In an Ohio address that hits many independent notes, he outlines his vision: better international relations. No 'signing statements.' Lower corporate and capital gains taxes. Iraq war, over.

With an eye on independent voters who could decide the fall election, Sen. John McCain delivered a sweeping speech Thursday in the crucial state of Ohio portraying his first term in the White House as a departure from the Bush administration on issues from foreign policy to how he will deal with the Congress and the media.

Republicans, protesting a Democratic procedure, block it for now. The $166 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is likely to be approved later.

A war-funding measure passed the House on Thursday, but without any war funding.

Citing the Nazi era, he says in a Knesset speech that negotiations are a 'delusion.' Democrats react angrily, with Obama -- who opposes talks with Hamas -- calling it a 'false political attack.'

President Bush warned Thursday against appeasing terrorists, invoking the prelude to World War II -- and drawing anger from Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and other prominent Democrats.

L.A. Unified and others consider spending reductions amid uncertainty about their funding. Balanced budgets must be submitted by June 30.

Like many school systems throughout the state, Los Angeles Unified School District officials spent Thursday reviewing financial projections that will include cutting programs and services because Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's revised budget does not provide enough funding.

The president, speaking to Israeli lawmakers, takes apparent aim at Obama in saying that negotiating with some dictatorships amounts to 'appeasement.' Obama calls it a 'false political attack.'

WASHINGTON -- Addressing the Israeli parliament, President Bush set off a political firestorm today with an apparent criticism of Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential hopeful, over his position on negotiating with some dictatorships.

The Times is asking the two major candidates competing to succeed Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke about some key issues in the 2nd District, which stretches from Mar Vista through South Los Angeles and into Compton and Carson.

Analysts are forced to defend their controversial Iran report, which was intended as a symbol of change.

As head of analysis for all U.S. spy agencies, Thomas Fingar was making final edits last summer on a long-awaited intelligence report on Iran.

The governor's proposed spending plan also calls for deeper healthcare cuts to close the state's $15.2-billion budget shortfall.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger attempted to forge a path out of the state's financial mess Wednesday by offering concessions to both Democrats, who are demanding that schools and other services not be cut, and Republicans disdainful of new taxes.

His support was long sought by Obama -- who wants to prove he can unite the Democratic Party -- and Hillary Rodham Clinton, who vows to fight until the Montana and South Dakota contests are over.

Barack Obama advanced his drive to unite the Democratic Party behind his candidacy for president Wednesday by winning the long-sought endorsement of vanquished rival John Edwards at a boisterous rally.

I n Arnold Schwarzenegger's continuing education as governor, he presumably now has learned three lessons: