Evening Edition

Evening Edition is an Open Thread

From Yahoo News Top Stories

1 Blair ‘profoundly’ regrets lives lost in Iraq war

by Alice Ritchie, AFP

1 hr 10 mins ago

LONDON (AFP) – Former prime minister Tony Blair told Britain’s Iraq war inquiry Friday that he profoundly regretted the loss of life in the conflict, sparking angry shouts of “too late” from dead soldiers’ families.

During a four-and-a-half hour hearing, he also criticised US President Barack Obama’s soft approach to Iran and urged the West to use force if necessary to curb the Islamic republic’s nuclear ambitions.

Making his second appearance before the inquiry, an emotional Blair addressed the condemnation he faced following his first hearing last January when he said he had “no regret” about removing Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Anthony Blair-

  • Liar
  • Murderer
  • War Criminal

May he end his long, long life of suffering locked in a dank cell at Spandau, despised and forgotten.

2 Blair hits back over Iraq legal advice

by Danny Kemp and Alice Ritchie, AFP

Fri Jan 21, 9:40 am ET

LONDON (AFP) – Tony Blair said Friday he pledged to support the US-led invasion of Iraq despite receiving legal advice against military action, as he returned for a second appearance at Britain’s Iraq war inquiry.

The former British prime minister was recalled to the inquiry in London to explain discrepancies in the evidence he gave one year ago when he first testified about the decision to go into Iraq in 2003.

Around 30 protesters holding up signs saying “Bliar” rallied outside the London conference centre where the inquiry is being held as the ex-premier arrived amid heavy security and a large police presence.

3 Haiti to probe Duvalier excesses: rights group

by Alice Speri, AFP

2 hrs 23 mins ago

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) – Pressure mounted on ousted dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier Friday, as a rights group said Haitian officials were opening a probe into alleged torture and killings during his 15-year rule.

“We welcome with satisfaction the beginning of investigations on crimes against humanity,” Gerardo Ducos, Haiti researcher for Amnesty International, told a press conference in Port-au-Prince.

“It’s an important moment for fighting impunity.”

4 Haiti under US-led pressure over tainted vote

by Edouard Guihaire, AFP

Thu Jan 20, 7:39 pm ET

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) – US-led pressure mounted on Haiti’s President Rene Preval on Thursday, amid calls for him to pull his handpicked candidate out of the disputed presidential election race.

Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Haiti must carry out the recommendations of international monitors, who on Wednesday called for Preval’s protege Jude Celestin to be eliminated from the delayed second round of the presidential elections.

The US move, backed by Britain and France, came as the shock return of notorious former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier threatened to muddy the political waters in the quake-hit and cholera-riddled Caribbean nation.

5 Lebanon’s Jumblatt becomes possible kingmaker

by Jocelyne Zablit, AFP

1 hr 43 mins ago

BEIRUT (AFP) – Druze leader Walid Jumblatt threw his weight behind Hezbollah on Friday, becoming potential kingmaker in Lebanon’s political crisis by giving the Shiite party an edge in deciding who will be the next premier.

“I hereby … confirm my party’s position by the side of Syria and the resistance (Hezbollah),” Jumblatt told a press conference, referring to his once arch foes.

His announcement marked a striking shift of alliance for a man who once staunchly backed Lebanon’s embattled caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri against the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah.

6 Lebanon rivals braced for showdown

by Jocelyne Zablit, AFP

Fri Jan 21, 10:17 am ET

BEIRUT (AFP) – Rival parties on Friday appeared headed for a showdown as each side hardened its position in Lebanon’s political crisis after the failure of foreign mediation efforts.

Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Thursday set the tone for the battle ahead after defiantly saying he would stand for another term despite Hezbollah’s campaign to discredit him.

“We will go to the parliamentary consultations organised by the president on Monday and I remain committed as a candidate, in line with my parliamentary bloc’s decision,” Hariri said.

7 Irish PM forced to set March 11 election date

by Andrew Bushe, AFP

Thu Jan 20, 3:36 pm ET

DUBLIN (AFP) – Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen on Thursday called a general election for March 11 as he bowed to pressure over a botched cabinet reshuffle and his handling of the country’s economic crisis.

