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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Defense report: Post-bin Laden raid security lapse

Defense report: Post-bin Laden raid security lapse

Defense report: Post-bin Laden raid security lapse

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:50 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A draft report by Pentagon investigators says that several weeks after Leon Panetta oversaw the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the then-CIA director violated security rules by revealing the name of the raid commander in the presence of a Hollywood screenwriter.

Churches split on Scouts' welcoming of gay youth

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:49 PM PDT

FILE - Boy Scouts line up before marching in the Utah Gay Pride Parade in Salt Lake City on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Members of Scouts for Equality marched in the parade following last week's vote by Boy Scouts of America to allow openly gay youth to participate in scouting. Scouts for Equality is made up of Scouting alumni advocating to end the BSA's ban on gay members and leaders. A few churches have moved swiftly to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in protest over the May 2013 vote to let openly gay boys participate in Scouting. To date, it's far from the mass defection that some conservatives had predicted before the vote by the BSA's National Council. But that may change, depending on the outcome of the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in mid-June 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)In suburban Atlanta, northern Idaho and a number of other places, churches have moved swiftly to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in protest over the vote last month to let openly gay boys participate in Scouting.

Agency drops plan to allow small knives on planes

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:49 PM PDT

FILE - This Sept. 26, 2006 file photo shows knives of all sizes and types are piled in a box at the State of Georgia Surplus Property Division store in Tucker, Ga., and are just a few of the hundreds of items discarded at the security checkpoints of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that will be for sale at the store. John Pistole, the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says he's dropping a proposal that would have let airline passengers carry small knives, souvenir bats, golf clubs and other sports equipment onto planes. The proposal had drawn fierce opposition from lawmakers, airlines and others who said it would place passengers and crews at risk. (AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration said Wednesday it was abandoning a plan that would have let passengers carry small knives, souvenir bats, golf clubs and other sports equipment onto planes.

DHS: A hunch is enough for searching your laptop

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:47 PM PDT

FILE - This Sept. 22, 2009 file shows federal agents mixing into a swarm of automobiles as they do security checks on vehicles waiting to enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Border Crossing in San Diego. Federal agents at the border must be allowed to act on no more than a hunch when deciding whether to search a person's laptop, cell phone or other electronic device because any higher standard would prevent detection of terrorists and child pornographers and expose the government to damaging lawsuits, according to a censored version of an internal study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. border agents should continue to be allowed to search a traveler's laptop, cellphone or other electronic device and keep copies of any data on them based on no more than a hunch, according to an internal Homeland Security Department study. It contends limiting such searches would prevent the U.S. from detecting child pornographers or terrorists and expose the government to lawsuits.

Israel leads global drone exports as demand grows

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:44 PM PDT

In this picture taken on Monday, May 28, 2013, drones are seen in a hangar at Israel Aerospace Industries, near Tel Aviv. In an expansive hangar in central Israel, workers toil on one of the world's most contentious aircraft, fitting dozens of drones with advanced sensors, cameras and lasers before they are shipped to militaries worldwide. Whereas drones are criticized elsewhere for being morally and legally objectionable, in Israel they are a source of pride. Israel has emerged as the world's leading exporter of the aircraft, putting it in a key position as the industry grows worldwide.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)BEN-GURION AIRPORT, Israel (AP) — In an expansive hangar in central Israel, workers toil on one of the world's most contentious aircraft, fitting dozens of drones with advanced sensors, cameras and lasers before they are shipped to militaries worldwide to perform highly sensitive tasks.

Arab League condemns Hezbollah's role in Syria

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:42 PM PDT

By Ayman Samir and Asma Alsharif CAIRO (Reuters) - The Arab League on Wednesday condemned the military intervention in Syria by the Lebanese Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah, Arab League Secretary General Nabil Elaraby said. A resolution issued after a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo expressed "strong condemnation" of all forms of foreign intervention, especially that by Hezbollah, he said. ...

