Companies Hold Holiday Parties, But On A Budget

NEW YORK - American companies are back in the partying mood this holiday season -- but don't count on getting a glass of wine or an appetizer with your dinner.

TSA Says Airlines Providing More Passenger Data

WASHINGTON - All airline passengers on flights to, from and within the United States are being checked against U.S. government security watchlists, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday.

High Court To Rule In California Prisons Case

WASHINGTON - California told the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday that releasing inmates from its overcrowded prisons would increase crime, while a prisoners' advocate denied that such a move would endanger public safety.

New Jersey Cities To Lay Off Cops To Battle Deficit

NEW YORK - The city of Camden, New Jersey, received approval on Tuesday to lay off 383 workers, including half of its police force, as it searches for ways to plug a $26.5 million hole in its budget, the city attorney said.

Lee Harvey Oswald's Coffin To Be Auctioned In L.A.

LOS ANGELES - For the JFK-assassination conspiracy junkie who has everything: Lee Harvey Oswald's coffin. Body not included.

Michael Jackson's Dad Files New Wrongful Death Suit

LOS ANGELES - An attorney for the father of Michael Jackson on Tuesday filed a new wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the pop singer's death.

Medical Costs For U.S. Retirees Fell In 2010: Institute

NEW YORK - Some medical costs have fallen this year thanks to new health care reform laws, but U.S. retirees will still need hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to cover their lifetime medical expenses.

New Michael Vick Emerges After Dogfighting Jail Term

NEW YORK - The NFL's most vilified player three years ago for his involvement in a dogfighting ring, quarterback Michael Vick has come back after 19 months in prison with a new maturity and has Philadelphia Eagles fans dreaming of their first championship in 50 years.

California City Approves Plan To Exit Bankruptcy

VALLEJO, California - The city council of Vallejo in California unanimously approved a financial plan late on Tuesday to exit its landmark bankruptcy, which the town declared two years ago in the face of mounting fiscal woes.

Military Study Gives Green Light To End Gay Ban

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon unveiled a study on Tuesday that predicted little impact if the U.S. military ended its ban on gays, bolstering President Barack Obama's push to get Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by year-end.

NY Man Jumps To Save Subway Rider - And Get To Work

NEW YORK - A New York grocery clerk, fearing he might be late for work, jumped onto city subway tracks to haul an injured passenger to safety after he fainted, authorities said.

Controversial Choice To Run New York Schools Is Approved

NEW YORK - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial choice to run the city's schools, former publishing executive Cathie Black, on Monday won the official waiver required for her to take charge of the nation's largest public school system.

Blyleven And Alomar Hope To Take Final Cooperstown Step

NEW YORK - Former pitcher Bert Blyleven and second baseman Roberto Alomar hope to take the final step into baseball's Hall of Fame after their near misses last year as the 2011 ballots for election were sent out Monday.

Retailers Hope Cyber Monday Sustains Shopping

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO - Retailers from Amazon.com Inc to Target Corp offered steep online discounts to shoppers on Cyber Monday, aiming to win additional sales after a strong start to the holiday shopping season over the weekend.

Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper Mentally Ill: Witness

SALT LAKE CITY - A former defense lawyer for Brian David Mitchell testified on Monday that he concluded that the self-styled prophet, who is on trial for kidnapping Elizabeth Smart in 2002, was mentally ill.

NY Trial Opens In Goldman Secret Trading Code Case

NEW YORK - More than 18 months after U.S. prosecutors charged computer programer Sergey Aleynikov with stealing speed-trading code from Goldman Sachs, Wall Street's most influential bank, a jury was selected on Monday to hear the complex trial evidence.

TARP Bailout To Cost Taxpayers $25 Billion: CBO

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Troubled Asset Relief Program, which risked up to $700 billion of government funds to bail out troubled banks and automakers, will cost taxpayers a mere $25 billion, according to an estimate released on Monday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Somali-born Teen Pleads Not Guilty In U.S. Bomb Case

PORTLAND, Oregon - A Somali-born teenager pleaded not guilty in federal court on Monday to charges that he tried to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a crowded Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Oregon last week.

U.S. Regrets Leaks, Says Will Tighten Security

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government said on Monday it deeply regretted the release of any classified information and would tighten security to prevent leaks such as WikiLeaks' disclosure of a trove of State Department cables.

Wisconsin Boy Takes Classmates Hostage, Shoots Himself

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - A 15-year-old boy took 23 of his classmates and a teacher hostage in a classroom at a small-town Wisconsin high school on Monday, shooting himself as police broke in.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

On Black Friday, Believers, Skeptics Hit The Malls

McLEAN, VIRGINIA/LOS ANGELES - At Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping mall in northern Virginia, Black Friday meant black tie, Gucci and marble floors.

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Starbucks Accuses Kraft Of Hurting Grocer Sales

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK - Starbucks Corp has accused Kraft Foods Inc of mismanaging sales of its packaged coffee in grocery stores and wants to end their 12-year partnership due to Kraft's "material breaches" of their contract.

E-commerce Gets A Boost As Online Deals Spread

NEW YORK - Online retailers could see their best Thanksgiving weekend ever this year, as deep online discounts, once reserved for Cyber Monday, were offered more broadly throughout the weekend.

United States Bid Offers FIFA Safe Bet For Success

MIAMI - Nothing illustrates the growth of soccer in the United States better than the realization that hosting the 2022 World Cup there is now regarded as a safe option for FIFA, compared to 1994 when it was considered a risk.

"Naked Gun" Actor Leslie Nielsen Dead At 84

LOS ANGELES - Canadian comic actor Leslie Nielsen, star of a string of madcap spoof movies including "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun," died of complications from pneumonia in Florida on Sunday, a spokesman said. He was 84.

Department Stores Gain Black Friday Traffic

NEW YORK/CHICAGO - U.S. shoppers spent 6.4 percent more this Black Friday weekend than last year and hit department stores and clothing shops, rather than focusing on discounters as they had done in recent years.

Oregon Mosque Hit By Arson 2 Days After Bomb Sting

PORTLAND, Oregon - U.S. investigators said a fire at an Islamic center in Oregon on Sunday was arson and warned they would tolerate no retribution for an attempt by a Somali-born teenager to detonate what he thought was a car bomb.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

FedEx Finds Missing Radioactive Rod After Search

CHICAGO - FedEx Corp said on Friday it found a small radioactive rod lost in shipping earlier this week.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

On Black Friday, Believers, Skeptics Hit The Malls

McLEAN, VIRGINIA/LOS ANGELES - At Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping mall in northern Virginia, Black Friday meant black tie, Gucci and marble floors.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Retailers Slow Discounts After "Black Friday"

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO - Retailers scaled back discounts and shoppers were less frenzied on Saturday, a day after the mad rush for "Black Friday" bargains kicked off the holiday shopping season.

Somali-born Teen Arrested In Car Bomb Sting

PORTLAND, Oregon - A Somali-born teenager was arrested on Friday for attempting to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Oregon, officials said.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

FedEx Finds Missing Radioactive Rod After Search

CHICAGO - FedEx Corp said on Friday it found a small radioactive rod lost in shipping earlier this week.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

Shoppers Back In Black Friday Binge

NEW YORK/MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - Shoppers were back in a Black Friday bargain-binging mood, snapping up hoodies and computer laptops at stores, in a turnout that could give the economic recovery more steam.