His announcement came after his coalition partners threatened to withdraw their support over his plan to replace five ministers who resigned in the space of 24 hours with rising stars from his Fianna Fail party.

The centrist party now faces a drubbing from voters angry that the former “Celtic Tiger” economy has been forced to seek a bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund on Cowen’s watch.

8 Canada’s ‘Igloofest’ revels in music, loves cold

by Michel Viatteau, AFP

Fri Jan 21, 10:43 am ET

MONTREAL (AFP) – Thousands of partygoers gather each year at Montreal’s Igloofest celebration, united by their passion for electronic dance music and fearlessness in the face of Canada’s unforgiving cold.

For the three weekends in January, revelers at the open air party dance to Techno music on Montreal’s old waterfront, usually in temperatures well below freezing.

“Montrealers love the cold and have a festive nature,” explained Nicolas Cournoyer, director of operations and co-founder of the annual event, which now is in its fifth year.

9 Protests as Tunisia mourns victims of unrest

By Lin Noueihed and Andrew Hammond, Reuters

1 hr 21 mins ago

TUNIS (Reuters) – Anti-government protesters took to the streets on Friday as Tunisia began three days of mourning for the dozens of people killed during the overthrow of president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia’s interim government, which took over after Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia last week in the face of widespread popular unrest, has faced continued protests by crowds angry that members of the old guard are still in the cabinet.

Hundreds protested peacefully in central Tunis on Friday and outside the headquarters of the state-owned Tunisian Transport Company, demanding the removal of senior officials from Ben Ali’s era.

10 Bank of America posts Q4 loss on mortgage problems

By Joe Rauch and Maria Aspan, Reuters

18 mins ago

CHARLOTTE, N.C./NEW YORK (Reuters) – Bank of America Corp, the largest U.S. bank, reported weaker-than-expected revenue and a second straight quarterly loss after its limping mortgage business triggered writedowns and legal settlements.

Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch businesses — including retail brokerage and investment banking — were profitable but did not make enough money to overcome the bank’s massive losses from mortgages.

As the financial crisis was ramping up, then Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis bought Countrywide Financial Inc for $4.2 billion. Current CEO Brian Moynihan is still coping with the aftermath.

11 Hu’s U.S. visit sets new tone but tensions remain

By Andrew Stern and Christopher Buckley, Reuters

2 hrs 12 mins ago

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Chinese President Hu Jintao wrapped up a U.S. visit on Friday that set an optimistic tone for cooperation on key international issues but made limited progress on economic disputes straining ties between the two global powers.

After the pomp and summit-level meetings of Washington, where he was pressed on North Korea, human rights and currency policy, Hu took his roadshow to Chicago and was feted at a gala dinner in U.S. President Barack Obama’s hometown.

The Chinese leader ended his four-day state visit with stops at a Chicago school and a business exhibition.

12 Revived Obama faces tough State of Union challenge

By Matt Spetalnick, Reuters

Fri Jan 21, 11:51 am ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – His poll numbers are on the rise after a tough year, he has recaptured some of his old oratorical magic and a few pundits are even debating whether he’s becoming the new “comeback kid.”

But the stakes will be high on Tuesday when President Barack Obama tries to convince Americans he has a plan to tackle the economy, joblessness and deficits all at once — a daunting challenge crucial to his 2012 re-election chances.

Obama’s State of the Union address will be a chance not only to set the tone for the second half of his term but also to reinforce his shift to the center since his Democrats were routed in the November congressional elections.

13 Google investors worry about future growth

By Paul Thomasch and Alexei Oreskovic, Reuters

2 hrs 52 mins ago

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Google Inc shares shed earlier gains as confidence that CEO Larry Page would rejuvenate the No. 1 Internet search company wavered.

Shares of Google, which gained 2 percent following Thursday’s better-than-expected quarterly results and the news that Page would replace Eric Schmidt as chief executive, were down $1.08 at $625.69 in midday trading on Friday.

“What’s going to change under Larry?” said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis, asking the question on the minds of executives from the tech capital of Silicon Valley to media-centric New York.

