Associated Press News - Salon.com

Lock and roll: Presley's hair for sale at auction

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:05:10 PST

A British auction house says it's selling a strand of Elvis Presley's hair preserved for decades by a fan.

The auction house said Saturday the strand is owned by Thomas B. Morgan Jr., an Elvis fan and former administrator at Shelby County sheriff's office.

Morgan Jr. told auctionee...

Ida spurs tropical storm warning for Grand Cayman

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:45:11 PST

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Grand Cayman Island as Ida gains strength over Caribbean waters.

A tentative forecast track from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami shows the storm could hit the U.S. Gulf Coast next week.

The warning means tropical storm condit...

Medvedev: Arms control deal with US can be reached

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:25:08 PST

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says that Moscow and Washington can sign a new nuclear arms control deal before year's end.

Medvedev says the U.S.-Russian arms control talks have been going at a good pace. He told Der Spiegel magazine in remarks released by the Kremlin on Saturday that ...

Iran: 109 detained at opposition rally

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:25:08 PST

Iranian police have detained 109 people for "disturbing public order" during an opposition rally this week, the official IRNA news agency reported Saturday.

Azizollah Rajabzadeh, a security spokesman, said 62 of those detained have been handed over to judicial authorities for trial and th...

UN: About 200 staff to be pulled from Afghanistan

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:15:08 PST

The U.N. says hundreds of its staffers will be temporarily pulled out of Afghanistan in the wake of an Oct. 28 attack that killed five of its workers, but it's still determining exactly how many.

U.N. spokesman Adrian Edwards in Kabul emphasizes the world body is not "withdrawing, not pul...

Britain urges steps to insure financial system

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:05:10 PST

Britain called for consideration of a global tax on financial transactions to insure against another crisis and urged world finance officials meeting Saturday in Scotland to agree on bearing the cost of fighting climate change.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told finance ministers fr...

Rival Lebanon factions agree on unity government

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:55:09 PST

Lebanon's Syrian-backed factions finally agreed on a unity government proposed by their pro-Western rivals on Saturday, ending a four-month deadlock in the deeply divided country.

The announcement by the opposition coalition dominated by the militant Hezbollah group came after a meeting l...

Prized mushroom collection returns to China

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:40:10 PST

A Chinese scholar persecuted during the Cultural Revolution for smuggling a rare collection of mushrooms out of China before World War II was honored Saturday when the collection was returned more than 70 years later.

At a ceremony at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cornell University Pr...

South Korean workers protest gov't labor policy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:40:10 PST

Tens of thousands of South Korean workers rallied Saturday to protest the government's plan to begin implementing contentious labor laws.

The government says it will begin enforcing laws next year to allow multiple unions for each workplace and prohibit companies from paying wages to full...

Pakistan models defy Taliban with 1st fashion week

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:30:09 PST

Some women strode the catwalk in vicious spiked bracelets and body armor. Others had their heads covered, burqa-style, but with shoulders -- and tattoos -- exposed. Male models wore long, Islamic robes as well as shorts and sequined T-shirts.

As surging militant violence grabs headlines a...

Uncle: Fort Hood suspect loved US

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:25:09 PST

The Palestinian uncle of Fort Hood shooting suspect Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan says his nephew loved America and wanted to serve his country.

Hasan allegedy shot 13 people and wounded 30 others at the Fort Hood military base in Texas on Thursday.

Rafik Hamad, 64, said Saturday that he ...

British PM calls for talks on finance levy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:25:09 PST

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for serious consideration of a levy on financial activity to help insure the banking system from another crisis.

Addressing finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 rich and developing nations on Saturday, Brown said Britain...

Both sides set to vote on Philly transit contract

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:20:08 PST

Members of Philadelphia's largest transit union and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority are set to vote on a contract to end the strike that has idled buses, subways and trolleys for five days.

Negotiators for Transport Workers Union Local 234 and SEPTA tentatively agre...

Obama praises those who ended Fort Hood violence

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:05:09 PST

President Barack Obama, seeking to reassure a nation shaken by the mass shooting on an Army post in Texas, said Saturday that the training designed to keep U.S. forces safe abroad prevented further deaths and ended a rampage at Fort Hood.

Praising what he called the heroism that ended gun...

Navy ship built with WTC steel to go into service

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:05:09 PST

The Navy is commissioning its newest battleship with a bow forged from steel that once held up the World Trade Center.

The USS New York is to be placed in active military service during a ceremony on a Manhattan pier Saturday morning. Naval officials say the steel from the trade center at...

Iran lawmakers: No shipment of uranium abroad

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:05:09 PST

Senior Iranian lawmakers rejected on Saturday any possibility of Tehran shipping uranium abroad for further enrichment, intensifying pressures on the government to reject the U.N.-backed plan altogether.

Prominent conservative lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi said Iran won't ship its low enri...

