Iraq government: Sunnis barred from top ministries + Assembly approves Shiite-led Cabinet. Divisions quickly surface within historic government + Iraqi Cabinet Approved, Though Divisions Linger (LAT Reg) + Lawmakers Take a Risk in Taking On Their Job (LAT Reg) + An independent judiciary will ensure the success of any future Iraqi government + Iraqi cabinet announced under US pressure

EBay leaders to settle lawsuit over IPO shares

Jack Sirard: Turning in tax cheats can earn IRS reward of up to $10 million (SB Reg)

The new face of witness protection

Georgia: Missing Bride Search Called Off +

Babies born to help ill siblings OK in Britain + Details

The "Charitable Choice" Bill that was Recently Passed by the House, and the Issues It Raises

US trade rep puts China on 'watch list' for copyright infringement Click.

NASA May Delay Shuttle Launching Until July

Apple to let loose its sleek Tiger system, good at hunting down files + Is new Apple software better than Windows?

New Design Could Transform 1st Bike Ride

Gates to Detroit: Make cars smarter

Backup tapes are backdoor for ID thieves

Duke 'All-optical' Switch Could Advance Light-based Telecommunications

Cassini Captures Swiss-cheese Look Of Saturn Moon

Luca Technologies Confirms Real-time Methane Generation

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

The President Meets the Press in Prime Time

Man Kills Himself in N.C. Newspaper's Parking Lot

Freedom House: Press Liberty Declined Worldwide in 2004

'Jeff Gannon,' Uninvited to WHCA Dinner, Heads to Bill Maher's HBO Show

Tamil Newspaper Columnist and Web Journalist Slain in Sri Lanka

Distracting Visuals Clutter TV Screen; Viewers Less Likely To Retain Content

Bay Area radio show canceled after remarks (SJM Reg)

After sports and action, men baffle TV networks

Today's papers

Black leaders upset over child's handcuffing

Strange Bedfellows Battle National ID Plan

The Mysterious Death of Marla Ruzicka

San Jose: Judge allows suit by Christian teacher restricted by school from using supplemental Christian material in classes

California Bill to Limit RFID in ID cards

Crude Oil Falls Below $50 as Higher Output Boosts Supplies; Gasoline Drops

Rumours on revaluation of Chinese currency renminbi increase

Dell ready to go on India hiring binge

Wynn Las Vegas, World's most expensive casino-resort -- at $2.7 billion -- impresses visitors in a city not shy about going over the top

RIP: William Hanna -- ex-Bechtel engineer

Comcast chooses S.F. ad agency for creative work

Clear Channel Announces Spin-Off Plan

Good Things Happen to Those Who Sit on Their NYSE Seats (LAT Reg) + Could NYSE execs get big merger bonus? + Why Ken Langone's Bid for NYSE Is Strengthening

Asia: Boeing and Airbus' last battlefield

Oracle in Talks to Buy Siebel

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

CDC backs 2 repellants to stave off West Nile. Officials encouraging mosquito spray use, especially among Northern Californians

Genetic Mingling Mixes Human, Animal Cells

Yemen Faces Polio Epidemic

THE BUSHWORLD...

Negroponte Takes Over Daily Bush Briefings

Wolfowitz holds talks with top Chinese general

Bush tries to revive fortunes

Chalabi named Acting Oil Minister in Iraq

Pentagon to no longer allow CIA 'ghost' detainees Click.

Bush: No Timetable for Withdrawal

Italy and US Disagree on Agent's Death

Social Security: US President defends Social Security means-testing + Bush pushes 'Social Security Plus' + Bush Makes Slight Shift in Approach (LAT Reg) + Many of Bush's allies retreating on private accounts + Key Dem behind W's plan + GOP sets June target for social security draft legislation Click.

The difficulties of distinguishing international law and international politics

Bush's Social Security plan hits middle class, wealthy. For the first time, president backs reducing benefits + Bush's words fail to quell political storms + Bush Recasts Message

Trying to promote Patriot Act, DOJ Says 9/11 Hijackers Linked to Library Use

Students Do Not Share Atty General Gonzales' View on Piracy (LAT Reg)

Vietnam war still divisive presence in the American psyche

Alameda Middle School: Laura Bush gives teachers high marks + Where no one is left behind

Guilty Plea in Travel Expense Case by Bush Administration's Ex-Undersecretary for Safe and Drug Free Schools

Bolton: Ex-Official Describes Dispute With Bolton Over Intelligence+ Two Detail Bolton's Efforts to Punish Dissent+ Click.   Farah Stockman: In citing Sudan dangers, Bolton went beyond CIA + Laura Rozen blogging on Bolton + Agonist Bolton thread + Click.  Stygius: John Bolton & Russia's chemical weapons

N. Korea: North Korean threat worsens. Nation now seen as able to put nuclear warheads on missiles + Concerns grow over N Korea nuclear talks + North Korea: Six-nation meltdown nears + Pentagon: No New North Korean Nuclear Weapon Capability

Iran: Tehran says time running out for nuclear talks with Europe + Iranian Nuclear Talks With European Powers End Without Agreement

Syria, Lebanon: Israeli spy master: 'Syrian president could be toppled' + UN chief says militias in Lebanon still need to be disarmed + Lebanon replaces security chiefs

Other foreign: USA praises Russia's anti-terrorist actions, acknowledges the danger of Chechnya + China and the power game

Rice: Can Rice deal with N. Korea's Kim and the nuclear problem?

Domestic: NRLB Recommends Dismissal of Union Complaint Against Wal-Mart + U.S. Civil Rights Commission Closes Two Regional Offices, Citing Budget Cuts + Treasury to Give Frozen Cuban Funds to Miami Woman

Congress:  Congress approves budget for 2006. Measure would trim Medicaid, clear way for drilling in Alaska + GOP's Budget Deal Cuts Programs, and Taxes (LAT Reg) + Medicaid Cuts Pass + Dems turn down GOP solution on judges. Proposal to limit debate on nominees labeled 'a big wet kiss to the far right' + Democrats Reject Deal on Judges + DeLay Faces Lengthy Inquiry (LAT Reg) + Volcker, Congress Clash Over Oil-for-Food Subpoenas

Democrats: Top Democrat: 'Miracle' needed to win back Senate

GOP: Maher: Grouchy Old Party Needs to Chill Out (LAT Reg) + GOP Leader: Republicans Are United Behind Bush, While Democrats Practice "reactionary Liberalism"

Voting: The 'We're Smart, You're Dumb' Principle (LAT Reg)

OPINIONS:

Krugman: A private obsession

Clouds of War Still Hover Over Vietnam (LAT Reg)

A Very Special Kind of Math (LAT Reg)

Eleanor Clift: News Conference Didn’t Help Bush

Fineman: Has the White House Lost Its Touch?

The Oval: Bush’s Lukewarm Support for DeLay

Patti Davis: Seeking One Good Man (Or Woman)

Bushism of the Day

Has Bush delivered on pledge to expand nation's wetlands?

Andrew Greeley: Don't blame pope for Kerry defeat

Al Gore: Breaking the rules to destroy our courts

Barry Goldwater's Warning

The Thirty Years War: Justin Raimondo

A Useful Whitewash: Alan Bock

Guerrillas vs. the State: William S. Lind

Put the Marx Brothers in Charge: Michael Scheuer

Victory Will Be Blair's Undoing: Peter Oborne

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:   Methodists to reinstate lesbian minister + FarOutFest celebrates gay/lesbian filmmakers

Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge  

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Greek Orthodox Easter Dawns

On opening day of trout season

Mark Morford: scariest Music Video...Ever

Mural captures Crockett history: Artist turns senior center residents' vision into scene of memories (CCT Reg)

Sandia lab puts children at the helm

Saturday. Lathrop pow wow features dancers, drummers

Festival Adds Some Hipness to Riverside (LAT Reg)

Seaside and Gonzales: Local events observe Cinco de Mayo

AmCan stable gives kids with disabilities a chance to saddle up

FarOutFest celebrates gay/lesbian filmmakers

Alex Ross on Jordi Savall

Dream Teams Thrive On Mix Of Old And New Blood

Does 'Hitchhiker's Guide' live up to the book?

Beware Bird Watchers: Rediscovered Woodpecker's Home a Rough Place for Humans

That's it. I'm staying in

Stone: Sightseeing the World From Your Desktop

Rock, Paper, Payoff: Child's Play Wins Auction House an Art Sale

Prof goes on odyssey of religious art

What would you do to beat out Bach?

Paul Haggis's LA epic, "Crash"

Rush & Molloy: De Niro got plot right, target wrong

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Sorrenti's very own film strip

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

The Governor:   Gov. endorses Minutemen on border. He parts with Bush on armed volunteers stopping illegal immigrants in Arizona + Gov.'s Border Remark, Part II + Gov. causes immigration stir (SB Reg) + Gov. Praises 'Minuteman' Campaign (LAT Reg) + Brighter budget numbers bring call for school funds. PTA members rally in hopes of getting promised money + PTA pushes for funding (SB Reg) + Bersin Picked for Top Schools Position (LAT Reg) + Schwarzenegger picks San Diego superintendent as education secretary + Gov.'s unpopularity now rules + Democrats teach Gov. and Riordan tough lessons about Sacramento's ways + Gov. scorned by backer over shift on redistricting + In-home caregivers threatened by proposed budget cuts + Paying for his Hollywood ways (OC Reg) + Riordan details reasons for his leaving (SB Reg) + State workers' comp director confirmed (SB Reg)

California to get federal money to battle West Nile (SB Reg)

State adopts tough smog rules + California approves new ozone-level limits (CCT Reg) + Smog Rule Tougher, but It's Symbolic (LAT Reg)

Workers' comp on the mend

2006 races: Dan Walters: Schwarzenegger dims, Lockyer opts out, and Angelides improves (SB Reg) + Lockyer drops out of governor's race. No taste for such a high-profile battle, he says -- opts instead to run for state treasurer (SF Chron) + Lockyer scraps gubernatorial hopes (CCT Reg) + Lockyer drops bid for top job (SB Reg) + In surprise, Lockyer drops out (Oakland Trib) + Lockyer Won't Run for Governor (LAT Reg) + Joe Dunn drops from 2nd race this month (OC Reg)