Yemen launches major offensive against al-Qaida

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:41 PM PDT

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Thousands of Yemeni troops backed by tanks and warplanes launched an offensive on Wednesday in a southern province to drive al-Qaida militants from the area, killing at least seven suspected militants, the Defense Ministry said.

At UN, Rice used outspoken style on Syria, Iran

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:41 PM PDT

President Barack Obama listens as UN Ambassador Susan Rice, his choice to be his next National Security Adviser, speaks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, where the president made the announcement. Samantha Power, his nominee to be the next UN Ambassador is at left. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Susan Rice, appointed national security adviser Wednesday by President Barack Obama, has been an outspoken U.S. ambassador at the United Nations, successfully pushing for international intervention in Libya and tougher sanctions against Iran and North Korea.

Allegations of sex, drugs roil Baltimore jail

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:38 PM PDT

BALTIMORE (AP) — Inmates often complain of idleness, but Tavon White apparently had no trouble keeping busy behind bars.

Curiosity rover to head toward Mars mountain soon

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:36 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ten months after landing on Mars, the NASA rover Curiosity is finally about to pack up and head toward a mountain.

Medgar Evers remembered as pioneer in civil rights

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:36 PM PDT

Former President Bill Clinton sits next to Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers, during the 50th anniversary remembrance ceremony of his death, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers was honored for paving the way for black leaders during a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of his death.

Obama congratulates Super Bowl champion Ravens

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:35 PM PDT

President Barack Obama and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, center, hold a Baltimore Ravens football jersey presented to the president during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, where the president honored the Super Bowl XLVII champs. The Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. General Manager Ozzie Newsome is at right. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama Wednesday welcomed the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens to the White House, congratulating the team on its unlikely Super Bowl run — and offering some good-natured jibes along the way.

Building collapses in Philadelphia, 14 pulled from rubble

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:53 PM PDT

Rescue workers search through rubble following a building collapse in PhiladelphiaBy Dave Warner PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - A building collapsed in downtown Philadelphia on Wednesday and rescue workers pulled 14 people from mountains of crushed concrete and splintered wood, using search dogs to scour the rubble for others, fire officials said. Thirteen victims were rushed to area hospitals, said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, who declined to comment on local media reports that the 14th died in the collapse. A four-story building under demolition collapsed onto a neighboring two-story Salvation Army Thrift Store at 2140 Market Street at 10:45 a.m. ...

Leslie Van Houten faces 20th parole hearing

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:34 PM PDT

FILE - Charles Manson followers, from left: Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten, shown walking to court to appear for their roles in the 1969 cult killings of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate, in Los Angeles, Calif., in this Aug. 20, 1970 file photo. 44 years after she went to prison, Leslie Van Houten is an old woman with gray hair and wrinkles and she is facing her 20th parole hearing Wednesday June 5, 2013 with multiple forces arrayed against her bid for a chance at freedom in her old age. (AP Photo/George Brich, File)CHINO, Calif. (AP) — Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten told a parole board on Wednesday in unprecedented detail how committed she was to the murders Manson ordered, but asserted that she has changed and is trying to live a life for healing.

Spain seeks US help to slim down overweight sub

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:34 PM PDT

In this Nov. 8, 2012 photo provided by Navantia, Manuel Filgueiras, center, former Cartagena shipyards director, speaks next to the motor of one of the S-80 class submarines in Cartagena, Spain. The Isaac Peral, a new, Spanish-designed submarine is more than 70 tons too heavy, and officials fear if it goes out to sea, it will not be able to surface. The first in a new class of diesel-electric submarines, the Isaac Peral,was nearly completed when engineers discovered the problem. A U.S. Navy contractor in Connecticut, Electric Boat, has signed a deal to help the Spanish Defense Ministry find ways to slim down the 2,200-ton submarine. (AP Photo/ Navantia)HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A new, Spanish-designed submarine has a weighty problem: The vessel is more than 70 tons too heavy, and officials fear if it goes out to sea, it will not be able to surface.

