WHO probes Norway swine flu mutations

The World Health Organization said today it is investigating samples of variant swine flu linked to two deaths and one severe case in Norway, but that so far the significance of the mutation is unclear. Norway’s Institute of Public Health announced Friday that the mutation “could possibly...cause more severe disease” because it infects tissue deeper in the airway than usual.

Report: 20-somethings can go two years between Pap smears

First mammograms. Now — in an apparent coincidence — Pap smears. New guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer.

CDC: Swine flu cases seem to be dropping in US

The Centers for Disease Control said the number of states reporting Swine Flu cases is down from last week.

Manitoba farmer thought unexploded artillery shell was coffee thermos

A Manitoba farmer found an unexploded artillery shell about 25 miles west of Winnipeg.

Canadian stamp sells for $260,000 at New York auction

A century-old Canadian stamp was sold at a New York auction for $260,000 U.S., the highest price ever paid for a Canadian stamp.

Reaction positive to no-homework deal Calgary couple signed with school

A public dialogue has been struck in Calgary, Alberta, after a school board reached an agreement with a family for no homework.

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• Explain if you think children should have more, less or the same amount of homework you had as a student.

Study abroad? Many U.S. college students drop or rethink their plans

Economic reality and money problems may be cooling the enthusiasm of U.S. college students to study abroad, just two years after students’ interest in foreign study was at an all-time high.

Rain may put pumpkin pie in peril, Nestle says

The holidays may not be so sweet this year. Nestle — which sells nearly all the canned pumpkin in the U.S. — says poor weather hurt its harvest, creating a potential shortage of its Libby’s pumpkin pie products through the holidays.

• Pumpkins

FAA computer problem causes widespread delays

UPDATED 1:45 P.M.
Hundreds of flights nationwide, and especially out of Atlanta, are being delayed or cancelled because flight plans have to be loaded manually into the FAA system.

• MSP dodges worst of airport delays
• Flight delays

Army keeping media from Palin event

Army officials plan to prevent media from covering Sarah Palin’s appearance at Fort Bragg on Monday, saying they fear the event will turn into political grandstanding against President Barack Obama.

RECALL: Procter & Gamble recalls Vicks Sinex nasal spray

Procter & Gamble said three lots of Vicks Sinex nasal spary were found to have B. cepacia bacteria.

HEALTH CARE: Conrad says Senate bill is a step forward

North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad said the Senate health care reform bill includes his provision for nonprofit cooperatives to offer another choice for health care.

’Most-wanted’ woman arrested in Huron, South Dakota

Jerri Goff, among Oklahoma's most wanted criminals, has been arrested in South Dakota.

Cancer society won’t challenge South Dakota smoking ban ruling

The American Cancer Society is butting out of South Dakota's smoking ban being put to a statewide vote.

• Smoking banned at U of Kentucky

Smoking banned at U of Kentucky

There will be no smoking, chewing, puffing or snuffing of tobacco at the University of Kentucky campus.