News Briefing: Thu., Sept 9, 2006

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 06:57:09 -0700 (PDT)

WORLD NEWS

Iraq to take direct control of its armed forces
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Iraq's government takes command of its armed forces Thursday, a
milestone American officials have hailed as crucial to the country's
difficult road to independence and eventual withdrawal of foreign
troops. However, Iraq's bloodshed continued in the hours before the
handover. Five bomb attacks targeting police patrols in Baghdad killed
at least 18 people and wounded 57.

Families relocate gang members to save them
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At a time when gang-related violence is boosting crime rates in Durham
and many other cities, a few clergy, parents and even police in
troubled
communities across the nation quietly have been helping to relocate
youths in last-ditch efforts to extricate them from gang life.

MONEY

Most fliers accept intrusion in the name of security
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The terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which
occurred five years ago Monday, changed air travel for everyone. Yet
Americans have adjusted to the new hassles and indignities of flying.

Western hotel chains build in Vietnam
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Six years after the USA lifted its trade embargo of Communist Vietnam,
western
hotel chains are fueling a boom in high-end hotels

Clinton gets a gas-electric hybrid Mercury SUV
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Ford just delivered a specially outfitted, gas-electric hybrid Mercury
Mariner
SUV for use by former President Bill Clinton. "He wanted something
energy-
efficient, comfortable and American built," says Ford spokesman Mike
Moran.

SPORTS

Sanchez has no-hitter magic in 2-0 gem over Diamondbacks
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In this year of sensational rookies, Anibal Sanchez came up with the
greatest performance yet a no-hitter in his 13th career start. Sanchez
ended the
longest no-hit gap in major league history Wednesday night, benefiting
from three defensive gems by teammates to lead the Florida Marlins over
the ArizonaDiamondbacks 2-0.

Pittsburgh Steeling for a Super repeat
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Seven months after taking the hard road to a Super Bowl title, the
question is whether the Pittsburgh Steelers can handle all that's
happened since. Last
season's sixth-seeded wild card got hot when it counted most and caught
some breaks. The Steelers are on no such roll going into Thursday
night's NFL season opener against the visiting Miami Dolphins.

Jones passes second drug test, is cleared of doping
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The backup drug test for sprinter Marion Jones came back negative,
clearing the five-time Olympic medalist of doping allegations that have
dogged her for the past month, her attorneys said Wednesday night.
Jones
tested positive for the banned endurance enhancer EPO on June 23. She
withdrew from a meet in Switzerland hours before reports of the test
result were revealed.

LIFE

Paris Hilton arrested for investigation of DUI in Hollywood
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Paris Hilton was arrested early Thursday for investigation of driving
under the influence, police said. Hilton was arrested shortly before
12:30 a.m. in Hollywood, said police Officer I. Isabella, who declined
to give his first name.

3 senators call for Jerry Lewis honor
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Three senators introduced a resolution Wednesday to honor Jerry Lewis
with the Congressional Gold Medal for his philanthropy and contribution
to
entertainment.

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Posted by John to johnhanblog at 9/07/2006 09:57:07 AM