Supreme Court to rule in dispute over cross that serves as war memorial on federal park landWASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appeared divided between conservatives and liberals Wednesday over whether a cross on federal park land in California violates the Constitution. House that could float on New Orleans’ floods brought to site of Brad Pitt’s rebuilding effortNEW ORLEANS — A house capable of floating atop rising floodwaters made its debut Tuesday in New Orleans alongside more than a dozen other homes built through actor Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation. Same-sex marriage bill that would let couples wed in nation’s capital appears unstoppableWASHINGTON — A bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the nation’s capital was introduced Tuesday, a measure that even opponents acknowledged seems almost unstoppable. Loveland Ski Area to be first to open for season in ColoradoGEORGETOWN, Colo. — Loveland Ski Area is announcing its earliest opening day in 40 years. Flame chandeliers? Burger King sets sights on Paneras of the world with restaurant overhaulCHICAGO — Burger King Corp. plans to swap its generic fast-food feel and bland tiles and tabletops for a vibe that’s more sit-down than drive-through. Microsoft gives $100K to Wash. campaign supporting more partnership rights for gay couplesOLYMPIA, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. has donated $100,000 to the campaign supporting more partnership rights for Washington state gay couples. Tijuana, other Mexican coastal cities to create tourist police _ with help from San DiegoSAN DIEGO — City officials in Mexico’s Baja California state are drafting plans for a bilingual police force that caters to American tourists headed south of the border. Police say Pa. man nabbed for DUI used ID of brother, who was arrested after his honeymoonREADING, Pa. — Police said an eastern Pennsylvania man stopped for suspected drunken driving used the identity of his brother, who was away on his honeymoon. When 42-year-old Bernard Marrero, of Reading, returned from his honeymoon last month, he was arrested for DUI. Marrero and his lawyer explained the mix-up and told police 39-year-old Samuel Marrero was who they wanted. 30 years after first national gay march, activists to rally in D.C. again for equal rightsSAN FRANCISCO — A Democrat in the White House. Demands for sweeping civil rights protections. Religious opponents working to undo a string of state-based victories. Afghan museum exhibits looted artifacts seized at British portsKABUL — The National Museum of Afghanistan on Tuesday unveiled hundreds of looted artifacts, some dating back as far as the 11th century, seized from smugglers trying to sell them on Europe’s black market. DC councilman introduces same-sex marriage bill that would let couples wed in nation’s capitalWASHINGTON — Same-sex couples would be allowed to marry in the nation’s capital under a bill introduced Tuesday by a District of Columbia councilman. Airlines on-time more in August; Southwest, Continental, US Airways, United above averageMINNEAPOLIS — Arriving on-time was just a little bit easier for airline passenger traveling in August. Neiman Marcus holiday book not all fantasy: Gifts under $250 give a nod to frugalityNEW YORK — With even super affluent shoppers tightening their Gucci belts, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc. unveiled its Christmas Book Tuesday with a nod to this new frugality. EPA issues final rule for testing, disinfection of onboard airline water to eliminate bacteriaWASHINGTON — Federal regulators are issuing final rules requiring airlines to test and disinfect the water served to passengers and used in plane lavatories. Female bodybuilder talks about competition and offers tips on how to stay fitNEW YORK — For Tennille Ray, maintaining her sculpted arms, 12-pack abs and muscled legs is a full-time job. MGM Mirage rises after firm says it will cut prices on condo units when buyers close dealsNEW YORK — MGM Mirage shares surged Tuesday after the casino operator said it would cut prices by 30 percent on some condos when already lined up buyers close on deals at its $8.5 billion CityCenter development in Las Vegas. Machu Picchu ruins, Barcelona church, Conn. parkway’s bridges on list of endangered sitesNEW YORK — Peru’s Machu Picchu ancient ruins, Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona and a New Orleans elementary school are among the cultural heritage sites threatened by neglect or overdevelopment, a preservationist group said Tuesday. Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for blast at UN food agency that killed 5
Moscow court rules against lesbian couple seeking Russia’s first gay marriageMOSCOW — A Moscow court on Tuesday ruled against two lesbians seeking to become Russia’s first legally married gay couple. CityCenter on Las Vegas Strip cutting condo prices 30 percent when existing buyers close dealsLAS VEGAS — Developers of the $8.5 billion CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip plan a 30 percent price cut on condos there that people have already agreed to buy, just help close the deals during the recession. Senator says Cuba travel policy leading to canceled orchestra trip is ‘outrageous’WASHINGTON — U.S. restrictions on travel to Cuba that led to the New York Philharmonic calling off a trip to the communist country are outrageous and should be ended, a senator who has long called for lifting trade and travel restraints said Monday. Plenty of airfare sales around, but it may not pay to wait for a lower priceThe great airline sale of 2009 may be ending. Younger Americans find vast opportunities in recession, while older generations struggleNEW YORK — The Great Recession has turned into the best of times for young investor Daniel Lee. With Gourmet magazine gone, the American dinner table is a little less lavishAfter nearly 70 years of fine eating, the lavish meal known as Gourmet magazine is over. Environmentalists say climate change threatens 25 national parksNEW YORK — The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization say 25 national parks are threatened by climate change. Expedia launches Web site for national park tripsBELLEVUE, Wash. — Expedia is partnering with the National Park Foundation on a new Web site to help travelers planning trips to national parks. Calgary Zoo says tiger mauled man who broke into zoo overnightTORONTO — A man who broke into the Calgary Zoo overnight and scaled a fence around a tiger exhibit is hospitalized with serious injuries to his arms after he was attacked by a tiger. Greenbrier resort offers table games to guests, plans video lotteryWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Less than a month after getting its license to offer gambling, the historic Greenbrier resort has opened the Tavern Casino, an onsite facility for guests with table games including blackjack, three-card poker and roulette. Spooky lighthouses, from Oregon to FloridaBIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No such thing as ghosts, right? But a lonely lighthouse can look a little spooky on a foggy coastline above the pounding waves. The October issue of Coastal Living magazine describes six lighthouses with haunted legends. They are: Southern Living mag recommends Ybor City, in Tampa, Fla., for its cultural mixTAMPA, Fla. — A spotlight on Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood in the October issue of Southern Living magazine reveals a vibrant blend of cultures. |