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

Somali-born Teen Arrested In Car Bomb Sting: Report

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities have arrested a Somali-born teen in a car-bomb sting operation in the state of Oregon, Fox News reported on Saturday.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

NASA Postpones Shuttle Launch Until Mid-December

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA is delaying next week's planned launch of space shuttle Discovery on a cargo delivery run to the International Space Station until at least mid-December, officials said on Wednesday.

George W. Bush Memoir Sells More Than One Million Copies

NEW YORK - More than 1.1 million copies of former President George W. Bush's memoir, "Decision Points," have been sold since its release earlier this month, his publisher said on Wednesday.

J&J Recalls More Tylenol

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it is recalling 9 million more bottles of its Tylenol painkiller because they do not adequately warn customers about the presence of trace amounts of alcohol used in the product flavorings.

Galleon's Rajaratnam Loses Wiretap Suppression Bid

NEW YORK - In a big victory for federal prosecutors, Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam lost his bid to suppress secretly recorded conversations from his pending criminal trial on insider-trading charges.

NOAA Closes Some Gulf Shrimping After Tar Balls Found

DALLAS - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday it had closed 4,200 square miles/10,880 square kms of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico to royal red shrimping after a commercial shrimper discovered tar balls in his net.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

Shoppers Queue Up For Black Friday Deals

PRINCETON, N.J./MILWAUKEE - U.S. shoppers searched for deals on high-definition televisions and popular toys early on Friday, as retailers hoped that "Black Friday" would kick off the best holiday shopping season in three years.

Crowded U.S. Parking Lots Hint At Black Friday Sales

NEW YORK - More Americans will be out shopping this year on Black Friday -- or at least that's how it looks from outer space.

BP Gulf Cleanup Official Killed In Plane Crash

HOUSTON - An official of BP Plc's Gulf oil spill program and two family members died in a plane crash on Tuesday night in Florida, the company said in a statement.

NASA Postpones Shuttle Launch Until Mid-December

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA is delaying next week's planned launch of space shuttle Discovery on a cargo delivery run to the International Space Station until at least mid-December, officials said on Wednesday.

George W. Bush Memoir Sells More Than One Million Copies

NEW YORK - More than 1.1 million copies of former President George W. Bush's memoir, "Decision Points," have been sold since its release earlier this month, his publisher said on Wednesday.

J&J Recalls More Tylenol

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it is recalling 9 million more bottles of its Tylenol painkiller because they do not adequately warn customers about the presence of trace amounts of alcohol used in the product flavorings.

Galleon's Rajaratnam Loses Wiretap Suppression Bid

NEW YORK - In a big victory for federal prosecutors, Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam lost his bid to suppress secretly recorded conversations from his pending criminal trial on insider-trading charges.

NOAA Closes Some Gulf Shrimping After Tar Balls Found

DALLAS - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday it had closed 4,200 square miles/10,880 square kms of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico to royal red shrimping after a commercial shrimper discovered tar balls in his net.

If It's Thanksgiving, You Must Be Shopping .

CHICAGO - Forget the turkey and the football -- if it's Thanksgiving, why aren't you shopping?

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Delta Air Lines Worker Group Rejects Union

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc Inc on Monday said workers in its TechOps maintenance department rejected union representation, handing the carrier another victory in its bid to remain largely union-free.

Cost-sharing Health Plans Lead Poor To Make Tough Choices

CHICAGO - Poor families who sign up for high-deductible health plans are more likely to put off needed care than wealthier families, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that suggests such plans may need to be revamped if they are to save health costs.

Half Of Americans Facing Diabetes By 2020: Report

NEW YORK - More than half of Americans will have diabetes or be prediabetic by 2020 at a cost to the U.S. health care system of $3.35 trillion if current trends go on unabated, according to analysis of a new report released on Tuesday by health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.

Massachusetts Police Probe Whether Body Fell From Plane

BOSTON - Massachusetts authorities are investigating the possibility a 16-year-old North Carolina boy whose mangled body was found outside Boston last week fell from an airplane, an airport official confirmed on Tuesday.

Richard Seymour Hit With Fine For Smacking Roethlisberger

NEW YORK - Oakland's Richard Seymour has been fined $25,000 for a hit on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, not a helmet-to-helmet collision of the sort the NFL has been disciplining but an open-handed smack to the jaw.

New J&J Recalls Hit Benadryl, Motrin, Rolaids

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson, which has been beset with recalls of Tylenol and other consumer products over the past year, has recalled almost 5 million additional packages of Benadryl, Motrin and Rolaids because of manufacturing "insufficiencies."

Fewer For-profit College Students Graduate

WASHINGTON - Just 22 percent of freshmen who enroll in for-profit schools graduate within six years, compared with 57 percent at nonprofit schools, according to a report by Education Trust issued on Tuesday.

Black Friday Lures Include Price Cuts, Sing-A-Ma-Jig

CHICAGO - From traditional lures like slashed prices on hot electronics to a "Santa-Sing-A-Ma-Jig" toy, U.S. retailers are pushing to attract shoppers into their doors on Black Friday.

Airlines Low Key In U.S. Security Controversy

WASHINGTON - Airlines are keeping a low profile when it comes to the furor over U.S. passenger security screening, which will mainly affect leisure customers during the holiday period, not premium paying business travelers.

Half In Survey Say Airport Patdowns Go Too Far

WASHINGTON - Half of Americans say the enhanced passenger security patdowns at U.S. airports go too far, according to a poll published on Tuesday just before the busy holiday travel season.

U.S. Examining Auto Rental Fleet Safety

WASHINGTON - U.S. auto safety regulators want to know whether rental car agencies are making necessary repairs on rental fleets totaling nearly 3 million vehicles.

NY State Strikes Deal With Tribe On Casino Land

NEW YORK - New York state agreed on Monday to give a swathe of land to a Wisconsin Native American tribe, which has plans for a major casino and resort complex near New York City.

Banks To Close 5,000 Branches By 2012: Analyst

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Banks' declining profits and tighter profit margins will push them to close 5,000 branches nationwide within the next 18 months, bank analyst Meredith Whitney said in a research note on Monday.

Delta Air Lines Worker Group Rejects Union

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc Inc on Monday said workers in its TechOps maintenance department rejected union representation, handing the carrier another victory in its bid to remain largely union-free.

Second U.S. Company Gets Stem Cell Go-ahead

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the second human trial of human embryonic stem cells -- this one testing cells in people with a progressive form of blindness, the company said on Monday.

Cost-sharing Health Plans Lead Poor To Make Tough Choices

CHICAGO - Poor families who sign up for high-deductible health plans are more likely to put off needed care than wealthier families, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that suggests such plans may need to be revamped if they are to save health costs.

FBI Raids 3 Hedge Funds In Insider Trading Case

NEW YORK - The FBI raided three hedge funds as part of a widening probe into suspected insider trading in the $1.7 trillion hedge fund industry.

Black Friday Lures Include Price Cuts, Sing-A-Ma-Jigs

CHICAGO - From traditional lures like slashed prices on hot electronics to a "Santa-Sing-A-Ma-Jig" toy, U.S. retailers are pushing to attract shoppers into their doors on Black Friday.

Half Of Americans Facing Diabetes By 2020: Report

NEW YORK - More than half of Americans will have diabetes or be prediabetic by 2020 at a cost to the U.S. health care system of $3.35 trillion if current trends go on unabated, according to analysis of a new report released on Tuesday by health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.

