Sources: Obama near decision on Afghanistan troops
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is nearing a decision to add tens of thousands more forces to Afghanistan, though likely not quite the 40,000 sought by his top general there, as Pentagon planners work to ready bases and provide equipment the troops would need in a country with scant resources. The White House emphasized Monday that the president hasn't made a decision yet about troop levels or other aspects of the revised U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.
Investigators say Fort Hood suspect acted alone
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army psychiatrist accused of the Fort Hood massacre apparently acted alone and without outside direction, investigative officials said Monday evening, even as the FBI launched an internal review of how it handled information gathered about the doctor nearly a year before the shooting. Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan will be charged by the U.S. military rather than in a civilian court, the officials said.
Abortion could roil Senate health care debate
WASHINGTON (AP) - Abortion opponents in the Senate are seeking tough restrictions in the health care overhaul bill, a move that could roil a shaky Democratic effort to pass President Barack Obama's signature issue by year's end. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Monday he could not support a bill unless it clearly prohibits federal dollars from going to pay for abortions. Nelson is weighing options, including offering an amendment similar to the one passed by the House this weekend.
Iran accuses 3 detained Americans of espionage
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran accused three detained Americans of spying Monday, signaling Tehran intends to put them on trial. It drew a sharp U.S. response that the charges are baseless because the hikers strayed across the border from Iraq. The announcement comes as Washington and Tehran are deadlocked in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, raising concern that the three could be used as bargaining chips in the talks or to seek the return of Iranians they say are missing.
Radical imam praises alleged Fort Hood shooter
WASHINGTON (AP) - A radical American imam on Yemen's most wanted militant list who had contact with two 9/11 hijackers praised alleged Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan as a hero on his personal Web site Monday. The posting on the Web site for Anwar al Awlaki, who was a spiritual leader at two mosques where three 9/11 hijackers worshipped, said American Muslims who condemned the attacks on the Texas military base last week are hypocrites who have committed treason against their religion.
Man confesses to shooting Kan. abortion provider
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Defiant and unapologetic, a man accused of shooting a Kansas abortion provider confessed to the slaying Monday, telling The Associated Press that he killed the doctor to protect unborn children. Scott Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., spoke to the AP in a telephone call from jail, saying he plans to argue at his trial that he was justified in shooting Dr. George Tiller at the abortion provider's Wichita church in May.
Thousands cheer 20 years since fall of Berlin Wall
BERLIN (AP) - Ulrich Sauff and his wife stared at the mammoth domino pieces marking the path where the Berlin Wall once stood and reminisced about life in the barrier's shadow. "It was like a prison," said Sauff, 73, who lived on the Western side of the wall. "For us 'Wessis,' the few kilometers from our old home to our new home (in the East) was unthinkable."
Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - An accident-plagued stretch of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge saw its first fatality Monday when the driver of a speeding big rig lost control and the truck plummeted 200 feet from the span, authorities said. The truck hauling a full load of pears was traveling about 50 mph - 10 mph over the speed limit - when the driver lost control on a westbound S-curve, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Trent Cross said.
Cops: Man who took champagne nabbed for 63rd time
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago police said a West Side man who allegedly tried to walk out of a store with three expensive bottles of champagne under his jacket now has 63 arrests under his belt. Officers said the 70-year-old man was initially charged with misdemeanor retail theft, but the charge was upgraded to a felony Monday after authorities look over his extensive police record, which included 62 prior arrests. Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Michael Fitzpatrick said the man was arrested late Sunday afternoon after allegedly swiping champagne from a Lake View neighborhood Whole Foods store. Fitzpatrick said the suspect has used at least 50 aliases over the years.
Broncos lead Steelers 3-0 after one quarter
DENVER (AP) - Matt Prater connected on a 40-yard field goal on Denver's opening drive, helping the Broncos to a 3-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers after one quarter Monday night. It was the first time this season that Denver has come away with points on its first possession. The Steelers were without safety Ryan Clark after the team elected to hold him out rather than take a risk with his health.
