Swine flu’s weekend domination of the headlines continues: the U.S. declared a public health emergency, officials discovered the first European case, Mexico City feels like a “ghost town” and nobody knows what happens next. In other medical news, America’s dearth of doctors has become a major issue in Washington. The Obama administration wants more citizens covered, but there is real concern that if they succeed there won’t be enough physicians to treat all the new patients. The administration also faces a challenge on its climate change initiatives, this one from energy companies, which spent 30% more on lobbyists in the last six months of 2008 as they geared up for what’s sure to be an epic battle over the future of American energy policy. Pirates battled again off the Somali coast over the weekend, but were turned away by a cruise ship’s private security guards. The future in Detroit is looking a touch brighter today, as quarterback Matt Stafford, the first overall pick in the weekend’s NFL draft, makes his way to a hurting Motor City. No pressure, kid. Finally, the legendary Bea Arthur—of Golden Girls, Maude, and Comedy Central roast fame—died Saturday at 86. You’ll be missed, Dorothy.
Tags: barack obama, bea arthur, climate change, economy, europe, golden girls, health care, nfl, pirates, somalia