Legislature: Termed-out legislators roil politics + Lawmakers cut prisons budget plan. Program failures, waste lead Senate panel to reject $100 million of $6.5 billion request + Restoration plan for Angel Island seeks funding + California bill would ban RFID chips in IDs

Stem cell panel: Last pitch to stem cell team. S.F.. first of 4 stops -- decision on site due next Friday + Stem cell HQ pitch enters home stretch + 15 reasons San Francisco is the right city for the stem cell headquarters + Biotech firms eye Mission Bay + What is Mission Bay? + Why stem cell research needs San Francisco

Indian tribes: Casino proliferation worries Bay Area leaders + Casino meeting replays debate (San Pablo) + McCain says inquiry focusing on lobbyist, not on lawmakers + Stiffer rules urged / Panel may reopen Indian Gaming Act

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

LOCAL NEWS:  

Northern California: Endless winter bodes well for water supply

BART directors unmoved. Angry commuters told fare increase is only solution + Fare hikes, layoffs may be needed to tame BART budget

Langberg: Cities should think carefully before jumping on WiFi bandwagon (SJM Reg)

The Politics of Cynicism

Sacramento & north: Elk Grove begins plans to police itself (SB Reg) + Elk Grove report criticizes Cooper (SB Reg) + Sacramento Unified: Trustees ax jobs, air strategies for deficit (SB Reg) + Yolo revenue may help cut SMUD rates (SB Reg) + R.E. Graswich: Possible lifeline offered to financially troubled Port of Sacramento (SB Reg) + Sacramento fire chief may be set to retire (SB Reg) + Fed bill gives El Dorado region help on asbestos (SB Reg) + Lockyer to fight for Sacramento housing rule (SB Reg) + El Dorado: Waste workers walk out (SB Reg) + Sacramento waste sites down to 4 (SB Reg) + Firms leaving Sacramento, going to Reno for lower overhead (SB Reg) + DHL blasted by labor activists (SB Reg) + SMUD's expansion into PG&E turf is confusing (SB Reg) + News in brief from Northern California

San Francisco, San Mateo: South SF: Flood prevention project causes deluge at businesses + S.F. home to five expensive ZIP codes + 15 reasons San Francisco is the right city for the stem cell headquarters + Biotech firms eye Mission Bay + What is Mission Bay? + Pacifica opens art exhibition + Peninsula: Union puts pressure on hospital rebuild

Alameda: Hayward: 3 firefighters hurt in bridge crash + Hayward: Woman dead in fire; husband in hospital + Pleasanton Mayor Hosterman asked to speak at U.N. conference (CCT Reg) + Altamont windmill, bird issue deadlocks (CCT Reg) + Cherryland: Woman dies in mobile home blaze + Hayward: Parents fight again to save JV sports + Route 238 'mini-loop' still alive + Hayward fire engine crash blocks bridge + Foes may force tweaking of group-home proposal + Rare blood found for boy + First lady praises East Bay kids + Hayward considered for VA clinic + Assemblyman Klehs to host education forum + Bay Area fails air quality tests + Mimi's Cafe may come to Southland Mall area + Foster children need adult bond + Can Ward sell his school vision in Oakland? + Doctors protest at Highland ER

Santa Clara: Atherton homes priciest in U.S. (SJM Reg) + Initiative to tackle world problems (SJM Reg) + Springtime brings model missions (SJM Reg) + War's mines, explosives still kill and maim (SJM Reg) + Two lead campaign fundraising (SJM Reg) + WHO RAISED WHAT (SJM Reg) + Bay Area radio show canceled after remarks (SJM Reg) + Low-priority city services target of cuts (SJM Reg) + Chung: New greeting of hybrid fans (SJM Reg) + Weimers: Shoulder pain tied to sports, not age (SJM Reg) + Palo Alto to try to soften cutbacks (SJM Reg) + Roadshow: Ray of comfort in gas price story (SJM Reg) + Clergy group urges rental-car firms to boost wages (SJM Reg) + Park to be dedicated in San Jose (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Pittsburg: Grand opening for senior housing + Wal-Mart to open in Richmond mall (CCT Reg) + Mt. Diablo payroll gets state scrutiny (CCT Reg) + Alter Walnut Creek plans for building (CCT Reg)

Marin: Marin's median income is $94,410, highest in state + Novato considers broader renovation of city complex + Sausalito planners approve 'green' building + Funding for Angel Island is opposed + Marin nonprofits agree with United Way's status report + 60 years after Dachau + San Rafael: Completing a 9/11 victim's dream

Sonoma: On ROTC, secret bonuses and 10 stories + Grand jury faults disaster planning + Casino proliferation worries Bay Area leaders + Interchange gets go-ahead + Developer woos city with soccer field offer + Garage security cutback studied in attempt to avoid meters + Generations make connection + Marathon man pushes past pain + Biodynamic kids at Waldorf school + Empire Waste Management workers strike in Petaluma + Calpine stock plunges on rumor

Napa: AmCan stable gives kids with disabilities a chance to saddle up + Proposed law protecting county from suits draws ire + 79-year-old Napan launches flight around the globe + City of Napa proposes cutting vital services and adding fluff

Solano: Wal-Mart war looming + Citizens express fears at forum on health care + Former POW shares story with Travis personnel + VCUSD board president backs idea of higher taxes to support education + Workshop to focus on student behavior + Vallejo woman injured in crash + Lillian's Green Thumb Project turns 25

Monterey: Vietnam refugee finds way to repay America + Marina elementary school goes K-6 + Vigil to protest lecture at CSUMB + King City shows off new arenas + Your town + Local events observe Cinco de Mayo

Central Valley: Tehama County: Soldier killed in Afghanistan + 'Crank babies cry out + How's the air? Check the flag + Spill contaminates Dry Creek + Rainfall catches drivers by surprise, snarls roads + New chief for Merced organization + War strains Red Cross funds + Toughest air rules are adopted + MJC to hold graduation ceremonies this evening + NY Times exec to give send-off + Pombo's mailer leads to new rules + College's Measure E committee to meet + Greek Orthodox Easter Dawns + News & Notes + Around the Region + Community Briefing + OID water plan vital to future use + Stockton: Minor league park, major league atmosphere + Visalia: Pioneering ethanol plant

Central Coast: Supervisor rips library chief over Felton closing + Lowe’s eyeing Lipton factory on Westside + Traffic woes to grow in Pajaro Valley + Aptos pilot overcomes latest hitch + Crops bill finds little support + Watsonville Volunteer Center gets new home + Coast Lines + Supes OK water buyout ballot + News briefs from California's Central Coast

Southern California: Villaraigosa to return $47,000 in questionable funds + Its Ego Bruised, San Diego Asks: 'What Next?' (LAT Reg) + Villaraigosa to Return Florida Donations (LAT Reg) + Another King/Drew Physician Accused of Lying (LAT Reg) + Battered LA Health Department Chief Soldiers On (LAT Reg) + LA Mayor Race: Miami Vice' Meets 'Dumb and Dumber' (LAT Reg) + L.A.'s Rainfall Inches Closer to All-Time Record (LAT Reg) + High Winds Damage Homes as Storm Strikes Dana Point (LAT Reg) + MTA Approves $640-Million Budget for Downtown-to-Westside Rail Line (LAT Reg) + News briefs from San Diego County + Best Buy revisions challenged

Iraq government: Iraqi MPs approve partial cabinet + Iraqi Parliament backs partial Cabinet + Baghdad approves cabinet but key posts stay unfilled + Iraqi cabinet list + Three Sunni MPs quit Iraqi alliance + Zebari Named Iraqi Foreign Minister as Assembly Approves Partial Cabinet + Details of new cabinet + Chalabi makes his return + History lost in war-torn Iraq + Saddam Hussein meets lawyer

AFGHANISTAN: U.S. Soldier Among 9 Killed in 2 Attacks (LAT Reg)

MIDDLE EAST: Arab NGOs must move from noble aims to historic achievements

Israel, Palestine: Putin urges Sharon to boost, not pressure Abbas + Abbas to protect truce with 'iron fist' + Israeli-Palestinian peace will be illusory without popular support + Over 15,000 attend anti-pullout rally in West Bank settlement

RUSSIA: Putin's visit to Israel marks milestone for Russian leader + Putin defends missile sales to Syria + Putin plays down Israel arms fear + Russia's oligarch verdict delayed until May 16 + China beats Japan in Russian pipeline race

EUROPE: Berlusconi's remarks put his future in doubt

Blair accused of 'gross deception' as Goldsmith's advice is published + Blair Faces Furor Before Election + Iraq leak jolts Blair + Excerpts From British Attorney General's Memo on Iraq and Blair's Statements + Details

Rewriting Latvian History

CHINA: China bank chiefs hit at Communist party role + Hu commits Chinese companies to invest in Manila + Working-Class Hero? NBA Star Nets China's Proletarian Award (LAT Reg)

AMERICAS:  Mexico’s President clears way for mayor to stand in election + Fox Moves to End Crisis (LAT Reg)

Argentina urged to deal with hold-out bondholders

Canada opposition challenges Martin on tax U-turn

Colombian 'peace community' in name only. Civilians caught in middle of a conflict that's not theirs

Justices allow lawsuits over pesticide damages

US law targets online 'pirates' of music, movies, 3-yr jail sentence possible

Asylum seeker wins settlement over treatment. Case establishes right of applicants to sue government

The Unmaking of the Mob Men

Portland, FBI Unit to Part Ways

New York Sues Internet Marketer Over 'Spyware'

Prosecutors Cross-Examine Ex-Chief of Tyco

Justices Dubious of U.S. Case on Andersen

Afraid to Go Home, Reaching Out to America (LAT Reg)

Fla. Court Refuses to Hear Limbaugh Appeal

Arab Americans Sue Denny's; Say they were compared to Bin Laden

British Court: in Vitro Embryo for Cure OK

Special report: When to remove a child?

License To Beg?

Florida: Police Release Photo in Search for Abused Girl on the Internet (LAT Reg)

Secret weapon in war on mob: 'short, bald, fat' detective

Xymphora on the Zodiac killer + Cannonfire on the Zodiac

In Public Remarks, Two Supreme Court Justices Defend the Federal Courts' Actions in the Schiavo Case - and One Attacks the Court and His Fellow Justices

Federal Appeals Court Lifts Injunction Keeping Detroit Casinos From Building Permanent Facilities

Chemical Signatures For Bioforensics

NASA Considers Another Launch Delay

German astronaut books long stay + NASA takes photo of comet Tempel 1 that it will bash on July 4 + NASA Gives Artificial Gravity A New Spin

Future Computer: Atoms Packed In An 'Egg Carton' Of Light?

