Argentina: Dissident killer gets life
A former Argentine army officer was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for the torture and deaths of four leftist dissidents.
Norman struggles at Senior British Open
Eduardo Romero and Bruce Vaughan shared the lead Thursday after the opening round of the Senior British Open.
Canadian Open has a three-way tie
Mike Weir, Anthony Kim and Eric Axley shot 6-under-par 65 Thursday to share the lead after one round at the PGA's Canadian Open in Oakville, Ontario.
Fulmer to be deposed in Smith suit
University of Tennessee football coach Philip Fulmer has been subpoenaed in a case involving allegations of improper recruiting by another school.
Buried fountain unearthed after 48 years
Two senior citizens who moved and buried a drinking fountain at an El Cajon, Calif., school nearly 50 years ago have admitted to the deed.
Kirilenko advances at Slovenia Open
Top-seeded Maria Kirilenko cruised to a straight sets victory against Italy's Roberta Vinci in the second round of the Banka Koper Slovenia Open in Portoroz.
Montreal snow dump still melting
Montreal officials said the 43 million square feet of snow dumped at the unused Turcot Railyards is still melting long into the summer.
EPA won't regulate 11 water contaminants
Eleven potential drinking water contaminants will not be regulated, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined Thursday.
Rabbit alerts owners to fire
A Macleod, Australia, couple said they credit their pet rabbit with saving them from a rapidly spreading house fire.
MLB: Toronto 7, Baltimore 1
Lyle Overbay and Gregg Zaun knocked in two runs apiece Thursday in Toronto's 7-1 victory at Baltimore.
Board fires Baylor U. president
The board of regents of Baylor University voted Thursday to sack the president, saying they do not believe John Lilley can unite the Texas school.
Smugglers use Dolly as cover
U.S. border officials say smugglers tried to use Hurricane Dolly as a cover in at least three attempts to move drugs or illegal aliens through Texas.
Next generation 911 needed, speakers say
Ever-changing communications technology is reason enough to upgrade many 911 emergency systems, Texas A&M University officials in College Station said.
MSHA imposes $1.8M fines for mine collapse
The Utah coal mine where nine people were killed last year had major engineering problems that left it destined to fail, U.S. regulators said Thursday.
Grains mixed in Chicago Thursday
Grains trading was mixed on the Chicago Board of Trade Thursday with traders reacting to comments by the chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee.
Serb leader's trial a new test for Hague
The trial of Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic for crimes against humanity could offer a major test for the international court, observers say.
AutoNation to trim staff 5 percent
The largest U.S. auto retailer, AutoNation, said it would cut 1,300 store positions in an effort to trim costs after a slumping second quarter.
Prison guard faces federal charges
A Florida prison guard has been charged with violating the civil rights of an inmate by pouring hot water on him, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday.
Study: Gene directs traffic in DNA repair
A gene called ATM prevents chromosomes from being mixed up by acting as a traffic cop during DNA repair, U.S. scientists reported.
35 hurt in casino bus crash
Thirty-five people, mostly senior citizens, were injured when their casino-bound bus collided with a car in Tama County, Iowa, police say.
MLB: San Francisco 1, Washington 0
Dave Roberts' single in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday produced the game's lone run and San Francisco edged Washington 1-0.
Zimbabwe talks underway in S. Africa
Zanu-PF, the ruling party in Zimbabwe, and the Movement for Democratic Change began face-to-face talks Thursday at a secret location in South Africa.
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News July 24, 2008
Rangel to request ethics probe of his rent
U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel plans to ask an ethics committee whether he violated House rules by renting four Harlem rent-controlled apartments, a spokesman said.
Man who killed at 11 charged with drugs
A young Michigan man who was convicted at the age of 11 of second-degree murder faces a felony drug charge.
Study: High CO2 environment damages reefs
Reefs may erode in areas with high carbon dioxide levels because the glue binding coral skeletons to larger reef structures is missing, a U.S. study says.
Lawyer sues Delta over canceled flight
A New York lawyer has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Delta Airlines, saying he has been waiting months to be reimbursed for a canceled flight from Paris.
Seattle jury hears murder-for-hire case
A young man faced a Seattle jury for the first time since being charged for the murder-for-hire slaying of his stepfather three years ago, officials said.
Korean War MIA to be buried at Arlington
Remains found in North Korea have been identified as the body of a U.S. soldier missing since the Battle of Unsan in 1950, the Defense Department said Thursday.
30 responders rescue dog from pipe
Emergency responders in Morganton, N.C., said a hunting dog was rescued from a drainage pipe after a 13 1/2-half hour operation.
Dems fall short on oil reserve vote
U.S. House Democrats Thursday failed to move legislation releasing oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Ancient tomb found on Italian coast
Archeologists said a 2,600-year-old tomb found on the Italian coast offers clues to ancient trade routes.
Cop fined $35 for illegal parking
A Portland, Ore., judge has fined a police officer $35 after he parked his patrol car in a no-parking zone while he ate at a restaurant.
