Associated Press News - Salon.com

Calif. bullet trains hit criticism on SF peninsula

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:05:09 PDT

Last November, more than 60 percent of voters on the San Francisco Peninsula supported a $9.9 billion bond measure to help pay for a high-speed rail line between San Francisco and the Los Angeles area.

As planning accelerates, some of the area's residents are raising concerns about the pr...

USCG: 4 Mich. fishermen found safe on Lake Erie

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:05:09 PDT

Four Michigan fishermen whose 19-foot boat capsized in western Lake Erie have been rescued.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Brandon Blackwell says Monroe County marine deputies spotted the men clinging to the boat about 5:45 p.m. Friday. They were offshore from a small island about 35 mile...

Palin resigns as governor, leaves plans secret

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:55:05 PDT

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin surprised supporters Friday and announced she is resigning from office at the end of the month, leaving open the possibility she would seek a run for the White House in 2012.

The news rattles a Republican Party plagued with setbacks in recent weeks, including extra...

Guests for the Sunday TV news shows

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:45:09 PDT

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows:

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ABC's "This Week" -- Vice President Joe Biden.

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CBS' "Face the Nation" -- Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

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NBC'...

Events in Palin's political career

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:05 PDT

-- December 2006 -- Gov. Sarah Palin, a former mayor of Wasilla City, Alaska, becomes governor of her state after defeating an incumbent governor of her own party in the primary and then beating a former governor in the general election.

-- August 2008 -- John McCain picks Palin as his vi...

APNewsBreak: Target Field to open April 12

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:05 PDT

Target Field has a target date.

Outdoor baseball is tentatively set to return to Minneapolis on April 12 when the Minnesota Twins play their 2010 home opener against the Boston Red Sox.

The date was contained in a draft schedule for next season that recently was sent to teams and r...

Red Sox pitcher Dice-K's going to Florida

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:15:06 PDT

Boston right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will head to Florida on Monday to begin a spring training-like strengthening program that the Red Sox hope will get him back to the big leagues later this season.

Matsuzaka was 1-5 with an 8.23 ERA and an opponents' batting average of .378 before goin...

Ramirez apologizes to fans, teammates

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:15:06 PDT

Manny Ramirez returned to the big leagues and apologized to fans and his teammates. He refused to talk about steroids, though.

The slugger's 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy ended Friday and he was set to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres...

Venezuelan official: Radio licenses to be revoked

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:10:07 PDT

The head of Venezuela's telecommunications regulatory agency said Friday that 240 radio stations will have their licenses revoked for failing to update their registrations with the government.

A total of 86 AM radio stations and 154 FM stations have failed to turn in required documents, w...

Mexico wins praise for swine flu response

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:10:07 PDT

As swine flu runs rampant in the Southern Hemisphere winter, world health experts are concerned that some hard-hit countries have been reluctant to take forceful measures to protect public health.

Only Friday did Argentina's new health minister, Juan Manzur, raise the country's official d...

Phillies designate Taschner for assignment

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:05:06 PDT

The Phillies have purchased the contract of right-hander Rodrigo Lopez from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and cleared a roster spot by designating reliever Jack Taschner for assignment.

Lopez, a two-time 15-game winner with Baltimore, started against the New York Mets on Friday in place of injur...

Dispute deepens on who controlled Flight 447

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:55:05 PDT

Brazil's air force released a recording Friday it said proves it handed over control of Air France Flight 447 to Senegalese authorities before it crashed -- but African officials denied that.

The audio clip was posted on the air force's Web site after a French official investigating the J...

6 people killed in London high-rise blaze

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:55:05 PDT

Six people, including a 3-week-old baby, were killed and 30 people had to be rescued when fire ripped through a high-rise apartment building in London on Friday, emergency services said.

London Fire Brigade said the dead were three adults and three children, who included a 3-week old baby...

Wrist injury sends Braves' 2B Johnson to DL

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:50:08 PDT

Struggling Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right wrist tendinitis.

The move was made before Atlanta opened a three-game weekend series against the Washington Nationals on Friday.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Johnson's recent slu...

Mexico's elections a test for Calderon's drug war

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:50:08 PDT

President Felipe Calderon and his drug war will get their biggest test of support yet when Mexico holds midterm elections Sunday amid growing frustration over rampant cartel violence and a shrinking economy.

Calderon's National Action Party, or PAN, has been campaigning as the one party t...

CONMEBOL says Copa final on despite swine flu

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:45:08 PDT

Next week's first-leg match in the finals of the Copa Libertadores will go ahead in Argentina despite a swine flu outbreak that is blamed in the deaths of at least 44 people in the country.

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, said on Friday the match between Argentine c...

Essence Fest celebrates black music, culture

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:45:08 PDT

Queen Latifah dropped by the Essence Music Festival on Friday to help celebrate its 15th year of uplifting and empowering the African-American community through issues-filled seminars by day and high-powered musical performances by night.

Queen Latifah, a spokeswoman for Cover Girl's Quee...