Silicon Insider: Taking Jobs to Task

Where will Europe's innovators take satellite navigation?

Fusion Experiment Close, No Cigar

Why HP Is Pruning the Printers

Israel's Tech Giants Challenge Canada

Atomic Energy on The Table At UCLA

Is Apple’s Tiger a Kitten?

Old Star's 'Rebirth' Gives Astronomers Surprises

Harvard Scientists Create High-speed Integrated Nanowire Circuits

Molecular Motors Cooperate In Moving Cellular Cargo, Study Shows

Wiretaps in U.S. jump 19 percent in 2004

Ads That Know What You Want

S.F. State plans to discipline protesters re:anti-military rally

Protesters dog ChevronTexaco annual meeting

USCF target of animal rights protest

Groups protest Fresno surveillance policy (CCT Reg)

Microsoft Earnings Almost Double as Legal Costs Fall, Network Sales Rise

US economy shows slow growth

Airlines could allow cell phone chatter

World funds suffer

Wellpoint health insurer merger pays off

Plugged in: Americans paid $7 billion last year to call 411 and find a phone number (SB Reg)

Economists Try to Explain Why Bubbles Happen

Wireless and Broadband Lift Verizon Profit by 47%

Accounting Rules in U.S. a Bit Lacking, Europe Says

More Than Half of Tax Returns E-Filed

World's two richest men, Buffett, Gates, help guide Berkshire

Comcast profits up nearly fivefold

Eurozone bonds hit by poll uncertainty

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

We need luck to avoid flu pandemic

More Options To Fight West Nile

FDA/CHIRON Flu Fiasco: Flu shot problem hurts Chiron's quarterly profit + Chiron announces 2005 flu vaccine expectations (CCT Reg) + Chiron has loss from flu shutdown (SJM Reg)

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush news conference: SS Cuts For Wealthy Retirees? + Bush to Ask Congress to Adjust Social Security Benefits + Bush to Shift Social Security Focus Away From Private Accounts, Aide Says

Bush sees new technology as solution to energy crunch. No short-term fix for high prices suggested in speech

Bunker-buster bomb plan won't work, study finds + Penetrating nukes could kill millions + Rumsfeld demands cash for 'bunker-busting' nuke

Bush picks David Wilkins as ambassador to Canada

Laura Bush visits transformed Sun Valley school in San Fernando Valley + First lady of the theater in Los Angeles + First Lady Touts Programs for Youths (LAT Reg)

Bolton: The Bolton Logic (LAT Reg) + Bolton's Not Nice. But He's Good (LAT Reg) + Dowd: U.N.leash Woolly Bully Bolton

Iran: EU under pressure as Iran lays down gauntlet

Syria, Lebanon: U.S. to Avoid Confrontation in Lebanon (LAT Reg) + An Islamist Syria is not very probable

Other foreign: Despite the spat, Turkey and the U.S. need each other + USA declines reciprocal relations with Kazakhstan's president + US walks China tightrope

IAEA postpones decision on ElBaradei reappointment after U.S. voices opposition

Rice: US-Russian relations: Lost in translation

Domestic: Food program for poor urged to provide more fruits, vegetables + Food Program Is Due for a Nutrition Update + 'Skill gap' between races stagnant

Social Security: Private accounts could vanish from Social Security bill

Congress: Republican Lawmakers Reach Agreement on $2.6 Trillion U.S. Budget Plan + Democrats reject filibuster compromise + House panel tackles NFL's steroids policy + Bill gives FDA new power over drug safety and ads + Congress sinks into partisan quagmire. Procedural battles take priority over health care, deficit + House passes abortion limits for minors. Taking a girl out of state for the procedure without parents' OK would be federal crime + House reverts to old ethics rules in partisan impasse + DeLay gets legal-fund help from colleagues. Some Republicans received aid from lawmaker's PAC + Bill that lengthens term of enterprise zones held back (CCT Reg) + GOP senator bolts over Medicaid cuts + GOP poised to toughen rules for abortion consent + Rep. Brad Sherman, Congressional loner

OPINIONS:

A Society That Throws the Sick Away (LAT Reg)

$2.5-Million Chart, $250,000 in Art: Ain't Life Grand? (LAT Reg)

House Republicans Suffer Ethics Attack

So Much for 'Political Capital' Congressional Republicans Act More Like Europeans Than Americans

Pentagon between Iraq and a hard place

The Republican Party and the Christian right: sowing the seeds of an American fascist movement

Novak: Senate plots to get rid of doc

Molly Ivins: Dumb Dems let GOP run wild

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  California coalition seeks male-female marriage definition. New ballot push for constitutional amendment + Anglican bishops call moratorium on same-sex blessings + Gates promises more dialogue on gay-rights issues + Alabama Bill Targets Gay Authors

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Olson: Cooper Defense to Rely on Precedent, Common Law

KYCY-AM first station to convert to all-podcast format

Mark Morford: What's On Jesus' iPod?

The New Old Journalism

Today's papers

Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge  

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Oakland: Parade, festival will honor heroes of Cinco de Mayo

Oakland: Dance to fill Indian cultural festival

Fremont: Feel free to flit about at butterfly festival

Lathrop: Pow Wow features dancers, drummers

Niles railway chugging along

American Academy of Arts and Sciences chooses fellows in Bay Area (SJM Reg)

Maltese mystery: fact in fiction

Touring Rivera mural marries art and industry

Benicia cited as 'arts destination'

Chris Caen: S.F. drink? Don't call it pisco

New Bugs Bunny film softer, less menacing

A TV Salute to the Designer of Some Memorable Movie Promotions

Brace yourself for a return of 'The Birds'

Preparing for the world's first Hindu theme park

New fiction by Haruki Murakami

Rosie O'Donnell's TV Movie

Rush & Molloy: Cruise's Holmes away from home

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Eviction is a monsterpiece

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

The Governor:  Gov. hedges on redistricting agenda. He admits it may not be possible to redraw voter boundaries by the 2006 elections + Gov. backs off redistricting + Gov. Relents on Sped-Up Remapping (LAT Reg) + State admits inspection failures re: foster homes, nursing homes, day care centers (SB Reg) San Bernardino: Public workers picket Gov. + San Bernardino: Gov. lays out future plans in scripted setting + Democrats press tax agenda + How to fix the initiative process

Lockyer Drops Run for Governor, will run for State Treasurer (LAT Reg)

Gov.'s polls down 20% since January: Gov's rating drops sharply (SB Reg) + Arnold's popularity ebbing; Democrats push agenda + Arnold's in the tank + Gov.'s popularity ebbs (CCT Reg)+ Daniel Weintraub: What we have here is a failure to communicate (SB Reg) + After Reneging on His Promise to Schools, Schwarzenegger's Marks Slip (LAT Reg)

Riordan: State secretary of education Riordan to step down. Announcement comes as poll finds handling of schools hurting Gov.'s approval ratings + Education Secretary Riordan to quit + CSU students, faculty protest Gov. + Survey suggests school reform support (CCT Reg) + Livermore teachers protest Gov.'s funding + Education quality seen as problem (SJM Reg) + Schools secretary Riordan resigns (SB Reg) + Riordan to Quit Post in Education (LAT Reg) + San Diego: Protest to have prop 98 money restored to schools

Workers comp chief:  Panel sends Hoch nomination to Senate. Gov.'s choice to run workers' comp accused of cutting services and benefits + Panel OKs Appointee to Workers' Comp Post + Workers' comp boss prevails (SB Reg)

How to fix the initiative process

California coalition seeks male-female marriage definition. New ballot push for constitutional amendment

Report: State's uninsured re: health coverage near 16%

State power supply stretched to limit (RP Reg)

State asthma rates soar with pollution

2006 races: Westly explores run for governor

Bay Bridge: Bay span builders told to weld, but test results not yet in + Architect defends Bay Bridge

Stem cell panel, biotech: The final four of biotech (SB Reg) + State's pluses for biotech firms can still outweigh high operating costs Click (OC Reg) +Link to the report here.

Legislature: Silicon Valley tech leaders lobby lawmakers + Bill to allow hemp farming falls two votes short (CCT Reg) + Committee rejects charter school bill (CCT Reg) + Marjie Lundstrom: Measure would light a fire under cops after business ID theft (SB Reg) + Editorial: Cache Creek showdown (SB Reg) + Deal on Cheaper Medicines Unravels (LAT Reg)

Indian tribes: McCain to give casino bill legs (to block Casino in San Pablo) + 2nd Indian casino planned for Cloverdale + Bill Granting Tax Breaks for Tribal Resorts Clears California Panel (LAT Reg) + McCain: More Laws Needed on Tribal Casinos + Senate questions oversight of Indian gambling + Testimony of Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association, Washington, DC Concerning Oversight Hearing on the Regulation of Indian Gaming
HUD cuts off grants to Tulalip Tribes

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

D.A. bugged phone of Jackson's ex-wife

Man Guilty In Runnion Case

BALCO's Conte in trouble with state over taxes. One of his companies has failed to file returns, authorities say

Federal Judge Fern Smith: California ex-cons not required to submit DNA samples

Sacramento FBI chief leaves, fourth in three years + Capital loses its top FBI agent - again (SB Reg)

Pot Laws Pain Some Elders (LAT Reg)

Sacramento & north: Placer County priest abuse case settled + Sacramento Kings case: Man acted in self-defense, lawyer says (CCT Reg) + Wash. man sentenced to death for killing Red Bluff cop + Officer's killer gives apology, gets death (SB Reg) + Loomis: Probe rescues maimed geese (to be fed to elderly at assisted care home) (SB Reg)+ Capital loses its top FBI agent - again (SB Reg) + Placer: Deputies halt getaway, net most wanted man (SB Reg) + Ex-ARC dean is accused of embezzling $50,000 (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Driver arraigned in death of teacher (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Drugs, guns seized in raid; four held (SB Reg) + El Dorado: Meeting about asbestos from roads (SB Reg) + RIP: Laurie Pogue, police dispatcher known for her cool (SB Reg) + News in brief from Northern California