Russia's Medvedev: Sanctions against Iran possible

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:55:07 PST

Russia could back sanctions against Iran if it fails to take a constructive stance in international talks over its nuclear program, President Dmitry Medvedev said in remarks released Saturday.

The statement echoed earlier comments by Medvedev, but contrasted sharply with the words of Prim...

Ministry: NATO airstrike kills Afghan soldiers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:50:08 PST

Afghanistan's Defense Ministry said Saturday that a NATO airstrike in the western province of Badghis mistakenly hit a joint base housing coalition troops and Afghan security forces, killing four Afghan soldiers and three policemen.

NATO said it could not confirm whether an airstrike had ...

US: More foreign troops certain in new Afghan plan

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:45:08 PST

A top Pentagon official says President Barack Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan will be certain to include reinforcements of foreign troops from both the United States and allied nations.

Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy said a strategy decision on new deployments involving t...

Madagascar political rivals reach government deal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:35:08 PST

Madagascar's political rivals have agreed on posts within a transitional government that will hold power until next year's elections following a power struggle that brought months of volatility to the country, an African Union statement said.

The deal announced late Friday allows Andry Ra...

Pakistan: 12 militants killed in offensive

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:30:08 PST

Pakistani soldiers killed 12 militants in gunbattles over the past day, officials said Saturday, as government forces pressed on with their offensive in the mountainous Taliban sanctuary of South Waziristan.

The military said while the army has taken control of two former strongholds -- S...

2 tickets win UK's largest lottery payout

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:25:08 PST

European lottery officials say two British ticketholders have shared a jackpot of 90 million pounds ($150 million) -- the largest lottery prizes ever paid out in the United Kingdom.

Lottery organizer Camelot says two tickets in Friday's EuroMillions competition both won about 45.5 million...

Obama to speak to House Dems as health vote nears

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:05:09 PST

President Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill for talks with House Democrats as they scramble to find enough votes to pass landmark legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system.

The president will speak at the Cannon House Office Building. The meeting is closed to the news ...

Iran lawmaker: No shipment of uranium abroad

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:00:08 PST

A top Iranian lawmaker has rejected the possibility of Iran shipping uranium abroad for further enrichment.

The call by prominent conservative lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi intensifies pressures on the government to reject a U.N.-backed plan to allay international concerns over Iran's nucl...

Ida returns to tropical storm strength

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:45:08 PST

Ida has become a tropical storm again, with top winds of 45 mph (72 kph), as it swirls in the Caribbean on a track that could bring it to the U.S. Gulf Coast next week.

Ida came ashore in Nicaragua as a hurricane Thursday before weakening and dumping rain on Central America. Thousands wer...

Island village hit by suspected swine flu

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:40:10 PST

Suspected swine flu is sweeping a traditional Eskimo whaling village on a remote Alaska island -- prompting an urgent medical mission to deliver help.

"Diomede is probably the most isolated place in the United States right now," said David Head, a doctor involved in the effort. "We though...

Obama to meet Myanmar, other ASEAN leaders

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:40:10 PST

President Barack Obama will meet leaders of Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, in a high-level affirmation of Washington's new policy of engaging the military-ruled country despite its dismal human rights record.

The Nov. 15 meeting between Obama and leaders of the 10-member Asso...

British Treasury chief urges climate agreement

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:30:09 PST

British treasury chief Alistair Darling urged the world's top finance officials on Saturday to reach an agreement on bearing the cost of fighting climate change before a UN summit on global warming next month.

Addressing finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 rich and ...

US official: Troop increase under new Afghan plan

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:10:08 PST

A top Pentagon official says President Obama's new plan for Afghanistan will certainly involve an increase in the number of international troops.

Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy says a strategy decision will be announced within the next "couple or maybe a few weeks."

Flo...

Undefeated Zenyatta ready to race the boys

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:10:08 PST

Bring on the boys.

A day after the top female horses took center stage at the Breeders' Cup, leading lady Zenyatta will face her male rivals in Saturday's $5 million Classic. Zenyatta's 13-0 career record is at stake as she also seeks to become the first female horse to win the 1 1/4-mile...

Decision day for health care in the House

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:50:08 PST

President Barack Obama is traveling to Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to close the sale on his signature health care overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.

Obama scheduled a late-morning visit with House Democrats convening a ra...

After immigrant killed in NY, others tell of abuse

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:40:11 PST

The high school buddies who trolled the streets looking for Hispanics to attack called it "beaner hopping."

"Jose, Kevin and I started popping and Jose punched him so hard he knocked him out," Anthony Harfford told police.

Harfford said he didn't do it often: "Maybe only once a wee...

NY town marks year since immigrant fatally stabbed

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:35:13 PST

The family of an Ecuadorean man slain on a Long Island street will be among those participating in a candlelight vigil and memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the killing.

Joselo Lucero (loo-SEHR'-oh) says his mother and sister will join him on the Patchogue (PATCH'-awg) str...

