WASHINTON - US Democrat House leader Nancy Pelosi told caucus members yesterday she will stay for another two-year term as their leader. Her decision to stay as minority leader follows the second consecutive election in which Democrats won a minority of seats in the 435-seat House. Maine's senator-elect Angus King announced he will caucus with Democrats, increasing their control in the Senate by a 55-45 margin. Bloomberg
MOSCOW - Russia lost the ability to send commands to most of its satellites and its segment of the International Space Station following a power cable failure near Moscow. The Roscosmos space agency attributed the embarrassing malfunction to basic road repair work near the sprawling Korolyov mission control centre outside Moscow. Officials said the problem may take 48 hours to fix and could theoretically delay the November 19 return to earth of three ISS members. AFP
NEW YORK - A man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teenager has recanted his story. In a quick turnabout, the man described his relationship with Clash as adult and consensual. Clash said he was "relieved this painful allegation has been put to rest". AP