Attorney: Paris Jackson hospitalized but OK

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:33 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 15-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson is physically fine after being taken to a hospital early Wednesday, an attorney for Jackson's mother said.

NJ Sen. Lautenberg remembered for tenacious rise

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:33 PM PDT

The casket containing the body of U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg is carried into the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Lautenberg's nearly three decades in office and the causes he championed will be remembered at a funeral service in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK (AP) — Tenacity marked U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg's journey from poor child to multimillionaire who served for decades in the Senate, leaving his mark along the way on aspects of American life including public transportation and the environment, relatives and dignitaries said Wednesday at his funeral at a New York City synagogue.

New Pakistan PM vows better economy, end to drones

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:32 PM PDT

Newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, left, arrives at the Prime Minister''s house to review guards of honor in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Sharif took office Wednesday vowing to fix the country's ailing economy and end electricity blackouts while also calling for an end to American drone strikes in the tribal areas. (AP Photo/B.K. Banagsh)ISLAMABAD (AP) — As he stepped into the prime minister's job for the third time Wednesday, Nawaz Sharif vowed to improve Pakistan's limping economy and end American drone strikes. It was a nod to the voters who elected a man viewed as a pro-business conservative to tackle problems including a fiscal meltdown, power outages and spillover from the war in neighboring Afghanistan.

Gitmo detainees claim genitals being searched

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:32 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for Guantanamo Bay detainees urged a federal judge Wednesday to stop what they describe as new "genital searches" for detainees who want to meet with their lawyers.

Keith Olbermann to host TBS baseball studio show

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:31 PM PDT

FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2011 file photo, political pundit Keith Olbermann leaves a taping of the "Late Show with David Letterman," in New York. Turner Sports said Wednesday, June 5, 2013, that it is hiring Olbermann to host its baseball studio show for the postseason. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)NEW YORK (AP) — Keith Olbermann is getting back into broadcasting to host TBS's postseason baseball studio show, staying away from politics for the moment.

Mexico finds breast-feeding woes as rate drops

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:29 PM PDT

In this May 19, 2013 photo, Ruth Gonzalez, a clothing company manager, feeds baby formula to her 9-month-old son Luis Fernando at her home in Mexico City. MEXICO CITY (AP) — Despite the well-known advantages to breast milk and vigorous campaigns around the world championing breast as best, Mexican mothers say the bottle is better.

AP congressional source: IRS workers put on leave

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:26 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional aide tells The Associated Press that two Internal Revenue Service workers are being placed on administrative leave for accepting $1,100 worth of free food and other items at a 2010 conference.

Fed survey: Growth improves modestly throughout US

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:25 PM PDT

FILE - In this Wednesday, April 24, 2013 file photo, workers are seen at the construction site of a new housing complex, in Trenton, N.J. A Federal Reserve survey says economic growth increased throughout the United States from April through mid-May, fueled by home construction, consumer spending and steady hiring. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — A Federal Reserve survey says economic growth increased throughout the United States from April through late-May, fueled by home construction, consumer spending and steady hiring.

Fertility drugs, nature better than horse roundups

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:25 PM PDT

FILE - In this May 17, 2011 file photo, wild horses run around in a fenced field at the Stewart Conservation Camp in Carson City, Nev. An independent panel of scientists that spent two years reviewing the U.S. government's controversial management of wild horses plans to release a series of recommendations Wednesday, June 5, 2013, to combat skyrocketing costs and help quell decades of conflict on public rangelands. (AP Photo/Las Vegas Review-Journal, John Locher, File) LAS VEGAS SUN OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALESRENO, Nev. (AP) — A scathing independent scientific review of wild horse roundups in the West concludes the U.S. government would be better off investing in widespread fertility control of the mustangs and let nature cull any excess herds instead of spending millions to house them in overflowing holding pens.

