A $158 billion plan to stimulate economic growth in the United States fails in the U.S. Senate on a procedural vote 58-41, just short of the 60 votes needed to advance. (Reuters)
California-based Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company voluntarily recalls just over 143 million pounds (65 million kilograms) of raw and frozen beef products, considered the largest meat recall in the United States, following an investigation into animal cruelty. (AP)
In China, the trial of human rights activist Yang Chunlin commenced in the city of Jiamusi. Yang helped organise a petition entitled, "We want human rights, not the Olympics", and is accused of "inciting subversion of state power". (Radio Free Asia)
The government of Morocco arrests 23 alleged terrorists, including Mustapha Moatassim, the Secretary General of Alternative Civilization, a political party recognized by the state. (Middle East Online)
An earthquake of 6.3 Magnitude hits 11.1 miles east/southeast of Wells, Nevada. It is 2.2 miles deep, and is felt as far away as Twin Falls, Idaho, about 125 miles away, and Salt Lake City, Utah, about 180 miles away. (USGS)
RussianPresidentVladimir Putin describes the recognition of Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence by several major world powers as "a terrible precedent," ... that "breaks up the entire system of international relations," ... which has taken "centuries to evolve." "And undoubtedly, it may entail a whole chain of unpredictable consequences to other regions in the world" and that will come back to hit the West "in the face." (Interfax)(AFP via Google News)
The United States warns the Serbian government that it has a responsibility to protect its assets after about 1,000 protesters set fire to the U.S. embassy in anger at Kosovo's declaration of independence. (BBC News)
Ricin is found in a Las Vegas hotel room of a man who was admitted to the hospital in mid-February. The area affected is under quarantine. Officials do not suspect any relation with terrorism. (CNN)
Three policemen are killed in Pakistan's North West Province after a bomb explodes near their vehicle. At least 27 people are later killed in a suicide bomb attack on the funeral of one of the policemen. (BBC News)
