Occupation: Oil-Rich Iraq Provinces Push for Autonomy + 'Enduring Bases' in Iraq: US Presence for Decades + One in four Iraqis on hand-outs + Hidden Plans, Enduring Bases

Hostages: Blair wants contact with hostage-takers + British captive says Blair betraying him. TV shows engineer begging for female prisoners to be freed + '2 Simonas' say Iraqi kidnappers apologized. Persistent reports Italy paid ransom + Film shows 10 new Iraq hostages + The price of freedom + Freed Italian Hostage Says She and Second Woman Feared Death, Despite Special Treatment From Captors

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban try to intimidate Afghan voters with 'night letters'.

MIDDLE EAST: Clashes in Gaza follow deadly rocket attack. 2 Israelis, 5 Palestinians killed. Sharon predicts broader offense + U.K.: Israel must stop assassinations, PA must curb terror organizations

RUSSIA: Warlord wanted for Beslan atrocity trapped by Russian-backed forces + Road to Beslan + Belarus prez prepared to struggle against possible Western aggression+ State sells Lukoil stake for $2 billion in 2 minutes

EUROPE: EU claims 'victory' as Russian cabinet approves Kyoto treaty + For Europe, Turks still have to shake off "hordes of the Apocalypse" image

BRITAIN: Blair to have heart procedure, will serve 3rd term +  Blair avoids Iraq vote defeat + Prescott attacks + No more Jeeves + Blair defeats Iraq troops pull-out call

AMERICAS: Coca production making a return in Bolivia + China Readies Riot Force For Peacekeeping in Haiti

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Pakistan refuses to let UN nuclear watchdog interview Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan

2 get death in bombing of Cole. Judge in Yemen also sentences 4 to prison terms

Venezuela, Colombia Get Failing Grade in Nazi Hunt

A human security doctrine for Europe, and beyond

NZ will keep pushing for apology over Mossad 'agents'

Report: Ex-MI chief Zeira may be charged

For Israel, it’s even all right to spy on the US!

Intelligence Failure re: keeping funding secret

China Asks Canada to Hand Over Intruders

Pinochet Examined by Doctors to Determine Whether He Can Stand Trial

Kyrgyz security agency arrest man accused of trying to sell plutonium Click.

Ex Gitmo detainee vows to fight Russia

How to avoid future 9/11s and Beslans

1971: Foreign Office names Soviet superspy + 1971: 'I arrested a KGB superspy'

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Fannie Mae's Shares, Bonds Fall as Justice Considers Fraud Investigation

Oil problems cast wide net

Rocky Mountain states power options

General Mills to change to whole grains

Natural resources funds boom

Don't fault growers for price of coffee

For old venture capitalist, a good day

Oil Giant Total in French Probe Over Alleged Overseas Bribes

Enron Barge Dealmaker Regrets Deal

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Patriot Act subpoena of Internet data struck down + Ashcroft likely to appeal Patriot ruling

FBI rounds up alleged leaders of Gambino crime family on East Coast

Bail denied slain lawyer's husband

Prosecutor: Pelosi made threats

Zeta-Jones Stalker Mentally Fit

Pitcairn Mayor 'Led Rape' on Island

The Supreme Court's Excessive Secrecy: Why It Isn't Merited

Durst may walk by March

SEC Investigates Business Between Delphi, EDS

Boston Gangster Sentenced to Life in Prison in Slaying of Businessman in Tulsa, Okla.

Houston Police Chief Wants Executions Halted Because of Crime Lab Problems

Australia makes child porn sweep

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Major crackdown on human trafficking. Feds make Northern California focus of new effort + Task force spreads word on 'modern-day slavery'

Ex COO of Liberate software indicted for inflating company's revenue

Dentists arrested for fraud can keep working

Relatives of Dead Inmate to Sue State (Man died after tooth pulled) Click. (LAT Reg)

Santa Clara: Convicted sex offender Michael Donald Raney of Gilroy held on registration charge + Trial begins for suspect in Mtn. View hate crime + San Jose tax attorney Owen Fiore guilty of evading taxes

Contra Costa: Concord OKs online crime statistics + Theft victims invited to view recovered items at El Cerito police station

Alameda County: With patriarch Qader Qudus in prison re: Hawalas family closes business in Little Kabul, Fremont + Residents, but not their things, escape fire in Berkeley duplex + Sausage king defense contradicted. Brain not small but banged up + Unregistered pesticide infraction costs Oakland firm, Chemical Compounding Co. + San Leandro murder case ends with no-contest plea to avoid death penalty + RV pursuit ends in arrest + Union City police: accident scams on rise + Fremont police concerned by car fires set intentionally + City of Alameda: Suit filed to stop tenants' evictions

Sacramento area: Ex-wife says man admitted murdering Cal State Sacto student + Sacramento Symphony checks bounce after concert + Slaying of cat makes headlines, inflames passions in Glenn County + Olson likely to serve longest SLA sentence, officials say + Redding teen who killed neighbor was on anti-depressants + Sacramento slaying suspect chased, caught + Charges filed against man accused in killing 1-yr-old with hammer + Talk set on identifying gang activity + News in brief from Northern California

San Francisco, San Mateo: Bonds ball in court +Judge tells possessor not to sell Bonds' ball. 5 lawyers now involved in ownership squabble + Ex-lawyer Nikolai Tehnin felt 'absolute panic" when $ million from clients missing from his trust fund + Police officers call for apology by commissioner. Remarks hinting racism in school response resented + Union blisters Keane + Straight-A student is S.F. slaying victim. Girl, 17, vanished on way to school + Stunned by slaying

Marin: Dep't Corrections to expand San Quentin's death row + Experts testify Mill Valley killer (former cult member of Bhaqwan Shree Rajneesh) can be released

Sonoma: Man in Rohnert Park slayings to stay in hospital

Solano: Four months since Grant murder, but still no leads + Carjacking suspect to be extradited this week + Smokeshop handed eviction

Southern California: Lawyer: Robert Blake's wife was victim of a conspiracy + LA county supervisors sued over vote to delete cross from county seal + Former Orange County assistant sheriff denies corruption + Daily News: Gangsters in Southern California streets + Bryant Told Police of O'Neal Payouts

Central Valley: Stanislaus deputies under care after training scare + CHP weighs charges in Modesto auto accident (11-yr-old driver)+ Judge suggests Turlock officials not wrong to meet with Wal-Mart's competitors before passing ordinance blocking Wal-Mart

Scott Peterson: Court hears new contradiction + Few calls about Laci, detective says + Prosecution hits at defendant's actions after wife vanished + Lead Peterson detective spends 7th day on the stand + Peterson defense implies botched investigation + 'Longing' for Laci, Scott called Frey + Defendant rarely inquired about case. Modesto detective says behavior was suspicious + Developments Wednesday

The Governor:  Gov. vetoes bills on offshoring jobs. Legislation bans foie gras starting in 2012 + Gov. signs 52 bills into state law + Water meters on the way +  + Gov. vetoes bills to prevent outsourcing of jobs + Curbs on jobs offshore vetoed + No go on bill to push affordable housing + Bill boosts domestic violence aid in Alameda County + Phone recycling signed into law + Gov. signs foie gras bill + Runaway Filming a Challenge for Gov. Click. (LAT Reg) + Youth sports law's goal: Gender equity + Supplements curb signed by Gov. + Law will streamline school fund system + Gov. signs education overhaul + A veto, a jibe for Wiggins, colleagues + Bill Lacks Heft When a Target Shows Support Click. (LAT Reg) + Gov. Vetoes Port Smog Curbs Click. (LAT Reg) + Ferret out as house pet in California after veto Click. + 'Angels of Death' deliver legislators the bad news + Daniel Weintraub: Gov., social conservatives go separate ways + Gov. Vetoes Privacy Bill for employees re: their e-mail at work

California should mimic federal prison health care, senators say

For eastern span of Bay Bridge, it's do-or-don't day

Shelley took check in his office, donor says. It's a misdemeanor for officials to accept campaign donations in state buildings

Propositions: Measures put future of gaming to voters + Experts debate stem cell measure + Props. 68, 70 spending may top $100M

Legislative grants to nonprofits, recipes for waste and abuse

Trailing badly, Jones accuses Boxer of ducking debates + Libertarian judge Gray says he's no purist. Senate hopeful left GOP over Patriot Act

Monterey: GOP candidate Mark Risely receiving threatening phone calls

Plan to roll back diesel emissions

$26-Million Deal Will Save 8,800 Acres of Fragile Joshua Tree Desert Click. (LAT Reg)

Better diet could be healthy for farms, too Click.

Indian tribes: Gov. opposes a casino in Jamul Click.

LOCAL NEWS:   Mischievous grizzly cubs to be adopted by S.F. Zoo. Montana planned to kill 2 orphan bears

San Clemente surfer takes brief ride on a whale

Another substantial quake, not an aftershock, rattles Central California

San Francisco: Officials deny blocking Julie Lee. They say documents for Sunset center were not submitted + U.S. grant to boost lead peril cleanup + 1,400 union workers strike against 4 major S.F. hotels + Picket lines concern guests at struck hotels + Tourist biz braces for impact + Newsom wants wireless 'hotspot'

Contra Costa: Pleasant Hills Golf Course scheduled to close today, development in the works + Grand jury would end open space funding authority + Fire chiefs protest ordinance change re: training standards for refineries + Refinery fire chiefs resist training rule. Unions want all contractors to take apprenticeship program + Supervisors delay vote on big-box retailers

Santa Clara: Former Ebay Prez Skoll urges valley to create local endowment + Los Altos to revise restrictions on day care centers + San Jose panel clears ex-mayoral aides in ethics probe + San Jose hopeful after baseball moves Expos to D.C.

Alameda County: Alameda Med center deal will avoid layoffs + Oakland gives Olympian Ward hero's treatment + Light of Lights, Children's Grove recall lost lives + Berkeley modifies 1989 creeks law + Fremont bans pot shops -- for now + Fremont to study 'quiet zones' + Mercury thermometer swap offered on UC Berkeley campus

Sonoma: Little Acorn winery that could + 1 in 4 families in financial limbo + GOP's Tyrone faces stiff race against Berg

Marin: San Anselmo residents oppose development plan + Fairfax officials cut pay to trim deficit

Napa: Napa's plan for Soscol 'Gateway' coming to life + Low-income apartments christened

Monterey: New law targets zoning, building code violators + Final Rancho San Carlos subdivision lots OK'd

Solano: Water bills likely to rise 50 percent

Central Valley: Valley getting bigger slice of charitable giving in state + Tracy hospital running behind + Hughson holds forum tonight for candidates + Tuolumne County hopefuls debate in Sonora + News from the San Joaquin Valley + Stanislaus County targets binge drinking + Kaiser will pay for Modesto city engineer + CHP weighs charges in Modesto auto accident (11-yr-old driver) + The McHenrys are gone, but the name lives on in Modesto

Southern California: Hahn defends crime fight+ L.A. business tax cuts to cost $95 million + Baca says Measure A still needed + Unexpected riches in L.A. treasury + Cities on 710 Push for Port Smog Clause Click. (LAT Reg) + Coalition Seeks to Protect Santa Clara River Watershed's Very Nature Click. (LAT Reg) + Orange County Whites a Majority No Longer Click. (LAT Reg)

School days: Schools to unload surplus on eBay, gain needed cash + Mt. Diablo grapples with crowding + Palo Alto school's fundraising helps African kids + Strapped district in Sunnyvale cuts teacher salaries 4.9% + Expanding their world: Grants let schools do what they otherwise cannot + Nine scholars join UC Merced faculty + Newark fund-raiser a bust as school recalls racy catalogs + Quarry Lane School opens its third campus + Baffling ventilation problem at San Francisco's Lowell + S.F. supervisors to decide on broadband system + Cal super-cautious on Fulbright filings. Dean overseeing early application process + California youth summits to be held through state + Salinas financial deadline looming + Scotts Valley schools race is talk of the town + Vallejo: Early audit nearly done + 2 more black studies professors leave Harvard

FBI ordered to turn over last 10 pages from file on John Lennon

Berkeley wall tallies Iraq bloodshed

On Oct. 17, union workers launch "Million Workers March" in D.C.

Protesters prepare for chase as plutonium ships near UK

Dershowitz's Jihad: Inventing Exceptions to International Law

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

CALL TO STOCKPILE BIRD FLU VACCINE

"SUPER BUGS" INFECTING MORE HEALTHY PEOPLE

West Nile virus kills 12th bird in Contra Costa County

Statins questioned + Firm seeks to change law, sell low-dose statin pills at stores Click. (SJM Reg)

More lunar landings for NASA?

Merck recalls Vioxx worldwide on heart, stroke risk + How to Get a Refund for Vioxx + 1/4Consumers Have Lots of Alternatives + Summary: What's Wrong With Arthritis Drug Vioxx? + A List of the Best-Selling Drugs in the Nation

Oceans might add to Earth's rock 'n' roll

2.5 million AIDS grant awarded. Veteran researcher to study how body can suppress HIV

Sea of ancient microbes found atop South African mountain

Women dominate marine-science lineup

Toxic algae grows to 30 miles wide

Protection Urged for Quirky Dolphin

Sound Makes Electricity for Space

In Search of the Earth Mark II

Japanese discover new chemical element

High Resolution Satellite Imagery Assists Hunt For Infectious 'Kissing Bugs'

Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized As A Disorder

Cancer Vaccine Based On Pathogenic Listeria Bacteria Shows Promise Targeting Metastases

'Dead Zone' Area Shrinking, Texas A&M Prof Says

Fuel Cell Celebrates One Year

New Hydrothermal Vents Discovered As "South Pacific Odyssey" Begins

Bacteria's 'Glue Valve' Surprises Scientists

New Structure Found Deep Within West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Chromosome Research On Flies Yields Insights Into Human Diseases

A Fishy Change In Diet: McGill Research Shows Fish Eating Junk Food

Stage 0 breast cancer is cancer that has not spread out of the breast tissue

Punching The Timeclock Of Life

Government Issues Forecasts of Harmful Algae in Gulf of Mexico

'Tomato treatment' slows cancer

New search site Clusty.com launches

HP kills slow-selling marketing miracle

Call of the Wild: Is it Cellular?

Clever Cars Can Read Road Signs

Giving Computers The Jitters Helps Explain Human Behavior

New Surface Chemistry May Extend Life Of Technology For Making Transistors

Microsoft Says It Would Have Gone Further Than EU Order in Sharing Software Blueprints

Comcast upgrade on track

Microsoft Appeals EU Ruling

SpaceShipOne Surpasses 100 Km Altitude On First X-Prize Flight

THE BUSHWORLD...

Kerry to Counter Indecisive Image, Bush to Fight Reckless Charge in Debate

U.S. forces suffered from poor planning + U.S. didn't note post-invasion Iraq power shift

White House backs broader provision on deportation

Powell calls for Palestinian intifadah to end

France, U.S. Sign New Cooperation Accord to Fight Terrorism

State Department: Release of Suspected Enemy Combatant Delayed

Bush: Wildlife Protections on Hold Click. (LAT Reg)

Congress: Intelligence overhaul bill called bad for immigrants + House repeals gun laws for D.C. Bill likely to face defeat in Senate + Lawmakers work on corporate tax overhaul+ Congress delays votes on overtime, drug issues + Women facing off in 11 House races + Congress airs debate on new phone books + Congress puts off some divisive issues until after election + Republicans Pad Intel Bill + House Moves to Defeat Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay Marriage + Congress Seeks to End College-Aid Provision That Has Benefited Banks + Unable to Settle Disputes, Congress Gives Up on Highway, Welfare Bills

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Debate: Bush, Kerry Set for Crucial First Debate + Real-time poll aims to feed survey appetite + Bush Team Prepares Net Assault on Kerry's performance in debate + Fight over the lights

Times Poll: Bush Leads Kerry Going Into Debate Click. (LAT Reg)

HUD secretary puts focus on black vote and "victimization"

Alaska judge orders ballots reprinted

Bloggers become weapon in US presidential election

Military records: Yet another new document surfaces on Bush's military service + White House Lied About Releasing All of President's Military Records + Bush's Exit Letter To Guard Released + Assembling Full War Records a Challenge

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush tours Fla., Kerry faults Bush on oil + Families of war dead denounce Bush

KERRY/EDWARDS: Edwards: Religion shouldn't divide voters + NRA ad portrays Kerry as poodle + Kerry defends ridiculed vote

OPINIONS:

America's Dead Remain Faceless: Ilana Mercer

High Time for Bush to Tell the Truth: Ray McGovern

Sen. Kerry, Help Is Not on the Way: Engelhardt, Giussani

Novak: Kerry's 'facts' just don't add up

Kerry's own party throws him

No debate: Kerry must connect - now

Juan Cole: Is justice being delayed by Bush administration politics

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Bush has Babs fired up

Tina Brown: Waiting for Kerry's big finish to start

The Kidnap Capital of the World: Iraq's One Growth Industry

MILITARY

Sons killed in Iraq; mothers turn political Click.

'Helmets to Hardhats' helps ex-soldiers

Top Air Force Lawyer Steps Aside

Army bolstering its ability to learn, teach lessons

U.S. Navy Chief England addresses topic of the ''next war'' at conference

House Votes More Flexible Hours for VA Nurses

Navy plans to scrap ELF

LEAKGATES 

The Beltway inquisition

9-11 widow cites attorney- presidential conflicts, threat in estate court petition to judge Click.

Blood for pork....

REPORT: DEFENSE CONTRACTORS REAP BILLIONS IN NO BID CONTRACTS

Russia's top oil company, Lukoil, hopes that U.S. oil company's acquisition of a 7.6 percent stake could boost its chances to retain a Saddam-era production-sharing agreement to develop Iraq's giant West Qurna fields Click.

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Diana Griego Erwin: Recruiters have his number and his mom's wondering why

Deployment figures; dignitaries in town

Stardom:  HEROIN Pulls Another PLUG

Women could out sprint men in the long run, say scientists

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:   Gay rights group wants reggae star's L.A. concert canceled + Christopher Caen: Marriage saved, chaos ensues + Spanish government to allow homosexual couples to adopt + Music of black origin gets British salute amid gay-bashing controversy + Politicians now face voters on gay ban

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

U.S. Marshals shut down Santa Cruz private radio station + Pirate radio station unplugged

Iraqi Cartoonists Mock Militants and America Alike

Paper trail: A history of newspapers in America

US news media on the Right track

New 'Security' Target: the Press

Ken Starr is the lawyer for New York Times in leak case

Hewitt: I never would have done that article

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Lady at the Piano, Felix Vallotton Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Muzzi's maze is corny, but people keep coming back

A different kind of labyrinth

Tribute concert held in Beverly Hills for late Ray Charles

Disney's vital organ

Behind the scenes at the Pucci show

'Black Pinocchio' Tells of Dreams and Desperation

Amelio film to carry Italy's hopes at Oscars

Biographer emerges from Graham Greene's shadow after 27 years

Vancouver International Film Festival's 'Dragons and Tigers' has teeth

Witch City brews a new image

Ono's image of naked breast offends Liverpudlians

Moving take on Gershwin showcases American genius

Music Videos Tap Video Games

Patrick White, Down Under

Rush & Molloy: A sorry tale of Hilton's latest tape

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: Italian aid workers released. Italy denies ransom paid; 4 Egyptian engineers also freed + Bigley makes new video appeal + Blair Says Britain Would Respond to Bigley's Captors + British captive begs Blair to save his life + Iraq Captors Wanted $5 Million Ransom, Editor Says

Occupation: A scared, confused people voices its fears on Iraq's 'dark period' + Why Isn't the World Bank Doing More to Help Iraq?

