Free Republic

President Obama's diversity czar at the Federal Communications Commission has spoken publicly of getting white media executives to "step down" in favor of minorities, prescribed policies to make liberal talk radio more successful, and described Hugo Chavez's rise to power in Venezuela "an incredible revolution." Mark Lloyd's provocative comments - most made during a tenure at the liberal Center for American Progress think tank - are giving fodder to critics who say Mr. Obama has appointed too many "czars" to government positions that don't require congressional approval. They are also worrying to some conservatives who fear the FCC might use...

MONTPELIER, Vt. - The nuclear energy watchdog group New England Coalition has been waiting a long time, a very long time, for the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to pay attention to its concerns. The agency has just replied to a petition concerning safety and radiation exposure that the coalition filed in 1975. "No petition before its time," said NRC spokesman Eliot Brenner. As if being ignored for three decades weren't enough, the NRC denied the group's petition. The coalition had been urging federal regulators to consider, as part of their environmental review of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, the...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2007 – Iraq is at a pivotal crossroad, the new commander of Multinational Force Iraq said in a letter to the command’s troops today. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus took command of all U.S. forces in Iraq today during a ceremony at Camp Victory, in Baghdad. “The stakes could not be higher,” he wrote in a letter addressed to Multinational Force Iraq troops and civilians. “Our task is crucial.” Security is the essential component needed for Iraqis to build a better future, and U.S. troops will help them achieve that goal, Petraeus wrote. “Shoulder-to-shoulder with our...

BANGKOK, Thailand - The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday night, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of TV stations and declaring a provisional authority pledging loyalty to the king. The army commander took over the government and declared martial law. An announcement on Thai television declared that a "Council of Administrative Reform" with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without any resistance. "The armed forces commander and the national police commander have successfully taken over Bangkok and the surrounding area in order to...

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, greets the Iraqi Army division commanders for the first time as he takes charge of Multi-National Division - North at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD. TIKRIT --Following a year marked by noteworthy successes in growing the size and capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, rebuilding Iraq and providing security for a vast region of the country, the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division on Wednesday transferred control of Multi-National Division North to the Army’s 25th Infantry Division. “Our mission here is...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2006 – As the Iraqi army gains in numbers and capability, so too does the country’s air force, which aims to grow to 2,500 airmen by the year’s end, the commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team said. Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Hoog cited impressive improvement over the past six months, noting that the Iraqi air force continues to grow and improve its ability support the counterinsurgency mission. The Iraqi air force’s counterinsurgency mission consists primarily of aerial observation and surveillance and air transportation. Officials believe it is critical for Iraq’s long-term ability to...

BAGHDAD, Sep. 3, 2006 – Soldiers from 1st Iraqi Army Division assumed control of the Abu Ghraib prison here from U.S. Army Task Force 134 in a ceremony here Sept. 1. Iraqi soldiers will provide security for the facility – now vacant -- until the Ministry of Justice dispatches its own security detail. “Returning the empty prison to the control of the Ministry of Justice clearly says that enforcement of the rule of law is a cornerstone of the constitutional government of Iraq,” said Col. Monam Hashim Fahed, the Iraqi battalion commander. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2006 – U.S. European Command will assume command of U.S. military forces operating off the coast of Lebanon and in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the organization’s commander said here today. Marine Gen. James L. Jones, speaking at a Pentagon news conference, said European Command elements will assume command of the operations in that area from U.S. Central Command Aug. 23. European Command has supported U.S. Central Command in the effort. Central Command originally received the mission because Lebanon is in that organization’s assigned area of operations. But Central Command also is responsible for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan...

KABUL, Afghanistan — Army Col. William E. Bulen assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Afghanistan Engineer District from outgoing Commander Army Col. Christopher J. Toomey on Aug 2 during a change of command ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, presided over the transfer of leadership while Master Sgt. Eric O. Johnson, AED’s Command Sergeant Major, oversaw the exchange of colors. Lt. Gen. Eikenberry used the occasion to reflect on America’s continued commitment to Afghanistan illustrated in the District’s work. “As we look to improve Afghanistan’s infrastructure, AED is helping to lead...

