Comic-Con Staying In San Diego

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Comic-Con, the annual gathering of tens of thousands of fanboys, will be staying in San Diego for the foreseeable future.

Health Reform To Worsen Doctor Shortage: Group

WASHINGTON - The U.S. healthcare reform law will worsen a shortage of physicians as millions of newly insured patients seek care, the Association of American Medical Colleges said on Thursday.

Judge Issues Gag Order In Allen Stanford Trial

HOUSTON - A federal judge on Thursday issued an order banning lawyers and witnesses in accused swindler Allen Stanford's criminal trial from talking to the media.

California Union Attacks Whitman Over Maid Issue

LOS ANGELES - California's largest public employees union has seized on charges that Meg Whitman knowingly hired an illegal immigrant as a housekeeper, funding a Spanish-language TV spot that calls the Republican nominee for governor a "woman of two faces."

AIG And U.S. Set Faster, Riskier Exit Path

NEW YORK - American International Group Inc and the U.S. government agreed on Thursday agreed on a plan that would accelerate the payback of bailout money and could yield a profit for taxpayers but also increase their risk.

Obama Meets With U.S. Woman Freed By Iran

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Barack Obama met on Thursday with Sarah Shourd, an American hiker who was detained for more than a year in Iran, and vowed to press for the release of two U.S. men who are still being detained by the Iranian government, the White House said.

Caribbean Storm Moves North, Douses East Coast

NEW YORK - The remains of Tropical Storm Nicole battered the U.S. Atlantic Coast like a hurricane as it moved from the Carolinas to New England on Friday.

New Yorkers Buying Bigger Homes, Prices Stable

NEW YORK - Manhattan apartment prices were up year-over-year in the third quarter as more residents bought larger apartments, according to reports released on Thursday by New York City's biggest brokerages.

California To Enter Fourth Month Without Budget

SACRAMENTO, California - California will enter the fourth month of its fiscal year on Friday without a state budget in place after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers failed to agree on Thursday on a spending plan.

Mattel's Fisher-Price To Recall 10 Million Products

NEW YORK - Fisher-Price, a unit of toymaker Mattel Inc, on Thursday said it will recall about 10 million toys and other items in the United States and Canada due to the potential for serious injuries.

Times Square Bomber Planned Second Attack, Says U.S.

NEW YORK - U.S. prosecutors said on Wednesday they are seeking life in prison for a Pakistani-born American citizen who tried to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square and revealed he had planned a second attack.

Guantanamo Civilian Trial Set To Start In New York

NEW YORK - Jury selection began on Wednesday for a Tanzanian charged in the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Africa, the first detainee from the Guantanamo Bay military prison to go on trial in a U.S. civilian court.

New Delay Hits Faith In California Budget Deal

SACRAMENTO, California - California's leaders will not meet on Wednesday to press on with talks to reach an agreement on a state budget, raising concerns that a deal on a spending plan may not be as near as indicated.

Study Finds First Evidence That ADHD Is Genetic

LONDON - British scientists have found the first direct evidence that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a genetic disorder and say their research could eventually lead to better treatments for the condition.

McDonald's May Drop Health Insurance: Report

NEW YORK - McDonald's Corp may cut health insurance for its nearly 30,000 hourly workers unless U.S. regulators waive a requirement of new health care legislation championed by President Barack Obama, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a company memo.

More States Tell Motorists: Don't Text And Drive

BOSTON - A ban on texting behind the wheel goes into effect on Thursday in Massachusetts, one of 30 U.S. states that have taken action to rein in distracted drivers despite debate over the effectiveness of such laws.

U.S. Military Faces Strains After Decade Of War: Gates

DURHAM, North Carolina - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned on Wednesday that nearly a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan has heightened trends that could ultimately alienate the all-volunteer military from the society it defends.

Ex-President Carter In Hospital With Virus

CLEVELAND - Former President Jimmy Carter is in "good spirits" a day after being rushed to a hospital in Ohio with an upset stomach but will remain under observation a second night, the hospital said on Wednesday.

Deficit-cut Panel Vows Tough Choices

WASHINGTON - A U.S. commission looking for ways to balance the federal budget talked tough about fiscal discipline at its fifth meeting on Wednesday, but hard decisions were not expected until after the November 2 elections.

About 1 In 4 Q2 Home Sales A Foreclosure: Report

NEW YORK - Nearly one in every four U.S. homes sold in the second quarter was a deeply discounted foreclosed house, putting the market on pace to work through distressed properties in about three years, RealtyTrac said.

U.S. Official Says BP Spill Fines Should Go To Gulf

NEW ORLEANS - A large portion of fines that BP Plc may pay for its role in the worst oil spill in U.S. history should go toward fixing the damage caused to Gulf Coast states, a federal official said on Tuesday.

Democrats Accused Of "stalling" In Ethics Trials

WASHINGTON - All five Republicans on a congressional ethics committee on Tuesday called on the Democratic-led panel to "stop stalling" and hold public trials for two Democrats before the November 2 congressional election.

Activist Group Has Signatures For Recall In Bell

LOS ANGELES - A citizens activist group said on Tuesday it had gathered enough signatures to force a recall election in the Los Angeles suburb of Bell, where eight current and former officials are accused of misappropriating some $5.5 million in public funds.

Worker Decries For-profit School Tactics, To Testify

WASHINGTON - An employee at a for-profit college, due to testify before a senate committee this week, told lawmakers in a letter that she was pressured to twist information about former students to make them look more successful than they were.

Gunman Shoots Himself At University Of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - A lone gunman killed himself with an AK-47 assault rifle in the University of Texas library on Tuesday, prompting a campus lockdown and a search for a second suspect before authorities gave the "all clear."

Former President Carter In Hospital

CLEVELAND - Former President Jimmy Carter was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after developing an upset stomach during a flight to Cleveland but plans to resume a book-signing tour on Wednesday, the Carter Center said.

Appeals Court Allows Stem Cell Funds To Continue

WASHINGTON - A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday allowed federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research to continue pending a full appeal, lifting an injunction issued by a federal judge who had said the Obama administration's policy violated the law.

Obama Answers The Question: Why Are You A Christian?

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - President Barack Obama spoke openly about his faith on Tuesday, describing himself as a "Christian by choice" while reiterating his belief in the importance of religious tolerance.

Deficit-cut Panel Convenes Amid Skepticism

WASHINGTON - With just two months left before it has to issue a final report, a U.S. commission looking at ways to cut the federal deficit was to meet again on Wednesday amid questions about its hard-headedness.

Whitman, Brown Clash In California Governor Debate

DAVIS, California - California's voters on Tuesday got their first look at Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Meg Whitman trading blows, as they battle it out for the big economic challenge of running the most populous U.S. state.

NASA Showdown Looms As Shuttle Workers Face Layoffs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - With more than 1,500 space shuttle workers facing layoffs this week, legislators say they will take a final shot at passing a blueprint for the U.S. human space program before adjourning ahead of the November 2 congressional elections.

Chrysler Fires 13 Over Lunch Beer Drinking Report

DETROIT - Chrysler Group on Monday fired 13 workers at the same auto plant visited by President Barack Obama this summer, after a local television station report showed some of them drinking on their lunch breaks.

Electric Car Use Beats Wind To Cut Oil Use: Study

HOUSTON - Widespread adoption of electric cars could reduce U.S. oil demand and the need for imported oil more than creation of a national mandate for renewable power such as wind and solar, according to research from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy released on Monday.

Jaycee Dugard Tells Of Kidnap Ordeal In New Book

NEW YORK - Jaycee Dugard, the California woman who was kidnapped at age 11 and held captive for 18 years before being found in 2009, will tell her harrowing tale in a new book, publisher Simon and Schuster said on Monday.

NY Post Loses Bid To Dismiss Ex-editor's Bias Case

NEW YORK - The New York Post lost a bid to dismiss a lawsuit by a former editor who said she was fired after complaining about racism and sexism, including a cartoon that appeared to liken U.S. President Barack Obama to a chimpanzee.

Employer Health Costs To Rise In 2011

WASHINGTON - Employers can expect to pay nearly 9 percent more for health care costs for their workers in 2011, the highest level in five years, according to a forecast released on Monday.

Al Gore's Lawyer Seeks To Lead BP Oil Spill Cases

WILMINGTON, Delaware - A high-profile attorney who represented former Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election recount has made a surprise bid to lead the mammoth U.S. legal cases tied to the Gulf oil spill.