Tropicana Las Vegas emerges from bankruptcy

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:45:08 PDT

Tropicana Las Vegas has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with new owners.

Toronto-based Onex Corporation and former MGM Mirage President Alex Yemenidjian acquired a majority stake in the Las Vegas hotel-casino this week, as it completed its yearlong bankruptcy process.

The new ow...

Cards hit air at World Series of Poker main event

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:35:07 PDT

Cardplayers, celebrities and amateurs with deep pockets are back in Las Vegas and hoping for a handsome score as the World Series of Poker main event begins.

More than 1,100 players packed a conference room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino at the start of the $10,000 buy-in no-limi...

Honduras rejects OAS appeal to restore president

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:30:09 PDT

Honduras' Supreme Court rebuffed a personal appeal from the Americas' top international diplomat Friday, refusing to restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya before a Saturday deadline.

Jose Miguel Insulza, who heads the Organization of American States, flew to Honduras in an attempt to per...

Gen. Petraeus says Taliban is a resilient enemy

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:25:05 PDT

The head of U.S. Central Command warned Friday that the thousands of American troops surging into Afghanistan's turbulent Helmand province to battle the Taliban are in for a tough fight.

Gen. David Petraeus, best known for coordinating the troop surge in Iraq that is credited with reducin...

Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:25:05 PDT

A Canadian soldier in Afghanistan's Kandahar province was killed Friday when his armored vehicle struck a roadside bomb seconds after the senior commander of coalition forces in the province narrowly missed the same explosive device.

Canadian Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said his vehicle pas...

Coyotes sign Heshka to 1-year contract

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:20:05 PDT

The Phoenix Coyotes signed defenseman Shaun Heshka to a one-year contract Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old Heshka was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the Coyotes' seventh-round draft choice (187th overall) in last month's NHL draft.</p...

Powell edges Bailey in 100 meters at Bislett Games

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:10:07 PDT

Asafa Powell overcame a poor start to win the 100 meters in a photo finish at the Bislett Games on Friday, but fell short of clocking his 50th time under 10 seconds.

The former world record-holder from Jamaica finished strongly to win in 10.07 seconds, with runner-up Daniel Bailey of Anti...

Phil Jackson says he'll return to Lakers

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:05:05 PDT

Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season, getting a clean bill of health following a record championship season.

The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September and said on the team's Web site Friday he got the go-ahead for another season after consulting the team...

Tour ready for start with Armstrong back

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:55:12 PDT

The Tour de France is ready for another edition with Lance Armstrong, and Saturday's opening stage may show whether he's ready to challenge for another title.

Armstrong's 37-year-old legs will be tested immediately when the three-week race begins with a 9.6-mile time trial. The stage will...

Ruling that overturned NJ murder conviction stands

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:06 PDT

A federal appeals court will not reconsider its ruling that overturned a murder conviction.

In a decision announced Thursday, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it would deny the request made by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey.

The appellate court decided...

US into second round at U-19 basketball worlds

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:06 PDT

Seth Curry scored 12 points to lead the United States to a 71-55 victory over France on Friday, sending the Americans into the second round of the FIBA under-19 world junior basketball championships.

Gordon Hayward had 11 points and five rebounds as the U.S. stayed top of Group B with one...

VP Biden urges Iraqis to make political progress

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:06 PDT

Vice President Joe Biden pressed Iraqi leaders Friday to do more to foster national reconciliation and offered U.S. assistance in achieving that, as concerns grow that a lack of political progress is fueling violence in Iraq.

He stressed that America wanted to "build up" its partnership w...

Candace Parker to resume playing for LA Sparks

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:45:05 PDT

Candace Parker is returning to action for the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Mercury.

The team said on Friday that last season's WNBA MVP and rookie of the year will be in the lineup for the first time since giving birth to her daughter on May 13.

Parker wa...

Galveston police baffled by 30 burnt palm trees

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:45:05 PDT

Galveston officials are investigating the torching of 30 palm trees in the last two months.

"What we've got on our hands, a serial tree arsonist, I've never seen before," said Galveston Fire Marshal Gilbert Robinson. "I've talked to colleagues of mine, and that's the first they've heard o...

Communities bug out over cuts to mosquito control

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:40:04 PDT

Millions of mosquito eggs laid across southern Texas after Hurricane Ike hit the coast last summer are waiting for the little bit of rain and hot summer days they need to hatch. That's got the man whose job it is to fight the bugs worried -- he's already running out of money.

Lee Chastant...

Pachyderms outdo people in cross-species chow bout

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:35:04 PDT

In the fight of pachyderms vs. people -- the pachyderms now have the upper trunk.

Three circus elephants scored a decisive victory over three human competitive eaters at a cross-species eating contest Friday, chomping down on 505 hot dog buns in six minutes. The humans forced down only 14...

Elephants outdo humans in NYC bun-eating contest

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:30:05 PDT

They called it a bun-eating competition, but it wasn't much of a contest.