UPI NewsTrack Business July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Business July 24, 2008
Memo equates torture with 'severe pain'
The Bush administration told the CIA in 2002 a U.S. torture ban would not be violated unless an interrogator meant to cause severe pain, a rights group said.
Cash-out refinancing drops at Freddie Mac
Cash-out refinancing at the Federal Loan Mortgage Corp. has dropped to its lowest amount in three years, the mortgage broker said.
Packers shareholders cool on Brett Favre
Support for ex-Packers quarterback Brett Favre was lacking Thursday when more than 9,000 team shareholders held their annual meeting in Green Bay, Wis.
Cement plants spew toxic mercury
Two Seattle-area cement plants spew about 100 pounds of toxic mercury into the atmosphere annually, a report by two environmental groups indicated.
Pair bring Shakespeare to subway
A pair of University of Southern California students said they are spending their summer performing a scene from Romeo and Juliet on a New York subway train.
McCain mum on Budweiser sale
Political observers say they wonder if Republican John McCain would continue his tradition of not taking positions on alcohol issues if he is elected president.
Satellite radio merger may include fines
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. may get a green light on their merger if they pay about $20 million in fines, sources said.
Aide: Obama speech to energize volunteers
A top campaign staffer for Barack Obama says tickets to his acceptance speech in Denver will go to activists who will then be energized for further work.
UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Sports July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Sports July 24, 2008
Woman has Mona Lisa mowed into her lawn
A British art-lover said she hired a 3D art expert to create an all-grass reproduction of the Mona Lisa on her home's lawn.
Swedish company pulls baby bikini
Swedish clothing company Ellos has pulled two-piece bikinis designed for baby girls and apologized for the products after widespread protests.
UPI NewsTrack TopNews July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack TopNews July 24, 2008
McCain, Obama open Michigan offices
The campaigns of U.S. presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain have opened offices in Michigan, where the race is neck-and-neck, polls indicate.
Reid: Polygamous groups are criminal gangs
Polygamous groups are criminal gangs that commit welfare fraud and tax evasion as well as sexual abuse, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday.
Identical couples confound clientele
Two identical couples who run a Yiwu, China, restaurant said they have been branded a robot couple by customers who cannot tell them apart.
Ban on misshapen produce may be nixed
Disfigured fruits and vegetables could be allowed in stores after most European Union members voted to loosen restrictions on produce, officials say.
Dental death in Washington 5th in 3 years
A University of Washington student became the fifth person in the past three years to die from complications related to oral surgery, a state official said.
Polls: McCain gains in battleground states
Republican U.S. presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain has gained support in four key battleground states, polls indicate.
Smoking man ticketed in 'workplace' van
A Welsh man said he was ticketed for smoking in his privately owned van because officials consider it a workplace under the law.
Tyler Perry inks new deal with Lionsgate
Lionsgate has announced it has entered a new long-term partnership with U.S writer-director-producer-actor Tyler Perry.
Ninth Las Vegas hepatitis C case confirmed
Another hepatitis C case linked to a closed Las Vegas endoscopy clinic brings the number of confirmed cases of the disease to nine, health officials said.
Giuliani son sues to get back on golf team
Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, has filed a lawsuit seeking reinstatement to the Duke University golf team.
Deferred pay plan rebuked in California
A state order under consideration in California to defer wage payment to state workers was met with a rebuke from the state's controller, a spokesman said.
Brazilian boy bites attacking dog
A young Brazilian boy being attacked by a pit bull bit the dog in self-defense, causing the canine to flee, the boy's grandmother said.
Teen surfer survives shark bite
A 15-year-old Florida surfer said he plans to hit the waves again after a shark attack sent him to the hospital.
Gangster gets life for killing Miller exec
A young Milwaukee gang member has been sentenced to life with no parole for his part in a robbery that ended with the killing of a Miller Brewing Co. executive.
USDA renews program to fight pig syndrome
The U.S. Agriculture Department Thursday said it was renewing funding for research, education and extension service regarding pig health.
Obama buys Olympic TV ad package
The Barack Obama U.S. presidential campaign has bought a $5 million package of television spots in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Advertising Age said.
Calif. requires cleaner ship fuels
California air-quality regulators announced Monday that oceangoing ships will be required to use low-sulfur diesel fuel while operating off the coast.
Guatemala: Adopted child stolen
A genetic test has proven that a child adopted through Guatemala's state system was stolen, officials said.
Elderly couple angered by mysterious noise
An elderly Wisconsin couple said they feel like everyone thinks they are crazy because no one but them hears a persistent low rumbling in their home.
Police: Drill video caused burglary tip
Police in Geleen, Netherlands, said the apparent sound of a burglary at a do-it-yourself store turned out to be a how-to video that had been left running.
Man charged with smuggling singing finches
A man was arrested at Kennedy International Airport in New York on charges of smuggling 13 Guyanese finches for singing contests.