War prisons: San Diego: Classified data puts SEAL abuse case under wraps

MIDDLE EAST: Two Israeli children killed in Hamas rocket strike on Sderot

RUSSIA: Putin accused of eroding democracy. 115 specialists protest to Western leaders + Investigators expose names of terrorists who attacked Moscow metro + Son of Slain Chechen President Says Maskhadov Will Soon Be Captured Amid Fighting

AFRICA: Nigerian Rebel Says Cease-Fire Agreed with Government + Nigerian rebels demand that firms shut off oil taps

Pursuit of Sudan Tribes May Lead to War + Darfur chief 'innocent'

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....
 

Al Qaeda planning Miami attack for Bush-Kerry debate?

CIA: Iraq Worse Than Portrayed

Goss gives first interviews since confirmation as CIA chief + Goss faces his biggest task yet + New role keeps Goss away from island

An Israeli mole named Mega in the Pentagon

Report: Israel's Ex-MI chief Zeira may be charged

Suspected Israeli Spies Deported from New Zealand + NZ, Israel deny deal on spies

Agency tests security blimp in Washington

Documents were ‘war trophies,’ airman Al Halabi says

Two Sentenced to Death for Bombing of U.S.S. Cole

Lindh asks Bush to commute sentence. Lawyer cites case of combatant slated to go free this week + Ashcroft: No commutation for Lindh

China says NY Times Journalist's Detention an Internal Matter

I spy no need for reform!

South Africa Secret Service Web Site Launches

Mordechai Vanunu speaks

Police investigating fake FBI agent

Not just a socialite, but a gritty survivor

Laser injures Delta pilot's eye

The final days of Il Duce, by his son

Iranian Mujahideen at the crossroads

New Russian SSBN Missile

TERRORISTS COULD BRING DOWN U.S. JETS WITH HIDDEN BOMBS

FEDS: NY TIMES REPORTER TIPPED OFF TERROR CHARITY

Dissenting Soldier Could Get 20 Years

Cat Stevens says he was victim of 'unjust' U.S. profiling

Truths Worth Telling: Daniel Ellsberg

UK: Biometric gear to be deployed in hospitals and GPs' surgeries

Stardom: South of the Border, The TERRORIST Way

Hersh predicts draft

U.K. TO TRACK INTERNAL MOVEMENT OF CITIZENS

Vatican, in First U.N. Speech, Condemns Human Cloning, Unilateral Responses to Terrorism

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Federal judge Rules Against Patriot Act Provision

Suit vs. U.S. Forest Service seeks to prevent logging

Stewart to Serve Time in West Virginia

Lenders levy up to 120% interest -- legally. Loophole lets firms target the poor, military families

Federal commission sues Farmer John alleging racial discrimination

Ashcroft Is Undeterred in Push for Capital Cases

Scalia decries judicial activism in Harvard talk

Women of Pitcairn vow to stand by their men in sex trial + Pitcairn: 'We all thought sex was like food on table'

File Traders Could Do Hard Time

Microsoft, Amazon Take Phishers to Court

IBM Settles Part of Pension Lawsuit, Will Record $320 Million of Costs

UN warns on South Asia child sex

Hamptons-Slay Prosecutor Stuns Court, Alleging Murder Defendant Threatened Her Kids

Executive's "sole Reason for Living" in Barge Fraud Case

Man Who Raped Woman in Coma-Like State Denied Parole; Claimed He Was Trying to Help Her

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Report: 1 in 5 California prison doctors disciplined or sued

Stolen explosives inspire Rep. Lantos bill. It would give feds authority over how materials are stored

Anti-smoking ads upheld. Judges reject tobacco firms' claim that state violates their rights

Alameda County: Did Alameda Judge Goldman and Dep. D.A. Quatman conspire to rig a death penalty case? + Fremont woman escapes after abduction in Oakland + Union City burglars keep police busy

Santa Clara: San Jose police to review use of stun gun

Contra Costa: Police seek two suspects in fatal Antioch shooting + More on warrants for 2 teens + Pleasant Hill: Rash of break-ins at Sequoia Middle School + Domestic violence program faces cuts

Sonoma: D.A. opposes freeing man from Napa Hospital in Rohnert Park slayings + Santa Rosa home target of drive-by shooters

Napa: Suspect arrested for 2002 Pope Valley murder + Napa police hunt woman in son's disappearance + Police search for Napa woman and child, 4 +Wine guild head gets jail for bad checks + Die-hard Zodiac sleuths gather at Lake Berryessa

Central Coast: Bethany student pleads innocent in assault on woman in Scotts Valley +Watsonville-based Monterey Mushrooms settles discrimination suit

San Francisco: Another Bonds' homer ball ends up in court + 2 city coin collectors busted for spare change + Feds sue wharf hotel over alleged bias + Cops probe killing of unidentified woman + Bar patron dies after fight over right to disrobe + Supes OK taking of Transbay site

Sacramento: Prison, fine for ex-boss at Unify + Mental health resources decried by Sacramento police chief in death of 1-yr-old + Seeking freedom from gangs' grip + One man is no longer seeing red after court fight over red-light camera traffic signal + State officials temper reaction to Alta's woes + Galt officer stops train headed for propane tank on tracks + Washington inmate charged in 1980 murders + Sacramento: Suspect named in shooting death

Southern California: San Diego: Indiana man convicted for 1986 rape, murder of 14-year-old girl + Chain saw attack in Lennox leaves woman critically wounded + Son of R&B singer Chaka Khan freed after murder arrest + LA Catholic priest arrested for alleged child molestation + Special report: Terror on our streets, Los Angeles + Cancer Funds Misspent, UC Irvine Auditors Say Click. (LAT Reg) + D.A. to Get Records of King/Drew Meetings Click. (LAT Reg) + Federal Official in Orange County Charged With Selling Fake Work Permits Click. (LAT Reg) + Bratton Is Certified as State Peace Officer Click. (LAT Reg)

Scott Peterson: Defense tries to paint picture of bias + Defense recounts possible sightings + Defense tries to blame other possible killers + Defense: Leads ignored in Peterson case + Defense attacks police focus on one suspect. Others could have killed pregnant woman, it contends + Developments Tuesday + Peterson defense works to create doubt with multiple theories + Detectives wondered if Laci was poisoned

The Governor:  Gov. signs vaccine, sex discrimination, computer privacy bills + Gov. signs flurry of measures Gov. leans left in signing locals' bills + Bill to Limit Mercury in Shots OKd Click. (LAT Reg) + Gov. does radio ad against gambling ballot measures + Asthma inhalers allowed in school + Gov. names 3 to sports panel

Bay Bridge decision due on Thursday

Dan Walters: One-of-a-kind Burton exits Capitol with typical flourish

The Hetch Hetchy fantasy

Propositions: Contra Costa D.A, Sheriff warn of Prop. 66's (anti-3 strikes) wake + Stem Cell divide + AdWatch: TV ad enlists Nobel winner to tout Prop. 71 + Peter Schrag: Coming on Nov. 2 ballot: A lot more of the same

Indian tribes: Ante upped on sale of Pt. Molate + Richmond: Chevron offer postpones vote on tribal casino. Council was ready to OK development before 11th-hour bid + Vallejo joins Prop. 68 foes

Voters in four counties to consider anti-biotech measures

LOCAL NEWS: Humans are loving otters to death, says researcher

Data from strong Central Calif. quake could help researchers + Quake Hits California 11 Years Late

Vaccine given to children in 2001 at Palo Alto Medical and MayView Community Health may be ineffective

Bay Area: 1 in 4 families can't afford basics without government aide

Swordfish bought in California show mercury at dangerous level

San Francisco: Monster Park it is -- renaming deal done. City attorney says Prop. H can't break Niners' 4-year pact + Monster name for Candlestick trumps voters + Monster is a suite deal for all involved + Break bread with Benjamin Bratt? + Angel Island restoration legislation wins House approval

San Mateo: Parks to open again in middle of the week. As budget looks better, board bows to public

Santa Clara: Tax break deal advances affordable housing project

Marin: Report finds 22% of Marin families are struggling + Marin supervisors back ban on gene-altered crops + San Rafael weighs in on planning + Mill Valley: The show must go on. Roof collapse forces film festival into different digs

Solano County: Study: Poverty prevails in area + Vallejo, Fairfield hospitals cited + Solano County dodges impact of e-voting law + Base closures up in the air, lobbyist tells county board

Contra Costa: Endorsement flap roils Pittsburg race + Supervisors debate larger stores' impact + Pleasant Hill: U.S. homeless chief to attend conference

Alameda County: Oakland: ATF agents investigate fire at Mt. Zion Temple + Oakland honors Olympic champion boxer Andre Ward + Hayward: Public invited to comment on La Vista Quarry's impact + Hearings set for Measure A funds (re: Health care services) + Pleasanton: Candidates stake out voter issues + Livermore: RV parking regulations put in fast lane + Berkeley OKs rebuilding houses near creeks. Revised ordinance applies to dwellings destroyed in natural disasters + After 99 years, Livermore's landmark wooden flagpole to come down + San Leandro ceremony to honor slain children + Children's Hospital in Oakland offers free sickle cell trait tests

Sacramento area: Homecoming: Yolo grower leaves U.S. to lead village + Laws force RV campers at Wal-Mart to hit road + Sacramento decides to drop March vote on arena + Sacramento Council OKs N. Natomas mall + Sacramento: Association at odds with homeowners + W. Sac motel tax hike faces no opposition, officials say

Sonoma: Job market reversal + How county can compete now + Traverso's Foods weighs move to Railroad Square site + New county administrator Deis has cancer + Water board: Don't build near Petaluma River + Austin Creek gravel mining plan may aid fish + Rohnert Park council bans wood stoves, fireplaces

Monterey: County OKs clearing at Pfeiffer state park + Housing panelists may lose jobs + Rocky start to effort on redevelopment in Chualar

Central Valley: Air activists unhappy with deal + Mariposa faces struggle to pay fire-related costs + Ag agency hears call for diversity + MID budget woes put rate hike on radar + Sabatino adds fuel to Crist flames + Target pursued as anchor for Riverbank center + Sonora bypass studied + Newman reaches deal with builder + Modesto: Crash course for new CEO as supervisors respond to county grand jury criticism Click.

Central Coast: Santa Cruz: Audit leads to eviction of private companies from county offices + Santa Cruz signs off on new cell-tower rules + Watsonville council approves annexation plan + Purple crush — The harvest comes early to the Santa Cruz Mountains + News briefs from California's Central Coast

Southern California: Stalled $220,000 museum draws state scrutiny. Taxpayers funded L.A. school project + LA County discovers $337 million in unexpected surplus + San Diego OKs Financial Disclosure Recommendations for City Officials Click. (LAT Reg) + Riverside County to Review Pensions Click. (LAT Reg) + L.A. Council Backs Expansion of the Red Line Click. (LAT Reg) + Expansion of Long Beach Port Faces Vote Click. (LAT Reg) + Supervisor Math -- They Give, You Pay Click. (LAT Reg) + Hahn Foe Posts Crime Statistics on Website Click. + L.A. Business tax survey to be aired Click. + Los Angeles County Officials Cite Improved Balance Sheets Click. (LAT Reg)

School days: Mountain View schools targeted for closing to be revealed in January + Lead found in water at Fairfax school, day care + Terra Linda kids get lesson in tolerance + 'Genius' has harsh words for Union City district + Charter school explores downtown Oakland + Mills College receives $4 million donation + Students disagree over Measure U re: Tracy High School + San Francisco: No approval given for school election event + State education boss hears from St. Helena students + San Francisco school meeting channels Mideast tension + Contra Costa Community college faculty fights planned 7% pay cut. District leaders fear state takeover + China expecting record number of foreign students in 2004 + Seeing District's Obstacles as Opportunities Click. (LAT Reg) + Local Moorpark College a Major Pipeline to UC Click. (LAT Reg)

MILITARY

Army thinks California bull rider will help recruit soldiers

Former U.S. Soldiers Balk at New Iraq, Afghan Duty

Is anyone ever truly prepared to kill

Eastern European Task Force among items on transformation drawing board Click.

At Expo, a look at the latest gear Click.

Army Met Most 2004 Recruiting Goals but 2005 Will Be Tougher

Army Denies Using Threats to Get Soldiers to Re-Enlist

CONNECT THE DOTS....

How zoos are driving animals crazy

Blood for pork....

Despite beheadings and risk, no slowdown in eager workers

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Human transmission sends bird flu fears flying

Private Rocket Ship Lands After Space Flight

After 20 years, AIDS vaccine still seems a distant dream

Patients' kin may watch life-and-death dramas

From Live Mice To Raw Meat, 'Magic' Slow-spinning NMR Technique Reveals Hidden Biology

Studies Strengthen Kidney And Heart Disease Link

Mechanism Helps Explain How Airways Respond To Constriction In Asthma Attacks

Large Asteroid Will Zoom Safely Past Earth

Climate Change A Focus Of New NSF-Supported Research On How Decisions Are Made In A World Of Uncertainty

Flexible Pain Relief With Morphine-free Poppy

Eating More Soy-rich Foods Could Reduce Spread Of Breast Cancer

Low Doses Of A Common Intravenous Anesthetic May Relieve Debilitating Pain Syndrome

Wolverine Takes A Road Trip: Scientists Track Male Animal Over A Three-state, 550-mile Walk-about

New Sequence Involved In DNA Replication Timing May Aid In Cancer Detection

Coast-mapping Satellites Will Follow The Tides

Master Of Antimalarial Resistance

British Scientists Zero In On The Birth Of The Universe

Weedkiller poison 'should be used to treat cancer'

WHO shines a light on 'invisible epidemic', death in childbirth

When the Sun lost its heat

World's most powerful computer coming to Lawrence Livermore lab

IBM says its superfast supercomputer is No. 1

Computer Scientists Develop Wireless System To Monitor Volcanoes

At Molecular Scale, Vibrational Couplings Define Heat Conduction

Malicious Code Hides in JPEGs

System error in India's Silicon Valley

Low-Cost Versions of Windows XP Unveiled

THE BUSHWORLD...

Prospect of U.S. Fall Offensive in Iraq Hinges on Goals for Election

White House opposes sections of 9/11 bill + Sept. 11 families want intelligence reforms, but not GOP plan + Showdown Likely on Intelligence Operations + Battle Over Spy Bill Hinges on Panel Leaders + Irresponsible Intelligence Reform + White House Generally Backs Senate Intelligence Measure

Blair splits with Bush on Hussein arms cache + 'I cannot apologies for getting rid of Saddam' + Delegates Split Over Whether Blair's Iraq Apology Went Far Enough

Growing Pessimism among government officials on Iraq + Intelligence officials hit back at Bush over post-war predictions

U.S. won’t let Iran have nukes, he says Is this a replay of his stance on Iraq?

Powell to Visit Latin American Nation Next Week + Powell Calls for End of Intifada Uprising

Congress: Capitol Hill clash over TV, movie ratings. Hollywood's new lobbyist meets angry lawmakers + Lawmaker upset by aid to Iraq + Hastert rejecting calls to consider recognition of Armenian genocide + Wedges' come out as election-year session ends + Hearing Set on Nonnative Citizens and Presidency Click. (LAT Reg) + House Votes to End Handgun Ban in District of Columbia

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Polls show Dem's on Pa. roll, in Mich. slide + Gallup defends results against MoveOn.org attack

Debate: Debate spin in full force as candidates rehearse. Trailing Bush in polls, Kerry hopes for strong showing + Networks to ignore debate camera rules

Swing-state cities tire of paying for campaign visits + Cost of candidates' visits wearing out welcome

Hurdles Remain for American Voters Who Live Overseas + Distant Americans flocking to cast absentee ballots. Expats might again tip scales in tight presidential race

Military records: Bush says he fulfilled his Guard duty + Bush's Bald-Faced Lie + Bush on His Guard Service: Special Treatment? Who? Me?

BUSH/CHENEY: Record shows Bush shifting on Iraq war. President's rationale for the invasion continues to evolve + Bush heads back to Fla. to survey damage + ANALYSIS: Rising fuel prices may hurt Bush + Veterans for Kerry barred from Bush rally + Families of Iraq War Dead Target Bush in Ads + TV's feisty Dr. Phil puts Bush on the couch + Bush says he fulfilled his Guard duty

KERRY/EDWARDS: Poll of 'persuadable' voters suggests Kerry has an opening + John Kerry explains war funding vote + Jackson joins Kerry campaign as adviser + Kerry needs to shake up status quo in debates + Teresa Heinz Kerry makes fund-raising swing through California + Daily News Analysis: Showtime for Kerry

OPINIONS:

Poll Finds a Nation Chastened by War: Jim Lobe

A Neocon By Any Other Name: Justin Raimondo

Has Kerry Found His Footing?: Pat Buchanan

The Neocon Godfather

Only Draft the Ones You Love

Two views on war, both seen lacking

Winston, where are you now?

Bush's high-risk civil war scam

George Soros: Why we must not re-elect President Bush Click.

Jack Dalton: Security or just criminalization under a different name? Click.

Al Gore: How to debate George Bush Click.

Security tips election in Bush's favor

Molly Ivins: The twilight zone of wonderland Click.

LEAKGATES   Growing suspicion AIPAC probe driven by inappropriate agenda

NY Times Sues Prosecutor on Phone Records

UK: War planned 'months before vote'

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Crude Oil Falls as U.S. Supplies Rise, Concern Over Nigerian Output Eases

Global economy set for best growth in 30 years: IMF

Google stock hits a high

Fannie Mae's problems may pop housing bubble + HUD Secretary: Fannie Mae Board Should Decide Whether Management Goes

Disney dissidents support board effort to find Eisner replacement + James Surowiecki on Michael Eisner

ConocoPhillips wins LUKoil stake in historic auction

Seven Chinese Companies Penalized for Weapons and Missile Technology Sales to Iran

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Gay Rights Activists Make Last Stand in Still-Divided Oregon + Gay group questions Phoenix. mayor at meeting + Group sics IRS on Swaggart + Spain's bishops warn against 'virus' of gay marriage

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Kate Butler named assistant chief for Associated Press in California and Nevada

Bestsellers lead the misinformation campaign

Trail-blazing photo journal Life magazine to hit US news-stands once again

2 Chechens held + Chechens arrested over murder of Forbes editor

Nancy Franklin on CBS News

The Future of Radio?

FINKE: ABC, CBS, NBC refuse pre-election 'Fahrenheit 911' ads

Mark Morford: Dan Rather takes a bullet Click.

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Lady at the Piano, Felix Vallotton Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

UC Berkeley holds public events leading up to Nov. 2

$12 million retreat on Eel River built by Julia Morgan

Hikers end first known continuous trek of 1,800-mile West Coast

Lectures hope to catch a wave

Autumn Festival celebrates historic Lorenzo Theater

Graham Legacy, on the Stage Again

Mexican Mayans Worship Elusive Speaking Cross

Old time Brazilian Music

Bardot auction raises 37,000 euros

Austrian emperor on road to sainthood

Being Graham Greene

Around the World in 80 Days, on Hog, With Bob

The lost continent of Atlantis to be found in near future

Samantha Ellis: What's so good about Hamlet?

DJ Scott Muni, 'The Professor' of Rock 'n' Roll, Dead at 74

Hollywood fantasies take centre runway at Milan fashion week

Rush & Molloy

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown

How does it feel to be Bob Dylan?