Three elephants ate 505 hot dog buns in six minutes to win an eating competition against three humans Friday at Brooklyn's Coney Island. The losing side ate 143 buns in six minutes.

A commentator says the ele...

Woods to play exhibition to help Begay charity

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:30:05 PDT

Tiger Woods is helping out longtime friend Notah Begay III, agreeing to play in his charity Skins Game at Turning Stone Resort next month to support Native American youth.

Begay declined to comment and kept his head down when asked if Woods was playing in his event, then stopped 20 yards ...

Reds put IF Richar on DL, activate IF Encarnacion

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:30:05 PDT

The Reds activated third baseman Edwin Encarnacion from the 60-day disabled list Friday to replace infielder Danny Richar, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Wilkin Castillo, who had surgery Wednesday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder,...

TV One to begin Sunday show aimed at blacks

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:25:06 PDT

Roland Martin will anchor a new Sunday public affairs show aimed at a black audience that will debut in September on the TV One network.

The "Washington Watch" program aims to tap into a new interest in politics and government due to the election of President Barack Obama, said Johnathan ...

Serial killer has South Carolina residents on edge

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:25:06 PDT

Terrified residents canceled Fourth of July plans and holed up in their homes Friday as investigators hunted a serial killer believed to have shot four people to death.

Tanya Phillips had been looking forward to a backyard barbecue at her brother's house but instead planned to stay home w...

Madonna to pay tribute to Jackson in concert

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:15:05 PDT

Madonna is paying tribute to Michael Jackson in the same arena where he was to stage his great comeback.

The superstar is preparing a special part of her concert Saturday at O2 arena. Madonna publicist Liz Rosenberg says she is going to unveil a special choreographed dance in honor of Jac...

2 children killed in blaze at London high-rise

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:07 PDT

Two children, including a 3-week-old baby, were killed and some 30 people had to be rescued when fire ripped through a high-rise apartment building in London on Friday, emergency services said.

London Fire Brigade said 18 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters were called to the blaz...

Report: Turkoglu agrees to terms with Blazers

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:07 PDT

Hedo Turkoglu reportedly agreed to join the Portland Trail Blazers after helping Orlando reach the NBA finals.

ESPN.com reported the signing Friday, citing unidentified sources. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, didn't immediately return calls or e-mails. Portland cannot comment on the agreeme...

Brazil prison guards nab pigeon with cell phone

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:07 PDT

Prison guards foiled a new attempt to smuggle a cell phone into a Brazilian prison by carrier pigeon -- this one wearing a tiny backpack -- and said Friday that the practice is becoming almost commonplace.

An exhausted pigeon wearing a small makeshift backpack was intercepted just outside...

Palin resigning as Alaska governor

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:55:05 PDT

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin surprised supporters Friday and announced she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down -- throwing into question whether she would seek a run for the White House in 2012.

The news rattles a Republican Party plag...

Cummins reopening Ind. plant, while another closes

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:50:05 PDT

Cummins Inc. is recalling 400 laid-off workers as it resumes production at a Columbus factory, while nearly 300 people lost their jobs as an auto parts company idled a plant in nearby Shelbyville.

Cummins is preparing to resume production of the Dodge Ram engine at its Columbus MidRange E...

African leaders denounce international court

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:40:07 PDT

After bitter wrangling, Africa's leaders agreed Friday to denounce the International Criminal Court and refuse to extradite Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted for crimes against humanity in Darfur.

The decision at the African Union summit says AU members "shall not co...

Richards extends Golden League streak

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:35:08 PDT

Sanya Richards of the United States won the Bislett Games 400 meters in 49.23 seconds on Friday for the fastest women's time of the year.

Richards, who has not lost a 400 in the Golden League since Zurich 2004, also tied the Bislett Stadium record that Czech Tatjana Kocembova set in 1983....

Canada finance minister says unemployment to rise

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:35:08 PDT

Canada's finance minister said Friday that the country's economic recovery will likely be modest and job losses will mount into 2010 even after growth has begun.

Jim Flaherty gave his most recent, sobering assessment of economic prospects in a conference call from Chile, after a meeting w...

Firefighters tackle blaze at London high-rise

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:30:05 PDT

Firefighters are battling a blaze that has trapped about 30 people in a London high-rise.

London Fire Brigade says 18 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters are at the scene of the blaze in Camberwell, south London.

They were called to the 12-story building at around 4:20 p.m....

Mariners activate RHP Shawn Kelley

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:30:05 PDT

The Seattle Mariners have activated right-handed reliever Shawn Kelley from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Mike Carp to Triple-A Tacoma.

The team said the 25-year-old Kelley would be available for Friday night's series opener against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Kel...

Kwan returning to ice for August show

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:25:04 PDT

Michelle Kwan will skate before an audience for the first time in three years when she joins world champion Kim Yu-Na in Ice All-Stars 2009 in Seoul, South Korea, in August.

The five-time world champion and nine-time U.S. champ has been practicing and working out for most of this year. He...