North America
US lawmakers pass wiretaps bill
US lawmakers pass wiretaps bill US lawmakers have passed a bill to shield telephone companies who helped in the White House's controversial warrantless wiretaps programme.

The bill also grants the US government the power to continue with its warrantless surveillance scheme.

The Bush administration faced criticism when details emerged of its programme to monitor the phone calls of foreign targets in the US without warrants.

President Bush said the scheme was needed to prevent attacks on the US.

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US fears of teen 'pregnancy pact'
US fears of teen 'pregnancy pact' Officials in the US state of Massachusetts are investigating how 17 teenage girls from the same school have become pregnant. The number is four
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US judge issues 50 Cent gun ban
US judge issues 50 Cent gun ban Rapper 50 Cent has been told by a New York judge to surrender any guns he might have after an ex-girlfriend obtained a restraining order. The order bars the performer,
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What the UK can teach US cities
What the UK can teach US cities The British have long looked to US cities for inspiration. Now Americans are starting to seek UK solutions to their urban problems, says Dermot Finch of the Centre for Cities.
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Washington diary: Only in Britain
Washington diary: Only in Britain A leader so unpopular that no candidate from his party wants to have his scent on the campaign trail.

Rumours of regicide.

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