TV Writer Among Recipients Of "genius" Grants

CHICAGO - The creator of the acclaimed TV series "The Wire," a stone carver, and a scientist working to rescue threatened bees were among 23 recipients of $500,000 "genius" grants awarded by a U.S. charity on Tuesday.

FBI Employees Reportedly Cheated On Security Test

WASHINGTON - FBI agents and several supervisors cheated on an exam about new rules for terrorism and criminal investigations and for collecting foreign intelligence, according to a U.S. Justice Department report released on Monday.

U.S. Mounting First Test Of Cyber-blitz Response Plan

ARLINGTON, Virginia - The United States is launching its first test of a new plan for responding to an enemy cyber-blitz, including any attack aimed at vital services such as power, water and banks.

U.S. Television Rights Battle Set To Rage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - Describing the Olympics as the last refuge of family viewing in the United States, Dick Ebersol, the head of NBC Universal Sports, said on Friday the network is ready to battle for American broadcast rights to the 2014 and 2016 Games.

Lindsay Lohan Freed After 15 Hours In Jail

LOS ANGELES - Actress Lindsay Lohan was freed from jail late on Friday night after spending around 15 hours behind bars for evidence of another failed drug test, a Los Angeles-based celebrity website reported.

Californians Split On Suspending Global Warming Law

LOS ANGELES - California voters are essentially split on a ballot measure that would suspend a global warming law until the state's jobless rate falls to 5.5 percent for a year, according to a poll released on Saturday.

Hurricane Lisa Weakens Into Tropical Storm

MIAMI - Hurricane Lisa weakened to a tropical storm over the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Ahmadinejad Meets With Released U.S. Hiker In NY

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met on Friday with a U.S. hiker who was held in Iran with two friends for over a year on suspicion of spying.

Senator Presses For More Help On Mexico Border

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration should provide additional resources to help Mexico as the two countries try to root out drug traffickers along their shared border, according to a senior Senate Republican.

Halliburton Slams "erroneous" BP Rig Blast Report

LONDON - Halliburton Co, the oilfield services company that cemented the blown-out Gulf of Mexico well which caused the United States' worst-ever oil spill, on Sunday said a BP report into the disaster that laid the blame on the cement job offered a questionable account of events and "erroneous conclusions."

Hyundai To Recall Sonata Sedans In U.S.

SEOUL - Hyundai Motor, South Korea's top automaker, will recall some 139,500 Sonata sedans sold in the United States, due to problems with the steering wheel that could cause a loss or reduction of control.

Hollywood Hopeful For NBC Without Jeff Zucker

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sunday's announcement that Steve Burke will take the reins at the post-merger NBC Universal capped a wave of grim relief and bright hope that swept Hollywood upon hearing two days earlier of the resignation of CEO Jeff Zucker.

Imam: NY Muslim Center Aims To Prevent Terror Attack

NEW YORK - The imam behind the controversial plan to build a Muslim culture center near the site of New York's September 11 attack said on Sunday the project is meant to prevent a similar attack.

U.S. Delays Part Of Move Against For-profit Schools

WASHINGTON - For-profit colleges have gained more time to influence new regulations that could threaten their students' ability to get financial aid, a critical part of the sector's business model.

FBI Searches Midwest Homes

MINNEAPOLIS - FBI agents searched eight homes in Chicago and Minnesota on Friday as part of an investigation the law enforcement agency said related to "the material support of terrorism."

Facebook's Zuckerberg Gives $100 Million To Newark

NEW YORK - Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a $100 million gift to the beleaguered public schools of Newark, New Jersey, to help improve public education in a city he has no connection to.

EPA Pushing States To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay: Report

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday threatened to go after five mid-Atlantic states with rules that could lead to higher sewer bills and stricter conditions on construction unless they cut pollution flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

U.S. Television Rights Battle Set To Rage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - Describing the Olympics as the last refuge of family viewing in the United States, Dick Ebersol, the head of NBC Universal Sports, said on Friday the network is ready to battle for American broadcast rights to the 2014 and 2016 Games.

Lindsay Lohan Freed After 15 Hours In Jail

LOS ANGELES - Actress Lindsay Lohan was freed from jail late on Friday night after spending around 15 hours behind bars for evidence of another failed drug test, a Los Angeles-based celebrity website reported.

Californians Split On Suspending Global Warming Law

LOS ANGELES - California voters are essentially split on a ballot measure that would suspend a global warming law until the state's jobless rate falls to 5.5 percent for a year, according to a poll released on Saturday.

Ahmadinejad Meets With Released U.S. Hiker In NY

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met on Friday with a U.S. hiker who was held in Iran with two friends for over a year on suspicion of spying.

Hurricane Lisa Weakens Into Tropical Storm

MIAMI - Hurricane Lisa weakened to a tropical storm over the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Senator Presses For More Help On Mexico Border

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration should provide additional resources to help Mexico as the two countries try to root out drug traffickers along their shared border, according to a senior Senate Republican.

Iran Accuses U.S. Of Hypocrisy In Woman's Execution

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the United States of hypocrisy on Friday for criticizing the death sentence of an Iranian woman, while a woman was executed in the United States this week.

Florida Teller Forced To Rob Own Bank With Bomb

MIAMI - Criminals abducted a bank teller from his home, strapped explosives onto him and forced him to rob a Miami bank where he works, authorities said on Friday.

U.S. Delays Part Of Move Against For-profit Schools

WASHINGTON - For-profit colleges have gained more time to influence new regulations that could threaten their students' ability to get financial aid, a critical part of the sector's business model.

EPA Pushing States To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay: Report

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday threatened to go after five mid-Atlantic states with rules that could lead to higher sewer bills and stricter conditions on construction unless they cut pollution flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

Judge Grants Appeal To Free Actress Lindsay Lohan

LOS ANGELES - A judge late on Friday granted an appeal to release actress Lindsay Lohan from jail less than nine hours after she was placed behind bars on a charge of violating her probation by failing a drug test.

U.S. Television Rights Battle Set To Rage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - Describing the Olympics as the last refuge of family viewing in the United States, Dick Ebersol, the head of NBC Universal Sports, said on Friday the network is ready to battle for American broadcast rights to the 2014 and 2016 Games.

Facebook's Zuckerberg Gives $100 Million To Newark

NEW YORK - Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a $100 million gift to the beleaguered public schools of Newark, New Jersey, to help improve public education in a city he has no connection to.

FBI Searches Midwest Homes

MINNEAPOLIS - FBI agents searched eight homes in Chicago and Minnesota on Friday as part of an investigation the law enforcement agency said related to "the material support of terrorism."

Ahmadinejad Meets With Released U.S. Hiker In NY

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met on Friday with a U.S. hiker who was held in Iran with two friends for over a year on suspicion of spying.

NY Voters Support Right To Build Muslim Center: Poll

NEW YORK - A majority of New Yorkers say a Muslim group has a right to build an Islamic center and mosque near the site of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan but think it should be built elsewhere, according to a poll released on Friday.

Bill Clinton Secures Record Philanthropic Pledges

NEW YORK - Former President Bill Clinton secured a record 291 pledges worth more than $6 billion to tackle global woes at his sixth annual philanthropic summit, which wound up on Thursday.

1 In 5 Gay, Bisexual Men In U.S. Cities Has HIV

CHICAGO - Nearly one in five gay and bisexual men in 21 major U.S. cities are infected with HIV, and nearly half of them do not know it, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.

EU Pulls Plug On Glaxo's Avandia, FDA Restricts

LONDON/WASHINGTON - European officials moved to pull GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia off the market and U.S. authorities imposed tight restrictions over heart risks, effectively spelling the commercial end to the once-lucrative medicine.

California Budget Deal Near: Gov't Spokesman

SAN FRANCISCO - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers have a framework for an agreement on a state budget to close a $19.1 billion shortfall and they hope to reach a final deal on Monday, a spokesman for the governor said on Thursday.

Nicaraguan Diplomat Found Dead In New York

NEW YORK - Nicaragua's consul in New York was found dead with his throat slashed in a Bronx apartment on Thursday during the United Nations General Assembly, officials said.

Obama Seeks To Curb Ruling On Gays In Military

SAN FRANCISCO - Weeks after a federal judge struck down a U.S. military rule that bans openly gay men and women from the armed forces, the Obama administration sought on Thursday to keep the policy mostly intact while Congress debates the issue.

