Gay marriage fight pits Texas AG vs. gay friend

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• Gay marriage fight pits Texas AG vs. gay friend
• '90s documents show Clintons' health care concerns
• NYC official: Hoffman died of toxic mix of drugs
• Venezuela unrest chokes transport, worsens economic woes
• Jailed Venezuela protest leader mocks Maduro's talks
• USDA adds foods to moms and kids food program
• Cuaron's Oscar nod leaves Mexico soul searching
• NJ town releases dispatch tapes from traffic jams
• Idaho lawmakers poised to vote on guns on campus
• Ukraine urges Putin to stop 'provocations'
• Cold War-era suspicions soar over Ukraine
• Hopes up for sunnier US economy once winter fades
• Fugitive Ukraine leader vows to fight on from Russia
• Amy Adams tries out her Oscar lines, and shoes
• House GOP discuss health care alternative
• Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Russia denies involvement
• Muses parade kicks off big Carnival weekend
• Stocks stumble, then mostly recover in late trade
• Homeland Security reviewing border use-of-force
• Ukraine says Russia follows pre-Georgia war scenario in Crimea
• Fed may need to let inflation run hot to meet goals: Evans
• McIlroy stretches clubhouse lead with strong finish
• Ex-NFL safety Sharper surrenders in Los Angeles
• European countries warn on travel to Crimea
• Judge refuses to delay NYC terror trial
• Shoulder surgery ends NBA season for Hawks' Ayon
• Russian cooperation crucial for resolving Ukraine's crisis: EU official
• Ukraine gets look at fugitive leader's documents
• An early gain for US stock market fades away
• Earnhardt going fast and furious on Twitter
• IMF's Lagarde says no need to panic on Ukraine aid request
• Drivers may use smartphones for maps: court
• GAO report: Too few pilots or too little pay?
• Ukraine accuses Russia of aggression, following Georgia scenario
• Apple's Cook tries to tantalize shareholders
• US pending home sales flat in January
• '90s documents show Clinton health care concerns
• Soldier fires in the air near Nigerian governor
• Big storm brings new worries to California
• Primaries offer 1st major test of voter ID laws

Gay marriage fight pits Texas AG vs. gay friend Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST WACO, Texas (AP) — When Greg Abbott was paralyzed by a fallen tree in 1984, Mark Phariss flew 500 miles to his friend's bedside. They were law school pals who swapped stories over dinner, job leads and airport rides, and they still exchange Christmas cards today.

'90s documents show Clintons' health care concerns Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:05 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill Clinton's aides revealed concern early in his presidency about the health care overhaul effort led by his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and what they saw as a need to soften her image, according to documents released Friday. Mrs. Clinton now is a potential 2016 presidential contender

NYC official: Hoffman died of toxic mix of drugs Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:04 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died from a toxic mix of heroin and other drugs.

Venezuela unrest chokes transport, worsens economic woes Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:04 PM PST By Eyanir Chinea CARACAS (Reuters) - Anti-government protests in Venezuela have left some 1,500 trucks that distribute about half the country's vegetables sitting idle in the western city of La Grita, waiting for roads blocked by demonstrators to be re-opened. At least 17 people have been killed in unrest that has posed the most serious challenge yet to socialist President Nicolas Maduro's 10-month-old administration. Some transport companies have idled trucks due to the threat of violence as protesters face off against security forces at barricades, especially in the western state of Tachira. "It's not just that we could lose our trucks, or their contents, we could lose our lives too," said Freddy Rosales, spokesman for a group of vegetable producers in La Grita.

Jailed Venezuela protest leader mocks Maduro's talks Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:04 PM PST By Andrew Cawthorne and Eyanir Chinea CARACAS (Reuters) - Imprisoned Venezuelan protest leader Leopoldo Lopez scoffed on Friday at President Nicolas Maduro's efforts to open talks with opponents and businessman after a month of demonstrations and violence that have killed at least 17 people. Maduro, 51, seems to have weathered the worst of an explosion of protests against his socialist government that exposed deep discontent with Venezuela's economic problems and brought the nation's worst unrest in a decade. Some students are still setting up roadblocks and clashing with police in Caracas and western Tachira state. But numbers have dropped, and many Venezuelans have begun heading for the beach to enjoy a long weekend for Carnival celebrations.

