Friday, October 31, 2008

Nobelist sees US accepting universal health care

Oct. 31, 2008

GENEVA -- Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman believes universal health care may soon become an accepted feature of American life.

In an interview with the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, the Princeton University professor says the U.S. has retirement and social security systems that are "in some ways more comprehensive" than many European countries.

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Silver lining to travel slowdown: Better prices

By TREBOR BANSTETTER

Oct 31, 2008

Americans will be traveling less for business and pleasure next year as the economy cools, according to a new forecast from an industry trade group.

That’s bad news for airlines, hotels, rental cars and other businesses that rely on travel. But it may have a silver lining for consumers: cheaper prices. One travel analyst suggested that the airlines have already launched an earlier-than-usual fare sale for the holidays on worries about demand.

"The airlines have traded the yearlong oil crisis for a global economic crisis," said Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com, a Dallas-based travel firm that tracks airline ticket prices. He said consumers are "pulling back as they worry about the ramifications of the downturn in the U.S. economy."

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Lawsuit ruling edges Tarrant, Dallas districts closer to Oklahoma water supply

October 28, 2008

By RUDOLPH BUSH

North Texas' quest to tap Oklahoma water as a major source of future supply took an important step forward Monday, thanks to a ruling from a federal appellate court.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruled that a lawsuit filed by the Tarrant Regional Water District may proceed in federal court in Oklahoma.

If the suit is successful, the Tarrant water district will have the same ability to apply for water rights as any local entity in Oklahoma.

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