San Francisco, San Mateo: Archer who shot sea lion pleads guilty + Bayview police use cell phones to fight crime + No charges in alleged SFO bomb threat + South City offers reward for leads in attack on schoolboy

Alameda: Berkeley: Rape suspect set to enter plea today + Chinese student still critical after beating + Oakland standoff ends peacefully + Victim identified in fatal shooting + Newark police still seek parolee + Fremont cops use Taser to subdue parent at school + Transient charged with 12 felonies (CCT Reg)

Santa Clara: Palo Alto police standoff ends (SJM Reg) + Los Gatos police seeking owners of stolen goods (SJM Reg) + San Jose: School aide accused of sex with 17-yr-old student

Contra Costa: D.A. rests case in trial of nanny accused in fatal crash. Only 1 witness testified of smelling liquor on her breath + Teens in court for 1st hearing in police killing. Tense atmosphere in packed courtroom as defense asks to postpone arraignment + Witness: Pack asked me to manipulate testimony + Police subdue man with bean bags + Pair charged in officer's death (CCT Reg) + Unknown vandal gouges Oak Hill memorial + Methamphetamine sting nets three arrests, 28 pounds seized (CCT Reg) + Fake bomb again found at Freedom High School (CCT Reg) + Pack spoke to witnesses (CCT Reg)

Marin: DUI suspected in Novato crash + Tiburon sues couple over 'land grab' + Click. Jim Scanlon: Justice For Sale. Did Judge Smith Ignore Crimes In Divorce Trial? Click. Jim Scanlon: Media Blackout On Father's Felony Child Abuse Charges against daughter of Carol Mardeusz.

Sonoma: Jurors continue to deliberate on Humboldt pepper spray case retrial

Napa: Former Napan sentenced to death for teen murder + Napa State sued over patient suicide + Mother challenges Vets on son's death

Solano: Murder probe moves slowly + 'Daddy' faces charges of pimping for girl, 14 + Skip Thomson may fight tax fraud with air power

Central Valley: Tough on gangs? It depends + Sentence due today in foster care scam + Merced seeks help for trial costs + Ripon teens take cue from cops + Law & Order

Central Coast: Robbery suspect takes plea bargain + Cops And Courts + Police arrest two after man robbed of marijuana + Man suspected in string of recent burglaries in Soquel + Pajaro board agrees to join state lawsuit against testing

Southern California: Administrative charges will be filed in LAPD beating + Fewer kids slain, but cars, abuse still taking toll + Probably 4 different killers loose on Southern California freeways + Recording is fine with Caltrans to catch freeway killers + O.C. Jurors Weigh Fate of Avila (LAT Reg) + Norco: A Quick Death in Disputed Crash? (LAT Reg) + 11 Area Residents Held in Drug Probe (LAT Reg) + Man in Wheelchair Guilty of 3rd Strike (LAT Reg) + Laguna Woods: Surveillance Photos of Bank Robber Released (LAT Reg)

LOCAL NEWS:   Sea lion caught, returned to sea

Sacramento & north: SMUD's Folsom annexation veered from plan (SB Reg) + Expert: K Street review breaks anti-secrecy law + Region ranks 7th-worst for smog (SB Reg) + Arden/Carmichael: Area may switch sides (SB Reg) + Elk Grove: Principals take reins at schools Monday (SB Reg) + El Dorado: EID report reveals household water use on rise (SB Reg) + Natomas: Trustees approve charter school (SB Reg) + Placer: Saving Clover Valley is urged (SB Reg) + Citrus Heights: City moving fast on police issue (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Rotary plans haven for ill kids, families (SB Reg) + Capitol Area Development Agency names new boss, Paul Schmidt

San Francisco, San Mateo: Ferry tale -- the dream dies hard. 2 historic boats that plied the bay seek buyer -- anybody + Golden Gate suicide barrier study funds are allocated + Cash for SF city workers if ideas save money + S.F. Golden Gate campus with only 96 students will close in June + Mixed forecast for local air pollution + Abandoned building may get new lease on life + SF school board may consider closing another facility + Peninsula: Gardeners ‘optimistic' council will reconsider ban on leaf blowers + Peninsula: Vineyard owners defend environmental practices + Peninsula: Federal government settles with refugee + Peninsula: Students, parents react to exercise requirements + Chris Caen: S.F. drink? Don't call it pisco

Alameda: Berkeley council votes to raise UC's sewer fees. University contends increase would violate contract + Berkeley council overturns landmarks ruling + Livermore: Bicyclist killed in crash is identified + Oakland: Restaurants raising funds for HIV projects + Air pollution still abysmal in Bay Area + Former foster children still in need + Oakland: Police Review Board may be hamstrung + Fremont mayor: Housing on hillside fated + Union City: Obstacles stall Flight 93 memorial + Airport shuttle fares make up for cheap flights + Catholic Charities chief has wisdom of Solomon + Pombo put on the hot seat re: Endangered Species Act + Jerry Brown enters world of blogging (SJM Reg)

Santa Clara: San Jose Valley Medical Center nurses union approves contract (SJM Reg) + Schools' low marks (SJM Reg) + North San Jose project hits snag (SJM Reg) + Years apart change émigrés forever (SJM Reg) + Herhold: Outsiders who could be S.J. mayor (SJM Reg) + PTAs rally for restoration of school funds (SJM Reg) + Palo Alto lays off 16 to meet budget deficit (SJM Reg) + Concerns raised on S.J. ethics reforms (SJM Reg) + Weimers: Walk of Fame sidewalks locked up (SJM Reg) + VACANT P.A. BUILDING IN LINE FOR NEW LOOK (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Leaders hope 3rd time's a charm re: urban limit line + Crockett seeks way to acquire building (CCT Reg) + Bethel Island district, public to look at spending windfall (CCT Reg) + Walnut Creek rally protests GOP changes to filibuster rule (CCT Reg) + Group says foster teens need family (CCT Reg) + + Protesters throng ChevronTexaco (CCT Reg) + Golden Rain Foundation: Residents' rally seeks to foil rule on videos (CCT Reg)

Marin: Furor over Comcast intensifies + Mixed results for air quality in Marin + Nation's health-care bill dies in Assembly committee + San Rafael protesters rally against Bush 'right-wing agenda' + San Anselmo residents could face new tax amid budget crunch + A guide to Marin's dog parks + Full circle closed + Click. Carol Sterritt: Marin County, CA draft counselors advise students.

Sonoma: Red Cross honoring heroes + St. Helena schools clamping down on lies about residency + Around the Empire + 5 hurt in two Napa-Lake area crashes + 2nd Indian casino planned for Cloverdale + Elsie Allen ROTC denied reprieve

Napa: Diagnosed with worst form of skin cancer, Napa mom of two wants to make sure children are educated, protected + Napa city officials detail budget pains + Secret-ballot debate divides panel in Napa

Solano: Vallejoans unwilling to give feds final word on LNG sites + Benicia cited as 'arts destination' + Council OKs housing plan + Damelio awaits word on contracts + Search and rescue team needs help + Benicia plans disaster drill + Evans holds public forums + Local leaders, state debate who will pay the bill for Benicia Bridge+ Nonprofits rolling with the funding punches

Monterey: Monterey: Condo-conversion plan catches residents off guard + Pacific Grove school official faces job review + Singing ambassadors to benefit Salinas library + Bluefin tuna population in trouble, study finds + Panel approves golf club's face-lift + Your Town + Castroville woman killed in accident + Panel OKs Chualar project + CSUMB speaker draws GOP ire + County checking voter fraud + Questions of life, death at symposium

Central Valley: Stockton's new ballpark is centerpiece of ambitious plans to renew downtown + Groups protest Fresno surveillance policy (CCT Reg) + Valley air hits children hardest + Baby's fight for life comes from the heart + Prom planning is detail-oriented + Westly explores run for governor + Mental health needs assessed by counties + Ted E. Bear Is Back + Program teaches safe Net surfing + Guardsman who went AWOL disciplined + Merced County wants all of Castle + Modestans targeted by $1M lottery scam + Study links health care to education + Modesto crash + Search goes on for Mariposa's Grandpa Doug + News & Notes + Around the Region + Patterson council on right track in fixing permit woes

Central Coast: Felton library faces the ax + Parents protest budget at Aptos High + S.C. Schools budget: No salary hikes for administrators + Businesses come to rescue as school funding drops + St. Patrick’s priest answers new calling + County gears up for Cinco de Mayo + Higher water rates divide city and UCSC + First stage of UC growth bill passes panel + Coast Lines

Southern California: L.A. air graded as clearly bad + Hollywood under fire in death of 2nd horse + LA Mayor calling for probe of donation to opponent + Wilson won't run for S.D. seat + Villaraigosa Under Fire for Florida Donations (LAT Reg) + O.C. Expected to Add to Baby-Haven Sites (LAT Reg) + New Outlet for Retro Charms? (LAT Reg) + Infant Deaths High in Antelope Valley (LAT Reg) + Holy Habitat! Bats' Bridge Is Saved (LAT Reg) + Thousand Oaks: Divided Council Ousts City Manager (LAT Reg) + LA Council Creates Schools Panel (LAT Reg) + Kern: Site of Chimp Attack Wins New State Permit (LAT Reg)+ UC Irving Grad Student Dies After Pool Accident (LAT Reg) + News briefs from Southern California + San Diego council leans toward special election

The Rubes in L.A. City Hall Have Swallowed Hollywood's Hard-Luck Story (LAT Reg)

School days: S.F. Golden Gate campus with only 96 students will close in June + S.F. State plans to discipline protesters. 2 groups, 3 students subject of hearing on anti-military rally + LAUSD will train nurses, vet techs + Laura Bush visits transformed Sun Valley school in San Fernando Valley + Berkeley to hold daylong teach-in against torture + History student earns UC Berkeley honor + CSU students, faculty protest Gov. + Education Secretary Riordan to quit + Survey suggests school reform support (CCT Reg) + Committee rejects charter school bill (CCT Reg) + Fake bomb again found at Freedom High School (CCT Reg) + Pleasanton schools pass political conduct rule (CCT Reg) + Livermore: Boy tells school mates of fight against leukemia + Welcome to Dr. John Kimball High + Education quality seen as problem (SJM Reg) + PTAs rally for restoration of school funds (SJM Reg) + Elk Grove: Principals take reins at schools Monday (SB Reg) + Natomas: Trustees approve charter school (SB Reg) + Pacific Grove school official faces job review + After four years, UC regents visit Davis - and get an earful (SB Reg) + Santa Rosa: Elsie Allen ROTC denied reprieve + Opposition to High School Exit Exam Growing (LAT Reg) + Was the 'No Trespassing' Sign at USC Frat House All Greek to Him? (LAT Reg) + LA Council Creates Schools Panel (LAT Reg) + Parents Wary of Dark Side of 'Bat Boy' (LAT Reg) + San Diego: Protest to have prop 98 money restored to schools
The cash incentives keeping weapons out of US classrooms