USDA adds foods to moms and kids food program Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:04 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Pregnant women, mothers and children who get federal assistance with their grocery bills will now be able to buy more whole-grain foods, yogurt, fish, fruits and vegetables.

Cuaron's Oscar nod leaves Mexico soul searching Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Oscars could be Mexico's big night, with three Mexicans nominated for directing, cinematography and acting.

NJ town releases dispatch tapes from traffic jams Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST FORT LEE, N.J. (AP) — Around 9 a.m. on Sept. 9, someone in Fort Lee, N.J., called for an ambulance.

Idaho lawmakers poised to vote on guns on campus Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:01 PM PST BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers were expected to pass a bill Friday that could allow people to pack guns on college campuses, despite opposition to the measure from multiple police chiefs and the leaders of all eight of the state's public colleges.

Ukraine urges Putin to stop 'provocations' Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:59 PM PST SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's fugitive president resurfaced in Russia Friday to deliver a defiant condemnation of a "bandit coup," while Russian armored vehicles rumbled across Crimea and men described as Russian troops deployed at airports and a coast guard base — ominous signs of the Kremlin's iron hand in Ukraine's confrontation.

Cold War-era suspicions soar over Ukraine Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:57 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Cold War-tinged suspicions between Washington and Moscow are spiraling over the crisis in Ukraine despite the Obama administration's efforts to tamp them down.

Hopes up for sunnier US economy once winter fades Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — When the weather warms up, so, too, will the U.S. economy.

Fugitive Ukraine leader vows to fight on from Russia Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:55 PM PST Rostov-on-Don (Russia) (AFP) - Ukraine's ousted president Viktor Yanukovych insisted Friday he had not been overthrown as he defiantly surfaced in Russia from a week in hiding and savaged the new pro-Western powers in Kiev. The deposed pro-Kremlin leader spoke as a new crisis erupted over what the pro-EU interim authorities branded as an "armed invasion" of Ukraine's volatile Crimean peninsula by Russian troops. The untested new team -- made up in part of leaders of the protests that gripped Kiev for three months -- is grappling not only with separatism fears but also the risk of a devastating debt default. But IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Friday there was no need to panic while US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had been assured by Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Moscow was still willing to help its neighbour despite Yanukovych's ouster.

Amy Adams tries out her Oscar lines, and shoes Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:53 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amy Adams mixed show business with shoe business at Oscar rehearsals.

House GOP discuss health care alternative Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:51 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leaders took a small step on Friday toward pulling together a viable alternative to President Barack Obama's four-year-old health care law but faced deep divisions over whether the GOP caucus can coalesce around a comprehensive proposal.

Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Russia denies involvement Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST By Alissa de Carbonnel and Alessandra Prentice SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (Reuters) - Armed men took control of two airports in the Crimea region on Friday in what Ukraine's government described as an invasion and occupation by Russian forces, stoking tension between Moscow and the West. More than 10 Russian military helicopters also flew into Ukrainian airspace over the region on Friday, Kiev's border guard service said, accusing Russian servicemen of blockading one of its units in the port city of Sevastopol, where part of Moscow's Black Sea fleet is based. Tensions have been rising on the Black Sea peninsula, the only Ukrainian region that has an ethnic Russian majority and the last major bastion of resistance to the overthrow of Moscow-backed Viktor Yanukovich as president almost a week ago. Moscow has promised to defend the interests of its citizens in Ukraine.

Muses parade kicks off big Carnival weekend Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:49 PM PST NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A parade of women with a signature float in the shape of a giant high-heel had a different kind of glow this year.

Stocks stumble, then mostly recover in late trade Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:48 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks were mostly higher in late trading Friday as the market mostly recovered from an afternoon stumble. The Standard & Poor's 500 index edged further into record territory, but weakness in technology stocks held back the Nasdaq composite.

Homeland Security reviewing border use-of-force Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:45 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — New Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is reviewing the department's use of force policies, a Homeland Security official said Friday.

Ukraine says Russia follows pre-Georgia war scenario in Crimea Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:44 PM PST Ukraine's acting president accused Russia of open aggression on Friday and said it was provoking his country in the same way as it had Georgia before going to war in 2008. Urging President Vladimir Putin to stop "provocations" in Ukraine's Russian-speaking Crimea, Oleksander Turchinov recalled Russia's intervention in Georgia over breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which have large ethnic Russian populations. Russia's Black Sea fleet has a base in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol.

