L.A. Times - National News

Small-town cops in coastal Maine face a big problem

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The coast of Maine is a long way from Mexico, but to drug cartels it's an emerging market for heroin and cocaine. Just ask the band of detectives on the front lines.

The obituary in the York Weekly was heartbreaking.

Permanent diet may equal longer life

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 20:23:00 -0700

With a reduced-calorie diet, monkeys were less likely to die of an age-related disease -- cancer, heart disease or diabetes, reports a study in the journal Science.

For a country in which roughly 200 million people are overweight or obese, scientists today have discouraging news: Even those who maintain a healthy weight probably should be eating less.

Sen. Ensign admits parents gave money to mistress and family

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The Nevada Republican's lawyer says $96,000 was given legally and ethically 'out of concern' for Cynthia Hampton's family. The revelations follow an interview in which her husband criticizes Ensign.

Nevada Sen. John Ensign's wealthy parents gave his mistress and her family $96,000, the conservative lawmaker revealed Thursday, an admission that further darkened his once-bright career and caused even allies to question his continued effectiveness as a U.S. senator.

Ghana glows in spotlight of Obama visit

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

It is the only sub-Saharan stop in President Obama's trip this week, a choice that analysts say acknowledges its democratic and economic gains.

The White House's choice of Ghana as President Obama's only port of call in sub-Saharan Africa this week has triggered envy across the continent.

Families decry disinterment of bodies

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Near Chicago, outraged relatives look for loved ones' graves, which four people are accused of emptying to resell the plots.

They came in droves, generations of families pushing relatives in wheelchairs, holding them and helping them walk -- all while clutching faded obituaries and death certificates. A few brought worn-out family Bibles so they would have lists of names and dates.

National Briefing

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Washington, D.C.: No Obama books for terrorism prisoner / New York: Democrat's shift ends state Senate standoff / Washington, D.C.: 'Swine flu' vaccination plans in the works / Pennsylvania: Swim club

COLORADO

Senator Roland Burris reportedly won't run in 2010

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The Illinois Democrat, appointed to President Obama's former seat by scandal-ridden then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, knew the 'tide was against him' and decided to focus on serving his term, a source says.

Sen. Roland W. Burris (D-Ill.), who was appointed to President Obama's onetime seat by disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, is expected to announce today that he will not seek a full term in 2010, sources close to the lawmaker said.

No Michael Jackson resolution in Congress

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi balks at a vote to honor the late pop star. Some lawmakers worried that the debate would get ugly.

The controversy that has followed Michael Jackson, in life and in death, reached the halls of Congress on Thursday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said she saw no point to scheduling a vote on a resolution honoring the pop icon.

AIDS activists arrested in Washington

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Twenty-six people were charged with unlawfully demonstrating in the Capitol rotunda.

A group of AIDS activists was arrested Thursday for unlawfully demonstrating in the Capitol rotunda, a Capitol Police spokeswoman said.

Biden announces White House deal with hospitals

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 07:58:00 -0700

Vice President Joe Biden has announced a White House deal with the hospitals to help pay for President Barack Obama's overhaul of health care.