No Tax Cut Vote Before Election: Democrat

WASHINGTON - The Senate will not vote on renewing Bush-era tax cuts before the November 2 elections, a spokesman for the Majority leader said on Thursday, as Democrats face internal divisions and potential Republican obstacles.

Abbott Identifies Recalled Baby Formula Lots

NEW YORK - Abbott Laboratories posted a list of lot numbers on Thursday for the millions of recalled containers of its Similac powdered infant formulas and expanded Internet and call center capacity to handle a deluge of requests for information from concerned parents.

California Leaders Near Budget Deal: Spokesman

SAN FRANCISCO - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers have a framework for an agreement on a state budget and hope to reach a final deal on Monday, a spokesman for the governor said on Thursday.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg To Give $100 Million To Schools: Report

NEW YORK - Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to announce he will donate $100 million to help improve public schools in Newark, New Jersey, according to U.S. media reports.

More Companies Integrating Philanthropy: Clinton

NEW YORK - More companies are making philanthropic investments part of their core strategies and realizing it is good for business, former President Bill Clinton and other business leaders said on Wednesday.

Senators Question Lack Of Wall Street Prosecutions

WASHINGTON - Senators pressed investigators on a lack of prosecutions of top Wall Street executives in the wake of the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Wealthy Benefit Most From Tax Subsidies: Study

WASHINGTON - Billions of dollars in U.S. tax breaks to encourage home ownership, retirement savings, business start-ups and education mostly benefit top income earners and do little to help low- and middle-income people build wealth, a report released on Wednesday said.

Florida Court Strikes Down Gay Adoption Ban

MIAMI - There is no rational reason to prohibit all homosexuals from adopting children, a Florida appeals court said on Wednesday in a ruling that upheld a gay man's adoption of two young boys.

Pastor Faces Sexual Coercion Allegations

ATLANTA - The prominent pastor of a "mega-church," Bishop Eddie Long, is being sued by three young male church members who say he coerced them into sexual relationships.

Emanuel Still Mulling Whether To Leave: White House

WASHINGTON - White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel has yet to decide whether he will leave to run for mayor of Chicago, administration officials said on Wednesday, as speculation mounted he could step down as early as October.

Starbucks To Raise Prices On Some Drinks

LOS ANGELES - Starbucks Corp said it plans to charge more for large-sized and labor-intensive drinks because of surging prices for coffee and other commodities.

Time Running Out To Make Grandkids Rich

NEW YORK - Wealthy U.S. families have the chance to make their grandchildren rich this year without paying hefty taxes, a rare opportunity overlooked in the estate tax shuffle.

Mayor, Officials Arrested In California Pay Scandal

LOS ANGELES - The mayor, former city manager and most of the city council in a Los Angeles suburb were arrested on Tuesday and charged with misappropriating $5.5 million in public funds in what a prosecutor said amounted to treating the city's coffers like "their own piggy bank."

Official Says Security Threat Harder To Tackle

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities are having a harder time detecting terrorism threats on American soil, top officials said on Wednesday, more than nine years after the September 11 attacks thrust the United States into a global struggle with Islamist militancy.

Court Revives Mark Cuban Insider Trading Case

NEW YORK - Mark Cuban, the outspoken billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, was ordered by a U.S. federal appeals court on Tuesday to face a civil fraud lawsuit accusing him of insider trading.

Housing Starts At 4-month High

WASHINGTON - Groundbreaking for new U.S. homes jumped in August to a four-month high, a tentative sign of stability in the housing market after steep declines brought by the end of a homebuyer tax credit.

Mayor, Officials Arrested In California Pay Scandal

LOS ANGELES - The mayor, former city manager and most of the city council in a Los Angeles suburb were arrested on Tuesday and charged with misappropriating $5.5 million in public funds in what a prosecutor said amounted to treating the city's coffers like "their own piggy bank."

Igor Skirts East Canada, Tropical Storm Lisa Forms

MIAMI - Hurricane Igor raced past the southeast tip of Newfoundland in Canada on Tuesday, buffeting offshore energy operations, while Tropical Storm Lisa ambled in the far eastern Atlantic after forming as the 12th named storm of the busy 2010 Atlantic season.

Google M&A Boss Presides Over Record Year

SAN FRANCISCO - In the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley innovation, Google's chief dealmaker David Lawee puts many a youthful engineer to shame.

States A Bit More Ready For Disaster: Report

WASHINGTON - Virtually all U.S. states can quickly activate and staff emergency operations centers, receive and investigate urgent disease reports around the clock and quickly communicate with other laboratories, according to a federal report released on Tuesday.

NY MTA Chief Spurns Privatizing And Eyes Fare Hike

NEW YORK - The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority will not turn to public-private partnerships for badly needed cash, relying instead on a January 2011 fare hike and more cost cuts, Chairman Jay Walder said on Tuesday.

Clinton Philanthropy Meeting Pushes Economic Growth

NEW YORK - Former President Bill Clinton kicked off his philanthropic summit on Tuesday by pushing corporations and nonprofit groups to promote economic growth and prepare for a growing number of natural disasters.

Senate Bars Debate On Ending Military Gay Ban

WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday blocked a measure that would let homosexuals serve openly in the military, in a setback for one of President Barack Obama's policy goals.

Americans Want Deficit Cut Even In Tough Economy

WASHINGTON - A majority of Americans prefer cutting the deficit to increasing government spending as a way to improve the tough economy and believe a more balanced budget would help create jobs, a Reuters Ipsos poll showed on Tuesday.

Hurricane Igor Heads North After Battering Bermuda

HAMILTON - Hurricane Igor barreled north on Monday on a path expected to take it near Newfoundland and energy interests off eastern Canada, after battering Bermuda with heavy winds, waves and rain that caused damage but no casualties.

Report Criticizes FBI Probes Of Activists

WASHINGTON - The FBI improperly launched investigations of U.S. activists after the September 11 attacks, miscast peaceful protests as acts of terrorism and in one case prompted FBI Director Robert Mueller to provide inaccurate testimony to Congress, the Justice Department said on Monday.

Oprah Winfrey Gives $6 Million To U.S. Schools

PHILADELPHIA - TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey said on Monday she would give a total of $6 million to six educational organizations that help to turn around troubled U.S. schools.

New York Commuter Rail Service Restored After Fire

NEW YORK - A fire underneath New York City's Harlem River bridge temporarily cut off commuter train service into and out of Grand Central Terminal on Monday, officials said.

BP Says Oil Spill Compensation Payout Rate Soars

LONDON - BP said payouts to people affected by its Gulf of Mexico oil spill had dramatically increased since it surrendered authority for dispensing funds to an independent administrator.

Recession Ended In June 2009: NBER

WASHINGTON - The recession ended in June 2009, making it the longest downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s, the National Bureau of Economic Research said on Monday.

California Blast Site Wasn't On Utility Watch List

SAN FRANCISCO - The California site of a deadly gas pipeline explosion earlier this month was not on a "top 100" watch list of pipelines monitored by Pacific Gas and Electric, utility executives said on Monday.

Chicago Man Charged In FBI Anti-terror Sting

CHICAGO - A man who wanted to carry out a terrorist attack and planted what he thought was a bomb in Chicago has been charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and an explosive device, authorities said on Monday.

NY Adds Subway Cameras After Times Square Bomb

NEW YORK - New York City activated 500 new subway cameras in heavily traveled stations in response to security threats such as the attempted bombing of Times Square, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Monday.

American Released From Iran Prison Says She's No Spy

NEW YORK - An American woman released last week after being held in Iran with two friends for over a year on suspicion of spying said on Sunday they were innocent hikers who never intended to cross into Iran from Iraq.

League To Implement Workplace Conduct Training Program

NEW YORK - The NFL will implement a training program for conduct in the workplace following a review of the New York Jets' treatment of a reporter from a Mexican television network, the league said in a statement on Friday.

Rains May Disrupt Harvest In Northern Midwest

SINGAPORE - Rains forecast in some parts of northern U.S. Midwest this week may disrupt harvest of corn and soybeans, while the weather is likely to be favorable in the southern areas, a forecaster said on Monday.

Regulators Close Five Small Banks

WASHINGTON - Bank regulators closed three small banks in Georgia, one in Wisconsin, one in Ohio and one in New Jersey, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said on Friday.

Wall Street Critic Warren To Shape Consumer Watchdog

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama named Wall Street critic Elizabeth Warren on Friday to oversee creation of a new consumer financial protection agency, drawing praise from liberals and an outcry from Republicans and the financial industry.

