Japan’s newly-appointed prime minister has announced a new government aimed at guiding the country through a fragile post-earthquake recovery and a shaky economy. Yoshihiko Noda on Friday named Jun Azumi, a news reporter turned parliamentary affairs chief of the country’s ruling Democratic party, as his new finance minister. Koichiro Gemba, the outgoing national strategy minister, […]
Oil Companies Evacuate Gulf Workers Under Storm Threat
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 9:00 pm (UTC-5)
Oil companies are evacuating workers in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of what U.S. forecasters say could become a powerful storm. The National Hurricane Center says a low pressure system over the Gulf could develop into a tropical cyclone in the next two days. The governor of Louisiana has declared a state of emergency, saying […]
Libya’s Gadhafi Vows Fight as World Backs New Leaders
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 9:00 pm (UTC-5)
Former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has urged his remaining fighters to prepare for a long insurgency as the country’s new interim rulers met world leaders who pledged $15 billion in financial and humanitarian support to the embattled nation’s provisional government. In an audio message played on Arabic television news channels Thursday, Mr. Gadhafi said his […]
Belarus President Pardons 4 Political Prisoners
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 8:30 pm (UTC-5)
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned four political activists who took part in mass post-election protests last December. The president’s press service said Thursday that Mr. Lukashenko pardoned four people who asked for clemency. Bulgaria’s foreign ministry said Thursday that Mr. Lukashenko has promised to release all political prisoners within a month and a half. […]
African Union Encouraged By Libyan Council Promises
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 8:15 pm (UTC-5)
Officials from the African Union say the organization is not yet ready to recognize Libya’s transitional council but that they are encouraged by promises the council has made. A.U. officials say the National Transitional Council has given assurances to the African Union that it will protect African workers in Libya. The officials say that because […]
Studies: 9/11 Firefighters More Likely to Get Cancer
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 8:10 pm (UTC-5)
Firefighters who rushed to the rescue in New York City after the September 11 terrorist attacks are finding the health consequences still unfolding. New studies published Thursday in the Lancet medical journal say a decade after the attacks, firefighters who were exposed to toxic fumes and dust clouds are significantly more likely to get cancer […]
Obama Approval Hits New Lows
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 6:40 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama’s approval ratings have hit new lows. A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday puts President Obama’s overall job disapproval rating at a record 52 percent, with 42 percent in favor of his performance. Congressional leaders fare even worse in the ratings. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed for a CNN/ORC poll say they […]
Dutch TV Quiz Features Asylum Seekers
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 6:40 pm (UTC-5)
A new television quiz show in the Netherlands will test the knowledge of failed asylum seekers about Dutch language, culture and history. In the show, five would-be immigrants will show what they learned in the country they want to call home. The winner gets close to $6,000 to start a new life in his or […]
Obama Approval Hits New Lows
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 6:30 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama’s approval ratings have hit new lows. A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday puts President Obama’s overall job disapproval rating at a record 52 percent, with 42 percent in favor of his performance. Congressional leaders fare even worse in the ratings. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed for a CNN/ORC poll say they […]
Obama Telephones Incoming Japanese Prime Minister
Posted September 1st, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama has telephoned his congratulations to Japanese Prime Minister-elect Yoshihiko Noda. The White House says they talked about the critical importance of the U.S.-Japanese friendship and alliance to peace and stability in the Pacific. They also pledged to work closely to reenergize the global economy. Mr. Noda said Wednesday he wants to […]