Fed may need to let inflation run hot to meet goals: Evans Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:42 PM PST By Jason Lange NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve should be willing to let inflation temporarily run above its target level so as to more quickly bring the economy back to health, a top Fed official said on Friday, even as a second policymaker signaled the very idea left him cold. The debate, between Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser, underscored a fundamental disagreement over the central bank's optimal approach to policy under new Fed Chair Janet Yellen. To Evans, one of the Fed's most dovish policymakers, allowing inflation to run above the Fed's 2-percent target would be a small price to pay for bringing the U.S. economy back to full employment quickly, and could even signal the Fed's commitment to making good on its goals. To Plosser, an ardent policy hawk, letting inflation rise above the target would call into question the Fed's commitment to its goals, undermining its policy effectiveness.

McIlroy stretches clubhouse lead with strong finish Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:41 PM PST Palm Beach Gardens (United States) (AFP) - Rory McIlroy seized a three-stroke lead in the clubhouse during Friday's second round of the $6 million US PGA Honda Classic with a four-under par 66 that featured a strong finish. The 24-year-old world number eight from Northern Ireland stood on 11-under 129 through 36 holes at PGA National, three strokes in front of American Russell Henley in the clubhouse and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge, who had 13 holes remaining. England's Lee Westwood and Scotsman Russell Knox shared fourth on 133 in the clubhouse with Welshman Jamie Donaldson and American Ryan Palmer sharing sixth on 134 through 36 holes. McIlroy, who opened with a sizzling bogey-free 63 on Thursday, teed off on the back nine and found the right rough off the 11th tee on his way to a bogey.

Ex-NFL safety Sharper surrenders in Los Angeles Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:40 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former NFL All-Pro safety Darren Sharper surrendered to Los Angeles police after being named in a warrant involving a rape case in New Orleans.

European countries warn on travel to Crimea Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:36 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Several European countries issued warnings Friday against travel to Ukraine's Crimea region.

Judge refuses to delay NYC terror trial Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:34 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — A man prosecutors allege is Osama bin Laden's son-in-law and former spokesman will go on trial next week, despite claims by his lawyers that the government may have charged the wrong person, a federal judge ruled Friday.

Shoulder surgery ends NBA season for Hawks' Ayon Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:32 PM PST Atlanta Hawks center and power forward Gustavo Ayon of Mexico will miss the remainder of the NBA season after undergoing shoulder surgery on Friday, the team announced. Ayon will rest his repaired right shoulder and then begin treatment and rehabilitation. The 28-year-old frontliner, who stands 6 ft 10 (2.08m), had missed the Hawks' past five games. Ayon averaged 4.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26 games this season, 14 of them in a starting role for the Hawks.

Russian cooperation crucial for resolving Ukraine's crisis: EU official Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:22 PM PST By Daniel Bases NEW YORK (Reuters) - Any peaceful resolution of Ukraine's political turmoil must have Russia in the mix out of concern the two nations could descend into open warfare, European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani said on Friday. "Of course it is important to back democracy, but at the same time it is important to work with Russia. Because without strong cooperation with Russia it is impossible to have a good solution. Tajani was alluding to the 2008 war involving Russia and another former Soviet republic, Georgia, over two Moscow-backed breakaway regions, Abhkazia and South Ossetia.

Ukraine gets look at fugitive leader's documents Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:20 PM PST KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians are getting an unfiltered look at the opulent lifestyle and alleged machinations of fugitive President Viktor Yanukovych and his top officials from thousands of documents being posted online by journalists who say it's more important to record their country's history — and document possible crimes — than hold them back for their own scoops.

An early gain for US stock market fades away Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:19 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks gave up an early gain and turned slightly lower in afternoon trading Friday, a day after the Standard & Poor's 500 index closed at its highest level in six weeks and notched a record high.

Earnhardt going fast and furious on Twitter Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:19 PM PST AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — NASCAR's most popular driver won the sport's biggest race last weekend.

