| Obama hails 'historic' health bid US President Barack Obama says the weekend's congressional vote on healthcare reform is a "historic" opportunity.  Pope's letter on Irish abuse due The Vatican is due to publish a letter from Pope Benedict to Irish Catholics, seeking forgiveness for paedophile scandals by priests. BA cabin crew begin strike action British Airways cabin crew begin strike action which will cause severe disruption to flights for the next three days. US renews offer of Iran dialogue President Obama says the US offer of dialogue with Iran still stands, in a New Year message to the Iranian people. New Israeli air strike hits Gaza At least 11 people are reported injured in fresh Israeli air strikes in Gaza, as the Mid-East Quartet calls for a freeze on settlements. 9/11 dust pay-out deal 'too low' A US judge says a planned $657m deal for 10,000 people who worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks is insufficient. Second blast hits Greek capital A bomb explodes outside the home of a Pakistani community leader in Athens - the second blast in the Greek capital in 24 hours. US moots official data 'YouTube' Countries should be judged on their willingness to open up public data, the US technology chief tells the BBC. Kosovo row mars EU-Balkans summit Serbian President Boris Tadic boycotts an EU-Balkan integration conference because of a row over Kosovo's status. Cheesecake, open up! New York police say sorry to elderly couple New York's police chief has delivered a cheesecake to an elderly couple in Brooklyn, to apologise for dozens of mistaken police visits to their home. News Wizard |