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U.S. to start NATO talks on Afghan transition: Petraeus: Reuters - The United States will start preliminary talks with its allies in Afghanistan soon on next years planned transition, expected to include withdrawal of some U.S. forces, the top NATO commander in the country said on Thursday.

Study: 1 in 7 home kitchens would flunk inspection: AP - A new study suggests that at least one in seven home kitchens would flunk the kind of health inspection commonly administered to restaurants.

Hurricane Earl closes in on US East Coast: AFP - Hurricane Earl

Gunman shot as Discovery hostages planned escape

Mariner Energy facility on fire in Gulf: Reuters - An oil and gas facility owned by Mariner Energy Inc off the coast of Louisiana was on fire Thursday, and the U.S. Coast Guard said it was working to rescue 13 workers.

Gulf oil rig explodes off La. coast: AP - An offshore oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, west of the site of the April blast that caused the massive oil spill.

Feds sue Arizona Joe Arpaio sheriff in civil-rights probe

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BBC

RBS move to boost Scottish jobs: Royal Bank of Scotland says Scotland is likely to gain jobs as a result of major restructuring, despite news that 3,500 UK posts will be lost.

'Lights out' help migratory birds: A growing number of New York sky-scrapers switch off their lights at night to help reduce the number of migratory birds hitting the buildings.

The mint with a whole lot of food miles: A British discount store is buying in Polo mints from Indonesia even though the same mints are being manufactured just a mile up the road in York.

Man 'strangled wife and hid body': A cheating husband murdered his wife after she found out about his infidelity, a court heard.

Boy hit by boat dies in hospital: A six-year-old boy who was struck by a speedboat at Cranfield beach in County Down dies in hospital.

Hatton fighting career is 'done': Former light-welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton says he is unlikely to fight again.

Clue to egg flaws in older women: British scientists say they are closer to knowing why older women trying to fall pregnant are more likely to produce abnormal eggs.

Explosion on Gulf of Mexico rig: An explosion rips through an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, west of the site of the oil rig blast in April that caused a huge oil spill.

Surgery rules Onions out of Ashes: England and Durham pace bowler Graham Onions to miss the Ashes series against Australia this winter because of a back operation.

Curbishley linked with Villa job: Alan Curbishley is among those to be interviewed for the vacant managers post at Aston Villa, BBC Sport understands.

Error made in abuse brothers case: The return of two child-abusing brothers to a County Fermagh village was due to clerical error rather than a legal loophole, it emerges.

German banker 'should be fired': The German central bank calls on the countrys president to dismiss one of its board members over comments he made about immigration and Jews.

US accuses 11 of honey smuggling: US authorities indict 11 German and Chinese executives for conspiring to illegally import $40m worth of honey from China.

Dell pulls out of battle for 3Par: Dell withdraws its bid for 3Par after rival Hewlett-Packard raises its offer for the data storage company to $2.1bn.

Brown focus on schools and Africa: Gordon Brown is to devote time to unpaid education and internet projects, his spokesman says.

Memristor revolution backed by HP: A potentially revolutionary circuit component, once a laboratory curiosity, is to be mass-produced for the first time.

Ants protect trees from elephants: A species of acacia tree found in Eastern Africa seems to be protected from elephant damage - by the ants that live on it.

Bob Dylan art debuts in Denmark: Some of musician Bob Dylans artwork, never seen before by the public, is to be displayed at Denmarks National Gallery.

How does Samsung's Galaxy Tab compare?: Tablet computers to rival Apples iPad are creating a stir as one of Europes largest technology shows, the IFA, gets under way in Berlin.

'In the dark': The hidden world of special advisers

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CNN

Hawking: God didn't create universe: God did not create the universe, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a new book that aims to banish a divine creator from physics.

Natalie Portman gets Oscar buzz: Has Queen Amidala turned to the dark side?

Oil sheen spotted after platform fire: An oil and gas platform caught fire today off the Louisiana coast. All 13 workers are safe, but there are reports of a sheen in the water, Gov. Jindal said.

Crowded web TV field awaits Apple: With Wednesdays announcement that it will be revamping its web TV offerings, Apple has made its most serious push into an emerging, and increasingly crowded, field.