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: Gaza Kidnappers Free CNN Producer + Two Iraqis freed along with Italian female hostages + Canadian woman was ready to be killed by abductors

Occupation: Iraqi Judge Closes Case Against Ahmad Chalabi + Truckers say it's not safe out there. They contradict government's optimistic picture + US: More Iraqi Police Needed as Attacks Continue + Saddam to Declare Candidacy for Iraqi Elections + White House Takes a Hit Over CIA Plan to Rig Iraq Election + Sadr to Boycott Elections if US Stays + $2 Bribe Gets You Into Iraq From Syria + In Iraq, try talking with the insurgents + Jordan: Iraq not ready for polls

War prisons: U.S. to Keep 10 Guantánamo Detainees + 'Backdoor' trials for Britons in Guantánamo

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Election Bandwagon Creaks Into Motion + Polls Unlikely to Halt Afghan Drug Trade - Experts + U.S. envoy criticizes Afghanistan's 'forces of the past'

IRAN: Israel can't stop Iran's nuke plans + No Sign of Nuke Work at Suspect Iran Site

MIDDLE EAST: Israel can't stop Iran's nuke plans

Losing Faith in the Intifada

Reckless and myopic

RUSSIA:  Putin Sends Parliament a Bill to End Popular Election of Governors + Russia Introduces Terror Resolution + Russia 'wasted time' during siege

EUROPE: Combative Blair refuses to apologise for Iraq conflict + Blair Apologizes for `Wrong' Iraq Information, Urges Labour Party to Unite

Easterners' resentment taxes unity in Germany

AFRICA: Nigerian Militia Threatens "full-Scale" Armed Struggle in Oil Region

ASIA PACIFIC: North Korea bets on its own black gold

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Osama bin Laden's half brother says family shared bank account

Intelligence unit's bleak July Iraq report not its first caution to Bush's White House

Terrorists Target Global Oil Industry

FBI Backlogged in Translation of Counterterrorism Wiretaps

Man Arrested for Videotaping Buildings May Stand Trial

Does Bin Laden still count?

Al-Qaeda seeks tie to gangs in U.S. capital region

Al-Qaeda's Uzbek bodyguards

Xymphora on fake Pakistan operation

'American Taliban' Appeals for Early Release

Click. Sikh Group Gets a Billion of Homeland Security

Moussaoui Appeals Constitutional Issues to Full Appeals Court

MILITARY  Soldiers slow to report back for duty + NATO answers call for submarine SOS service + Blue-to-green recruiting + Naval Academy and West Point face inquiries + More guardsmen, reservists noting job troubles after returning + USFK, Pentagon approve student, mother to fly on KC-10 + Sept. 29 a deadly day for North Carolina county + US Navy -The Last Slave Ships

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Bryant defense gives up effort to seal evidence in rape case

High court takes on question of whether governments can seize private land for economic development projects

Argentine Teen Kills Four in School Shooting

Patients, advocates and government spar over tighter controls on painkillers Click.

Spector's wall of fury at slay rap

Medtronic Told to Pay Spinal Surgeon $109 Million for Implant Inventions

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by Depositors Who Lost Millions in Failure of Savings and Loan

Government to Appeal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act Ruling

Pfizer Appeals Chinese Decision on Viagra Patent

Extradition Hearing Begins for British Bankers Sought Over Enron-Related Fraud

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Feds' fight against hemp reaches end of its rope

Daniel Weintraub: Letting parents know when police question kids

Cruise Lines, Disabled Spar Over Accessibility Click. (LAT Reg)

Contra Costa: Richmond: Woman critically injured over $10 + Former housing official Darrick Chavis gets 5 years for scam

Santa Clara: Los Altos: Student's killing linked to gangs + Mother sues Cupertino school district, alleges abuse in special education + Crowd vents grief, anger over cop's shooting man + Drunk driver gets 8-year sentence + New police stun guns under scrutiny. Tasers failed to stop suspects, who were then fatally shot  Click.

Marin: Man pleads not guilty in knife attack on his mother + Woman sent to mental hospital after murder, fights for freedom

Sacramento area: Company plans 600-job facility at Mather Field + Edward Theodore Lopez arrested in child molestation case

Alameda: Oakland DUI checks back on + Record cocaine haul by Coast Guard from Alameda + Fremont: Victim recounts day of shooting - a stare, a scuffle, a shot + Fremont: Alameda D.A. gives coach Robert Shawler extremely light plea deal for molestations + Fremont aims to nip medical pot stores in the bud

Sonoma: Santa Rosa attorney Harvey Hereford man gets nearly 9 years in killing of bicyclist + 8 guilty pleas end federal prison gang case

Central Coast: San Lorenzo Valley man faces 12 years in prison for car-theft spree

Central Valley: Mariposa: Defense attorney for accused arsonist wants judge recused

San Francisco, San Mateo: End of the trail for Half Moon Bay sheriff + City plans drunk driving crackdown + Man who caught Bonds' 700th homer sued

Southern California: Marina del Rey man pleads guilty to federal computer crime (spam) + L.A.: Former federal Superfund official found guilty in fraud case + Son of R&B singer Chaka Khan arrested on murder charge

Scott Peterson: Defense lawyer points to past affairs in bid to undercut theory on motive + Laci knew about affairs, witnesses say + Defense: Scott cheated on Laci before + Peterson defense offers explanations for'suspicious' behavior + Mistaken-identity theory unfolds in Peterson case + Geragos: Mistaken identity? + Weekend search comes up empty + Developments Monday

The Governor:  What's next with the California Performance Review process + Proposed state overhaul gets sharpest criticism yet at hearing + Critics assail governor's plan to reform state + State overhaul plan blasted + Schwarzenegger signs bills moving primary, requiring paper trail + Election, smoking measures signed +June returns as state primary date + Debit machines to be easier, safer for blind + Governor signs Medi-Cal anti-fraud bills Click. + Gov. still sitting on four education bills + Inmates can bid farewell to tobacco + Who will build power plants? Regulators must decide after Gov.'s veto + Veto shifts debate over regulating power to PUC Click. + Power upgrade in works in the Central Valley Click. + Governor is ready to end school suit with more money and problems + Governor eulogizes ex-bodybuilder, Fresno developer Harold Zinkin Click.

Editorial: CHP promises reform

Canada drug plan touted in report

Hetch Hetchy:  Study says it can be restored; critics pounce + Removal of Yosemite dam urged + Future hinges on Bay Area + Environmentalists dream of restoring

Propositions: Don't change '3-strikes' law, Jerry Brown warns

Indian tribes: Unidentified tribe eyeing buying S.J. hospital + Chevron expected to bid on Point Molate. Casino developer's exclusive rights expired at midnight Click.

Dan Walters: State's geographic political division getting even starker

Boxer Launches First TV Spot Click.

LOCAL NEWS:  

Earthquakes Shake Central California

Bay Area piles up 'genius grants'

Strong Quake Could Trigger A Tsunami In Southern California, USC Researchers Report

San Francisco: SoMa emergency + Newsoms make news + 'Care Not Cash' program slashes welfare checks to the homeless but gives them their own rooms and other support  Click. (LAT Reg)

Contra Costa: Hopefuls propose solutions to county budget + Pleasanton's future hinges on new mayor

Santa Clara: San Jose affordable housing project hits budget snag

Marin: San Rafael housing debate turns lively + San Rafael planners order quarry offices removed + Supervisor hopefuls rip transit planning

Sonoma: Losing jobs at three times national rate + 9 Santa Rosa council candidates debate traffic, housing + Sonoma plaza parking a headache + Geysers Fire tab $11.5 million

Alameda: Anti-eviction group amends expenses + Children's Hospital opens first sports clinic for kids + Foothill Freeway takes long road to completion + Fire guts West Oakland church

Central Coast: Watsonville renews push to create industrial park + Hemp-food sellers praise FDA for ending legal food fight Click.

Central Valley: Turlock facing decisions with Wal-Mart feud + Modesto takes on boundary litigation + Ceres can’t settle billboard issue + Modesto ninth Street tracks on way out + Shaver Lake faces water shortage Click. Group contests deal on dairies and clean air Click. Hey, don't ask -- just breathe Click.

Solano: Suisun struggles to cope with $600,000-plus deficit + Benicia benefit show called off + Mare Island St. Peter's Chapel apologizes, says all faiths may trade vows there

Sacramento: Student's body, car discovered

Monterey: Car veers off Laureles Grade, woman rescued + Don't call it a city, say Carmel Valley backers + Woman won't be evicted from Marina apartment

Southern California: Fatal LA fire broke out in building conveted to illegal housing + Hahn picks up endorsements for LAX, office + Villaraigosa quits MTA board + No Issue Too Small for L.A. Council + Kaiser makes bid for Chino Valley Medical Center Click. + Catholic Healthcare West has at least a $30 million grip on Community Hospital of San Bernardino Click. + San DiegoDeficits Trigger Reform Efforts Click. (LAT Reg) + Owners of San Diego Bonds Await Rebound  Click. (LAT Reg) + Complaints Against Union Filed by Hotels  Click. (LAT Reg) + Hurricanes could slam Southland-based firms Click. + Help for Ports Won't Come Via Panama Canal Click. (LAT Reg) + Drug Import Idea Risky, Exec Says Click. (LAT Reg) + Living in fear of gangs in Los Angeles Click. + Riverside County, Sheriff Profile Latinos, Suit Says Click. (LAT Reg)

School days: Contra Costa crowded area school districts ready to spend + Santa Rosa school board puts off laptops + Logan coach wins genius grant + Fiscal help on way to struggling schools + UCSC’s gain a loss for Santa Cruz + Fiscal health: an impossible dream for Vallejo district? + Imbalance of students tilts Belmont Redwood shores district + Faculty questions Stanislaus State incentive plan as pricey + Officials from UC Merced hit the Hill + L.A. schools may start in August + Hanging on to new teachers Click. + Fresno Unified fears takeoverClick. + Financial aid going unclaimed by eligible students Click. + Compton Community College officials face $100,000 fine for not filing conflict-of-interest statements for years Click. (LAT Reg)

LEAKGATES 

Reporters Put Under Scrutiny in C.I.A. Leak

Michael Elliot: Secret evidence

Growing suspicion AIPAC probe driven by inappropriate agenda

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

West Nile found in San Joaquin + West Nile found in Mantecan

His quick work on SARS gave crucial answers Click.

Riddle of Japanese 'plague' balloons

Dolly's Creator Applies for Human Cloning License

Live longer by easing up on your liver

Spun From Bone: Researchers Discover How Protein In Teeth Controls Bone-like Crystals To Form Steely Enamel

Information System To Help Scientists Analyze Mechanisms Of Social Behavior

Key Genes Help Fish Oil Fight Cancer

Amyloid Fibers Sprout One Step At A Time

Experimental Drug Shown To Block Mutant Protein Causing Blood Disease

High Energy Mystery Lurks At The Galactic Centre

Study Explores Gene Transfer To Modify Underlying Course Of Alzheimer's Disease

Combination Of Laser And Topical Skin Ointment Effective In Treating The Skin Disease Vitiligo

Double Dealing Receptor Protein On Tumors Promotes Cancer Development In Cell Nucleus

'Fossil Genes' Reveal How Life Sheds Form And Function

High Speed Space-tech Cooling Creates New Era In Cosmetics

Androgen Loss May Lead To Alzheimer's Study Endorses Wood As 'Green' Building Material Life threatening allergic reactions

Cheetahs Flourish on Spanish Plain

Sleep study touts therapy over pills

Article: Dinosaurs may have been doting parents?| New Scientist People Programmed to Die Early?

Searching for Medicines in Old Herbal Texts

Alleviating Pain, In More Ways Than One

File-swap software gets a speedy update

Security firm hires writer of worms

Boosting IQ of artificial intelligence Click.

Analysts Can't Peg Google

Hotmail fees for Outlook access

Hackers Take Advantage of Microsoft's JPEG Flaw

THE BUSHWORLD...

Iraq in Mind, U.S. Forms Post-Conflict Planning Team

Bush administrations completes get tough plan for Syria

Bush seeks $7.1B more for hurricane relief

Jeb Bush comments on Carter's Florida election statements

Fannie Mae gets a shake-up + Fannie Mae fallout may be expensive + Fannie Mae's Agreement to Boost Capital Cushion Could Have Far-Reaching Effects

Study: Ambassadors don't promote America

HUD backs down from much-maligned Section 8 plan

Health Insurance Costs Rise Faster Than Wages

N.Y. man disappears after threats to Bush

As Iraq struggles, critics zero in on Pentagon aide Feith

States face Medicare drug price handicap

U.S. General Richard Myers Says Iraqi Force to Grow to 145,000 by January

Congress: GOP urges a vote on same-sex marriage ban. Some see it as effort to stress gay issues + More federal lawmakers want paper records of electronic ballots + Senate to Wrestle Over New Intelligence Post's Powers + Senate Bill Proposes Anti-Terror Database + Democrats rip House GOP proposal on intelligence

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Bush, Kerry ads key on Bin Laden

Law-enforcement groups divided on presidential candidates

Bush, Kerry, and the Jewish vote

Group wants Alaska ballot distribution blocked

BUSH/CHENEY: Poll: Bush widening lead over Kerry in N.C. + Bush targets Kerry in Ohio + Richard Cohen: Bush hides behind the troops

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry says he would seek nations' input on Iraq + Kerry's Catholicism + Third party could tilt Nevada to Kerry + Edwards to rally Jersey + Brass knuckles time + Crewmates stump for Kerry

OPINIONS:

The media: election observer or player?

Paul Krugman: Swagger vs. substance Click.

John Nichols: Debate Halliburton Click.

Howard Dean: The myth of corporate accountability Click.

Robert Scheer: The dangers of a 'what the heck' vote Click.

George W. Bush Ain't No Cowboy

Staying the course isn't an option

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

OPEC fights skyrocketing prices with Saudi production increase

Mortgage Giant Agrees to Alter Business Ways

Microsoft Weighs Resuming Negotiations With Europe

Geek style

Business Booms for Makers of Dirty Bomb Detectors, Spy Cameras and Other Hardware Meant to Stop Terrorists

Free speech at 40

Trouble just tags along on her van

Advancing human rights for Chinese Click.

Rights group raps Afghan commanders

Click. Mystery Company Threatens Anti-RFID Website

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: HARDCORE Splits NARDCORE GENERATIONS

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Wonder Woman lassoed in to launch France's first gay TV station + Mass: Foes of gay marriage see blow to amendment hopes

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Air America makes way to Bay Area

Turner Broadcasting to provide content for Internet TV startup

Late night shift: Conan O'Brien to replace Leno in '09. But why him? And why announce change so early?

AP, Hattiesburg Newspaper Agree to End Litigation Over Erasure of Scalia Speech

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Oakland parade honors black cowboys on Saturday

A trip to remember: Budget bus tour included splurges

World Cyber Games to be held in San Francisco in October

Restoring HP's garage

Scientists try to date the Priestly Benediction

Team tries to find what Washington looked like

Bardot at 70: I would prefer turning 30 + Fans, media flock to Paris auction of Bardot memorabilia

Professor strives to shed light on Byzantine era Click.

Imelda Marcos Takes Center Stage in Film Biography

'Bonanza' Ranch Rides Into Pop Culture Sunset

Wong Kar-wai's '2046' finally opens in China amid global hype

Greenlanders mystified by incredible shrinking glacier

Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Macondo - Author Homepage

Greenblat on Shakespeare

Gwen and Augustus John on show at Tate Britain

Rush & Molloy: For Cynthia, romance is academic

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: A twist in a Keyes issue

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: Iranian diplomat Freed in Iraq, Hopes Raised for Others + 'Blair will have blood on his hands if terrorists behead my brother'+ We opposed the war, say Muslims as they plead for Bigley's life + CNN employee abducted in Gaza

Occupation: Iraq guard general arrested. Seizure poses loyalty questions + Heady U.S. Goals for Iraq Fall by Wayside + A Sunni Boycott of Vote Could Sink Its Credibility + Iraq Christians Flee Bombs and Head to Syria + US Promises Not to Secretly Back Iraqi Candidates in Upcoming Election + A Multitude of Investigations of U.N. Oil-for-Food Program, but Access to Many U.N. Documents Limited to Internal Probe + AP ENTERPRISE: Congressional Investigators Are Trying to Determine Whether French Bank Was Lax in Monitoring $60 Billion in U.N.

War prisons: England to Be Court-Martialed in Jan. + Unit 1319. Uncovering an Israeli jail that specializes in nightmares Click. + U.S. Citizen Held Nearly Three Years Expected to Be Freed Tuesday, Lawyer Says

AFGHANISTAN: Kabul kills Taliban chief freed from Guantanamo + Three U.S. Soldiers Injured, One Critically, in Afghan Attack

MIDDLE EAST: Threats trail man organizing Gaza withdrawal + Four Palestinian shot dead; Israelis mount search operation in Jenin + Israeli troops raid hospital for militants

Israel suspected in killing of Hamas operative in Syria + Israel Threatens Syria Over Militants + Hamas: Arab state may have aided Israel in Damascus assassination + The Arab who helps the Jew kill the Arab: militants look to Israel - and their own - for the culprit + Message to Syria + Mossad's fingerprints all over assassination + Mossad back in Action +Hamas plots revenge + Anatomy of an Assassination

Saudi Women Hope for a Voice in Historic Election

EUROPE: Campaigners salute Britain's pledge to scrap poor nations' debt + The shadow over Blair + Blair faces Iraq pull-out debate + Britain's Treasury Chief Says Economy Is Key to Government's Re-Election 

Greenland looks to US in quest for independence

AFRICA: Canada offers to train African troops

Rwanda tries to stop killings in Darfur

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Osama Probably Alive, in Pakistan, Top Officials Say

Agencies implement aggressive anti-terror plan. But officials say they lack specific threat information

U.S. Plans to Offer Guidance for a Dirty-Bomb Aftermath

Pakistan Makes More Arrests After Slaying Militant + Musharraf "very happy" about killing of top Al-Qaeda militant + Pakistani Police Arrest Four More Militant Suspects After Raid That Killed Top Al-Qaida Fugitive

U.S. on Terror Offensive Ahead of Election- Report + States Told to Prepare for Election Terror Plot

Major cities rectify 9/11 radio issue

West Africa: Where the Empire Will Come to Ruin: Chris Deliso

Looking for WMD? 8 million chemical weapons exist

UK Spies Being Identified by Balkan Rivals

US to Buy Town for Terror Training

PENTAGON LINK TO GUINEA COUP PLOT

SPY IMAGERY AGENCY TAKES NEW ROLE IN UNITED STATES

UK police given extra time to hold 'dirty bomb' suspects

House Proposal Puts Less Power in New Spy Post

FSB Staff Cards for Sale on the Internet

When Allies Steal Secrets

Armitage has nothing to say on Keyser charges + Taiwan Says Security Officers Did Not Hurt U.S. Ties + US: Know where your interests lie

Case against airman was full of holes

Heads may roll over RAW officer's disappearance

Alleged Mossad agents jailed in New Zealand to be freed

Pollard calls on Basi not to be “chief liquidator” of Jews

I-spy in Harry Lime's Vienna

John Parangosky Dies; Helped Manage Spy Satellite System

FBI opens new field office Operations

Inept spy networks thrive in the face of constant bungling

North Korea Warns That Danger of War on Korean Peninsula "is Snowballing" and Blames Intensifying U.S. "hostile Policy"

LEAKGATES  A Leak Probe Gone Awry

Blood for pork....

Overhead Costs Whittle Funds to Iraqis

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Former Mass. bishop indicted on child rape charges

Athletic Smugglers Run Drugs Over U.S.-Mexico Border

Move Over Sniffer Dogs, Here Come Africa's Rats

Kung fu monks of China's Shaolin temple in hand-to-hand copyright battle

Gang life takes heavy toll on family

Judge removes 100-page brief from United bankruptcy

Seattle: Victims of abuse by priest question 'outreach'

Money crisis threatens Crime Stoppers

Confiscated cars sold by Customs may have contraband in them Click.