U.S. Security Rethinking Airline Screening

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities will reconsider airline passenger screening procedures that have caused a public uproar on the eve of the busy holiday travel season, the top transport security official said on Monday.

Justin Bieber Sweeps American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES - Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards on Sunday, overshadowing Eminem to take home four prizes, including artist of the year.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Army Court Stays Murder Prosecution Of Soldier

SEATTLE - A military appeals court has ordered Army prosecutors to halt proceedings against one of five U.S. soldiers charged with murdering unarmed Afghan civilians and staging them to appear as combat casualties.

Children Safer In Afghan Cities Than New York City: NATO Aide

KABUL - Afghan cities are like a network of villages where children may well be safer than in London or New York, NATO's top civilian envoy to Afghanistan has said.

Pentagon To Issue Report On Gays In Military November 30

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia - A long-awaited Pentagon report on the impact of lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military will be sent to Congress and released publicly on November 30, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday.

Plane Lands Safely In New York After Engine Problem

NEW YORK - A Delta Airlines flight landed safely at New York's JFK Airport on Sunday after the pilot complained of an engine problem shortly after takeoff, authorities said.

U.S. Has No Plans To Retreat From Traveler Patdowns

WASHINGTON - U.S. homeland security officials have no plans to back away from airline passenger security patdowns despite traveler complaints that they violate constitutional rights and growing congressional concerns about the policy.

PepsiCo To Launch Lower-calorie Gatorade

NEW YORK - PepsiCo Inc plans to introduce a lower-calorie line extension of its Gatorade sports drink next year to appeal to a wider audience.

Federal Judge Pleads Guilty To Helping Stripper Buy Drugs

ATLANTA, Nov 19 (Reuters Legal) - A senior federal judge in Atlanta pleaded guilty on Friday to helping an exotic dancer buy cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain killers.

Actor Wesley Snipes Headed To Prison For Tax Evasion

MIAMI - Actor Wesley Snipes was ordered on Friday to start serving a three-year prison sentence for failing to file income tax returns by a federal judge who rejected the Hollywood star's bid for a new trial.

EPA To Delay Decision On Ethanol-blended Gas

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it would delay until January a decision whether gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol is safe for 2001-06 cars and light trucks, a key verdict for boosting sales of higher blends.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Sick Sept 11 Workers Agree To $712 Million Settlement

NEW YORK - More than 10,000 workers suffering health problems stemming from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have agreed to a $712 million settlement with New York City, officials said on Friday.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Army Court Stays Murder Prosecution Of Soldier

SEATTLE - A military appeals court has ordered Army prosecutors to halt proceedings against one of five U.S. soldiers charged with murdering unarmed Afghan civilians and staging them to appear as combat casualties.

MSNBC Suspends Another Host For Political Gifts

NEW YORK - MSNBC television suspended conservative morning host Joe Scarborough for two days for giving money to political candidates, meting out the same punishment given to liberal host Keith Olbermann two weeks ago for a similar offense.

PepsiCo To Launch Lower-calorie Gatorade

NEW YORK - PepsiCo Inc plans to introduce a lower-calorie line extension of its Gatorade sports drink next year to appeal to a wider audience.

Federal Judge Pleads Guilty To Helping Stripper Buy Drugs

ATLANTA, Nov 19 (Reuters Legal) - A senior federal judge in Atlanta pleaded guilty on Friday to helping an exotic dancer buy cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain killers.

Actor Wesley Snipes Headed To Prison For Tax Evasion

MIAMI - Actor Wesley Snipes was ordered on Friday to start serving a three-year prison sentence for failing to file income tax returns by a federal judge who rejected the Hollywood star's bid for a new trial.

EPA To Delay Decision On Ethanol-blended Gas

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it would delay until January a decision whether gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol is safe for 2001-06 cars and light trucks, a key verdict for boosting sales of higher blends.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Sick Sept 11 Workers Agree To $712 Million Settlement

NEW YORK - More than 10,000 workers suffering health problems stemming from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have agreed to a $712 million settlement with New York City, officials said on Friday.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Sex Trafficking Ring Across Four States Busted

NEW YORK - Authorities closed down 20 brothels masquerading as massage parlors and arrested 22 people for running a sex trafficking and prostitution network involving Korean women across four states, officials said.

Theory Emerges About Hollywood Publicist's Murder

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) Police investigating the killing of Ronni Chasen have assembled a working theory of what happened to the veteran Hollywood publicist.

Migrating Pool Of Gas Closes Post Office In MT Town

SALMON, Idaho - Hazardous fumes from a 10,000-gallon gasoline leak forced the evacuation and closure of the post office on Thursday in Miles City, Montana, where officials say a pool of gasoline is migrating below ground.

Activist Admits Setting Fire To Colorado Sheepskin Store

DENVER - A self-described animal-rights activist known on the Internet as "Lone Wolf" pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to arson in a fire that destroyed a local sheepskin business.

Australian Twin Sisters In U.S. Suicide Pact: Police

DENVER - An Australian woman who survived a double shooting that killed her twin sister at a Colorado gun range told police on Thursday that the pair had made a suicide pact.

More Shoppers Forecast For Black Friday Weekend

NEW YORK - As many as 138 million shoppers could be hunting for Black Friday bargains during the three days after Thanksgiving, a slight increase over last year's projections, according to a retail trade group survey released on Thursday.

Woman Who Helped Kidnap Elizabeth Smart Testifies

SALT LAKE CITY - The woman convicted of helping her husband kidnap Elizabeth Smart broke into tears on the witness stand on Thursday as she told jurors her marriage to the homeless street preacher was "hellish."

U.S. Army Court Asked To Unseal Photos In Murder Case

SEATTLE - Lawyers for one of five U.S. soldiers accused of murdering unarmed Afghan civilians for sport petitioned a military appeals court on Thursday to open grisly photographic evidence in the case to public scrutiny.

J&J, Takeda Recall Batches Of Cancer Drug Velcade

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson and Millennium Pharmaceuticals are recalling thousands of vials of the cancer drug Velcade sold in Europe, the United States, Japan and Malaysia after receiving reports of white particles seen floating in vials of the medicine.

NY Mayor Orders More Than 6,000 Layoffs Over 18 Months

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced $1.5 billion in budget cuts and layoffs on Thursday, saying the actions will narrow the city's budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year to $2.4 billion.

Rabid Bats On The Rise In Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - If the threat of earthquakes, wildfires and mudslides isn't enough to worry Los Angeles residents, public health officials are now warning of an unusually high number of rabid bats.

Apparent Wreckage Of Air Force Fighter Jet Found

ANCHORAGE - Search and rescue teams on Wednesday spotted what appears to be the wreckage of an Air Force fighter jet that went missing during a nighttime training mission over Alaska, officials said.

Fake Doctor Jailed For Giving Breast Exams In Bars

SALMON, Idaho - An Idaho judge on Wednesday set bond at $100,000 for a Boise woman police say posed as a physician and duped at least two other women into having their breasts examined by her at Boise-area nightclubs.

"Hulk" Actor Joins Arizona Sheriff's Posse

PHOENIX - Television 'Hulk' actor Lou Ferrigno has joined an Arizona sheriff's posse targeting illegal immigrants in the Phoenix valley area, the sheriff's office said on Wednesday.

White House Pushes For "don't Ask" Vote This Year

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and senior White House officials urged top lawmakers on Wednesday to pass a measure this year that would allow gay men and women to serve openly in the U.S. military.

