Japan’s Premier Resigns, Making Way for a Predecessor
Date: 26 December 2012
By MARTIN FACKLER
Japanese Prime Min Yoshihiko Noda resigns ahead of vote in Parliament to return former Prime Min Shinzo Abe to power, ending the country’s three-year break from decades of near-constant rule by conservative Liberal Democratic Party.
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For Akaka, a Senate Role as No. 1 on the Roll
Date: 26 December 2012
By CARL HULSE
Hawaii's Sen Daniel K Akaka, who for more than a decade has been first on Senate roll call, is retiring at end of 2012.
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Study Finds Modest Declines in Obesity Rates Among Young Children From Poor Families
Date: 26 December 2012
By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Study at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in Journal of American Medical Assn, finds that share of obese children from poor families declined to 14.9 percent in 2010, from 15.2 percent in 2003; rate had risen between 1998 and 2003; researchers say dip may indicate obesity epidemic has passed its peak among this group.
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Fired, but Firing Back, Over Dealings in Washington
Date: 26 December 2012
By THEO EMERY
Eric W Payne says he was fired from Office of the Chief Financial Officer in Washington for drawing attention to misconduct in city contracting; has been locked in a bitter dispute with city’s chief financial officer Natwar M Gandhi, including defamation lawsuit against Gandhi for allegedly preventing Payne from finding new work.
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Los Angeles Weighs Law Banning Elephant Shows
Date: 26 December 2012
By IAN LOVETT
Los Angeles is poised to ban elephants from performing in circuses within its city limits, after pressure from animal welfare advocates who condemn methods used to train and transport elephants as abusive and cruel; if the City Council passes the law, Ringling Brothers will be barred unless its owners agree to abandon one of show’s signature acts.
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A Finals Reunion Comes Out the Same
Date: 26 December 2012
By MIKE BERARDINO
Miami Heat defeat Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-97.
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Two Die After Being Caught in Avalanches
Date: 26 December 2012
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bill Foster and Mark Anderson are killed and two others are injured at ski resorts in California after being caught in avalanches.
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