SetFit/ag_news · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Coy Howard in call to arms ON the eve of possibly calling a federal election, Prime Minister John Howard chose his words carefully when delivering the key speech at the Tasmanian Liberal State Council yesterday.	0	World
Dream Team Salvages Bronze, Dignity (AP) AP - Bronze is better than nothing. That's one Olympic lesson the U.S. men's basketball team was able to understand. The Americans took the third-place game seriously Saturday night, earning some revenge and salvaging some self-respect in a 104-96 victory over Lithuania. Although they didn't get what they wanted in Athens, they didn't embarrass themselves in their finale, either.	1	Sports
Another Bad Handoff Dooms U.S. Relay Team (AP) AP - Maurice Greene grabbed the baton and accelerated toward the finish, blowing past a Nigerian and reeling in Britain's Mark Lewis-Francis. But even the self-proclaimed greatest sprinter of all time could not make up for a sloppy handoff earlier in the race Saturday, and his chest crossed the line just a hair behind the Brit's. The Americans were forced to settle for silver by an excruciating hundredth of a second.	1	Sports
Grace Park Takes Lead at Wachovia Classic (AP) AP - Grace Park closed with an eagle and two birdies for a 7-under-par 65 and a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Saturday.	1	Sports
Ex-BBC Journalist Blasts Government Over Hutton EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Former BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan had harsh words for Tony Blair's government and the BBC's board of governors Saturday in his first public appearance since resigning in the wake of the Hutton report.	0	World
Pope Returns quot;rare icon quot; to Russia #39;s Orthodox Church MOSCOW, RUSSIA (ANS/BosNewsLife) -- A Vatican cardinal has handed a rare icon back to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a personal gift from Pope John Paul II, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported Saturday, August 28.	0	World
Dutch Arrest Saddam's Suspected Nerve Gas Supplier AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Police have arrested a Dutch national suspected of supplying thousands of tons of ingredients for mustard gas and nerve gas to Iraq under toppled leader Saddam Hussein, prosecutors said Tuesday.	0	World
Iran Ready to Provide Nuke 'Guarantees' (AP) AP - Iran said Saturday it would continue its nuclear program but provide "guarantees" not to build atomic weapons, and warned Washington it cannot stabilize neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehran's help.	0	World
Fox fires police chief over mob attacks In addition to relieving Mexico City #39;s top cop Marcelo Ebrard of his duties, the president also let go Jos Luis Figueroa, director of the Federal Preventative Police.	0	World
Mrs A could mean far more to London than Mrs B Many said these Games would be a shambles, but they turned out to be sensational. Sensational not just because of the virtual dope-of-the-day revelations but in their ancient concept and their modern execution.	1	Sports
Radcliffe #39;s real test goes far beyond the pain It was the morning after the night before, and Paula Radcliffe was pondering the big decision - quot;probably the biggest decision she will have to make in her running life quot;, the Independent on Sunday described it at the time.	1	Sports
Portugal bars abortion ship Portugal has warned that a floating Dutch abortion clinic will not be allowed to enter its waters. The clinic offers the abortion pill in international waters to women in countries where it is illegal or restricted.	0	World
NL Wrap: 5-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win Over Mets (Reuters) Reuters - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits,\including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season,\to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New\York Mets in the National League Saturday.	1	Sports
Brown Struggles Early, but Yankees End It Fast Kevin Brown flirted with danger in the early innings, allowing the Blue Jays to take a 4-0 edge before the Yankees finally solved the Toronto lefthander Ted Lilly.	1	Sports
Soldier, Militant Die in Resurgence of Gaza Fighting An Israeli soldier and a Palestinian militant were killed in Gaza Tuesday in a resurgence of violence that could threaten efforts to instil calm for a Palestinian election for a successor to Yasser Arafat.	0	World
Siew Ai fails to make the cut KUTZTOWN (Pennsylvania): Lim Siew Ai failed to make the cut for the US\$1mil Wachovia Classic when she shot a one-over 73 on the second day of competition at the Berkleigh Country Club on Friday.	1	Sports
Schumacher stays on course Jarno Trulli benefited from changeable weather conditions to take pole position for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix after an inspired tyre choice gave him the edge.	1	Sports
Regions and territories: Chechnya The southern Russian Republic of Chechnya is surrounded on nearly all sides by Russian territory but also shares with neighbouring Georgia a remote border high in the Caucasus mountains.	0	World
quot;Lion of Herat quot; offered way out of west Afghan crisis Afghanistan #39;s government has asked the country #39;s most powerful mujahideen commander to give up rule over the western province of Herat in order to escape attacks	0	World
Twins Snap Angels' Winning Streak, 7-1 (AP) AP - Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision, Jacque Jones and Augie Ojeda homered and the Minnesota Twins ended the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak, 7-1 Saturday.	1	Sports
Kerry Says He's in a 'Fighting Mood' (AP) AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry said Saturday he's in a "fighting mood" with two months to go to the presidential election as his allies defended him from questions about his valor in Vietnam.	0	World
Birdstone Shows Belmont Was No Fluke Birdstone won the Travers Stakes on Saturday and solidified his credentials as the top 3-year-old in training.	1	Sports
Does a NY Supreme Court judge say that the Central Park lawn is more important than free speech? Here is the coverage in The New York Times and the New York Law Journal about the denial of United for Peace and Justice's Sunday rally in Central Park (United for Peace and Justice v. Bloomberg, 111893/04), and here is what NY Supreme Court1 Justice Silbermann said: ... the evidence established that the department's determination was based on entirely content-neutral factors, to wit: that the Great Lawn2 was not an appropriate venue for a demonstration of this magnitude. ... The Parks Department appropriately applied content-neutral regulations while leaving plaintiff with a reasonable alternate site.	3	Sci/Tech