14 GE earnings climb on strengthening global economy

By Scott Malone, Reuters

2 mins ago

BOSTON (Reuters) – General Electric Co posted a better-than-expected profit, helped by strong emerging-market demand for heavy equipment and setting the stage for what could be a wave of strong manufacturing earnings reports.

U.S. President Barack Obama tapped GE Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt on Friday to head a new economic advisory panel in a strong sign of how investor and public opinion has changed about a company that became one of the dogs of Wall Street during the recession.

Shares of the world’s largest maker of jet engines and electric turbines rose 7 percent on Friday, hitting their highest level since the thick of the financial crisis in November 2008, and making GE the biggest lift to the blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average.

15 House Republicans launch healthcare law push

By Donna Smith, Reuters

Fri Jan 21, 6:16 am ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republicans in the House of Representatives on Thursday launched a plan to replace President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul “branch by branch” with measures they say would bring down soaring costs.

“The tree is rotten, you cut it down. If we can’t cut it down and succeed doing that all at once, we’ll prune it branch by branch,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp.

His is one of four committees tasked on Thursday with rewriting the healthcare law.

16 HP shakes up board, adds Meg Whitman and 4 others

By Gabriel Madway, Reuters

Thu Jan 20, 7:10 pm ET

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Hewlett-Packard Co is shaking up a board criticized by many as dysfunctional, bringing in five new directors including former eBay chief Meg Whitman, as new CEO Leo Apotheker remakes the company.

HP’s board had for years come under fire from shareholders and business leaders such as Oracle’s Larry Ellison, most recently after it forced out Mark Hurd as CEO in controversial fashion.

The new directors will bring fresh thinking to the world’s largest technology company by revenue, including much-needed expertise in areas such as telecommunications and international experience, the company said.

17 Obama names GE’s Immelt to lead fresh push on jobs

By Steve Holland, Reuters

2 hrs 18 mins ago

SCHENECTADY, New York (Reuters) – President Barack Obama, in another shift toward the political center, named General Electric Co. Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt on Friday as a top outside economic adviser to help lift hiring.

“I am so proud and pleased that Jeff has agreed to chair this panel, my council on jobs and competitiveness, because we think GE has something to teach businesses all across America,” Obama told workers at a GE plant as he announced the pick.

The appointment was welcomed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with which Obama is trying to thaw relations that chilled over his healthcare and financial regulatory reforms. But manufacturers who blame GE for outsourcing U.S. jobs criticized the choice.

18 Special Report: Augmented hype? Mobile’s next big thing

By Tarmo Virki, Reuters

Fri Jan 21, 2:51 am ET

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald signs off his messages with a little joke: “This email might have been written while cycling.” It could be an apology for his spelling, an allusion to the fact he’s Dutch or even a hint at his oddball imagination. Or perhaps, given Lens-Fitzgerald is the head of a company that wants to fuse the virtual and physical worlds, it could be taken literally.

The round-faced 39-year old is the founder of one of the hottest prospects in the mobile space, Layar. The Dutch company wants nothing less than to become the platform of choice for the burgeoning new medium of Augmented Reality (AR). Running on smartphones and tablet computers, AR overlays digital information – text, graphics, games — on images of the world around us.

Some executives in the mobile industry think AR will be huge. While revenues from AR alone amount to no more than a few tens of millions of dollars, that number is set to double annually to reach $350 million in 2014, according to New York-based ABI Research. The impact across the broader mobile and computer industry could be much bigger, convincing consumers to use their mobile devices even more than they already do.

19 Irish PM blunder forces early election

By Padraic Halpin and Yara Bayoumy, Reuters

Thu Jan 20, 2:26 pm ET

DUBLIN (Reuters) – Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen was forced to call an early March election on Thursday after an attempt to reshuffle his cabinet backfired, with a third of his cabinet resigning in just over 24 hours.

Cowen’s unexpected bid to promote new faces to a government in its final days was the last straw for his junior coalition partners the Greens who said it was “the final insult” and threatened to withdraw support unless he ditched the plan and named a date for a parliamentary poll.

“The government will continue to do its job … and then we will have an election on the 11th of March,” Cowen told the lower chamber.

You should read this.  This is the future of the Democratic Party under the “leadership” of Barack Hussien Obama.

