U.S.A.

Oil platform fire reignites debate

Blaze aboard oil platform in Gulf of Mexico adds to political debate over safety of offshore wells.

Deepwater Horizon – United States Coast Guard – United States – Transocean – BP

Rig fire raises wider questions

Why the recent fire in the gulf may cause the safety debate over deepwater oil drilling to shift.

Oil well – Gulf of Mexico – Business – Energy – Oil and Gas

More tax breaks on the way?

White House advisers mull package of business tax breaks to spur hiring, combat GOP charges.

White House – Business – President – United States – Government

Consumer Reports; There’s a Tie for Best Burger

Consumer Reports asked their readers to name their favorite hamburgers and two Los Angeles area burger stands topped the list

Hamburger – Los Angeles – United States – Business and Economy – Burger King

Paris Hilton Break In Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

A man suspected of trying to break into Paris Hilton’s Los Angeles home while armed with knives pleaded not guilty to attempted residential burglary.

Los Angeles – Paris Hilton – Burglary – United States – Counties

7.1 Earthquake Hits New Zealand

A major earthquake hit west of Christchurch early Saturday morning, causing no immediate reports of casualties but widespread damage, authorities said.

Taliban Claim Deadly Attack in Pakistan

The explosion, two days after another attack, killed at least 40 people, as militants intensify their campaign to destabilize the Pakistani government.

Hurricane Weakens as It Hits the Coast

A diminished Hurricane Earl on Friday churned north through the Atlantic toward the communities along Cape Cod.

Hurricane Earl storms through NYC area – but turns out to be washout

So much for Earl ruining the Labor Day weekend. The much-hyped storm went from stud to dud Friday and barely laid a mitt on New York, passing wide of the Hamptons and weakening fast as it barreled out into the Atlantic.

Syria Moves to Curb Influence of Muslim Conservatives

The country, which had sought to show solidarity with Islamic groups and allow religious figures a greater role in public life, has recently reversed course.