IMF's Lagarde says no need to panic on Ukraine aid request Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:14 PM PST By Anna Yukhananov WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the International Monetary Fund said on Friday that there was no need to "panic" in terms of delivering economic aid to Ukraine, as she cast doubt the nation would need as much immediate help as its new leaders claim. "We do not see anything that is critical, that is worthy of panic at the moment," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told reporters. "We would certainly hope that the (Ukrainian) authorities refrain from throwing lots of numbers which are really meaningless until they've been assessed properly." Ukraine's government coffers have been depleted by huge debt repayments, efforts to protect its currency and high energy costs. The country's new leaders, appointed after President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted last weekend, say they need $35 billion over two years to avoid default, and may need $4 billion immediately.

Drivers may use smartphones for maps: court Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:13 PM PST A California appeals court has tossed out a fine for a driver checking a smartphone map to escape traffic, offering a new interpretation in the crackdown on "distracted driving." A panel of judges reasoned that the summons and its $165 fine applied to holding mobile phones to converse while driving and said nothing of looking at maps on screens for directions. "We conclude that the statute means what it says -- it prohibits a driver only from holding a wireless telephone while conversing on it," the appellate court said in a written ruling available online Friday. The driver was sitting in congested traffic when a California Highway Patrol officer noticed him using his smartphone.

GAO report: Too few pilots or too little pay? Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:12 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's regional airlines are having trouble hiring enough pilots, the government says, suggesting one reason may be that they simply don't pay enough.

Ukraine accuses Russia of aggression, following Georgia scenario Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:09 PM PST Ukraine's acting president accused Russia of open aggression on Friday and said Moscow was following a similar scenario to the one before it went to war with Georgia in 2008. Urging President Vladimir Putin to stop "provocations" in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, Oleksander Turchinov drew a comparison to Russia's intervention in Georgia over the breakaway Akhazia region which has a large ethnic Russian population. "Russia has sent forces into Crimea ... they are working on scenarios which are fully analogous with Abkhazia, when having initiated a military conflict, they started to annex the territory," he said in televised comments.

Apple's Cook tries to tantalize shareholders Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:09 PM PST CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook is still trying to convince shareholders that the iPhone maker remains a step ahead in the race to innovate, even though recent performance of the company's stock lags behind other technology trendsetters.

US pending home sales flat in January Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:05 PM PST US pending home sales were basically unchanged in January from a two-year low in December amid ongoing bad weather, the National Association of Realtors said Friday. NAR raised its December index reading to 94.9, the lowest level since November 2011, from its prior estimate of 92.4. Unusually rough weather across much of the country that began in December was still dampening demand for homes, NAR said. "Ongoing disruptive weather patterns in much of the US inhibited home shopping," Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said in a statement.

'90s documents show Clinton health care concerns Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:05 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill Clinton's aides were concerned early in his presidency about his health care overhaul effort, led by his wife, that never passed and a need to soften the image of Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to documents released Friday. Mrs. Clinton now is a potential 2016 presidential contender.

Soldier fires in the air near Nigerian governor Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:02 PM PST SHUWA, Nigeria (AP) — A soldier angered by a speech a state governor gave in an area of Nigeria where nearly 100 people were killed by Islamic militants has opened fire, causing pandemonium.

Big storm brings new worries to California Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:57 AM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first wave of a powerful Pacific storm spread rain and snow early Friday through much of California, where communities endangered by a wildfire just weeks ago now faced the threat of mud and debris flows.

Primaries offer 1st major test of voter ID laws Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:54 AM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — In elections that begin next week, voters in 10 states will be required to present photo identification before casting ballots — the first major test of voter ID laws after years of legal challenges arguing that the measures are designed to suppress voting.

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5 San Francisco officers indicted by feds

