acknowledges trying to raise money for gov. (AP) February 17, 2009 at 2:54 pm AP - U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has acknowledged trying to raise money for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich before being appointed to the Senate. Stocks drop on worries about economy, automakers (AP) February 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm AP - Stocks tumbled Tuesday as investors grew more doubtful that the government can quickly turn around the still-weakening economy. U.S. charges Stanford Financial with "massive" fraud (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm Reuters - U.S. authorities charged Texas billionaire Allen Stanford and three of his companies with "massive ongoing fraud" on Tuesday as federal agents swooped in on Stanford's U.S. headquarters. Obama set to sign stimulus bill into law (AFP) February 17, 2009 at 2:33 pm AFP - President Barack Obama was Tuesday set to sign his 787-billion-dollar stimulus bill, meant to create or save 3.5 million jobs and pull the United States out of its worst economic tumult in 80 years. Obama sees Afghan situation deteriorating (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 1:56 pm Reuters - The situation in Afghanistan seems to be getting worse and a solution will require more than just military force, U.S. President Barack Obama said on Tuesday. White House seeks to rein in executive pay excesses (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 1:35 pm Reuters - A top economic adviser to Vice President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the Obama administration has to sort out some rules on executive pay limits, but is determined to address the issue. Facebook users protest retention of information (AP) February 17, 2009 at 1:33 pm AP - Tens of thousands of Facebook users are protesting new policies that they say grant the social-networking site the ability to control their information forever, even after they cancel their accounts. California to begin layoff proceedings today (AP) February 17, 2009 at 12:25 pm AP - After a frustrating holiday weekend that failed to yield the one vote needed to end California's budget stalemate, the state is poised to begin layoff proceedings Tuesday for 20,000 government workers. A year on, Kosovo celebrates 'historic birthday' (AFP) February 17, 2009 at 11:18 am AFP - Thousands of revellers took to Kosovo's streets on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of its declaration of independence, as nationalist Serbs reasserted their opposition to the move. Clinton calls for coordinated economic response (Reuters) February 17, 2009 at 9:33 am Reuters - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for coordinated action to revive the global economy on Tuesday and invited Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso to meet President Barack Obama at the White House next week. Some TV stations get ready to cut analog signals (AP) February 17, 2009 at 7:27 am AP - Some TV stations will cut their analog signals today and move to digital-only broadcasting. Others will take advantage of a grace period passed by Congress and wait until June 12.

2/18 BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition

Budget hole February 18, 2009 at 8:42 am California's fiscal crisis is proving hard to terminate Abu Qatada deportation backed February 18, 2009 at 8:37 am Radical cleric Abu Qatada loses an appeal against being deported from the UK to Jordan where he faces jail for terrorism. Zimbabwe pays wages in US dollar February 18, 2009 at 8:35 am Zimbabwe's new finance minister says soldiers and civil servants are being paid in US dollars to help revive the economy. Smith asked to explain expenses February 18, 2009 at 8:33 am Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is asked by Parliament's sleaze watchdog to explain her £116,000 second home expenses. Live text - West Indies v England February 18, 2009 at 8:29 am England will look to build on their 312-run lead when day four of the third Test against West Indies starts in Antigua at 1400 GMT. Uefa to consider cap on spending February 18, 2009 at 8:15 am Uefa president Michel Platini says European football's governing body is considering capping spending by clubs. US pledges stronger Jakarta ties February 18, 2009 at 7:36 am Top diplomat Hillary Clinton praises Indonesia's modernity and calls for better ties, on the second leg of her Asian tour. EU acts as budget deficits bulge February 18, 2009 at 7:32 am The European Commission takes disciplinary steps to tackle swelling budget deficits in six EU countries. 