Maligned Team USA settles for Bronze For much of the bronze-medal game against Lithuania, several of the younger players on Team USA were having themselves a good time.	1	Sports
AL Wrap: Blue Jays Blitzed by 6 Homers from Yankees Tony Clark whacked three consecutive home runs as the New York Yankees reeled off six homers and nine ninth-inning runs to bulldoze their way past the Toronto Blue Jays 18-6 in the American League Saturday.	1	Sports
Yemeni Militants Convicted of Terrorism (AP) AP - A chaotic three-month trial ended Saturday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying U.S. oil workers, as well as plots to kill the American ambassador and Yemeni security officials.	0	World
Australian PM to Call Oct. 9 Election - Media (Reuters) Reuters - Conservative Australian Prime Minister\John Howard is about to call an Oct. 9 election to seek a\fourth consecutive term in office, local media said on Sunday.	0	World
Kerry Debate May Show Fickleness of Memory (AP) AP - Past presidential candidates and their critics have been known to shade the truth for political purposes. But to memory researchers, it doesn't take intentional falsifying to understand the discrepancies in the retelling of Sen. John Kerry's war experiences.	3	Sci/Tech
Explorer Overshadowed by Lewis and Clark (AP) AP - Two centuries ago, before Lewis and Clark went in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean, David Thompson paddled the Columbia River, worked to establish a trading alliance with Mandan Indians and made maps of North America that ultimately became the guide for explorers who followed him.	3	Sci/Tech
Alaska Brown Bears Gather for Salmon Feast (AP) AP - Each summer, the falls at McNeil River turn into a mosh pit of bears. Instead of thumping music, it's the sound of salmon slapping their way up the falls at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary that sends the bears into a fishing frenzy.	3	Sci/Tech
Aggression Pays Off for Buick Leader Funk CROMWELL, Connecticut (Reuters) - PGA Tour veteran Fred Funk's positive approach paid dividends when he carded a one-under-par 69 to move one stroke clear of the field after the third round of the \$4.2 million Buick Championship Saturday.	1	Sports
No Lie, the Moment of Truth Grows Near We're down to what seems like weekly visits from Major League Baseball's Relocation Committee, dueling polls in Washington and sniping news conferences between competing D.C. and Virginia agencies. All for the privilege of obtaining the Montreal Expos, 55-73 through Friday, and to give them a place to play next year, a new stadium in the near future and a community to love them.	1	Sports
China offended by Nike advertisement China has voiced its anger over a Nike advertisement in which a US basketball star fights off a series of ancient Chinese characters.	1	Sports
Wolves appoint Hoddle Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has been appointed manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club says. Hoddle, who has been out of management since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in September	1	Sports
Rivers Hot, Then Cold San Diego Chargers quarterback began the night with three straight completions. Unfortunately, after seven more attempts, he still had only three, plus two interceptions vs. Seattle on Friday.	1	Sports
PARK #39;S STRONG FINISH Korean Grace Park shot five under par over her final five holes to set a course record and snatch the third-round lead away from Jill McGill at the Wachovia LPGA Classic.	1	Sports
Trulli and Alonso profit from Renault #39;s compromise Racing at Spa is tricky enough in the dry but every conceivable obstacle was put in the way of the teams yesterday as drizzle and the occasional bout of rain visited this corner of the Ardennes during qualifying for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix.	1	Sports
Vatican returns artifact to Russian church A Vatican cardinal returned Saturday a precious icon to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a gift from Pope John Paul II. The Virgin of Kazan icon is an 18th-Century	0	World
US Says Over 100 Arrested in Internet Crime Sweep More than 100 people have been arrested in the largest global crackdown to date on identity theft, hacking and other Internet-based crimes, US Attorney General John Ashcroft said on Thursday.	3	Sci/Tech
Encarnacion Leads Marlins Over Rockies 4-3 (AP) AP - Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run single in the first inning and a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth, leading the Marlins over Colorado 4-3 Saturday night and extending the Rockies' losing streak to six.	1	Sports
Funk Regains Buick Lead With Late Rally (AP) AP - Fred Funk needed a late rally on a sticky, steamy Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Buick Championship.	1	Sports
Sides talk drug tests Bud Selig might get his wish, and last week #39;s ugly public disclosures might produce an upside. Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the major league baseball players #39; union, said yesterday	1	Sports
There are pledges and then there are real pledges Like introductory credit card rates and superior customer service, some promises just aren #39;t built to last. And so it is that Bank of America - mere months after its pledge to preserve	2	Business
Klezmer #39;s Final Frontier ON a hill a few miles outside this historic city, the Ettersburg Palace sits in ramshackle splendor, thickly enshrouded by the German past.	2	Business
Microsoft sets 2006 target for next Windows version Microsoft Corp will ship the next version of Windows in 2006. To get #39;Longhorn #39; shipped on time, Microsoft had to sacrifice a key component of the system, called WinFS, reported China Radio International Saturday.	3	Sci/Tech
For Duncan, No Fun In Games Tim Duncan wore a haggard look as he emerged from a locker room of bronze medalists. Hardly an emotional guy, he mumbled that his international basketball career is quot;95 percent quot; over and that, oh yeah, quot;FIBA stinks.	1	Sports
Chechnya to hold presidential election Russia #39;s restive republic of Chechnya will elect a president to replace Akhmad Kadyrov, the pro-Moscow leader killed last May, the BBC reported Sunday.	0	World
