Syria - Free Army threatens to escalate campaign

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The commander of Syria's 'Free Army' -- made up of deserters -- has warned the regime his men are about to escalate their offensive against the regular army.

On Tuesday activists claimed at least 18 soldiers had been killed when they opened fire on heavily-armed former comrades in Deraa as they were deserting.

Gallup Reports Highest Economic Confidence in December Since June

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Jan 3, 2012

Gallup is reporting that Americans' economic confidence continued to improve in December. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index reached -38 as consumers expressed more optimism in December than at any time since June. However, the numbers show that consumers remain less confident than they were earlier in 2011 and in December of the previous two years. Gallup says U.S. economic confidence plummeted in August during debt ceiling debates in Washington. The Economic Confidence Index fell to -52, the worst since February 2009. Since then, the Gallup Index has improved but has not recovered to earlier 2011 levels.

Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) Announces "Tens of Thousands" Have Taken Advantage of January Promotion

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Jan 3, 2012

In the first days of the new year, tens of thousands of pharmacy patients have specifically chosen Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) and taken advantage of Walgreens January promotion of its Prescription Savings Club.

The PSC promotion offers one way for eligible patients under pharmacy benefit plans managed by Express Scripts (NASDAQ:ESRX) to avoid disruption caused by Express Scripts no longer offering network access to Walgreens pharmacies.

Walgreens President of Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Solutions and Services Kermit Crawford said, "We value each and every Walgreens customer and are frustrated with Express Scripts' decision to reject our very serious offer in December in an effort to avoid patient disruption. We apologize to our patients for the disruption caused by Express Scripts' stance and are offering a discount in the cost of enrolling in our Prescription Savings Club. In our stores, pharmacists are reporting that our customers covered by Express Scripts plans are responding in significant numbers and choosing to stay with Walgreens."

Walgreen (NYSE:WAG) has potential upside of 14-point-7 percent, based on a current price of 33 dollars and 6 cents, and an average consensus analyst price target of 37 dollars and 91 cents.

France - nuclear industry needs huge safety upgrade

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A French nuclear safety watchdog says tens of billions of euros need to be spent to improve security at the country's nuclear installations. It describes the necessary investment as 'massive' but says no facility needs to be shut down immediately.

The French Nuclear Safety Agency, (ASN), also told operators to come up with a list of measures to take to be able to deal with floods or earthquakes, such as building emergency generators and bunkers.

Britain - Queen's Norfolk Sandringham estate is murder inquiry scene s

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Jan 3, 2012

Norfolk Constabulary's DCI Jes Fry says the Queen's Sandringham estate in
Norfolk is at the centre of a murder inquiry following the discovery of a
woman's body.

Germany - unemployment down more than expected

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Germany continues to buck the European trend for unemployment.

In contrast to alarming levels of joblessness in many European states, the region's largest economy, saw another big fall in unemployment in December.

New figures show the number of people employed in Germany rose by 1.3 percent last year compared with 2010, surpassing the 41 million mark for the first time.

France - calls for more sanctions on Iran

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ France is calling on the EU to follow the US and harden its stance on Iran after the country tested a long-range missile on Monday.

Iran also warned the US not to order one its aircraft carriers back to the Persian Gulf, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. It did not name the vessel but the carrier the USS John C Stennis was seen in the Arabian Sea last week.

Britain - Stephen Lawrence murder: Dobson and Norris found guilty - BBC News

Uploaded by BBCNewsHeadlines on Jan 3, 2012

Two men have been convicted of the racist murder of black London teenager Stephen Lawrence 18 years after the attack.

Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, were found guilty by an Old Bailey jury after a trial based on new forensic evidence.
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Police admit failing Lawrence family

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Jan 3, 2012

The Metropolitan Police's Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner Cressida Dick
admits that Stephen Lawrence's family 'waited too long for justice' and
there are people involved in his murder that have not been brought to
justice.

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Doreen Lawrence: not a reason to celebrate

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Jan 3, 2012

The mother of Stephen Lawrence, Doreen Lawrence, says she cannot celebrate the convictions of Gary Dobson and David Norris for murder, while her son lies buried.