20 China’s Hu meets business leaders, visits school

By DEANNA BELLANDI and CARYN ROUSSEAU, Associated Press

16 mins ago

CHICAGO – Chicago’s mayor courted Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday during a whirlwind visit that included a tour of a local high school and stop at a business expo in an effort to boost economic ties between the world’s second-largest economy and companies in Chicago and elsewhere in the Midwest.

“We in Chicago, we in the region, we in the Midwest want to act as a gateway for Chinese business investment into America, and at the same time we want to make sure that our businesses are a gateway into China as well,” Daley said after squiring Hu to the expo where about a dozen Chinese businesses with operations in the Midwest had set up exhibits to show off their companies.

Hu was apparently impressed.

21 Obama goal: ‘Putting the economy into overdrive’

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press

1 hr 40 mins ago

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – President Barack Obama said Friday that “putting the economy into overdrive” is a top priority, even as a new poll showed the public giving his economic policies poor marks so far.

The Associated Press-GfK poll underscored the selling job that confronts the president as he prepares to seek a second term: People like Obama personally, but just 35 percent say the economy’s gotten better during his tenure.

Appearing in Schenectady, N.Y., on Friday, Obama announced that he was naming GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt as the head of a Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, his latest move to court a business community that he’s clashed with amid continued high unemployment. Addressing workers at a General Electric plant, Obama recommitted himself to spending the next two years trying to speed up the economic recovery. His success or failure there is likely to be the central issue of the coming 2012 presidential campaign.

22 AP-GfK Poll: Obama popular but doubts on progress

By LIZ “Sprinkles” SIDOTI, AP National Political Writer

2 hrs 15 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Thumbs up for President Barack Obama’s personality. Thumbs down for his progress.

An overwhelming majority of Americans like Obama, but most say he hasn’t accomplished much on two top goals – fixing the sluggish economy and changing how Washington works, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll midway through the first term of his presidency.

Half of those surveyed say he deserves a second term, and independents, whose support will be critical in 2012, are evenly divided on that question. Obama is getting the benefit of the doubt despite concerns about his policies, a reflection based in large part on his likability.

23 Families reject Blair apology over Iraq dead

By DAVID STRINGER, Associated Press

Fri Jan 21, 12:52 pm ET

LONDON – Former Prime Minister Tony Blair offered an emotional apology for the deaths of soldiers and civilians in Iraq, as he testified Friday to Britain’s inquiry into the war.

The 57-year-old Blair, making a second appearance before the panel to clarify evidence he gave to the same panel a year ago, also urged Western leaders to confront a growing threat posed by Iran.

Addressing the five-member panel scrutinizing Britain’s role in the unpopular war, Blair acknowledged that in phone calls and messages in 2002 – months before Parliament approved Britain’s role in the conflict – he reassured U.S. President George W. Bush and told him: “You can count on us.”

24 Google turns Page on Schmidt, names co-founder CEO

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE, AP Technology Writer

Fri Jan 21, 6:23 am ET

SAN FRANCISCO – When Google Inc. went public in 2004, the three men running the company promised each other they would remain a ruling triumvirate for at least 20 more years.

Although their commitment to work together until 2024 hasn’t changed, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and company co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are being reassigned in an attempt to recapture the free-wheeling spirit of the company’s youth.

The surprise shake-up announced late Thursday will return Page, 37, to the CEO job he filled in Google’s early days. The move ends Schmidt’s decade-long reign in a position that also stamped him as the “adult supervisor” of a company that once seemed like a romper room filled with technological wunderkinds.

25 Judge: Former players to testify at Bonds trial

By PAUL ELIAS, Associated Press

20 mins ago

SAN FRANCISCO – Some of Barry Bonds’ former teammates, along with other retired Major League Baseball players and perhaps current player Jason Giambi, will have to testify at the slugger’s upcoming perjury trial, a federal judge said Friday.

Lawyers for Bonds argued at a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston that the players should be excluded because of their ties to Bonds’ former trainer Greg Anderson, who is refusing to testify against the slugger.

Illston previously barred much of the evidence relating to Anderson because of his willingness to go to prison on contempt charges rather than testify at the trial set to start March 21.