British general takes command and promises ruthless strikes on Taliban · 18,000-strong force ready for first land operations · Nato troops take charge of most of Afghanistan Richard Norton-Taylor Tuesday August 1, 2006 The Guardian (UK) A British general yesterday took command of an expanded Nato force in Afghanistan, vowing to "strike ruthlessly" against the Taliban as the west's military alliance prepared to conduct land combat operations for the first time in its 57-year history. Lieutenant General David Richards, commander of Nato's international security assistance force, Isaf, based in Kabul, took over a multinational force in southern Afghanistan where British,...

British general takes command of US troops By Ahmed Rashid in Lahore (Filed: 31/07/2006) A British general will command American troops for the first time since the Second World War when Nato takes charge of the mission to pacify southern Afghanistan today. Lt Gen David Richards Lt Gen David Richards, Britain's most experienced officer in developing world arenas, assumes control of a merged Nato and US force that will grow from 9,000 to 18,000. It is one of the largest and toughest missions the alliance has faced, covering six southern provinces and extending its authority to almost all of the...

Nurture Takes the SpotlightDecoding the environment's role in development and disease Christen Brownlee Identical twin sisters Elizabeth and Eleanor (not their real names) say that when they entered the world on November 19, 1939—Elizabeth first, then Eleanor 8 minutes later—their mother was rather shocked. She'd been expecting just one baby, not two. But that day, she made a vow: The girls would always be treated the same, so that there would be no competition between them. POSTER CHILDREN. Illustrating how epigenetics can control physical traits, the slimmer and browner of these mice, carrying a gene called agouti, were born to...

'Darwin's tortoise' takes her secrets to the grave at the age of 176 By Mark Chipperfield in Sydney (Filed: 24/06/2006) Harriet, a 23st Galapagos tortoise, has died in a Queensland wildlife park at the age of 176, carrying to her grave the mystery of her origins. John Hangar, a senior veterinarian at the Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, said the reptile suffered a heart attack on Thursday. "Harriet sadly died last night after, thankfully, a very short illness," he said. "She had a heart attack and passed away quietly overnight." Harriet made it into the Guinness Book of World...

University of California officials have formed search committees for three new administrative posts to help improve fiscal oversight and management following a compensation controversy. The new positions are a chief operating officer and a chief financial officer who will oversee non-academic functions within the UC Office of the President and a compliance officer who will ensure that university practices and policies are followed. A number of reviews into UC pay practices found that administrators routinely circumvented or ignored policies in order to secure better salary deals for top executives. Salary ranges for the jobs are still being finalized, a university...

LAS VEGAS (Army News Service, June 12, 2006) – Members of Las Vegas's 6th Recruiting Brigade celebrated the Army’s 231st birthday a few days early at the Arena Football League’s Arena Bowl June 10. In pre-game festivities, 48 newly enlisted Soldiers were sworn into the Army by U.S. Army Accessions Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp. “Our mission is recruiting, and today we’re here to help educate and create awareness about the opportunities the Army offers,” said Col. Stephen Wilkins, commander of the 6th Recruiting Brigade. “It’s a good reminder to the public of the freedoms and democracy that we...

U.S. Army   Sgt. 1st Class Javier Molina Artillery Sergeant Takes Aim at Education By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lutton 345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan, June 12, 2006 — On a day full of wind and dust here, education might be the furthest thing from most soldiers’ minds. However, for Sgt. 1st Class Javier A. Molina, a Salerno Education Center teacher, it is at the forefront of most of his work today. “The soldiers are very excited about classes being held on the gun-line, “ said Molina, gunnery sergeant for 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery...

CAMP HABBINYAH, Iraq, June 7, 2006 — The 1st Iraqi Army Division officially assumed control of territory in the vicinity of Habbaniyah, June 2. In a ceremony with the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, the 1st Iraqi Army has taken the lead and will operate in the area. The Iraqi unit is now responsible for planning and executing their own operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq, located between the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. "Working side by side with the Iraqi Army was a great experience for my soldiers. This transfer is another step to a free Iraq." U.S. Army...