'Wall of Sound' Record Phil Spector Charged With Murder

Martha Stewart Designated Federal Inmate No. 55170-054

Kobe Bryant Faces a Shrewd, Media-Savvy Attorney

Family Says They Tried to Have Gunman Put in Mental Hospital Before He Shot Officer

Federal Judge Orders Hotelier Hundley to Forfeit $45 Million

Top Fastow Aide Begins Testifying in Barge Case

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Civil rights groups want Taser use cut

Deception, incompetence and greed can lead to over-prescribing Click.

Dentists, doctors, should be queried Click.

Contra Costa: Driver arrested after police chase

Santa Clara: Police shoot man outside San Jose cafe + S.J. cop kills man in scuffle + Los Altos weighs limit on nail salons + San Jose arts consultant awaits his next stage

Alameda County: Sausage maker's worker testifies + Hayward: Woman arrested after police chase

Central Valley: Turlock: Setting penalty for fatal mistake (vehicular manslaughter) + Clerk locks robbery suspect in store

Sacramento area: Suspect held in '80 UC Davis slayings + Residents seek relief from homeowners association rules Click.

Southern California: Newspaper: Funding cuts hamper fight against SoCal gangs

Scott Peterson: Peterson defense continues cross-examination of lead detective + Deputy D.A. gets some good marks

The Governor: Insiders Are Cashing In on State's Bond Market Click. (LAT Reg) + Governor hopes to boost fortunes of GOP candidates + Analysts say unity has eluded governor + Governor's state overhaul may be tied to offshore jobs + Activity in the state capital for Sept. 27-Oct. 1+ Governor pitches; business still wary + Energy policy bill gets vetoed + Richard Costigan appointed legislative secretary + Daniel Weintraub: Governor should lead debate on immigrants + Calif. emissions rules would raise car prices + The buzz: Kids say the darnedest things, first lady finds Click.

Shelley Learns the Hard Way That Politicians Are Not Invisible Click. (LAT Reg)

State's E-Vote Trust Builds Slowly Click. (LAT Reg)

Indian tribes: Interest Groups Retain Advisor to Governor Click. (LAT Reg)

Propositions: Initiative Fight Puts Focus on Felons Click. (LAT Reg) + Fall ballot is a muddle of measures Click. (LAT Reg) + Initiatives part of California democracy Click. + View: Pass Prop. 1A and stop state raids on local taxes + Why Prop. 63 is essential

Sacto Bee editorial: Machado for Senate + Dean Gardner's race for assembly from San Joaquin Valley Click.

Sen. Boxer launches first Senate race ad + Text of Sen. Boxer's first campaign ad

LOCAL NEWS:   Events planned to celebrate sea otters

Preserving the high Sierra Valley. Creative tactics will defend ranchland against development

BART's bond drive stuck in neutral. Consultants threatened to quit over lack of funds for campaign

Sacramento: Clean-air groups back Measure A + A new 'big-box' battle in Davis + R.E. Graswich: Old tunnel is still used by trains, but also hobos and graffiti artists + Rising costs cut capital's allure Click.

Marin: District to assume policing retrofit of low-flow toilets + Desalination surfaces as key MMWD issue + Buck housing builder seeks voter support + Stinson Beach's water a huge issue, candidates say

Alameda County: Fremont: More noise follows Dumbarton rail line + A tour of Fruitvale's history and potential + Centerville won't have 'Little Kabul' sign + Oakland: NAACP seeks panel + San Leandro chamber won't support public safety parcel tax + Feds may shut Alameda County medical center + Newark marine among four soldiers killed in Iraq

Contra Costa: New ordinance would register lobbyists

Sonoma: County job losses from offshoring have $1 billion impact + Ripple effect of offshoring hits home Click. + In Willits, a company loses customers Click. + Agilent layoffs take toll on auto shop Click. + Sonoma council hopefuls divided + Petaluma festival celebrates liberal agendas + Unitarians taking it to the streets

Solano: Looking back: 51-year career at Mare Island

San Francisco: Global warming creeps up on S.F. City has plan to cut greenhouse gasses + Change could be brewing over on Mariposa Street. Anchor Beermaker says zoning plan may force him to hoist anchor + Revival After 9/11. S.F. tourism springing back, but not to glory of 2000. Hotel occupancy rates, traffic at SFO grow -- hotel labor dispute could derail progress

Napa: Protest groups target foie gras + Airport land use commission officials strike down day care, health club proposals + Two area bridges granted landmark status + Environmental group combating erosion around Napa River

Monterey: Alternative trauma centers considered + Carmel looks at sales tax hike + No business for art business in Carmel + LAFCO to get Carmel Valley incorporation report + Seaside Auto Plaza proposal

Central Valley: Report: Modesto enticing to businesses

Central Coast: News briefs from California's Central Coast

Southern California: San Diego facing a billion-dollar pension problem + Violence-scarred LA communities fear loss of trauma center + L.A. controller Chick says she has no intention of changing her ways + L.A. councils may fight zoning plan that includes low-income housing + Riverside Hospital's vital signs strong after bankruptcy Click. + Consular visits to Orange County cities bestow IDs to immigrants, many of them undocumented, for consumer uses Click. (LAT Reg) + San Bernadino Day laborers ask nonprofit for help against recent sidewalk citations Click. + High Turnover Leaves Los Angeles City Departments in Limbo Click. (LAT Reg) + Delays Mount at L.A. and Long Beach Ports as Shipping Surges Click. (LAT Reg)

School days: Vocational pre-apprenticeship builds teenagers' confidence + Alameda teacher wins top state honor, $10,000 + Ohlone board candidates have different visions + Ohlone board candidate Bierman under Bar suspension + Livermore board keeps free benefits + Solano Community College students feeling pinch of higher fees + Stanford's challenge: better, but not bigger Click. + Orchestra in two schools Click. + What's in a name? For colleges, it's a big, fat check Click.

MILITARY Navy to shut down Cold War-era radio transmitters

Army May Reduce Length of Tours in Combat Zones

The wounds of war

Two U.S. Soldiers Charged in Death of Iraqi Civilian

We Reap the Whirlwind for Ignoring the Constitution

Former detainees return to former camps

Human Shields Denied Hearing on Iraq Sanctions Charges

But most adherents don’t deserve to be profiled as dangerous fanatics

Runaway Train: The True Story of the U.S. Patriot Act

Putin Sets Up Center to Protect Rights of Russians in Former Soviet Republics

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Click. Five countries which received vCJD-risk blood plasma products should be named Thousands warned over vCJD risk + Q&A: vCJD numbers

Horses falling victim to West Nile + West Nile spread slows across California + Researcher Recommends Caution In Using DEET Against West Nile

Lawrence Livermore Lab fights microscopic enemies

Ontario announces $30-million in BSE aid

USF Microbiologists Can Detect Smallpox And Anthrax ASAP

Quakes at St. Helens prompt warning

Stem cells as heart "pacemakers"

Marking time is a science at UC center. It devises ways to date nearly everything

What good is alcohol?

Grandfather of American fitness still spry at 90

Gene clue to malaria drug failure

Picture of North Sea fish decline

Montserrat volcano: Has it gone quiet?

Folic acid supplements cut spina bifida cases

Pollutant Causes Delayed Flowering In Plants

Rover Missions Renewed As Mars Emerges From Behind Sun

Scientists Discover Potential New Way To Control Drug-resistant Bacteria

Genesis Mission: First Scientific Sample Salvaged

A Glass Of Red Wine A Day May Keep Prostate Cancer Away

No Role For Simian Virus 40 In Human Pleural Mesotheliomas

Rutgers Engineers 'Mix It Up' To Promote Better Food, Medicine

What does heart disease look like in women?

Long Trip for Psychedelic Drugs to be used for mental disorders

New Palm Operating System Targets Smart Phones

Ask Jeeves bets on smart search

Click. 20 million copies of free Windows update downloaded

HP tests tactic to save batteries

Smart phones for all kinds of people

Big Wi-Fi Project for Philadelphia

Adobe plans new format for digital photos

THE BUSHWORLD...

Powell Defends US Hunt for bin Laden, Still Doesn't Know Where He Is

Is Colin Powell growing tired of Bush politics?

Fannie Mae Agrees to Boost Reserve Capital, Rework Transactions to Correct Accounting Problems

STATES MAY LOSE FUNDS FOR KIDS' HEALTH CARE

U.S. FUNDS DRYING UP FOR COMMUNITY COPS

MEXICAN OFFICIAL SEEKS OPEN BORDERS

U.S. Agency Plans to Invest Up to $2 Billion in Ukrainian Economy

Congress: Nancy Pelosi explains it all to you

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Carter: Fair conditions don't exist for Fla. voters

Bush May Hold Advantage in Debate as Kerry Prepares Foreign Policy Attack

All eyes on aging justices

Voters in Ohio give political ads a thumbs down

Ten toughest things to do in presidential politics

Colo. initiative could make 2004 a repeat of 2000

Federal Court Orders Trial in Florida E-Ballot Lawsuit; Paper Trail for Touchscreen at Issue

Military records: An Agile Pilot Who Flew Under the Radar + Mike Lux: Enough already Click.

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush stands by aircraft carrier speech + ANALYSIS: Bush changes view of Putin's Russia + Bush heads to Ohio; new ad criticizes Kerry on Iraq + Republican stealth weapon targets women + Bush campaign turns toward army of volunteers + Bush Claims on Iraq Progress Don't Pass Smell Test + Bush's New Ads Slam Kerry's Iraq Comments

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kennedy ties Iraq criticism to election + Kerry campaign shifts gear into attack mode + Edwards hits Bush camp on terror ad + Europe to Bush: Go away. Even British prefer Kerry for president + Edwards discusses strategy for war on terror at Maine rally + Kerry Can't Take Oregon for Granted + Kerry touts his record in the Senate + Linda Colley: John Kerry needs a narrative - and fast + Kerry Tells Dairyland Voters That Bush Would Hurt Milk Producers - After Election

OPINIONS:

Despite Chaos, Bush Still Believes

Blowhards, Left and Right: Justin Raimondo

The Russians Are Coming! To Iraq?

'Ownership society': why US can't buy in

The Blue Bolsheviks

Novak: Is the CIA at war with Bush?

Democracy cannot be good in parts

Bean Counters Give Bush an Edge

Crockett & Lawrence: Gallup polls: Conditioning the public for vote rigging? Click.

Margaret Kimberly: President Arnold Schwarzenegger Click.

Michael Kinsley: Bush or Kerry: Who's really Osama's boy Click.

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Crude Oil Nears $50 a Barrel on Concern Over Nigeria and U.S. Gulf Supply

Crackdown on books strains valley firms

Startup exploits new way of networking

Investors should review 401(k) allotments

IRS changes may boost small firms

Former Parmalat boss released from house arrest

Virgin plans space tourism by 2007

Deutsche Bank under investigation

Candy bars cut down to size

Mondavi Is Hoping for High-End Harvest Click. (LAT Reg)

Harrah's, Caesars to Sell 4 Casinos to Satisfy Regulators

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Study: Living in the Suburbs Can Make You Sick

Breaking out of the prison called ageism

Forbes 400 list of richest Americans: snapshot of a financial oligarchy

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Gay marriage backers focus on Ore. battle + Flash point for black churches. Gay marriage issue may benefit GOP + Folsom Street Fair marks 21 unchained years. But some say event losing its raw edge + Just another day in the life of France's first official gay family

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

L.A. Times May Break Tradition, Make Choice for President

Let the Fourth Wind Blow: Florida Papers Publish Despite Hurricane

Web site takes aim at political 'arms race of spin'

Putin Tells Reporters to Fight Terror

Can authors buy an honest review?

Stardom: The DOGS of WAG

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Clayton brings Old West back to its town center

San Rafael library gets grant for human rights series

Duo nears end of first known continuous trek of West Coast Trail

The loneliness of the long-distance bicyclist

A historical look at sports memorabilia commerce in Napa

Mexican American cultural center to open in 2007 Click. (LAT Reg)

Art in the midst of Hell

Refighting the Civil War, With Government Help

Hemingway Bullfight Tale From 1924 Turns Up

Mystery of the Model

India's Taj Mahal city fetes birthday of famed monument to love

Chinese mooncakes get modern makeover for Mid-Autumn Festival

Heading for the Baltic on board the Nostalgia Express

The Monday interview: Mel Brooks

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: Six Egyptians Seized in New Iraq Raids + Egypt appeals for captives' release + UK Muslims in Iraq on mercy mission + More kidnapping operations in Iraq + Lethal alliance fuels kidnappings + Another 10 are taken + Muslims fear backlash + The other Mr. Bigleys + Number of Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq Tops 140

Occupation: Allawi Setting the Stage for 'Some Sort' of Vote + Official: US Haunted by Early Occupation Failures

War prisons: Navy charges 3 more SEALs in Iraq abuse + Court-Martial Expected in Abu Ghraib Case AFGHANISTAN: U.S. to deploy troops to Afghanistan for election security Click.

MIDDLE EAST: Security forces on high alert for Yom Kippur; territories under closure + Israeli Wall to Grab Land: UN + Israeli Army Flattens Rows of Houses in Gaza Raid

Brunei Convenes Legislature After 20 Years Click.

RUSSIA: Rail Boss Rolls Out $1Bln China Plan

EUROPE: Blair: I will serve another full term Prince Harry's fighting fit for Army

AFRICA: Sudan announces foiling a coupe by Turabi supporters + Darfur 'fear and rape' decried

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Bell Labs physicist is No. 2 at Livermore Lab + Woman named to high post at lab

Korea: US Destroyers Deploying Off North Korea + U.N. agency orders N. Korea to halt its nuke program + N. Korea Missile Site Movements Said Continuing

Report: Iran delivers 'strategic missile' to armed forces after successful test

"Red Death": History of Russian secret weapons

Mounties short of national security know-how

Guatemalan war crime suspect vanishes

Imagining the mind of a terrorist

First meeting of its kind since 35 years; Powell asks Libya's Shalqam of explanation over assassination attempt of crown prince Abdullah

Musharraf 'reasonably sure' bin Laden is alive

Hitler's secret Indian army

U.S. borders plugged into vast database

ARMY TEST SPY BLIMP OVER MARYLAND

Brazil Pressing for Favorable Treatment on Nuclear Fuel Click.

House drops plan to move cybersecurity role to White House

Germany finally honors 'traitor' spy

UK: Power plants 'should be secret'

Spanish novelist spied for Franco's regime

Pinochet quizzed over killings

Lines Pose Risk at LAX

LEAKGATES  In Shadow of 9/11, Hamburg Tracks Atta Contacts

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Mike Cassidy: Handicapping the performances of Silicon Valley CEOs (SJM Reg)

New interest in coal sparks energy debate

Car-sharing services' business booming

Bonuses replace pay rises in big companies

A positive strategy for work

Europe Is Said to Be Close to Allowing Bid by Oracle

Insurers relying on satellite photos to determine fire risk

Marvin Davis, Billionaire Former Fox Studios Owner, Dead at 79

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Nova Scotia allows gay marriages + Chief Financial Officer for Republican Party admits he's gay, refuses to discuss policies or anti-gay flyer + Miranda clams up

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Nevada casino licensees Seeno Jr. and son are fined $775,000 for links to felons

Hendrix brother gets none of $80 million estate

Study shows rates of intravenous drug use in U.S. metro areas

Half the adult males in Pitcairn on going to trial re: child abuse

US judge strikes down bootleg law

Texas Teen Agrees to Plea Bargain in School Shooting Plot

Mother, Two Children Abducted by Family Friend

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

L.A. Archdiocese won't fight to join lawsuit re: state law + Clergy abuse of young people who later become priests themselves Click. + Church secrecy protects priests, not parishioners

Dentists contend they are innocent of fraud

San Francisco: Police arrest fleeing Bay Area carjacker in Missouri + Missouri cops catch Fairfield suspect in carjackings + Police issue warrant in killing of Giants fan + Threatening e-mail brings man's arrest. He says he's leader of Aryan Nations; S.F. officials targeted

Alameda County: Oakland employees' pay is public, judge opines + Alameda County deputies nab $2 million in pot plants west of Sunol + Cops seize 170 marijuana plants near Fremont + Legal terrain altered for Oakland Riders cops' misconduct retrial + Woman beaten, raped near Chinatown + Oakland man slain in double shooting + Emeryville police can't return medical marijuana evidence to man because thieves raided Emeryville police storage in an "inside" job + San Leandro robbery suspect arrested + Ceremony set for a new juvenile hall + Hayward carjacking suspect turns gun on himself + Two plead guilty in theft of explosives in San Mateo County + Livermore locals dig deep for humanity + Union is stickin' It to the G-Man

Sacramento area: Man pleads not guilty in Woodland fraud case + Vagos and his motorcycle club fight outlaw image + Las mujeres problematicas

Solano: Vallejo: 100 drug indictments sought in wake of 8-month operation + Accused child killer seeks to suppress statements to police + Suisun: EPA sends diesel spill case to Justice Dept.

Santa Clara: Valley ex-CEO Reza Mikailli, of Unify, sentenced to 4 years in prison + Unify exec convicted of making false ledger entries + Sunnyvale: Plea in illegal dumping

Marin: Man charged with attempted murder in attack on mother in Tiburon

Monterey: Judge sets new hearing for Hartnell College president

Sonoma: Gang members could get probation; D.A. fears witnesses may be at risk + Transient arrested, may be linked to 5 bank heists

Central Valley: 4 Merced deputies admit steroid use + Man arrested as suspected Nesler accomplice

Southern California: Santa Ana: Assistant sheriff resigns, cites hardship of son's rape charges + Jury recommends death for LA man who killed three brothers

Scott Peterson: Chief Deputy tries to save the case + Prosecution takes charge + Stockton pair takes up hunt for Peterson evidence in bay

The Governor: Megan's Law data to go online + Sex-offender names to go online in July + Gov. signs prison-reform bills + Gov. signs, vetoes prison bills + The buzz: Correctional officers union still an election player + Gov. signs bill for phone privacy + No hint yet on Gov.'s positions on offshoring + Calif. OKs toughest auto emissions rules + Exhaust rules to become tougher + Gov. shows his green side + Gov. deflects rays, reins in scooters + Bill aimed at cracking down on code violations is vetoed + Hispanics threaten boycott of state over licenses veto + Gov. blasted by some conservatives for his bill signing + Cruise ships face new ban on sewage + Wireless directory consent bill signed + Tanning law for youths + Gov. says 'no' to claims for those sent to Mexico in 1930s + Gov. signs bill aiding buyers in private communities + Lawyers Say Gov.'s Aide Can Join Bank Board Click. (LAT Reg) + Chiropractors, patients both hit hard by state worker's comp reform + Gov. in demand for Terminator 4 movie

Overruns cause Caltrans bond rating to slip. Bay toll authority also takes a hit from Wall Street firm

Shelley: `Buck stops here' on misuse of funds, Shelley insists + Shelley ends contracts of 15 consultants + Shelley's office was told of partisan activity. Consultants paid with federal voter funds provided advance notice of their plans Click.

Another post for Bustamante?

Capitol hopefuls for District 3 Senate seat spell out difference on health bill + State assembly candidates for Napa area attack each other in debate + 7th District candidates face off over taxes

Seeking support one vote at a time in rural areas

GOP star Giuliani backs Jones + Boxer says U.S. less secure, ties Jones to Bush policies +Candidates Will Turn Up the Volume in Senate Race Click. (LAT Reg

Corporation for Supportive Housing group's new hire

Indian tribes: San Benito gambling site in works for California Miwoks + Director of state's dominant Indian gambling lobby resigns Click.

