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The first concrete steps by Congress to fulfil Barack Obama's promise to green America's economy were seen around the world today as a significant step forward, though they remain far short of what scientists say is needed to solve ­global warming.Democratic leaders in Congress said yesterdaytoday they had defied conventional wisdom that they would be unable to ­persuade representatives from oil and coal, rust belt and southern states to support a bill. The slightly weakened draft now calls for a 17% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2020. 'It's a legislative Susan Boyle. Everyone underestimated it until it started to sing,' said Ed Markey, who chairs the subcommittee on climate change.Democrats hope to finish the draft in a week. Their initial compromise fell short of what some environmentalists in the US and in the international community hoped for. They said it failed to send a strong enough signal of the US commitment to action and would undermine efforts to reach

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina lawmakers want to prevent violence in teen relationships but won't allow a new school program aimed at curbing such abuse to mention gay and lesbian partnerships.

RIO RANCHO, New Mexico (Reuters) - President Barack Obama urged the U.S. Congress on Thursday to pass a credit card reform bill by the end of May to ban unfair rate increases and end abusive penalties.

The Spanish government is moving to end a legal ban on abortion. The Socialist government's bill will now go before Congress where it will face.

Push is coming to shove on a climate bill that's been perking in the House of Representatives. Congressman Henry Waxman of California has got most Democrats in line to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, but the more than 600-page bill is expected to generate hundreds of amendments.

A new bill from Britain's leading contemporary dance company displays all their usual verve and charm says Sarah Crompton. rating:

One of Britain's leading science writers, who is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association, says he is considering fighting on, if necessary to the European courts, in spite of a preliminary court judgment against him and a bill already in excess of £100,000.Simon Singh is co-author, with Professor Edzard Ernst of Exeter University, of a book on complementary medicine called Trick or Treatment. He wrote a piece for the Comment pages of the Guardian last year in which he criticised the association for supporting members who claim that chiropractic treatments - which involve manipulation of the spine - can treat children's colic, sleeping and feeding problems, frequent ear infections, asthma and prolonged crying.Singh described the treatments, for which he said there is not a lot of evidence, as 'bogus' and criticised the association for 'happily promoting' them.Last Thursday in the high court, Mr Justice Eady gave a preliminary ruling on the meaning of the words used

The House has approved $97 billion for military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure also would pay for anti-flu programs and for additional cargo planes the Pentagon doesn't want

One of Britain's leading science writers, who is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association, says he is considering fighting on, if necessary to the European courts, in spite of a preliminary court judgment against him and a bill already in excess of £100,000.Simon Singh is co-author, with Professor Edzard Ernst of Exeter University, of a book on complementary medicine called Trick or Treatment. He wrote a piece for the Comment pages of the Guardian last year in which he criticised the association for supporting members who claim that chiropractic treatments - which involve manipulation of the spine - can treat children's colic, sleeping and feeding problems, frequent ear infections, asthma and prolonged crying.Singh described the treatments, for which he said there is not a lot of evidence, as 'bogus' and criticised the association for 'happily promoting' them.Last Thursday in the high court, Mr Justice Eady gave a preliminary ruling on the meaning of the words used

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House has approved $97 billion for military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure also would pay for anti-flu programs and for additional cargo planes the Pentagon doesn't want....