26 Hewlett-Packard replaces a third of its board

By JORDAN ROBERTSON, AP Technology Writer

Fri Jan 21, 12:49 am ET

SAN FRANCISCO – Hewlett-Packard Co.’s decision to replace a third of its board of directors is the latest milestone in a marathon management makeover that the technology icon hopes will allow it to move on after a series of management scandals.

The shake-up announced Thursday is the first sweeping leadership change under HP’s new CEO Leo Apotheker and Chairman Ray Lane.

They were hired three months ago to draw up fresh battle plans for the world’s biggest technology company by revenue. HP was roiled by the abrupt ouster of former CEO Mark Hurd and is trying to find its bearings in new markets far afield from its mainstay computer and printer businesses.

27 Hu urges closer US-China ties as world powers

By TOM RAUM, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 11:10 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Chinese President Hu Jintao denied his country is a military threat despite its arms buildup and pressed the U.S. on Thursday for closer cooperation between the global powers. He urged the United States to treat China “with respect and as equals” after encountering a fresh barrage of criticism from lawmakers over human rights.

In a luncheon speech to American business executives, Hu also urged the U.S. to continue to recognize China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet.

“China-U.S. relations will enjoy smooth and steady growth when the two countries handle well issues involving each other’s major interests. Otherwise, our relations will suffer constant trouble or even tension,” Hu said as he wrapped up his state visit to Washington.

28 Wal-Mart gives boost to push for healthier food

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 11:33 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Attention, Walmart shoppers: The food in your cart, from fruit drinks to salad dressing, may soon get healthier.

The nation’s largest grocer said Thursday it will reformulate thousands of store-brand products to reduce sodium and sugar and push its suppliers to do the same.

It also promises to reduce prices on produce and build stores in poor areas that don’t already have grocery stores.

29 WikiLeaks GI’s complaint targets his Marine jailer

By DAVID DISHNEAU, Associated Press

28 mins ago

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – A brig commander has broken military rules and ignored the lockup’s own psychiatrist with 23-hour-per-day confinement of an Army private suspected of passing classified documents to the WikiLeaks website, the soldier’s lawyer said Friday.

The civilian attorney for Army Pfc. Bradley Manning said he has filed a complaint with the commander of the Quantico, Va., Marine base that includes the brig, the latest in a series of administrative moves seeking to improve jail conditions for Manning. The new complaint asks base commander Col. Daniel Choike to order Manning’s pretrial custody status changed from maximum- to medium-security.

If this step fails, attorney David E. Coombs said he’ll take the Marines to military court over Manning’s confinement.

30 Do pets pose another threat to safe driving?

By SUE MANNING, Associated Press

30 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Man’s best friend is not a driver’s best friend.

While lawmakers have been banning drivers from texting or using cell phones, many motorists are riding around with another dangerous risk – their dogs.

Experts say an unrestrained dog – whether curled up on a lap, hanging out the window or resting its paws on the steering wheel – can be deadly. Tens of thousands of car accidents are believed caused every year by unrestrained pets, though no one has solid numbers.

31 Fla. man spends month in lions’ den to raise cash

By TAMARA LUSH, Associated Press

57 mins ago

TAMPA, Fla. – The owner of a Florida wildlife rescue center is living in a cage with two lions, a fundraising stunt that has riled other animal rescue groups and underscores how difficult it is to keep such sanctuaries afloat.

James Jablon with Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando County, a semi-rural area about an hour north of Tampa, is halfway through his month of eating, sleeping and otherwise hanging out with the carnivorous cats. Wearing a microphone, he talks with people who watch streaming video of his “captivity” online and post comments.

He maintains his unusual idea is a harmless way to raise $150,000 to keep the center – home to 100 animals of all types – running for the next two years. It is unclear how much money he has raised so far.

32 US company stops making key death penalty drug

By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS, AP Legal Affairs Writer

1 hr 1 min ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The sole U.S. manufacturer of a key lethal injection drug said Friday it is ending production because of death-penalty opposition overseas – a move that could delay executions across the United States.

Over the past several months, a growing shortage of the drug, sodium thiopental, has forced some states to put executions on hold. And the problem is likely to get worse with the announcement from Hospira Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill.

