USA

BP pulls back oil spill cleanup operation

L.A. Times - National News — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

As miles of protective boom are retrieved from the gulf, biologists are concerned about wildlife habitats where the plastic barriers have become entangled.

As visible slicks on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico disappear, BP is scaling back its massive cleanup effort, pulling out miles of protective orange boom from the coastline and cutting the number of ships scouting for oil and the hiring of crews scouring the beaches.

House approves oil spill legislation

L.A. Times - National News — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The bill, passed 209 to 193, would impose new safeguards for offshore drilling, remove a liability cap for spill damages, and hit energy producers with a new tax to fund conservation measures.

In its most sweeping response to the gulf oil spill, the House on Friday approved legislation that would impose new environmental safeguards for offshore drilling, remove a liability cap for spill damages, and slap industry with a new tax to fund conservation projects nationwide.

Obama Declares Auto Bailout a Success

WSJ.com US News — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:40:54 +0000

The president said last year's $60 billion rescue of GM and Chrysler saved an estimated one million jobs.

Economy Grew at Rate of 2.4% in Quarter

By CATHERINE RAMPELL — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:51:21 +0000

The government also revised growth in the first quarter to 3.7 percent, higher than the previous estimate.

3 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:41:07 +0000

Three U.S. service members were killed in blasts in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year-war.

Cleanup efforts quicken in Michigan oil spill

USATODAY.com Nation News — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:04:05 +0000

Cleanup efforts along the Kalamazoo River, where 1 million gallons of oil had spilled, accelerated Thursday.

Moms work full-time for hikers’ release from Iran

USATODAY.com Nation News — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:52:42 +0000

Cindy Hickey was sitting in her home office last summer, preparing a receipt for a client of her animal physical therapy business when the phone ...

Arizona immigration protesters hit the streets

L.A. Times - National News — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:51:00 +0000

More than a dozen are arrested as demonstrators march in Phoenix, some engaging in acts of civil disobedience. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio plans 'sweep' of immigrant neighborhoods.

More than a dozen people protesting Arizona's hard-line stance against illegal immigrants were arrested Thursday, demonstrating that a ruling by a federal judge blocking most of the state's controversial new immigration law will not quell the furious debate over the issue here.

Panel Details Charges Against Rangel

WSJ.com US News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:07:48 +0000

A House committee charged Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel with 13 counts of ethics violations, after last-minute talks to settle the case remained unresolved.

Michigan Oil Spill Prompts Evacuations

WSJ.com US News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:04:36 +0000

An oil spill this week from an underground pipeline connecting the U.S. to Canada has prompted local health officials to call for the evacuation of as many as 50 homes.

Evidence Ties Manning to Afghan Leaks

WSJ.com US News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:47:18 +0000

Investigators have found concrete evidence linking Pfc. Bradley Manning with the leak of classified Afghanistan war reports, a defense official said.

NYC cabs give up their crown

USATODAY.com Nation News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:10:50 +0000

Jana Stroe leans out the window of her yellow Ford Crown Victoria taxicab in front of the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. She loves her car. ...

Exhibition Review: ‘Beyond,’ the Solar System at Air and Space Museum

By EDWARD ROTHSTEIN — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:10:44 +0000

An exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum features 148 extraordinary photographs of moons and planets.

Breathing new life into old train depots

USATODAY.com Nation News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:12 +0000

Preservationists weave a bit of time travel and local pride to restore historical stops as seats of interest

Obama tapes appearance on ‘The View’

L.A. Times - National News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The president goes on 'The View' as a way to reach its female audience. It's part of the White House media strategy to reach key constituencies. But not all Democrats think it's a good idea.

Rob Schneider. 50 Cent. Barack Obama.

Chelsea Clinton wedding has Rhinebeck in the spotlight

L.A. Times - National News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The village of Rhinebeck, N.Y., will be host to the wedding of Chelsea Clinton. The exclusive affair has the town buzzing, but the guest list and other arrangements remain top secret.

As far as this village is concerned, this weekend is a chance to celebrate what may be as close to a royal wedding as it gets in a country that lacks an aristocracy of its own.

Americans Cut Back on Doctor Visits

WSJ.com US News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:11:16 +0000

Insured Americans are using fewer medical services, raising questions about whether patients are consuming less care as they pick up more of the cost.