Iran vows to develop peaceful nuclear technology Iranian President Mohammad Khatami reiterated on Saturday that Iran would never seek nuclear weapons but was determined to develop peaceful nuclear technology, the official IRNA news agency reported.	0	World
Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence (Reuters) Reuters - Chechens elect a new\president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a\Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin\plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.	0	World
Iraqi Militants Hold 2 French Journalists (AP) AP - Islamic militants released a brief tape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq and said they were holding the men to protest a French law banning headscarves in schools, according to footage aired Saturday by an Arab TV station.	0	World
Horna Ends Paradorn Bid for Long Island History COMMACK, New York (Reuters) - Paradorn Srichaphan's bid to become only the second man to win the \$380,000 Long Island Cup in three successive years ended when he lost 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 to Luis Horna of Peru in a dramatic semifinal Saturday.	1	Sports
Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence PROKHLADNY, Russia (Reuters) - Chechens elect a new president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.	0	World
Chinese, Indian Troops Hold Mountain Exercise BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese and Indian border troops have held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of a program to improve understanding along the historically tense border between the world's two most populous countries.	0	World
In Visits, Janey Charts Reforms More than two weeks remain before Clifford B. Janey takes over the District #39;s public schools, but there he was on a recent evening, sitting before a group of residents who were complaining about	2	Business
Hostage takers say end headscarf ban Jazeera identified the hostages as reporters George Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot. Last week, the French Foreign Ministry. said the two men had gone missing in Iraq.	0	World
Taiwan Rescuers Dig Out 7 Bodies Buried in Landslide Taiwan rescue workers dug out seven bodies from mud and rock in a mountain village that was hit by a devastating landslide triggered by Typhoon Aere, but eight still remained buried, officials said on Friday.	0	World
Buccaneers Defeat Dolphins 17-10 (AP) AP - Chris Simms tightened his grip on Tampa Bay's backup quarterback job, and Ryan Nece returned a fourth-quarter interception 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 17-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.	1	Sports
Nevin Drives in Three As Padres Beat Expos (AP) AP - Jake Peavy won his sixth straight decision, and Phil Nevin homered and drove in three runs in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Montreal Expos on Saturday night.	1	Sports
Likhovtseva Wins Forest Hills Title (AP) AP - Top-seeded Elena Likhovtseva of Russia won the Forest Hills Classic on Saturday, defeating fourth-seeded Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-2.	1	Sports
Indian, Chinese troops hold mountain exercise (Reuters) Reuters - Chinese and Indian border troops have held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of a programme to improve understanding along the historically tense border between the world's two most populous countries.	0	World
'Gloria' Singer Laura Branigan Dies at 47 EAST QUOGUE, N.Y. - Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit "Gloria," has died...	0	World
The Bush-Kerry Tax Duel It may be of great interest to voters whether Sen. John F. Kerry was or was not a war hero. That certainly seems to be the issue of the day.	2	Business
Guerrouj makes history in middle-distance running in second-last <b>...</b> ATHENS (CP) - Hicham El Guerrouj passed Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia with about 50 metres remaining in the 5,000-metre race Saturday, making the Morocco runner the first man in eight decades to sweep the middle-distance races at the Summer Olympics.	1	Sports
Day 15: China totals 31 after volleyball gold Zhang Yuehong #39;s winner spike capped China #39;s brilliant comeback in the women #39;s volleyball final on Saturday, winning the country #39;s first Olympic volleyball gold medal in 20 years.	1	Sports
Yemeni court convicts 15 SAN #39;A, Yemen - A chaotic three-month trial ended yesterday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying US oil workers.	0	World
Hearings Open With Challenge to Tribunals The historic opening last week of US military commissions that have not been used since World War II was marked by twists and turns and a carefully crafted defense strategy	0	World
State treasurer threatens to withdraw some funds from Bank of <b>...</b> The state treasurer of Massachusetts has threatened to withdraw some state funds from Bank of America because of job cuts and other moves following its acquisition of Fleet Boston Financial Corp.	2	Business
Bovina stuns Dementieva in semis Second seed Elena Dementieva #39;s hopes of a first title in 2004 ended in double-quick time when she was hammered 6-1 6-1 by fellow Russian Elena Bovina in the semifinals of the WTA New Haven Open.	1	Sports
Rooney #39;s private life no concern to Sven Sven-Goran Eriksson insists the off-field distractions in Wayne Rooney #39;s private life will not hinder his England career. And while he was unwilling to enter the debate over Rooney #39;s future on the pitch amid	1	Sports
China emulate #39;84 success TWENTY years after China won their only women #39;s volleyball gold, the team did it again today, winning a hard-fought battle with Russia today.	1	Sports
France wins 1st cycling gold at Athens Olympics France won the first cycling gold in the last-day cycling match at the Athens Olympics on Saturday as Olympic debutant Julien Absalon clocked 2:15:02 in the mountain bike cross country.	1	Sports
Militants kidnap two Frenchmen CAIRO: Iraqi militants last night kidnapped two Frenchmen to protest France #39;s ban on students wearing Islamic head scarves in schools, according to a tape aired by Al Jazeera TV.	0	World
Sikh millions gather for historic jubilee Sikhs from all over the world have begun arriving in the holy city of Amritsar, northern India, to commemorate the 400th year of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, on 1 September.	0	World