LOCAL NEWS:   Brush-clearing goats ordered out of Mill Valley

Wildlife plans for Blair Island near Port of Redwood City. Public input sought

Pressure's on to scale back BART project

Alameda County: `Little Kabul' proposal dropped in Fremont + Fremont nips pot shops in the bud + New policy removes Oakland shrines 48 hours after victim's death

Contra Costa: Group fights for low rent from Richmond + Law and order comes to Delta. County cracking down on illegal buildings dotting the islands + Workers file suit in Lesher center case. Boss retaliated after complaints to city, six plaintiffs say + Law to require huge stores to report on their impact. Rule would be unfair burden, Wal-Mart spokesman says

Sacramento: Growing needs of county's seniors spotlighted in study + Alta's top executive quits

Marin: Canal voters prepare to get out immigrant vote + Child-care cuts draw ire

Napa: Land trust's motivations questioned + County to ask city to provide water for affordable housing

Monterey: Salinas mulls deep budget cuts +

Santa Cruz area Highway Patrol will help in Salinas

Central Coast: City leaders break ground on Watsonville Civic Center + Santa Barbara County oil site shut down following gas leak

Solano: Benicia invests in senior housing

San Francisco: Plan to close church lamented. Sacred Heart needs $8 million in repairs + Fireboat that fought earthquake fires in the Marina gets renovated + Muni joins war on terror

Sonoma: Measure R leaves campaign donation limit, disclosures up to Petaluma voters + Syar's electronic ear listens for noise

Central Valley: Clean-needle law heartens Fresno officials, who see high drug use + Stanislaus supervisors refute grand jury findings

Southern California: Pension fund woes present San Diego with one fine mess + Endangered LA trauma center criticized in reports + Gas leak prompts freeway closure in Riverside County + King/Drew Trauma Unit a 'Jewel' With Big Flaws + San Diego pension deal draws scrutiny Click. + Another San Diego credit rate downgrade announced Click. + Bobby Shriver Joins the Family Business Click. (LAT Reg) + Supervisor Will Seek County Trial of Foreign Pharmacies Click. (LAT Reg)

School days: Fremont finalizes deal for music program + Delta College event to promote disabled services awareness + High lead level found in water at Tam campus + Marie McCarthy's life goal is to empower others at disabled students program, College of Marin + Marin: High lead level found in water at Tam campus + San Francisco: Race may become factor in school assignments + A new twist in the debate on learning in online classes

After Child's Hot-Car Death, Father Backs Alarm Systems for Parents Click. (LAT Reg)

MILITARY

Destroying the National Guard: William S. Lind

Air Force chief: Advanced study growing need

Amputee refuses to give up Army career

U.S. NOT PREPARED FOR MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS ON RETURNING SOLDIERS

Kamikazes

Outlived the Stigma

Back From Iraq, Soldiers Flock to Laser Eye Clinic

Stardom: The CAT'S Meow Yusuf Islam: From pop idol to Islamic star

Comic strip bites at politicians' Hispanic strategies

Mimes Speak Out on Social Issues

Richard A. Stitt: An American Gulag coming? Click.

Familiar Story

U.S. soldier seeking to stay asks for Canadians' help

WAL-MART ENDS SALE OF "PROTOCOLS OF THE ELDERS OF ZION"

Homeschoolers portrayed as terrorists: Federally funded security exercise concocts fictitious foe

Mobiles to let parents keep a track on children

Blood for pork....

U.S. military satellite deal with Lockheed may be work $3.27 billion

Texas Expects Economic Boom From Soldiers

U.S. firm fined $6.3 million for Iran trade

Thousands of Taiwan People Protest U.S. Arms Deal

Health Benefits Are Hard to Get in War Zone Click. (LAT Reg)

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Gulf war health checks 'too late'

New Crew to Leave for Space Station on Oct. 11, NASA Says

Vitamin E 'can restore hearing'

Scientists Report Increased Thinning Of West Antarctic

Massive Merger Of Galaxies Is The Most Powerful On Record

Females May Be More Susceptible To Overindulge "Sweet Tooth" Cravings Than Males

Targeting Stress Response Proteins On Breast, Prostate Tumor Cells Shows Promise

New Signs Of Life Found At The Poles

Appetite Hormone Restores Fertility

Google site in China under fire

Virus writers focus on image bug

Cut the clutter on your PC

MIT Works to Power Computers With Spinach

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush Says Bombings, Beheadings in Iraq Won't Weaken the U.S.'s Resolve

Bush Promises to Step Up Iraq Rebuilding Spending

Bush Wants Parley on Iraqi Election + Walking a Tightrope Quickly Toward Iraqi Elections + Credibility Questions Bedevil January Vote, With Security Major Problem An AP New Analysis + To Help Iraq Vote, Powell Seeks Meeting of Nations Click.

Bush: Iraq omitted from US terror list

Rumsfeld: US Could Begin Troop Pullout Before War Ends

Allawi safety claims 'out of touch with reality' say Iraqis

Bob Dole: Indonesia's Man in Washington Click.

Shifts in Iraq funding designed to address immediate priorities

Take time to avoid HUD rent increases for low-income housing program

Farmworkers, supporters fast for federal ag bill

Click. Bush moves to rewrite the rules governing millions of acres of undeveloped federal lands in the West

Click. Bush's words and actions are at odds on children's health care.

Life of Prescott Bush

Congress: GOP Bill Adds Police Powers to Intelligence Reforms + House Democrats decry GOP Intel bill + Intel Bill Lacks Bipartisan Input

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Democratic leader Pelosi calls Iraq war a 'grotesque mistake'

Bush touts Iraq; Pelosi says 'face reality'

Bush plays on faith and family values

Under microscope, voters in Fla. difficult to gauge

3 states to allow soldiers to vote by e-mail

Latino Vote Still Lags Its Potential

Pocketbooks pinched, but war grips voters

Mixing milk and Bush politics

Groups try to inspire U.S. Asians to join vote

Military records: Little light shed as Pentagon releases more Bush Guard papers + DOCUMENTS CONFLICT WITH BUSH CLAIMS

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry seeks to put Iraq centre stage + Kerry Promises to Refocus U.S. on Terror War + Kerry, DNC follow Bush's lead on ads + Kerry Blasts Iraq 'Diversion'

OPINIONS:

Juan Cole: Iraq Elections a Disaster in the Making

Helen Thomas: Bush rallies are by invitation only

Shocker: Bush Lies (about Iraqi forces training)

Jonathan Chait: If it ain't broke, give it a (tax) break Click.

When Spin Replaces Truth

Every day is WACO day in Allawi's liberated land

If you start the fight, don't complain when you get hurt

Dire Warnings from the Past: From Wilson to Bush

Lesser Evilism: We Are Living in the Logical Conclusion

The Politics of Nader's Republican Support

Max Boot: Wars, Presidents and Errors

Two faces of Bush

Pakistan's President says Iraq war was a mistake

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Marjie Lundstrom: Jeepers creepers, video peepers more sophisticated than ever

The Sky Is Always Falling

Another "beautiful mind"

The conventional nuclear family is a thing of the past

Oy Vey. Management the Hasidic Way

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Comic Al Franken's Air America starts Tuesday in the Bay Area as KQKE, 960 AM Click.

No joke: Daily Show viewers follow presidential race Click.

Israeli millionaire to purchase 50% of Al-Jazeera shares Click.

Networks Don't Like Seeing Their News Footage in Political Ads

HBO: The Tough Act TV Tries to Follow

'Balance' (aka who gives a shit about the truth)

Bill Ballance, host of provocative 1970s radio show, dies at 85

Tony-Nominated Playwright Bryony Lavery Accused of Plagiarism

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Serendipity links Carrillo Adobe, sunken clipper Frolic

Sale at architectural salvage and antiques firm show San Jose area's history

Cedars of Marin members create original textiles

28 years of sharing Shakespeare

Indians decry Lewis and Clark re-creation

Shakespeare text 'worth millions'

Omaha Indian Music

Rediscovering Angel Mounds

Norge bones' origins confirmed

Chinese Poems

Hugo Brehme: Postcards from Mexico

Talking Ring Lardner

The ministry of women

Scientists find diagnoses of 'x-ray' girl hard to stomach

Opera's new Pavarotti soars

Brando became close friend of Michael Jackson

Dating website for canines (and possibly their owners)

Sisters under the skin

Best foot forward

Sinead begs for mercy after nits joke

Discreet Charm of San Sebastian's Film Festival+ "Turtles can fly" about Iraqi children wins Spanish film festival

Ben Widdicombe's Gatecrasher

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: Six Egyptians Snatched in Two Iraq Kidnappings + Family of British hostage in Iraq take plea to streets of Baghdad + Islamic group says it has beheaded two Italians +
UK Muslims in bid to save hostage + Drama casts shadow over Blair + Comment: Jonathan Steele + Websites boast 'slaughter' of women + Hostage executions in Iraq follow a ritual pattern + Bush administration sabotages attempt to save British hostage in Iraq

Occupation: Iraq leader: Nothing will stop vote. In Washington visit, Allawi downplays power of insurgents + Allawi Effectiveness Hinges on Credibility + U.S. Sees Chances of Saddam Trial in 2004 'Remote' + Hepatitis Spreads to Two Iraqi Districts + US Congress hails Washington's Iraqi stooge + Sistani and the prospect for Iraqi elections + U.S. Officials, Allawi at Odds Over Timetable for Saddam's Trial

War prisons: Torture and Rape Rampant in Iraq Prisons

AFGHANISTAN: Karzai scrambles for 'friends'

MIDDLE EAST: 3 Israeli soldiers in Gaza killed by gunmen. Deaths renew debate on Sharon's plan for withdrawal + Israeli woman dies in Gaza mortar strike, police go on Yom Kippur alert

RUSSIA: Russia moves to ratify Kyoto Protocol + Russia charges 2 police officers with aiding Chechen leader. Crackdown so far has singled out only lower ranks+ Putin vows to stay democratic course despite anti-terror plans + Russian state firms get go-ahead to bid for Yukos + Chinese Premier Promises Support for Russia's WTO Membership, Discusses Oil Supplies

ASIA PACIFIC: Indonesia detains 6 gold mine officials

India, Pakistan Leaders Hail New Chapter in Ties

China paves the way for possible return of the Dalai Lama

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Al Halabi discharge ordered + Translator convicted of lesser charges to appeal sentence+ Airman says he did 'a dumb thing' but was no spy + Cleared of Spy Rap, U.S. Airman Seeks Second Chance

'There's no ring, and no spies...' at Gitmo

North Korea threatens U.S. in Japan. Nearby nations fear Pyongyang is planning missile test + U.N. Calls on N. Korea to Scrap Its Atomic Arsenal

N.Y. Times' Beijing aide held in China for leaking state secrets + Researcher for The Times in China Is Detained

LAPD counterterrorism chief detained at airport with handgun

Britain backs Russian move against refugee 'terrorists'

3rd German Arrested in Probe Into Arms Trade + German Arrested Over Suspected Nuclear Arms Trade

Tiny Sensors That Can Track Anything (smart dust)

What a Comprehensive Intelligence Bill Should Contain

US Marines Train Niger Counter-Terror Force

Click. Chinese Intelligence Service FOI Documents

U.S. tries to penetrate Qaeda 'cyber sanctuaries'

Internet Emerges As Potent Terrorist Tool

107 tons of toxic gas smuggled to N. Korea

Russia wants UN to create terrorist blacklist Click.

Vanunu Says His Revelation of Israeli Nukes Changed the World

U.S. Embassy Criticizes Detention of Executives From American Mining Company

Prosecutors Charge Three Suspects in Connection With Twin Plane Bombings

Blood for pork....

Venezuela to Buy Russian Helicopters to Fight Guerrillas

Boeing Deal Faces Justice Dept. Review

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


JUSTICE DEPT. STEPS UP SURVEILLANCE AMID FEARS OF ATTACK

Suit challenges cut in pesticide reviews

Company Withholds $5 Million Bonus from Lance Armstrong pending performance drugs investigation

Prober wants Brooklyn judge out

Martha ink expert faces sex harass rap

UK: Police authority chief denies child abuse allegations

9 out of 10 Financial Websites Susceptible to Online Fraud

Malvo to Plead Guilty to Second Sniper Killing

Man Ruled Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial in Videotaped Lawyer Shooting

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Report: Calif. three-strikes law imprisons more than other states

State fires CYA guards tied to beating + CYA fires six + Videotape of Stockton incident showed punching, kicking

State bar takes action against South Bay online law school

$99 million settlement reached in water suit vs. 4 oil companies

Fellow alumni speak up for law grad hounded by feds for prostitution money

Cardinal Mahony deplores abuse, defends church litigation

Dentists’ patients tell of terror + Experts say people run little risk of disease even if dirty tools were used + Napa: One suit vs. dentist done, six more to go

Touch & Go: Trial re: death of dairy workers from fumes, serves notice to state

Contra Costa: Lesher Arts center's troubles continue with lawsuit + Ex-Pittsburg officers contest charges of filing false reports + Police seek man who tried to lure child from Sutter Elementary, Antioch + San Ramon: Police seek man in sexual assault

Santa Clara: San Jose: Murder charge in death of cyclist

Sacramento area: El Dorado sting unravels meth network + Sacramento nightclub owner sentenced to prison re: drugs + Witness tells of molestation while patient at Mercy General hospital + Man shot to death in Rancho Cordova + Parolee detained in Sept. 4 killing

Marin: Sausalito trailer thief gets more than he bargained for

Alameda County: Girl, 16, gunned down in Oakland drive-by + Hayward: Jury convicts woman of 2001 murder at hotel + Hayward: Armed carjacking suspect turns gun on self + Slavery abounds in U.S., rights group says. Berkeley landlord case is 1 of 8 cited in UC group's report

San Francisco: San Francisco civil courts cancel cost-saving closures

Santa Barbara museum owner sentenced 6 months for fraudulently obtaining copyright to sell photos

Santa Cruz: Elder-abuse victim will get money back + Alleged attacker in UCSC library assault arrested in Oregon

Vallejo drug busts target key dealers

Southern California: Three charged in immigrant marriage fraud + Anaheim man sets up internet sting to retrieve exotic pythons

Scott Peterson: Jurors see tape of living victim + Defendant's tears were from guilt, detective says + Defendant's tears + Defense hails Peterson's cooperation + Jury sees home video of Laci Peterson + Detective tells jury defendant was helpful. He allowed search of home, took cops to boat storage site + Day 60 + Scott Peterson shed a tear when notified bodies were found

The Governor:  Gov. signs bill on smog checks, OKs hybrids using carpool lanes+ Gov. signs environmental bills + Bill signings pleases conservation groups + Ocean, Sierra bills signed + Voters to decide on library bonds + New state agency to guard Sierra. Bipartisan effort establishes conservancy for 25 million acres + Calif. Gov. signs legislation to curb pollution from cruise ships + Transit experts concerned about impact of new hybrid-vehicle law + Driver's license issue not settled Click. Nunez relents on licenses Click. + Gov. vetoes children's hearing aid bill Click. + Gov. signs bill for Delta water-quality plan Click. + Gov. OKs bills on quake safety Click. + Gov. signs bills aiding fire protection Click. + California Regulators Approve World's Toughest Smog Rules

Backers stung by veto on licenses

Hybrids can enjoy carpool privilege

Stay out of state, two health card firms told

State's specialty crops seek funds

DMV isn't the best agency to help homeland security

Backers of bill to cut illegal immigrants' benefits prepare to gather signatures + Back-breaker hand weeding gets the boot

Air board to vote on car rules. New standards would reduce vehicle emissions

Shelly: Budget chair won't send Shelley fed voting funds. Democratic senator says secretary of state didn't provide plans + Shelley seeks to reassure officials + Shelley says he's taking reform steps + 2 testify they were repaid for blank checks. Nonprofit's money replaced funds that went to Shelley+ Secretary of state should resign

CHP medical pension probe pledged

PUC: SBC gets OK to raise wholesale phone rates + SBC to raise rates on rivals + State Fines Cingular Over Charges, Service Click.

Candidates Rep Woolsey and Erickson are near polar opposites

Propositions: Emergency care providers boost pressure as Election Day nears + No on expanding DNA sampling: It’ll clog system + Stem Cell Supporters Launch Ad Campaign Click. (LAT Reg) + Stem cell bond's costs disputed Click.

Indian tribes: Richmond: Mixed reaction to plan for tribal casino+ Times Poll: Both Gambling Measures Failing Click. (LAT Reg) + Are Tribes Cashing In Their Heritage? Click. (LAT Reg)

LOCAL NEWS:   Federal grant to aid wildlife

Bird-lover's battle

Santa Clara: Limited trauma services offered by Regional Medical Center, San Jose + Honda withdraws support for Amah Mutson's attempt to get fed recognition (ties to developer Wayne Pierce)

Marin: Novato delays vote on site for City Hall + Public safety facilities become major Sausalito council issue + Sausalito: Disease outbreak killing sea lions

Alameda: Fremont backs phased-in utility tax + Livermore assemblyman Houston reviews his successes + Many hospitals lack interpreters + Livermore water district fined for not reporting spill+ Officials: Pot not acceptable at Coliseum + Berkeley council member Shirek to be write-in candidate

Contra Costa: Activists: Vasco needs barriers now + Iron triangle in Richmond getting trashed

San Francisco: Planning panel to decide on director. Newsom, activists want to replace Brown appointee+ City's new ads: 'Only rain down the drain'+ Grant to boost biotech + Supe's wheelchair ramp hits snag + Al Gore hits Fillmore Street + Dwellings tiny, not cheap

Central Valley: Business, politics passing Latinos by+ Barbara Matthews captures Farm Bureau’s endorsement + Ex-Modesto city manager to keep benefits + Task force reiterates Vasco Road safety needs

Santa Cruz: Family homeless shelter nearly complete

Napa: St. Helena to use Web to go after illegal B&B's + County offices evacuated after envelope bomb scare + Supervisor calls for changes in local elections department

School days: UC regents set admission GPA at 3.0 + Alameda: Developers sue Island schools over developer fee hike + Sacramento school exec pensions to get citizen oversight + San Francisco. Shop classes to make a return. Construction trade unions to bankroll renovation at alternative high school+ Billionaire who just couldn't get the staff builds his own retail and fashion college + Cal State students: Moore to come after all Click.

Southern California: Rating agency puts San Diego on caution list Click. + Hawthorne Hospital to Shut Doors Click. (LAT Reg) + Court refuses to halt work on busway project Click. + Cargo Hub OKd at March Air Base Click. (LAT Reg) + Site decision by DHL remains up in the air Click. + San Diego Voters Are Asked to Give Mayor More Power Click. (LAT Reg)

Forbes lists 400 Americans with most billions, millions. 44 Bay Area people are among richest Click.

MILITARY

Navy's top doctor says war-zone care in need of checkup

Germany pulls out of military expo

SETAF readies for deployment

CONNECT THE DOTS....

How to avoid being anti-American

Search for last Indian

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Report: OPEC has lost control over oil prices.

Tech firms taking stock of options

California is 'slave' worker gateway

Sony-led group, now including Comcast, agrees to buy MGM

California wine makers begin emerging from glut crisis with cautious optimism

China: Too much easy money, too many loans

Martha Stewart Living renews contract with founder

Reports: Trump Trying to Use Bondholders to Rescue Casino Company

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Livermore Lab focuses on ways to fight bioterror, disease

West Nile virus endemic in 5 Sonoma County communities + State aid sought to fight weed Ludwigia that harbors mosquitoes

Bullish Chemical Could Repel Yellow Fever Mosquitoes

Vaccine for deadly flu?

