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Mar 11, 2010 — Associated Press Online

Dems look to health vote without abortion foes

Mar. 11, 2010 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democratic leaders Thursday abandoned a long struggle to strike a compromise on abortion in their ranks, gambling that they can secure the support for President Barack Obama's sweeping health care legislation with showdown votes looming as early as next week. In doing so, they are all but counting out a small but potentially decisive group whose views on abortion coverage have become the principal hang-up for Democrats fighting to achieve the biggest change in American health care in generations. Congressional leaders are hoping they can find enough support from other wavering Democrats to pass legislation that only cleared the House by five votes in an earlier incarnation.

Obama backing of immigration overhaul 'unwavering'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama on Thursday assured immigration advocates frustrated by the wait for a promised overhaul of U.S. immigration laws that he remains committed to fixing a system he has said is broken. What remains unclear is whether Congress will send him a bill this year.

Strong quakes torment Chile as president sworn in

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- The earth shook and shook Thursday as dignitaries walked in for the swearing-in of Sebastian Pinera as Chile's president. It shook some more as they waited for him. People in the balconies of the vast congressional hall in coastal Valparaiso shouted warnings as a massive light fixture rocked overhead, and heads of state nervously eyed the ceiling. But a steely calm prevailed, and Pinera strode in smiling.

Court upholds 'under God' in Pledge of Allegiance

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the use of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency, rejecting arguments on Thursday that the phrases violate the separation of church and state. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected two legal challenges by Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow, who claimed the references to God disrespect his religious beliefs.

GOP loses bid for ethics probe of Dem leaders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democrats on Thursday stopped a Republican bid to force an investigation of Democratic leaders aimed at determining whether they covered up sexual harassment allegations against ex-Rep. Eric Massa. Even in failure, Republicans planted questions about when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi learned about allegations from Massa's employees that he sexually harassed male staff members. The freshman New York Democrat resigned Monday amid a slew of conflicting statements in which he confirmed and denied that he groped staff members and argued that none of the contact was sexual.

Sen. Reid's wife, daughter injured in accident

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's wife and daughter were hospitalized Thursday -- the wife with a broken back and neck -- after their minivan was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer truck on an interstate highway in suburban Virginia, authorities said. Reid's wife, Landra, 69, and the couple's daughter, Lana Barringer, 48, were taken by ambulance to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va. Neither woman's injuries appeared to be life-threatening, and the daughter was expected to be released from the hospital Thursday night, Reid aides said. Mrs. Reid was listed in serious condition.

US criticizes China's domestic, economic policies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration accused China on Thursday of abusing its citizens' rights and maintaining currency policies that cost millions of U.S. jobs, a double-barrel attack that comes amid a growing willingness to confront and even antagonize the Asian power. President Barack Obama spent his first year in office arguing that China was crucial to U.S. efforts to deal with nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea and major economic and environmental initiatives.

Lesbian teen in prom flap sues, returns to school

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Constance McMillen didn't believe her Mississippi school district would really call off her senior prom rather than allow her to show up with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo. On Thursday, a day after the Itawamba County school board did just that, the 18-year-old lesbian high school senior reluctantly returned to campus to some unfriendly looks, she said. "Somebody said, 'Thanks for ruining my senior year.'" McMillen said.

Betty White to host 'Saturday Night Live'

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Internet has gotten its way: Betty White will host "Saturday Night Live." NBC said Thursday that the 88-year-old actress will host the show May 8. "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels says he can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than with White.

AP sources: Woods likely to return at Masters

DORAL, Fla. (AP) -- Tiger Woods intends to remain out of golf at least until the Masters, two people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press on Thursday. Woods has been practicing at Isleworth near his Orlando home the last two weeks, and swing coach Hank Haney flew there during the weekend to work with him. That led to speculation Thursday he was close to playing again.

Newstex ID: AP-0001-42814309