U.S. Scientist Charged With Peddling Nuclear Secrets

WASHINGTON - A former Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist and his wife were charged with trying to sell nuclear weapons secrets to a person they believed was a Venezuelan government official, the Justice Department said on Friday.

California Regulators Ask PG&E For Gas Pipeline Details

SAN FRANCISCO - California utility regulators asked Pacific Gas & Electric Co to provide a list of potential weak spots in the company's natural gas network, a week after a gas pipeline explosion in a San Francisco suburb killed four people.

Alabama Says BP Denies Its Claim Over Oil Spill

ATLANTA - BP Plc has turned down Alabama's claim for $148 million in lost government revenue due to the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the state's attorney general, Troy King, said on Friday.

U.S. Woman Held In Iran Leaves Oman On Way Home

MUSCAT - Sarah Shourd, one of three Americans held in Iran for more than a year on suspicion of spying, left Oman on Saturday on her way home to the United States.

"Very Large" Hurricane Igor Pounds Tiny Bermuda

HAMILTON - Hurricane Igor battered Bermuda with ferocious winds, waves and rain on Sunday, felling trees and power lines in the Atlantic island chain in one of the worst storms to hit the British overseas territory.

U.S. Says BP Permanently "kills" Gulf Of Mexico Well

HOUSTON - With a final shot of cement, BP Plc permanently "killed" its deep-sea well in the Gulf of Mexico that ruptured in April and unleashed the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the top U.S. spill official said on Sunday.

League To Implement Workplace Conduct Training Program

NEW YORK - The NFL will implement a training program for conduct in the workplace following a review of the New York Jets' treatment of a reporter from a Mexican television network, the league said in a statement on Friday.

U.S. Household Net Worth Drops

WASHINGTON - U.S. household wealth fell by $1.5 trillion in the second quarter, according to Federal Reserve data on Friday that showed the strain a slow-paced recovery and high unemployment are putting on Americans.

Regulators Close Five Small Banks

WASHINGTON - Bank regulators closed three small banks in Georgia, one in Wisconsin, one in Ohio and one in New Jersey, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said on Friday.

Wall Street Critic Warren To Shape Consumer Watchdog

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama named Wall Street critic Elizabeth Warren on Friday to oversee creation of a new consumer financial protection agency, drawing praise from liberals and an outcry from Republicans and the financial industry.

U.S. Scientist Charged With Peddling Nuclear Secrets

WASHINGTON - A former Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist and his wife were charged with trying to sell nuclear weapons secrets to a person they believed was a Venezuelan government official, the Justice Department said on Friday.

California Regulators Ask PG&E For Gas Pipeline Details

SAN FRANCISCO - California utility regulators asked Pacific Gas & Electric Co to provide a list of potential weak spots in the company's natural gas network, a week after a gas pipeline explosion in a San Francisco suburb killed four people.

Alabama Says BP Denies Its Claim Over Oil Spill

ATLANTA - BP Plc has turned down Alabama's claim for $148 million in lost government revenue due to the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the state's attorney general, Troy King, said on Friday.

"Dangerous" Hurricane Igor Heads Toward Bermuda

HAMILTON - Hurricane Igor approached Bermuda on Saturday packing powerful winds and heavy rains as the island's premier warned residents to prepare for "one of the worst hurricanes to ever threaten our shores."

BP To Conduct Test To Show If Gulf Well Dead

HOUSTON - BP Plc will conduct a pressure test on its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well late on Saturday to make sure that cement pumped into the bottom killed it for good, the company said.

U.S. Woman Held In Iran Leaves Oman On Way Home

MUSCAT - Sarah Shourd, one of three Americans held in Iran for more than a year on suspicion of spying, left Oman on Saturday on her way home to the United States.

U.S. Scientist Charged With Peddling Nuclear Secrets

WASHINGTON - A former Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist and his wife were charged with trying to sell nuclear weapons secrets to a person they believed was a Venezuelan government official, the Justice Department said on Friday.

IOUs Not Likely To Hurt California Local Governments

SAN FRANCISCO - The credit ratings of California local governments are not likely to suffer if the state government issues IOUs amid its budget stalemate, Moody's Investors Service said in a report released on Friday.

Ackman's Venture Appeals Ruling On Stuyvesant Town

NEW YORK - A joint venture led by hedge fund investor William Ackman on Friday appealed a judge's decision that thwarts its plans to take over Manhattan's giant Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village apartment complex.

Lindsay Lohan Tweets That She Failed Drug Test

LOS ANGELES - Actress Lindsay Lohan confirmed on Friday that she had failed a court-ordered drug test a few weeks after being released from jail and going through a rehabilitation program.

League To Implement Workplace Conduct Training Program

NEW YORK - The NFL will implement a training program for conduct in the workplace following a review of the New York Jets' treatment of a reporter from a Mexican television network, the league said in a statement on Friday.

U.S. Household Net Worth Drops

WASHINGTON - U.S. household wealth fell by $1.5 trillion in the second quarter, according to Federal Reserve data on Friday that showed the strain a slow-paced recovery and high unemployment are putting on Americans.

Regulators Close Five Small Banks

WASHINGTON - Bank regulators closed three small banks in Georgia, one in Wisconsin, one in Ohio and one in New Jersey, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said on Friday.

Alabama Says BP Denies Its Claim Over Oil Spill

ATLANTA - BP Plc has turned down Alabama's claim for $148 million in lost government revenue due to the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the state's attorney general, Troy King, said on Friday.

Karl Kills Two In Mexico

VERACRUZ, Mexico - Hurricane Karl hit Mexico's central Gulf Coast on Friday, killing two people in a mudslide, and weakened quickly to a tropical depression as it moved inland.

Wall Street Critic Warren To Shape Consumer Watchdog

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama named Wall Street critic Elizabeth Warren on Friday to oversee creation of a new consumer financial protection agency, drawing praise from liberals and an outcry from Republicans and the financial industry.

NYC Unemployment Rate Level At 9.4 Percent In August

NEW YORK - New York City's unemployment rate leveled off at 9.4 percent in August after falling for the past seven months but the rate remains well below the year-ago level of 10.1 percent, official data showed on Thursday.

U.S. To Aid Shipyard Northrop Plans To Close: Lawmakers

WASHINGTON - The Navy will announce steps on Friday to ensure continued work for 5,000 workers at Northrop Grumman Corp's Avondale, Louisiana shipyard, which the company plans to close by 2013, two Louisiana lawmakers said.

FBI Urges U.S. Mohammed Cartoonist To Go Into Hiding

SEATTLE - A Seattle cartoonist who stirred up a religious storm with a tongue-in-cheek encouragement to draw images of the Muslim prophet Mohammed has gone into hiding after a threat to her safety.

Panel To Review FBI Work In Anthrax Case

WASHINGTON - Congressional investigators plan to examine how the FBI determined that one scientist was responsible for the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks, a lawmaker said.

California Plan To Borrow $2 Billion From Calpers Dumped

SACRAMENTO, California - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has dropped a proposal for the state's $211 billion pension fund to lend the state government $2 billion to help close its budget gap, a spokesman said on Thursday night.

Hurricane Karl Intensifies As It Heads For Mexico Coast

MEXICO CITY - Hurricane Karl strengthened in the southern Gulf of Mexico late on Thursday and was expected to intensify as it crossed Mexico's offshore gas and oil terrain before making landfall late on Friday.

Jobless Claims At Two-month Low

WASHINGTON - New claims for jobless benefits hit a two-month low last week, hinting at some stability in the labor market, while the contraction in factory activity in the Mid-Atlantic region slowed in September.

Washington State Deficit Widens Amid Weak Revenue

SAN FRANCISCO - Washington state's budget shortfall will grow by an additional $1.4 billion through June 2013 when its next 2-year budget cycle ends as consumers continue to scrimp and construction is at a standstill, the state's chief economist said on Thursday.

Gulf Spill Judge Says Never Too Early To Settle

NEW ORLEANS - The judge overseeing the hundreds lawsuits filed by shrimpers, restaurateurs and others against BP Plc and its partners as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill urged the parties on Thursday to consider an agreement to avoid a trial.

Poverty Rate Hits 15-year High

WASHINGTON - The U.S. poverty rate rose to 14.3 percent in 2009 from 13.2 percent the year before, bringing the percentage of the population living in poverty to the highest level since 1994, as the economic downturn took its toll on jobs, the government said on Thursday.