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2006 – A group of wounded and active-duty servicemembers, retirees and family members launched the second leg of their cross-country bike trek from the Pentagon parking lot today. Steve Nardizzi, executive director of Soldier Ride, explains the brakes on the handcycle to Elmer Dinglasan, a Navy corpsman participating in the second leg of Soldier Ride 2006, from Washington, D.C., to Camp Lejeune N.C. This leg of the ride took off from the Pentagon parking lot May 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The group is part of Soldier Ride...

Albania takes Guantanamo Uighurs The Uighurs have been at Guantanamo for years Five Chinese Muslim men have been released from the US detention centre in Guantanamo Bay and flown to Albania for resettlement, the US says. US officials had concluded the ethnic Uighers represented no danger but did not want to return them to China for fear they would face persecution. Uighurs are seeking a homeland in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang. The US State Department called Albania's offer to resettle the men, "an important humanitarian gesture". The five men were among around 20 Chinese Uighurs held at Guantanamo...

4/28/2006 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Fighters are in the air 24 hours a day, providing constant support to ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Without midair refueling, that coverage would be lost. The 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron provides fuel to those thirsty fighters as they keep troops on the ground safe, said Lt. Col. Brou Gautier, 340th EARS commander. “Our mission is simply to refuel the various aircraft supporting coalition ground forces,” Colonel Gautier said. “The fuel we provide to the close-air-support team increases loiter times, which in turn, allows a smaller force to be more effective over...

MINA SALMAN, Bahrain, April 24, 2006 – Pakistan today became the first regional country to command a combined task force in the Middle East in the war on terror. Pakistani Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal received command from Dutch Commodore Hank Ort during a ceremony aboard the HNLMS De Zeven Provicien in the harbor here. Iqbal will command the force for the next six months. American, French, German, British, Dutch, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, Spanish, Italian, Turkish and Portuguese ships have participated in the force. Japan has provided logistical support to the effort. "I, my team, and the Pakistan navy, feel...

Col. Michael Dixon holds the flag of the Provisional Unmanned Aerial Systems Training Battalion, as Lt. Col. Ronald Myers, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Raleigh Matthews unfurl the banner at Wednesday's activation ceremony on Fort Huachuca's Rugge-Hamilton Airfield. In the background, one of the company commanders and a first sergeant of the new battalion unfurl their units guidon. (By Bill Hess-Herald/Review) Herald/Review FORT HUACHUCA — As of Wednesday, the Army’s intelligence-gathering unmanned aerial systems are now part of the Aviation Warfighting Center at Fort Rucker, Ala. But the initial operation and maintenance of the pilotless planes will not be...

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeremy Holmes 1st Lt. Jordan Holmes  B-52 Pilot Takes on Fuel from Little Sister’s Plane over Afghanistan By Master Sgt. Scott King 40th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, April 12, 2006 — Over the skies of Afghanistan, during a combat mission, one B-52 pilot got a surprise of a lifetime – “hooking� up with family. “I was surprised to hear her voice,� said Capt. Jeremy Holmes, 40th Air Expeditionary Group B-52 aircraft commander. “To make absolutely sure it was her, without throwing out any names over the radio, I asked if there...

ANTIOCH, Calif. - A man who was evicted from the house he rented for years allegedly took revenge on his landlords by dumping the home's hoarded contents _ five-gallon buckets of cookies, canned food, old batteries and puzzle pieces _ on the front lawn and in the backyard. The homeowner, Ann Stevenson, said she rented the house to Lloyd Annesley and his partner, Margaret McCoy, with a subsidized rent as a favor to the longtime family friends. After McCoy died, Annesley learned he would have to move and his relatives helped him dump the debris before they abandoned the property...

NORWALK, Ohio - The woman accused of locking some of her 11 adopted, special-needs children in cages cried on the witness stand Wednesday as she denied that she and her husband were cruel to his biological children or that he touched a daughter inappropriately. Sharen and Michael Gravelle have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including child endangerment, in a separate criminal case. Prosecutors accuse the couple of locking the adopted children in cages to discipline them, and they want Huron County to take permanent custody of the youngsters, who have been in foster care since the enclosed beds were...