Hospira said it decided in recent months to switch manufacturing from its North Carolina plant to a more modern Hospira factory in Liscate, Italy. But Italian authorities demanded a guarantee the drug would not be used to put inmates to death – an assurance the company said it was not willing to give.

33 US Rep. Bachmann brings tea party message to Iowa

By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press

1 hr 16 mins ago

DES MOINES, Iowa – Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann will bring her tea party message and possible presidential ambitions to Iowa on Friday night, speaking before an influential anti-tax group that shares many of the Republican’s views.

Bachmann will be the keynote speaker at a reception in Des Moines by Iowans for Tax Relief, joining prominent Iowa Republicans including Rep. Steve King. The event comes just weeks after Bachmann acknowledged she was considering seeking the Republican presidential nomination, a process that begins with the Iowa caucuses in February 2012.

Ed Failor Jr., president of Iowans for Tax Relief, noted the group wasn’t endorsing any potential presidential candidate, but he was excited about hosting Bachmann.

34 EPA approves more ethanol in fuel for cars

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press

1 hr 20 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Nearly two-thirds of cars on the road could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday.

The agency said that 15 percent ethanol blended with gasoline is safe for cars and light-duty trucks manufactured between 2001 and 2006, expanding an October decision that the higher blend is safe for cars built since 2007.The maximum gasoline blend has been 10 percent ethanol.

The fuel is popular in farm country because most ethanol comes from corn and other grains. It faces strong opposition, however, from the auto industry, environmentalists, cattle ranchers, food companies and others. Those groups say that using corn to make ethanol makes animal feed more expensive, raises prices at the grocery store and tears up the land. There have already been several lawsuits filed against the EPA – including one filed by automakers, boat manufacturers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers – since the agency decided to allow the higher blends for newer cars in October.

35 Abortion foes upbeat; see chance for tougher curbs

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer

1 hr 32 mins ago

NEW YORK – Buoyed by huge election gains for their allies, anti-abortion activists head into their annual March for Life rallies sensing a prime opportunity in many states to rein in the broad abortion access established 38 years ago by the Roe v Wade decision.

Foes of abortion gained strength in Congress, among state governors and in many legislatures, raising hopes among social conservatives for a broad surge of anti-abortion bills.

“We are seeing a cultural shift toward protecting life and rolling back the tide of unrestricted abortions, said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life, in a statement ahead of Saturday’s anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

36 Hawaii Senate ends daily chamber prayers

By MARK NIESSE, Associated Press

1 hr 34 mins ago

HONOLULU – Fearing a possible court challenge, Hawaii’s state Senate has voted to silence the daily prayer offered before each session began – making it the first state legislative body in the nation to halt the practice.

A citizen’s complaint had prompted the American Civil Liberties Union last summer to send the Senate a letter noting that its invocations often referenced Jesus Christ, contravening the separation of church and state.

That prompted the state attorney general’s office to advise the Senate that their handling of prayers – by inviting speakers from various religions to preach before every session – wouldn’t survive a likely court challenge, said Democratic Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria.

37 Guantanamo detainee’s bid to toss verdict rejected

By LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press

2 hrs 5 mins ago

NEW YORK – A judge refused Friday to toss out the conviction of the first Guantanamo detainee to be tried in a civilian court, saying the evidence was sufficient for the jury to conclude his “knowing and willing participation” in the 1998 bombing of two U.S. embassies in Africa.

U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan rejected as “deeply flawed” the arguments by defense lawyers, who said the verdict against Ahmed Ghailani should be tossed because it was inconsistent for the jury to convict him on a single count involving the attacks and exonerate him on 284 other counts. The twin bombings killed 224 people, including 12 Americans.

“The evidence of Ghailani’s culpable mental state and intent was plentiful,” the judge wrote. “Thus, if there was any injustice in the jury’s verdict, the victims were the United States and those killed, injured and otherwise devastated by these barbaric acts of terror, not Ghailani.”

38 Charter schools expand with public, private money

By TERENCE CHEA, Associated Press

Fri Jan 21, 6:05 am ET

OAKLAND, Calif. – As cash-strapped school districts lay off teachers and close campuses, publicly funded charter schools are flourishing and altering the landscape of public education.