Phillies Rally to Beat Brewers 4-3 (AP) AP - Placido Polanco homered off Mike Adams with one out in the ninth inning, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 4-3 win Saturday night that extended the Milwaukee Brewers' losing streak to 10.	1	Sports
Canada Ties Slovakia in Hockey World Cup (AP) AP - Jarome Iginla scored midway through the third period to give Canada a 2-2 tie with Slovakia in a World Cup of Hockey exhibition game Saturday night.	1	Sports
Cutdown Day Arrives The Redskins blowout loss to the Rams will add a poignant sting to the first round of roster cuts in which 14 players must be jettisoned Sunday.	1	Sports
Santana Keeps Cruising Twins starter Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision Saturday to lead the AL Central front-runners to a 7-1 triumph, ending the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak.	1	Sports
Jones should quot;lose all medals if guilty quot; World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Dick Pound says that if US sprinter Marion Jones has taken banned substances she should be stripped of all her medals regardless of when she won them.	1	Sports
Next Windows Is Losing Data-Storage Tool (AP) AP - Microsoft Corp. will drop a much-touted new technology for organizing and storing data when it releases the next version of its Windows operating system as expected in 2006.	3	Sci/Tech
Duke Welcomes Freshmen With New iPods (AP) AP - Newly arrived Duke University freshmen got something considerably snazzier than the usual Blue Devils T-shirts and ball caps: Their goodie bags included a free iPod digital music player engraved with the school's crest and the words "Class of 2008."	3	Sci/Tech
Bills Backup QB Carted Off With Hurt Knee (AP) AP - Buffalo lost backup quarterback Travis Brown late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a left knee injury.	1	Sports
Johnson Has Two Goals, Burn Beat Fire 4-1 (AP) AP - Eddie Johnson had two goals and Ronnie O'Brien added a goal and two assists to lead the Dallas Burn to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.	1	Sports
Earnhardt Ends Slump With Bristol Win (AP) AP - Dale Earnhardt Jr. found the perfect cure for his struggling team's ills: Winning. Earnhardt broke out of a six-week slump Saturday night with a convincing victory in the Sharpie 500, giving him a weekend sweep at Bristol Motor Speedway that will certainly give him momentum for the upcoming championship chase.	1	Sports
NL Wrap: Baseball-Five-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits, including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season, to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New York Mets in the National League Saturday.	1	Sports
Analysts: Putin Has Squandered Influence (AP) AP - Russian President Vladimir Putin has dented his prestige and squandered influence by backing the wrong side in political clashes in Ukraine and in the breakaway Georgian province of Abkhazia, analysts say.	0	World
Illegal immigrants avoid Charley relief Angel Lopez examined a blue flier that read in English and Spanish, quot;Disaster Assistance is Available Now, quot; but discarded it as soon as FEMA workers moved on to another house in this neighborhood of migrant farmworkers.	3	Sci/Tech
Argentina takes basketball gold, US settles for bronze ATHENS--Argentina was crowned Olympic men #39;s basketball king Saturday night as it eased to a 84-69 victory over Italy in the gold medal game at Olympic Indoor Hall.	1	Sports
Rooney on his way to Old Trafford as United raise bid Wayne Rooney looks set to become a Manchester United player this week after Everton confirmed they had received a second improved bid for the England striker from Old Trafford.	1	Sports
France scrambles to free kidnapped journalists France says it has stepped up its efforts to free two French journalists being held hostage by Iraqi militants who are demanding an end to a ban on Islamic headscarves in French schools.	0	World
Taylor Scores 2 TDs As Ravens Beat Lions (AP) AP - Chester Taylor ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and the Baltimore Ravens got a solid performance from their depleted defense in a 17-6 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night.	1	Sports
Blair's office like Nixon White House: ousted BBC chief (AFP) AFP - Greg Dyke, the former BBC director general ousted over the broadcaster's coverage of the Iraq conflict, unleashed a scorching attack on the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair, blaming it for trying to bully the BBC into submission.	0	World
Security software targets Windows-based phones and PDAs Trend Micro is offering free trials of its new security software for mobile phones and PDAs. Trend Micro #39;s Mobile Security suite offers antivirus and anti-spam defence for the more sophisticated phones and	3	Sci/Tech
PGA Changes Dates of Grand Slam of Golf (AP) AP - The Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the PGA Tour's four major champions, has been switched to Thanksgiving week.	1	Sports
Protesters March Across Brooklyn Bridge (AP) AP - Thousands of abortion-rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and demonstrators rang handbells at the World Trade Center site Saturday, the latest in a growing procession of protests leading up to the Republican National Convention.	0	World
Australians to vote on 9 October Australian leader John Howard calls a general election for 9 October, seeking a fourth term.	0	World
USOC sends International Gymnastics Greetings Thursday night, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) received a letter from Mr. Bruno Grandi, President of the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG).	1	Sports
Plane Crashes Won #39;t Hurt Putin In Chechen Vote His government had just suffered one of Russia #39;s worst terrorist attacks, apparently stemming from a war he has neither won nor ended.	0	World
Khatami says IAEA must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium The UN atomic watchdog must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said Saturday in a fresh rebuttal of efforts to limit the Islamic republic #39;s nuclear programme.	0	World
Era of Dream Team terminated in Athens Twelve years after Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird led the American senior basketball team to conquer the world, the era of the US Dream Team was terminated in the summer of 2004 at Athens.	1	Sports
United raise stakes for Rooney Everton has confirmed it has received an improved bid for Wayne Rooney, understood to be worth 25 million (A\$63.7 million). Newcastle has also been chasing the England striker, but is yet to counter the offer.	1	Sports