'Tibetans held' in China protest February 18, 2009 at 7:19 am Chinese police have detained several people after a pro-Tibet protest in south-west China, campaign groups say. Novelist Tayeb Salih dies in London February 18, 2009 at 7:16 am Sudanese novelist Tayeb Salih, who won fame with his 1966 novel Season of Migration to the North, dies. Captive deal 'key to Gaza truce' February 18, 2009 at 7:10 am Israel's cabinet says there will be no truce in Gaza until an Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians three years ago is freed. Guadeloupe protests turn deadly February 18, 2009 at 6:58 am France appeals for calm on its Caribbean island of Guadeloupe after a man is killed amid escalating economic protests. Music stars set for Brits party February 18, 2009 at 6:58 am Duffy and Coldplay lead the nominees as the cream of the music world gathers in London for the 2009 Brit awards. Facebook data changes 'withdrawn' February 18, 2009 at 6:50 am Facebook says the social network will temporarily return to previous terms of service regarding user data after complaints. War and peace February 18, 2009 at 6:49 am Even liberal US presidents face tough decisions ECB under pressure over Stanford February 18, 2009 at 6:40 am ECB chairman Giles Clarke vows not to resign despite the fraud charges made against Sir Allen Stanford. Germany drafts bank takeover law February 18, 2009 at 6:36 am The German cabinet agrees on a draft law that will allow it to temporarily nationalise troubled banks. India offers Sri Lanka evacuation February 18, 2009 at 6:21 am India says it ready to help in the evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians caught up in fighting in Sri Lanka. Court denies Polanski dismissal February 18, 2009 at 5:56 am A judge turns down the request to dismiss a 1978 rape case against Roman Polanski because the director is a fugitive. Syria urges better ties with US February 18, 2009 at 5:39 am Syria's President Bashar al-Assad tells the Guardian newspaper he wants the US to engage in talks and restore full diplomatic ties. Reading a book and knitting can delay the onset of dementia February 18, 2009 at 5:39 am Hobbies such as reading a book, knitting or even playing computer games can delay the onset of dementia, a US study suggests. In pictures February 18, 2009 at 5:21 am A glimpse at Michael Jackson's items up for sale Kenya court deadline 'extended' February 18, 2009 at 4:26 am Kenya's PM says mediators will allow two more months for a court to be set up to try suspects of post-poll clashes. Grizzly bears reveal their fancy footwork secrets February 18, 2009 at 3:48 am Underwater cameras reveal how grizzly bears use their feet to collect dead salmon from the bottom of pools. Police 'on drugs' February 18, 2009 at 12:06 am UK estimates 60% of Afghan police in Helmand use drugs Marchers block Mexico-US border February 17, 2009 at 10:09 pm Hundreds of Mexicans block crossings into the US in protest against the deployment of the army to fight drug traffickers. Risky tan jab warnings 'ignored' February 17, 2009 at 7:01 pm Repeated warnings about potential health risks of so-called tan jabs appear to be going unheeded, experts believe. Chrysler and GM seek further aid February 17, 2009 at 6:50 pm Troubled US carmaking giants Chrysler and GM seek $21bn as they submit survival plans to the US government. ECB suspends talks with Stanford February 17, 2009 at 6:17 pm The ECB suspends negotiations with Sir Allen Stanford over a new sponsorship deal after fraud charges were filed in the US. Indian charmers march to demand right to perform with snakes February 17, 2009 at 6:06 pm Some 1,000 Indian snake charmers march in Calcutta in protest of a law that has made their profession illegal. US to boost troops in Afghanstan February 17, 2009 at 5:47 pm President Obama authorises the deployment of 17,000 extra US troops to Afghanistan to "meet urgent security needs". Swann haul puts England in charge February 17, 2009 at 4:39 pm Graeme Swann takes 5-57 as England bowl out West Indies for 285 and build a lead of 312 after three days of the third Test in Antigua. Shares fall on investor concerns February 17, 2009 at 4:27 pm US shares fall sharply, despite President Barack Obama signing a $787bn economic stimulus package into law. One step forward February 17, 2009 at 3:01 pm Real peace a long way off despite Darfur rebel deal US tycoon charged over $8bn fraud February 17, 2009 at 2:31 pm Texan billionaire and cricket promoter Sir Allen Stanford has been charged over a $8bn investment fraud, officials say. Oil slick drifting to Irish coast February 17, 2009 at 2:26 pm An oil slick thought to have leaked into the Celtic Sea from Russian ships is heading towards Ireland and Wales. A new jihad? February 17, 2009 at 2:01 pm Conservative clerics urge a new jihad over Gaza Earth hunter February 17, 2009 at 12:47 pm The technology that will seek out distant worlds Train vandalism? No, it was a work of art February 17, 2009 at 12:10 pm Stockholm's transport authority demands compensation from an arts college after a student is involved in an act of vandalism on a metro train. Italian opposition