Senator Says Time To Reform Freight Rail

WASHINGTON - Freight railroads use their market power to overcharge certain shippers, and new legislation or regulation is necessary to ensure fair pricing, a U.S. Senate committee chairman said on Wednesday.

Louisiana Sues Drilling Companies Over Gulf Spill

ATLANTA - The state of Louisiana sued Transocean and Triton Asset Leasing in federal court for discharging oil into the Gulf of Mexico during the BP oil spill, according to court documents.

U.S. Warns On Travel To Jordan Port City

AMMAN - The U.S. embassy in Jordan warned its citizens on Wednesday against traveling to the port city of Aqaba, citing an "imminent" threat, but Jordan said it was not aware of any immediate security risks.

Man Charged With Unwittingly Funding NY Bomb Plot

NEW YORK - A Pakistani immigrant pleaded not guilty Wednesday to running an illegal money transfer business between Pakistan and the United States that was used to fund an attempt to bomb New York's Times Square.

New Diet Drug Faces U.S. Advisers Amid Risk Debate

ADELPHI, Maryland - Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc faces a pivotal test on Thursday as U.S. government advisers consider whether to back the company's weight-loss pill amid questions about tumors in rats and other health problems reported in studies.

Inflation Eases For U.S. Colleges And Universities

CHICAGO - The cost of running U.S. colleges and universities rose less than 1 percent during the last academic year, below the overall rate of inflation for the first time since 1995, a research group said on Thursday.

U.S. And Mexico Border Wall A Costly Failure Film Says

MONTERREY, Mexico - Washington's plan to build a fence on the border with Mexico has cost $3 billion and has not deterred illegal immigrants or drug traffickers from entering the country, according to a new U.S. documentary.

FBI Employees Arrested For Lying About Steroid Use

WASHINGTON - Three FBI special agents and one FBI intelligence analyst were arrested on Wednesday on charges that they concealed their use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones.

Tropical Storm Karl Hits Mexico As Some Evacuated

CANCUN, Mexico - Tropical Storm Karl was set to move into the Gulf of Mexico early on Thursday and could reach hurricane strength, potentially threatening major Mexican oil installations.

Banks Take Over Record Number Of Homes In August

NEW YORK - A record number of U.S. homeowners lost houses to their banks in August as lenders worked through the backlog of distressed mortgages, real estate data company RealtyTrac said on Thursday.

Nevada Eyes Big Political Gamble

LAS VEGAS - Like many Nevadans, hairdresser Helen Elgas is trying to decide between the devil she knows and the devil she doesn't, and the future of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, hangs in the balance.

U.S. Woman Leaves Iran After Over A Year In Jail

TEHRAN - Sarah Shourd, one of three Americans held in Iran for more than a year on suspicion of spying, left the country on Tuesday after she was released on bail.

Buffett's Dairy Queen Loses Frozen Yogurt Ruling

NEW YORK - International Dairy Queen Inc, owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, has lost a bid to stop a Southern California rival from selling a frozen yogurt with a name similar to its top-selling Blizzard.

Gold Fever Strikes Mom And Pop Prospectors In The West

SALMON, Idaho - When John Brewer's construction business soured along with the U.S. economy, he sought to replace lost income by prospecting for gold from the river valleys of central Idaho to the wilds of Alaska.

NJ Woman Pleads Guilty In $45 Million Ponzi Scheme

NEW YORK - A New Jersey woman on Tuesday pleaded guilty to running a $45 million Ponzi scheme in which she promised to invest money in real estate, but instead gambled some of it at casinos.

Philly Newspapers Up For Auction As Sale Collapses

NEW YORK - Philadelphia's two largest newspapers will go up for auction on September 23 after lenders failed to complete a $139 million takeover of the Inquirer and Daily News by Tuesday's midday deadline.

New York Men Face More Charges In Al Qaeda Case

NEW YORK - Two New York men accused of conspiring to provide material support to al Qaeda were charged on Tuesday with additional terrorism-related offenses, U.S. prosecutors said.

Reggie Bush To Forfeit Heisman Trophy

NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush said on Tuesday he will forfeit the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005 while representing the University of Southern California (USC).

Judge Sets December 16 Hearing On Healthcare Suit

PENSACOLA, Florida - A Florida judge said on Tuesday he would hear arguments on December 16 on a lawsuit by 20 U.S. states seeking to block President Barack Obama's overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system.

Trio Of Storms Swirls In Atlantic And Caribbean

MIAMI - A trio of potentially dangerous storms swirled over the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, as Tropical Storm Karl formed in the Caribbean on a path that could take it over oil-production facilities in Mexico's Bay of Campeche.

PG&E Ordered To Inspect Gas Pipeline After Blast

SAN FRANCISCO - California regulators have ordered utility PG&E Corp to inspect its natural gas pipeline system following an explosion that destroyed a neighborhood in a San Francisco suburb last week, killing four people.

Merged United Air To Keep Ohio Jobs For 5 Years

NEW YORK - Merger partners United Airlines and Continental Airlines must maintain jobs at Ohio's Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) for at least five more years as part of an agreement with Ohio officials.

NY Imam Says Mosque Fight Worth The Controversy

NEW YORK - The proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near the site of the September 11 attacks in New York was worth the controversy because it aired difficulties faced by Muslims in the United States, the center's imam said on Monday.

Industry Has Sway Over Food Safety System: Study

WASHINGTON - The food industry is jeopardizing U.S. public health by withholding information from food safety investigators or pressuring regulators to withdraw or alter policy designed to protect consumers, said a survey of government scientists and inspectors.

Gulf Oil Spill Energizes Foes Of NY Shale Drilling

BINGHAMTON, New York - Critics of natural gas drilling in New York on Monday urged U.S. regulators to enact tougher regulations, saying the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico proves the industry cannot be trusted.

Enbridge Shuts 3rd Pipeline, Outages Near 1 Million Bpd

NEW YORK - A small oil spill on Monday forced Enbridge Inc. to close an oil pipeline in New York State, just four days after another leak in Illinois forced it to shut a massive Canadian crude export pipeline.

Hurricane Igor Packs A Punch In Atlantic Ocean

MIAMI - Hurricane Igor churned westward in the Atlantic Ocean as a dangerous Category 4 storm and could strengthen in the coming days, forecasters said late on Monday.

No MBA For NYU Student In Insider Trading Scheme

NEW YORK - New York University is not required to award a business degree to a student who completed his course requirements before pleading guilty to conspiracy over insider trading, a federal judge said on Monday.

Accused Airline Bomber Abdulmutallab Fires Lawyers

DETROIT - A Nigerian man accused of trying to blow up a U.S. airliner with a bomb in his underwear last year fired his court-appointed lawyers Monday and raised the possibility of pleading guilty to some charges.

BP And Partners Say Most Victims Not Yet Entitled To Sue

WILMINGTON, Delaware - BP Plc and its partners in the blown-out Gulf well said on Monday that thousands of fishermen, seafood processors, restaurants, hotel owners and others may not yet have the right to sue over the spill, according to court papers.

Martha Stewart Living Sued Over Bedbug Mattress Cover

DETROIT - The company named for television host and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has been sued for violating a patent for a mattress cover to protect against bedbugs, which have become a huge problem in some U.S. cities.

Zimbabwe Holds 4 U.S. Health Workers Over AIDS Drugs

HARARE - Zimbabwean police have arrested four health workers from the United States on suspicion of dispensing AIDS drugs without a license, the U.S. embassy said on Sunday.

Pennsylvania Sends Harrisburg Help To Avoid Default

WASHINGTON - The state of Pennsylvania has stepped in to help its capital city, which in recent days came perilously close to defaulting on its debt, said Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell on Sunday.

Classy Durant Ends 16-year Long Wait For U.S.

ISTANBUL - World championship favorites the United States ended a long wait by beating Turkey 81-64 in the final Sunday to win their first title in 16 years thanks to inspirational forward Kevin Durant.

Top House Republican Hints At Tax Compromise

WASHINGTON - The top Republican in the House of Representatives offered a hint of compromise on the divisive issue of taxes on Sunday, saying he would support extending tax cuts for the middle class even if cuts for the wealthy are allowed to expire.

Hurricane Igor Leaps To Cat 4 Status Over Atlantic

MIAMI - Hurricane Igor strengthened rapidly over the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, becoming a large and dangerous Category 4 storm as it spun menacingly westward.

