Japan Times :: Wednesday, April 29, 2009

• 13. NATIONAL NEWS :: PAC-3 deployed to Shiga air base
  April 29, 2009
  A Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor battery was deployed Tuesday to the Air Self-Defense Force's Aibano base in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, the Defense Ministry said. continued ...


• 15. NEWS BUSINESS :: Key panel OKs expressway work
  April 29, 2009
  A powerful joint panel of Diet members and experts gave the infrastructure ministry permission Monday to build four expressway sections in Tokyo and other areas, signaling a possible revival in large-scale public works. continued ...


• 20. NATIONAL NEWS :: U.S. to abductees' kin: New sanctions can wait
  April 29, 2009
  WASHINGTON (Kyodo) The U.S. point man on North Korea policy on Monday told relatives of Japanese abducted by North Korea that the United States has no immediate plan to tighten financial and other sanctions against Pyongyang. continued ...


• 21. NEWS BUSINESS - KAZUAKI NAGATA :: Opposition slams extra budget as short-term election ploy
  April 29, 2009
  By KAZUAKI NAGATA, Staff writer
  Opposition parties took aim Tuesday at the ¥14.7 trillion extra budget for fiscal 2009 that will finance the ruling bloc's economic stimulus package, calling it a short-term boost to the economy mainly meant to attract voters ahead of the general election that must be held by fall. continued ...


• 34. EDITORIAL :: New flu fears
  April 29, 2009
  Global health officials are worried about the spread of a new flu that has killed some 150 people in recent weeks and has the potential to create a pandemic. This alarm confirms warnings that have been issued since the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak of 2003 — with two important differences: This disease seems to have originated in Mexico, and is not a variant of the avian flu that has been the focus of epidemiologists for the last several years. This new influenza virus, thought to be a form of swine flu, is a reminder of the need to remain vigilant and to expect surprises in the fight against deadly disease. continued ...