Bush has signed into law a 25-year extension to the Voting Rights Act, one of the key pieces of civil rights legislation. The 1965 act gives federal authorities jurisdiction over voting practices in nine, mainly southern, states. It was renewed for the fourth time by Congress, despite objections of some members from the states covered by it. Speaking at a White House ceremony, Mr Bush said Congress had reaffirmed that all men were created equal. "My administration will vigorously enforce the provisions of this law, and we will defend it in court," the president added. Relatives of some of the key figures of the civil rights movement, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, were present at the White House signing ceremony. ... http://news.bbc.co.uk censor News |
Editor - 10:40:00 07-27-06 |
Sun kills 60,000 a year, says WHO |
As many as 60,000 people a year die from too much sun, warns the World Health Organization. The bulk of the deaths are from skin cancers caused by excess exposure to the sun's harmful rays, ultraviolet radiation, says WHO. UVR also causes sunburn, triggers cold sores and ages the skin, according to its report, the first to outline the global health burden of sun exposure. Simple measures, such as covering up when in the sun, could cut the deaths. Dr Maria Neira, Director for Public Health and the Environment at WHO, said: "We all need some sun, but too much sun can be dangerous - and even deadly. "Fortunately, diseases from UV such as malignant melanomas, other skin cancers and cataracts are almost entirely preventable through simple protective measures." ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5219540.stm
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Editor - 10:37:00 07-27-06 |
Senate takes up Bolton nomination again Recess-appointed U.N. ambassador meets with stiff opposition |
Democrats on Thursday said they still consider John Bolton too brash and ineffective to be confirmed as U.N. ambassador while Republicans maintained his year in the post proves he is right for the job. The sharp division all but guaranteed lawmakers were headed toward another partisan showdown on the Senate floor. "The sole thing that remains is the constitutional authority of the Senate to give its advice and consent," said Sen. John W. Warner, R-Va., arguing for Bolton's confirmation. Bush temporarily installed Bolton as U.N. ambassador on Aug. 1 of last year while Congress was in recess, an appointment that will expire in January. The recess appointment, provided for by the Constitution, came after Democrats blocked repeated attempts by GOP leaders to grant Bolton Senate approval.... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14058334/
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Editor - 10:31:00 07-27-06 |
Russian satellite rocket crashes |
A Russian rocket carrying 18 satellites has crashed soon after lift-off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. According to mission control officials, the engines of the Dnepr rocket shut down 86 seconds into its flight. The rocket crashed some 25km (15 miles) away, without causing injuries on the ground, but all of the 18 satellites on board were destroyed. Seventeen of the satellites were being launched for foreign customers, including the US and Italy. One of those was to have been the first satellite operated by Belarus, whose president, Aleksander Lukashenko, had gone to Baikonur to see the launch, local media reported. "A special emergency team has been formed to probe into the causes of the failed launch," said a spokesman for the Russian space agency Roskosmos, quoted by Itar-Tass news agency. "According to preliminary findings problems in the first stage of the booster rocket in the 74th second of the flight was the main reason," Igor Panarin said. ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5219468.stm
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Editor - 10:22:00 07-27-06 |
Somali cabinet resignation crisis |
At least 19 ministers and deputy ministers in Somalia's transitional government have resigned, a cabinet minister has told the BBC. Public Works Minister Osman Ali Atto said he came back from the capital with an agreement from the Islamic courts that fresh talks be held. But he said that Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi was "an obstacle to progress" and had refused to listen. Some MPs are now planning a motion of no confidence in the government. The MPs are opposed to the deploment of foreign peacekeepers and the presence of Ethiopia troops in Baidoa. More resignations are expected and observers say that the transitional government is looking increasingly fragile. ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5221218.stm
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Editor - 10:18:00 07-27-06 |
Widow, 65, accused of killing 2 couples |
A 65-year-old woman with no known criminal record was ordered held without bond Wednesday, accused of killing two couples who owned convenience stores.Authorities declined to discuss a motive or the specific evidence against Barbara Ann Evans.James and Ruth Powell were found in their Union Grove, North Carolina, home on January 21, 2005. Don and Sue Barker were discovered September 15 in their home, about six miles north of Statesville. In both instances, police said that there were no signs of forced entry or that anything of value had been taken.James Powell was a retired convenience store owner, while Don Barker ran a store in Statesville, about 35 miles north of Charlotte.... http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/07/26/killer.granny.ap/index.html?section=cnn_us
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Editor - 10:12:00 07-27-06 |
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