Sheriff Arpaio sued by Justice Dept.: Justice Department civil rights lawyers filed suit against Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona on Thursday after talks collapsed on a deal to provide federal investigators with requested documents.

Residents in Earl's path stock up: Chris Meek put his motorcycle in storage in Wilmington, North Carolina, to protect it from Hurricane Earl as the Category 4 hurricane headed toward the North Carolina coast.

Hamas pledges to keep fighting: Resistance operations will continue against Israelis despite the arrests of Hamas activists in the West Bank, a Hamas official said Thursday.

Death toll tops 30 in Lahore blasts: The death toll from a trio of suicide attacks during a Shiite processions in Lahore, Pakistan, grows to 31, authorities say.

She drops 100 pounds, gains new life: I come from a small-ish town in Oklahoma where weve never met a vegetable we couldnt fry and the only things more super-sized than our portions are the huge church complexes that alternate with fast-food restaurants along our roads.

Rapper T.I. and wife arrested in L.A.: Police arrested rapper T.I. and his wife in California after they were allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance.

Injury on the set of 'Transformers 3': An extra in Transformers 3 was seriously injured in Indiana on Wednesday evening during the filming of a scene for the upcoming movie, authorities said

Typhoon Kompasu hits South Korea: Three people died after Typhoon Kompasu hit central South Korea Thursday morning, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Greece bans smoking in public spaces: Greece has imposed a nationwide ban on smoking in enclosed public and private workplaces under a new slogan cut smoking, gain life.

3 babies found buried at Dutch home: Dutch investigators were trying to determine Thursday whether the bodies of three babies found at a home in the Netherlands belong to the woman who lived there.

Jurors seek time in sham marriage trial: Twelve jurors must decide whether the marriage of a Mexican soap opera actress to a California pizza delivery man was a fact built on love or fiction designed to fool immigration agents.

Obama 'cautiously hopeful' on Mideast: Direct peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians will start Thursday as President Barack Obama urged both sides to come up with a peaceful solution to the long running Mideast conflict.

Cap on ruptured oil well to be removed: Thad Allen, the governments point man on the oil disaster, said crews are expected to begin efforts Thursday to remove the blowout preventer on BPs ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico.

Police: Smugglers kidnap 16 migrants: At least 16 migrants, including a woman, were being held for ransom by human smugglers in Tijuana, Mexico, according to a migrant who was freed, authorities said late Wednesday.

Discovery Channel 'all clear' after sweep: Authorities gave an all clear early Thursday after sweeping the headquarters of the Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, Maryland, where police shot and killed a man who was holding three hostages.

Earl strengthens, heads toward East Coast: Hurricane Earl swept toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina early Thursday as hurricane warnings and watches stretched to Delaware and parts of Massachusetts.

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Digg

Cartoon: So Sue Me: If you own a big tech firm, you arent Microsoft, and you werent named in the patent lawsuit filed this week by Paul Allens Interval Licensing, well... youre probably looking deep into your soul today and asking where it all

U.S. Stocks Fall for Third Week, Longest Decline Since February: U.S. stocks fell for a third week, sending the Standard & Poors 500 Index to its longest losing streak since February, as a record plunge in home sales raised concern the economy may relapse into a recession.

Facebook Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Like Buttons: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Facebook in a Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that the company commercially misappropriated the names and likenesses of minors without parental consent. The plaintiffs are seeking financial restitution for revenues and

Facebook Now 'Worth $33 Billion: Facebook is now worth as much as $33.7 billion, after investors have paid up to $76 for a share in the company ahead of its much-hyped flotation on the stock market, according to a report.

Treating Customers as Online Equals Boosts Business: When customers see that a company is devoting resources, effort and attention to enhancing relationships, they are more likely to become advocates for that companys products or services, new business research finds.

Aisle by Aisle, an App That Pushes Bargains: It’s like the most persistent sales clerk you’ve ever encountered.