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• 5 San Francisco officers indicted by feds
• US: Syria leads human rights violations in 2013
• In season of tumult, Knicks try to stay hopeful
• Cyprus parliament turns down privatization bill
• Charges filed in crash that killed newlywed bride
• Russian moves raise stakes in Ukraine conflict
• Plight of minority youths in US an 'outrage': Obama
• Obama plan aims to improve odds for minority boys
• Boston, NYC mayors to skip St. Pat's parades
• Rape-murder plot trial for pair opens in NY
• Baghdad motorbike blast, other attacks kill 52 in Iraq
• Bulls drive S&P 500 to fresh record
• Standard & Poor's 500 index closes at record high
• First Egyptian film at Oscars not shown at home
• Fugitive Ukrainian president said to be in Moscow
• Standard & Poor's 500 index closes at a record high 1,854 points, turns positive for the year
• Polar bears join natural wonders at Google Maps
• Review: Lots of innovations beyond iOS and Android
• Senate blocks Dems' bill boosting vets' benefits
• Kerry urges Russia to join U.S., allies in helping Ukraine
• Report: UK spies intercept webcam pics, nudity
• Teen helps scientists study her own rare disease
• Bumpy ride ahead through pothole purgatory
• Yellen: Fed monitoring recent weaker economic data
• California Gov. Jerry Brown will seek re-election
• Chief: San Francisco police officers suspended
• Kerry: Russia pledges to respect Ukraine's borders
• FA bans Anelka 5 games for anti-Semitic gesture
• Still in the saddle, 'War Horse' goes digital
• Mormons: People don't get own planets in afterlife
• Braun homers in first at-bat back from drug ban
• Ukraine warns Russia after gunmen seize Crimea parliament
• US slaps Briton with fresh hacking charges
• UK seeks public input on making 3-parent embryos
• Spain starts privatisation of nationalised Bankia
• Sen. Cruz won't endorse Cornyn in Texas GOP race
• Married man to become Maronite priest in US
• Syrian group demands investigation into killings
• Shale brings high hopes in Mississippi, Louisiana
• Another slow start for Tiger at Honda Classic

5 San Francisco officers indicted by feds Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:32 PM PST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Federal grand juries have indicted five San Francisco police officers, charging two with stealing money and drugs seized as part of investigations, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

US: Syria leads human rights violations in 2013 Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:31 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — A chemical weapons attack in Syria last summer that the U.S. says killed more than 1,400 people was the world's worst human rights violation of 2013, the Obama administration concluded Thursday.

In season of tumult, Knicks try to stay hopeful Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:26 PM PST MIAMI (AP) — Something got spilled near where the New York Knicks' bus was parked Thursday morning, which seemed to serve as a perfect microcosm of their season to date.

Cyprus parliament turns down privatization bill Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:25 PM PST NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus' lawmakers on Thursday effectively forced the government to revise the terms of legislation that would pave the way for the privatization of state-owned companies, a condition of the debt-laden country's rescue deal with international lenders.

Charges filed in crash that killed newlywed bride Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:23 PM PST CANTON, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man is facing charges in a crash that killed his newlywed wife as they drove back from their wedding reception.

Russian moves raise stakes in Ukraine conflict Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:23 PM PST SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Masked gunmen stormed parliament in Ukraine's strategic Crimea region Thursday as Russian fighter jets scrambled to patrol borders, while the newly formed government pledged to prevent a national breakup with strong backing from the West — the stirrings of a potentially dangerous confrontation reminiscent of Cold War brinksmanship.

Plight of minority youths in US an 'outrage': Obama Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:20 PM PST Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Thursday launched a solemn appeal to improve opportunities for minority youths, saying their plight was an "outrage."

Obama plan aims to improve odds for minority boys Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:19 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Thursday launched his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, urging stronger efforts to create more opportunities for young minority men and to improve conditions that keep them impoverished and imprisoned in disproportionate numbers.

Boston, NYC mayors to skip St. Pat's parades Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:17 PM PST BOSTON (AP) — Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is threatening to boycott the St. Patrick's Day parade unless organizers allow a group of gay military veterans to march, joining New York's mayor in protesting parade policies on gay groups.

Rape-murder plot trial for pair opens in NY Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:16 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — A retired Manhattan school librarian muttered "she deserves to die" during surveillance of a target in a ghoulish plot to kidnap, rape and kill women, prosecutors said Thursday as a trial that grew from the case of a police officer accused of plotting cannibalism got underway.

Baghdad motorbike blast, other attacks kill 52 in Iraq Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:14 PM PST By Kareem Raheem BAGHDAD (Reuters) - At least 52 people were killed Wednesday as a motorcycle rigged with explosives detonated in Baghdad's Sadr City and militants targeted mostly Shi'ite neighborhoods around the country. Blood covered the ground, storefront windows were shattered and shoes and motorcycle parts were strewn around the market, according to a Reuters correspondent at the scene. "I was hit in my face and my hands and when I got up, everyone was screaming and running towards me away from the blast." It was not clear who was behind the bombing but violence against Shi'ites is often blamed on the Sunni Muslim Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), an al Qaeda-linked group. Baghdad has been hit by wave after wave of bombings since April as the precarious peace enjoyed since the end of Iraq's sectarian war in 2008 has unraveled.

