Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuela's Chavez Tightens Grip On Judiciary
()Judges are under threat in Venezuela as President Hugo Chavez increases pressure on the judiciary to toe the government line. An independent-minded judge, Maria Lourdes Afiuni, finds herself facing corruption charges for ordering the release of a former banker who ran afoul of the government.
Stance Against Financial Bill Risky For GOP
With voters still fuming at Wall Street, hard line against overhaul bill could backfire this fall.
()Strict Oklahoma Abortion Measures Become Law
Women must get an ultrasound and listen to a description of the fetus before getting an abortion.
()
President Obama is asking Congress to find a way to extend coverage to every American.
NPR Health Blog
AstraZeneca Paying $520 Million To Settle Seroquel Charges()
April 27, 2010 The Justice Department alleged the drugmaker illegally marketed Seroquel, an antipsychotic, for wide range of unapproved uses.
Energy
Former Massey Workers Say Blast Wasn't A Surprise()
April 27, 2010 Two coal miners say they quit Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch mine in the final months before an explosion because they thought it was going to blow up. Another called the West Virginia mine "a time bomb." But Massey officials insist samples showed the air was safe just before the blast that killed 29 workers.
Health
Black Lung Compensation An Uphill Battle For Miners()
April 27, 2010 Black lung disease is on the rise, yet compensation for those disabled by it is decreasing. Miners must fight for medical care compensation, and their black lung diagnoses and disabilities are often challenged. They go through numerous appeals, and an average claim takes about seven years — or longer.
Law
Feds May Challenge Arizona On Immigration Law()
April 27, 2010 Attorney General Eric Holder says the law is subject to potential abuse. The measure, which takes effect in late July or early August, allows police to question anyone about their immigration status if they have reason to suspect they are in the country illegally.
Environment
Scientists Capture Elusive Giant Palouse Earthworm()
April 27, 2010 The giant Palouse earthworm, a big white worm native to the Palouse prairie region of Idaho and Washington state, was said to be abundant in the late 19th century — then seemed to disappear. Some people thought they never existed. Now, researchers have positively identified a worm found in Idaho, and it has some farmers worried.
Europe
Greece's Debt Downgraded To Junk Status By S&P()
April 27, 2010 Europe's government debt crisis worsened ominously after two financially troubled countries — Greece and Portugal — had their credit ratings downgraded as markets sold off their debt.
Around the Nation
Crews Work To Limit Leak From Gulf Coast Rig Blast()
April 27, 2010 Emergency officials along the Gulf Coast are preparing for an environmental disaster should a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico reach the shore. Most of the 126 workers onboard escaped after last week's explosion on a deepwater oil rig; 11 are missing and presumed dead.
World
Panama's Ex-Leader Noriega Ordered To French Jail()
April 27, 2010 A judge ordered former dictator Manuel Noriega jailed in France Tuesday, shortly after he was extradited after two decades in a U.S. prison. A new legal battle is under way for the strongman, who was ousted in a U.S. invasion in 1989 and convicted of drug racketeering. France will try him on money laundering charges.