Chart of the Day: Housing Prices Since WWII: That chart in this post, constructed from Case-Shiller data, shows the reality: home prices have actually been pretty steady over time. In fact, if you look at a fifty-year period after World War II, home prices were absolutely steady.So heres

Low prices and rates can't slow fall in home sales: Home prices in many parts of the country scream bargain, and mortgage rates havent been this low for decades. So why are houses across the nation sitting on the market for so long?Sales of previously occupied homes in the United

Credit-Card Rates On The Rise? Not At These Banks: When President Obama signed the Credit CARD Act into law last May, industry analysts predicted that tighter, consumer-friendly regulations would force banks to hike credit-card interest rates for everybody.\r\n\r\nThey were, of course, right.

Fact: Fear is Hurting Our Future Economy: It may not be true that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, but it’s certainly true that lack of confidence is reining in an economy otherwise poised for gains.

Graduating From IOU: Student Loan Debt in America (Graphic): In this infographic, we take a look at student loan debt in America. Which states are most saddled with loans? Does it make a difference if you go to a four-year public versus a private non-profit or private for-profit university?

Home Sales Plunge 27 pct. To Lowest in 15 Years: Previously occupied home sales sink 27 pct. to lowest level since 1995 as economy weakens..............................

Where Ramadan Becomes a Season to Make Money: Like Christmas in the U.S., the austere Muslim holy month is becoming increasingly commercialized in places like Dubai and Egypt

Why Coffee Is Getting More Expensive: The price of coffee beans hit a 12-year high today. I thought there might be some kind of reclusive-hedge-fund-guy-corners-coffee-market story, like we saw with cocoa earlier this summer. But the main driver of coffee prices right now is more prosaic.

Majority of U.S. Workers Now Happy With Their Salary: More importantly, 31% of workers say they are completely satisfied with the amount of money they earn. That ties the highest level of satisfaction since Gallups study began in 1989.

American Apparel faces bankruptcy as store chain unravels -: He is the king of the hipsters; the eccentric fashion magnate behind a firm that turned skinny jeans and luminous Spandex into the uniform of the naughty noughties.

American Airlines Adds Ridiculous "Special Coach Seats" Fee: It used to be that the money you were charged for a seat in basic coach was called a fare. But in our age of nickle-and-dime airline fees, even the most trivial parts of the flight experience are up for

Can you make a living on virtual pay for real work?: About 100,000 people, or half the on-demand workforce at CrowdFlower, have taken pay in virtual rather than real dollars, says Chief Executive Officer Lukas Biewald, We have to stop differentiating between the virtual world and the real world. The virtual

How to Drop Your Cell Phone Contract and Avoid Hefty Fees: There are numerous reasons for wanting to drop your cell phone contract. Whatever the reason, the good news is that it is possible to drop a long-term cell phone contract without paying the $150 to $200 early termination fee most

A Low Score for Credit Bureaus: How many of us have fought with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to get errors removed from our credit reports? For five years running, my own report has included an account with American Express Ive never had, which, of course, I

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FOX

Candidate Indicted for 'Sex Conduct' With Minor: No description.

Treasury Urged to Reject Lawyer Tax Change: No description.

Democrats' Summertime Blues Increase: No description.

Are These in YOUR Water?: You swallow these invisible shrimp with every gulp of New York City tapwater -- yet thats nothing to worry about, say experts

Beliefs Pit Muslim GIAgainst Deployment: Pfc. Naser Abdo, a Muslim soldier from Texas, says he wants to leave the U.S. Army as a conscientious objector because his faith and the military simply dont mixGates: Troops in Afghanistan for Years to ComeTRANSCRIPT: Gates Sits Down With

Justice Dept. Sues Arizona Sheriff in Civil Rights Probe: The U.S. Justice Department sued Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Thursday, saying the Arizona lawman refused for more than a year to turn over records in an investigation into allegations his department discriminates against Hispanics.

Back to School Style: Do your kids have tastes that dont match your budget? Check out where to get fun new back-to-school fashion for pretty cheap

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The Washington Post

Hurricane Earl swirls toward N.C.: Treacherous winds, driving rain force thousands of vacationers to evacuate parts of Outer Banks. Outer Banks

Oil rig blast injures 1 in gulf: U.S. Coast Guard says an offshore oil rig exploded west of Deepwater Horizon blast. Deepwater Horizon

Discovery incident baffles author: Author of novel mentioned in James J. Lees list of demands says gunman warped his words.