Police: Fla. shooting suspect was angry at company

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:20:10 PST

Employees at an engineering firm recognized their former co-worker when he drew a handgun from under his shirt, police said, and shot his first victim dead in the reception area. He then walked into the office and unloaded several more rounds, wounding five other employees at the company that fi...

Fort Hood, community mourn shooting victims

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:20:10 PST

A chaplain exhorted hundreds of mourners gathered at a candlelight vigil to not give up hope as Fort Hood and its surrounding community looked to each other for comfort after an Army psychiatrist allegedly went on a deadly shooting spree at the military base.

A grief counseling center was...

Mickelson takes lead over Woods, Watney at HSBC

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:05:08 PST

Tiger Woods stalled with pars. Phil Mickelson poured it on with birdies.

The back nine Saturday at the HSBC Champions changed names atop the leaderboard, as Mickelson made three birdies over the last five holes for a 5-under 67 that took him from a two-shot deficit to a two-shot lead over...

Afghan gov't says UN representative out of line

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:30:08 PST

Pushing back against international criticism, Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry said Saturday that the top U.N. official in the country overstepped his authority by giving instructions on how to rid the government of corruption and warlords.

Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide joined a host of inter...

Pakistan: 11 militants killed in strongholds

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:20:08 PST

Pakistani soldiers killed at least 11 militants during overnight gunbattles in three Taliban strongholds, intelligence officials said Saturday.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak with the media, said that while the Pakistan military ...

Venezuelans struggling with water shortages

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:10:08 PST

While a drought has put Caracas under widespread water rationing for the first time in years, for Venezuelans in this hillside slum it's just more of the same.

Every two weeks, Naisi Obando and her children join the crowd at the water truck when it rumbles up a dusty road into their shant...

Pakistan's fashionistas defy Taliban

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:05:11 PST

As surging militant violence grabs headlines a...

Bo Bae Song leads Mizuno Classic

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:40:07 PST

South Korea's Bo Bae Song birdied the final hole for a 7-under 65 and a one-stroke lead in the Mizuno Classic.

Song had six birdies in a front-nine 30, then had two birdies and bogey on the final nine holes Saturday to reach 11 under at Kintetsu Kashikojima.

Akane Iijima (64) and I...

Roy scores 24 to lift new-look Blazers over Spurs

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:25:07 PST

Brandon Roy had 24 points and five rebounds, Steve Blake added 15 points and the Portland Trail Blazers got a lift from their new-look lineup in a 96-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Richard Jefferson had 19 points, Manu Ginobili had 17, and Tim Duncan added 14 points an...

Report: Lincecum has agreement on pot charge

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:20:08 PST

San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum has an agreement with a prosecutor in his home state of Washington that could settle his misdemeanor marijuana charge, The Columbian reported Friday.

The Vancouver, Wash., newspaper said Clark County prosecutors have reached a deal with a lawyer for t...

Kobe reaches 24,000 points, leads Lakers past Griz

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:05:08 PST

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

Ron Artest had 19 points and seven assists in the fourth straight win for the defending NBA champion...

China offers Africa more trade, investment

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:55:09 PST

China is offering to abolish import duties on some commodities from Africa and make sure Chinese exports to the continent are safe as part of a package to boost already thriving economic ties, China's commerce minister said in an article published Saturday.

The proposals outlined by Chine...

Court upholds removal of man after Nazi salute

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:50:12 PST

A federal appeals court has ruled that Santa Cruz City Council members did not violate a man's rights when they ordered him removed from a council meeting after he made a one-armed Nazi salute.

Robert Norse was arrested at the March 2002 meeting after he made the gesture and refused to le...

Colts put CB Jackson, S Sanders on IR

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:40:10 PST

The injury bug is still haunting the Indianapolis Colts.

Cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were lost for the season Friday as the team placed them on injured reserve.

Jackson, who missed the second half of the 2008 season after injuring his right knee during p...

Report says Lincecum has agreement on pot charge

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:35:10 PST

A newspaper says San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum has an agreement with a prosecutor in his home state of Washington that could settle his misdemeanor marijuana charge.

The charge stemmed from an Oct. 30 traffic stop in which a Washington State Patrol trooper said the 2008 Cy Young A...

Unique homecoming to Vietnam for US commander

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:20:08 PST

On the day his side lost the Vietnam War, Hung Ba Le fled his homeland at the age of 5 in a fishing trawler crammed with 400 refugees. Thirty-four years later, he made an unlikely homecoming -- as the commander of a U.S. Navy destroyer.

Le piloted the USS Lassen on Saturday into Danang, h...

Democrats clear impasse blocking health care vote

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:15:08 PST

Capping months of struggle, House Democrats cleared an abortion-related impasse blocking a vote on sweeping health care legislation late Friday and officials expressed optimism they had lined up the support needed to pass President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.

A vote was expected...