Oakland: Parade, festival will honor heroes of Cinco de Mayo + Dance to fill Indian cultural festival

Fremont: Feel free to flit about at butterfly festival

Lathrop: Pow Wow features dancers, drummers

Niles railway chugging along

American Academy of Arts and Sciences chooses fellows in Bay Area (SJM Reg)

Maltese mystery: Fact in fiction

Touring Rivera mural marries art and industry

Benicia cited as 'arts destination'

Iraq government: Jaafari completes inclusive list for Iraqi cabinet

MIDDLE EAST: Yemen plans new cultural preservation and development strategy

Israel, Palestine: Settlers vow to stop blockade of Gaza Strip by IDF 'at any cost'

RUSSIA: Putin arrives in Israel + Russia to convene Middle East peace conference + Analysis: A visit for its own sake + Israel rejects Putin's plans to aid Palestinian security forces + Shunning Putin + US balks at Putin's Mideast peace conference plan + Putin Finds Egypt Firmly Allied With US

EUROPE: Blair accused of 'gross deception' as Goldsmith's advice is published + Blair faces new questions on Iraq war + Text: Goldsmith’s advice + For the first time, the legal advice on war we weren't allowed to see

Iraq death car arrives in Italy

AFRICA: Togo opposition candidate self-proclaims president + US blasts Togo poll results + Election riots spark fears of civil war

ASIA PACIFIC: China integrates into the global supply chain

Malaysia's biotech folly

AMERICAS: Top generals sacked in Colombia

Mexico, U.S. hit hurdles on trade (SB Reg)

Canada's business sector hits at tax about-turn + Harper blasts NDP-Liberal deal

Latin America's new Fidel

Colombia's President Sacks Four Army Generals as Fighting Continues

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

AIR AMERICA RADIO INVESTIGATED AFTER BUSH 'GUNSHOTS'

Deal Struck for Timing of Miller, Cooper Supreme Court Appeal

Study: Vast Majority Says News Reporting is Biased

California Senate Advances Bill Easing Limits on Prison Interviews

Military Reporters' Group Writes Rumsfeld, Demands He Lift Press Restrictions

KR's Baghdad Chief Says Journos Remain in Grave Danger

Fiction prize won by 9/11 novel

Ladies Who Write

Podcasting Killed the Radio Star

Media File Motion to Unseal BTK Court Records

Today's papers

LEAKGATES UK Iraq legal opinion leaked

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Subcommittee votes to enhance intelligence info sharing

FBI picks deputy CIO

Judge delays sentencing of Ressam in millennium bomb plot

Man convicted in sting op against missile plotter

Records Show Man in LAX Plot Gave U.S. Key Terrorist Details

Oakland: First U.S. port to check radiation. Every container arriving from overseas is tested

Priest Accused Of Vatican Spying

Harper Collins to publish Reagan's diary

(PDF) Tenet statement on Curveball

(PDF) Explosive magazine design criteria

Peru ex-spy chief to sue for $20m

Pak agencies nab 44 Indian intelligence agents

Mystery ship may track Titan rocket

Syrian Intelligence Still in Lebanon

Thailand demands better intelligence

Why Al Qaeda Conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui's Guilty Plea Probably Won't Save His Life

Moussaoui Tells Judge He Wants to Be Buried in a Muslim Land

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

Cassini Finds Particles Near Saturn's Moon Enceladus

Smallpox could be sent in mail

Ebola suspected in Equatorial Guinea

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush to Host News Conference on Thursday Night

Bush seeks to ease US oil needs + Bush to support expansion of nuclear energy + Bush wants refineries at shut defense bases + Bush Touts Technology to Solve Energy Problems, Admits Being Powerless to Curb Prices

US wants to sell Israel ‘bunker-buster’ bombs

Rumsfeld: Victory is up to Iraqis + Army funding running low, Rumsfeld warns

Bush Nominates Four to Ambassadorships

Bush Attending Second GOP Fundraiser This Year

US (mostly) lets Iraq form its cabinet

Scare Sends Bush Underground

Bush OKs Smut-Stripping Tech from DVDs

BUSH, CONGRESS NOT PROTECTING COUNTRY : 911 PANEL

Bush's bouncer gets around

Bush Taken to Bunker After Airspace Scare

Bolton: Lugar Predicts Committee Will OK Bolton + The right bull for UN china shop + Senate panel digs for more information on Bolton

Syria, Lebanon: Syria has honored its commitments to the United Nations + Assad can no longer pretend that the status quo will suffice + Zooming out, Syrian liberty must be next

Other foreign:  U.S. urges Saudi economic aid for PA

Congress:  Block this budget + Budget Negotiations to Cut Medicaid Falter + Governors Say Medicaid Efforts Misused + Business groups fight pension premium increase + Gore Blasts GOP Bid to Block Filibusters + GOP Retreats On New Ethics Rules + House Passes Bill Making It Illegal to Take Minors Across State Lines for Abortions + Matsui has money in bank for '06 race (SB Reg)

OPINIONS:

Bush attacks small business

The Consequences Of War

Evangelical Bush?

Abdullah-Bush Stroll Strikes Nerve

PART 8: Militarism and failed states

Cannonfire on Gannon

The revolt of America's moderates

Bush hides the truth about terror, torture

DeLay, Abramoff and Israeli Militias

Blood for pork....

India's arms purchases hit a roadblock

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Red wine, white bikes, local roads

Growing a market (SB Reg)

'Temple' doesn't reveal tragedy's hows and whys

African-American genealogy experts host workshop

Emio Greco's dancers move to shed labels

Boot camp no cakewalk for brides-to-be

Gang of Four band are back

African-American genealogy experts host workshop

The legend of Margarita

Ghost town bought for $150,000

Jawbone hints at earliest Britons

Resisting Malraux

Street Art Goes Global, Online

Japanese tradition meets Western musicals

Rush & Molloy: Comics hit gusher: George of Arabia

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Suspending belief Vartan was 'Punk'd'

Art That Saw Past Color

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

The Governor:  Future looks bright for solar-powered home subsidies bill + Tax increase proposed for state school funds. As Gov. drops in polls, Democratic leader takes him on + Senate leader Perata: Raise California taxes for kids' education + Perata open to tax for schools (SB Reg) + Fontana: Gov.'s visit draws fire from critics (RP Reg) + Gov. asked to declare salmon disaster + Credit Gov. for fight to keep military bases + Statement from California State University Chancellor in Support of Gov. + Gov. appoints Indian American Sanjay Kumar as judge in Los Angeles + Peter Schrag: Governor's reform agenda: A rush to confusion (SB Reg) + Other view: Nurse shortage means not enough schools for training (SB Reg) + As We See It: Teachers’ union shouldn’t reject all ideas from Gov. + Gov. angers Turks with genocide reference + Gov. Extends Hand of Friendship to South Russia

LOCAL NEWS:  Livermore: Plants, trees bloom in former wasteland

Hopes for recovery amid San Diego's mess

Sacramento & north: County looks at 14 sites for green waste facility (SB Reg) + R.E. Graswich: City cops won't be feeling blue about pay - police, union make a deal (SB Reg) + Elk Grove officials rethinking skate park plan (SB Reg) + Panel to review K Street Mall proposals (SB Reg) + Open house at remodeled fire station (SB Reg) + Woodland: Meeting today on parks development (SB Reg) + W. Sac photo contest clicks in May 1 (SB Reg) + Editorial: Sacramento, the next San Diego? (SB Reg) + FCC supports sale of KOVR to Viacom (SB Reg) + News in brief from California's North Coast

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF: Four schools get the ax. Board of Education approves closures to plug budget deficit -- two other campuses survive + Panel finds bias at Castro bar. Owner denied entry to black patrons, commission reports + Bay Area: Acts of bias against gays up 7%, anti-violence group says + SF: Daly seeks fees on new Rincon Hill high-rises. Money would aid existing residents + SF: public works chief appointed city administrator. Mayor chooses Ed Lee to replace Bill Lee, whom he names to airport tourism position + SF: Western Addition School locked down after 911 warning + San Mateo: Coach molested 7 boys, jury told. Defendant worked at San Mateo's Serra High School + SF: Permits revoked for Examiner promotion + Marina District Farmer's Market reopening is stalled + Market Street set for more bike lanes + Around City hall + Peninsula: Testimony begins in coach's molestation trial + Peninsula: Developer to clean up South City ‘brownfield' + Peninsula: No injuries in Palo Alto standoff + Peninsula: Man jailed on charges of false bomb threat + Peninsula: Chemo overdose result of illegible prescription + Capers, coups, scandals and swank + Bay area charities recovering from economic downturn

Alameda: Oakland: First U.S. port to check radiation. Every container arriving from overseas is tested + Livermore OKs redevelopment aid (CCT Reg) + Oakland's port beefs up security (CCT Reg) + Oakland port guarded by radiation detectors + Supes disperse Measure A funds + Young challenge seems aimed at Chan + New director for Catholic Charities + Newark names new fire chief + Fremont: Don't quack up: It's just a duck race + Hayward: County board passes recruiting resolution + Fremont: Demoted principal clings to job + Livermore: Plants, trees bloom in former wasteland + IKEA coming to Dublin — eventually + Bicyclist dies on Mines Road + Livermore looks to retain apartment rental units + Pleasanton to draft vision statement + Alameda County fair finalizes entertainment

