U.S & WORLD NEWS DIGEST | Advice updated on children, car seats

Advice updated on children, car seats

CHICAGO

Children should ride in rear-facing car seats longer, until they are 2 years old instead of 1, according to updated advice from a medical group and a federal agency.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued separate but consistent new recommendations today.

Both organizations say older children who’ve outgrown front-facing car seats should ride in booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits them. Children usually can graduate from a booster seat when their height reaches 4 feet 9 inches. Children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat, the guidelines from both groups say.

Haitians vote to choose new leader

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

Haitians scarred by decades of poverty, political corruption and natural disasters cast ballots Sunday for president in hopes a new leader could do what others have not: Replace homes and schools in the earthquake-devastated capital, improve education and create some optimism for the future.

Voters chose between Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly, a popular musician who has never held public office, and Mirlande Manigat, a former first lady and senator and longtime fixture on the political scene. Preliminary results are expected March 31.

Egyptian voters approve changes

CAIRO

Egyptian voters overwhelmingly approved changes in the constitution, opening the way for parliamentary and presidential elections within months, according to final results from a landmark referendum announced Sunday. Opponents fear the swift timetable could boost the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood and members of the former ruling party.

The Brotherhood had campaigned heavily for a “yes” vote in the referendum. Critics say that since it and the former ruling party are the best organized political forces in the country, they stand to gain the most in an early election — which will bring in Egypt’s first democratically elected government to replace the regime of ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

Arkansas preps for significant tax cuts

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Arkansas is poised to become one of the first states in the nation to enact a significant tax cut this year, showing the sentiment for scaling back government even in places where state spending is limited and no fiscal crisis exists.

State representatives today are expected to approve cutting the grocery tax, the centerpiece of a $35 million tax cut package. The action comes days after lawmakers reached an agreement with Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe on reductions of five other taxes likely to be approved this week.

Coast Guard: Goop is likely sediment

NEW ORLEANS

The Coast Guard says a miles-long patch of discolored goop floating in the Gulf of Mexico appears to be caused by river sediment.

The Coast Guard tested the patch Sunday and found only trace amounts of petroleum that were well below the state of Louisiana’s standard for clean water. A news release says The Coast Guard believes the discoloration is the result of sediments brought down the Mississippi River.

The Coast Guard also said it was investigating separate reports of an oily substance washing up in Grand Isle and other areas nearby. The substance isn’t believed to be from last year’s massive BP oil spill, but it’s being tested.

Associated Press