Coy Howard in call to arms ON the eve of possibly calling a federal election, Prime Minister John Howard chose his words carefully when delivering the key speech at the Tasmanian Liberal State Council yesterday.

0

World

Dream Team Salvages Bronze, Dignity (AP) AP - Bronze is better than nothing. That's one Olympic lesson the U.S. men's basketball team was able to understand. The Americans took the third-place game seriously Saturday night, earning some revenge and salvaging some self-respect in a 104-96 victory over Lithuania. Although they didn't get what they wanted in Athens, they didn't embarrass themselves in their finale, either.

1

Sports

Another Bad Handoff Dooms U.S. Relay Team (AP) AP - Maurice Greene grabbed the baton and accelerated toward the finish, blowing past a Nigerian and reeling in Britain's Mark Lewis-Francis. But even the self-proclaimed greatest sprinter of all time could not make up for a sloppy handoff earlier in the race Saturday, and his chest crossed the line just a hair behind the Brit's. The Americans were forced to settle for silver by an excruciating hundredth of a second.

1

Sports

Grace Park Takes Lead at Wachovia Classic (AP) AP - Grace Park closed with an eagle and two birdies for a 7-under-par 65 and a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Saturday.

1

Sports

Ex-BBC Journalist Blasts Government Over Hutton EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Former BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan had harsh words for Tony Blair's government and the BBC's board of governors Saturday in his first public appearance since resigning in the wake of the Hutton report.

0

World

Pope Returns quot;rare icon quot; to Russia #39;s Orthodox Church MOSCOW, RUSSIA (ANS/BosNewsLife) -- A Vatican cardinal has handed a rare icon back to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a personal gift from Pope John Paul II, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported Saturday, August 28.

0

World

Dutch Arrest Saddam's Suspected Nerve Gas Supplier AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Police have arrested a Dutch national suspected of supplying thousands of tons of ingredients for mustard gas and nerve gas to Iraq under toppled leader Saddam Hussein, prosecutors said Tuesday.

0

World

Iran Ready to Provide Nuke 'Guarantees' (AP) AP - Iran said Saturday it would continue its nuclear program but provide "guarantees" not to build atomic weapons, and warned Washington it cannot stabilize neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehran's help.

0

World

Fox fires police chief over mob attacks In addition to relieving Mexico City #39;s top cop Marcelo Ebrard of his duties, the president also let go Jos Luis Figueroa, director of the Federal Preventative Police.

0

World

Mrs A could mean far more to London than Mrs B Many said these Games would be a shambles, but they turned out to be sensational. Sensational not just because of the virtual dope-of-the-day revelations but in their ancient concept and their modern execution.

1

Sports

Radcliffe #39;s real test goes far beyond the pain It was the morning after the night before, and Paula Radcliffe was pondering the big decision - quot;probably the biggest decision she will have to make in her running life quot;, the Independent on Sunday described it at the time.

1

Sports

Portugal bars abortion ship Portugal has warned that a floating Dutch abortion clinic will not be allowed to enter its waters. The clinic offers the abortion pill in international waters to women in countries where it is illegal or restricted.

0

World

NL Wrap: 5-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win Over Mets (Reuters) Reuters - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits,\including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season,\to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New\York Mets in the National League Saturday.

1

Sports

Brown Struggles Early, but Yankees End It Fast Kevin Brown flirted with danger in the early innings, allowing the Blue Jays to take a 4-0 edge before the Yankees finally solved the Toronto lefthander Ted Lilly.

1

Sports

Soldier, Militant Die in Resurgence of Gaza Fighting An Israeli soldier and a Palestinian militant were killed in Gaza Tuesday in a resurgence of violence that could threaten efforts to instil calm for a Palestinian election for a successor to Yasser Arafat.

0

World

Siew Ai fails to make the cut KUTZTOWN (Pennsylvania): Lim Siew Ai failed to make the cut for the US\$1mil Wachovia Classic when she shot a one-over 73 on the second day of competition at the Berkleigh Country Club on Friday.

1

Sports

Schumacher stays on course Jarno Trulli benefited from changeable weather conditions to take pole position for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix after an inspired tyre choice gave him the edge.

1

Sports

Regions and territories: Chechnya The southern Russian Republic of Chechnya is surrounded on nearly all sides by Russian territory but also shares with neighbouring Georgia a remote border high in the Caucasus mountains.

0

World

quot;Lion of Herat quot; offered way out of west Afghan crisis Afghanistan #39;s government has asked the country #39;s most powerful mujahideen commander to give up rule over the western province of Herat in order to escape attacks

0

World

Twins Snap Angels' Winning Streak, 7-1 (AP) AP - Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision, Jacque Jones and Augie Ojeda homered and the Minnesota Twins ended the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak, 7-1 Saturday.

1

Sports

Kerry Says He's in a 'Fighting Mood' (AP) AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry said Saturday he's in a "fighting mood" with two months to go to the presidential election as his allies defended him from questions about his valor in Vietnam.

0

World

Birdstone Shows Belmont Was No Fluke Birdstone won the Travers Stakes on Saturday and solidified his credentials as the top 3-year-old in training.

1

Sports

Does a NY Supreme Court judge say that the Central Park lawn is more important than free speech? Here is the coverage in The New York Times and the New York Law Journal about the denial of United for Peace and Justice's Sunday rally in Central Park (United for Peace and Justice v. Bloomberg, 111893/04), and here is what NY Supreme Court1 Justice Silbermann said: ... the evidence established that the department's determination was based on entirely content-neutral factors, to wit: that the Great Lawn2 was not an appropriate venue for a demonstration of this magnitude. ... The Parks Department appropriately applied content-neutral regulations while leaving plaintiff with a reasonable alternate site.