Agent Orange Darkens Dreams of Vietnam's Progeny

What's next for depressed kids?

Space station crew to do AIDS research

Belgian baby believed first from frozen ovarian tissue. Mother, 32, had been sterile from cancer treatment

Massive Merger Of Galaxies Is The Most Powerful On Record

Researchers Find Troubling Offshoot Of Schizophrenia

Brain's 'Storehouse' For Memory Molecules Identified

Jefferson Liver Transplant Surgeons Show Less Rejection, Better Survival With Drug Regimen

Scientists Discover New Marine Habitat In Alaska

Cannabis May Help Combat Cancer-causing Herpes Viruses

Researchers ID Chlorophyll-regulating Gene

Key Cell-Death Step Found

Mediterranean Diet And Healthy Lifestyle Associated With Significant Reduction In Death Rate

Strep Bacteria Uses A Sword And Shield To Win Battle

What Genesis Solar Particles Can Tell Us

'Smart Antibiotics' May Result From UCLA Research

Flightless New Zealand Kiwi Claws Back from Brink

Glaciers Quicken Pace to Sea

MS fires amour-piercing suit at 'bullet-proof' spam host

HP's famous garage will be restored

Browser might be next Google venture

Scientists Find Nanowires Capable Of Detecting Individual Viruses

When Bot Nets Attack

Web Tool May Banish Broken Links
 

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush, Allawi Say Most of Iraq Is Stable; Map, However, Is Dotted With Violence

Porter Goss Sworn in As New CIA Chief

Parallel Worlds

Bush and Allawi Say Iraqi Voting Won't Be Put Off + Violence Belies Positive Picture

Rumsfeld: Iraq Elections May Be Limited + State Dept. deputy contradicts Rumsfeld on Iraq elections + Armitage: No Plans for Partial Iraq Election

More troops needed, new study warns. Current, anticipated operations at risk, outside experts say + Gen. Abizaid: More US Troops Needed in Iraq+ National Guard Won't Meet Recruiting Goal

Republicans admit mailing campaign literature saying liberals will ban the Bible Click.

Powell Holds Talks With Libya's Foreign Minister Click.

Many face sharp cuts in Section 8 aid

NIH Proposes Yearlong Moratorium on Drug Company Collaborations

Paige Declares Debate Is Over About 'No Child Left Behind'

Congress: House, Senate vote to extend 3 tax cuts for middle class. $146 billion reduction will be 4th since Bush took office + Hill Divide Widens on Intelligence

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Bush Lead Narrows in National Polls; Kerry Holds Edge in Electoral Votes President

Security viewed as pivotal among crossover voters. Candidates' stances on Iraq, terrorism trump party loyalty

Kerry and Bush send their relatives abroad to court expatriate voters

Want to see Bush, Kerry duke it out? Try Wisconsin

Some Presidential debate rules

Tallying the Woes of Electronic Balloting

A Massive Experiment in Voting (WaPo)

Bush and Kerry Mount Full Invasions of Pennsylvania

Military records: FL Woman Says Fear Of Flying Ended W's Guard Service + xymphora opines

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush gains more support from male voters, poll shows + Cheney says Kerry lacks resolve for war on terror+ How Bush is winning the US sports vote

In prime minister, presidential race gets a touchstone

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry to outline terror strategy + Edwards courts women voters + A turning point for Kerry? + Echoes of a 1972 Loss Haunt a 2004 Campaign + Video game puts players in Kerry's Swift boat + Tying Kerry to Terror Tests Rhetorical Limits + W 'unhinged' in view of war - Kerry aide + Kerry: Bush Dropped Ball on Terror with War in Iraq

OPINIONS:

Are US elections the ultimate hostage?

The president's blind eye

A dove in good company

GOP Senators Tell Unpleasant Truths

Human dignity, Crazy Mike, Indian country

Daniel Schorr: Aiming at Bush, but felling Rather

Mark Morford: What's wrong with John Kerry? Click.

John W. Dean: Supreme Court: A crucial but largely ignored 2004 campaign issue Click.

Paul Krugman: Let's get real Click.

Molly Ivins: Carnival con: DeLay's 'values politics' makes rubes out of voters Click.

Stardom: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION VOTE

Mystery in the Heartland

Homeland Insecurity

For kayaker-activist, let the paddling begin

Singer Cat Stevens Demands Probe Into Deportation + One way to alienate moderate Muslims: deport Cat + The deportation of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

Conference on Arkansas internment camps begins in Little Rock

Protester attacks Berlin exhibition of art 'bought with Nazi blood money'

Click. TSA Demands More Air Passenger Data

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: "Miranda" switches sides + France recognizes gay parents

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Miami Herald Prepares for Fla. Presidential Debate

Click. We Have Met the News, and It Is Us

CBS killed story on forged Niger yellowcake documents

Writers guild members snipe at Hollywood execs on website

Balancing Act: How News Portals Serve Up Political Stories Click.

LewisNews gets visit from local Sheriff and the Secret Service Click.

Paul Colford's Hot Copy: Bush 'Family' tops Times list

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Kinetic creations abound at The Crucible in Oakland

Automotive history on display at Galt Old Car Festival

California Missions. Restoring history

'Da Vinci' Code fans comb Paris for clues

A movie, the mob, and an FBI sting

Che on a Bike + Chasing Che + Meet a kinder, gentler Che in 'Motorcycle Diaries' + Guevara is face kids like to see for now

Get away from it all on Tunisia's pre-colonial train

London's fashion brat pack razzles and dazzles its way to spring

End of an era: first post-Ford ready-to-wear at Gucci

Wintour avoids the bullets on the world's fashion runways

Old traditional Chinese towns bring new forms of tourism

Catwoman flop claws hole in Australian cinema company's kitty

Why crime fiction matters

Stephen Fry: my favorite classical composers

Can movies, music change the world?

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Some Rather kind words

Rush & Molloy: Elton John, a real Taipei personality

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Occupation: US Opens Tikrit Bridge, but Iraqis Unhappy About Slow Reconstruction + + Frustrated US forces fail to win hearts or minds + NATO agrees to send trainers to Iraq + Iraqi Scientist Who Kept Nuclear Secrets in Garden Cautions Against Proliferation

Elections: US Officials: Road to Iraq Vote May Be Violent + Sistani: Politics May Delay January Election + Doubts Rise Over Partial Elections in Iraq

AFGHANISTAN: U.S. Hand Seen in Afghan Election + Activists: Afghan women no better off + Tribal leader among 11 Afghans freed by U.S.

MIDDLE EAST:

Three Israeli soldiers, three Palestinians killed in Gaza settlement raid + 2 Israeli police officers killed in suicide bombing. Teenage girl sets off blast amid tighter security for holy days

Israel Charges Iran Replaces Saddam as Terror Exporter

Saudi Arabia's religious hatred

RUSSIA: A police state minus the police

EUROPE: Turkey's EU hopes leap as Brussels sees 'no more obstacles'

ASIA PACIFIC: President Megawati refuses to acknowledge election defeat

CHINA: Who Shall Control the East Asian Sea Lanes?

RUSSIA: 10,000 Rounded Up in Moscow Terrorist Hunt + Russian Railroad Chief: Chinese Company Will Pay for Oil Deliveries From Embattled Yukos + Soviet Scientists Planned 'Invulnerable' Military HQ on the Moon

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Feds warn of 3 terror plots coming

Senate gives Goss bipartisan blessing to lead CIA

Travis airman pleads guilty but not as a spy. Minor charges only after long legal struggle + Prosecutor: Questions remain about accused spy’s intentions + Spy case highlights U.S. missteps, some argue + U.S. Drops Spy Rap Against Syrian-American Airman

UC regents urged to bid for lab contracts + UC considers unleashing labs + UC needs 'industrial partner' for lab bid. Regents advised to share responsibility with private firm

Titan gets National Security Agency deal worth up to $300 million for program management

Report: U.S. Airport Screeners Missed Weapons

CIA Says Speaker on Hensley Video Unlikely Zarqawi

In Xinjiang province, China's frontier in war on terror

Feds probe why singer Cat Stevens allowed on jet in London

UN nuke watchdog says no deal with Brazil yet

North Korean Missile Test Isn't `Imminent,' Japanese Foreign Minister Says

Accused Officers of 'Operation Condor' Elude Extradition

Nations unite in four-way alliance to spread power of Security Council

Keyser case shows blurred relations + Confusion over Keyser deepens + US 'may be using spy scandal as warning'

Bombers kill recruits as deception fails

Canada: Graham denies missile defence a done deal

American government cracks down on Ukraine again

Click. Tobacco Killer Hosts Secret DoD HomeSec Meet

Click. UK Secret Bases Web Site Revived

Suspected Nuclear Blackmarketeer Detained Click.

Juan Gonzalez: Kabul guys had trial wired

Britain Authorizes Public Probe Into 1989 Killing of Belfast Lawyer

Who Killed James Forrestal?

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


JUDGE UNSEALS NEW EVIDENCE IN CASE OF LAWYER WRONGLY HELD IN MADRID BOMBING

Friends and businesses seek claims on Marlon Brando's estate

Patent suit nets $82 million for Immersion

Fla. Court Nixes Law Keeping Woman Alive

Court rules horse is not vehicle, thus no such thing as drunk driving a horse

Court allows political asylum from Germany. Afghan fled Soviets first, then neo-Nazis

Anti-Terror Measures Delaying Green Cards

Gang Killings Deepen Mexican Border City's Woes

Botox: guilty of crimes against beauty?

Update 8: Ex-Computer Associates CEO Enters Plea

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Mistrial in pepper spray suit. Jurors deadlock 6-2 in favor of demonstrators

A third of Prop. 36 offenders finish drug treatment, study says

Feds grant millions to DNA programs throughout state + Federal funds will help clear backlog of cases

Dentists accused of fraud, assault. 20 in Central Valley did unneeded work, attorney general says

Santa Clara: Witnesses sought in Mtn. View shooting + Local dentists face state fraud charges + Witnesses sought in Mtn. View shooting + Music hall litigation escalates + Sheriff's new situational training center + Murder suspect Curtis Dean Anderson told to halt letters to Xiana's aunt + Alleged kidnapper told to stop letters

Monterey: Salinas immigration clinic ordered to pay $50,000 but can stay in business + Duke Energy, contractor to pay Monterey  $2M in fire case + Salinas: CHP joins fight against gangs + Salinas gang member Fiegley enters insanity plea

Contra Costa: Jury convicts woman of faking pregnancy, bilking three couples + Baby adoption scam results in conviction + Richmond settles police brutality suit for $150,000

Marin: San Rafael police sued for wrongful death (Grime) + County employee Curtis McCutheon pleas innocent to child porn

Alameda: San Leandro: Diversified Collection indicted in GOP scandal re: DeLay campaign funds + Carjacker strikes in Union City + Newark police consider using Tasers + Defense says fashion model triggered 'sausage king' + Alamedan among the accused in dental scam case + Livermore man shot in Oakland + Oakland: 'Ample' flier sues airline for saying he needed 2 seats + Oakland: Dead crime-spree suspects identified + Pleasanton: No charges for mom of abandoned baby

Sonoma: Sonoma may regulate conversion of mobile parks + Panel: Man barred from Sonoma Valley hospital meeting can sue + Magazine for inmates files censorship suit against Sonoma County Sheriff

Sacramento: Placer murder suspects waive hearing; trial set + Kaiser hospital technician accused in card thefts + Teen kills neighbor, self at Redding day-care site = Prison for UC Davis embezzler

San Francisco: Stun gunmaker woos police commission with demonstration + King Tin restaurant workers to file $450,000 claim for back wages

Guide Dogs' Trail Leads to Court Click. (LAT Reg)

Vallejo: Deadly force by police at issue

Sonora: Judge delays Nesler hearing

Spector may face indictment

Scott Peterson: Expert: Peterson fetus died near Christmas Eve  + Undercover agent recalls erratic ride, obscene gesture + Doctor tells when fetus likely died + Expert: Unborn child died about Dec. 23 + Ultrasound Doctor contradicts defense, + Developments Wednesday + Agent: Peterson altered look, tried to elude police before arrest

Michael Jackson: Home of  personal assistant searched

The Governor:  Gov.'s popularity takes a hit + Governor vetoes licenses for illegal immigrant drivers + Governor vetoes 3 health care bills + A look at bills signed and vetoed Wednesday by Gov. + Maybe It's Time for Cedillo to Let Arnold Take the Wheel on driver's licenses for illegals Click. (LAT Reg) + Dreier migrant proposal ripped Click. + Gov. reviews Cabinet Secretary Marybel Batjer's potential conflict of interest (she oversees banks, joined board of Nevada bank moving to California) + Governor Aide's Bank Position Prompts Legal Review Click. (LAT Reg)

California likely to approve hand-weeding ban

Park and Recreation Commission approves general plans for 3 state parks along Monterey coast

Air board may tackle global warming re: pollution by cars + Stakes High as State Targets Greenhouse Gas From Cars Click.

Alta California Regional Center's disability management under fire ($7m overrun, manages 12,000 adults, children in Northern California)

State allows review of prison doctors + State prison doctors' abilities to be tested. Lawsuit accord puts 300 physicians under hard scrutiny

Metropolitan Transportation Commission says no U-turn on plan for Bay Bridge + Bay Bridge faces deadline in a week. Time running out on only bid to finish replacement span

Backtracking on bullet train route + State bullet-train planners take new look at train over Altamont pass + Altamont backed for bullet train line + Rail could pass through Tehachapi Click.

U.S. election agency to examine Shelley use of federal funds + Shelley donor gets immunity to name Julie Lee. He'll tell grand jury about campaign funds, lawyer says + U.S. may probe spending by Shelley + Shelley donor will testify before federal grand jury

Poll shows Kerry and Boxer far ahead in state

Wholesale SBC Rate Expected to Rise 20% Click. (LAT Reg) + Time Warner joins phone fray Click.

LOCAL NEWS:  Champagne grape harvest promises to be cork popper

874 wines challenge judges at Sonoma Harvest Fair

Condors released from Pinnacles on the move, radio tracking shows

Wildfires break out as Santa Anas blow in Southern California

Santa Clara: High-speed rail setback + Plan for trial near Stanford moving forward + Sikhs are victims of hate + Memos link tax, transit agency effort + San Jose: Bomb-like device rendered harmless + San Jose and Cisco Get a Little Too Cozy Click. (LAT Reg)

Marin: Fairfax pesticide ban challenged + Optional site in antenna controversy + Health district hopefuls discuss core issues

San Francisco: City gives schools $3.5 million more + Grocery Workers in Bay Area Hope to Avoid Strike Click. (LAT Reg)

Alameda County: Berkeley rated No. 1 in services to head off teen pregnancy + Funky water blamed on tunnel retrofit

Central Valley: Growth looms in Merced’s future + Clean-air forums offer ways to lower pollution + Kaiser’s plan in Modesto gets a final approval + San Joaquin Farmers fight for mandatory country of origin labels Click. (FB Reg) + Shell Studying Offers for Its Bakersfield Site  Click. (LAT Reg)

Santa Cruz: Trauma care is threatened

Southern California: Cargo Hub at March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, Debated Click. (LAT Reg) + Completion of Playa Vista OKd Click. (LAT Reg) + L.A. Mayor Hahn to set up economic team Click.

School days: Marin student compares U.S. and Chinese teen life + Newark school board OKs raises for administrators, managers + New Haven, Union City considers parcel tax + Hacker taps into CSUH server + UC regents committee OKs budget for 2004-05 + Livermore may lose education funding + Pleasanton willing to help finance new elementary school + San Francisco: Students, activists seek apology for '02 near-riot at Marshall high + Santa Rosa school districts fight sanctions + Damelio outlines Vallejo district hurdles + Davis student named to UC Board of Regents + Turlock will establish magnet school for arts + UC regents set to consider raising required GPA + UC regents mull absenteeism, will develop member guidelines Click.

Health Issues: State lags in health care ranking, below average Click. (CCT Reg) + San Fernando Valley hospital adds to emergency beds Click. + Panel's King/Drew Talks Assailed Click. (LAT Reg) + Contra Costa County cuts mental health services staff  Click. (CCT Reg)

An unlikely man at the tip of Wal-Mart's spear Click.

MILITARY

Pentagon to Close 35 Percent of Overseas Bases, Open Smaller Ones

Army's war game recruits kids

Army National Guard will fall short of recruiting goal this year

Army charges 2 soldiers with premeditated murder

A Small Town's Casualties of War

US Troops Who Visit Prostitutes May Face Harsh Penalties + Troops wonder about effectiveness of anti-prostitution laws

INFANTRY: Specialized Israeli Training

True fate of Red Baron

Patriot Act II Proposals Back From the Dead

Cat Stevens Calls U.S. Deportation 'Ridiculous' + CAT STEVENS HAD BEEN IN U.S. 20 TIMES IN PAST YEAR

When Revolt Hit Rio

Netherlands Terror Laws Raise Concerns

Black Outs and Whiteout

Jonathan M. Katz: An old law turns protesters into threats against president Click.

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Morford: Kiss My Megatruck, Dude

Are you a girlie man?

Ruins from giant Nazi beach resort sold in Germany

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Science cracks killer bug's code (Legionnaire's Disease)

UK: Sick Gulf veterans will be tested for depleted uranium

Britain urged to be ready for plague

UK gov awards £1m to bio-terror detector firm

ARMY OKs SALE OF CHEMICAL ATTACK TREATMENT LOTION

New Way To Protect Brain From Stroke Damage

Hubble's deepest shot is a puzzle

Study looks at effects of mild kidney disease

Walking can ward off Alzheimer's, studies suggest

Many scrimp despite work health plans

NASA Selects Contractor For First Prometheus Mission To Jupiter

Glaciers Surge When Ice Shelf Breaks Up

Anger, Hostility And Depressive Symptoms Linked To High C-reactive Protein Levels

Watery Load For Ariane 5 ECA

Study Finds Fibromyalgia Prohibits Sufferers From Breast-feeding

Search For New Markers For Sudden Cardiac Death To Focus On Patients At Risk For Catastrophic Disruption In Heart Rhythm

Lessons From Snakes: The Better Part Of Valor

Acupuncture Reduces Nausea And Vomiting, Pain After Major Breast Surgery

Termites Could Hold The Key To Self-sufficient Buildings

The deafening sound of the seas

Small silicon sensor could sniff out health problems early

Blood-loss test aids op recovery

Safer route to gene therapy found

Britain: dramatic increase in self-harm by children

Pre-Dinosaur Reptile Discovered -- Long-Necked Hunter

NASA Selects Contractor For First Prometheus Mission To Jupiter

Hostages: 'Sovereignty,' but US Still Runs the Show + 'Mr Blair, please... I think this is my last chance' + Hostage's brother accuses US + Click.(VIDEO) Beheading of Olin Eugene Armstrong + Italian hostages probably alive + Iraq group says kills two Italian hostages + Profile: Kenneth Bigley + Leader: It's lose-lose for Blair

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush Seeks to Explain Earlier Remarks on Number of Terrorists and Intelligence Estimates

Allawi Joins Bush in Linking Iraq War to Fight Against Terrorism Worldwide + Allawi Tells Congress Democratic Forces Succeeding in Iraq

U.S. losing terror war, Musharraf warns UN Click. + Pakistani chief warns of 'iron curtain'. West must address injustice in Muslim world, he says

Bush: Terrorists may plan more attacks

Powell: US Has No Plans to Attack Iran

U.S. Cybersecurity Office May Relocate from Homeland Security to the White House Click.