Schools close as week-long Arctic storm takes hold By Auslan Cramb Scottish Correspondent (Filed: 01/03/2006) More than 150 schools were closed yesterday and dozens of roads were blocked by snow as Arctic weather hit parts of Britain. Walkers brave the elements at Scarborough, North Yorks, where a severe weather warning had been issued While many central areas enjoyed uninterrupted winter sunshine, the north of Scotland and the East Coast experienced some of the heaviest snowfall of the winter. The northerly air stream, which is expected to last for most of the week, hit Orkney and Shetland, where all schools were...

US foreign policy takes 'neo-realist' approach By Alec Russell in Washington (Filed: 09/02/2006) A shift in the Bush administration's approach to the world from "with us or against us" to diplomacy has led to the coinage of a new phrase - "neo-realism" - to describe the philosophy of the key figures behind the president's foreign policy. Neo-realism is intended as a play on neo-conservatism, the belief in a muscular foreign policy that dominated the administration's thinking after the September 11 attacks. Dick Cheney: 'We are obviously pursuing a diplomatic road' The neo-realists are seen as pragmatists who seek aggressively to...

FORT GILLEM, Ga. (Army News Service, Jan. 18, 2006) - First U.S. Army’s training mission expanded Jan. 16 to include training, readiness oversight and mobilization for U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard units throughout the continental United States and two U.S. territories. The transition of the expanded geographic mission began in mid-December with the transfer of authority between First Army and Fifth Army for the Western United States occurring Monday. Part of Army Transformation The Army’s transformation necessitated restructuring the roles and missions of First Army and Fifth Army, officials said, to support reserve-component modularity and the Army Force Generation...

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (Army News Service, Jan. 18, 2006) – Service members gathered on Camp Victory Jan. 17 to witness the Transfer of Authority between the 18th Airborne Corps Artillery and the 5th Corps Artillery. The 18th Airborne Corps Artillery arrived in Iraq in January 2005 and served on Camp Victory as the Effects Coordination Cell and Force Field Artillery Headquarters for Multi National Corps – Iraq and has now transferred these responsibilities to the service members of the V Corps Artillery. During the TOA, MNC-I Commander Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, thanked the outgoing Soldiers and the Coalition Forces...

TUZ, Iraq (Army News Service, Jan. 10, 2006) – The Iraqi Army assumed responsibility of Forward Operating Base Bernstein in the northern Sallah-Dihn Province Jan. 5, as part of the transfer of security in Iraq from coalition forces to the Iraqi Army. The “Cobra” 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division took control of the base and responsibility for the security of the surrounding region from the “Balls of the Eagle” 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during a transfer of authority ceremony. 600 joint missions paved way The transfer took place after many months of...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 – The staff of the 8th Iraqi Army Division was certified today in counterterrorism operations and tactics, which means the Iraqis can plan and conduct operations against enemy forces with limited support of coalition forces, military officials reported today. Division units now are striving to achieve full combat readiness, officials said, adding that final coordination with local and central administration will be completed soon to finalize the process of battlespace transfer. Long-term training, including exercises and combat operations, officials noted, preceded the certification process. Before the division staff was certified, six battalions and two brigades of...

TIKRIT, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 23, 2005) -- The Iraqi government took control of Saddam Hussein’s palace complex in Tikrit from U.S. coalition forces during a ceremony Nov. 22 which continued despite a dud round fired by terrorists. Terrorists fired what officials called "unidentified explosive ordnance" that impacted about 300 yards from the ceremony. The projectile failed to explode, and no one was injured in the incident, officials said. The ceremony halted only briefly, they said, and was completed without further disruption. This was the 25th coalition operating base turned over to the people of Iraq so far, officials...

Iraqi Gen. Bashar, commander of the 9th Mechanized Division, drives the first tank off-loaded on the second day of deliveries. Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell Iraqi Army Takes Delivery of Tanks, Vehicles The vehicles will equip two tank battalions and one mechanized battalion of the 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) 2nd Brigade. By U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie JewellMultinational Security Transition Command-Iraq TAJI, Iraq, Nov. 14, 2005 — The largest equipment donation to the Iraqi Army to date - dozens of T-72 tanks and armored personnel carriers - arrived at Taji Military Base over...

