Republicans would allow US FISA court to decide wiretapping lawsuits against telecoms

A monthslong logjam over a new government surveillance bill may be coming to an end after Republicans offered a compromise that would let people who think they were illegally spied on by the government have their day in court, albeit a secret one.

Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate disclosed on Thursday their latest proposal devised to resolve roughly 40 civil lawsuits filed against telecommunications companies that allegedly cooperated in President George W. Bush's so-called warrantless wiretapping program.

The Republican proposal makes other concessions. It would:

_Allow an inspector-general to investigate the …

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Animal Control urges vaccination

Cook County Animal Control officials will be going door-to-door inBlue Island this week, encouraging pet owners to have their petsvaccinated, after a rabid bat was recently discovered there. AnimalControl Director Dan Parmer issued a notice urging all Cook Countyresidents to make sure pet vaccinations are updated and to keep "catsand dogs on leashes when animals are out of their homes." He alsoemphasized avoiding bats and skunks, which can be rabid and said"stray, non-inoculated animals are at greatest risk for tangling withwild animals and contracting rabies."

300 join national silent protest

About 300 Chicago high school …

Coast is clear thanks to Chicago 'Minehunter'

Coast is clear thanks to Chicago `Minehunter'

Mine countermeasure ships are one type of U.S. Navy ships designed with a primary mission of clearing harbor, coastal, and ocean waters of explosive mines. It is an inherently dangerous but necessary mission which ensures the safety of our ships at sea.

Naval officers like Demetrius Wilkins are part of this minehunter legacy. Their vigilance allows our president the flexibility to deploy our ships to trouble spots around the world.

Navy Lt. Wilkins, the 27-year-old son of Bobbie Wilkins of Chicago, is stationed on board the mine countermeasure ship USS Scout (MCM 8), based in Ingleside, Texas.

As the operations …

Russian presidential term extension bill approved

The lower house of Russia's parliament gave its final approval Friday to a bill extending the presidential term from four to six years, a move widely seen as paving the way for Vladimir Putin's return to the presidency.

The State Duma, dominated by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, voted 392-57 Friday to approve the bill at its third and final reading. The bill, proposed by President Dmitry Medvedev, now goes to the equally controlled upper house where swift approval is expected.

The only opposition to the constitutional changes came from the communists, whose proposal to limit presidents to just one term was ignored.

Parliament leaders said …

Rail handout condemned

NATIONAL: A huge handout of taxpayers' money for Sir RichardBranson's rail company to compensate for a Railtrack contract failurehas been condemned by politicians and passenger groups.

With Railtrack in administration, the Strategic Rail Authority hasstepped in to provide the Virgin Rail group with around GBP100million to cope …

Rewrites stalled film, sent costs soaring Beatty rejects any behind-the-scenes responsibility

LOS ANGELES Three years in the making, the comedy "Town & Country"rolls into theaters today, minus the fanfare normally surroundingsuch a star-studded movie.

There was no gala premiere with Warren Beatty, Goldie Hawn, DianeKeaton and the film's other big names. Distributor New Line arrangedonly limited publicity interviews with cast members. There were noscreenings for reviewers till just two days before the opening.

"Town & Country" is Hollywood's latest "problem" film, aproduction plagued by delays, script troubles and rumors of strife onthe set.

"New Line is completely supporting the film, New Line fullybelieves in the film," studio spokesman Steve Elzer …

Vonn retains World Cup super-combined title

TARVISIO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn celebrated with equal parts of joy and relief after successfully defending her World Cup super-combined title on Friday.

Finishing second to Tina Maze of Slovenia in the season's third and final super-combined was enough for Vonn to clinch the small crystal globe given to the discipline champion.

Upon crossing the finish, Vonn dropped back into the snow and danced her skis in the air.

Vonn has been tested on multiple fronts this season. She still trails German rival Maria Riesch by 176 points in the overall standings, she missed the second half of last month's world championships due to recurring symptoms from a mild concussion, and …