California Seeks China's Help For High-speed Rail

SHANGHAI - California will seek China's help in financing its high-speed rail system and welcome bids from Chinese firms to help build it, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Monday.

Fears Rise Over Growing Anti-Muslim Feeling In U.S.

NEW YORK - Amid threats of Koran burning and a heated dispute over a planned Muslim cultural center in New York, Muslim leaders and rights activists warn of growing anti-Muslim feeling in America partly provoked for political reasons.

Enbridge Says Completed Drain Up Of Line 6A Pipeline

TORONTO - Enbridge said early on Monday that it had completed the drain up of the remaining oil in the isolated crude oil pipeline segment on the Line 6A in Romeoville, Illinois.

Coroners Examine Remains From California Gas Blast

SAN FRANCISCO - Coroners on Sunday examined skeletal remains found in the charred rubble of homes leveled by a natural gas explosion, as authorities sought to account for four people missing three days after the blast.

Tensions Over Koran Spark Isolated Incidents On 9/11

NEW YORK - The United States marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Saturday with commemorative ceremonies and although a pastor had canceled plans for a high-profile protest burning of the Koran, the Muslim holy book was abused in at least three separate incidents.

New York Candidate Says An Insider Can Be Reformer

NEW YORK - Eric Schneiderman's rivals are painting the New York state attorney general candidate as the ultimate insider, a state senator in a corrupt institution who has won the endorsement of some of the state's leading Democrats.

Judge Rules Ban On Gays In Military Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military rule banning openly gay people from serving in the armed forces violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process, a federal judge in southern California ruled Thursday.

Martha Stewart Living Sued Over Bedbug Mattress Cover

DETROIT - The company named for television host and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has been sued for violating a patent for a mattress cover to protect against bedbugs, which have become a huge problem in some U.S. cities.

Would-be Wall Street Sheriffs Strike Cautious Tone

NEW YORK - All candidates vying to be the next so-called Sheriff of Wall Street say they will find the bad apples without overturning the applecart in the financial capital's fragile economic recovery.

New York Imam Says No Meeting Planned With Pastor

NEW YORK - The imam behind a proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near the World Trade Center site said on Friday he has no meeting planned with the Florida pastor who had threatened to burn copies of the Koran.

Boxing Star Mayweather Jailed In Battery Case

LOS ANGELES - Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was arrested Friday in Las Vegas on suspicion of grand larceny and domestic battery after an ex-girlfriend accused him of beating her in front of their children, according to police and court documents.

U.S. Faces "Americanization" Of Terror Threat

WASHINGTON - Nine years after the September 11 attacks, the United States faces a growing threat from home-grown insurgents and an "Americanization" of al Qaeda leadership, according to a report released on Friday.

Hurricane Igor Moves Westwards Over Open Atlantic

MIAMI - Tropical Storm Igor strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday and was expected to gain power as it spun westward, but it posed no immediate threat to land or energy interests.

At Least 5 Still Missing After California Gas Blast

SAN BRUNO, California - At least five people were still missing on Saturday after a gas pipeline explosion destroyed a neighborhood in a San Francisco suburb two days ago, killing four people.

U.S. Proposes New Rest Rules For Airline Pilots

WASHINGTON - Airlines would be required to give pilots longer rest periods and scale back duty time under a U.S. government proposal on Friday aimed at combating fatigue in the cockpit.

Qureshi Uses U.S. Open Platform To Call For Understanding

NEW YORK - Pakistan's Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi used the platform of the U.S. Open to deliver a message of peace on the eve of the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

Koran Burning Can Badly Damage U.S. Abroad: Obama

WASHINGTON/GAINESVILLE, Florida - President Barack Obama on Friday appealed to Americans to respect the "inalienable" right of religious freedom and expressed hope a Florida Christian preacher would abandon a plan to burn the Koran that could deeply hurt the United States abroad.

New York Candidate Says An Insider Can Be Reformer

NEW YORK - Eric Schneiderman's rivals are painting the New York state attorney general candidate as the ultimate insider, a state senator in a corrupt institution who has won the endorsement of some of the state's leading Democrats.

Judge Rules Ban On Gays In Military Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military rule banning openly gay people from serving in the armed forces violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process, a federal judge in southern California ruled Thursday.

Would-be Wall Street Sheriffs Strike Cautious Tone

NEW YORK - All candidates vying to be the next so-called Sheriff of Wall Street say they will find the bad apples without overturning the applecart in the financial capital's fragile economic recovery.

Gas Line Fire Near San Francisco Contained; 4 Dead

SAN BRUNO, California - Firefighters on Friday had largely contained a fire caused by a thunderous gas pipeline explosion that killed at least four people and destroyed 38 homes in a San Francisco suburb.

New York Imam Says No Meeting Planned With Pastor

NEW YORK - The imam behind a proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near the World Trade Center site said on Friday he has no meeting planned with the Florida pastor who had threatened to burn copies of the Koran.

Boxing Star Mayweather Jailed In Battery Case

LOS ANGELES - Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was arrested Friday in Las Vegas on suspicion of grand larceny and domestic battery after an ex-girlfriend accused him of beating her in front of their children, according to police and court documents.

U.S. Faces "Americanization" Of Terror Threat

WASHINGTON - Nine years after the September 11 attacks, the United States faces a growing threat from home-grown insurgents and an "Americanization" of al Qaeda leadership, according to a report released on Friday.

NY State Budget Still On Financial Cliff Edge

NEW YORK - New York state's budget is still tottering "on the edge of a very steep financial cliff," the state comptroller said on Thursday, citing hazards ranging from rising spending to the end of federal aid.

U.S. Appeals Court Puts On Hold Stem Cell Funding Ban

WASHINGTON - A U.S. appeals court granted on Thursday an Obama administration request to temporarily lift a judge's ban on federal funding of research involving human embryonic stem cells.

USDA Sued Over Genetically Modified Beet Permits

SAN FRANCISCO - Groups opposed to genetically modified foods announced a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday over the agency's recent decision to allow limited plantings of altered sugar beets.

Alaska Seeks To Overturn Delay In Arctic Drilling

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The state of Alaska on Thursday filed a petition in federal court to overturn the Obama administration's moratorium on drilling in federal waters of the Arctic, even though Interior Department officials insist that no such formal moratorium exists.

New York Finally Sees Progress At Ground Zero Site

NEW YORK - Nine years after the September 11 attacks, visible progress is finally being made toward rebuilding the World Trade Center site known as Ground Zero.

USDA Knew Of Problems At Farm Behind Egg Recall: Report

- U.S. Department of Agriculture experts knew about sanitary problems at one of the two Iowa farms at the center of a massive nationwide egg recall, but did not notify health authorities, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Gas Explosion Engulfs Homes In San Francisco Suburb

SAN FRANCISCO - A natural gas pipeline explosion ripped through a neighborhood in a San Francisco suburb on Thursday, starting fires that burned more than 50 buildings and killing at least one person, officials said.

FAA To Unveil New Pilot Fatigue Rules: Report

WASHINGTON - Federal aviation regulators are expected to unveil long-awaited proposals to combat pilot fatigue on Friday, replacing decades-old work rules, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Florida Pastor Cancels Koran-burning Plan

GAINESVILLE, Florida - A Christian pastor on Thursday canceled a plan to burn copies of the Koran at his obscure Florida church, which had drawn international condemnation and a warning from President Barack Obama that it could provoke al Qaeda suicide bombings.

U.S. Judge Rules Ban On Gays In Military Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military rule banning openly gay people from serving in the armed forces violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process, a federal judge in southern California ruled Thursday.

Deal Reached On Michigan's 2011 Budget

CHICAGO - Michigan will cut spending and not resort to tax or fee hikes to balance its upcoming fiscal 2011 budget, according to details released on Wednesday of an agreement between Governor Jennifer Granholm and legislative leaders.

Medical Programs Missing Millions Of Kids: Report

WASHINGTON - An estimated five million uninsured children in the United States were eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) but were not enrolled in either plan, according to a new report.

Boeing Subsidiary Wins Appeal Over CIA Flights

SAN FRANCISCO - A Boeing Co subsidiary prevailed on Wednesday against a lawsuit alleging it had helped the CIA illegally transport prisoners to secret facilities overseas, a federal appeals court has ruled.

Igor, 2 Other Tropical Systems No Threat To Gulf Of Mexico

NEW YORK - The U.S. National Hurricane Center was monitoring newly formed Tropical Storm Igor in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean and two other tropical systems in the Atlantic basin on Wednesday, but so far none showed any early signs of entering the energy-rich Gulf of Mexico and disrupting offshore production.

