Page last updated: July 3, 2009 @ 9:35 PM
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Iranian cleric says British embassy employees will be tried

BEIRUT, Lebanon — A senior Iranian cleric said Friday that employees of the British Embassy in Tehran arrested in recent days would be put on trial for unspecified charges of acting against Iran's national security, a move denounced by members of the European Union.

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Biden cautions Iraq on sectarian violence

In Iraq, Biden says ethnic violence may turn U.S. away

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East Palo Alto nonprofit may cancel summer breakfast, lunch programs for children

An East Palo Alto nonprofit is considering canceling a summer breakfast and lunch program for children because not enough of them are showing up for the free meals. The Ecumenical Hunger Program has been ordering about 40 meals at each seating, and will be reimbursed by the state, but only about five to 10 children 18 or younger regularly show up for breakfast, said Lesia Preston, the organization's executive director. About 15 children have been eating lunch at the nonprofit, which has space for 75 at each meal.

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Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home

The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service.

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Silicon Valley Iranians stage fast in solidarity with demonstrators in homeland

For the 30 demonstrators whose protest and public fast began Thursday afternoon, the recent
events in Iran are deeply personal, intertwined with their hopes and memories, even in their
sleep.

Same Amtrak train hits and kills one person in Berkeley and then another in Oakland

OAKLAND — Two pedestrians died in separate incidents involving the same Amtrak train Friday afternoon, one in Berkeley and another about two hours later in Oakland, Amtrak officials said.

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For Va. Man, 107, Longevity Brings Blessings as Well as Burdens

Ask Larry Haubner for the secret to living 107 years, and the Fredericksburg, Va., man flexes his biceps, flashes a mostly toothless smile and growls. 'Nutrition!' he bellows. 'Exercise! I think we should all exercise more than we do.'
But the self-described health nut's longevity means he's outlived his savings '” twice.

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States delaying income tax returns

Colin Daymude was out of work last year after his business failed and eagerly filed his taxes in mid-January, figuring he'd get his refund sooner. He was wrong.
It took the 44-year-old entrepreneur more than six months to get his $1,300 check '” money that he needed to pay living expenses while he worked a few side gigs.
Tax day '” April 15 '” has long since come and gone, but sharp budget cuts and falling revenues have forced many states to delay income tax returns for months '” and left taxpayers longing for their money.

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South Carolina residents mixed over fate of cheating governor

After a week that offered the world a glimpse into the conflicted mind of philandering South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, his constituents differed Friday on whether he should leave office.

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Serial killer has South Carolina residents on edge

Terrified residents canceled Fourth of July plans and holed up in their homes Friday as investigators hunted a serial killer believed to have shot four people to death.

SF Gate/Chronicle Headlines
Under Senate health care plan, either way you pay

First you paid to insure your car. Soon you may have to add health insurance premiums to that stack of monthly bills as well. In a revamped health care system envisioned by senators, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must...

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Governor says hes seeking budget compromise

As Californias fiscal crisis careened out of control with todays issuance of IOUs, Democrats and Republicans remained deadlocked, largely over one of the states biggest responsibilities: providing a safety net for poor and sick residents. At the center of...

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Here comes Tea Party 2.0

The next round of anti-tax Tea Party protests will be held nationwide on Saturday - July 4 - as organizers and leaders hope the 1,300-plus events, including several in the Bay Area, evolve into a growing opposition movement to the Obama administrations...

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Washington Posts pay-for-chat idea falls flat

For generations, the Washington Post has been a scrupulous watchdog over the capitals cozy world of power networking. For a short time, it almost became the networks host. The Post decided today to cancel plans to charge lobbyists and trade groups $25,000...

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Los Angeles police under scrutiny in Jackson death

The investigation of Michael Jacksons death is widening as questions intensify about the drugs he took, the doctors who provided them and the actions of police. Why didnt police seal the mansion where he had been living? Why were moving vans seen at the...

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American soldier feared captured in Afghanistan

An American soldier is believed being held by the Taliban after he walked off his base in eastern Afghanistan without his body armor and weapon, officials said Thursday. The military has intercepted communications in which insurgents said they had captured an...