In Tuesday speech, Obama to promote new job ideas
WASHINGTON (AP) — In his latest job creation effort, President Barack Obama is trying to find practical and politically feasible ways of spurring hiring among skittish employers. Among the ideas expected in his economic speech Tuesday is an expanded program that gives people cash incentives to fix up their homes with energy-saving materials, senior administration officials have told The Associated Press. Obama is leaning toward new incentives for small businesses that hire new workers and new spending on roads, bridges and other public works, the officials said.
Medicare cuts focus of Senate health care debate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans forced Democrats to vote in favor of cutting billions from providers of home care for older people as partisan debate flared Saturday during a rare weekend session on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Obama planned to travel to Capitol Hill on Sunday to help Democrats resolve internal disputes that stand in the way of Majority Leader Harry Reid bringing the 10-year, nearly $1 trillion legislation to a vote.
Gates: Afghan relationship will begin to change
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the United States' relationship with Afghanistan is going to begin changing in July 2011. Gates made the comments in an interview to be aired Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation.
Baucus: Girlfriend merited US attorney nomination
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus defended recommending his girlfriend for appointment as Montana's U.S. attorney, saying Saturday his one-time staff member and the former state prosecutor is "highly qualified" but eventually withdrew her nomination. Baucus said that he began dating former state office director Melodee Hanes after they were both separated from their spouses. The Montana Democrat said they did not have an affair, but began dating while she worked for him.
Lax codes cited in Russia blaze that killed 107
PERM, Russia (AP) — President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday demanded that Russia tighten its notoriously lax fire codes after the deadliest blaze since the Soviet era killed at least 107 people celebrating in a nightclub with a decorative twig ceiling and single exit. About 130 people were injured, dozens critically, when onstage fireworks set the ceiling of the Lame Horse nightclub ablaze soon after midnight, witnesses and officials said. Many victims were trapped in a panicked crush for the exit as they attempted to escape the flames and thick black smoke.
Knox upset, tired; gets family visit in prison
PERUGIA, Italy (AP) — Amanda Knox sought comfort from visiting family members Saturday on her first day in prison since being convicted of murdering her British roommate. The family of victim Meredith Kercher said the verdict brought a measure of justice. However, they said, it was not a time to celebrate.
Climate drama climax looks elusive in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — For 20 years, as this crowded planet grew warmer, nations have gathered annually to try to do something about it. History now brings them to this chilly northern capital, and to a crossroads. The world looks to Copenhagen "to witness what I believe will be an historic turning point in the fight against climate change," says Yvo de Boer, United Nations organizer of the two weeks of talks opening Monday.
AP: Manufacturing areas lead surprise job comeback
CONOVER, N.C. (AP) — As record numbers of orders flow through Legacy Furniture Group's manufacturing plant, workers toil between towers of piled foam and incomplete end tables precariously stacked five pieces high. With a 10 percent sales growth this year, Legacy has quickly forgotten the recession's low point in March, when weak order volumes forced the company to implement four-day work weeks.
2nd gay bishop for Episcopal Church, Anglicans
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles elected a lesbian as assistant bishop Saturday, the second openly gay bishop in the global Anglican fellowship, which is already deeply fractured over the first. The Rev. Mary Glasspool of Baltimore needs approval from a majority of dioceses across the church before she can be consecrated as assistant bishop in the Los Angeles diocese.
Tide rolls on with 32-13 win over Tebow's Gators
ATLANTA (AP) — The move was so unlike Nick Saban. The Alabama coach put away all that boardroom talk for a leaping shoulder bump with star running back Mark Ingram. The Crimson Tide was back on top.
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