What now for Gulf? Fire complicates drill debate
WASHINGTON (AP) -- What now for the Gulf?...

AP Exclusive: Mariner opposed federal safety rule
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The company whose Gulf of Mexico oil platform erupted in flames this week cited the industry's "excellent safety record" when it opposed a proposed federal rule last year that would require offshore oil and gas operators to have safety systems aimed at reducing workers' mistakes....

Clinton: Time is now for Mideast peace
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought to inject urgency into Israeli-Palestinian peace talks Friday, warning the negotiations may be "the last chance for a very long time" to reach an agreement....

Fast-track Mideast peace talks face big obstacles
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Israel and the Palestinians have set a goal of reaching a final peace settlement within one year, a highly ambitious aim given past failures and future obstacles....

Gates sees progress in tour of Afghan war zone
COMBAT OUTPOST SENJERAY, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he saw and heard evidence that the U.S. counterinsurgency strategy is taking hold in critical Kandahar province....

Obama planning new package of economic aid
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Eager to jumpstart the economy ahead of crucial midterm elections, President Barack Obama said Friday he intends to unveil a new package of proposals, likely including tax cuts and targeted spending, to spark job growth....

Democrats spend early to knock out GOP challengers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Jesse Kelly was still basking in the glow of his victory in an Arizona congressional primary when the Democratic congresswoman he's trying to unseat released a scathing TV ad branding him "a risk" who would gamble away people's retirement savings....

More Dems buck plan to let taxes increase for rich
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress seems increasingly reluctant to let taxes go up, even on wealthier Americans....

POLITICAL INSIDER: Pawlenty: DC like 'drug dealer'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is likening the federal government to a drug dealer....

Ariz. governor says she was wrong about beheadings
PHOENIX (AP) -- Gov. Jan Brewer rose to national fame defending the state's immigration law and warning of rising violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, including a claim that headless bodies were turning up in the Arizona desert....