FDA Warns Makers Of Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks

NEW YORK - U.S. regulators warned makers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks that their products are unsafe and violate federal laws, following a public outcry and several state bans.

Harvard President Says ROTC Welcome Once Gay Ban Ends

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts - Harvard University's president on Wednesday invited the U.S. military to restore a training program at the college once a ban on gays serving openly is lifted.

Jury Clears Ghailani Of Major Terrorism Charges

NEW YORK - The first suspect transferred from Guantanamo military prison to face a U.S. civilian trial was found not guilty on all but one charge in the 1998 African embassy bombings on Wednesday in a setback to President Barack Obama's plans for trying terrorism suspects.

World Comparison Shows U.S. Healthcare Lacking

WASHINGTON - A third of Americans say they have gone without medical care or skipped filling a prescription because of cost, compared to 5 percent in the Netherlands, according to study released on Thursday.

New York City Proposes Extending Subway To New Jersey

NEW YORK - New York City wants to extend a cross-town subway line under the Hudson River to New Jersey, taking advantage of federal stimulus support and construction work intended for a canceled New Jersey commuter rail tunnel, a city official said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Hasan Declines To Testify At Fort Hood Tribunal

SAN ANTONIO - A Muslim Army major charged in last year's shooting rampage at a Texas Army base declined to testify before a military tribunal Monday.

Cable Operators Call For Reform Of TV Industry

WASHINGTON - Cable operators are asking U.S. lawmakers to consider reforms that would protect consumers from blackouts of their favorite television programs.

Newark, NJ Offers Amnesty For Late Property Tax Payments

NEW YORK - Newark, New Jersey announced on Tuesday an amnesty program for property owners who have fallen behind on their tax and other bills that will cancel interest and penalties for overdue payments made by November 30.

U.S. Charges Pakistani Tied To Times Square Bomber

BOSTON - U.S. authorities on Tuesday filed immigration fraud charges against a Pakistani man they said provided nearly $5,000 to the convicted Times Square bomber apparently without knowing how the money would be used.

China Telecom Briefly Hijacked U.S. Web Traffic: Panel

WASHINGTON - China Telecom sent incorrect routing information last April that resulted in Internet traffic to major corporate websites and U.S. military and government sites being sent through China for 18 minutes, according to a report by a congressional advisory group.

UAE, Australia And U.S. Top List Of Carbon Emitters

OSLO - The United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United States have the worst overall records for emitting greenhouse gases, according to an index published on Wednesday combining current and historic emissions.

Top Medal Given To 1st Post-Vietnam Living Winner

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Tuesday awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry to Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, the first living recipient of the top military honor for a post-Vietnam era conflict.

BofA, Female Brokers Settle Bias Case Over Bonuses

NEW YORK - Bank of America Corp has settled a federal lawsuit alleging it discriminated against female brokers at the former Merrill Lynch & Co by offering them lower retention bonuses than male counterparts.

TV Producer Wanted For Mexico Death Held In LA

LOS ANGELES - U.S. officials arrested Bruce Beresford-Redman, a former producer of hit TV show "Survivor," at his home on Tuesday and are holding him for extradition to Mexico where he has been accused of murdering his wife.

BP, Firms Missed Key Errors Before Spill

WASHINGTON - Lacking standards to weigh costs against safety, BP and its partners made critical errors leading to the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, according to a scientific panel report obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

U.S. Trial Unlikely For 9/11 Suspect Mohammed: Report

WASHINGTON - The self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks probably will remain in military detention without trial for the foreseeable future, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Obama administration officials.

Auction Of Madoff Effects Raises $2 Million

NEW YORK - A diamond engagement ring that belonged to the wife of Bernie Madoff fetched $550,000 at an auction on Saturday, while a pair of black velveteen slippers embroidered with the convicted swindler's initials went for $6,000, U.S. marshals said.

U.S. Animal Disease Lab Carries Risks, Report Says

KANSAS CITY - A high-security laboratory that the U.S. government wants to build in Kansas to study dangerous animal diseases could jeopardize the safety of U.S. livestock and expose them to highly contagious pathogens, according to a report requested by Congress.

New York Jury Convicts Man Over $80 Million Ponzi Scheme

NEW YORK - A Texas man has been convicted by a federal jury for helping run what prosecutors called an $80 million Ponzi scheme that lured victims into investing in automated teller machines that were never purchased.

Hasan Declines To Testify At Fort Hood Tribunal

SAN ANTONIO - A Muslim Army major charged in last year's shooting rampage at a Texas Army base declined to testify before a military tribunal Monday.

U.S. Officials Defend New Airport Screening Procedures

ARLINGTON, Virginia - Homeland security officials on Monday defended heightened airport security screening measures but said they would consider adjustments to new rigorous patdowns after complaints from travelers.

New York "well Positioned" For Tunnel Funds: Senator

NEW YORK - The fate of federal money earmarked for a canceled New Jersey tunnel could be decided in the next month and some of the money will likely stay in the region, a New York senator said on Monday following a meeting with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Juror Asks To Quit NY Guantanamo Suspect Trial

NEW YORK - A juror asked on Monday to be excused in the first civilian trial of a former Guantanamo military prison detainee, suggesting deadlock in a case widely seen as a test for such prosecutions.

Special Report: Was A Houston Energy Trader A One-woman Enron?

HOUSTON - By the standards of recent financial scandals, Stephanie Rae Roqumore's alleged $6.8 million natural gas trading scam may be small potatoes, but it raises some big questions.

One In 7 Households Hit By Hunger Issues In 2009

WASHINGTON - The number of U.S. households that reported getting emergency food from a food pantry almost doubled between 2007 and 2009, at the height of the recession, a government report said on Monday.

U.S. Orders New Safety Steps On Aging Aircraft

WASHINGTON - Commercial aircraft manufacturers and airlines must take new steps to protect thousands of jets from serious structural fatigue as they age, according to a rule finalized on Friday by U.S. aviation regulators.

Prosecutor Warns Of Whistleblowers "run Amok"

NEW YORK - Whistleblowers who turn in false information in pursuit of rewards under a new federal program could face criminal prosecution, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan said on Friday.

Wal-mart, Sears To Open On Thanksgiving

CHICAGO - Never mind the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Shop until you drop.

Boston's Fine Art Museum Unveils Major New Wing

BOSTON - When redecorating his home some years ago, financier Henry Kravis sold a painting by John Singer Sargent to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.

San Francisco Mayor To Veto Curb On Fast-food Toys

LOS ANGELES - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom plans to veto a new city law that would curb toy giveaways in unhealthy restaurant meals for children, but the move would be symbolic since it was approved in a veto-proof vote.

Miami Archdiocese Accused Of "predator" Priest Cover-up

MIAMI, Nov 12 (Reuters Legal) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami was accused on Friday of covering up the activities of a U.S. priest facing child sexual abuse charges and described by a victim's lawyer as a "serial predator."

Pilots And Passengers Rail At New Airport Patdowns

WASHINGTON - Stepped-up security screening at airports in the wake of foiled terrorism plots has provoked an outcry from airline pilots and travelers, including parents of children who say they are too intrusive.

U.S. Officials Try To Address Air Security Worries

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said on Friday it is trying to address concerns of pilots about stepped-up screening at U.S. airports and worries in the travel industry that fliers will limit trips because of more rigorous checks.