Pressure Mounts In U.S. Against Koran-burning Plan

MIAMI - Civil and military leaders stepped up calls on Tuesday for an obscure U.S. pastor to drop his plans to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, as fears grew it would fan religious hatred.

Call For Sept 11 Truce Over New York Muslim Center

NEW YORK - Families of September 11 victims are arguing whether to call a truce on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the United States as debate rages over plans for a Muslim center near the World Trade Center site.

Judge Refuses To Lift Ban On Government Stem Cell Funds

WASHINGTON - A U.S. judge refused on Tuesday to lift a ban on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research despite Obama administration warnings it would set back key research and cost more than a thousand jobs.

Rural Pennsylvania Town Fights Big Gas

EAGLES MERE, Pennsylvania - In the rush to develop America's biggest new source of domestic energy, one community is fighting to protect its rural way of life from the environmental strains that accompany shale gas drilling.

U.S. Asks Appeals Court To Stay Stem Cell Funding Ban

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Wednesday asked an appeals court for an emergency stay that would lift the ban on federal funding of research involving human embryonic stem cells.

Florida Pastor Not Backing Down On Koran-burning

GAINESVILLE, Florida - An obscure U.S. Christian pastor whose plan to burn copies of the Koran on September 11 has sparked an international outcry said on Wednesday he would go ahead with the event despite warnings it would endanger American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

John Lennon's Killer Refused Parole For Sixth Time

NEW YORK - John Lennon's killer was denied parole for the sixth time on Tuesday, three months before the 30th anniversary of the former Beatle's death.

U.S. Court Declines A Review Of Drug Patent Deals

NEW YORK - A U.S. Appeals Court on Tuesday declined to consider a deeper legal review of patent settlements by drug companies that pay rivals to delay production of generic drugs, setting the stage for the Supreme Court or Congress to address the matter.

Alabama's Jefferson County To Get Receiver: Judge

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - An Alabama judge said on Tuesday he would appoint a receiver to oversee the sewer system revenues of debt-ridden Jefferson County, in a setback for county authorities.

CT Gov Offers Plan To Rein In Pension Liabilities

NEW YORK - The governor of Connecticut on Tuesday unveiled a plan to reduce the state's $34 billion in unfunded pension and health care liabilities, including capping individual pensions at $100,000 per year.

Colorado Couple In Court In Russian Adoption Abuse Case

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Court proceedings for a Colorado couple accused of abusing three girls adopted from Russia were postponed on Tuesday after a defense lawyer told a judge that plea negotiations were under way.

Hermine Lashes South Texas

NEW YORK - Tropical Storm Hermine barely maintained its tropical storm status on Tuesday as 40 mile per hour winds kept lashing south Texas and the storm moved further inland about 15 miles south-southeast of San Antonio, Texas, the National Hurricane Center said.

Pressure Mounts In U.S. Against Koran-burning Plan

MIAMI - Civil and military leaders stepped up calls on Tuesday for an obscure U.S. pastor to drop his plans to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, as fears grew it would fan religious hatred.

U.S. Judge Refuses To Lift Ban On Government Stem Cell Funds

WASHINGTON - A U.S. judge refused on Tuesday to lift a ban on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research despite Obama administration warnings it would set back key research and cost more than a thousand jobs.

Chicago Mayor Daley Says Won't Run For Re-election

CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced on Tuesday he would not run for re-election, ending a political dynasty in which a Daley has reigned over the nation's third-largest city for much of the past half century.

Religious Leaders Condemn "anti-Muslim" Frenzy

WASHINGTON - U.S. religious leaders on Tuesday condemned an "anti-Muslim frenzy" in the United States, including plans by a Florida church to burn a Koran on September 11, an act a top general said could endanger American troops abroad.

BP Replaces Failed Blowout Preventer On Gulf Well

HOUSTON - BP Plc successfully replaced a failed blowout preventer from atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well late on Friday, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said.

Government Says No Leaking Oil At Mariner Platform

HOUSTON - U.S. government inspectors found no leaking oil at Mariner Energy Inc's burned platform in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said late on Friday, allaying fears about more environmental damage after BP's massive spill.

Madoff Investors Win $12.74 Mln In Merkin Case

NEW YORK - Investors in Gabriel Capital LP, a so-called feeder fund that funneled money to imprisoned swindler Bernard Madoff, were awarded $12.74 million by a panel of three arbitrators, court records show.

Judge Denies Bail For Former Enron CEO Skilling: Court Document

HOUSTON - A federal appeals court judge on Friday denied bail for former Enron Corp Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling, according to a court document.

Payrolls Data Offer Ray Of Hope For Recovery

WASHINGTON - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring was a positive surprise, relieving concerns about a stalling economic recovery.

U.S. Afghanistan Commanders Condemn Koran-burning Plan

MIAMI - U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan warned on Monday that a small Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks could endanger the lives of American troops.

BP Gulf Well "secured," Awaiting Final Kill: U.S.

HOUSTON - BP Plc's ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well is secure with no threat of spewing crude again, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said

Malpractice Liability Costs U.S. $55.6 Billion: Study

WASHINGTON - Medical malpractice liability costs the U.S. healthcare system more than $55 billion a year, most of it in "defensive" medical practices such as extra tests and scans, according to a report released on Tuesday.

In Wake Of Earl, U.S. Eyes Other Potential Storms

MIAMI - The remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston look very likely to strengthen again as a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic and could threaten the Caribbean's Leeward Islands in coming days on a westward track, U.S. forecasters said on Sunday.

Storm Hermine Slams Into Far Northeastern Mexico

MEXICO CITY - Tropical Storm Hermine slammed into northeastern Mexico near the Texas border on Monday, dumping heavy rain on a region still recovering from Hurricane Alex's visit in June.

BP Replaces Failed Blowout Preventer On Gulf Well

HOUSTON - BP Plc successfully replaced a failed blowout preventer from atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well late on Friday, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said.

Kia Recalls 56,000 Souls, Sorentos In U.S., S. Korea

DETROIT/SEOUL - Kia Motors said on Friday it had started a recall of some 56,000 Soul and Sorento vehicles sold in the United States and South Korea due to defective wiring harnesses that could cause fires.

Government Says No Leaking Oil At Mariner Platform

HOUSTON - U.S. government inspectors found no leaking oil at Mariner Energy Inc's burned platform in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said late on Friday, allaying fears about more environmental damage after BP's massive spill.

Madoff Investors Win $12.74 Mln In Merkin Case

NEW YORK - Investors in Gabriel Capital LP, a so-called feeder fund that funneled money to imprisoned swindler Bernard Madoff, were awarded $12.74 million by a panel of three arbitrators, court records show.

Judge Denies Bail For Former Enron CEO Skilling: Court Document

HOUSTON - A federal appeals court judge on Friday denied bail for former Enron Corp Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling, according to a court document.

Payrolls Data Offer Ray Of Hope For Recovery

WASHINGTON - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring was a positive surprise, relieving concerns about a stalling economic recovery.

Obama To Address New Economic Ideas Next Wednesday

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Friday he would outline new measures next week to boost the U.S. economy, but analysts were skeptical he would be able to deliver a big enough package to lift growth significantly.

BP Gulf Well "secured," Awaiting Final Kill: U.S.

HOUSTON - BP Plc's ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well is secure with no threat of spewing crude again, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said

In Wake Of Earl, U.S. Eyes Other Potential Storms

MIAMI - The remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston look very likely to strengthen again as a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic and could threaten the Caribbean's Leeward Islands in coming days on a westward track, U.S. forecasters said on Sunday.

Cape Cod Greets Earl With Plywood And Grumbling

CHATHAM, Massachusetts - Residents and business owners in the beach communities of Cape Cod and nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard hung plywood over their shop windows on Friday and rued the arrival of Hurricane Earl, which appeared set to spoil their holiday weekend.

Miami Police Sue City Over Emergency Pay Cuts

NEW YORK - The Miami police union sued the city this week for abandoning their collective bargaining agreement and pushing through emergency pay and pension plan cuts.

BP Replaces Failed Blowout Preventer On Gulf Well

HOUSTON - BP Plc successfully replaced a failed blowout preventer from atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well late on Friday, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said.

