Competition lacking among private health insurers
WASHINGTON (AP) _ One of the most widely accepted arguments against a government medical plan for the middle class is that it would quash competition _ just what private insurers seem to be doing themselves in many parts of the U.S. Several studies show that in lots of places, one or two companies dominate the market. Critics say monopolistic conditions drive up premiums paid by employers and individuals.
AP sources: Report shows CIA interrogation methods
WASHINGTON (AP) _ As the Justice Department considers whether to investigate alleged harsh interrogation practices sanctioned by the Bush administration, sources say a soon-to-be-released report by the CIA's inspector general reveals that agency interrogators conducted mock executions of terror suspects. These latest allegations are contained in a 2004 report that has been kept secret and is to be released next week, two congressional officials told The Associated Press. They spoke late Friday on condition of anonymity because the report has not yet been cleared for release.
Obama calls for 'honest debate' on health care
WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Barack Obama is challenging his critics on a national health care overhaul, accusing them of making "phony claims" about the legislation. "This is an issue of vital concern to every American, and I'm glad that so many are engaged," Obama said Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address.
Drug case against Mexican cartel began with crumbs
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Federal agents hunting leaders of a multibillion-dollar Mexican drug cartel began their case with crumbs: a fake container of corn chips and a threat scrawled on a Hallmark greeting card. It took two years of sleuthing before top U.S. law enforcement officials were able to gather in Washington this past week to announce indictments that targeted criminal leaders who oversee mass amounts of cocaine and heroin flowing into U.S. cities.
World emerging from deep slump but can it last?
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Turnabouts in European and Asian economies, along with recent gains in the U.S., are raising hopes that that the worldwide recession is drawing to a close. That's not to say the coast is clear. The brightening outlook in Europe and Asia and the improvement in U.S. credit markets and indicators reflect heavy government stimulus spending. Many analysts question whether the top economies can sustain recoveries after stimulus measures and easy-credit policies have run their course _ and in the absence of significant new consumer spending, especially among Americans.
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Large Texas bank shut down by federal regulators
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Guaranty Bank became the second-largest U.S. bank to fail this year after the Texas lender was shut down by regulators and most of its operations sold at a loss of billions of dollars for the U.S. government to a major Spanish bank. The transaction approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. marked the first time a foreign bank has bought a failed U.S. bank.
Top Marine visits US troops in two war zones
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (AP) _ The top U.S. Marine is checking on troops in one war zone as he gets ready to send more to the next. Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, visited Iraq this week before flying Saturday to Afghanistan, where the United States is considering adding more troops. Many of the fresh-faced Marines who met Conway are serving their first combat mission _ and already are looking forward to the next battle.
AP sources: $2 trillion higher deficit projected
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Obama administration expects the federal deficit over the next decade to be $2 trillion bigger than previously estimated, White House officials said Friday, a setback for a president already facing a Congress and public wary over spending. The new projection, to be announced on Tuesday, is for a cumulative 2010-2019 deficit of $9 trillion instead of the $7 trillion previously estimated. The new figure reflects slumping revenues from a worse economic picture than was expected earlier this year. The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity ahead of next week's announcement.
Analysis: Cash for Clunkers a big success, but ...
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Expiring Monday, the Cash for Clunkers program encouraged more than a half-million Americans to dump their gas guzzlers for new cars and provided a much-needed, short-term boost to the economy. Critics say that's hardly the whole story. They view the $3 billion program as the equivalent of a Ford Edsel, a lemon of a policy and an example of Obama administration willingness to cherry-pick winners and stick taxpayers with the tab.
Teachers' union criticizes Obama on schools stance
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The National Education Association pointedly criticized the Obama administration, saying the president is relying too heavily on charter schools and standardized tests in his attempt to overhaul the nation's schools. "We urge the administration to step outside of this narrow agenda," the nation's largest teachers union said in a public statement filed Friday with the Education Department.
