Yahoo! News: U.S. News

Calif. gay-marriage ban creates legal uncertainty (AP)

Posted: 07 Nov 2008 02:57 AM CST

AP - Hundreds of protesters took to the streets Thursday over California's new ban on gay marriage, amid deepening political turmoil and legal confusion over who should have the right to wed.

Neb. officials reviewing affirmative action ban (AP)

Posted: 07 Nov 2008 02:57 AM CST

AP - At Southeast Community College, Jose J. Soto may have to change his title: vice president of affirmative action.

NYC raises red-carpet fees, fines in budget crunch (AP)

Posted: 07 Nov 2008 02:50 AM CST

AP - Facing alarming budget deficits, the city has come up with some unusual ways to save money and cut costs: Steeper fees for red-carpet events. Higher parking meter rates. Cheaper reflective traffic signs instead of lighted versions.

No charges for ex-N.Y. governor Spitzer in prostitution case (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 08:36 PM CST

AP - Federal prosecutors said Thursday that they will not bring criminal charges against Eliot Spitzer for his role in a prostitution scandal, removing a legal cloud that has surrounded the former New York governor since his epic downfall eight months ago.

Survey: Americans cutting back on gifts (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 11:45 PM CST

AP - Shoppers are scrimping on holiday gifts, but not when it comes to their pets.

Miami jury convicts ex-FBI agent in 1982 killing (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 04:50 PM CST

AP - Former FBI agent John Connolly was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder for leaking information to Boston mobsters that led to the 1982 shooting death of a gambling executive who also had ties to gangsters.

States consider billions in cuts as deficits widen (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 06:32 PM CST

AP - The nation's economic meltdown is taking state budgets down with it especially in California, where Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday he wants to close a $11.2 billion gap in part by raising sales taxes on everything from cars to Disneyland tickets.

Craigslist to crack down on prostitution ads (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 11:01 PM CST

AP - Under the watchful eye of law enforcement in 40 states, Craigslist pledged Thursday to crack down on ads for prostitution on its Web sites.

Obama's former pastor says media exploited him (AP)

Posted: 07 Nov 2008 02:26 AM CST

AP - Barack Obama's former pastor complained Thursday that the media used him as a "weapon of mass destruction" in an attempt to derail Obama's campaign for the presidency.

Fierce early-season blizzard traps SD motorists (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 10:52 PM CST

AP - A wintry blast of punishing wind and close to 4 feet of snow in places pummeled the Northern Plains on Thursday, stranding unknown numbers of motorists for a day or more and knocking out power to thousands.

Alum gives U. of Chicago $300M for business school (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 09:52 PM CST

AP - The University of Chicago announced Thursday that an alumnus has given its business school a $300 million gift, a record sum that comes as many universities worry they'll see donations dry up amid the financial meltdown.

Illinois banks on Obama buzz to boost tourism (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 05:56 PM CST

AP - Chicago's tourism Web site beckons visitors to "experience the city the Obamas enjoy." The Illinois Bureau of Tourism plans to launch a three-day getaway promotion featuring Barack Obama sites. And tour guides at the Old State Capitol in Springfield may get new scripts to stress two important speeches the president-elect made as a candidate.

4 accused in Calif. of killing fellow Marine, wife (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 08:59 PM CST

AP - Four Marines, including one known as "Psycho," told investigators they robbed and murdered a fellow Marine and his wife last month after breaking into their home in search of valuables and sexually assaulting the woman, according to court documents.

Secret recordings played at ex-OC sheriff's trial (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 11:44 PM CST

AP - Federal prosecutors played secretly recorded conversations Thursday that they said show a former Orange County sheriff discussing whether tens of thousands of dollars in alleged cash bribes can be traced.

Clinton: Obama made good choice for chief of staff (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 09:31 PM CST

AP - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her first public appearance since former rival Barack Obama was elected president, praised his choice for White House chief of staff, a former top aide to her husband.

Voters' word may not be last in Minn. Senate race (AP)

Posted: 07 Nov 2008 12:08 AM CST

AP - One Senate candidate says the voters have spoken. The other says the electorate still needs to be heard.

Obama election shows deep racial divide in church (AP)

Posted: 06 Nov 2008 05:30 PM CST

AP - The barrier-crossing election of Barack Obama did little to bridge the deep racial divide in American churches. In fact, some clergy say it has only served to underscore their differences.