Study: Bush adds $1.3t to deficits

Groups Challenge Rules Allowing Fewer Reviews of Pesticides' Impact on Endangered Species

Congress: House Democrats pitch their message. 10 million jobs, end to deficit spending, health care for all kids + Agreement on Extending Tax Cuts Reached + US House Rebuffs Bush, Votes to Allow Family Visits to Cuba + Senator calls for Patriot Act scaleback + House Votes to Strip Supreme Court of Authority in Pledge Cases

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Poll: Bush Leads Kerry; Kerry Backed on Jobs

E-Vote Fears Soar in Swing States

Dean and Perle to hold foreign policy debate

PENTAGON LIFTS BLOCK ON VOTER SITE

Young voters flock to sign up in swing states

Military records: ROVE SCOFFS AT IDEA HE IS SOURCE OF CBS MEMOS

BUSH/CHENEY: Despite Bush Flip-Flops, Kerry Gets Label + Rove touts Bush headway in key areas

KERRY/EDWARDS: Flip-flopping charge unsupported by facts. Kerry always pushed global cooperation, war as last resort + Kerry rallies troops with fierce attack on Bush's credibility + Bouncing back to Kerry + Edwards: Let’s ‘outsource’ Bush + Kerry Says Allawi's Speech Contradicts Reality in Iraq + In Fla., Kerry hits Bush on Social Security + The ghost following Kerry

OPINIONS:

We're at War not with a State but an Armed Ideology

Blumenthal: The hollow world of George Bush

Michael Moore: Mr. Bush and his 10 ever-changing different positions on Iraq Click.

Stephen Zunes: Bush's UN speech: Idealistic rhetoric masks sinister policies Click.

Froma Harrop: Foes of stem-cell research create their own scientific reality Click.

Being fooled once by Bush was enough

Stardom: From Inevitable DRAFT to Kerry Was Going to BLOW UP The Senate

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: '70s Bush: The party man

War prisons: U.S. Will Free Louisiana-Born 'Enemy Combatant' + Iraqi scientists detained despite lack of WMDs + Detained women are biologists + More Delays as Gitmo Spy Trial Catches Lawyers Off Guard + Pentagon: 10 New Detainees at Guantanamo

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

U.S. Economic Gauge Signals Weakness

Oil prices fall as US considers tapping emergency reserves

PeopleSoft CEO: Saga far from over

Corporate taxes melting away. 82 top firms paid zero

Gas deal for U.S., Russia signed. Chevron Texaco gets foot in the door

Lock maker (Kryptonite) offers free replacements

Huge U.S. bakery files Chapter 11

California EDD starts web site showing jobs available in 23 states

Lehman to Pay $222 Million to Settle Investor Suit Over Enron, People Say

General Electric Settles Welch Contract-Disclosure Probe With Regulators + GE Deal Over Reporting of Welch Perks May Improve Disclosure

Fannie Mae Taking Steps Amid Findings of Serious Accounting Problems, SEC Inquiry

Blood for pork....

Company pleads to illegally selling pumps to Iran

British nuclear waste to be sent to central Asia

Halliburton May Sell or Spin Off KBR Unit After Final Asbestos Settlement

LEAKGATES 

Status of AIPAC probe unclear as no recent contact reported

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Swaggart's queer apology

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Former attorney general, newsman to probe CBS

Magazine for inmates files censorship suit against Sonoma County jail

Dictionary to end them all lists greatest Britons -- 55,000 of them

Clancy urges military to tell and sell war tales

Review: Plot against America by Philip Roth

The Little Website that Couldn't

Martha Stewart meets Survivor

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Berkeley welcomes fiddling, plucking and clogging this weekend

Angel Island, the gem of the bay

West Coast Is Theirs, Underfoot Click. (LAT Reg)

A chilling adventure

After 450 years, Michelangelo's last works are set to shine again

Two's a Crowd

The Shoot

New fiction by Zadie Smith

Click. How Elisabeth Kübler-Ross went around the bend.

John Keats, Autumn

Rush & Molloy: 'A Dirty Shame,' an even dirtier party

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Hostages: British hostage pleads for life +  Hope Fades  as U.S. Stands Firm + 'Sovereign' Iraqi Govt Wants to Free Dr. Germ, US Says No + Leader of Hamas Calls for End to Kidnappings in Iraq + Kidnapped Canadian woman saved in Iraq + Weapons scientists wanted by  militants + Foreign diplomatic efforts fail + Orders of battle

Occupation: Iraqi elections, in the shadow of death + U.S. Now Taking Supporting Role in Iraq, Officials Say

War prisons: Pentagon: 10 Prisoners Transferred to Guantanamo, 11 Detainees Returned to Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan leader says he's not trying to woo foe + 'Invisible' Afghan rivals spread the word by network + Afghan Army's Kandahar Regional Command Stands Up + Another U.S. Soldier Reported Killed in Afghanistan; Former Taliban Commander Comes Home From Guantanamo

IRAN: Iran defies limits on uranium. Enrichment goes on -- U.S. wants action + Iran Defies Bolton, Asserts Treaty Rights. + Click. A determined response must halt Iran's nuclear plans + Iran shows off ballistic missiles

LIBYA: EU set to lift arms embargo on Libya

MIDDLE EAST: Woman Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Policemen in Jerusalem

Fears of a power vacuum in Syria

The right assails 'dictatorial' PM for lack of legitimacy on disengagement. Some on the left may now agree

EUROPE: German restitution bid stirs outrage in Poland

Turkish Premier Heads to Brussels Amid Pressure to Pass Key Reforms

Prosecutors Investigating Alleged Poisoning of Ukrainian Presidential Candidate; Defense Minister Resigns

ASIA PACIFIC: Modern mask hides rural China+ Hu holds the scepter - and the sword+ China's hunt for new oil routes + China to Europe via a new Burma road

The inhumane face of India's reforms

On Kashmir, hot air and trial balloons

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

US to Send 'Enemy Combatant' Hamdi Back to Saudi

Airman Al Halabi pleads guilty to three minor charges

London evacuation plans found on train

Ex-Pop Star Cat Stevens to Be Deported from U.S. + Singer Cat Stevens Has No Terrorist Ties

Taiwan frets over US 'spy crisis' + Keyser's Taipei Trip Not Confidential: NSC Official + Visit unrelated to Keyser flap: Chen + Error of Judgment + Taiwan-U.S. ties unchanged, says MOFA minister Filling India's anti-terrorism void

Indonesia: Terrorism key in US support for TNI

CIA's spy network thin + Spies come in many forms

GAO will review Homeland Security's classifications of sensitive papers

Alleged Pak spy held with papers, codes + Spy-hard Pak plays the game

C.I.A. Review Is Critical of Prewar Iraq Analysis Overhauling Intelligence

US Plant Suspends 'Bunker Buster' Bomb Production

Concerned scientist warns of rogue nukes

Nuclear shipment departs from US

Mass death not always terrorists' goal

Blood for pork....

US Sending 500 'Bunker-Busting' Bombs to Israel

Linda McQuaig: Crude dudes Click.

HOW LOW

THE LAW

GOES....


Tobacco firms accused of hiding dangers of smoking for 50 years. U.S. seeking billions in 'ill-gotten' profits as trial opens in D.C.

Quattrone wants freedom pending appeal

San Diego immigration raids target naval station contractors

Wily Milosevic keeps Hague judges guessing

The Department Of Justice Is Forced to Admit Serious Error in the Detroit "Terrorist Cell" Case: Judges' Key Role In Curbing "War on Terror" Excesses

Woman, Baby Found Slain Along Walking Trail in Connecticut Park

Former Computer Associates CEO Charged With Fraud, Company Agrees to Pay $225 Million

Jury Selection Begins in Trial of Ink Expert From Stewart Trial

Ward Weaver Accused in Deaths of Two of Daughter's Friends in Oregon Pleads Guilty to Murder, Avoiding Death Penalty

Fired FBI Translator Sues Over Government Records

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Shut Down State Youth Prisons, Experts Say Click.(LAT Reg)

California Attorney General Charges 20 Dentists With Fraud

San Jose: New dispatch system flawed + Courthouse plans on hold + Ronnie Mitchell, nursing home worker pleads no contest to assault on patient + Kidnapper-rapist Cruz sane, jury decides + Jury deems kidnapper to be legally sane + East Palo Alto: Police seek suspect in two shootings

Contra Costa: Antioch man shot in head, killed + Defendant in adoption case confessed because worried about police beating + Defendant in surrogate mom case testifies

San Francisco: Au naturel is natural for Naked Yoga Guy + Lawyer argues protesters were tortured. Pepper spray jury reports deadlock, told to continue

Alameda County: Berkeley: Sierra Club, developer unite for court victory + Oakland: 2 of 4 suspects die during crime spree + Woman leaves newborn at Pleasanton hospital + 4 years for step mom in young boy's death + Step mom sentenced + Oakland: Deadly crash brings crime spree to end + ChevronTexaco says new plant to boost San Ramon + San Ramon police seeking sexual assault suspect

Sonoma: Sleuths offer theories in Jenner killings + Santa Rosa: Man killed by police after chase identified + Santa Rosa teen pleads guilty in crash that killed 2 children

Marin: New state report shows rarity of slayings in Marin + Judicial candidate d'Opal says she'll resign from Marin Community Foundation if elected

Sacramento: Sierra College student missing since Sunday + Roseville suspect conned seniors, feds allege + Man arrested in halfway house rape

Central Valley: Hearing redo rejected in embezzlement trial + Turlock task force: Never too early to worry about youth gangs

Southern California: Ontario: Man arrested in connection with stabbing, body found in suitcase + Appellate court says officers can be held liable in L.A. raid + Death of Girl May Cost Fontana Millions Click.(LAT Reg)

Napa: Prison likely for janitor who kissed girls + Two L.A. courts to hear sex charges against Napa priest

Solano: Vallejo community marches to stop the police violence + Fairfield: Police find evidence in carjacking spree

Catholic Church invokes confidentiality tradition on files in sex abuse cases

Scott Peterson: 41 reasons to search bay for body + Detective sought confession 'to end all of this nonsense' + Search for remains focused early on Bay + D.A. focuses on defendant's pattern of lies + Cop says he knew Laci was in the Bay + Developments Tuesday

The Governor:  Gov.'s drug discount plan detailed + Governor signs Internet piracy bill. E-mail address required to share movies, music online + Schwarzenegger vetoes mascot, hotel safety bills + Governor signs violent-video bill + Clandestine Filming Ban Broadened  Click.(LAT Reg) + Greenhouse gas order may be issued Click. + Anti-spyware bill lacks teeth; Schwarzenegger should veto it + Gov.'s lawn for smoking tent led to office flooding + Official: Keep the Bay Bridge span as planned

Shelley's consultants schmoozed on the job + Political activity by workers Shelley hired + Shelley controversy deepens + Lawyer assails coverage of figure in Shelley case

Ex-Napa County CEO lands state LAFCO job

Hate Crime Panel: Sikh activists to testify on hate. Fremont resident whose home was vandalized three times also will speak to panel

District 3 Senate candidates differ on state restructuring + Machado assails Podesto on Stockton development + Machado criticizes Podesto over Stockton-area ‘sprawl’

Peter Schrag: Charney's sweatshop-free T-shirt kibbutz in L.A.

Health care proposition has some feeling sick Click.

Tauscher rips into president over Iraq

Jones bemoans paucity of headlines in U.S. Senate race

Dreier folds on illegal immigration Click.

Indian Tribes: Rival sues casino developers for $1 billion + $1 billion suit over gaming plan + Feinstein targets Indian casino. Governor opposes her move to block San Pablo project + Richmond: Tribe to detail plans for casino tonight + Governor opposes Feinstein casino bill + Indian land use bill is debated + Ukiah tribe votes out 5 on council who overstayed terms + Indians celebrate cultural milestone + Governor is scolded for waffling on casino Click. (CCT Reg) + House committee passes bill to give land to Pechanga tribe

Hetch Hetchy restoration. Big Dam Mess

Profile of George Soares, agriculture lobbyist

LOCAL NEWS:  Report: 2 minutes and 5 feet were fatal for Calif. firefighter

Sea lion corralled on Dumbarton has wound

Dan Walters: Fiscal irresponsibility also plagues local governments

San Jose: Downtown to get permanent outdoor skating rink + Council backs garbage deal + Groundwater cleanup bill for Santa Clara County moves ahead in Congress Click.

San Francisco: Julie Lee reacts to campaign inquiries. Her lawyer does most of the talking about disposition of $500,000 in state funds + Heroine of 9/11 gets her due. Chinatown honors flight attendant + Fire Dept. to be restructured. Firefighters and paramedics will cease to be merged + Plan to increase condo conversions + Ex-police chief Sanders and City sued by his atty over fees + S.F. small businesses crank up Prop. K fight + Smoking ban in S.F. parks proposed + Rice, ratings and Rupert + Emporium blame game + Lee defends center + GOP appointee DeNunzio nixed

Alameda County: Berkeley: Group says stiff taxes pain property owners

Marin: Passions high in debate over GM crop measure + County adds culture office despite major budget cuts

Sacramento: Pot stores must wait for month + Fire chief gives few details on conduct probe

Contra Costa: Green light for Contra Costa County auto fleet + Contra Costa voting initiative shelved until after fall election Click. (CCT Reg)

American Canyon forum on Wal-Mart fails to materialize

Salinas: $7 million in budget cuts approved + Groups join forces to protest water company

Los Angeles: King/Drew's Trauma Unit Gets a Reprieve + L.A. water politics + Hahn Gains Laborers' Union Aid Click.(LAT Reg)

School days: Three Contra Costa educators vie for county honor + SAN FRANCISCO / Hiles breaks school race finance limit / Mayor's choice is first Board of Education candidate to exceed city's $90,000 ceiling +  UC revises its GPA plan + Challenge on Oakland school ethics gets brushoff + Activists seek increased school funding + Union City New Haven appoints new chief + St. Mary's College president to quit. Campus mired in funding controversy + Manteca aims for free preschool + Napa schools, DA work to cut truancy + Did a lie sway L.A. school bond voters? + Harvard offering fewer tenured jobs to women + Spending on students low, teacher salaries high Click. + Price of teaching increasing Click.

HEALTH: Uninsured patients bankrupting state emergency rooms + Hullabaloo Over Hospital Boo-Boos Click.(LAT Reg)

MILITARY

40% of Army Reserves Fail to Report to SC Base

Veterans Seek Support for Embattled MP Unit

No sex please, we're soldiers

Refreshing Drinks of Fresh Air

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Women, and the future of IT

Tidal wave of irresponsible tourism suffocates Thailand's paradise reefs

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Update 4: Oil Tops $48 a Barrel on Supply Worries

China overtakes United States as top destination for foreign investment

PeopleSoft, Unfazed, Announces 5-Year Pact With I.B.M.

Yukos boss: No bankruptcy filing

Prices of basic foods are soaring

Disney to name CEO by June

The Buying Class

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Japan confirms 13th mad-cow case

Authority on West Nile virus dies

Dengue Fever Capable Mosquito Now In SoCal

Biological terrorism becomes more real

Feds move to reduce risk of mad cow ending up in vaccines, medication Click.

FDA faces trial on drug rule

Five UC Berkeley researchers honored

Masai, Whites and Wildlife: No Peaceable Kingdom

New Anti-inflammatory Strategy For Cancer Therapy Identified By UCSD Researchers

Researchers Discover 'Hole' In Global Warming Predictions

The Book Opens On The First Tree Genome

Water And Methane Maps Overlap On Mars: A New Clue?

Wastewater Could Treat Itself, Power City

Scientists Decipher Genetic Code Of Biothreat Pathogen

UIC Unveils World's Most Powerful MRI For Decoding The Human Brain

Stimulating The Production Of Utrophin Protects Muscular Dystrophy Mice From Muscle Wasting

HIV Dementia Mechanism Discovered; Finding May Lead To New Therapies

Two Studies In Science Point To New Evidence In Asthma Development

Researchers Eliminate Leukemia In Mice, Demonstrating Potential New Approach To Cancer Drug Therapy

Anxious Mice May Parallel Men Vanilla May Have A Future In Sickle Cell Treatment

Bloglines free service brings content to one web page for users

China unveils new semiconductor rebates

Bush, Annan Speeches Show Divisions on Iraq

UCSD to study 'epidemiology' of Internet viruses Click.

Houses That Defy Hurricanes

THE BUSHWORLD...

Cash-Strapped Pentagon Taps Emergency Fund

Bush: CIA 'Just Guessing' About Iraq Dangers

Bush Mixes Diplomacy and Campaigning

Bush asks more nations to join war against terror

Bush calls on Israel to freeze settlements

Texans Still at Odds Over Bush's Legal Reforms

U.S. Regulators Question Accounting at Fannie Mae

Indian Affairs out $28 million + Prison report criticizes Indian Affairs bureau

Senate panel OK's DNA testing bill

Bush sapping Schools

Critics Say Changes in Rent Formula Could Hurt Low-Income Voucher Families

Serious Problems Found by Regulators at Fannie Mae, Prompting SEC Inquiry

Congress: High-tech execs lobby Senate on stock options + HOUSE VOTES TO EASE LIMITS ON TRIPS TO CUBA + Lawmakers see Iraq visit through political prism. Republicans defend, Democrat slams White House policy + Anti-Semitism proposal wins key backer. Republican endorses Lantos' bill to create office in State Dept. + Republican discord in the Senate + Grand Jury Indicts 32 in DeLay PAC Fraud Probe + 3 top DeLay aides indicted + Lawmakers Try to Add Corporate Tax Breaks to Bill Extending Middle- Class Tax Cuts

THE 2004 ELECTION:  Town hall debate questions must be submitted in advance

Millions Blocked from Voting in U.S. Election + Activists Find More E-Vote Flaws

Connecting with voters in Columbus' Ward 62.

Texas Heavyweights Battle in Costly U.S. House Race

Senators Reject Broader Powers for New Spy Chief Senate panel rejects fixed term for national intelligence director

Group Calls for Slowing Intelligence Reform + Kissinger Urges Caution on Intel Chief + Ex-Cabinet Members and Lawmakers Urge Delay in Overhauling Intelligence

Military records: '60 Minutes' source has a long history of disparaging Bush. Retired Guardsman accused president of lying, destroying files + Lockhart contacted memo scandal figure + Xymphora opines

BUSH/CHENEY: Terror concerns move more women into Bush camp +  Kerry's Flip Flops Get the Treatment in New Bush Ad

KERRY/EDWARDS: In Florida stop, Kerry hammers Bush on health care policy + Kerry fund-raisers tied to S. Korean spy + Kerry's Flip Flops Get the Treatment in New Bush Ad + Kerry: Draft likely to return under Bush

OPINIONS:

Hart has grim view of Iraq, terrorism

A U-Turn in Iraq?: Justin Raimondo

Are We in Saidad or Baghgon?: Tom Engelhardt

Cooking Up a Cut-and-Run?: Jude Wanniski

Stardom: American P.R.I.D.E. In Action

Bin Laden's Useful Idiots: Patrick J. Buchanan

Iraq: How bad can things get?

Quit Iraq, and quit fast. It's that simple

James Boyne: 55 reasons to vote for Bush and Republicans in 2004 Click.

Molly Ivins: Them's fightin' words Click.

