World News

Officials to Stop Line to See Pope's Body
VATICAN CITY - Overwhelmed Italian officials said they will cut off the line of pilgrims hoping to see Pope John Paul II's body at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday evening as a massive line snaked down a wide boulevard, through ancient alleyways and onto a bridge.

Kurd Picked As Iraq Interim President
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Iraqi parliament picked Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, who has spent a lifetime resisting Arab domination, as the country's new interim president Wednesday, reaching out to the nation's long-repressed Kurdish minority and bringing the country closer to its first democratically elected government in 50 years.

Prince Rainier of Monaco Dies at Age 81
MONACO - Prince Rainier III, who reshaped Monaco and worked to overcome its reputation as "a sunny place for shady people," died Wednesday, leaving the throne to Prince Albert II, his only son with actress Grace Kelly.

Red Sox Manager Francona Taken to Hospital
NEW YORK - Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona was taken to a hospital Wednesday with tightness in his chest and missed the start of his team's game against the New York Yankees.

Three Pirates Minor Leaguers Suspended
PITTSBURGH - Three Pittsburgh Pirates minor leaguers were suspended Wednesday for failing drug tests last year, with Triple-A pitcher Brian Mallette drawing a 30-game penalty as a two-time offender.

NFL Says Tice Violated Scalping Policy
BLAINE, Minn. - An NFL investigation into ticket-scalping has found evidence that Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice violated league policy, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Wednesday.

Greenspan Wants Portfolio Size Limits
WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan urged Congress Wednesday to limit the size of the multibillion-dollar portfolios held by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, warning that simply creating a strong regulator would not suffice.

Divided SEC Approves Rule for Stock Orders
WASHINGTON - A divided Securities and Exchange Commission approved a set of rules Wednesday designed to protect investors by requiring traders to accept the best quoted price for any transaction, no matter which market it comes from.

Stocks Up Following Oil Supply Report
NEW YORK - Stocks extended their gains Wednesday as a government report showed an improved supply outlook for oil, but analysts said that without a stronger dollar, fuel prices were likely to remain at uncomfortable levels.

Honda Robot Helps Teach in Classrooms
TOKYO - A walking childlike robot from Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. is entering classrooms to help teachers demonstrate the wonders of science.

Google Feature Incorporates Satellite Maps
SAN FRANCISCO - Online search engine leader Google has unveiled a new feature that will enable its users to zoom in on homes and businesses using satellite images, an advance that may raise privacy concerns as well as intensify the competitive pressures on its rivals.

Ethiopia Plans to Expand Internet Access
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia, one of the poorest nations on earth, will expand Internet coverage from a handful of users to the entire country in three years, the prime minister said Tuesday.

Cochran's Clients Gather for L.A. Funeral
LOS ANGELES - Mourners including O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson gathered Wednesday for the funeral for famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran Jr.

Streep, Rather Lead Somber Poetry Reading
NEW YORK - The crocuses are blooming and the celebrity readers intoning. Yes, it's that time of year again, the third annual Poetry & the Creative Mind all-star benefit. Actors Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson and Sam Waterston were among the luminaries at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall Tuesday evening, as the Academy of American Poets celebrated the 10th National Poetry Month.

Sports Flicks on a Winning Streak
LOS ANGELES - Listen up, sports fans. Whether you're into baseball, football, boxing, basketball, horses, soccer, bowling or even pinewood-derby racing, chances are a movie's coming about your favorite pastime.