Jury to begin deliberating in Edwards trial

CNN InternationalBy the CNN Wire Staff Greensboro, North Carolina (CNN) -- Closing arguments concluded Thursday afternoon in the corruption trial of John Edwards, after his defense team rested its case without calling the former Democratic presidential candidate's ...

Congressional Republicans push for votes to prevent broad tax increases

Washington PostWASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers intensified their efforts on Thursday to get quick congressional action on heading off automatic tax increases and revamping the federal tax code. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., ...

Obama Prepares for NATO Summit in Chicago

Voice of AmericaDozens take part in a variety of protests leading up to this weekend's NATO summit in Chicago, May 16, 2012. Dozens take part in a variety of protests leading up to this weekend's NATO summit in Chicago, May 16, 2012. After hosting the G8 summit at ...


US eases sanctions on Myanmar as reward for democratic reforms

Globe and MailWASHINGTON— AP President Barack Obama on Thursday declared a new chapter in US relations with Myanmar, easing an investment ban and naming the first US ambassador to the former pariah state in 22 years to reward it for democratic reforms.

'American Idol': Who's in the finale?

USA TODAYBy Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY Joshua Ledet may have belonged in anybody's finale, according to Jimmy Iovine, but American Idol voters didn't believe he belonged in theirs. The gospel shouter from Westlake, La., went home Thursday, finishing third for ...

A Kennedy Is Remembered for Struggles, and Warmth

New York TimesEveryone remembered the capture-the-flag games, the signature event at Mary and Bobby Kennedy's forested estate with the pool, treehouse and sprawling grounds in the green reaches of northern Westchester County. Like a variation on eternal Kennedy ...


Scientists puzzled by rocks that ignited in OC woman's pocket

Los Angeles TimesWhat could possibly cause rocks picked up at San Onofre State Beach to ignite in the pockets of a woman's cargo shorts? To scientists, the answer seems hard to come by. A 44-year-old San Clemente woman, who has not been identified, went to the beach ...

Romney Defends His Record at Bain

Wall Street JournalBy SARA MURRAY JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Mitt Romney defended his record as a private-equity executive Thursday, his most public move to defuse Democratic attacks on him as a heartless corporate raider. Associated Press Mitt Romney, speaking Thursday in ...