House takes up leak reviewThursday, November 10, 2005 8:01 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) - The House Intelligence Committee will look into a possible leak of classified information about secret CIA prisons but will not reopen its 2003 inquiry into prewar intelligence on Iraq. As calls for intelligence-related reviews grow on Capitol Hill, Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., said Thursday his committee will study several specific leaks of classified information, including a Nov. 2 Washington Post story that discussed the existence of secret CIA prisons overseas. The story said the ‘‘black sites'' were in eight countries, including democracies in Eastern Europe. Hoekstra...

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 10, 2005) -- While sitting down for lunch in the chow hall here Nov. 3, corpsmen assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 8 Base Aid Station recognized Marines they treated in past combat situations. One corpsman pointed out an everyday Marine in line for chow who he had treated. “I’ve already taken care of three guys on three different convoys where an improvised explosive device exploded,” said Seaman Apprentice Versean Taylor, a corpsman assigned to CLB-8 BAS, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD). “I love taking care of my Marines; they take care of me and I take...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2005 – After receiving the 1.4 millionth thank-you letter for servicemembers and veterans in her "A Million Thanks" campaign, a California teenager realized there was something special about that number. Since 1.4 million people serve on active duty in the armed forces, Shauna Fleming, 16, decided that the letter symbolizes every active duty servicemember receiving a thank-you letter from a grateful American. A 10-year-old student in Dallas wrote the 1.4 millionth letter. Now Fleming has accepted a challenge from recently retired Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers to collect a total of 2.6 million...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2005 – The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division formally took control of the southwestern Baghdad area of operations from the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team on Oct. 31. Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, 48th BCT commander, and brigade Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson cased the unit's colors, representing the end of their mission and responsibility for this area. Shortly after the 48th's guidon was cased, Army Col. Todd Ebel, commander of 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Division, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, the brigade's senior enlisted soldier, uncased the colors...

Military Working Dog Takes Away Bomb's Bang. By Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke Marine Corps Air Station Miramar MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., Oct. 26, 2005 -- From the deserts of Iraq to the grassy slopes of Afghanistan, there has always been an impending threat of disaster. However, with the help of one of man’s best friends, Kwinto, this threat has been slightly reduced. Kwinto, a military working dog on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, is an 8-year-old Belgium Malinois whose area of expertise is patrolling for and detecting explosives.“Kwinto was accepted for training in September of 1999,�...

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Oct. 25, 2005) -- The Marines of Iraqi Army Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, clashed with insurgents in the month leading up to the unit’s relief in place. Nearing the end of their seven-month deployment and after spending more than a month in Ferris Town and Al Amariyah in support of Operation Southern Fire, Sgt. Joe Gonsalez, platoon sergeant, IA Platoon, was conducting a familiarization foot patrol in Al Amariyah with the incoming team from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. On Oct. 2, as the patrol came to a halt in front of Al Amariyah’s...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2005 – "Veterans make great employees" was the clear message from the Labor Department at a National Press Club event here Oct. 20. "Today, men and women in uniform ... work so hard on our behalf to protect our freedom (and) our liberty. As they give their best for us, we want to be there for them," Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said, keynote speaker for the occasion. "The good news for returning veterans is that the demand for skilled talent is very strong." Chao announced the Labor Department's kickoff plans to enhance protection of employment rights for...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Hubble Space Telescope has taken a rare look at the moon to gauge the amount of oxygen-bearing minerals in the lunar soil that could be mined by astronauts and used in a new moon mission. NASA said Wednesday that the telescope's ultraviolet observations of two Apollo landing sites and an unexplored but geologically intriguing area will help scientists pick the best spots for robot and human exploration. The space agency hopes to return astronauts to the moon by 2018 using Apollo-like capsules and rockets made of shuttle parts. The data also will benefit a lunar...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2005 – Years from now, the Iraqi people may look on Oct. 15, 2005, as the beginning of their new lives under freedom. Iraqi voters go to the polls to decide on their new constitution - the first constitution in the country's history that is the product of a freely elected assembly. The referendum continues the process of establishing a democratic government in Iraq. U.S. officials say that a democracy in the heart of the Middle East will be an example to the rest of the region. Coalition officials want an Iraq that respects the rights of...