MLB interviewing players as part of drug probe

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:25 PM PDT

FILE - in this April 1, 2013, file photo, New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, who is on the disabled list after hip surgery, talks to reporters outside the Yankees' clubhouse in New York. A person familiar with the case tells The Associated Press Tuesday June 4, 2013 that the founder of a Miami anti-aging clinic has agreed to talk to Major League Baseball about players linked to performance-enhancing drugs. Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Nelson Cruz and Melky Cabrera are among the players whose names have been tied to the clinic. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has begun interviewing players linked to a Miami anti-aging clinic that allegedly sold performance-enhancing drugs and became the focus of the sport's investigation.

Obama names Rice as national security adviser

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:24 PM PDT

President Barack Obama walks with, from left, current National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, who is resigning, UN Ambassador Susan Rice, his choice to be his next National Security Adviser, and Samantha Power, his nominee to be the next UN Ambassador, as they leave the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, after the president made the announcment. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) — Shaking up his national security team, President Barack Obama tapped diplomat Susan Rice as his national security adviser, defying Republicans who have vigorously criticized her faulty explanation about the attack on Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

Obama-Xi meeting in Calif sets low-key tone

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:23 PM PDT

in this March 2, 1990 White House photo provided by the Annenberg Foundation Trust, from left, Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, President George H.W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, and Walter Annenberg meet at the Annenberg estate, "Sunnylands," in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The sprawling estate built by late billionaire philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg in the desert east of Los Angeles is a place where political powerbrokers once gathered to discuss critical issues of the day. Now, four years after Leonore Annenberg's death, Sunnylands is beginning a new foray into international diplomacy by hosting two days of talks between President Barack Obama and the newly minted Chinese President Xi Jinping. (AP Photo/White House via Annenberg Foundation Trust)RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP) — A sprawling California desert estate built by billionaire philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg is a place where political powerbrokers once discussed critical issues of the day and where royalty — real and Hollywood — soaked up sun and golfed on a private, nine-hole course.

Teheran dominant as Braves sweep Pirates, 5-0

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:19 PM PDT

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, June 5, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)ATLANTA (AP) — Julio Teheran held Pittsburgh without a hit for 7 2-3 innings before settling for a combined one-hit shutout, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Pirates 5-0 on Wednesday.

Senate Republicans push tougher border plans in U.S. immigration bill

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:18 PM PDT

Immigrants put their hands to their hearts as the national anthem is played during a special naturalization ceremony at the Department of Justice in WashingtonBy Caren Bohan and Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two leading Republican senators on Wednesday unveiled proposals requiring much tighter security on the U.S.-Mexico border before undocumented immigrants could gain legal status under the broad immigration bill the Senate is considering. The two separate amendments by John Cornyn, the second-ranking Senate Republican, and Rand Paul, a potential 2016 presidential contender, are likely to draw fire from many Democrats who have said such provisions would erode the path to citizenship at the heart of the White House-backed bill. ...

US writer A.M. Homes wins Women's Fiction Prize

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:15 PM PDT

LONDON (AP) — American novelist A.M. Homes has won this year's Women's Prize for Fiction with her sixth novel "May We Be Forgiven."

The Latest: Soldier speaks about Afghan massacre

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:15 PM PDT

In this courtroom sketch, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales appears Wednesday, June 5, 2013, during a plea hearing in a military courtroom at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Bales is accused of 16 counts of premeditated murder and six counts of attempted murder for a pre-dawn attack on two villages in Kandahar Province in Afghanistan in March, 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Millett)JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. (AP) — Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the American soldier from Lake Tapps, Ohio, charged with killing 16 Afghan civilians during nighttime raids on two villages last year, pleaded guilty Wednesday to avoid the death penalty. This is what AP reporters and photographers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Seattle are learning about the events unfolding (in Pacific Time):

Companies add more jobs but growth disappoints

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:12 PM PDT

Hundreds of job seekers wait in line with their resumes to talk to recruiters at the Colorado Hospital Association health care career fair in DenverBy Leah Schnurr NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hiring by U.S. firms was sluggish in May while a sharp rise in mortgage interest rates last week weighed on what has been a buoyant housing market, adding to signs the economy lost some momentum in the second quarter. Indeed, a separate report from the Federal Reserve characterized the pace of the economic expansion as "modest to moderate" since mid-April as hiring remained relatively subdued. ...