Bulls drive S&P 500 to fresh record Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:11 PM PST New York (AFP) - The S&P 500 set a new record Thursday as buyers pushed up stocks helped by a cautiously positive view of the economy from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Standard & Poor's 500 index closes at record high Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:10 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — The Standard & Poor's 500 index is closing at a record high and has turned positive for the year.

First Egyptian film at Oscars not shown at home Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:03 PM PST CAIRO (AP) — Directors of Egypt's first Oscar-nominated film will be walking the red carpet at the Oscars ceremony next week in Los Angeles, but most Egyptians have yet to see the hard-hitting movie that chronicles the country's unrest over the past three years.

Fugitive Ukrainian president said to be in Moscow Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST MOSCOW (AP) — Ukraine's fugitive president may be enjoying VIP treatment under Moscow's protection, said to have been spotted at an opulent five-star hotel and a Kremlin country retreat. But beneath the surface, the embrace has been chilly: State-run TV has portrayed him as a coward who betrayed those who stood by him.

Standard & Poor's 500 index closes at a record high 1,854 points, turns positive for the year Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Standard & Poor's 500 index closes at a record high 1,854 points, turns positive for the year.

Polar bears join natural wonders at Google Maps Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:02 PM PST Google on Thursday added polar bears to the natural splendor people can glimpse from the comfort of their homes at the Internet giant's free online mapping service. Members of the Google Maps team joined forces with non-profit group Polar Bears International to venture into tundra in a remote part of Canada's Churchill, Manitoba, late last year for images of the majestic animals waiting for sea ice to freeze. Polar bears range the tundra in quests for food and mates. However, even here the Google Maps images only captured a few sightings of the polar bears, whose population is being threatened by warming global temperatures dramatically altering the frigid environment on which they depend.

Review: Lots of innovations beyond iOS and Android Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:59 PM PST BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — When it comes to smartphones, consumers have an array of choices from Apple to... well, Android.

Senate blocks Dems' bill boosting vets' benefits Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:57 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Senate on Thursday derailed Democratic legislation that would have provided $21 billion for medical, education and job-training benefits for the nation's veterans. The bill fell victim to election-year disputes over spending and fresh penalties against Iran.

Kerry urges Russia to join U.S., allies in helping Ukraine Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged Russia on Thursday to join the United States and allies in stabilizing Ukraine and said he would watch closely whether Moscow keeps its word not to interfere in the internal affairs of the former Soviet republic. Kerry's comments came as Ukraine warned Russia about troop movements after armed men seized the parliament in Ukraine's Crime region and raised the Russian flag. Kerry said he spoke by phone on Thursday to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who reaffirmed earlier statements by President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Lavrov also underscored that Russian military exercises on the border of Ukraine were previously scheduled and not related to events in Ukraine, Kerry added.

Report: UK spies intercept webcam pics, nudity Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Britain's signals intelligence division is stealing screenshots from hundreds of thousands of innocent Yahoo users' webcam videos, according to the Guardian newspaper, which also reported that the years-long operation has swept up a huge haul of intimate photographs.

Teen helps scientists study her own rare disease Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:55 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — A teenager who survived cancer decided to study her own rare disease, and helped point scientists to a gene flaw that might spur it.

Bumpy ride ahead through pothole purgatory Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:54 PM PST Hate potholes? Well, unless you and your elected officials are ready to cough up billions more for better roads and proper preventive maintenance, buckle up, 'cause it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Yellen: Fed monitoring recent weaker economic data Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:53 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen noted Thursday that recent economic data have pointed to weaker-than-expected gains in consumer spending and job growth. She said the Fed will be watching to see whether the slowdown proves only a temporary blip caused by severe winter weather.

California Gov. Jerry Brown will seek re-election Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:51 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown announced Thursday he will seek re-election this year, an expected step into a contest in which he is the favorite.

Chief: San Francisco police officers suspended Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:47 PM PST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco police chief says five officers indicted by federal prosecutors have been suspended without pay and had their guns taken away.