Earl spinning 145-mph winds: Thousands evacuating parts of the Outer Banks as hurricane watches and warnings extend up the East Coast. » Associated Press |

Nats have a brawl in Florida: Nyjer Morgan charged a Marlins pitcher on the mound, an action that clear both benches and led to ejections.

Pa. capital nearing bankruptcy: In a highly unusual move, the city of Harrisburg says it will not make a $3.3 million payment.

Hostages safe after dramatic day at Discovery Channel building: James J. Lee was shot and killed by at least two rounds by officers who had set up inside the building, according to a law enforcement source.

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Reuters

U.S. to start NATO talks on Afghan transition: Petraeus: KABUL (Reuters) - The United States will start preliminary talks with its allies in Afghanistan soon on next years planned transition, expected to include withdrawal of some U.S. forces, the top NATO commander in the country said on Thursday.

U.S. sues Arizona sheriff in immigration probe: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday sued an Arizona sheriff for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into allegations the sheriff discriminates against Hispanics in his program to crack down on illegal immigrants.

Mariner Energy facility on fire in Gulf: HOUSTON (Reuters) - An oil and gas facility owned by Mariner Energy Inc off the coast of Louisiana was on fire Thursday, and the U.S. Coast Guard said it was working to rescue 13 workers.

Coast Guard responding to possible rig blast in Gulf: HOUSTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Coast Guard was flying helicopters to a possible offshore drilling rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

3G Capital to buy Burger King for $3.26 billion: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Burger King Holdings Inc , the No. 2 U.S. fast-food chain, agreed to be bought by investment firm 3G Capital for $24 per share, or about $3.26 billion.

Flood-hit Pakistanis and Afghans may cross to Iran: UNHCR: ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Dismal conditions in flood-hit areas in southwest Pakistan could force thousands of Pakistanis and Afghan refugees to cross the border into Iran, the U.N. refugee agency warned Thursday.

Afghan leader condemns air strike as Gates arrives: KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned an air strike by NATO-led forces which he said killed 10 campaign workers for this months election, a sour note as U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived for talks.

UK foreign secretary's aide quits over gay rumors: LONDON (Reuters) - Britains Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Thursday he had gone public to deny rumors he was gay and in a relationship with an aide because he and his wife were fed up of the allegations.

Russia warns speculators after food prices rise: SARATOV, Russia (Reuters) - President Dmitry Medvedev ordered law enforcement agencies on Thursday to prevent speculators driving up food prices after the worst harvest in years and pledged help to ensure affordable food staples.

Apple TV a first step for more ambitious plans?: LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Critics hoping for more from Apple Incs Web-to-TV plans -- a device, say, that would revolutionize living room entertainment the way the iPad changed tablet computing -- may just need to wait a bit longer.

Ranting Roddick ousted early by Tipsarevic at U.S. Open: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick stumbled to a bad-tempered early exit from his home grand slam on Wednesday, the American losing 3-6 7-5 6-3 7-6 to unseeded Serb Janko Tipsarevic in the final match of

NATO checks claim air strike kills 6 Afghan campaigners: TALOOQAN, Afghanistan (Reuters) - An apparent air strike by foreign forces killed six election campaign workers in Afghanistans north on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and NATO-led forces said they were investigating the incident.

U.S. charges Pakistani Taliban leader in CIA killings: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors have charged the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud, in the plot that killed seven CIA employees at an American base in Afghanistan last December, the Justice Department said on Wednesday.

China digs for ways to stymie BHP's Potash Corp bid: MELBOURNE/HONG KONG (Reuters) - China is stepping up attempts to hamper BHP Billitons $39 billion hostile offer for Potash Corp, amid worries about future supplies of fertilizer it needs to rapidly boost food production.

Blasts kill 20 in Pakistan's Lahore, 170 hurt: LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - Three bombs exploded at a Shiite procession in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Wednesday, killing at least 20 people and wounding over 170, piling pressure on a government already overwhelmed by floods.

