Reuters: Top News

No sign of oil after Gulf platform fire: Coast Guard

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:42:51 -0400

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - An oil and gas platform operated by Mariner Energy burst into flames in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, but the crew of 13 escaped and there were no signs of an oil spill, the Coast Guard said.

Hurricane Earl closes in on East Coast

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:31:16 -0400

HATTERAS ISLAND, North Carolina (Reuters) - Hurricane Earl began to strafe North Carolina's barrier islands with dangerous winds and surf on Thursday as it spun parallel to the U.S. East Coast on a northward trek toward New England and Canada.

Israel and Palestinians agree to more peace meetings

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:46:41 -0400

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to a series of direct talks on Thursday, seeking to forge the framework for a U.S.-backed peace deal within a year and end a conflict that has boiled for six decades.

White House: No second stimulus being considered

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:23:35 -0400

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House stressed on Thursday that no second economic stimulus package is being considered as part of new measures under review by President Barack Obama's team.

EPA to issue more rules in climate fight

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:17:00 -0400

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will roll out more regulations on greenhouse gases and other pollution to help fight climate change, but they will not be as strong as action by Congress, a senior administration official said.

Justice Department sues Arizona sheriff in immigration probe

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:23:40 -0400

WASHINGTON/PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Justice Department on Thursday sued an Arizona sheriff for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into allegations he and his police force discriminate against Hispanics in his program to crack down on illegal immigrants.

Warren schedule change stirs talk on consumer job

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:25:50 -0400

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A last-minute change in the fall course schedule of Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren has fueled speculation the White House might soon nominate her to head the newly created U.S. consumer financial agency.

Pakistan gets IMF relief, tightens security

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:33:21 -0400

LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund will give Pakistan $450 million in emergency flood aid, providing some relief for a government overwhelmed by the disaster and facing renewed militant violence.

Burger King agrees to $3.3 billion sale to 3G Capital

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:14:41 -0400

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Burger King Holdings Inc agreed to sell itself to investment firm 3G Capital for $3.26 billion, giving the No. 2 U.S. fast-food chain breathing room to fix its business and close the gap with leader McDonald's Corp.

Putin says no grain exports before 2011 harvest

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:41:53 -0400

MOSCOW/SARATOV, Russia (Reuters) - Russia abruptly signaled Thursday it would extend a grain export ban until late 2011 and ordered authorities to prevent speculators driving up food prices after the worst harvest in years.