After 100 days, still a lot of work to do in gulf, officials say

L.A. Times - National News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:05:00 +0000

Residents worry about employment now that oil-skimming jobs are likely to end, while lawmakers in Congress spar over spill-related legislation.

With BP's troubled oil well temporarily capped and a permanent fix progressing, government officials marked the 100th day of the Gulf of Mexico spill Wednesday by emphasizing the challenges ahead in resolving one of the worst environmental problems in the nation's history.

Explosion Rocks Japanese Tanker

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:06:43 +0000

Japan’s shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said an explosion, suspected to be an attack, has damaged one of its oil tankers near the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

Passenger Plane Crashes Near Pakistani Capital

By ADAM B. ELLICK — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:49:53 +0000

Officials said Wednesday that at least 20 bodies had been recovered after a passenger plane carrying at least 152 people crashed into hills near Islamabad.

BP Reveals Comeback Plan

WSJ.com US News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:41:50 +0000

BP took a $32 billion charge for the Gulf oil spill, detailed plans to sell $30 billion in assets and pledged to become a different company more focused on safety.

Localities, states scramble to spend foreclosure relief aid

USATODAY.com Nation News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:26:15 +0000

Local governments are at risk of losing more than $1 billion in foreclosure relief funds they can't spend quickly enough.

Target Corp. defends donation to group helping Republican

L.A. Times - National News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The Minnesota gubernatorial candidate opposes gay marriage, but the company says its support of the gay community is unwavering.

St. Paul, Minn. — As two "Boycott Target" groups sprang up on Facebook on Tuesday, the giant retailer defended its $150,000 donation to a group helping a Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate who opposes same-sex marriage.

Healthcare law has more doctors teaming up

L.A. Times - National News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

A surprising rush to form medical alliances could change the quality and costs of treatment.

Tribune Washington Bureau

Republicans block campaign finance measure

L.A. Times - National News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Democrats say the fight over the DISCLOSE Act will continue, and they try to tie the GOP to corporate interests.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked a vote on a bill that would force special interest groups to disclose their donors when purchasing political ads, defeating an effort to impose new campaign finance regulations before the November congressional election.

Conviction of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs voided

USATODAY.com Nation News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:24:11 +0000

The Utah Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the rape-as-an-accomplice conviction of Warren Jeffs, the prophet and leader of a polygamist se ...

Bell Case Settles for $7 Million

WSJ.com US News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:39:41 +0000

The city reached a settlement that will pay more than $7 million to the family of Sean Bell, who was shot and killed by police in a hail of 50 bullets in 2006, and two men with him who were also shot.

Obama Trip to Test Wall Street Ties

WSJ.com US News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:33:53 +0000

Obama heads to New York for a pair of high-dollar fund-raisers, one of which will be hosted by Anna Wintour. Obama faces a tough task given the many Wall Street executives who are put off by his rhetoric and policies.

Utah court reverses polygamist leader convictions

L.A. Times - National News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:45:00 +0000

The Utah Supreme Court on Tuesday tossed out the 2007 conviction of polygamist leader Warren Jeffs and ordered a new trial on charges of forcing a 14-year-old girl to marry her first cousin.

Thousands still powerless in D.C., Md.

USATODAY.com Nation News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:17:18 +0000

Thousands of people remain without power in the Washington region following Sunday's violent storm.

Nebraska town may halt immigration law to save money

USATODAY.com Nation News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:57:52 +0000

Faced with expensive legal challenges, officials in the eastern Nebraska town of Fremont are considering suspending a voter-approved ban on hiring ...

War Leak Prompts Damage-Control Bid

WSJ.com US News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:32:06 +0000

White House officials, on the defensive over Afghan war strategy, scrambled to keep a leak of secret military documents from eroding allies' support.

Body of Missing U.S. Sailor Found in Afghanistan

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:01:13 +0000

The body of one of two U.S. sailors missing since last week has been recovered, a NATO spokesman said Tuesday.

N.F.L. Toughens Warning On Risks of Head Injury

By ALAN SCHWARZ — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:34 +0000

The league is making its most definitive statement yet on the cognitive risks of football in a new locker-room poster.

Digging Into On-Time Figures for New York Trains

By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM and ROBERT GEBELOFF — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:25 +0000

Commuter railroads in the New York City region promote overall on-time figures, but the reality at peak times is different.

