More Headlines: China Responds to Google’s Complaint

While we’ll once again be keeping the focus on Haiti today, here are a few other stories making headlines this morning:

China’s Google response: In a response to Google’s announcement that it will stop censoring search results in China, officials in Beijing have said their nation welcomes foreign companies, but that those offering online services must do so “in accordance with the law.”

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Afghan bombing: A suicide bombing killed at least 20 people and injured 13 more in a market in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan.

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Retail sales: U.S. retail sales took a surprise dip in December, falling 0.3 percent as consumers spent less on vehicles and a mix of other goods, according to a Commerce Department report. Meanwhile, Labor Department figures show new claims for unemployment insurance rose by 11,000 last week – more than analysts expected.

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Obesity plateau: Obesity rates in the U.S. may have reached their peak, according to data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Teddy Pendergrass: R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass, who became famous with hits such as “Close the Door,” “It Don’t Hurt Now” and “Love T.K.O.” has died of colon cancer. He was 59.