Santa Clara: San Jose: Young mountain lion is shot and killed in backyard of home / Police decide against tranquilizer + Mountain lion killed in San Jose (SJM Reg) + Voters support hike in storm drain fees (SJM Reg) Teachers may get layoff reprieve (SJM Reg) + Survey shows support for arts in school (SJM Reg) + Cortese goes online to attack mayor's actions (SJM Reg) + 17 years later, an emotional reunion (SJM Reg) + Warriors' scholarly bent (SJM Reg) + Healthy and happy -- that's San Jose (SJM Reg) + Roadshow: Helping is noble, but risky (SJM Reg) + Popular FM morning show still off air (SJM Reg) + Peninsula in Brief (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Crockett residents ponder options (CCT Reg) + Board OKs Martinez office lease (CCT Reg) + San Ramon would prosper from retail area, report says (CCT Reg) + Hercules rail cars may still be issue (CCT Reg) + Supervisors turn down Brentwood firing range (CCT Reg) + Concord: Aircraft's maneuvers stir anxiety (CCT Reg) + Bicyclist dies after falling down cliff (CCT Reg) + Board considers Byron site inappropriate for firing range + Board pushes for restoration of gas tax funds

Marin: Novato man finally receives medal for heroism in Korean War + School closures in Novato on hold + Ex-court officer John Montomgery's travel included trip to Australia + Muir Woods shuttles planned to break gridlock + County warned of worse West Nile threat this year + Novato reaffirms closure of Community House

Sonoma: History to come alive at farm + Low-cost housing fees approved + RP adopts 45-day ban on pot clubs + Oregon Senate approves ban on foie gras + Flu bug did little local damage + SR rejects plan to build higher than 10 stories + Innovation still key to county's future + Historic abodes preserved + Armida picks up La Famiglia wines

Napa: African delegation adds Napa to its HIV/AIDS research trip + More, bigger political signs would be allowed under county plan + It might be May 1, but it's still a Cinco de Mayo fiesta

Solano: Nugget chain demands ban on superstores + Local Business Briefs + VCUSD contract negotiations delay budget announcement + - Cunningham marks last day as Benicia's superintendent + - Report: Two Benicia schools face traffic threat + African delegation attends area forum on HIV/AIDS + Magazine says Jelly Belly's tours are the best

Monterey: Soup kitchen as redevelopment partner + RECREATION TRAIL COULD MAKE WAY FOR SEGWAYS +  Deal may help Marina Heights + Supervisors find accord on general plan + Carmel financial picture brightens + Salinas to cut library hours + Big project interests city + Your Town

Central Valley: San Joaquin bids for VA hospital + Forest industry pines for replanting + Waterford military mom wants answers on benefit + Supervisors redo CEO's office + Council approves shuttle fare hike + Fuss over pub comes to a head + Woman in road hit by vehicle, police say + Turlock City Council: No beer at rugby match + Turlock, Pitman ponder soda sale policy past June + Air districts nationwide scrutinize valley + Senators threaten to flush delta funds +  Mapping the migration of songbirds + News & Notes + Around the Region + Community Briefing

Central Coast: Top Scotts Valley school brass quits + Watsonville homes for rent: Smokers need not apply + Workers, growers praise federal AgJobs bill + Metro bus ridership unchanged +Watsonville council agrees: Let there be light at Ramsay Park + UC growth bill set for Assembly committee hearing + Iraq war veterans to share their stories at Cabrillo forum + Hearing postponed for former manager of Watsonville Band + New ocean research will target skates + SLV community will honor library volunteer, conservationsists + Children will fly kites in the air for peace on earth + Coast Lines

Southern California: LA: Chick blasts tech agency + LA: Candidates clash over attacks +Hahn endorses new effort to keep cross on city seal + LAUSD board gives final OK to teacher pact + LA: Audit of information tech contract + It's Back to Schools for Candidates (LAT Reg) + Supervisor Calls On Health Chief to Quit (LAT Reg) + Jockeying to Take Reins in San Diego (LAT Reg) + LA: Students Wary After School Fights (LAT Reg) + Grace Notes of Caring in a Cold World (LAT Reg) + Next head of LA Teachers Union: Sharp Dresser, but He'll Wear Down Foes (LAT Reg) + Conejo Valley Days Officials Have Their Eyes on the Sky (LAT Reg) + Westminster: Victims' Family: 'We Need Your Help' (LAT Reg) + Resurers learn from Planes, Saving Lives (LAT Reg) + LA: Audit Cites Problems in Awarding of Contracts (LAT Reg) + What's next in San Diego? + San Diego Manager to give full attention to budget now + LA achieving peace in our time with San Francisco (LAT Reg)

School days:

How one school system took on steroids +

SF: Four schools get the ax. Board of Education approves closures to plug budget deficit -- two other campuses survive + SF: Western Addition School locked down after 911 warning + LAUSD board gives final OK to teacher pact + Oakley Campus closes due to 2 alleged bombs (CCT Reg) + Pumping kids up for tests (SB Reg) + Should California allow universities to oversee charter schools? (SB Reg) + Fremont: Demoted principal clings to job + Don't punish teachers for things that are out of their control + This King/Drew, a Magnet School, Is a Robust Success (LAT Reg) + LA: Students Wary After School Fights (LAT Reg) + + Next head of LA Teachers Union: Sharp Dresser, but He'll Wear Down Foes (LAT Reg) + Santa Ana School Board Votes to Pull Charter of Albor School (LAT Reg) + What's the Real Issue at Capo Unified? (LAT Reg)

Red wine, white bikes, local roads

Growing a market (SB Reg)

'Temple' doesn't reveal tragedy's hows and whys

African-American genealogy experts host workshop

Emio Greco's dancers move to shed labels

Iraq government: Iraq finally completes Cabinet proposal + Why the long delay in forming a new Iraqi government? + Al-Jaafari Drafts Cabinet List, Moving Closer to Forming Iraqi Government

War prisons: Rumsfeld and Abu Ghraib

MIDDLE EAST: Putin begins historic visit to Egypt + Russian President Putin set to arrive in Israel for historical visit

Israel, Palestine: PA outlines strategy for Gaza control + Anti-pullout forces plan mass rally in Gaza Wed.

RUSSIA: Verdict on oligarch a foregone conclusion. Not even lawyers of Russian oil magnate expecting acquittal + Russia's leading oligarch faces judgment day + Putin's blueprint looks to past glories + Turkey furthers Ukraine's dependence on Russian fuel supplies + Russia to remove military bases from Georgia in 2005

EUROPE: Corruption trial renews pressure on Berlusconi

Iran says UK Rover purchase still possible

Schröder echoes Chirac call for French Yes vote

EU warns on threat of China textiles

Car chase of Prince Harry, Shades Of Di's Death?

Latvia's VEF Bank and Multibanka found themselves in U.S. "black list"

ASIA PACIFIC: China and Indonesia sign trade accord + EU textile export probe angers China + Tourists choose 'The Mummy' over Mao

India benefits from soaring diplomatic status + Storm surrounds key Indian coalition figure

AMERICAS: Brazil Calls for Respect for Venezuelan Sovereignty + Venezuela Takes Steps to Request Extradition of Cuban Militant

Ernesto Cardenal, Poet of Sandinistas, the Soul of a Lost Cause (LAT Reg)

Mexico City Mayor Back at Work (LAT Reg)

Colombia to Ask Rice for Funds to Build New Anti-Narcotics Base

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

US team concludes Saddam had no WMD + Final weapons report finds no Syrian collusion. Probe leaves open possibility Iraq hid some materials there + Group sues WMD panel, seeks transcripts of meetings

Ressam's lawyers cite his help in terror fight + Algerian Convicted in Millennium-Eve Plot to Bomb L.A. Airport Awaits Sentencing Wednesday

Airport Security Enters New Phase

Islamic Scholar Guilty Of Inciting Followers to Join Taliban After 9/11

Spanish al-Qaida suspect denies he knew 9/11 plot

Belgium's spies lose license to kill after drunken agent opens fire

Hungarian Appeals His Prison Sentence

Spying and the Internet

Germany turns a blind eye as Russian spy slips quietly away

Syrian Intelligence Abandons Headquarters

Afghan officers complete counterintelligence course

The spies in the next cube

Nazi Arms Supplier's Heir Pays Reparations

False Flags, Ethnic Bombs and Day X

Nazi 'stain' haunts Austrians. After war, nation recruited ex-followers of Hitler rather than Jews

Physicist, Educator Philip Morrison Dies

John Francis Geary Jr., CIA Officer

Robert Granville, Agent Who Arrested the Rosenbergs, Dies at 89

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Newspapers Find National Ads a Tough Sell

Huffington: Idea to Syndicate 'Post' Content Came from TMS Execs

How much should newspapers give away?

Australia: Nanny makes viewers behave

Becoming Jeff Gannon

'The Flawed Report on Dan Rather': An Exchange

Can Bloggers Invoke the Journalist's Privilege to Protect Confidential Sources Who Leak Trade Secrets? A Suit Filed by Apple Computer Raises the Question

Media Struggles in Uphill Legal Battle to Protect Confidential Sources

Today's papers

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

Astronomers See Neutron Stars' Hot Spots

Click. Tom Flocco: FBI linguist won’t deny intelligence intercepts tied 911 drug money to U.S. election campaigns.

