The World
British authorities, meanwhile, are investigating Litvinenko's movements and contacts in the days leading up to his poisoning. Signs of radiation were found at a dozen sites in Britain. British Airways said "very low traces" of an unspecified radioactive substance were detected on jets flying the London-Moscow route and that it would notify the more than 30,000 passengers on those planes since October 25 that they have been exposed at levels that experts say pose little health risk.
Barkeep, a Glass of Your Cheapest
For a country ravaged by alcoholism, the last thing Russia seemingly needs is cheaper vodka. Yet that's what it is getting–and some say it may actually save lives. State-owned Rosspirtprom is hailing the launch of its "people's vodka," which will sell for less than 80 rubles ($3), tax included, undercutting the other vodka brands. Health authorities report that because of higher prices caused by a rise in excise taxes on vodka, there has been a spike in the number of people killed or sickened by drinking cheap-but-toxic industrial alcohol products such as disinfectants and fake vodka. Health officials note that the least expensive half liter of industrial alcohol sells for 25 rubles (95 cents). Russia's annual death toll from alcohol poisoning: 40,000.
With Associated Press
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