News from the Associated Press

AP Top News at 2:07 p.m. EST

59 and counting: Health care bill nears test vote

WASHINGTON (AP) - And then there was one. Historic health care legislation advanced to a Saturday night Senate showdown as centrist Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., fell in line as the 59th vote in an early test of party unity on President Barack Obama's top domestic initiative.

Obama trumpets Asia trip as boost to US economy

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's eight-day trip to Asia produced no tangible wins for the United States, though he is citing talks with Asian allies that he says could help create thousands of job and open new markets for American goods in the future. Citing progress on a trip that took him from Tokyo to Seoul, Obama noted that "Asia is a region where we now buy more goods and do more trade with than any other place in the world - commerce that supports millions of jobs back home."

Restored machine to explore mysteries of Big Bang

GENEVA (AP) - Scientists are preparing the world's largest atom smasher to explore the depths of matter after successfully restarting the $10 billion machine following more than a year of repairs. When the machine is fully operational, its magnets will control the beams of protons and send them in opposite directions through two parallel tubes the size of fire hoses.

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Pope and Anglican leader agree on closer relations
VATICAN CITY (AP) - After offering a home in his church to disaffected Anglicans, Pope Benedict XVI assured the archbishop of Canterbury on Saturday that he is still committed to seeking closer relations between Catholics and Anglicans. Archbishop Rowan Williams said he came away convinced there was no "dawn raid" on his church by Rome, telling Vatican Radio he wishes "every blessing" for those who want to become Catholics.

GOP: Health test recommendations could affect care

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans are seizing on this week's recommendations for fewer Pap smears and mammograms to fuel concern about government-rationed medical care - and to try to chip away support by women for President Barack Obama's proposed health care overhaul. "This is how rationing starts," declared Jon Kyl of Arizona, the party's second-in-command in the Senate, during a news conference. "This is what we're going to expect in the future."

More Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving

WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans traveling away from home for Thanksgiving will be up only slightly this year from 2008, according to a report from the AAA auto club. The group, which surveyed 1,350 households, said there will be about 33.2 million people traveling by car this year - a 2.1 percent increase from last year.

Atlantis astronauts take 2nd spacewalk of mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - A spacewalking astronaut put aside the impending birth of his daughter and concentrated instead on his first-ever venture outside the International Space Station on Saturday. Atlantis crewman Randolph Bresnik was mightily impressed as he installed a pair of antennas.

Coal mine blast kills 42 in China, 66 trapped

HARBIN, China (AP) - Rescuers working in frigid cold and darkness tried to reach 66 people believed trapped a third of a mile (half a kilometer) underground after a huge gas explosion Saturday ripped through a coal mine in northern China, killing at least 42 people. The pre-dawn blast at the state-run Xinxing mine in Heilongjiang province near the border with Russia is latest to hit China's mining industry, the world's deadliest. Authorities say parlous safety is improving, but hundreds still die in major accidents each year.

'New Moon' takes record $72.7M box office bite
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Vampires and werewolves have vanquished a dark knight. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" took in $72.7 million in its first day to break the single day domestic box office record previously held by "The Dark Knight," which had a $67.2 million opening day last year. The Friday haul for the "Twilight" sequel includes a record $26.3 million from midnight screenings alone.

Bush, Ellis, not making trip to Tampa

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are not traveling with the New Orleans Saints for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. A team spokesman said Saturday that both players had been downgraded on the official injury report from questionable to out with knee injuries.




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