US – Friday, March 19

Final push is on for health care reform

Democrats in the House of Representatives on Thursday predicted weekend passage of a sweeping health care overhaul that budget analysts said would cut the U.S. deficit over 10 years and dramatically expand health coverage.

Pakistan charges U.S. 5 with terror

A Pakistani court formally charged five young Americans of plotting terrorism in the country yesterday, their lawyer said, in a case that has raised alarm over the danger posed by militants using the Internet.

James admits to ‘poor judgment’

Sandra Bullock is having quite a week with her dogs. On Thursday, husband Jesse James released a statement to People magazine about the affair rumors swirling around the couple, stating that a “vast majority” of the allegations are “untrue and unfounded,” but says, “It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way.

My Entertainment

THE WEEK THAT WAS

This week, the news community ate up the story of world’s fattest mom Donna Simpson — who, reports claim, actually hopes to increase her already ample girth to claim a new record.

‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit

NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.

The key to Kyoto

Kyoto’s temples and Geisha culture are legendary, but this city is no slouch when it comes to mixing in a large slice of contemporary, too.

Published 23:50, June the 30th, 2009

Simmons

Simmons

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Music mogul gives mayor a tough time

NEW YORK. Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons changed his tune yesterday after he appeared Monday with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to promote Summer Streets, a 7-mile car-less Manhattan stretch on three August Saturdays. Instead of programs for “tourists and more affluent New Yorkers,” Simmons wrote in an open letter, “we need more programs that will keep our young people from literally killing each other.” A Bloomberg spokesman responded by noting the 13 other car-free events around the city and 1,500 free events citywide for all to enjoy this summer.

METRO/AMY ZIMMER

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.

[Flyers by PaperG]