News-To-Go Today's Headlines in Print

Key Democrat says health bill will pass House

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Democratic caucus in the House said Sunday his party has the 216 votes needed to pass President Barack Obama's historic health care bill. Other House Democrats were not as optimistic heading into a rare Sunday session to vote on one of the most significant legislative initiatives in decades: overhauling the nation's health care system to provide coverage to millions of people.

Volcano erupts in Iceland, hundreds evacuated

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano erupted near a glacier in southern Iceland, shooting ash and molten lava into the air and forcing the evacuation Sunday of hundreds of people from nearby villages. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, but a state of emergency was declared and scientists feared the eruption could trigger a larger and potentially more dangerous eruption at the Katla volcano.

Israel: East Jerusalem construction to continue

JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel would not restrict construction in east Jerusalem, a step the U.S. has requested — sticking to a tough position hours before he sets off on his first trip to Washington since a diplomatic row erupted between the two allies. Netanyahu also said he was willing to broaden indirect talks with the Palestinians to include the main issues dividing them. The prime minister originally had wanted to put off a discussion of issues like the status of contested east Jerusalem, final borders and the fate of Palestinian refugees until direct talks are launched.

GM's SKorean unit recalling nearly 60,000 vehicles

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 60,000 automobiles in South Korea due to potential problems with steering wheels, fuel hoses and seats, the company's local unit and the government said Sunday. The recall of 58,696 vehicles will begin Monday and cover four models manufactured in South Korea, said Kim Byeong-soo, a spokesman for GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co., the country's third-largest automaker.

Iraqi president demands recount in tight election

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's president on Sunday called for a recount in this month's parliamentary elections, which have turned into a tight race between the prime minister and a secular rival amid accusations of fraud. A new count could further extend political wrangling in the contentious race. The demand from President Jalal Talabani came a day after Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki appeared to back the idea by calling on the election commission overseeing the counting to quickly respond to requests from political blocs for a recount.

US-Russian deal on nukes nearly completed

PARIS (AP) — Nearly a year after President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered negotiators to work on a new treaty to reduce their nuclear arsenals, the two countries say they are finally close to completing a deal. A deal — a small but important step toward Obama's goal of a nuclear arms-free world — could build momentum and trust toward resolving other key nuclear issues. They range from how to pressure Iran and North Korea to abandon their nuclear ambitions to reducing the number of tactical nuclear weapons that are so unpopular in Europe. It could also set a positive tone for a key conference on nuclear non-proliferation this spring.

Fargo's fight against flooding nears its climax

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A weeklong fight against flooding neared its climax in Fargo on Sunday, with miles of sandbags and clay dikes expected to hold back the bloated Red River at its crest with room to spare. City officials and residents were on the brink of declaring victory and ready to move out of flood fighting mode. They hoped for mostly dry weather to speed the river's fall by week's end. The forecast was cooperating, with only a small chance of rain in sight on Tuesday evening.

Demise of coral, salamander show impact of Web

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest threats rare species, fueling the illegal wildlife trade and making it easier to buy everything from live baby lions to wine made from tiger bones, conservationists said Sunday. The Web's impact was made clear at the meeting of the 175-nation Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES. Delegates voted overwhelmingly Sunday to ban the trade of the Kaiser's spotted newt which the World Wildlife Fund says has been devastated by the Internet trade.

British Airways cabin crews strike for 2nd day

LONDON (AP) — British Airways cabin crews walked off the job for a second day Sunday, upsetting travel plans for scores of customers, but the airline said its contingency plans were working well and more planes were taking off than expected. The airline — locked in a bitter dispute with workers over a pay freeze and changing working conditions — said it was able to add several extra flights because many crew members ignored the three-day strike call.

Bracket buster: Northern Iowa stuns No. 1 Kansas

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Leading by one against the colossus of the bracket, Ali Farokhmanesh stood at the 3-point line, no one around. The prudent play? Pull it out, burn some clock. Not a chance.