AL ANBAR, Iraq (Oct. 5, 2005) -- The 6th Civil Affairs Group has taken over operations from 5th CAG and has constructed additional plans for the future of Iraq's economic development. Health care, education, electricity and water works, and many other facets essential to the infrastructure of the country are already under way. "The work done by 5th CAG was a great stepping stone to further governance in Al Anbar," said Col. Miles Burdine, government suport team commanding officer. "We are taking some of their initiatives and adding our own to help rebuild the government and encourage Iraqi leadership to...

SAN ANTONIO -- Hurricane Katrina smashed “a good 95 percent” of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., turning it into a pile of debris and mud, said a base spokesperson. Lt. Col. Claudia Foss, 81st Training Wing public affairs officer, said water surges from the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Biloxi reached depths of five to six feet at times. “Whether it was five feet, one foot or a few inches, at one point everything was covered with bay or Gulf water,” she said. Fortunately, there have been no reports of people killed or injured at Keesler, she said....

Unable to sell bonds to finance California's $3 billion stem cell initiative, the state treasurer's office is trying an unprecedented new approach. With any bond sale delayed by lawsuits over the initiative, the new plan is to issue "bond anticipation notes" that the state would repay if it wins the legal challenges and is able to issue actual bonds. Treasurer Phil Angelides and the committee overseeing the state's stem cell program see the notes as a unique and legally sound way to generate the money to start awarding stem cell research grants this year. But the plan leaves some consumer...

SAN FRANCISCO - A state grand jury is investigating the activities of a fundraiser for former Secretary of State Kevin Shelley and is expected to hand down an indictment within a week, it was disclosed in court Thursday. During a procedural hearing on a criminal complaint filed in April against Julie Lee by the San Francisco District Attorney's and the state attorney general's offices, Steven Gruel, Lee's defense lawyer, said a grand jury had been convened. Assistant District Attorney Davina Pujari indirectly confirmed that, telling Superior Court Judge Perker Meeks Jr. that whatever action the grand jury takes could be...

WASHINGTON - Forty-four members of Congress flew to Cape Canaveral for the scrubbed launch of space shuttle Discovery at a cost of more than $73,000, according to figures provided to The Associated Press on Thursday. Some lawmakers would be willing to try again once NASA sets a new launch date, but it depends on the congressional schedule. The Air Force flew 35 lawmakers to Florida on Wednesday in two C40B aircraft, the equivalent of a 737-700 business jet. The cost, based on an hourly rate of $7,960, totaled $63,680, the service said. The round trip is about four hours. NASA...

They might have been congratulated for their "green" efforts in an area of heavy air pollution. Instead a group of French cleaning ladies who organised a car-sharing scheme to get to work are being taken to court by a coach company which accuses them of "an act of unfair and parasitical competition". The women, who live in Moselle and work five days a week at EU offices in Luxembourg, are being taken to court by Transports Schiocchet Excursions, which runs a service along the route. It wants the women to be fined and their cars confiscated. Two years ago a...

Euan Blair takes intern role with US Republicans By Andrew Murray-Watson and Philip Sherwell in Washington (Filed: 26/06/2005) Euan Blair, the Prime Minister's eldest son, has landed a post working on Capitol Hill for a leading conservative Republican in the House of Representatives, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt. Euan, 21, who is about to graduate from Bristol University with a degree in ancient history, will spend three months as an unpaid intern with the Republican majority staff on the powerful Rules Committee. The decision to offer the sought-after position to the Prime Minister's son was taken at a senior level...

WASHINGTON - A major free trade agreement with Central American nations moved forward in the Senate Tuesday, although senators put off for another day how to deal with the sugar industry opposition that is the biggest obstacle to passage. The Senate Finance Committee accepted one change in conjunction with the Central American Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA, extending to service workers a federal program to assist workers displaced by trade competition. The panel also rejected, on a 10-10 vote, a proposal by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to ensure that labor laws are enforced, and it did not take up...