3

Sci/Tech

Maligned Team USA settles for Bronze For much of the bronze-medal game against Lithuania, several of the younger players on Team USA were having themselves a good time.

1

Sports

AL Wrap: Blue Jays Blitzed by 6 Homers from Yankees Tony Clark whacked three consecutive home runs as the New York Yankees reeled off six homers and nine ninth-inning runs to bulldoze their way past the Toronto Blue Jays 18-6 in the American League Saturday.

1

Sports

Yemeni Militants Convicted of Terrorism (AP) AP - A chaotic three-month trial ended Saturday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying U.S. oil workers, as well as plots to kill the American ambassador and Yemeni security officials.

0

World

Australian PM to Call Oct. 9 Election - Media (Reuters) Reuters - Conservative Australian Prime Minister\John Howard is about to call an Oct. 9 election to seek a\fourth consecutive term in office, local media said on Sunday.

0

World

Kerry Debate May Show Fickleness of Memory (AP) AP - Past presidential candidates and their critics have been known to shade the truth for political purposes. But to memory researchers, it doesn't take intentional falsifying to understand the discrepancies in the retelling of Sen. John Kerry's war experiences.

3

Sci/Tech

Explorer Overshadowed by Lewis and Clark (AP) AP - Two centuries ago, before Lewis and Clark went in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean, David Thompson paddled the Columbia River, worked to establish a trading alliance with Mandan Indians and made maps of North America that ultimately became the guide for explorers who followed him.

3

Sci/Tech

Alaska Brown Bears Gather for Salmon Feast (AP) AP - Each summer, the falls at McNeil River turn into a mosh pit of bears. Instead of thumping music, it's the sound of salmon slapping their way up the falls at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary that sends the bears into a fishing frenzy.

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Sci/Tech

Aggression Pays Off for Buick Leader Funk CROMWELL, Connecticut (Reuters) - PGA Tour veteran Fred Funk's positive approach paid dividends when he carded a one-under-par 69 to move one stroke clear of the field after the third round of the \$4.2 million Buick Championship Saturday.

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Sports

No Lie, the Moment of Truth Grows Near We're down to what seems like weekly visits from Major League Baseball's Relocation Committee, dueling polls in Washington and sniping news conferences between competing D.C. and Virginia agencies. All for the privilege of obtaining the Montreal Expos, 55-73 through Friday, and to give them a place to play next year, a new stadium in the near future and a community to love them.

1

Sports

China offended by Nike advertisement China has voiced its anger over a Nike advertisement in which a US basketball star fights off a series of ancient Chinese characters.

1

Sports

Wolves appoint Hoddle Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has been appointed manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club says. Hoddle, who has been out of management since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in September

1

Sports

Rivers Hot, Then Cold San Diego Chargers quarterback began the night with three straight completions. Unfortunately, after seven more attempts, he still had only three, plus two interceptions vs. Seattle on Friday.

1

Sports

PARK #39;S STRONG FINISH Korean Grace Park shot five under par over her final five holes to set a course record and snatch the third-round lead away from Jill McGill at the Wachovia LPGA Classic.

1

Sports

Trulli and Alonso profit from Renault #39;s compromise Racing at Spa is tricky enough in the dry but every conceivable obstacle was put in the way of the teams yesterday as drizzle and the occasional bout of rain visited this corner of the Ardennes during qualifying for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix.

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Sports

Vatican returns artifact to Russian church A Vatican cardinal returned Saturday a precious icon to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a gift from Pope John Paul II. The Virgin of Kazan icon is an 18th-Century

0

World

US Says Over 100 Arrested in Internet Crime Sweep More than 100 people have been arrested in the largest global crackdown to date on identity theft, hacking and other Internet-based crimes, US Attorney General John Ashcroft said on Thursday.

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Sci/Tech

Encarnacion Leads Marlins Over Rockies 4-3 (AP) AP - Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run single in the first inning and a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth, leading the Marlins over Colorado 4-3 Saturday night and extending the Rockies' losing streak to six.

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Sports

Funk Regains Buick Lead With Late Rally (AP) AP - Fred Funk needed a late rally on a sticky, steamy Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Buick Championship.

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Sports

Sides talk drug tests Bud Selig might get his wish, and last week #39;s ugly public disclosures might produce an upside. Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the major league baseball players #39; union, said yesterday

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Sports

There are pledges and then there are real pledges Like introductory credit card rates and superior customer service, some promises just aren #39;t built to last. And so it is that Bank of America - mere months after its pledge to preserve

2

Business

Klezmer #39;s Final Frontier ON a hill a few miles outside this historic city, the Ettersburg Palace sits in ramshackle splendor, thickly enshrouded by the German past.

2

Business

Microsoft sets 2006 target for next Windows version Microsoft Corp will ship the next version of Windows in 2006. To get #39;Longhorn #39; shipped on time, Microsoft had to sacrifice a key component of the system, called WinFS, reported China Radio International Saturday.

3

Sci/Tech

For Duncan, No Fun In Games Tim Duncan wore a haggard look as he emerged from a locker room of bronze medalists. Hardly an emotional guy, he mumbled that his international basketball career is quot;95 percent quot; over and that, oh yeah, quot;FIBA stinks.

