U.S. mammogram rate declines since 2000
ATLANTA — The percentage of American women getting mammograms has dropped slightly over the past few years, in what health officials said Thursday is a troubling sign that the battle against breast cancer may be flagging.
Gender matters in preventing side effect from plasma transfusions
WASHINGTON — The plasma transfused into victims of burns, car crashes and other serious conditions soon will come almost completely from men.
Most would get tax cuts under president’s health care proposal
WASHINGTON — Get health insurance through your employer? The average cost of a family policy is about $11,500, low enough to get you a tax break under President Bush’s new health care initiative.
Bush administration will seek more aid for Afghanistan
BRUSSELS, Belgium — President Bush will ask Congress for $10.6 billion to help Afghanistan strengthen its security forces and rebuild from years of war, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday.
Ford posts record loss of $12.7 billion
DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. lost a staggering $12.7 billion in 2006 — an average of $1,925 for every car and truck it sold and the worst loss in the company’s 103-year-history.
Russia, India cement ties with offer of 4 new nuclear reactors
NEW DELHI — Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Thursday to build four nuclear reactors for India and give it broader access to Moscow’s energy riches, as the old Cold War allies sought to reinvigorate their friendship.
UN: Attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be disastrous
DAVOS, Switzerland — The head of the U.N. atomic watchdog agency, in an indirect warning to the United States and Israel, said Thursday a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities would have “catastrophic” consequences and only strengthen Tehran’s resolve to make atomic arms.
Georgian uranium smuggling case throws Russia on defensive
MOSCOW — Russia responded with silence Thursday after Georgia revealed a foiled effort by a Russian man to sell weapons-grade uranium, an episode that appeared to cast doubt on the nation’s ability to halt the black market trade in nuclear materials.
Damage to spot in brain seems to erase the urge to smoke
WASHINGTON — A longtime smoker, a patient code-named Nathan simply forgot his two pack-a-day addiction after a stroke.
Guard shot, finishes shift but later dies
OAKLAND — A private security guard was shot in the head but finished his shift and went home before being hospitalized and later dying, police said Thursday.
State regulators vote to ban utilities from buying dirty power
SAN FRANCISCO — California utility regulators banned power companies Thursday from buying electricity from high-polluting energy sources, including most out-of-state coal plants, to curb global warming.
101st Airborne soldier pleads guilty to murder in Iraqi detainees’ deaths
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — A 101st Airborne Division soldier was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison for murdering a detainee and taking part in the killings of two others in Iraq last year.
Officials reveal 4 U.S. soldiers were abducted during attack in Karbala
1 p.m. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Four American soldiers were abducted during a sophisticated sneak attack last week in the Shiite holy city of Karbala and their bodies were found up to 25 miles away, according to new information obtained by The Associated Press.
New home sales plunge by largest amount since 1990
11:15 a.m. WASHINGTON -- New home sales fell in 2006 by the largest amount in 16 years, but they were up for a second straight month in December, raising hopes that the worst of the housing downturn is coming to an end.
