Reuters: Top News

Healthcare reform faces challenges in Senate

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:36:02 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's U.S. healthcare overhaul plan has cleared an important Senate hurdle but lawmakers warned on Sunday of challenges ahead in winning support for passage, even among Obama's own Democrats.

Iran launches war games to protect nuclear sites

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:24:11 -0500

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's armed forces launched large-scale air defense war games on Sunday to show off the country's deterrence capabilities in the face of pressure from the West over its nuclear program.

China mine explosion death toll reaches 92

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:37:22 -0500

HEGANG, China (Reuters) - The death toll from China's latest coal mine disaster reached 92 on Sunday, state television said, and hopes dimmed that more survivors would emerge after a gas blast at a colliery in the nation's far northeast.

Israeli president plays down settlement work

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:56:04 -0500

CAIRO (Reuters) - Israel's president said on Sunday expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank was a "marginal" issue blocking resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians.

Denmark says 65 leaders enrolled for climate talks

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:38:44 -0500

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Sixty-five world leaders have confirmed they will attend next month's U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen which Danish officials hope will bring strong political commitment for a new treaty to combat global warming.

Iraqi parliament fails to reach election deal

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:01:25 -0500

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi parliament on Sunday failed to resolve an impasse threatening to delay the country's election in January, which could affect the U.S. military's plans for a partial pullout next year.

Jackson's glove sells for $350,000 at auction

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:03:18 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's famous white glove sold for $350,000 at a memorabilia auction on Saturday, soaring far past pre-sale estimates, while a black jacket he wore during a 1989 world tour fetched $225,000.

Militants could be invited to Afghan "Jirga"

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:52:48 -0500

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai could invite militants to attend a "Loya Jirga," or grand council meeting, aiming to seek peace and reconciliation with the Taliban, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Indonesian ferry sinks; 29 dead, most survive

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:45:16 -0500

JAKARTA (Reuters) - An overloaded ferry sank in bad weather off Indonesia's Riau islands on Sunday, killing 29 people, while 245 passengers survived the accident, officials said.

"Big Bang" experiment advancing fast

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:45:54 -0500

GENEVA (Reuters) - After a year's delay, scientists at the world's biggest accelerator have restarted an experiment to recreate "Big Bang" conditions that had sparked suggestions the earth would be sucked in by millions of black holes.