leader resigns February 17, 2009 at 12:04 pm The leader of Italy's centre-left opposition, Walter Veltroni, resigns after a poor result in a key local election. Zardari details Swat peace terms February 17, 2009 at 11:54 am Pakistan's president is to delay signing an order implementing Sharia law in Swat until the Taleban lay down arms. UK eight in court over 'plane bomb plot' February 17, 2009 at 11:49 am Eight men plotted to use "home-made bombs" disguised as drinks to blow up transatlantic planes, a court hears. Chancellor sets RBS bonus limits February 17, 2009 at 11:17 am The government is limiting the bonuses paid by struggling bank RBS to the "legal minimum" of £340m, the chancellor says. Mystery over E Guinea gun battle February 17, 2009 at 11:16 am An unidentified armed group has reportedly attempted to attack the presidential palace in the capital of Equatorial Guinea. UK lawyer guilty in Berlusconi bribe trial February 17, 2009 at 10:51 am David Mills, the estranged husband of minister Tessa Jowell is found guilty of accepting a bribe from the Italian PM. Obama set to sign stimulus plan February 17, 2009 at 10:40 am US President Barack Obama is set to sign his $787bn economic stimulus plan despite strong opposition from Republicans. Explosives haul missing in Gaza February 17, 2009 at 10:13 am The UN urges the return of an arms stockpile which disappeared while under Hamas control, the BBC learns. New plea for Sri Lanka civilians February 17, 2009 at 9:55 am The UN and the Red Cross renew appeals to both sides in Sri Lanka's conflict to spare civilians trapped in the war zone. Japan finance minister steps down February 17, 2009 at 9:54 am Japan's finance minister resigns amid claims he was drunk at a G7 meeting - a further blow to Prime Minister Taro Aso. Second 'Google phone' is unveiled February 17, 2009 at 9:46 am A second phone based on Google's operating system Android is unveiled by Vodafone at the Mobile World Congress. Zimbabwe MDC politician in court February 17, 2009 at 9:32 am Zimbabwe politician Roy Bennett appears in court to face several charges, as a new power-sharing government has a first meeting. Disney Bolts to top of box office February 17, 2009 at 9:32 am Disney film Bolt races to the top of the UK and Ireland box office chart in its opening weekend. NI farm grants 'break EU rules' February 17, 2009 at 9:23 am The Department of Agriculture may have to reverse a decision to allocate farming grants on a first come, first served basis. Pirate Bay joy at charge change February 17, 2009 at 9:19 am Half of the charges levelled at the founders of the Pirate Bay file-sharing site are dropped, at a trial in Sweden. Alarm over Afghan civilian deaths February 17, 2009 at 9:05 am The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan's conflict jumps nearly 40%, with more than 2,000 killed last year, the UN says. Vote for us! February 17, 2009 at 8:53 am Leading MEPs on their hopes for the European election Live text - West Indies v England February 17, 2009 at 8:35 am England's Graeme Swann takes two wickets as West Indies reach 132-3 - 434 behind - at lunch on day three of the third Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Trio quit Wasps to play in France February 17, 2009 at 8:32 am Wasps confirm that James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer will leave the club at the end of the season to play in France. Day in pictures February 17, 2009 at 8:10 am Eye-catching images from around the world Russia cuts 2014 Olympics budget February 17, 2009 at 8:05 am Russia has cut its budget for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics by 15%, about $8.3bn, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak says. US Muslim TV boss 'beheaded wife' February 17, 2009 at 7:53 am The founder of a US TV station aimed at countering stereotypes of Muslims is charged with beheading his wife. Mobile phone users given hope of universal charger February 17, 2009 at 7:24 am Mobile phone makers offer a solution to power problems with plans to create a universal charger In pictures February 17, 2009 at 6:52 am Images from the first Khmer Rouge leader trial German FM begins first Iraq visit February 17, 2009 at 6:38 am Germany's foreign minister arrives in Baghdad, the first such visit since Berlin opposed the US-led invasion in 2003. Conflict voices February 17, 2009 at 4:14 am Memories of Soviet Afghan war 20 years after pull-out Politician in Malaysia nudity row February 17, 2009 at 4:11 am A leading Malaysian opposition politician offers to quit after naked photos of her sleeping are circulated by mobile phone. Divine revelation February 17, 2009 at 2:27 am Test yourself on your knowledge of the Bible 20,000 jobs may go in California February 17, 2009 at 2:17 am Cash-strapped California will start notifying 20,000 state workers on Tuesday that they may lose their jobs.