Fort Hood, community mourn shooting victims
FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) - A chaplain exhorted hundreds of mourners gathered at a candlelight vigil to not give up hope as Fort Hood and its surrounding community looked to each other for comfort after an Army psychiatrist allegedly went on a deadly shooting spree at the military base. A grief counseling center was set up Friday at the Killeen Community Center to help residents struggling to make sense of one of the worst mass shootings ever on a base in the United States. At least 13 people died and more than two dozen were wounded in the attacka day earlier.
Another attack leaves US Muslims fearing backlash
As word spread that a gunman had opened fire at Fort Hood leaving a trail of carnage, a chilling realization swept across the U.S. Muslim community: He has an Islamic name. From a professor who just testified in Congress, to a White House adviser appearing before a Jewish group and a former Marine driving home from work, Muslims across the country were shocked, angry and afraid that the attack would erode efforts to erase anti-Islamic stereotypes.
Decision day for health care in the House
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is traveling to Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to close the sale on his signature health care overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House certain to be seen as a test of his presidency. Obama scheduled a late-morning visit with House Democrats convening a rare Saturday session on legislation to remake the U.S. health care system, extending coverage to tens of millions now uninsured and banning insurance company practices such as denial of coverage based on pre-existing medical problems.
British treasury chief urges climate agreement
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) - British treasury chief Alistair Darling urged the world's top finance officials on Saturday to reach an agreement on bearing the cost of fighting climate change before a UN summit on global warming next month. Addressing finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 rich and developing nations at the start of roundtable talks in Scotland, Darling said officials need to agree on a finance package to help poorer nations develop green industries and adapt to climate change.
Police: Fla. shooting suspect was angry at company
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Employees at an engineering firm recognized their former co-worker when he drew a handgun from under his shirt, police said, and shot his first victim dead in the reception area. He then walked into the office and unloaded several more rounds, wounding five other employees at the company that fired him two years ago. Jason Rodriguez was taken into custody several hours after the shooting Friday at a downtown Orlando office tower, and police say he will be charged with first-degree murder and other crimes.
Afghan gov't says UN representative out of line
KABUL (AP) - Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry said Saturday that the top U.N. official in the country overstepped his authority by giving instructions on how to rid the government of corruption and warlords. Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide "delivered comments which exceeded international norms and his authority as a representative of an impartial organization," the ministry said in a statement.
Police: LA celebrity burglaries led by 19-year-old
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Investigators cracked a youthful burglary ring that preyed on Hollywood's rich and famous, often brazenly walking into their unlocked homes to make off with cash, jewels and family heirlooms, authorities said. A suspect turned informant told police that a 19-year-old woman was the "driving force" in the thefts, motivated by a desire own the designer clothes and jewelry of such celebrities as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.
Pakistan's fashionistas defy Taliban
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) - Some women strode the catwalk in vicious spiked bracelets and body armor. Others had their heads covered, burqa-style, but with her shoulders - and tattoos - exposed. Male models wore long, Islamic robes as well as shorts and sequined T-shirts. As surging militant violence grabs headlines around the world, Pakistan's top designers and models are taking part in the country's first-ever fashion week. While the mix of couture and high-street fashions would not have been out of place in Milan or New York, many designers reflected the turmoil, contradictions and tensions coursing through the society.
Seattle team wins $900,000 in Space Elevator Games
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Seattle teams has collected a $900,000 prize in a NASA-backed competition to develop the concept of an elevator to space - an idea spurred by science fiction novels. The team's robotic machine raced up more than 2,950 feet of cable dangling from a helicopter.
LeBron gets 33 in only MSG visit; Cavs beat Knicks
NEW YORK (AP) - LeBron James celebrated with the Yankees and toyed with the Knicks. No wonder he's bummed about the NBA schedule: only one Garden party this season.
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