Feds Rethinking RFID Passport

Data protection charges for sale of police data

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush With His Gloves Off On Hill, Across Country + Bush Takes Social Security Push to Texas (LAT Reg)

World Terror Attacks Tripled in 2004 by U.S. Count

US and Saudi Arabia seek to calm oil fears + Saudi Arabia confident of joining WTO this year after Bush-Abdullah talks + Bush fails to persuade Saudis to cut oil price + Bush Worried about Saudi Fragilities + Costly Oil a Peril, Bush Tells Saudis (LAT Reg)

Clashes Growing Between Bush and GOP Moderates

Postwar Reconstruction Office Fights Battle for Funding (LAT Reg)

Final weapons report finds no Syrian collusion, Probe leaves open possibility Iraq hid some materials there

Laura Bush to be on the Tonight Show

Clash with Italy: Anger as US troops cleared of shooting Italians in Iraq + Rumsfeld: Probe into Italian killed in Iraq 'incomplete' + Italian Opposition Slams U.S. Report on Iraq Killing

Iran: Rafsanjani set to run for Iran presidency in June elections + Xymphora on AIPAC and Iran threat

Syria, Lebanon: Syrian Troops Leave Lebanon After 29-Year Occupation + Mythology won't work in a world where truth is key to our survival + Can Lebanon spark wider Arab reform? + Don't expect harried Iran to ride to Syria's rescue + Analysis: Syria quits Lebanon + Syrian pullout evokes mixed feelings + Lebanon parade marks Syrian pullout + Lebanon's security chief resigns

Rice: US refocuses attention on Brazil as Rice pays visit

Domestic: Proposal Would Set Guidelines for Stem Cell Research+ Ethics Rules at NIH Should Be Reviewed, Health Secretary Says

Social Security: Senate Finance Committee Opens Social Security Hearing + Democrats Stage Rally for Social Security + Dems Rebuff GOP Pleas on Social Security

Congress: Democrats May Compromise on Judicial Fight + Poll says Americans oppose ending filibusters + Frist Rejects Deals in Filibuster Fight + Drugmakers go furthest to sway Congress+ House and Senate Republicans Work Toward Budget Agreement + Senators to Push Asbestos Bill Despite Opposition From Outside Groups + House Would Make Homeland Security Color-Coded Threat System Optional

DeLay: MAG: LOBBYIST GAVE DELAY STAFF EXPENSIVE GIFTS + Privately Financed Trips: It Didn't Start With Tom DeLay + Ethics Chairman Concedes That GOP Must Change Rules + AP Enterprise: Law Firm Records Detail Frequent Contact Between DeLay, Lobbyist

Democrats: US Democrat Reid turns up the heat on Frist

Voting: Ernest Partridge: What can we the people do about election fraud? Click. + Carter gets it, but will his Electoral Commission

OPINIONS:

On what planet do Bush & Co. live?

No accountability for Abu Ghraib

Thom Hartmann: The frauds of the clergy

Stirling Newberry: Rove's revolution: Bash, break and borrow Click.

The Right's siege mentality

Pierre Tristam: On a mission from God to sow faith Click.

Molly Ivins: The whim of a hat

Molly Ivins: The Nuclear Option and Judicial Activists

Robert Scheer: Fiddling While Crucial Programs Starve

Bush Puts a Criminal on Air Force One

James Wolcot: Party pooper or party snooper?

Trusted in Iraq, Barred From Cuba (LAT Reg)

Christian right goes nuclear

The anatomy of fascism

Does it matter if the Iraq war was legal?

N. Korea, 6, and Bush, 0

The Governor:   Gov. pushes for California emission standards + Gov. to tout reform measures to friendly, invited audience + Gov. proposes teacher 'combat pay'. Idea is to reward educators who work in toughest schools + Gov. Wants to Pay Teachers More to Work at Poorly Performing Schools (LAT Reg) + Gov. drops plan to immediately start collecting more of the assets of Medi-Cal recipients after they die (SB Reg) + Gov. vows to save air tankers + Gov. vows full funding for air tankers, fire engines + Builders, utilities rip Gov.'s solar bill + Gov.'s Bay Bridge plan hits roadblock. Assembly panel strips reference to causeway, financing + Daniel Weintraub: All of the state gas tax is going for transportation (SB Reg) + Dan Walters: Speculation, hope and nervousness surround Gov.'s status (SB Reg) + Prisons revamp clears final hurdle (SB Reg) + Assembly OKs Gov.'s Prison Plan + Gov. lauds prison plan, defends administration + Gov. should skip proposed special election + Makers of drugs end initiative campaign. Trade group seeks deal with unions to scuttle 2nd measure + Maria Shriver: Be ready when lights, water go out + Gov. Extends Hand of Friendship to South Russia + Turkish group protests Gov. over Armenian genocide

State gambling study planned (SB Reg)

Garamendi zeros in on workers' comp woes (CCT Reg) + Insurers get heat on rates (SB Reg)

PUC: Public Hearings Start Today on 310 Area Code 'Overlay' Proposal (LAT Reg)

Consortium helps fill quake-coverage gap

State median house $495,400

State getting dubious CD donations. You can't always get what you want when it comes to music won in a court settlement

Legislature: Lawmaker won't fight evictions (SB Reg) + Foes up in arms over bullet ID bill + Plan to lock up cold drugs fails

Stem cell panel: San Francisco grabs lead in stem cell race (SB Reg) + Boost for S.F.'s stem cell bid. Tweaking of system to evaluate cities doesn't alter ranking + Emeryville hopes site tour will lure stem cell facility

Indian tribes: Newberry Springs casino promoters told to stop claiming ties with the Timbisha + State joins group suing Richmond for selling Point Molate to casino developer

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

LOCAL NEWS:  Snowy plovers' honeymoon nests

Deeper audits key to watching water districts (SB Reg)

Sacramento & north: Fatal crash on trip home from church rocks family (SB Reg) + El Dorado, Placer counties reaching top economic rung (SB Reg) + RT weighs higher fares, fewer routes (SB Reg) +American dream comes true for Vietnam refugee (SB Reg) + San Juan to drop proposal to dig into budget reserve (SB Reg) + Citrus: Public meeting set on police plan (SB Reg) + Private-janitor pact is rejected (SB Reg) + Franchisers lose permits (SB Reg) + Editorial: Careful along Fair Oaks (SB Reg) + News in brief from Northern California + Paying for a free service at assessor's office

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF Mayor wants to keep Malcom X Elementary open + SF: Full house for pot club hearing. Former D.A. says he'd advise against any record keeping + Mayor weighs in on debate over school closures + S.F. supervisors discuss pot club laws + Virgin Atlantic lays off workers at S.F. airport + Elderly couple struck by car in the Sunset + Around City Hall + SF hearing examines options for regulating medical marijuana + Peninsula: School rocked by tragic water polo death + Redwood City to celebrate preservation month + Peninsula: shots fired in bar brawl + Peninsula: Onterstate 280 crash victim identified

Alameda: Livermore may lose VA home (CCT Reg) + Oakland: Body may be that of missing skipper + Fremont: Housing plan rejuvenates activists + Supervisor race: Young challenge seems aimed at Chan

Santa Clara: Woman in Wendy's case waives extradition to California + P.A. woman involved in teen party arrested on drug charges (SJM Reg) + Chung: Race not only factor in police trial (SJM Reg) + Officials believe recovered body is tugboat operator's (SJM Reg)+ Police Blotter (SJM Reg) + Dog poisoning stuns neighbors (SJM Reg) + SJ police kill tree mountain lion (SJM Reg) + Wendy's finger finder lying low in Nevada jail

Contra Costa: Slain officer praised, will donate organs (CCT Reg) + Councilman Bates, PAC fined $7,000 (CCT Reg) + Fire clears El Cerrito school's bookshelves (CCT Reg) + Port Costa meeting probes sanitation changes (CCT Reg) + Mt. Diablo school upgrades $17 million over budget + Gunned-down officer was starting family. Declared brain-dead, he's kept on life support to donate organs

Marin: Shooting of deer backed + Marin cities vow to push school funding + San Rafael golf course under new ownership + San Rafael library supporters look for ways to fund repairs + Teen writer honored

Sonoma: Man pleads not guilty in death of wife + Around the Empire + Former SR lawyer pleads no contest in embezzlement

Solano: Non-profit groups vie for money that may disappear + Valero becomes oil player + Jelly Belly named 'best company tour' + Local News Briefs + Deal could open Lynch Canyon for public access

Monterey: History museum plans fall through + Prep sports security will be scrutinized for safety + Snowy plovers' honeymoon nests + Carmel Valley fire district split appears unlikely + Outreach group's stay at risk + Chualar looks for improvement

Central Valley: Few hot job prospects + Wife wants only to be with her love + Woman is found dead on street + What to my wondering eyes should appear + Workers blamed in Turlock cannery fire + Mr. Ousdahl oversaw school construction + Plan to lock up cold drugs fails + Loose hips sink campus dances + $4,900 water fee moves, lights-out plan doesn't + Valley incomes quickly climbing + Graphic pictures frighten parents + Community Briefing + Bigger digs better deal for humans + Crash kills Manteca woman

Central Coast: Santa Cruz’s new reality: More reality TV show producers come calling + S.C. admits gaffe responding to UC records request + Teachers upset with budget boost for Santa Cruz City Schools administration + Watsonville ponders crack down on crowded houses + Giving’s in his blood — 25 gallons worth: Watsonville man honored for blood donations + County land trust to start search for a new director + Coast Lines + County volunteer program creates network of ‘favors’ for community + Fund-raiser will remember a woman of the water + Packard Foundation saves bid for coastal hotel (CCT Reg)

Southern California: Embattled San Diego mayor resigns. Mounting scandals swamping state's second-largest city + Van Nuys hall dedicated after OT finish + Mayor's race remains heated + Under Fire, San Diego Mayor Quits (LAT Reg) + Drew/King: Doctor's Marathon Shifts in Question (LAT Reg) + More World Travelers Using LAX (LAT Reg) + Contrarians at the Gates Go to Some Heights to Make a Point (LAT Reg)+ LA: Mayor candidates Focus on Education (LAT Reg) + Anaheim Girl, 10, Killed and 4 Hurt in Collision (LAT Reg) + Orange: Motorcyclist Loses Control on Freeway, Dies (LAT Reg) + Mustang killed during `Flicka' filming in LA + News briefs from Southern California + The root of San Diego's pension crisis (OC Reg) + San Diego history peppered with untimely exits + Suit goes on over write-in for Frye

School days:

Iraq government: Allawi's Demands Said to Be Sticking Point in Iraq (LAT Reg) + Sunnis Drop Demand to Include Former Members of Saddam Hussein's Party in Cabinet + New Iraqi cabinet on hold as sectarian tension rises + Iraqis Try Again to Form New Government

War prisons: Group Says US Sent Up to 150 to Possible Torture Sites

AFGHANISTAN: U.S. indicts alleged Afghan drug kingpin

After U.S. Pushes, U.N. Rights Monitor Ousted from Afghanistan (LAT Reg)

MIDDLE EAST: Reform in Egypt is always 'tomorrow'

Israel, Palestine: Abbas mired in struggle + West Bank settlers accused of spreading poison + Hamas: We'll keep our weapons until the end of the occupation + PA demands bilateral decision on withdrawal line + IDF fears Islamic Jihad back in action in W. Bank + Palestinian leader selects 3 post-Arafat security chiefs

RUSSIA: Putin calls democracy Russia's top priority + Putin: Soviet breakup a great 'catastrophe' + Putin in battle for foreign investors + Putin assails 'terrorizing' business + Russian teens find love of country + Political associations of post-Soviet states unable to become opposition to Russia

EUROPE: Brussels expects emergency procedures request against Chinese textiles

Jiri Paroubek named Czech Republic's new prime minister

Blair defiant over Iraq judgment + Clinton backs Blair candidacy + Teflon Prime Minister (LAT Reg)

In Berlusconi cabinet, it's more of the same

Poland's tangled past: Who owns what?