Kia Recalls 56,000 Souls, Sorentos In U.S., S. Korea

DETROIT/SEOUL - Kia Motors said on Friday it had started a recall of some 56,000 Soul and Sorento vehicles sold in the United States and South Korea due to defective wiring harnesses that could cause fires.

Government Says No Leaking Oil At Mariner Platform

HOUSTON - U.S. government inspectors found no leaking oil at Mariner Energy Inc's burned platform in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said late on Friday, allaying fears about more environmental damage after BP's massive spill.

Madoff Investors Win $12.74 Mln In Merkin Case

NEW YORK - Investors in Gabriel Capital LP, a so-called feeder fund that funneled money to imprisoned swindler Bernard Madoff, were awarded $12.74 million by a panel of three arbitrators, court records show.

Judge Denies Bail For Former Enron CEO Skilling: Court Document

HOUSTON - A federal appeals court judge on Friday denied bail for former Enron Corp Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling, according to a court document.

Payrolls Data Offer Ray Of Hope For Recovery

WASHINGTON - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring was a positive surprise, relieving concerns about a stalling economic recovery.

Obama To Address New Economic Ideas Next Wednesday

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Friday he would outline new measures next week to boost the U.S. economy, but analysts were skeptical he would be able to deliver a big enough package to lift growth significantly.

BP Gulf Well "secured," Awaiting Final Kill: U.S.

HOUSTON - BP Plc's ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well is secure with no threat of spewing crude again, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said

Cape Cod Greets Earl With Plywood And Grumbling

CHATHAM, Massachusetts - Residents and business owners in the beach communities of Cape Cod and nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard hung plywood over their shop windows on Friday and rued the arrival of Hurricane Earl, which appeared set to spoil their holiday weekend.

Miami Police Sue City Over Emergency Pay Cuts

NEW YORK - The Miami police union sued the city this week for abandoning their collective bargaining agreement and pushing through emergency pay and pension plan cuts.

BP Replaces Failed Blowout Preventer On Gulf Well

HOUSTON - BP Plc successfully replaced a failed blowout preventer from atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well late on Friday, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said.

Kia Recalls 56,000 Souls, Sorentos In U.S., S. Korea

DETROIT/SEOUL - Kia Motors said on Friday it had started a recall of some 56,000 Soul and Sorento vehicles sold in the United States and South Korea due to defective wiring harnesses that could cause fires.

Government Says No Leaking Oil At Mariner Platform

HOUSTON - U.S. government inspectors found no leaking oil at Mariner Energy Inc's burned platform in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said late on Friday, allaying fears about more environmental damage after BP's massive spill.

Madoff Investors Win $12.74 Mln In Merkin Case

NEW YORK - Investors in Gabriel Capital LP, a so-called feeder fund that funneled money to imprisoned swindler Bernard Madoff, were awarded $12.74 million by a panel of three arbitrators, court records show.

Judge Denies Bail For Former Enron CEO Skilling: Court Document

HOUSTON - A federal appeals court judge on Friday denied bail for former Enron Corp Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling, according to a court document.

Payrolls Data Offer Ray Of Hope For Recovery

WASHINGTON - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring was a positive surprise, relieving concerns about a stalling economic recovery.

Obama To Address New Economic Ideas Next Wednesday

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Friday he would outline new measures next week to boost the U.S. economy, but analysts were skeptical he would be able to deliver a big enough package to lift growth significantly.

Earl Weakens To Storm

HYANNIS, Massachusetts - Hurricane Earl, which earlier in the week was a storm of major proportions that threatened the U.S. East Coast, weakened to a tropical storm on Friday as it swirled offshore toward Canada.

Cape Cod Greets Earl With Plywood And Grumbling

CHATHAM, Massachusetts - Residents and business owners in the beach communities of Cape Cod and nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard hung plywood over their shop windows on Friday and rued the arrival of Hurricane Earl, which appeared set to spoil their holiday weekend.

Workers See Higher Health Costs, Less Care

WASHINGTON - Companies are cutting healthcare costs further amid a continuing sour economy, scaling back benefits and shifting a greater share of the expense to employees.

Jury Hits Ford Motor Co With $131 Million Verdict

SAN FRANCISCO - A Mississippi jury ordered Ford Motor Co to pay $131 million to the family of a man who died while driving an Explorer, an attorney for the family said on Thursday.

S.Korea Kia Recalls Some Soul, Sorento Vehicles

SEOUL - South Korea's No. 2 automaker Kia Motors said on Friday that it had started a recall of some Soul and Sorento vehicles sold worldwide because of a fire hazard.

Warren Schedule Change Stirs Talk On Consumer Job

WASHINGTON - A last-minute change in the fall course schedule of Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren has fueled speculation the White House might soon nominate her to head the newly created U.S. consumer financial agency.

EPA To Issue More Rules In Climate Fight

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will roll out more regulations on greenhouse gases and other pollution to help fight climate change, but they will not be as strong as action by Congress, a senior administration official said.

Justice Department Sues Arizona Sheriff In Immigration Probe

WASHINGTON/PHOENIX - The Justice Department on Thursday sued an Arizona sheriff for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into allegations he and his police force discriminate against Hispanics in his program to crack down on illegal immigrants.

BP Removes Cap From Gulf Well

HOUSTON - BP Plc said it removed a cap from equipment atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well on Thursday, the first of several steps in advance of plugging the leak for good.

Bumpy Economy Cited As Helping Improve U.S. Roads

LOS ANGELES - One upside of the worst U.S. economic slump since the Great Depression is that with fewer motorists on the road, the nation's highways are less congested and in better shape, a study said on Thursday.

Hurricane Earl Rakes U.S. East Coast With Wind, Rain

MANTEO, North Carolina - Hurricane Earl raked North Carolina's barrier islands with gusting winds, pounding surf and rain on Thursday as it took a swipe at the U.S. East Coast on an offshore path toward New England and Canada.

No Sign Of Oil After Gulf Platform Fire: Coast Guard

NEW ORLEANS - An oil and gas platform operated by Mariner Energy burst into flames in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, but the crew of 13 escaped and there were no signs of an oil spill, the Coast Guard said.

U.S. Charges Pakistani Taliban Leader In CIA Killings

WASHINGTON - U.S. prosecutors have charged the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud, in the plot that killed seven CIA employees at an American base in Afghanistan last December, the Justice Department said on Wednesday.

Lukewarm Reaction To NY Imam On Middle East Tour

DUBAI - A heated U.S. debate over a planned Islamic center near New York's World Trade Center site is seen by Middle East media, scholars and citizens as more of a domestic American issue rather than an attack on their faith.

Send Pakistan Aid, Not Jobs, U.S. Textile Groups Say

WASHINGTON - U.S. textile groups and cotton farmers on Wednesday strongly objected to proposed new trade benefits for Pakistan, saying the United States should send aid to the flood-ravaged country, not U.S. jobs.

Judge Rules Against U.S. Government On Oil Drilling

HOUSTON - A federal judge on Wednesday rejected the U.S. government's request to dismiss an industry lawsuit challenging its deepwater oil and gas drilling moratorium, dealing another blow to the Obama administration.

Court Battle Set Over Giant NYC Housing Complex

NEW YORK - The future of an 80-acre New York apartment complex will be at stake on Thursday as a judge considers whether a venture led by a prominent hedge fund investor may conduct a foreclosure auction.

BP To Remove Equipment At Gulf Well By Sunday

HOUSTON - BP Plc expects to remove a failed blowout preventer atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well by Saturday or Sunday and later plug the leak for good, the top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said on Wednesday.

Consumer Bankruptcies Fell 8 Percent In August

BANGALORE - Bankruptcies filings by consumers fell 8 percent in August but still remained on track to top 1.6 million filings in 2010, according to a report by the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI).

New York Imams Say Muslims Are Americans, Too

NEW YORK - New York City Muslims declared themselves just as American as opponents of an Islamic cultural center and mosque near the World Trade Center on Wednesday in a bid to seize control of a debate they appear to be losing.

Police End Hostage Drama At Discovery Channel

SILVER SPRING, Maryland - Police shot and killed a man who took three people hostage, waving a gun and apparently fitted out with explosives, in the headquarters of the Discovery Channel near Washington Wednesday.

Stronger Hurricane Earl Nears East Coast

HATTERAS ISLAND, North Carolina - Hurricane Earl strengthened on Wednesday, churning up dangerous swells, forcing evacuations on some of North Carolina's barrier islands and prompting storm alerts along much of the U.S. East Coast.