Gore: Bush is 'renegade rightwing extremist'  —  Al Gore has made his sharpest attack yet on the George Bush presidency, describing the current US administration as "a renegade band of rightwing extremists".  —  In an interview with the Guardian today, the former vice-president calls himself a …

A reporter's shock at the Haditha allegations  —  BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — It actually took me a while to put all the pieces together — that I know these guys, the U.S. Marines at the heart of the alleged massacre of Iraqi civilians in Haditha.  —  I don't know why it didn't register with me until now.

Former Ney Aide Details How Abramoff Treated 'Champions'  —  In the first public testimony by a member of Jack Abramoff's inner circle, a former congressional aide told a federal jury yesterday how the disgraced lobbyist identified his "champions" in government and then showered them with favors …

A Must Read  —  From today's Wall Street Journal:  —  Mr. Paulson's Challenge  —  By N. Gregory Mankiw  —  When Hank Paulson replaces John Snow as Treasury secretary, he will be taking stewardship of an economy that is enjoying low unemployment and brisk growth.

EU court annuls data deal with US  —  The European Court of Justice has annulled an EU-US agreement requiring airlines to transfer passenger data to the US authorities.  —  The court said the decision to hand over the data, including addresses and credit card details, lacked an "appropriate legal basis".

A Build-a-Protest Approach to Immigration  —  WASHINGTON, May 30 — Talk about constructive criticism.  —  Advocates of tougher border security have sent thousands of bricks to Senate and House offices in recent weeks to make a none-too-subtle point with lawmakers about where many of their constituents come …

Greenpeace's fill-in-the-blank public relations meltdown  —  Before President Bush touched down in Pennsylvania Wednesday to promote his nuclear energy policy, the environmental group Greenpeace was mobilizing.  —  "This volatile and dangerous source of energy" is no answer to the country's energy needs …

German Women Vowed to Mount Suicide Attacks in Iraq  —  German authorities may have thwarted suicide bomb attacks in Iraq by German women.  According to intelligence sources, three women were prevented from travelling to Iraq after one of them had announced she planned to blow herself up in Iraq.

Rousing the Zealots  —  Neo-Nazis, white supremacists and militiamen are revivified by the furor over illegal immigration  —  Pugnacious anthems and racist diatribes have never been in short supply at Nordic Fest, an annual white-power Woodstock held over the Memorial Day break near …

High Court's Free-Speech Ruling Favors Government  —  The Supreme Court yesterday bolstered the government's power to discipline public employees who make charges of official misconduct, ruling that the First Amendment does not protect those who blow the whistle in the course of their official duties.

Blowing Smoke About Tobacco  —  "Tobacco: deadly in any form or disguise" is the slogan of the World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day tomorrow.  The claim is false: Tobacco is not deadly; the harm is in the smoke.  A policy that confuses innocuous tobacco with harmful smoke …

Sumaidaie: Marines shot my cousin  —  We must 'remove the bad apples,' new Iraqi ambassador says  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) — President Bush welcomed the new Iraqi ambassador to the United States at a White House credentialing ceremony Tuesday, saying, "The United States stands ready to help the Iraqi democracy succeed."

Democrats' Senate Hopes May Ride on Tennessee Race  —  KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Representative Harold E. Ford Jr. freely acknowledges that he faces many challenges in his campaign for the Senate, which may ultimately determine the Democratic Party's chances of regaining a Senate majority.

McCain cancels Bilbray event over immigration  —  SAN DIEGO - Arizona Sen. John McCain on Tuesday canceled an appearance for a Republican congressional candidate who has attacked his opponent for supporting McCain's immigration bill.  —  McCain, R-Ariz., was scheduled to speak Wednesday …

As Hurricane Season Looms, States Aim to Scare  —  MIAMI, May 30 — Convinced that tough tactics are needed, officials in hurricane-prone states are trumpeting dire warnings about the storm season that starts on Thursday, preaching self-reliance and prodding the public to prepare early and well.

Another global warming gift: itchier poison ivy  —  Study finds more carbon dioxide makes for faster, more allergenic plant … Today show  —  WASHINGTON - Another reason to worry about global warming: more and itchier poison ivy.  —  The noxious vine grows faster and bigger …