Despite a painful economic downturn, the charter school movement is expanding rapidly across the country with support from the Obama administration, wealthy donors such as Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, and the highly publicized documentary “Waiting for Superman.”

Charter schools typically receive a mixture of public and private money and operate free of many regulations that govern traditional public schools in exchange for achieving promised results.

39 California almond harvest expected to set record

By Jeff Nachtigal, For The Associated Press

Fri Jan 21, 3:11 am ET

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After making big investments in almonds in the past few years, California farmers are seeing their efforts pay off with predictions their recent harvest will be a record 1.65 billion pounds or more.

The big harvest comes amid strong worldwide demand and relatively high prices. Exports to China have increased eight times in the past five years, and India and Pakistan doubled their almond consumption in that time. Even with a record harvest, there’s no risk California, the world’s No. 1 almond producer, will saturate the market, industry experts said.

The Golden State has seen a big growth in almond orchards in the past five years as farmers shifted from less profitable vegetables to lucrative nuts. California now has 810,000 acres planted in almonds – a 25 percent increase from a decade ago – and produces 80 percent of the world’s supply. Spain is the second-biggest producer, but its harvest is only a fraction of California’s.

40 On JFK 50th, Kennedy family gathers in Washington

By BRETT ZONGKER, Associated Press

Fri Jan 21, 1:30 am ET

WASHINGTON – Fifty years ago Thursday, President John F. Kennedy told the world that “the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans” whom he challenged to “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

Caroline Kennedy told The Associated Press that she has been thinking over her father’s oft-quoted inaugural speech on Jan 20, 1961, when he proclaimed that Americans “shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

“I think he really expanded and redefined our idea of what it means to be a citizen – that everybody has something to contribute and everybody has something to give back to this country that’s given us so much,” Caroline Kennedy said. “It’s not just an obligation, but it’s really a rewarding experience and really a belief in government and politics as a noble profession.”

41 Idaho GOP gets ready to nullify health care reform

By JOHN MILLER, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 11:48 pm ET

BOISE, Idaho – After leading the nation last year in passing a law to sue the federal government over the health care overhaul, Idaho’s Republican-dominated Legislature now plans to use an obscure 18th century doctrine to declare President Barack Obama’s signature bill null and void.

Lawmakers in six other states – Maine, Montana, Oregon, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming – are also mulling “nullification” bills, which contend states, not the U.S. Supreme Court, are the ultimate arbiter of when Congress and the president run amok.

It’s a concept that’s won favor among many tea party adherents who believe Washington, D.C., is out of control.

42 Smart phones foster dumb habits among pedestrians

By DAVID BAUDER, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 11:36 pm ET

NEW YORK – It was a miserable morning in New York, rain falling heavily and a 30 mph wind that made holding an umbrella difficult. Yet a man walked briskly up Fifth Avenue, balancing his umbrella and dodging pedestrians as he texted from his smart phone.

As a sheer physical act, it was almost Olympian in the strength, dexterity and concentration required.

It was also completely ridiculous.

43 Bush, ex-officials mark Gulf War anniversary

By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 10:25 pm ET

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Former President George H.W. Bush and top officials from his administration on Thursday remembered the Gulf War as a time in history when the world stood united against a tyrant as well as a “textbook example” of how to go to battle.

Before a crowd of 3,500 people, including Gulf War veterans, Bush and key members of his national security team gathered at Texas A&M University to discuss the 20th anniversary of the conflict, which began on Jan. 17, 1991. The war was prompted by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 under then-President Saddam Hussein.

Bush said helping to liberate Kuwait and guiding as commander in chief of the U.S.-led coalition troops was one of the great honors of his life.

44 Victim’s family sues Schwarzenegger over clemency

By JUDY LIN, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 8:58 pm ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The parents of a slain college student said Thursday that former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger “messed with the wrong family” by reducing the prison sentence of the son of a political ally.

Fred and Kathy Santos spoke after filing a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court asking a judge to restore a 16-year sentence for Esteban Nunez, the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger underestimated us,” Kathy Santos said outside the courthouse. “I think he believed he could get away with this despicable commutation. He messed with the wrong family.”