Police end hostage drama at Discovery Channel: SILVER SPRING, Maryland (Reuters) - Police shot and killed a man who took three people hostage, waving a gun and apparently fitted out with explosives, in the headquarters of the Discovery Channel near Washington Wednesday.

Stronger Hurricane Earl nears East Coast: HATTERAS ISLAND, North Carolina (Reuters) - Hurricane Earl strengthened on Wednesday, churning up dangerous swells, forcing evacuations on some of North Carolinas barrier islands and prompting storm alerts along much of the U.S. East Coast.

GM roadshow to begin after U.S. elections: sources: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Automaker General Motors Co plans to begin courting investors for its initial public offering immediately after the November 2 U.S. midterm congressional elections, two sources familiar with the plans said on Wednesday.

Apple TV takes aim at Web-connected living room: SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc unveiled a smaller, cheaper version of its Web-to-TV device on Wednesday, stepping up a battle with Google Inc and Microsoft Corp for control of the digital living room.

Obama to Mideast leaders: seize moment for peace: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Wednesday not to let the chance for peace slip away as he opened a U.S.-sponsored summit to relaunch direct talks shadowed by Middle East violence.

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USATODAY

Food safety groups slam USDA egg graders at farms in recall: Staff at two Iowa egg processors implicated in a national salmonella outbreak were supposed to enforce rules, federal regulations show.

1 in 7 home kitchens would flunk inspection, worse than restaurants: A new study suggests that at least one in seven home kitchens would flunk the kind of health inspection commonly administered to restaurants ...

New test may 'revolutionize TB care,' diagnosing: Scientists are reporting a major advance in diagnosing tuberculosis: A new test can reveal in less than two hours, with very high accuracy, whether ...

Hurricane Earl to batter North Carolina tonight: Hurricane Earl is a powerful Category 4 storm packing 140-mph winds, and coastal residents in its path need to take action now, FEMA Administrator ...

Muslim groups support N.Y. mosque, decry hostility: It is unethical, insensitive and inhumane to oppose the planned mosque near ground zero, more than 50 leading Muslim organizations said Wednesday ...

Methodists see clues for growth in thriving churches: Its the conundrum Protestant denominations with declining memberships and shrinking budgets are desperate to solve: How to stem the decades-long ...

Tony Blair's book offers insights on alliances: The alliance between George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair was tight, but Blair says that may never have occurred without 9/11. ...

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MSNBC

Are you in the hurricane zone? Send images, stories: Send your images and stories from breaking news scenes.

Health care credit cards may add to your pain: These days, you may leave your dentists office with more than a toothbrush and dental floss in your bag. Thousands of dentists are offering patients health-care credit cards to cover the work that needs to be done, with seemingly hard-to-resist

DOJ sues Arizona's Sheriff Arpaio: In an atmosphere of tension between the federal government and Arizona, the Justice Department today dialed it up some more, filing a lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio -- accusing him, the county, and his office with failing to

Sponsored By:

NYT: Designers, pundits rate Oval Office redo: NYT: Ho-hum Oval Office? Arianna Huffington, Ann Coulter and top designers react to the makeover unveiled this week.

T.I., wife arrested on meth possession charge

Newsweek: How airlines are ratcheting up fees: It seemed so reasonable at first—just a fee, no more than $40, for checking more than the standard two bags. But like a slowly expanding epidemic, the fees gradually started to creep. Here are the main fees to watch out

Newsweek: 'American' is like Bourne on Ambien: A definite “gobble gobble” sound came wafting in ahead of The American. Why would a George Clooney action thriller be screened for critics just two days before opening? Its actually an arty character study about a lonely assassin for hire

Oil platform explodes off La. coast: An offshore oil rig has exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, west of the site of the April blast that caused a massive oil spill.

Oil rig explodes off La. coast: An offshore oil rig has exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, west of the site of the April blast that caused a massive oil spill.

Israel and Palestinians resume direct talks: The first direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on a Mideast peace agreement got underway Thursday with Hilary Clinton hailing the two sides leaders as the people who could make the long-cherished dream a reality.