Microsoft reoganizes as Johnson departs
Microsoft Corp. Thursday said it would split a 14,000-employee division in two, the result of a high level executive departure.
11 suspended after WNBA brawl
Ten players and one coach were suspended Thursday by WNBA officials reacting to an on-court brawl involving the Los Angeles Sparks and the Detroit Shock.
U.S. appeals court upholds Fla. pledge law
A U.S. appeals court has upheld a parent's right to keep a student from saying the Pledge of Allegiance, despite a Florida law requiring students to recite it.
MLB: N.Y. Mets 3, Philadelphia 1
Carlos Delgado's two-run double lifted the New York Mets over Philadelphia 3-1 Thursday and into first place in the National League East Division.
Judge: Girl's name a 'social disability'
A New Zealand Family Court judge has removed a 9-year-old girl from her parents' custody after her name was revealed as Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.
U.S., New Zealand sign clean energy plan
The United States and New Zealand committed to a plant that helps develop clean energy on island nations and territories, a U.S. official said Thursday.
L.A. gang gun-runners busted
Federal agents announced Thursday they had rounded up 38 reputed Los Angeles gang members and associates on drug and gun charges.
117 cats removed from woman's home
An Omaha woman is facing criminal charges after officials said they removed 117 cats from her home, where they found dead kittens in the yard and under a sink.
Ex-cop who helped catch Oswald dies
Retired Dallas police detective Paul Bentley, who helped capture Lee Harvey Oswald after U.S. President John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, has died.
2 plead guilty in NBA scandal
Two Pennsylvania gamblers received short prison terms Thursday for their part in a National Basketball Association betting scandal.
Obama calls on world to unite
Saying he knows his country isn't perfect, U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama told a Berlin audience this is our moment to unite.
MLB: Toronto 5, Baltimore 1
The Toronto Blue Jays completed a rain-delayed 5-1 victory at Baltimore Thursday afternoon.
Soda machines on base may be removed
Medical and dental officials in Norway say they want to ban soft drink dispensers on the country's military bases.
Bush: Freedom = peace
U.S. President George Bush marked Captive Nations Week Thursday noting free societies are peaceful societies.
Studio planning 'Hairspray' sequel
New Line Cinema reportedly is planning a sequel to the movie musical Hairspray, which was based on a U.S. stage musical, inspired by a non-musical film.
Family injured on Florida water park ride
A tower ride at a Florida water park was closed down after a father and his three young sons were injured when their raft landed on top of them.
Barr: War with Iran would be a disaster
Bob Barr, the U.S. presidential candidate of the Libertarian Party, said the Bush administration's diplomatic engagement with Iran is long overdue.
Norwegian tourist drowns in Florida
A Norwegian tourist drowned in Florida while swimming at night with her two children.
Double eagle puts Backstrom tied for first
Joakim Backstrom, fueled with a double eagle, was among four golfers tied for first Thursday after one round of the Russian Open Golf Championship.
Actress diaries seized in Follieri case
FBI agents reportedly seized the private diaries of U.S. actress Anne Hathaway during the course of their investigation of her ex-boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri.
Settlers' outpost closing sparks turmoil
A chain reaction of disturbances and riots in Israel was set off by the evacuation of a bus being used by settlers as an illegal outpost, police said Thursday.
Well-known lawyer could face felony charge
A well-known Los Angeles lawyer could face felony charges for illegal campaign contributions.
Hispanics go for Obama almost 3-1
A poll indicates that Sen. Barack Obama leads Sen. John McCain 66 percent to 23 percent in the U.S. presidential race among registered Hispanic voters.
Perino: Dems wasting time on energy bill
The White House Thursday ridiculed efforts by Democrats to free up the U.S. strategic oil reserve, calling it a waste of time.
Ford records worst quarter in its history
Ford Motor Co. posted its worst quarter in company history with losses of $8.7 billion, the result of a market turn toward fuel-efficient cars, analysts said.
Cold study has some hot under collar
Medical trials for research into the common cold at a budget motel chain in Britain are being held under safe conditions, the chain's spokesman said.
UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News July 24, 2008
UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News July 24, 2008
Iraqi team barred from 2008 Olympics
Iraq's seven-member team has been barred from the Beijing Summer Games by the International Olympic Committee.
Report: Jolie, Pitt used in vitro
The twins recently born to Hollywood film stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were conceived through in vitro fertilization, a source told Us Weekly.
Massive oil spill closes Mississippi
A catastrophic oil spill resulting from a tanker collision stretched about 100 miles from New Orleans to the mouth of the Mississippi River, officials say.
Ochoa's 7 birdies lead at Evian Masters
Lorena Ochoa shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday and owns a 1-stroke lead at the Evian Masters golf tournament in France.
McCain adding youth appeal to Web site
U.S. Sen. John McCain's campaign Web site soon will roll out social network features a la MySpace to try to appeal to younger voters, staff members said.