Instant View: Private sector adds 135,000 jobs in May

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:12 PM PDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Private employers added 135,000 jobs in May, falling short of economists' expectations, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday. Economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast the ADP National Employment Report would show a gain of 165,000 jobs. As well, April's private payrolls were revised down to an increase of 113,000 from the previously reported 119,000. COMMENTS: ERIC VILORIA, CURRENCY STRATEGIST, FOREX. ...

Egypt: Prominent activists charged over protest

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:11 PM PDT

Egyptian protesters shout anti-Muslim brotherhood slogans and wave a national flag during a protest against the new judiciary law at the high court in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 3, 2013.(AP Photo/Amr Nabil)CAIRO (AP) — Twelve of Egypt's best known bloggers and activists are headed for trial on charges of instigating violence during a March demonstration against the president's Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's state prosecutor announced Wednesday.

Long-awaited keyboard BlackBerrys hit US stores

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:11 PM PDT

TORONTO (AP) — Modern BlackBerrys with physical keyboards are now available in the U.S., months after the touch-screen versions went on sale.

Soldier in WikiLeaks case boasted of hacking passwords: witness

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:09 PM PDT

U.S. Army Private First Class Bradley Manning arrives for day two of his trial at Fort Meade MarylandBy Ian Simpson FORT MEADE, Maryland (Reuters) - The U.S. soldier accused of passing classified files to the WikiLeaks website boasted of his ability to crack passwords, one of his Army supervisors said at a court-martial on Wednesday. The soldier, Private First Class Bradley Manning, 25, is charged with providing more than 700,000 documents to WikiLeaks, the biggest unauthorized release of classified files in U.S. history, in a case that has raised questions about the limits of secrecy and openness. ...

Turkish protesters demand police sackings, unions join

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:07 PM PDT

An anti-government protester falls as the police disperse the crowd with water cannons during a protest in AnkaraBy Daren Butler and Jonathon Burch ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish demonstrators demanded the sacking of police chiefs on Wednesday over a fierce crackdown on days of unprecedented protest against what they see as Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's authoritarian rule. A delegation of activists met Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc at his office in Ankara and demanded the release of detained demonstrators, a halt to the police use of tear gas, and the removal of senior officers who oversaw the crackdown. ...

U.S. soldier pleads guilty to murdering 16 Afghan civilians

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:06 PM PDT

Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales and Judge Col. Jeffery R. Nance is seen in a courtroom sketch as he is arraigned on 16 counts of premeditated murder, six counts of attempted murder and seven of assault at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WashingtoBy Eric M. Johnson TACOMA, Washington (Reuters) - A U.S. Army sergeant accused of killing 16 Afghan civilians in cold blood last year pleaded guilty on Wednesday to premeditated murder and other charges under a deal with military prosecutors to avoid the death penalty. Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, a decorated veteran of four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, is accused of roaming off his Army post in the Afghan province of Kandahar last March and gunning down unarmed villagers, mostly women and children, in attacks on their family compounds. ...

Winner of $590M Powerball jackpot is 84-year-old

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:05 PM PDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The winner of last month's $590 million Powerball jackpot is an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Fla.

Stocks slide after weak economic reports

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 12:04 PM PDT

FILE - In this Friday, May 31, 2013 file photo, trader Robert Moran, right, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Global stock markets fell Wednesday June 5, 2013 as signs the U.S. Federal Reserve might scale back its super-loose monetary policy caused investors to trim equity investments. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)NEW YORK (AP) — A series of weak economic reports sent the stock market sliding to its lowest level in a month.
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