Victim's family: 'satisfied' with Knox conviction
PERUGIA, Italy (AP) — The family of a slain British woman said Saturday they were pleased with the murder conviction of American student Amanda Knox but said there was no sense of celebration. Meredith Kercher's relatives made their first comments since a jury in Perugia, Italy, announced early Saturday that they had convicted Knox and sentenced her to 26 years in prison for the 2007 murder.
Aide: Baucus nominated girlfriend for US attorney
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus was romantically involved with a former staffer when he recommended her earlier this year to become the next U.S. attorney for Montana, a spokesman said. The Montana Democrat and his former state office director Melodee Hanes began their relationship in the summer of 2008 after Baucus separated from his wife, Ty Matsdorf told The Associated Press late Friday.
Deathtoll in Russian nightclub fire reaches 109
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia's top investigative body says the number of people who died in a nightclub fire in the Urals city of Perm has risen to 109. The Investigative Committee says 98 died on the spot and 11 others later died in hospitals.
Obama: Efforts aimed at economy's long-term health
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Saturday sought to reassure Americans frustrated by high unemployment that he's concentrating on jobs, while defending his administration's efforts to strengthen the economy on several fronts. "In the coming days, I'll be unveiling additional ideas aimed at accelerating job growth and hiring as we emerge from this economic storm," Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address. "And so that we don't face another crisis like this again, I'm determined to meet our responsibility to do what we know will strengthen our economy in the long run."
Saudi oil minister: oil prices 'perfect'
CAIRO (AP) — Saudi Arabia's oil minister said current global oil prices are "perfect," as several key OPEC members indicated the group was unlikely to change output levels when it meets later this month. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which supplies roughly 35 percent of the world's crude, has held its quotas unchanged since last year's record 4.2 million barrels per day in cuts.
Little resistance in new US-Afghan offensive
KABUL (AP) — U.S. Marines and Afghan troops, conducting the first offensive since the new American war plan was announced, met little resistance from insurgents Saturday as they worked to disrupt Taliban supply and communications lines in a key valley in southern Afghanistan. About 1,000 Marines and 150 Afghan troops are taking part in "Operation Cobra's Anger" in the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, the scene of heavy fighting last summer.
Senate takes aim at insurance executive pay
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic senators are taking aim at insurance industry executive pay as they jockey for advantage in a rare weekend session to debate President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Republicans are showcasing the bill's cuts to Medicare, seeking to undermine support for the legislation among seniors and others as partisan debate rages over the sweeping remake of one-sixth of the nation's economy.
Va. Tech report: Staff warned their families first
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — The prelude to the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history began with the shootings of two students in a dorm room at Virginia Tech. New details revealed Friday about the university's response — from the time the victims were found to when they alerted the campus of a gunman on the loose — brought angry reactions and questions from some victims' families about leadership during the massacre that ended with 33 people dead.
George Washington, Poe auction records set in NYC
NEW YORK (AP) — A letter by George Washington has sold for $3,218,500 at auction in New York City, setting a world record for a letter by America's first president, according to Christie's. Washington's 1787 letter to nephew Bushrod Washington argues for the ratification of the newly drafted Constitution.
Nets get 1st win, end 18-game skid to open season
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The team that fought so long to end a streak is now talking about starting one. The New Jersey Nets finally have that winning feeling again, and they want to keep it. The Nets won for the first time this season Friday night, ending the worst start in NBA history at 18 losses by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 97-91.
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