1

Sports

Chechnya to hold presidential election Russia #39;s restive republic of Chechnya will elect a president to replace Akhmad Kadyrov, the pro-Moscow leader killed last May, the BBC reported Sunday.

0

World

Iran vows to develop peaceful nuclear technology Iranian President Mohammad Khatami reiterated on Saturday that Iran would never seek nuclear weapons but was determined to develop peaceful nuclear technology, the official IRNA news agency reported.

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World

Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence (Reuters) Reuters - Chechens elect a new\president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a\Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin\plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.

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World

Iraqi Militants Hold 2 French Journalists (AP) AP - Islamic militants released a brief tape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq and said they were holding the men to protest a French law banning headscarves in schools, according to footage aired Saturday by an Arab TV station.

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World

Horna Ends Paradorn Bid for Long Island History COMMACK, New York (Reuters) - Paradorn Srichaphan's bid to become only the second man to win the \$380,000 Long Island Cup in three successive years ended when he lost 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 to Luis Horna of Peru in a dramatic semifinal Saturday.

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Sports

Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence PROKHLADNY, Russia (Reuters) - Chechens elect a new president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.

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World

Chinese, Indian Troops Hold Mountain Exercise BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese and Indian border troops have held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of a program to improve understanding along the historically tense border between the world's two most populous countries.

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World

In Visits, Janey Charts Reforms More than two weeks remain before Clifford B. Janey takes over the District #39;s public schools, but there he was on a recent evening, sitting before a group of residents who were complaining about

2

Business

Hostage takers say end headscarf ban Jazeera identified the hostages as reporters George Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot. Last week, the French Foreign Ministry. said the two men had gone missing in Iraq.

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World

Taiwan Rescuers Dig Out 7 Bodies Buried in Landslide Taiwan rescue workers dug out seven bodies from mud and rock in a mountain village that was hit by a devastating landslide triggered by Typhoon Aere, but eight still remained buried, officials said on Friday.

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World

Buccaneers Defeat Dolphins 17-10 (AP) AP - Chris Simms tightened his grip on Tampa Bay's backup quarterback job, and Ryan Nece returned a fourth-quarter interception 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 17-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.

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Sports

Nevin Drives in Three As Padres Beat Expos (AP) AP - Jake Peavy won his sixth straight decision, and Phil Nevin homered and drove in three runs in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Montreal Expos on Saturday night.

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Sports

Likhovtseva Wins Forest Hills Title (AP) AP - Top-seeded Elena Likhovtseva of Russia won the Forest Hills Classic on Saturday, defeating fourth-seeded Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-2.

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Sports

Indian, Chinese troops hold mountain exercise (Reuters) Reuters - Chinese and Indian border troops have held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of a programme to improve understanding along the historically tense border between the world's two most populous countries.

0

World

'Gloria' Singer Laura Branigan Dies at 47 EAST QUOGUE, N.Y. - Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit "Gloria," has died...

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World

The Bush-Kerry Tax Duel It may be of great interest to voters whether Sen. John F. Kerry was or was not a war hero. That certainly seems to be the issue of the day.

2

Business

Guerrouj makes history in middle-distance running in second-last <b>...</b> ATHENS (CP) - Hicham El Guerrouj passed Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia with about 50 metres remaining in the 5,000-metre race Saturday, making the Morocco runner the first man in eight decades to sweep the middle-distance races at the Summer Olympics.

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Sports

Day 15: China totals 31 after volleyball gold Zhang Yuehong #39;s winner spike capped China #39;s brilliant comeback in the women #39;s volleyball final on Saturday, winning the country #39;s first Olympic volleyball gold medal in 20 years.

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Sports

Yemeni court convicts 15 SAN #39;A, Yemen - A chaotic three-month trial ended yesterday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying US oil workers.

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World

Hearings Open With Challenge to Tribunals The historic opening last week of US military commissions that have not been used since World War II was marked by twists and turns and a carefully crafted defense strategy

0

World

State treasurer threatens to withdraw some funds from Bank of <b>...</b> The state treasurer of Massachusetts has threatened to withdraw some state funds from Bank of America because of job cuts and other moves following its acquisition of Fleet Boston Financial Corp.

2

Business

Bovina stuns Dementieva in semis Second seed Elena Dementieva #39;s hopes of a first title in 2004 ended in double-quick time when she was hammered 6-1 6-1 by fellow Russian Elena Bovina in the semifinals of the WTA New Haven Open.

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Sports

Rooney #39;s private life no concern to Sven Sven-Goran Eriksson insists the off-field distractions in Wayne Rooney #39;s private life will not hinder his England career. And while he was unwilling to enter the debate over Rooney #39;s future on the pitch amid

1

Sports

China emulate #39;84 success TWENTY years after China won their only women #39;s volleyball gold, the team did it again today, winning a hard-fought battle with Russia today.

1

Sports

France wins 1st cycling gold at Athens Olympics France won the first cycling gold in the last-day cycling match at the Athens Olympics on Saturday as Olympic debutant Julien Absalon clocked 2:15:02 in the mountain bike cross country.

1

Sports

Militants kidnap two Frenchmen CAIRO: Iraqi militants last night kidnapped two Frenchmen to protest France #39;s ban on students wearing Islamic head scarves in schools, according to a tape aired by Al Jazeera TV.

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World

Sikh millions gather for historic jubilee Sikhs from all over the world have begun arriving in the holy city of Amritsar, northern India, to commemorate the 400th year of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, on 1 September.

