Panel to Seek Change on Iraq

By Doyle McManus

WASHINGTON-A commission backed by President Bush has agreed that "stay the course" is not working, its leader says. A phased withdrawal is one option on the table.

Damaging Quake Shakes Up Hawaii

By Sharon Bernstein, John L. Mitchell and Kenneth R. Weiss

No deaths are reported, but power is knocked out, houses collapse and travel is disrupted.

Defecting From Despair

By Valerie Reitman

A perilous odyssey aided by the Internet gives North Korean refugees a chance to settle in the U.S.

GOP on a Mission to Save Santorum

By Janet Hook

ROSYLN, Pa.-Republicans go all-out to boost the trailing Pennsylvania senator, a key social conservative.

California Is Awash in Wine Bargains

By Jerry Hirsch

Colin Wellman, a pro beach volleyball player, usually leaps to block spikes. Lately, he has been jumping for wine bargains.

Europe Raising Its Voice Over Radical Islam

By Jeffrey Fleishman

BERLIN-Some say the continent is betraying its ideals by trying to appease fundamentalists.

Mexican Bishop, Indiana Nun Among 4 New Saints

By Tracy Wilkinson

VATICAN CITY-A Mexican bishop who worked clandestinely in order to elude execution and a French-born nun who was a missionary in the 19th century American wilderness were elevated to sainthood in a regal ceremony presided over by Pope Benedict XVI.

Train to Tibet Is on the Right Track, China Insists

By Mark Magnier

BEIJING-Stung by criticism since the opening of its new Himalayan rail line, China went on a charm offensive last week in a bid to convince the world it is doing everything possible to preserve and develop Tibetan culture.

Post-9/11 Security Standards Not Being Met at Uranium Facility

By Ralph Vartabedian

Energy officials say they currently can't follow the guidelines but reject terrorism concerns.

Scalia Debates Law, Liberties With ACLU Chief

By David G. Savage

WASHINGTON-In a televised session, the Supreme Court justice defends his views before a liberal crowd of 1,500.

Villaraigosa Minds His Manners During Visit to Asia

By Duke Helfand

GUANGZHOU, China-A protocol expert and an eight-page manual offer Los Angeles' mayor tips on how to avoid stepping on diplomatic toes.

Loyal to Country or Conscience?

By Teresa Watanabe

An Asian American soldier faces a court-martial for his refusal to serve in Iraq. His stand stirs anger and admiration among Japanese Americans who remember World War II.

School Bond Has a Quake Clause

By Sharon Bernstein

In addition to raising money for construction, Prop. 1-D would exempt community colleges from state seismic inspection standards.

Making a Family Without a Marriage

By Lee Romney

The son and daughter of lesbians think of their mothers as a wedded couple. Reminders that they aren't often arise.