Gunman's reality show pitch to Discovery: James J. Lee, the 43-year-old gunman who was killed by police Wednesday after taking hostages at the Discovery Channels headquarters on Tuesday, may have been motivated by feelings of rejection after having his script ideas ignored by the network.

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New jobless claims drop for 2nd week in row: The beleaguered American worker got two pieces of upbeat news Thursday that may point to a slow, but steady, improvement in the labor market.

Bernanke: Shut banks if they threaten system: Fed chief Bernanke told a panel investigating the financial crisis Thursday that regulators must be ready to shut down the largest institutions if they threaten the financial system.

U.S. retailers report sales gains for August: Retailers are reporting surprisingly solid gains for August even as unusually hot weather and job worries kept a lid on back-to-school buying.

Low interest rates squeeze pension funds: The plunge in interest rates has put the nation’s public and private pension funds badly underfunded, leaving pension fund managers with a giant hole to fill.

Acai berry scam: You'll lose money, not weight: The exotic acai berry has been the superstar

Hidden buzz: 5 secret caffeine foods: It’s official – coffee’s days could be numbered. Reaching for a steaming

Nazi-hunter worked for Mossad, biography says: Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, who became famous for spending years tracking down Nazi war criminals, was

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CBS

Asimo the Robot Makes New Friends in Austria: Researchers Seek Feedback from Technology Fair Visitors to Help Make Hondas Battery-Operated Robot More Communicative

Oil Sheen Spreading from Gulf Platform Blast: Coast Guard Says a Mile-Long Sheen is Spreading from Site off Offshore Petroleum Platform that Exploded off La. Coast

Mideast Peace Talks "Productive"; 2nd Round Set: Israeli, Palestinian leaders Will Meet Again Sept. 14-15 in the Middle East with Further Talks Likely

Police: Discovery Hostages Planned Escape: Officers Heard Pop Just Before SWAT Team Moved in on Suspect; Captives Looked Ready to Run, Authorities Say

Justice Dept. Sues Controversial Ariz. Sheriff: Feds Say Joe Arpaio withheld Records in Investigation of Discrimination against Hispanics

Day Care Worker Convicted of Spiking Kids' Candy: Prosecutors Say 42-Year-Old Laced Treats with Dietary Supplement to Make Kids Sleep

Palin: Awful Temper, Revenge-Seeker, Insecure?: Vanity Fair: GOP Star Has Screaming Fits, Throws Things, Exacts Retribution on Former Employees

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The New York Times

Does America Crave American Champions?: The need of Americans for an American to root for; also, the growing difference between the pros and the fans.

As Colleges Compete, Money Flows to Minor Sports: The Directors’ Cup, a little-known but prized honor, has set off a competition to have the best broad-based sports program.

States Awarded Grants to Improve Achievement Tests: Two groups of 44 states will use the $330 million in federal money to design better annual reading and math tests.

Offshore Oil Rig in the Gulf of Mexico Explodes: There was one injury and all 13 members of the work crew on board on Thursday were accounted for, the Coast Guard said.

In Medical School Shift, Meeting Patients on Day 1: A new curriculum at N.Y.U. is intended to foster more personal relationships between medical students and patients.

Isner Struggles to Put Marathon Match in Past: After his victory on Wednesday, John Isner answered the predictable round of questions about that really long match at Wimbledon.

U.S. Retailers Depended on Discounts in August: Retail sales rose 3.3 percent in August, more than forecast. But the results are measured against a weak month a year ago.

Accounts Differ on Fatal NATO Strike on Afghans: Did the attack hit a team of election campaign workers, including a parliamentary candidate, or a group connected with an Uzbek terrorist network?

H.P. Wins 3Par as Bidding War Ends: Dell on Thursday withdrew from the bidding for 3Par, which agreed to be acquired by Hewlett-Packard for $33 per share.

Gates Lands in Afghanistan: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived on an unannounced visit for meetings with American military commanders and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.

A Celebratory Road Trip for Education Secretary: Arne Duncan’s bus tour from New York to Maine is billed as a way to honor teachers.