VATICAN: Pontiff signals accessibility, inclusiveness in inaugural Mass. Pope expresses belief that only through Christianity is 'the great potential of human existence truly revealed' + Catholic Church must pay heed to Africa + Benedict Says He Prayed Not to Be Elected + Pope Hails Dialogue with Muslims, Meets Germans

ASIA PACIFIC: China's chichi suburbs

The fall and rise of Saigon

As Thai insurgency spreads, government opens door to dialogue

Dozens Die as Japanese Train Jumps Track and Hits Building

AMERICAS: Politics and law clash in Mexico City + Crowds Protest Prosecution of Mayor (LAT Reg)

Canada: Martin holds firm despite NDP demands

Chavez Halts Military Cooperation With U.S. (LAT Reg)

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Afghan `Drug Lord' With Ties to Taliban, Bin Laden Arrested by U.S. Agents

What's Next For Moussaoui?

Syrian intelligence pulls out of its Lebanese headquarters

RIP: EZER WEIZMAN: 1924_2005. Former Israeli president, peacemaker. Ex-warrior worked with Sadat on first treaty with Arabs

The spies in the next cube

Report details plans for Livermore lab site in Tracy, CA

Northrop bids on Los Alamos contract worth up to $44 billion

Vanunu, For Whom the Bells Toll: Uri Avnery

DART Hits Target, Misses Goal

Jury throws out charges in first Australian "terrorist" trial

Click.   Mossad Illegal Wiretap of Syria

Click.  Cuban Exile History

Click.  FBI Files on Puerto Ricans

Jonestown archive makes play, healing possible (CCT Reg)

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Battle over gay marriage bill with 'awkward' twist to resume + Elton John to 'marry' partner in Windsor wedding + Website of the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence + California Lawmakers Debate 'Gender Neutral Marriage' + Navajo Council Bars Same-Sex Marriage (LAT Reg

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Celebrating brazen, fearless women middle aging

As We See It: Doctors Without Borders brings attention to situations many of us know little about

Jamieson: Microsoft retreating in fear of red state retribution

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

RHIC Scientists Serve Up 'Perfect' Liquid: New State Of Matter More Remarkable Than Predicted

Experts Call NSA Spy Agency Practice an Eye-Opener

Freeing China's caged bile bears. Animal activists aim to curtail trade in traditional remedy

Birds are the fall guys of green power

Healers may be spreading virus. Traditional ways thwarting doctors' Marburg battle

When polio vaccine backfired. Tainted batches killed 10 and paralyzed 164

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush Presses Saudis to Produce More Oil + Saudi-U.S. talks focus on peace and oil prices

Bad News in Iraq Pushing U.S. to More Active Political Role, An AP News Analysis

Rice and Cheney Are Said to Push Iraqi Politicians on Stalemate

Bush commission finds there are too many tax breaks

Norm Mineta: What Moves Him? Cars, Trucks, Trains and Planes (LAT Reg)

Bolton: U.N. nominee faces new allegations of verbal abuse + G.O.P. Senator Casts Doubt on U.N. Nominee

Iran: Beyond the bomb, all Iran wants is a little bit of respect

Syria, Lebanon: Lebanon Security Chief Resigns as Last Syrians Leave + Security sector transformations are a first step toward better governance + UN's Annan Sends Team to Lebanon to Verify Withdrawal of Syria's Military United Nations

N. Korea: U.S. May Seek UN Help on N. Korean Shipments-Report + US weighs up cutting North Korea nuclear supply + World is taking a harder line on North Korea arms

Other foreign: Between America and Turkey, the sticking point is just Iraq

Rice: Rice Visit to Latin America Aimed at Improving Democratic Rule

Social Security: Bush Gets Personal on Social Security + Medicaid cuts leave states, poor in distress + Social Security debate at stalemate + Study: 50-somethings rely on Social Security (SJM Reg) + More retirees pay the bills with reverse mortgages + Troubles foreseen in Medicare's new rules

Congress: If Senate shuts down, who's to blame? + Frist rallies faithful for Bush's judicial nominees + The Senate, judges, and the filibuster + DeLay Airfare Was Charged To Lobbyist's Credit Card + Immigration foes demanding action

GOP: Battle Over Benches Spills Across Pews

OPINIONS:

Why should Big Oil get tax breaks?

DeLay's Banana Republic (LAT Reg)

Can the U.S. like the democratic Arabia it has planned?

Turning the corner in Iraq, or entering a blind alley?

Prime Minister Chalabi?: Justin Raimondo

Bush's plan to sabotage nonproliferation

Internet, Polarized Politics Create an Opening for a Third Party (LAT Reg)

A Blue Tinge in the West Between Red and Blue (LAT Reg)

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Military channel reports for duty

Newspapers struggle to avoid their own obit

Letter writer fools Bay papers with various noms de plume (CCT Reg)

JODI RAVE: Indian voices declining within news industry

Hutton Defends Not Firing Albom, Calls That Not 'Appropriate' + Albom, Four Others at Detroit Paper Disciplined

Baltimore 'Sun' Reassigns State House Bureau Chief

2 Journos Fired for Drinking With Subjects of Beer-Pong Story

Syndicate to Offer Excerpts from Huffington's Celeb-Filled Blog

Maine Supreme Court Orders Priest-Abuse Records Released to Papers

Jeff Gannon Exposed, in 'Doonesbury' and New Documents

Domestic Violence Uproar in S.C. After Paper Airs Lawmakers' Comments

Pope Meets the Press But Takes No Questions

ManiaTV sees itself as the Internet MTV

Eastie editors are colonzing L.A. (LAT Reg)

Bands worth a look have East Bay roots (CCT Reg)

Marin Profile: Astrologer Ruby Holladay charts futures

Hayward: Ukulele enthusiasts string along

Livermore: Peace Monument returns encased in bronze

U.S. park for Lewis and Clark (SJM Reg)

As a Destination, San Juan Hot Springs Has Cooled Off (LAT Reg)

Lucas, Spielberg and summer movies

Disney bows to feng shui

Egyptian Sea Vessel Artifacts Discovered At Pharaonic Port Of Mersa Gawasis Along Red Sea Coast

Egypt to Restore the 'Haunted' Remains of the Baron's Palace (LAT Reg)

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: He seems Tara-fied of publicity

Regan-Kerik: The (TV) plot thickens

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

The Governor:  Gov.'s border comments reveal political perils + Gov. Lambasted over Sexist Joke about PMS + Gov. Lambasted Over Sexist Joke + They've All Stepped on Gov.'s Lines (LAT Reg) + Gov. is a lot weaker than he looks + How to avert a train wreck over "citizen initiatives' + Immigration issue puts politicians on hot seat + First Lady of California Maria Shriver Helps Launch Campaign re: Disaster Preparedness + Robb: Gov.'s win skein may be nearing termination

2006 race: McClintock gears up for '06 race (CCT Reg) + McClintock to Run for Lieutenant Governor (LAT reg) + Angelides makes an early pitch on the campaign trail + Nez sends mixed signals about governor + Daniel Weintraub: Westly set to step into spotlight

Analysis: Tax windfall is wild card for budget (SB Reg) + Tax windfall too good to be true, but lawmakers tempted to use it

High-tech CEO wants to redraw district maps (RP Reg)

Rising gas prices put pressure on small businesses (CCT Reg)

New Wave of Oil Drilling + Coast advocates rip energy bill

CalPERS throws its weight against the traditional "plurality-vote" standard in corporate elections (SB Reg) + CalPERS gets choosier about battles (SB Reg)

State pushes back telecom pact (SB Reg)

Care facilities get less review (SB Reg) + California not conducting enough inspections of foster homes, child care centers, facilities for elderly to meet own legal standards

California waste board sponsors tire recycling technology

Fewer homeowners purchasing earthquake insurance

Let homeowners know insurers' claim limits

CalTrans to dig tunnels around Devil's Slide, Highway 1

State battles lucrative bear bile trade

Now you, too, can balance the budget. New Web-based game examines state's finances

Bay Bridge: Caltrans keeps lips sealed re: bad welds

Legislature: Despite hurdles, Perata has solid grip on Senate. Distractions abound as he tries to conquer budget problems + Dan Walters: Warning: Capitol politicians decide who can and can't use a scalpel (SB Reg) The buzz: Vietnamese politico's visit angers lawmaker (SB Reg) + Officials consider timing of high speed rail bond + California Considers Industrial Hemp Bill + California Lawmakers Debate 'Gender Neutral Marriage' + Bill to let schools contract for services is long overdue (SJM Reg) + Drug treatment bill passes first test (CCT Reg)

Indian tribes: Tribes pay out for Pombo's vote + Indians investing, but carefully, in Hollywood (NYT free reg) + Garden Grove Gives Casino Idea Another Spin + Indians shortchanged. Proposed cuts for BIA, civil rights office will hurt Native Americans + Indian voices declining within news industry

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

LOCAL NEWS:   Bald Eagle Sisters help perpetuate species + San Francisco Zoo's Bald Eagle blog

California Salmon Season Opens May 1

Swelling rivers such as the San Joaquin may be pretty, but lethal

Caltrain to raises fares, three stations

Sacramento & north: Sacto landmark hidden by high-rises? (SB Reg) + R.E. Graswich: What bitterness? Sacramento City officials, police closing in on new contract (SB Reg) + Fair Oaks: Woman killed after car hits pillar (SB Reg) + Orangevale: Man who shot wife ID'd (SB Reg)

San Francisco, San Mateo: Medical marijuana catch-22 for S.F. Proposed rules could unintentionally assist federal prosecution + S.F. gets no satisfaction + A week on the streets + Street ministry lightens up Tenderloin + Bay revelry kicks off boating season + Verdict mixed on London cabs + Taxi driver hits bicyclist + ‘We've been led to expect free parking' +