U.S. Trial Unlikely For 9/11 Suspect Mohammed: Report

WASHINGTON - The self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks probably will remain in military detention without trial for the foreseeable future, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Obama administration officials.

Auction Of Madoff Effects Raises $2 Million

NEW YORK - A diamond engagement ring that belonged to the wife of Bernie Madoff fetched $550,000 at an auction on Saturday, while a pair of black velveteen slippers embroidered with the convicted swindler's initials went for $6,000, U.S. marshals said.

U.S. Orders New Safety Steps On Aging Aircraft

WASHINGTON - Commercial aircraft manufacturers and airlines must take new steps to protect thousands of jets from serious structural fatigue as they age, according to a rule finalized on Friday by U.S. aviation regulators.

Prosecutor Warns Of Whistleblowers "run Amok"

NEW YORK - Whistleblowers who turn in false information in pursuit of rewards under a new federal program could face criminal prosecution, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan said on Friday.

Wal-mart, Sears To Open On Thanksgiving

CHICAGO - Never mind the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Shop until you drop.

Boston's Fine Art Museum Unveils Major New Wing

BOSTON - When redecorating his home some years ago, financier Henry Kravis sold a painting by John Singer Sargent to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.

San Francisco Mayor To Veto Curb On Fast-food Toys

LOS ANGELES - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom plans to veto a new city law that would curb toy giveaways in unhealthy restaurant meals for children, but the move would be symbolic since it was approved in a veto-proof vote.

Miami Archdiocese Accused Of "predator" Priest Cover-up

MIAMI, Nov 12 (Reuters Legal) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami was accused on Friday of covering up the activities of a U.S. priest facing child sexual abuse charges and described by a victim's lawyer as a "serial predator."

Pilots And Passengers Rail At New Airport Patdowns

WASHINGTON - Stepped-up security screening at airports in the wake of foiled terrorism plots has provoked an outcry from airline pilots and travelers, including parents of children who say they are too intrusive.

U.S. Officials Try To Address Air Security Worries

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said on Friday it is trying to address concerns of pilots about stepped-up screening at U.S. airports and worries in the travel industry that fliers will limit trips because of more rigorous checks.

U.S. Trial Unlikely For 9/11 Suspect Mohammed: Report

WASHINGTON - The self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks probably will remain in military detention without trial for the foreseeable future, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Obama administration officials.

Auction Of Madoff Effects Raises $2 Million

NEW YORK - A diamond engagement ring that belonged to the wife of Bernie Madoff fetched $550,000 at an auction on Saturday, while a pair of black velveteen slippers embroidered with the convicted swindler's initials went for $6,000, U.S. marshals said.

After Years Of Decline, Murders Up In New York

NEW YORK - The city that has bragged of falling crime during the past two decades is struggling to explain why murders are up 15 percent this year.

U.S. Orders New Safety Steps On Aging Aircraft

WASHINGTON - Commercial aircraft manufacturers and airlines must take new steps to protect thousands of jets from serious structural fatigue as they age, according to a rule finalized on Friday by U.S. aviation regulators.

Prosecutor Warns Of Whistleblowers "run Amok"

NEW YORK - Whistleblowers who turn in false information in pursuit of rewards under a new federal program could face criminal prosecution, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan said on Friday.

Wal-mart, Sears To Open On Thanksgiving

CHICAGO - Never mind the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Shop until you drop.

Boston's Fine Art Museum Unveils Major New Wing

BOSTON - When redecorating his home some years ago, financier Henry Kravis sold a painting by John Singer Sargent to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.

San Francisco Mayor To Veto Curb On Fast-food Toys

LOS ANGELES - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom plans to veto a new city law that would curb toy giveaways in unhealthy restaurant meals for children, but the move would be symbolic since it was approved in a veto-proof vote.

Miami Archdiocese Accused Of "predator" Priest Cover-up

MIAMI, Nov 12 (Reuters Legal) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami was accused on Friday of covering up the activities of a U.S. priest facing child sexual abuse charges and described by a victim's lawyer as a "serial predator."

Pilots And Passengers Rail At New Airport Patdowns

WASHINGTON - Stepped-up security screening at airports in the wake of foiled terrorism plots has provoked an outcry from airline pilots and travelers, including parents of children who say they are too intrusive.

U.S. Trial Unlikely For 9/11 Suspect Mohammed: Report

WASHINGTON - The self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks probably will remain in military detention without trial for the foreseeable future, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Obama administration officials.

U.S. Officials Try To Address Air Security Worries

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security said on Friday it is trying to address concerns of pilots about stepped-up screening at U.S. airports and worries in the travel industry that fliers will limit trips because of more rigorous checks.

California To See $25 Billion Budget Gap: Report

SAN FRANCISCO - California faces a $25 billion deficit through the next fiscal year, its budget watchdog said on Wednesday, just weeks after leaders of the most populous U.S. state closed a $19 billion gap and days ahead of a planned sale of some $10 billion of state debt.

U.S. Close To Decision On 9/11 Trial For Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is close to deciding where the self-professed mastermind of the September 11 attacks in 2001 will be tried and whether he will face a military tribunal, Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday.

GM Recalls Cars Due To Power Steering Fluid Leak

DETROIT - General Motors Co will recall 13,780 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne luxury sedans because of possible power steering fluid leaks that could cause a loss of steering or an engine fire.

Nissan Recalls 586,000 Frontier, Xterra Vehicles

DETROIT - Nissan Motor Co Ltd is recalling nearly 600,000 Frontier pickup trucks and Xterra sport-utility vehicles because of risks the steering shaft could crack due to corrosion.

Asia And Europe Giving U.S. Science A Run For The Money

WASHINGTON - The United States still leads the world with its scientific clout, armed with highly respected universities and a big war chest of funding, but Europe and Asia are catching up, according to a Thomson Reuters report released on Friday.

Arizona Bans Mexico Produce Checks

PHOENIX - Arizona has banned produce inspections by its agriculture department in Mexico over fears that escalating drug violence there could put inspectors lives at risk, authorities said on Thursday.

Adults May Not Be Spreading Whooping Cough: Study

CHICAGO - Children largely spread whooping cough among themselves, so blanket vaccination campaigns targeting teens and adults may be a waste of time, according to a study that looks at how social patterns affect disease transmission.

Pilots And Passengers Rail At New Airport Patdowns

WASHINGTON - Stepped-up security screening at airports in the wake of foiled terrorism plots has provoked an outcry from airline pilots and travelers, including parents of children who say they are too intrusive.

Arnold Schwarzenegger To Call Lawmakers Into Budget Session

SAN FRANCISCO - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Thursday he will call a special session of the state legislature on December 6 to tackle the budget deficit, newly estimated at more than $25 billion through the next fiscal year.

Bedraggled Cruise Passengers Return To Port

SAN DIEGO - The cruise ship stranded off Mexico this week by an engine fire limped back into port under tow on Thursday with 3,300 passengers bedraggled by three days at sea without hot water, air conditioning or cooked meals.

Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley Shine At The CMAs

NASHVILLE - Brad Paisley claimed the top prize of entertainer of the year at the Country Music Awards on Wednesday, but it was Miranda Lambert who was the big winner with three honors including best female vocalist and album of the year for "Revolution."

NY Rabbi Caught Up With Hedge Funds Found Guilty

NEW YORK - An Orthodox Jewish rabbi director of a Brooklyn, New York, religious school was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday on charges of trying to extort $4 million from SAC Capital hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen.