Strong Yen Helps to Fuel Germany’s Export Boom: European companies tend to focus on the dollar exchange rate, but the yen’s recent rise is also giving a significant lift to German companies.

The Peanut Solution: A World Food Program screening center in Port-au-Prince.An easy-to-produce paste may help cure malnourishment around the world. But who owns the recipe?

Our Towns: Blasé About Hurricane Maps? Remember 1938: The ’38 hurricane killed 50 people on Long Island.

State of the Art: Your Own Hot Spot, and Cheap: Virgin Mobile’s MiFi is nearly like the ones offered by Sprint and Verizon but with three exceptions: an unlimited data plan, no contract and a $40-a-month service fee.

Pakistan Steps Up Security After Attack: Street markets remained closed early on Thursday and police mounted patrols after a suicide attack claimed 31 lives among a procession of Shiite Muslim worshippers.

Grief Across Latin America for Migrant Killings: In a startling twist, migrants are apparently dying at the hands of a drug gang seeking money or possibly recruits, officials said, though no

Netanyahu and Abbas to Begin Direct Mideast Peace Talks: The Israeli and Palestinian leaders were to open direct peace talks on Thursday after gathering at the White House for a moment of diplomatic theater on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Earl Nears Atlantic Coast: The approach of Hurricane Earl on Wednesday inspires opposite reactions on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

California Senate Debate Turns on Economy: A heated forum between Senator Barbara Boxer and her opponent, Carly Fiorina, in what might be their only debate.

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TIME

Egypt's Mubarak, Israel, and Obama: While the Mubarak regime may be grossly repressive and anti-democratic, one thing you can say for Hosni and son is that they sing a quite reasonable tune about Israel and the peace process.

The Discovery Gunman: TV as Enemy, and Weapon: James Lees rants were unified by one familiar theme: the exaggerated belief in a media institutions ability to single-handedly create, and impose solutions upon, social problems.

Health Reform: Already Good for Small Biz Workers?: According to a new study, once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, 95% of American workers will have health insurance through their jobs, up from 85% today.

Oil Sludge Blights Beaches of Party Mecca Goa: Black tar balls and oil sludge have surfaced this week on the famed beaches of Goa, the small Indian state so beloved by the day-glowed ravers of yesteryear

3 Unthinkable Things the Recession Has Caused: The global economic downturn has done what government policymakers, bosses and employers, the collective health care complex, and the consumer brain could not accomplish.

Why Israel Doesn't Care About Peace: Israelis feel prosperous, secure -- and disengaged from the peace process. Is that wise?

Arizona's Anti-Immigration Firebrands: Fueled by Out-of-Staters: Both Governor Brewer SB1070 defense fund and Sheriff Joe Arpaios campaign are being supported by a large number of contributions from outside of Arizona

How Can a Democracy Solve Tough Problems?: What if we gave people real choices and real consequences and let them make decisions?

Lights, Camera, Groceries!: Tesco Supermarket Turns Film Producer: Britains largest supermarket chain has moved into moviemaking, confident its customers will pay for adaptations of their favorite novels. Is this a new revenue stream for the flagging DVD market -- or just another product doomed to spoil on the

Is Red-Hot India Too Hot?: While most of the world is worried about the prospects of a double-dip recession, India is facing just the opposite problem -- managing supercharged growth

Tony Blair on Clinton, Bush and the American Character: In an essay exclusively adapted for TIME from his new memoir, Britains former Prime Minister reflects on the U.S. Presidents he has known and worked with -- and on their country

Study: Diet Drug Meridia May Boost Heart Risks: A new study finds that some users of the weight-loss pill Meridia may have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke

The Crimes and Misdemeanors of Meghan McCain: Meghan McCain, daughter of 2008 GOP presidential nominee John McCain, has a tell-all book out entitled Dirty Sexy Politics

After Obama's Iraq Speech, Afghans Worry About U.S. Commitment: The U.S. Presidents Oval Office address indicated that the Iraq withdrawal would lead to more forces for Afghanistan. But Afghans only see an eventual U.S. withdrawal from their own troubled country

Lehman's Fuld and Fed Clash at Hearings: The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission on Wednesday took on the question of what led to Lehmans failure and Im not sure we came away with any answers

Dulles Airport: A No-Fly Zone for Pakistani Officials: It was almost like the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan -- where every male is a suspected terrorist -- had been plopped down just outside Washington, D.C.

