Australia: Ex-Cyclone Alfred Hits with Severe Weather and Flash Flooding

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall north of Brisbane on Saturday night, March 7, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and causing flash flooding across Queensland. One man died in the floodwaters, and significant damage, including downed power lines and ripped-off roofs, was reported. As of Monday, more than 230,000 households and businesses remain without power.

Waste-cutting panel begins screening, proposes end to projects

Waste-cutting panel begins screening, proposes end to projects

TOKYO, Japan - Spectators sit in to watch a key panel tasked with eliminating waste in government spending as the panel, divided into three groups, began screening targeted projects in budget requests for fiscal 2010 at a gymnastic hall in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Nov. 11, 2009. The Government Revitalization Unit, created under Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's new government, reviewed 447 projects for which allocations have been requested in the budget beginning April, and at the end of the session recommended an end to landscaping expenses and other changes.

Waste-cutting panel begins screening, proposes end to projects

Waste-cutting panel begins screening, proposes end to projects

TOKYO, Japan - Spectators sit in to watch a key panel tasked with eliminating waste in government spending as the panel, divided into three groups, began screening targeted projects in budget requests for fiscal 2010 at a gymnastic hall in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Nov. 11, 2009. The Government Revitalization Unit, created under Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's new government, reviewed 447 projects for which allocations have been requested in the budget beginning April, and at the end of the session recommended an end to landscaping expenses and other changes. (Kyodo)