Archives: Morning Breakouts

The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Monday warned of an impending "health disaster facing developing countries if wealthy nations fail to control drugs," the Agence France-Presse reports. During a speech delivered in Vienna, UNODC chief Antonio Maria Costas pointed to "increasing use of heroin in East Africa, cocaine in West Africa, and synthetic drugs in the Middle East and South East Asia as warning signs" of a growing drug problem in impoverished nations (3/8).

Marking International Women's Day at the White House Monday, President Barack Obama vowed to fight for gender equality at home and abroad, Agence France-Presse reports. The president marked the event with First Lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, AFP reports.

Though much of the overhaul discussion has shifted to questions of practicality and politics, there have been some recent policy developments, too.

Democrats must clear numerous procedural hurdles and sort out questions of process before attempting to pass their health overhaul through reconciliation rules.

News outlets report on health care remarks from GOP leaders.

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on President Obama's effort to build support -- both among the public and lawmakers -- for his health plan

"Nearly 100 million women across Asia have 'disappeared' because of a huge and growing gender gap that has fatally deprived them of access to health care and food and has led to widespread abortions of female fetuses, according to a U.N. report released Monday," the Associated Press reports.

Haitian President Rene Preval is expected to meet with President Barack Obama Wednesday in the U.S. to ask for "billions of dollars to rebuild" Haiti, Agence France-Presse reports. The White House said that Obama will emphasize that the U.S. is a "friend and partner" to Haiti and discuss ways the international community could aid Haiti (Burleigh, 3/7).