Dueling marches pit Iran hardliners vs. reformers

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Tens of thousands of protesters - many decked out in the green colors of the reform movement and chanting "Death to the dictator!" - rallied Friday in defiance of Iran's Islamic leadership, clashing with police and confronting state-run anti-Israel rallies. In the first major opposition protests in two months, demonstrators marching shoulder-to-shoulder raised their hands in V-for-victory signs on main boulevards and squares throughout the capital.

42 states lose jobs in August, up from 29 in July

WASHINGTON (AP) - Forty-two states lost jobs last month, up from 29 in July, with the biggest net payroll cuts coming in Texas, Michigan, Georgia and Ohio. The Labor Department also reported Friday that 27 states saw their unemployment rates increase in August, and 14 states and Washington D.C., reported unemployment rates of 10 percent or above.

Obama plan aims to squeeze Iran, reassure Israel

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration's revamped plan for a European missile shield is part of a broad new strategy for squeezing Iran. The plan has upset some loyal allies with its appeal to Russia. Yet if the new approach pans out, using more diverse defenses and greater diplomatic leverage, it could provide protection from Iran not only for Europe but also Israel and Arab states in the Persian Gulf who fear the Iranians' pursuit of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

Chief: Police may never know Yale killing motive

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Police may never know the motive for the killing of a Yale University graduate student whose body was found hidden behind a wall on what should have been her wedding day, the police chief said Friday. "The only person who knows the motive is the suspect," Chief James Lewis told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "It's true in many cases. You never know absolutely unless the person confesses, and in this case it's too early to tell."

Ex-CIA chiefs seek halt to interrogations probe

WASHINGTON (AP) - Seven former CIA directors asked President Barack Obama on Friday to quash a criminal probe of harsh interrogations of terror suspects during the Bush administration. The CIA directors, who served both Democratic and Republican presidents and include three who worked under President George W. Bush, made their request in a letter Friday to the White House.

States send mixed message on texting and driving

Fiddling with your iPhone behind the wheel can get you fined across much of the nation. But many states are more than happy to tweet you with up-to-the-minute directions on how to steer clear of a traffic jam. It is a mixed signal that some safety experts and politicians say could be dangerous.

Political writer Irving Kristol dead at 89

WASHINGTON (AP) - Irving Kristol, the writer, editor and publisher known as the godfather of neoconservatism whose youthful radicalism evolved into a historic rejection of communism, liberalism and the counterculture, died Friday. He was 89. "His wisdom, wit, good humor and generosity of spirit made him a friend and mentor to several generations of thinkers and public servants," said the editors of The Weekly Standard in announcing Kristol's death on its Web site. He died of complications from lung cancer.

In hundreds of cities, parking spaces become parks

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Activists across the nation parked themselves curbside Friday, takingup spaces reserved for cars and transforming them into mini parks with sod, potted plants, lawn chairs and even barbecues to raise awareness about how the auto has won the battle over public space in big cities. On a busy street in Los Angeles, a neighborhood association took up seven parking spots and set up a hangout with a grill, a kiddie pool and a gardening workshop to teach people how to grow drought-tolerant plants. In Chicago, an architecture firm turned two parking spaces into a pit stop where bicyclists can chill out on a grassy knoll and refuel on drinks and snacks. In New York City, theater students from Fordham University staged a "Shakespeare in the Parking Spot" festival.

Disney studio chief Dick Cook to step down

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) - Walt Disney Co. studio chief Dick Cook is stepping down. Cook held a staff meeting Friday to announce his decision, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Shin takes 1-shot lead at Samsung at Torrey Pines

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jiyai Shin has her Saturday in San Diego all planned out. She'll try to protect her lead in the Samsung World Championship at Torrey Pines, then go hang gliding over the nearby shores of the Pacific Ocean. Shin, of South Korea shot a 3-under 69 to take a one-shot lead over No. 1-ranked Lorena Ochoa and Ai Miyazato in the second round on Friday on the South Course.

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