Tensions With States Grow Over High Speed Rail

WASHINGTON - The Transportation Department warned two governors-elect that federal money allocated to building high-speed passenger rail lines in their states cannot be used to pay for other infrastructure projects, as tensions grow over federal transportation spending.

Mexico Ambassador Says NRA Can Help Stem Gun Flows

NEW YORK - The powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) should be helping the United States and Mexico stem a flow of U.S. guns to Mexico's drug war, Mexico's top diplomat in Washington said on Wednesday.

Successor To Hubble Telescope Hit By Cost Overruns

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A flagship U.S. space observatory designed as a powerful successor to the Hubble Space Telescope needs another $1.5 billion to make a launch date in 2015, an oversight panel reported on Wednesday.

NY Art Auctions End With Lichtenstein Record

NEW YORK - New York's fall art auctions wrapped up on Wednesday with Christie's contemporary and post-war works achieving the highest one-night total in two weeks of sales, led by a record-smashing Roy Lichtenstein that fetched $42.6 million.

High Court Urged Not To Intervene In Gay Ban Case

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration urged the Supreme Court on Wednesday not to intervene and require the Pentagon to immediately permit openly gay men and women to serve in the military.

Boeing Halts 787 Flights As Emergency Landing Probed

WASHINGTON/CHICAGO - Boeing Co halted test flights of its 787 Dreamliner on Wednesday, a day after an electrical fire aboard one of its test planes forced an emergency landing in Texas, but said it was too early to tell if the incident would push back the plane's delivery schedule.

California To See $25 Billion Budget Gap: Report

SAN FRANCISCO - California faces a $25 billion deficit through the next fiscal year, its budget watchdog said on Wednesday, just weeks after leaders of the most populous U.S. state closed a $19 billion gap and days ahead of a planned sale of some $10 billion of state debt.

U.S. Close To Decision On 9/11 Trial For Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is close to deciding where the self-professed mastermind of the September 11 attacks in 2001 will be tried and whether he will face a military tribunal, Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday.

Hearst Executive Black Tapped To Head NYC Schools

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg tapped veteran magazine and newspaper executive Cathleen P. Black as chief of the New York City school system.

U.S. Charges 17 In $42 Million Scam Of Holocaust Victims

NEW YORK - U.S. prosecutors charged 17 people on Tuesday with stealing more than $42 million from a nonprofit group that distributes German government money to Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

ACLU Sues To Stop Defense Of Marriage Act

NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of a federal law defining marriage as between a man and a woman, contending it denies equal protection for gays and lesbians.

George Bush, Promoting Book, Laughs It Up On Oprah

CHICAGO - George W. Bush, promoting his memoir that hit store shelves Tuesday, pronounced himself "through with politics" and defended his decisions as president in a jokey interview with television talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.

Aircraft Carrier Helps Stranded Cruise Ship

LOS ANGELES - A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier diverted from training maneuvers helped deliver supplies on Tuesday to an American luxury liner and 3,300 vacationers left stranded off the Mexican coast by an engine-room fire.

Lessons Learned From Fort Hood Shooting: U.S. Military

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military reported it has set up threat awareness and training programs since the 2009 shooting rampage by a Muslim Army psychiatrist but critics said the documents fail to deal with Islamist extremism.

U.S. Bills New Jersey $271 Million For Tunnel Costs

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration wants prompt repayment of more than $270 million in federal grant money dedicated to New Jersey for a rail tunnel to Manhattan that became a political flashpoint when the state withdrew from the project.

Nearly 59 Million Lack Health Insurance: CDC

WASHINGTON - Nearly 59 million Americans went without health insurance coverage for at least part of 2010, many of them with conditions or diseases that needed treatment, federal health officials said on Tuesday.

Boeing 787 In Test Flight Lands With Cabin Smoke

WASHINGTON - A Boeing 787 test flight made an emergency landing on Tuesday in Texas with smoke in the cabin, the first incident of its kind, putting additional scrutiny on the already delayed program.

San Francisco Approves Limits On Toys With Fast-food Meals

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco will soon be the first major U.S. city to restrict the fast-food industry's practice of giving away toys with children's meals, under a new law given final approval on Tuesday.

Government Breaks Up Denver-based Drug Ring

DENVER - A retired Denver fire lieutenant was among 35 alleged traffickers indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on suspicion of smuggling 20 kg (44 pounds) of cocaine a week from Mexico to Colorado, prosecutors said on Monday.

Guantanamo Suspect Guilty Of Mass Murder: Prosecutor

NEW YORK - The first suspect transferred from the Guantanamo military prison to face U.S. civilian trial was described on Monday by a federal prosecutor as a mass murderer with "the blood of hundreds on his hands."

U.S. Doctors Still Too Cozy With Drug Industry: Survey

CHICAGO - Doctors in the United States are still too cozy with drug companies, although they have managed to break some of those ties, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

U.S. Faulted On Nuclear Parts Plant Health Threat

KANSAS CITY - Federal workers were kept in the dark about possible health risks from a plant making parts for nuclear weapons next door to their Kansas City offices, according to an inspector general's report released on Monday.

BP, Firms Did Not Shirk Safety For Money: Panel

WASHINGTON - The White House oil spill commission said on Monday it found no evidence to support accusations that the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history happened because workers for BP Plc and its partners cut corners to save money, mostly blaming the accident on a series of on-site misjudgments.

Bankruptcies Rise But Business Filings Dip

WILMINGTON, Delaware - Bankruptcies rose 13.8 percent in the year to September 30 but business filings fell for the first time since the start of the most recent recession, according to government data on Monday.

Florida High-speed Rail Faces Uncertain Destination

ORLANDO, Florida - Florida's Governor-elect Rick Scott, a Republican conservative, was urged to back the state's proposed high-speed rail project on Monday despite threats to halt it if it requires any state government funding.

U.S. Expands Cargo Security Ban In Wake Of Bomb Plot

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Monday banned all cargo shipments to the United States from Somalia, expanding a ban imposed initially on shipments from Yemen in the wake of a recent foiled bomb plot.

Fast-food Restaurants Target U.S. Kids, Study Shows

WASHINGTON - Fast-food restaurants are stepping up efforts to market themselves and unhealthy food products to children and toddlers with television ads, websites and even their own menus, researchers said on Monday.

Border Patrol Issues Wanted Posters In Arizona

TUCSON, Arizona - U.S. Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona are handing out wanted posters to crack down on drug and human smugglers in the most heavily trafficked corridor along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Alaska Air CEO Co-operating With SEC On Puget Probe

NEW YORK - Alaska Air Group Inc said in a regulatory filing on Friday that the airline and its chief executive are "cooperating voluntarily" with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in an insider trading probe.

Prosecutors To Dismiss Part Of FBI Steroids Case

WASHINGTON - U.S. prosecutors moved on Friday to dismiss charges against two of four FBI employees accused of lying about use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones.

Recession Led Most States To Cut Services: Study

WASHINGTON - Almost all states have had to cut spending on services and more than half have raised taxes since the recession began, according to a think-tank report released on Friday that warned more tax hikes could be on the horizon.

Peru Leader Marches To Demand U.S. Return Inca Relics

LIMA - Peruvian President Alan Garcia led thousands of marchers through the streets of Lima on Friday to demand that Yale University return archeological treasures taken from Machu Picchu in the early 1900s.

