Senate narrowly OKs stem cell bill
SANTA FE - For the second year in a row, a bill authorizing stem cell research on embryos in New Mexico has been narrowly approved by the state Senate. The vote was 20-18 for the measure supported by Gov. Bill Richardson. The legislation would allow research only on embryos slated to be destroyed at fertility clinics.
U.S. might halt troop reductions
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration is sending strong signals that U.S. troop reductions in Iraq will slow or stop altogether this summer, a move that would jeopardize hopes of relieving strain on the Army and Marine Corps and revive debate over an open-ended U.S. commitment in Iraq. The indications of a likely slowdown reflect concern by U.S. commanders that the improvement in security in Iraq since June - to a degree few had predicted when President Bush ordered five more Army brigades to Iraq a year ago - is tenuous and could be reversed if the extra troops come out too soon.
Winter storms kill 50 in China
GUANGZHOU, China - Some of the worst winter weather to hit southern China in decades took 25 more lives Tuesday when a bus plunged off an icy road, adding to the chaos the snow storms have caused during the nation's peak travel season. Numerous cities suffered blackouts as heavy snowfalls caused power lines to snap and hampered the delivery of coal used to generate most of China's electricity. Around 50 deaths so far have been blamed on the weather.
