GOP kills Iraq Senate debate

Democrats promise to continue fighting president's troop increase

WASHINGTON (MCT) - After Republicans blocked a Senate debate for a second time, Democrats said Saturday they'll drop efforts to pass a non-binding resolution opposing President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq and instead will offer a flurry of anti-war legislation "just like in the days of Vietnam.

Rice to meet with Middle East leaders

JERUSALEM (MCT) -Differences over how to deal with an emerging Palestinian governing coalition of Hamas and Fatah clouded preparatory talks for a three-way meeting Monday between Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Schwarzenegger defies president, puts $45 million toward stem cell research

PALO ALTO, Calif. (MCT) - The first $45 million in state money for stem cell research has been allocated to medical researchers, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday. The money is part of the state's commitment to stem cell research to treat or cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.

Mississippi Attorney General denounces State Farm

JACKSON, Miss. (MCT) - Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is proposing legislation to force insurance companies to continue writing new homeowners and business policies in the state. At a Friday press conference, Hood also called on his political foe, Republican Gov.