Jump In Hiring Lifts Spirits On Economy

WASHINGTON - Employment surged much more than expected last month as private companies hired workers at the fastest pace since April, a sign the sluggish economy is finally starting to tick up.

Defense Chief Gates Backs Push To End "don't Ask, Don't Tell"

MELBOURNE - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday he hoped the outgoing Congress would approve legislation ending the military's ban on gays but was unsure of the prospects for success.

152 Arrested In Protests Over Police Shooting Case

LOS ANGELES - Police arrested 152 people in Oakland late on Friday when protests over the sentencing of a former police officer for the shooting death of an unarmed black man turned confrontational.

Challenge To U.S. Targeted Kill Program Heads To Court

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will on Monday try to persuade a U.S. judge to throw out a lawsuit challenging its program to capture or kill U.S. citizens who have joined militant groups like al Qaeda, including Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop To Retire In 2013

BOSTON - Gene Robinson, whose consecration as the U.S. Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop opened a deep rift in the worldwide Anglican Communion, said Saturday he planned to retire in 2013.

Debutants Steal Show At NYC Marathon

NEW YORK - Debutants stole the show at the New York City marathon on Sunday as Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam won the men's race on his marathon debut and Kenya's Edna Kiplagat took the women's title in her first New York race.

Detritus Of Old GM Hits Auction Block Ahead Of IPO

PONTIAC, Michigan - Among the abandoned robots and industrial equipment strewn about a cavernous truck assembly plant here, Tom Dilworth mused about what brought General Motors Co to its knees last year.

Peru Court Grants Parole To U.S. Citizen Berenson

LIMA - A Peruvian court granted parole on Friday to U.S. citizen Lori Berenson after she served 15 years of a 20-year sentence for collaborating with leftist insurgents

Alaska Air CEO Co-operating With SEC On Puget Probe

NEW YORK - Alaska Air Group Inc said in a regulatory filing on Friday that the airline and its chief executive are "cooperating voluntarily" with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in an insider trading probe.

Prosecutors To Dismiss Part Of FBI Steroids Case

WASHINGTON - U.S. prosecutors moved on Friday to dismiss charges against two of four FBI employees accused of lying about use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones.

Recession Led Most States To Cut Services: Study

WASHINGTON - Almost all states have had to cut spending on services and more than half have raised taxes since the recession began, according to a think-tank report released on Friday that warned more tax hikes could be on the horizon.

Peru Leader Marches To Demand U.S. Return Inca Relics

LIMA - Peruvian President Alan Garcia led thousands of marchers through the streets of Lima on Friday to demand that Yale University return archeological treasures taken from Machu Picchu in the early 1900s.

Jump In Hiring Lifts Spirits On Economy

WASHINGTON - Employment surged much more than expected last month as private companies hired workers at the fastest pace since April, a sign the sluggish economy is finally starting to tick up.

Defense Chief Gates Backs Push To End "don't Ask, Don't Tell"

MELBOURNE - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday he hoped the outgoing Congress would approve legislation ending the military's ban on gays but was unsure of the prospects for success.

152 Arrested In Protests Over Police Shooting Case

LOS ANGELES - Police arrested 152 people in Oakland late on Friday when protests over the sentencing of a former police officer for the shooting death of an unarmed black man turned confrontational.

First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop To Retire In 2013

BOSTON - Gene Robinson, whose consecration as the U.S. Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop opened a deep rift in the worldwide Anglican Communion, said Saturday he planned to retire in 2013.

Hydrogen Leak Cancels Shuttle Discovery Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A hydrogen leak forced NASA on Friday to scrub the launch of space shuttle Discovery for a fourth time this week, pushing back the blastoff at least until November 30.

Detritus Of Old GM Hits Auction Block Ahead Of IPO

PONTIAC, Michigan - Among the abandoned robots and industrial equipment strewn about a cavernous truck assembly plant here, Tom Dilworth mused about what brought General Motors Co to its knees last year.

Peru Court Grants Parole To U.S. Citizen Berenson

LIMA - A Peruvian court granted parole on Friday to U.S. citizen Lori Berenson after she served 15 years of a 20-year sentence for collaborating with leftist insurgents

Alaska Air CEO Co-operating With SEC On Puget Probe

NEW YORK - Alaska Air Group Inc said in a regulatory filing on Friday that the airline and its chief executive are "cooperating voluntarily" with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in an insider trading probe.

Prosecutors To Dismiss Part Of FBI Steroids Case

WASHINGTON - U.S. prosecutors moved on Friday to dismiss charges against two of four FBI employees accused of lying about use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones.

Group Asks High Court To End Military Gay Ban

WASHINGTON - A gay rights group asked the Supreme Court on Friday to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that allowed the Pentagon to maintain its ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.

Recession Led Most States To Cut Services: Study

WASHINGTON - Almost all states have had to cut spending on services and more than half have raised taxes since the recession began, according to a think-tank report released on Friday that warned more tax hikes could be on the horizon.

Peru Leader Marches To Demand U.S. Return Inca Relics

LIMA - Peruvian President Alan Garcia led thousands of marchers through the streets of Lima on Friday to demand that Yale University return archeological treasures taken from Machu Picchu in the early 1900s.

Jump In Hiring Lifts Spirits On Economy

WASHINGTON - Employment surged much more than expected last month as private companies hired workers at the fastest pace since April, a sign the sluggish economy is finally starting to tick up.

Ex-policeman Gets 2 Years In Divisive Killing

LOS ANGELES - A white former policeman who shot an unarmed black man to death on an Oakland, California, train platform was sentenced on Friday to two years in prison, the state's minimum penalty for involuntary manslaughter.

Special Report: Frappuccino Flippers?

LOS ANGELES - Four years ago, generous benefits and opportunities for advancement convinced Leigh Swanson to use her new master's degree in human resources to manage a Starbucks cafe. She called it one of the best workplaces she had ever experienced.

Rescued Chilean Miner To Run New York City Marathon

NEW YORK - Chilean miner Edison Pena plans to run the New York City Marathon on Sunday, less than a month after he was rescued from a collapsed mine that trapped him and 32 companions for 69 days.

Michigan Family Sues NY's Waldorf Over Bedbugs

NEW YORK - A Michigan woman filed suit against New York's Waldorf-Astoria on Thursday, saying she and her husband became infected with bedbugs during a stay at the famed hotel.

Museums Unite To Chronicle Post-war LA Art Scene

LOS ANGELES - More than 60 California cultural institutions are coming together to tell the story of the birth of the Los Angeles art scene, in the largest such collaboration ever undertaken in the region.

Obesity Rates Will Reach 42 Percent: Study

CHICAGO - Americans will keep growing fatter until 42 percent of the nation is considered obese, and having fat friends is part of the problem, researchers said on Thursday.

Goldman "mommy Track" Lawsuit Ends

NEW YORK - Goldman Sachs Group Inc no longer faces a bias lawsuit by a former vice president who said the Wall Street bank put her on a "mommy track" and fired her while she was on maternity leave.

Oil Gushers: Not Quite What They Used To Be

TAFT, California - Drive too fast through the dusty, rolling hills of California's oil country and you could easily miss the site of the largest oil spill in U.S. history.

For-profit Schools Cry Foul On Loan Rules

WASHINGTON - For-profit schools are opposing what they argue is a "retroactive" crackdown on student loan defaults, and said on Thursday that they may challenge the U.S. Education Department in court.

