UK marine dies in Afghanistan

Britain's Ministry of Defense says a Royal Marine has died in Afghanistan.

In a brief statement that did not give the circumstances of the soldier's death, the ministry said only that the Royal Marine died in the southern part of the country on …

Astronaut charged in attempted kidnapping of her romantic rival: Police believe married mother of three was in love triangle with fellow flier

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A NASA astronaut charged with attempting tokidnap a romantic rival in a love triangle with another astronaut wasordered released on bail today on the condition that she not contactthe alleged victim.

The judge told Lisa Marie Nowak she could be released on $15,500bond, then asked if she understood the conditions. She responded"yes."

Nowak, a married mother of three, stood in a jail uniform, usuallyfacing down during the hearing. She planned to return home toHouston, and the judge ordered her to wear a tracking device.

The 43-year-old robotics specialist faces charges includingattempted kidnapping, attempted vehicle burglary with …

Sudanese president meets British delegation to discuss imprisoned teacher's possible pardon

Two British Muslims politicians met with Sudan's president on Monday to plea for the pardon of a British teacher jailed here after she allowed her students to name a teddy bear Muhammad. A British embassy spokesman said he was "optimistic" a result would be reached Monday.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Lord Nazir Ahmed, Muslim representatives from Britain's House of Lords, talked with …

Teacher’s Facebook post draws CPS probe

Chicago Public Schools officials said they've started an investigation after a teacher apparently posted a photo on Facebook of a student who wore Jolly Rancher candies in her hair.

The 7-year-old girl's mother said she saw negative comments written about her daughter's picture on the teacher's Facebook page. The elementary school student had tied the candies at the end of her …

Women and Private Health Insurance: A REVIEW OF THE ISSUES

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From Women and Health Care Reform

In June 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Quebecers have a constitutional right to buy private health insurance that would cover services already available and funded in the public health system. While this ruling only applies to Quebec-for the time being- Canadians have witnessed a steady stream of private and market-driven reforms into our public health system generally, including pressures by some for the introduction of private health insurance (PHI) for services already funded by public health care as an option for all Canadians.

But what would be the impact of PHI on women and their …

Panel: US Must Control Security Firms

WASHINGTON - A panel recommended to the State Department that the U.S. government impose unified control over private security guards working for the U.S. in Iraq, an idea already floated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, The Associated Press has learned.

The review panel found poor communication between diplomats and military officials and too little oversight of contractors like Blackwater USA, two people familiar with the report's findings told the AP on Monday.

The State Department risks another incident like the Sept. 16 Blackwater shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians unless it quickly installs closer management of the private army guarding diplomats in Iraq, the …

Jackson Browne, Republicans settle lawsuit

Jackson Browne has settled a lawsuit and received an apology from Sen. John McCain and the Republican Party over use of his song "Running on Empty" during last year's presidential campaign.

The settlement announced Tuesday includes a pledge by the Republican Party not to use any musicians' work without proper permission in future campaigns, a statement that Browne said he hoped would benefit other artists.

Browne sued McCain and the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Republican Party last year over use of "Running on Empty" in a Web ad mocking Democrat Barack Obama's proposed energy policies.

McCain's loss to Obama in November didn't end the lawsuit, which had …