Draft 'Teach-in' recalls a previous era

Former law professor launching rights group in wake of Sept. 11

State Department Bans Distinguished Muslim Scholar

Uncle Sam Wants Your Airwaves

Google Omits Controversial News Stories in China

The Secret Service's War on Protesters

Secret Service Reviewing Comments Made By N.J. Woman

LEAKGATES  Whistleblower Sues for Release of 9/11 Info

Official heading AIPAC probe linked to anti-Semitism case

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: UC Santa Barbara study looks at gays in the military + Gay Service Members Ponder Military Policy + Japan's pioneer gay magazine giving way to cyber sites + Lesbians fight to retain post-Soviet freedom + Evangelist Swaggart apologizes for gay remark

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

CBS News Names Panel to Review Tainted Bush Report + AP's Boccardi to Investigate CBS Story

1 million Web users click to see beheading. 50,000 an hour visit site to see U.S. captive's slaughter

Webcast of Jewish news fills a void, creator says

TV Stations Fined for Janet Jackson Breast Flash

The Myth Behind the Famous Eddie Adams 'Execution' Photo

Murdoch Says Fox Would Have Been 'Crucified' for Rather Mistake

Driving Kitty Kelley

'Cloud Atlas' is early favorite as Booker shortlist announced

Do-it-Yourself Book Publishing Takes Off on the Web

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Invitation to the Sideshow, Georges Seurat, Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Women on Waves returns to Capitola

Extra Drama for 'Otello': Can He Do It?

Behind the Scenes of Brando's Life

India plans glittering 350th birthday bash for Taj Mahal

20 years on, street and Sicily still inspire Dolce and Gabbana

Antwerp fashion designers happy out of the limelight

Wanted: a British-style revolution in walking

Alex Ross on new classical recordings

Inca destruction

Rush & Molloy: Justin no longer in sync with Cameron?

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Dressing down the Gottis

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: U.S. probes torture allegations in death of Afghan recruit. Inquiry also will investigate alleged abuse of 7 others +  US must justify Cuba detentions, judge says + Blunkett releases suspect held at 'mini-Guantanamo' for three years

IRAN: Iran Converts Uranium in Defiance of UN + Of course, Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons + Iran Won't Halt Nuclear Program, May Suspend Inspections by United Nations

MIDDLE EAST: Syria starts pulling troops from Lebanon

Jordan Plans to Build a Fifth Minaret in Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque

Settlers File Suit Against Compensation, but Sharon Forges Ahead With Gaza Pullout

ASIA PACIFIC: Retired general projected to win Indonesian election. Stunning reversal for once-loved president

The tortuous N Korean refugee triangle

Roh, Putin Again Call on N. Korea to Curb Nuclear Weapons Drive

AMERICAS: Brazil's Lula Is Savior in Native Northeast

Fox touts Mexico's job growth during tour of plants Click.

Colombian Paramilitary Leaders Demand Inquiry Into Killing of Compatriot,  a Blow to Peace Talks

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Senate Panel Approves Goss for CIA Director

Kissinger Urges Caution in Creating National Intelligence Director

US Spy Agencies: Strikes on Iran Wouldn't Work

UC Regents advised to seek lab contract

Travis Air Force Base: Spy trial for translator begins. Man allegedly had notes from Guantanamo + Judge denies motion to dismiss + Deal near?

Anybody here speak Arabic?

Pentagon sets up headquarters to defend capital

US Must Reach for Space Dominance

Terrorists plan to attack television centers in Russian regions

Going after Iraq's most wanted man

Taming terror in Algeria

Don Keyser case: let’s talk rumors

Intelligence alert on ISI operations - South Bengal new haven for Pak agents, says IB + Pakistani spies target Indian defense establishment + Pakistani spy arrested in Delhi

Imam who hid his ties to terrorism sentenced

FBI going to Israel for chat with McGreevey's ex (aide)

Air, water risks part of terror plan

The spoils of another war

Italian Embassy Attack Thwarted? Click.

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Arkansas attorneys spar over gay marriage + The award-winning national gay & lesbian newsmagazine Web site

HOW LOW

THE LAW

 GOES....
 

Ashcroft: 0 for 5,000

Juan Gonzalez: Justice foreign to Kabul court

Judge: Martha Stewart must surrender by Oct. 8

Sixteen jurors picked for Enron trial

The Supreme Court and Employee Health Insurance: How the Court Is Making this Area of Law National

SEC Announces $2 Million Settlement With TD Waterhouse Over Payments to Investment Advisers

Sniper Judge Accused of Improper Investigation Recuses Himself

Supreme Court Justice Stevens Describes Frolic-Free Summer

Prosecutors Plan to Charge Man With Murdering Univ of Oklahoma Ballerina

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Humboldt County pepper spray case going to jury.

L.A. refinery charged with 109 environmental law violations

Man arrested at LA airport allegedly had three bullets in jacket

Four Southland residents charged in federal counterfeiting case

Judge rejects libel suit by Napa priest named in sex abuse case

Lawyers seek revival of suit over tobacco sales to Calif. teens (SJM Reg)

Los Gatos slaying suspect called `real mystery man' (SJM Reg)

Dean Lesher arts center manager pleads no contest in conflict case (CCT Reg)

Palo Alto: Charges filed against nursing home worker for sexual assault of patient (SJM Reg)

Skinny-dippers arrested after fight in Hercules (CCT Reg)

Adoption process a bumpy ride + A frozen embryo is adoption for adoption Click.

Redwood City: Robber who killed gets life in prison

Richmond: Police officer charged with DUI

Woman recants her story of being attacked on Sonoma beach

Obituary: Judge Cameron exercised friendly persuasion

Peninsula murderer Scanlon 'will die in prison'

Family pickets Tracy police

Marin County jail inmate falls from county jail balcony

Mendocino man sues ex-tenants over pot odors

New details in shooting death of suspect by Sonoma County deputy sheriff

Merced jury finds dairy farmer innocent of worker deaths + Dairy farmer found not guilty

Santa Cruz: Preliminary hearing begins for Spruce St. murder suspects

Authorities arrest man in SoCal's 9-to-5 bandit bank robberies

Ex-Chief of EIDC Avoids Prison Click.>

Sacramento: Internet threats target whistleblower fireman + Federal grant targets liquor sales to teens + County to weigh a moratorium on marijuana shops + Ex-boyfriend held in woman's death + County set to open focus group talks + Symphony calls suit 'without merit' + Arson alleged in construction site fire + Sacramento County weighs moratorium on marijuana shops Click.

Alameda County: Oakland: Murder trial for father of boy, 3 + Berkeley considers limits on pot clubs + Mom in killing case wakes from coma + Man faces judge today in kidnap of mom, tot + > First use of Taser by Fremont police subdues suspect (SJM Reg) + Oakland: parents fear drugs led to homicide + Oakland police continue prostitution crackdown + Dublin teenager arrested after fatal accident + Pleasanton police detain two auto theft suspects

San Francisco: Police increase patrols at Giants games after fatal stabbing, seeking witnesses, officers to hand out leaflets at SBC Park + Stolen Millbrae guns turn up in S.F. rental + Day laborers retrieve wages due in court + Ex-homeless, city's leaders make case for housing bond + A victim who keeps getting arrested -- tangled in a case of identity theft. S.F. warrants ruled bogus, but they were never voided

Scott Peterson: Detective: Lies, lack of alibi cast suspicion (CCT Reg) + Detective tells why police suspected Peterson (SJM Reg) + Day 57 + What defendant told police made them suspicious + Peterson had own theories for wife's disappearance + Police explain focus on Peterson + Detective: Peterson had theory + Developments Monday

The Governor: Gov. OKs increased needle sales + Gov. signs needle bill but sticks it to another + Gov. lures shop from Nevada + Bill to help missions clears panel

State Republicans seek oversight of federal election funds + State GOP asks for audit of Shelley's control of funds (SJM Reg) + Voter fund oversight sought by state GOP + Analysis: Shelley's case gives off echo of old scandal

Dan Walters: Sex crime votes powerful fodder for campaign exploitation

CalFed bills a starting point in tackling water issues

Indian Tribes: Judge OKs land sale for casino at Point Molate, Richmond + Tribes gamble on TV ads + Richmond: Chevron challenge rejected, but deal has long way to go

LOCAL NEWS: 

San Jose: Garbage pact drawing fire + Editorial: Council blindsided by contract, but it's a good deal

School days: UCSC raises $32.3 million (SJM Reg) + Berkeley protesters decry low pay on campus + Where teachers educate their own children + UC continues to tinker with GPA plan + Cheerleaders have the right moves + Mexico's Schools Can't Keep Up + Free SAT review at DeVry + Farr's grants aid ocean research + S.F. Bd of Ed candidates quizzed + Donors to Cabrillo, Bethany, CSUMB also give generously +Donors to Cabrillo, Bethany, CSUMB also give generously + Youngest leaving Modesto Schools + Ceres schools tip budget scale + Garden Grove Schools Triumph Click. + On a nutrition mission Click. Districts strive to balance health, taste Click.

San Francisco: Panel seeks assessor's records on hiring. Teng is accused of political patronage + Senior care innovator retiring. On Lok's alternative to nursing homes got its start in Chinatown + Newsom picks chief of human services + Carjack suspect sought in SoMa, Tenderloin + Newsom isn't running but has a lot riding on Nov. 2. Races for supervisor, school board could affect mayor's power + Gossip + Supes still skip + Political blocs split on key city issues + Prop. K pressure

Alameda County: Oakland gets grant for job training for those in foster care + Ex-Alameda city manager will be back on the job + Crematory drops San Leandro bid + Danville council to decide on small dog divide + Livermore prepares to pick arts commission members + Fremont history shows up early + Rifleman arrested in Niles Canyon + Hayward Chabot College clinic dispenses affordable dentistry + Port of Oakland's nonunion workers in line for raises

Northern California: Sacramento: Punishing the activist

Marin Healthcare District board hopefuls outline their positions + Novato weighs moving city workers + Now Fairfax Mayor Egger will steer toward law degree

Living-wage study moves Petaluma council

Cloverdale farmworker housing proposal withdrawn

Living-wage study moves Petaluma council

Monterey: Proposal outlines higher water rates Desal water rates for consumers unveiled

Roy's Drive-In checks out in face of disability access lawsuit

Senator says changing air district dangerous

Contra Costa County set to deny pension change Click. (CCT Reg)

Sacramento County to weigh a moratorium on marijuana shops Click.

Napa Residents to Gehry Project: Put a Cork in It Click. (LAT Reg)

Southern California: San Diego's credit rating drops after fiscal audit delay

Ethics Watchdog Drops Chase in W. Hollywood

Los Angeles County officials fail to cut pension fraud

Valley neighbors fight Hindu temple's plans

Bond Rating for San Diego Is Suspended Click.

La Mesa assemblyman says computers stolen from district office could be "political" crime

King/Drew Trauma Unit's Future Unclear Click. (LAT Reg)

San Diego Supervisors asked to endorse tougher voting laws by requiring proof of ID Click.

Villaraigosa Reaches $200,000 in Donations Click. (LAT Reg)

MILITARY

The Wrong Sub for New Warfare Era

Other Priorities

Home Depot offers work to military spouses (SJM Reg)

'The Rock' is ready if needed in Fallujah Click.

LEAKGATES 

New CIA Chief: Cheney May Have 'Stretched Iraq Intelligence'

Laura Rozen: Italian Niger docs middle man, Rocco Martino Click.

Bob Barr vs. the FBI

Bitter fight over air security may be held in secret Click.

Worldwide Protests Against Militarization of Space Next Week

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Diana Griego Erwin: Soccer mom holds the line in women's battle against area winery

The "Girlie Men" Slur and Similar Insults: How They Show the Persistence of Sex-role Stereotypes

Blood for pork....

Big Risks, Big Rewards for Iraq's 'Dogs of War'

US to sell Israel 5000 smart bombs

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Government Buys 2 Million Doses of Experimental Bird Flu Vaccine

Thousands warned over vCJD

Consortium Identifies Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets For Spinal Cord Repair

Students Build Submarine To Track Octopuses

Babies get a lift from new strollers (SJM Reg)

Genetically altered grass spreads like wildfire

1 of 8 passenger airplanes the EPA randomly tested carried water that was tainted with fecal coliform Click. (SJM Reg)

Call for combined HIV and TB care

Diabetics 'must test blood more'

Clue to 'blocking' bowel cancer

Contract award for Jupiter probe

Light relay 'should be dropped'

Space O2 Generator Fails Again

Robot Telescopes Comb the Skies

Ox's Natural Mosquito Repellant Synthesized in Lab

Spacecrafts Powered by Thunder

New Robotic Shape Shifters

Lymphoma often goes undertreated

Methane on Mars causes controversy

Long-term Eradication Of Brain Tumor In Lab Model Holds Promise For Treatment In Humans

Smog May Cause Lifelong Lung Deficits

Green, Leafy Spinach May Soon Power More Than Popeye's Biceps

Fractures Mean Broken Lives In Developing World

Scientists Gain Glimpse Of Bizarre Matter In A Neutron Star

Genes Expose Secrets Of Sex On The Side

22nd Amino Acid Synthesized And Added To Genetic Code Of E. Coli Bacteria

Researchers Develop Fast Track Way To Discover How Cells Are Regulated

Hostages: Click.  Film of Beheading of Olin Eugene Armstrong (6.4MB) /J + Group 'kills second US hostage' + Video shows American Eugene Anderson beheaded by militants + CIA: Zarqawi beheaded Armstrong and is voice on tape + Turk firm quits Iraq to save hostages + Deadly twist in hostage-taking + AJ: UK captive's brother appeals to officials + Blair calls hostage's family + AJ: Senior Iraqi Sunni clerics murdered + AJ: Iraqi group claims Kurds' beheading + Slaughter follows grisly pattern + Chirac's plea for held journalists  + Where are the US-held women hostages in Iraq?

Google builds a browser

Stardom: GMAIL Is Alluring! Let's Go PHISHING!

Ask Jeeves adding feature

India launches learning satellite

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush ExtolsIraq Plan as UN Diplomats Seek Changes (Update4)

Bush, Annan trade barbs over Iraq at UN

At U.N., Bush Defends Iraq War, Asks for Help + Key extracts: Bush at the UN

Bush asks world leaders to cut ties to Arafat

Bush, in Shift, Taps Into Emergency Iraq Funds

Bush Aides Divided on Confronting Iran

Powell Suggests Iraq Critics Are Defeatist, Rattled

Options battle reaches president (SJM Reg) + Battle Heats Up Over Stock-Option Rules

USDA announces Loan Deficiency Payment online

Congress: Woolsey pushes for 'balance' bill ($180bn for working families)

Republicans express optimism on tax-cut extensions

House Bill Would Guarantee Pack Animal Access to Public Lands

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Legality of swapping votes debated (SJM Reg)

Campaign fund rules thrown out. Federal judge says FEC's edicts leave 'immense loopholes'

Edwards, Cheney criticize each other's campaigns

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush confuses terrorists' names again + Bush's passion for secrecy + FEDS HUNT FOR MAN IN BUSH THREAT + Inside a Cheney 'Town Hall Meeting'

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry: Bush failed in Iraq + Kerry rolls out health care ad + Kerry fund-raisers met with S. Korean intel agent + GOP Senator Chafee Admits He May Not Vote for Bush + Kerry Iraq Speech Puts His Camp in 'Fighting Mood' + Kerry: Bush failed to level with the United Nations + Kerry Gets Poked in the Eye During the Thrashing of CBS

OPINIONS:

Anti-Bush US troops in Iraq Click.

Michael Moore: Put away your hankies Click.

Sam Parry: Campaign 2004's Jedi Mind Tricks Click.

Howard Dean: Hidden agenda: A national draft in the future? Click.

Paul Krugman: The last deception Click.

David Corn: Will John McCain be the October Surprise? Click.

Commander-In-Chief's Bait-And-Switch

Juan Cole: Bush taunts Kerry

A Soldier Explains Why We Can't Win: AlLorentz

The Neocons Target Damascus

Bush health plan: cheaper for the rich

Bush's Iraq illusion pays off in polls

Why Americans back the war

The Iran/Iraq war in 1981

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Fed Boosts Key Interest Rate 0.25 Point

Intel's rising star may face daunting task (SJM Reg)

Brokers versus advisers

Mondavi winery, analysts at odds + Mondavi to shed top-end brands

Daniel Weintraub: Why are these people (Wal-Mart hires) smiling?

Where Do the Jobs Come From?

Slowly But Surely Asia Switches on to Green Power

Profit Jumps 30 Percent at Goldman Sachs

Boeing and IBM team up for defense

When that cool Indian job hurts

I.M.F. Chief Sees Potential Hazard in U.S. Fiscal Policies Click.

Top 10 Among Working Mother Magazine's Top 100 Places to Work + Companies Expanding Service for Working Mothers

The Pen Is Mightier....

Even if Rather quits, belief in a fair press long gone + Network unsure, knows it was misled + Purported memos and what's known + On the CBS Memos. Does it affect your view of the mainstream media? + 2 Different Views of CBS Source

New journal in Half Moon Bay worth its salt

Hollywood writers vote for new president under federal monitoring

UPDATE: New Yorker Magazine Quotes Teresa Heinz Kerry Out Of Context

Favorite makes Booker shortlist + Booker 2004 nominees profiled

Jon Stewart's 'Daily' genius

'Da Vinci' author: I'm 'Da' real deal

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers 

Invitation to the Sideshow, Georges Seurat, Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Museum seeking submissions for 'Women On War'

Organ expert restores old treasures

Charismatic Swenson makes 'La Traviata' sing

San Rafael photographer leads labyrinth revival

Stage version of "Ten Commandments"

Twyla Tharp challenges dancers and audiences alike with 'Movin' Out'

De Young Museum soars as source of discussion Click. (CCT Reg)

Hadrian's wall found in the garden

Little Bighorn dig reveals secrets

Nazi heir hits back at critics over major Berlin art opening

Spaghetti Western Set Seeks Comeback in Spain

50,000 historic books lost in German library blaze

'Sheikh of Chic' brings haute couture to Kuwait

Expat Brits in France's Dordogne share love of cricket with locals

A Woman with Taste

Outfoxed Offered for Remix

Nothing Robotic About Robo-Art

Fighting to put London back on fashion map

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Nudie in a haystack

Rush & Molloy: Clooney wants Dad put into a House

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: Abu Ghraib: The Hidden Story + Lynndie England: A Woman Apart

IRAN: Iran refuses to halt uranium program / It threatens to quit nuclear arms treaty + US Weighs Cost of Preemptive Strike Against Iran

MIDDLE EAST: Israeli banks succeed in reducing payments to Holocaust victims

EUROPE: Extremists gain in Eastern Germany

ASIA PACIFIC: Transfer of power completed in China. Jiang's retirement solidifies Hu's command + Start of Hu era

Ex-general cruising to victory in Indonesia

Japan's grail: A UN Security Council seat

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Anti-terror funding still hit-and-miss

Terrorism preparedness guide produced in Marina

D.C. A MAGNET FOR FOREIGN SPIES

Los Alamos to Remove Nukes Over Security Concerns

The Iraq intelligence fiasco exposes us to terrible danger

Ridge Hails U.S.-European Anti-Terror Work

Spain, U.S. to Sign Anti-Terror Cooperation Deal

Genocide trial begins of Rwandan Roman Catholic priest

Saudis fall further from US grace

UN Official: 40 Nations Can Make Nukes

Imam Gets 2 Months in Prison for Hiding Ties to Terror Groups

AP EXCLUSIVE: New Militant Groups Turning to Bank Heists, Carjacking to Fund Terror Operations in Karachi

Ukrainian Company, Four Foreigners Suspected of Trying to Send Missiles, Mercenaries to Iraqi Insurgents