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Mystery illness killing bees across U.S.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published February 12, 2007

A mysterious illness is killing tens of thousands of honeybee colonies across the country, threatening honey production, the livelihood of beekeepers and possibly crops that need bees for pollination, according to bee researchers at Penn State University. Researchers are scrambling to find the cause of the ailment, called Colony Collapse Disorder. Reports of unusual colony deaths have come from at least 22 states. Some affected commercial beekeepers - who often keep thousands of colonies - have reported losing more than 50 percent of their bees. Scientists at Penn State, the University of Montana and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are among researchers and industry officials trying to solve the mystery.

S. Korea and U.S. press talksfoe trade accord 

U.S. negotiators played down prospects for a breakthrough this week in the latest round of long-running talks with South Korea over cutting tariffs and other trade barriers. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler said Sunday that more than 200 negotiators from each side would be working through Wednesday in Washington, hoping to bridge the differences that have stymied a deal. But she said she did not expect a final agreement to be announced during this round of negotiations. A deal, if successful, would be the biggest for the United States since the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1993, which covers the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Smith's baby is back at mansion

Anna Nicole Smith's 5-month-old daughter, Dannielynn, and the baby's purported father are back in the Bahamas mansion where they lived before the former Playboy Playmate died Thursday in Hollywood, Fla., her lawyer said Sunday. Smith had said a U.S. developer and former boyfriend, G. Ben Thompson, gave her the house. But Thompson said he had loaned it to her - and Saturday had the locks changed. Smith's lawyer and companion, Howard Stern - one of three men who claims to be the father of Dannielynn - had the locks changed again and on Sunday was at the gated estate, attorney Wayne Munroe said. An AP Television News reporter also saw Smith's mother, Vergie Arthur, enter the house.

Mall is evacuated because of fumes

Thousands of people were evacuated from a mall Sunday afternoon after fumes sickened people inside, Spokane fire officials said. At least eight people were taken to a hospital, Fire Chief Bobby Williams told the Spokesman-Review. All complained of throat irritation or chest tightening, but none of the conditions were considered life threatening. Hazardous materials crews were investigating the source of the fumes.

Elsewhere

Philadelphia: A fire engulfed a dilapidated house Sunday, killing a 25-year-old mother and four children ages 1, 3, 4 and 6 who were staying in the home despite relatives' warnings that it was unsafe, officials said.

Fresno, Texas: Three small children, including 1-year-old twins, and a man who tried to save them died Sunday in a house fire, authorities said.

[Last modified February 12, 2007, 02:23:12]