Prosecutors Step Up Armstrong Probe

WSJ.com US News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:50:16 +0000

Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed documents from an arbitration case that sought to prove that Lance Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs.

Governor Responds to Brewing Revolt

WSJ.com US News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:06:11 +0000

The Paterson administration, under pressure from county governments owed hundreds of millions of dollars by the state, is promising to wipe out a backlog of unpaid bills by the end of August.

Prosecutor speaks of ‘dirty schemes’ in closing at Blagojevich trial

L.A. Times - National News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Judge threatens a defense attorney with contempt in the former Illinois governor's corruption case.

As closing arguments began in Rod Blagojevich's federal corruption trial Monday, the prosecutor reminded jurors that the former Illinois governor is accused of plotting to profit from President Obama's former Senate seat, citing words from a government wiretap: "I've got this thing and it's … golden."

For BP, Road to Restore Confidence Runs Through U.S.

By JULIA WERDIGIER and JAD MOUAWAD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:48:59 +0000

The expected choice of Robert Dudley as BP’s next chief executive shows a recognition that the spill will be a top concern for some time.

Europe Starts Antitrust Inquiries Against I.B.M.

By KEVIN J. O'BRIEN — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:48:59 +0000

The European Commission says that I.B.M. might have abused its dominant position on the mainframe computer market.

Saving America’s Mother Vine

L.A. Times - National News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:08:00 +0000

A North Carolina brush crew's weedkiller almost ends the 400-year run of the nation's oldest cultivated grapevine.

It began as a fleck of brown on a leaf. Then several leaves curled and died. Soon the sickness spread.

Embattled BP Chief Hayward to Depart

WSJ.com US News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:03:16 +0000

BP is expected to name Managing Director Robert Dudley to succeed CEO Tony Hayward, who has been widely criticized for his handling of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Cities tackle traffic head-on with commuter options

USATODAY.com Nation News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:57:53 +0000

Metro areas are using public transit, carpools, biking, telecommuting and other alternatives to driving as ways to relieve traffic congestio ...

Website Releases Secrets on Afghan War

WSJ.com US News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:35:09 +0000

Thousands of secret military documents released by a Web-based organization appeared to present a bleak view of the Afghanistan war, and could have a profound impact on public perception.

Rory Reid hampered by his last name in race for Nevada governor

L.A. Times - National News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

With Sen. Harry Reid on the ballot, his son Rory is having a hard time in his race for governor persuading Nevada voters to elect two from the family.

Rory Reid would like to be Nevada's next governor, but there's a problem. Not a lack of money: He's got plenty of that. Not a shortage of ideas: He's got plenty of those.

BP chief Tony Hayward might be out sooner than later

L.A. Times - National News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The executive, criticized for his handling of the spill, had been expected to be gone this fall. A source says, though, that he will be replaced Tuesday. Work resumes on permanently plugging the leak.

After a bruising week of gulf oil-spill hearings and more scrutiny to come, BP moved Sunday to accelerate the departure of Chief Executive Tony Hayward, who has become a lightning rod for criticism and a burden to the company.

Arizona immigration law tints neighborhood dispute

L.A. Times - National News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

The fatal shooting of a Phoenix resident becomes a hate-crime case even as police and activists downplay the incident's racial overtones.

Had Arizona's governor not just signed the toughest law against illegal immigrants in the nation, the killing of Juan Varela probably would have been written off as just a tragic neighborhood dispute.

Many mentally disabled immigrants stuck in limbo, deportation report says

L.A. Times - National News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Human Rights Watch and the ACLU advocate an overhaul of the immigration court system for those with mental disabilities.

NEW YORK — Thousands of mentally disabled immigrants are entangled in deportation proceedings each year with little or no legal help, according to a report issued by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union on Sunday.

Floodwaters ravage eastern Iowa

USATODAY.com Nation News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:53:31 +0000

Weekend flooding from the Maquoketa River in eastern Iowa damaged dozens of homes and businesses, causing millions of dollars in damage.

For more couples, divorce can be on friendly terms

USATODAY.com Nation News — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:10:42 +0000

Some of today's divorcing couples, who as kids in the '80s witnessed some wretched family separations are vowing to do it differently. So more ...