Kerry: Russia pledges to respect Ukraine's borders Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:45 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia has told the United States that it will respect the sovereignty of Ukraine and that military exercises near the Russian-Ukraine border are not a prelude to an intervention, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday.

FA bans Anelka 5 games for anti-Semitic gesture Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:44 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Nicolas Anelka was banned for five games by the English Football Association on Thursday and immediately suspended by West Bromwich Albion for a racially aggravated goal celebration.

Still in the saddle, 'War Horse' goes digital Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:43 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — The play "War Horse" is certainly living up to its name. The touching love story between a boy and his horse has become a reliable, dependable draw wherever it goes. Now it's going somewhere new — digital.

Mormons: People don't get own planets in afterlife Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:38 PM PST SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon Church is pushing back against the notion that members of the faith are taught they'll get their own planet in the afterlife, a misconception popularized in pop culture most recently by the Broadway show "The Book of Mormon."

Braun homers in first at-bat back from drug ban Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:37 PM PST PHOENIX (AP) — Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer Thursday in his first at-bat for the Milwaukee Brewers since completing a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's anti-drug agreement.

Ukraine warns Russia after gunmen seize Crimea parliament Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:36 PM PST By Alessandra Prentice and Alissa de Carbonnel SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (Reuters) - Armed men seized the parliament in Ukraine's Crimea region on Thursday and raised the Russian flag, alarming Kiev's new rulers, who warned Moscow not move troops beyond the confines of its navy base on the peninsula. Crimea, the only Ukrainian region with an ethnic Russian majority, is the last big bastion of opposition to the new leadership in Kiev since President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted at the weekend and provides a base for Russia's Black Sea fleet.

US slaps Briton with fresh hacking charges Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:32 PM PST The United States on Thursday slapped two extra charges against a British man accused of hacking into thousands of US government computer systems, officials said. Prosecutors in New York indicted Lauri Love, 28, on one count of hacking into the Federal Reserve and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was already facing up to five years in prison and and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, on each of two counts in New Jersey. He has been charged there with hacking the computer networks of US Army, Missile Defense Agency, NASA and other agencies.

UK seeks public input on making 3-parent embryos Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:27 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Britain is inviting the public to weigh in on draft rules allowing scientists to create embryos using DNA from three people — a man and two women — to prevent mothers from passing on potentially fatal genetic diseases.

Spain starts privatisation of nationalised Bankia Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:27 PM PST Spain's government is to begin the privatisation of nationalised lender Bankia by selling off 7.5 percent through its banking assistance fund FROB, according to a filing with the stock market regulator CNMV on Thursday. Bankia is Spain's fourth-largest bank. Bankia became the symbol of Spain's financial crisis when it lost 19.2 billion euros ($26 billion) in 2012 but made a profit of 608 million euros last year. Under the terms of the European Union's 2012 bailout, the Spanish government has until 2017 to sell its 68 percent stake in Bankia.

Sen. Cruz won't endorse Cornyn in Texas GOP race Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:24 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The sniping between establishment Republicans and tea partyers resumed Thursday as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz refused to endorse his state's senior senator in next week's Republican primary.

Married man to become Maronite priest in US Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:24 PM PST ST. LOUIS (AP) — When Deacon Wissam Akiki is ordained as a Maronite Catholic priest Thursday night in St. Louis, he's expected to have hundreds of supporters there for him, including his wife and daughter.

Syrian group demands investigation into killings Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:22 PM PST BEIRUT (AP) — The main Western-backed Syrian opposition group demanded an investigation Thursday into an ambush by government forces that state media said killed 175 rebels near Damascus a day earlier.

Shale brings high hopes in Mississippi, Louisiana Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:21 PM PST GILLSBURG, Miss. (AP) — Residents living above an oil-rich shale formation that stretches across southwest Mississippi and Louisiana have been waiting on a boom for years. A steady trickle of drilling is already boosting the rural region's economy, and spending by two oil companies could make 2014 the year that many other locals finally cash in on the oil far beneath their feet.

Another slow start for Tiger at Honda Classic Posted: 27 Feb 2014 12:16 PM PST PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Zach Johnson made a quadruple-bogey 8 on his second hole and still managed a 67 in the Honda Classic on Thursday.

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