Exercise Can Counteract Obesity Genes, Says Study: A new study finds people who are genetically predisposed to obesity may benefit most from physical activity

France Steps Up Roma Deportation Despite E.U. Criticism: Piqued by protest at home and abroad following its anti-Roma campaign, Frances conservative government steps up expulsions -- and risks splitting the ruling right

Will Health Care Wind Up Hurting the Democrats?: Is health care directly related to the Democrats current woes? I think yes, but the answer may be a little more ephemeral than any survey result or poll can show.

Stocks Rise on Bullish Economic Vibes: Just when it seemed clear that the economy was settling into a big-time slowdown, along comes the ISM report with surprisingly good news.

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Newsday

William Parente bought knife across street from hotel: Sometime after checking into the Sheraton hotel in Towson last week, William M. Parente went across the street to the Towson Town Center and bought the knife he used to kill himself.

Teen seriously hurt in Centereach crash: A Centereach teenager was hospitalized early Friday after he lost control of his car and struck a tree, Suffolk police said.

NYC teacher barricaded inside classroom: A New York City middle school teacher hasbarricaded himself in a classroom and the NYPD bomb squad is on thescene.

Nassau cops to target aggressive drivers: Rude, aggressive drivers beware.

Susan Boyle -- Scottish singing sensation -- gets makeover: Susan Boyle may have become famous in part for her great voice, but it seems shes ditched the other aspect of her appeal -- her dowdy looks.

Cops probe 'unknown substance' in girl's Burger King meal: A 6-year-old girl was taken to a hospital for observation Thursday after finding an unknown substance in a mac & cheese meal she was eating from a Burger King in Valley Stream, police said.

Cops: Two arrested after loaded gun found in car: A driver and his passenger were arrested late Thursday after they fled when police found a loaded gun in their car during a traffic stop in Hempstead, police said.

Weekend weather forecast to hit 80s: It may be a month until Memorial Day, but forecasters at the National Weather Service predict New Yorkers will get their first taste of beach weather this year starting Saturday.

Cash-strapped Bronx Zoo evicting animals: The recession is evicting hundreds of animalsfrom the Bronx Zoo.

LIRR turns 175: From a straight line of train tracks through the middle of LI to todays sprawling system, the LIRR is celebrating its anniversary.

Owner of popular Yankee Stadium bar charged with tax evasion: The owner of a popular sports bar near YankeeStadium has been arrested and charged with evading more than $1million in personal and business taxes owed the city and state.

Cops: Girl taken to hospital after Burger King meal: A 6-year-old girl was taken to a hospital for observation after finding an unknown substance in food she was eating Thursday at a Valley Stream Burger King, police said.

Timothy Wright, famed gospel singer, dies from car crash injuries: The Rev. Timothy Wright, the Grammy-nominated gospel singer and composer known for his up-tempo praise songs and powerful mass choir sound, has died. He was 61.

Two found dead in NYC apartment after burglary call: Police say officers called to investigate a burglary have found a man and a woman dead in a Brooklyn apartment.

Suitemates remember 'Little Steph': Before she was brutally killed by her father, Stephanie Parente and her 5 Loyola College suitemates created a home away from home.

Red Sox-Yankees: Round 1: The Bronx Bombers are in Boston for the first Red Sox-Yankee showdown of the season. Ken Davidoff breaks down both teams.

LIRR turns 175: A straight line of train tracks cutting through the middle of Long Island has stood the test of time.

'Fighting' is an entertaining flick: A small-town boy and a big-city hustler team up to make money in New Yorks undergound brawling circuit.

82-year-old woman's 311 call draws police: Margaret Ionescu likes Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Construction work to close Roslyn Viaduct this weekend: As the state Department of Transportation announced Thursday the Roslyn Viaduct would be closed this weekend for work on the new northern portion and to move a construction device, local residents expressed exasperation with the delayed project.

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