45 Spared slaughter, some bison migrate into Montana

BY MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 8:27 pm ET

CORWIN SPRINGS, Mont. – For the first time since the 1800s, a small group of wild bison was herded Wednesday through fresh-fallen snow to reach their historical grazing grounds north of Yellowstone National Park.

As pronghorn antelope and mule deer scattered to avoid the procession, park employees and state livestock agents on horseback pushed the 25 bison about 10 miles down the Yellowstone River valley. It took about three hours to reach an open meadow in the Gallatin National Forest, where the animals will be allowed to remain until spring.

The move could provide at least some relief from government-sponsored mass slaughters of the iconic Western animals, often called buffalo. Past winter journeys by bison seeking to graze at lower elevations have been blocked over fears that a disease carried by some could infect cattle.

46 Smithsonian chief says banned video a work of art

By SUE MANNING, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 7:50 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – After complaints prompted him to cut a 4-minute video from an exhibition about gay contributions to art, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution became the target in a national censorship debate.

Wayne Clough didn’t publicly defend his decision until earlier this week when he told The Associated Press he pulled the video because the controversy had overshadowed the exhibition and threatened to spiral beyond control into a debate on religious desecration.

On Thursday, he used the Internet, a Town Hall Los Angeles luncheon and a brief news conference to say he would make the same decision over again – but he would handle it better.

47 US: Haiti needs credible elections

By ANITA SNOW, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 7:26 pm ET

UNITED NATIONS – The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Thursday that Haiti must accept the Organization of American States’ call to replace the candidate backed by President Rene Preval in a disputed presidential election.

American Ambassador Susan Rice said that Haiti has to sponsor a credible election if it wants to retain the support of the United States and the international community.

The OAS, a regional political grouping in the Americas, has called for government construction official Jude Celestin – who is backed by Preval – to be dropped to third place in the preliminary tally because of widespread election fraud.

48 New governor’s words don’t upset many in Alabama

By BOB JOHNSON, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 6:37 pm ET

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – You can spot a Baptist church from almost any hilltop in Alabama, so it’s not hard to find people who agreed with their new governor this week when he said only Christians are his brothers and sisters.

Even so, some of his brothers and sisters thought he could have found a nicer way to say it.

It’s unlikely that Republican Gov. Robert Bentley will suffer politically from his inauguration day remarks, which he made from a church pulpit at a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday service Monday.

49 Conservatives want spending cut $90 billion more

ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press

Thu Jan 20, 6:24 pm ET

WASHINGTON – House conservatives vowed Thursday to slash domestic programs well beyond the already steep spending cuts promised by GOP leaders in the midterm election campaign that put Republicans in control of the chamber.

A proposal unveiled by the Republican Study Committee, whose conservative members make up about three-fourths of the House GOP conference, called for bringing domestic agency budgets down to the 2006 levels in place when Republicans last controlled Congress. That’s about a $175 billion cut from current levels and roughly $90 billion more than the cuts promised by Republicans last fall.

Behind the scenes, conservatives are pressuring GOP leaders to deliver on a promise to immediately pass legislation cutting Cabinet budgets by $100 billion this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1 and is already one-third over. Agencies have been operating at 2010 rates and will at least until a stopgap spending bill expires March 4.

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    PARIS- Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier started out his French exile living large on the Riviera: He drove a Ferrari, went on couture shopping sprees and lived in a gated villa protected by guards with assault rifles.

    It is unclear how much money Duvalier has beyond $7.3 million frozen in Swiss bank accounts. On Feb. 1, a new law will allow Switzerland to give the money to Haiti for humanitarian work.

    That deadline seems a plausible explanation for Duvalier’s return home, said Peter N. Bouckaert, emergency director for Human Rights Watch in Geneva. Under Swiss law, if Duvalier returned to Haiti without facing prosecution, he might have been eligible to claim the money.



    “I’m pretty certain that Duvalier returned for a brief visit in a desperate attempt to get back his blocked assets, hoping that he wouldn’t be detained and prosecuted and thus have a stronger case … to get his money back,” Bouckaert said.

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