Environmental, Indian groups ask federal court to stop Yellowstone bison slaughters

Federal judge asked to end Yellowstone bison kills

Senate funds foot-and-mouth research lab in Kansas while calling for study on its safety

WASHINGTON — The Senate approved $32 million Tuesday for a planned foot-and-mouth disease research lab in Kansas, while ordering more study on the lab’s safety.

Federal judge shutters Idaho grazing allotment to protect wild bighorns

BOISE, Idaho — A federal judge has ordered a western Idaho rancher to keep his sheep off his family’s traditional grazing ground on public land to protect wild native bighorns. Federal land managers on Monday opted not to fight the ruling.

Pfizer says purchase of Wyeth will close Thursday after antitrust regulators grant approval

NEW YORK — Pfizer Inc.’s $68 billion purchase of Wyeth will close Thursday after antitrust regulators in the U.S. and Canada cleared the deal, which will make Pfizer the world’s largest drugmaker by revenue.

Japan suspends beef imports from US meatpacker over mad cow fears after finding banned parts

TOKYO — Japan suspended beef shipments from an American meatpacker Saturday over its failure to remove cattle parts banned under a bilateral agreement, as officials here raised concerns about U.S. safeguards against mad cow disease.

Japan suspends beef shipments from Nebraska meat packer after finding mad cow risk parts

TOKYO — Japan has suspended beef shipments from an American meat-packing plant after finding cattle parts banned under an agreement to prevent the spread of mad cow disease, the agriculture ministry said Saturday.

Black bear attacks man in his Colorado home; latest in string of bear run-ins in Aspen

ASPEN, Colo. — A man was attacked by a large black bear in his Aspen home in the latest in a string of violent encounters with the animals this summer in the mountain community.

France squeals as swine flu fears lead some to kiss goodbye to traditional ‘bise’

PARIS — It’s a ubiquitous French tradition, as familiar as a baguette or an espresso at the neighborhood cafe. Now, “la bise,” the cheek-to-cheek peck that the French use to say hello or goodbye, has come under pressure from a globalized threat: swine flu.

Swine flu: Pigs to people? People to pigs? Virus issues plague summer’s state and county fairs

LYNDONVILLE, Vt. — No sow and piglets in the children’s barnyard at this year’s Caledonia County Fair. No baby pig chases, either.

Chile confirms swine flu in turkeys, alerts WHO to possibly dangerous development

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile said Friday that tests show swine flu has jumped to birds, opening a new chapter in the global epidemic.

With Obama in office, Fox News on pace for best ratings year since it first went on air in ‘96

NEW YORK — South Carolina Republican Bob Inglis, frustrated by a restive crowd at a recent forum to discuss health care reform, suggested people turn off the TV when Fox News Channel’s Glenn Beck came on.

Fox cuts away from polite town hall meeting on health care reform; CNN and MSNBC carry it all

NEW YORK — Fox News Channel cut away from President Barack Obama’s town hall meeting on health care reform Tuesday as he faced a far more polite crowd than has attended many meetings hosted by members of Congress recently. CNN and MSNBC carried the session in full.

Lucky survivors of boat propellers, fishing nets rescued by Fla. turtle hospital volunteers

MARATHON, Fla. — The turtles at this waterfront hospital have been hit by boat propellers, caught in fishing nets, attacked by sharks, stricken with tumors and lost flippers.

Health care deal with House ‘Blue Dog’ Democrats clears way for crucial September vote

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats are determined to show progress on a health care overhaul by pushing President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority through two critically important committees before they head home for their August break.

Conservative House Blue Dogs emerge as pivotal force on Obama health care plan

WASHINGTON — Conservative-leaning Blue Dog Democrats are enjoying a power surge like no other in their 15 years, forcing President Barack Obama and their own party leaders to deal with their demands for cost cuts and tax restraints in overhauling health care.

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