Six Americans Killed In Mexico's Drug War City

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico - Gunmen have killed six U.S. citizens in separate attacks since Saturday in the violent border city of Ciudad Juarez, the U.S. consulate said on Thursday, as Mexico struggles to halt surging murders.

U.S. Border Cops Find Massive Mexico Drug Tunnel

SAN DIEGO, California - U.S. border police have found a sophisticated drug smugglers' tunnel the length of six football fields linking Southern California with Mexico and arrested two people, authorities said on Wednesday.

NY Jury To Decide -- Lies Or Bad Deal Over EMI Sale

NEW YORK - Did a Citigroup Inc banker lie to British buyout house chief Guy Hands to trick him into buying struggling music company EMI in 2007, or did Hands' "magic sauce" fail him and is he seeking to avoid responsibility?

New Yorker Accused Of Plan To Attack U.S. Troops

NEW YORK - A New York man accused of trying to join the U.S. military with the intent of attacking U.S. troops in Iraq did not enter a plea as he faced a U.S. judge in New York on Tuesday.

Toxic Chemicals Found Deep At BP Oil Spill Site

WASHINGTON - Toxic chemicals at levels high enough to kill sea animals extended deep underwater soon after the BP oil spill, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

U.S. Accuses Three With Funding Al Shabaab

CHICAGO - Federal prosecutors announced charges on Wednesday against three men -- two in the United States and one in Africa -- for allegedly providing support to al Shabaab, the al Qaeda-allied rebel group based in Somalia.

Regulators Allege Massey Kentucky Safety Violations

NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters Legal) - U.S. mine safety regulators have gone to court for the first time to force Massey Energy to address safety violations at one of its coal mines in Kentucky, the U.S. Department of Labor said on Wednesday.

Military Ready For War In Cyberspace

WASHINGTON - The military's new Cyber Command, responsible for shielding 15,000 military computer networks from intruders, has become fully operational, the Defense Department said on Wednesday.

FBI Links Shooting At Coast Guard Office To Others

WASHINGTON - The FBI has linked a shooting at a U.S. Coast Guard recruiting office in Woodbridge, Virginia to four other similar incidents at military sites around the Washington area, an FBI spokesman said on Wednesday.

Bush Rejects Accusations Of Racism Over Katrina

WASHINGTON - Former President George W. Bush says criticism from some, including prominent rapper Kanye West, that his handling of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina showed he did not care about black people represented "an all-time low."

Delta Flight Attendants Reject Union

ATLANTA - Thousands of flight attendants at Delta Air Lines Inc have for a third time rejected unionization, dealing a major setback to labor.

U.S. Border Cops Find Massive Mexico Drug Tunnel

SAN DIEGO, California - U.S. border police have found a sophisticated drug smugglers' tunnel the length of six football fields linking Southern California with Mexico and arrested two people, authorities said on Wednesday.

World Champion Surfer Andy Irons Found Dead In Hotel

SYDNEY - Three times world surfing champion Andy Irons was found dead on Tuesday in a Dallas hotel room. The 32-year-old had been on his way home to Hawaii from a contest in Puerto Rico.

American Ballet Theatre To Perform In Cuba

HAVANA - The American Ballet Theater, making its first appearance in Cuba in 50 years, will pay tribute this week to ballet legend Alicia Alonso in the latest attempt at cultural diplomacy to bridge the political divide between the United States and the communist-led island.

Kansas Sued Again Over School Funding

CHICAGO - A group of Kansas public school districts filed a lawsuit on Tuesday claiming the state has again unconstitutionally short-changed students.

Judge Removes Juror From Terra Firma-Citi Trial

NEW YORK - A juror was removed from the civil fraud trial between Citigroup Inc and buyout house Terra Firma on Tuesday, a twist in the multibillion-dollar high stakes dispute over the 2007 buyout of music company EMI.

Box Cutters Cause FBI Probe On Portland Plane

PORTLAND, Oregon - The FBI is investigating how box cutter blades got onto a Delta Air Lines flight from Japan, but reported no incident on Tuesday's flight and said passengers were unharmed.

San Francisco Law Curbs McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

LOS ANGELES - San Francisco on Tuesday became the first major U.S. city to pass a law that cracks down on the popular practice of giving away free toys with unhealthy restaurant meals for children.

Home Vacancy Rate Flat In Third Quarter, Rentals Dip

WASHINGTON - The percentage of empty privately owned homes remained steady at 2.5 percent in the third quarter, while rental vacancies edged down slightly, a government report showed on Tuesday.

U.S. Accuses 3 Californians Of Aiding Al Shabaab

LOS ANGELES - Federal prosecutors unveiled charges on Tuesday against three newly jailed California residents accused of conspiring to provide support to al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-allied rebel group based in Somalia.

New Yorker Accused Of Plan To Attack U.S. Troops

NEW YORK - A New York man accused of trying to join the U.S. military with the intent of attacking U.S. troops in Iraq did not enter a plea as he faced a U.S. judge in New York on Tuesday.

Toxic Chemicals Found Deep At BP Oil Spill Site

WASHINGTON - Toxic chemicals at levels high enough to kill sea animals extended deep underwater soon after the BP oil spill, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

Teenager Recovery From Depression Often Fleeting

CHICAGO - Most depressed adolescents and teenagers who get treatment with drugs, therapy or both will get some relief, but nearly half will relapse within five years, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Israeli Bank To U.S. Taxpayers: Disclose Accounts

WASHINGTON - Leumi, Israel's biggest bank, is requiring U.S. clients to declare their deposits to the Internal Revenue Service, amid heightened scrutiny of offshore accounts by U.S. authorities.

Sweet Drinks Widely Available In Schools: Study

CHICAGO - Despite efforts to limit their availability, public elementary school students in the United States have more outlets to buy unhealthy beverages at school, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

FDIC Sues Failed Illinois Bank's Execs Over Losses

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp has sued 11 former executives and directors at a failed Illinois bank as part of its effort to recover as much as $2 billion of losses suffered by its deposit insurance fund during the financial crisis.

U.S. Appeals Panel Weighs Sentence For Enron's Skilling

HOUSTON - A three-judge panel on Monday weighed an appeal by imprisoned former Enron Corp Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling that could result in his freedom, a new trial or a reduced sentence.

GM Settles On 4,500 Dealers, Still Some Opposition

WASHINGTON - General Motors Co will move forward with 4,500 dealers after the automaker, under pressure from Congress angry with job losses, reversed planned closures of more than 800 franchises, the company said on Monday.

Airline Passengers Welcome New "no Fly" Rules

NEW YORK - Airline passengers in New York welcomed stricter safety rules that went into effect on Monday, especially in light of last week's interception of U.S.-bound parcel bombs sent from Yemen.

Google Sues U.S. Over Government Contract Exclusion

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is suing the U.S. government for excluding its products from being considered for a five-year contract worth about $59 million to upgrade the Department of the Interior's email system.

Judges Ask Tough Questions On Arizona Immigration Law

SAN FRANCISCO - U.S. judges considering whether to let Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants take effect asked attorneys tough questions on Monday about the constitutionality of the law and whether federal authority prevents the state from taking action.

Giants End 56-year Wait To Stand Tallest

ARLINGTON, Texas - The San Francisco Giants were able to savor a first World Series triumph in 56 years when they beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 in Game Five of the best-of-seven Major League Baseball championship on Monday.