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World

Phillies Rally to Beat Brewers 4-3 (AP) AP - Placido Polanco homered off Mike Adams with one out in the ninth inning, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 4-3 win Saturday night that extended the Milwaukee Brewers' losing streak to 10.

1

Sports

Canada Ties Slovakia in Hockey World Cup (AP) AP - Jarome Iginla scored midway through the third period to give Canada a 2-2 tie with Slovakia in a World Cup of Hockey exhibition game Saturday night.

1

Sports

Cutdown Day Arrives The Redskins blowout loss to the Rams will add a poignant sting to the first round of roster cuts in which 14 players must be jettisoned Sunday.

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Sports

Santana Keeps Cruising Twins starter Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision Saturday to lead the AL Central front-runners to a 7-1 triumph, ending the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak.

1

Sports

Jones should quot;lose all medals if guilty quot; World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Dick Pound says that if US sprinter Marion Jones has taken banned substances she should be stripped of all her medals regardless of when she won them.

1

Sports

Next Windows Is Losing Data-Storage Tool (AP) AP - Microsoft Corp. will drop a much-touted new technology for organizing and storing data when it releases the next version of its Windows operating system as expected in 2006.

3

Sci/Tech

Duke Welcomes Freshmen With New iPods (AP) AP - Newly arrived Duke University freshmen got something considerably snazzier than the usual Blue Devils T-shirts and ball caps: Their goodie bags included a free iPod digital music player engraved with the school's crest and the words "Class of 2008."

3

Sci/Tech

Bills Backup QB Carted Off With Hurt Knee (AP) AP - Buffalo lost backup quarterback Travis Brown late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a left knee injury.

1

Sports

Johnson Has Two Goals, Burn Beat Fire 4-1 (AP) AP - Eddie Johnson had two goals and Ronnie O'Brien added a goal and two assists to lead the Dallas Burn to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

1

Sports

Earnhardt Ends Slump With Bristol Win (AP) AP - Dale Earnhardt Jr. found the perfect cure for his struggling team's ills: Winning. Earnhardt broke out of a six-week slump Saturday night with a convincing victory in the Sharpie 500, giving him a weekend sweep at Bristol Motor Speedway that will certainly give him momentum for the upcoming championship chase.

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Sports

NL Wrap: Baseball-Five-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits, including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season, to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New York Mets in the National League Saturday.

1

Sports

Analysts: Putin Has Squandered Influence (AP) AP - Russian President Vladimir Putin has dented his prestige and squandered influence by backing the wrong side in political clashes in Ukraine and in the breakaway Georgian province of Abkhazia, analysts say.

0

World

Illegal immigrants avoid Charley relief Angel Lopez examined a blue flier that read in English and Spanish, quot;Disaster Assistance is Available Now, quot; but discarded it as soon as FEMA workers moved on to another house in this neighborhood of migrant farmworkers.

3

Sci/Tech

Argentina takes basketball gold, US settles for bronze ATHENS--Argentina was crowned Olympic men #39;s basketball king Saturday night as it eased to a 84-69 victory over Italy in the gold medal game at Olympic Indoor Hall.

1

Sports

Rooney on his way to Old Trafford as United raise bid Wayne Rooney looks set to become a Manchester United player this week after Everton confirmed they had received a second improved bid for the England striker from Old Trafford.

1

Sports

France scrambles to free kidnapped journalists France says it has stepped up its efforts to free two French journalists being held hostage by Iraqi militants who are demanding an end to a ban on Islamic headscarves in French schools.

0

World

Taylor Scores 2 TDs As Ravens Beat Lions (AP) AP - Chester Taylor ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and the Baltimore Ravens got a solid performance from their depleted defense in a 17-6 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night.

1

Sports

Blair's office like Nixon White House: ousted BBC chief (AFP) AFP - Greg Dyke, the former BBC director general ousted over the broadcaster's coverage of the Iraq conflict, unleashed a scorching attack on the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair, blaming it for trying to bully the BBC into submission.

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World

Security software targets Windows-based phones and PDAs Trend Micro is offering free trials of its new security software for mobile phones and PDAs. Trend Micro #39;s Mobile Security suite offers antivirus and anti-spam defence for the more sophisticated phones and

3

Sci/Tech

PGA Changes Dates of Grand Slam of Golf (AP) AP - The Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the PGA Tour's four major champions, has been switched to Thanksgiving week.

1

Sports

Protesters March Across Brooklyn Bridge (AP) AP - Thousands of abortion-rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and demonstrators rang handbells at the World Trade Center site Saturday, the latest in a growing procession of protests leading up to the Republican National Convention.

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World

Australians to vote on 9 October Australian leader John Howard calls a general election for 9 October, seeking a fourth term.

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World

USOC sends International Gymnastics Greetings Thursday night, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) received a letter from Mr. Bruno Grandi, President of the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG).

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Sports

Plane Crashes Won #39;t Hurt Putin In Chechen Vote His government had just suffered one of Russia #39;s worst terrorist attacks, apparently stemming from a war he has neither won nor ended.

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World

Khatami says IAEA must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium The UN atomic watchdog must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said Saturday in a fresh rebuttal of efforts to limit the Islamic republic #39;s nuclear programme.

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World

Era of Dream Team terminated in Athens Twelve years after Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird led the American senior basketball team to conquer the world, the era of the US Dream Team was terminated in the summer of 2004 at Athens.

1

Sports

United raise stakes for Rooney Everton has confirmed it has received an improved bid for Wayne Rooney, understood to be worth 25 million (A\$63.7 million). Newcastle has also been chasing the England striker, but is yet to counter the offer.

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Sports