Iraq offers to bring its refugees home from Egypt and Yemen
BAGHDAD — As unrest shakes Egypt, Iraq is seizing the moment to make an audacious pitch to thousands of its citizens living abroad: Come back — we’re stable by comparison.
US proposes new management plan for national forest system
The federal Department of Agriculture unveiled a new plan Thursday to manage the national forest system that government officials said would give them more flexibility in responding to modern stresses like climate change while also heading off lawsuits.
Sole Fed governor with close ties to conservatives resigns
WASHINGTON — Kevin M. Warsh, who was the Fed’s chief liaison to Wall Street, will resign from the central bank’s board at the end of March, giving President Barack Obama yet another chance to leave his stamp on the Fed.
UNTITLED
With airlines imposing fees for checked bags, priority seating and access to airport lounges, finding a good fare is just the starting point. Ticket buyers then need to check multiple websites to figure out the best deal.
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BRUSSELS — The sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church in the Netherlands deepened Thursday when news reports said one of its senior figures had shielded a pedophile priest.
Quiet weather continues
After a seemingly endless string of strong winter storms during January and the first week of February, the quiet weather this past week has been a welcome reprieve. January was a snowier- and wetter-than-average month for Boston, with 38.3 inches of snow and 4.57 inches of total precipitation (liquid equivalent), compared with normal values of 13.5 inches and 3.92 inches, respectively. The 38.3 inches of snow fell just short of the January record, which was 43.3 inches in 2005. Thankfully for those who are weary of shoveling, the quiet weather of the past week should continue through the middle of next week. There are a couple of clipper systems lined up to move rapidly through New England over the weekend, but their relatively weak strength and lack of moisture will keep any precipitation limited to a few scattered snow showers.
Republican leaders promise push for more cuts
WASHINGTON — House Republican leaders said Thursday that they would accede to demands from conservatives and dig deeper into the federal budget for billions of dollars in additional savings this year, exhibiting the power of the Tea Party movement and increasing chances of a major fiscal clash with Democrats.
Sudan leader to accept secession of southern region
KAMPALA, Uganda — With the announcement of final voting results, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan said Monday that his government would accept the choice of the long-embattled region of southern Sudan to separate from the north, setting the stage for the creation of the world’s newest country this summer.
Cairo moves towards normalcy as protests continue in the capital
CAIRO — As Egypt’s revolt entered its third week the government of President Hosni Mubarak sought to seize the initiative from protesters still crowding Tahrir Square on Monday, offering a pay raise for government employees, announcing a date for opening the stock market and projecting an air of normalcy in a city reeling just days ago.
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WASHINGTON — Gone for now are the likes of the taxpayer-financed teapot museum, or studies on the mating habits of crabs.
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LONDON — Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said at a court hearing on Monday that they think he will not receive a fair trial if he is extradited to Sweden to face accusations of sexual misconduct.
Iran opposition requests rally supporting uprisings in region
TEHRAN, Iran — With democracy tremors rocking the Arab world, Iran’s opposition has challenged its hard-line leaders to allow a peaceful demonstration — ostensibly in support of the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
Thai and Cambodian troops clash violently at the border
THNAL BEK, Cambodia — Refugees clustered around cooking fires at a schoolhouse here as Cambodia and Thailand prepared for the possibility of further violence after a fourth day of shelling Monday at their disputed border.
Chilly conditions coming mid-week, and light snow
Light snow with a mix of rain is likely today, followed by a plunge in temperatures mid-week. A low pressure disturbance moving northeastward will provide the snow, but not in amounts that were common in previous storms this season. Today’s storm is far out in the Atlantic Ocean and not close enough to bring large amounts of precipitation to our region. As the storm continues to move away, clear skies and a cold air mass will settle across New England. Winds will also increase tonight, with some wind chill readings just below 0°F (-18°C). Despite the chilly February temperatures, mostly sunny skies will dominate the forecast period. Breezy conditions are likely through Thursday as well, with the strongest winds occurring tonight and into Wednesday.
Muslim Brotherhood’s stance in Egypt is strong but unclear
WASHINGTON — After maintaining a low profile in protests led largely by secular young Egyptians, the Muslim Brotherhood, the country’s largest opposition force, appeared to be taking a more assertive role Thursday, issuing a statement asking for President Hosni Mubarak to step aside for a transitional government.
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TUCSON, Ariz. — Seconds after gunfire erupted outside a supermarket here last month, Randy Gardner, one of those struck during the barrage, said another potential crisis immediately entered his mind.
Snow keeps piling on
As our area recovers from its latest bout of wintry weather, yet another snowstorm is set to impact the region this weekend. Once again, a coastal low pressure system currently located over the southeastern states will make its way northward, bringing with it wintry precipitation for Saturday and Sunday night.
Virginia to ask Supreme Court to rule on health care law
Virginia’s attorney general announced Thursday that he hoped to bypass an initial appellate review by asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of the Obama health care law on an expedited basis.
Jordan’s King meets with Muslim Brotherhood, fights corruption
AMMAN, Jordan — King Abdullah II, struggling to stave off growing public discontent, widened his political outreach Thursday and met with the Muslim Brotherhood for the first time in nearly a decade. He also asserted in a statement that he would fight corruption and foster a broad national dialogue.
Global food prices continue to rise, last month record high, says U.N.
UNITED NATIONS — Global food prices are moving ever higher, hitting record levels last month as a jittery market reacted to unpredictable weather and tight supplies, according to a U.N. report released Thursday.