Howard County health workers laid off

Low-level ozone exposure found to be lethal over time
An 18-year study shows an increased annual risk of death from respiratory illnesses, depending on the pollution level. It goes beyond studies that linked brief ozone spikes to short-term effects. Ozone pollution is a killer, increasing the yearly risk of death from respiratory diseases by 40% to 50% in heavily polluted cities like Los Angeles and Riverside and by about 25% throughout the rest of the country, researchers reported today.

Space Station Crew In Near Miss With Space Junk

The crew of the international space station survived a close call with space junk Thursday. The three crew members took refuge for 11 minutes in the Soyuz escape capsule and then were told to go back into the space station. Officials were worried about a possible collision with a piece of space junk.

U2 show for Raleigh confirmed, sort of
Here's the latest word from Live Nation about U2's American tour. Raleigh still doesn't have an official specific date, but at least it's on the list.
Howard County health workers laid off
Howard County's health department has begun layoffs that may total 15 workers by June 30, as officials say slumping income tax and real estate revenues push a projected county budget shortfall toward $10 million in the current fiscal year.

CARIBBEAN: Culture of Sexual Coercion Exposes Women to HIV
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mar 12 (IPS)The fight against widespread sexual violence in the Caribbean has been joined by a high-profile new women’s coalition that warns it could be a major reason for the spread of HIV among women and girls in the region.