WASHINGTON - A growing number of states are passing civil union and domestic partnership laws, but many gay activists persist in pushing for legalized same-sex marriage. The New Hampshire legislature recently approved civil unions even though few gays supported the measure, Stateline.org reported. A proposed bill legalizing gay marriages died, while Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign the civil union bill. Five states have sanctioned domestic partnerships, while Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey have ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - Telephone solicitors say the U.S. Republican National Committee shut down its phone bank because potential givers are angry about immigration policy. One staffer told The Washington Times that many people they talked to said they would not give money to the party as long as President George W. Bush supports a compromise immigration policy. The staffer said most potential donors are angry "and for 99 percent the No. 1 issue is immigration." Republican ... [full story]

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey Republicans sued Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine Thursday for the release of e-mails between the governor and his former girlfriend. Carla Katz heads Local 1034, Communication Workers of America, which represents state employees. State GOP Chairman Tom Wilson said the suit was filed under the Open Public Records Act. "Jon Corzine should stop acting like he's above the law," Wilson said. "The people have a right to know whether or not ... [full story]

KABUL, Afghanistan -- An ambush on the road from Kandahar to Kabul killed 16 Afghan police officers Thursday. Six more were wounded, The New York Times reported. The Ministry of the Interior said the officers killed at least 10 of their attackers. The officers were in a convoy from Zabul Province northeast of Kandahar that was heading to the capital. The attack took place about 9 a.m. in Shah Joy, a district with a reputation ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - The United States and other countries responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions must develop a strategy for reduction, U.S. President George Bush said. Fast-developing countries such as India and China must be included in this group, the president said Thursday. By the end of 2008, the group would set a global goal for reducing greenhouse emissions. "In addition to this long-term global goal, each country would establish midterm national targets and programs that ... [full story]

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Investigators say a breakup between an Anaheim, Calif., student and her former boyfriend may be connected to the slayings of her father and sister. The investigators say Shayona Dhanak, an 18-year-old University of California, Irvine, freshmen, broke up with her boyfriend of three years, Iftekhar Murtaza, 22, shortly before her father and sister were killed and her mother was severely beaten, The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday. Court records say the victims ... [full story]

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Tony Blair enjoyed a friendly meeting Thursday with former South African President Nelson Mandela on his last trip to Africa as British prime minister. Mandela, 88, and his wife, Graca Machel, greeted Blair and his wife, Cherie, at his Johannesburg foundation, The Times of London reported. "I look forward to welcoming a young man to the club of retired presidents," Mandela said. "I need to warn you, however, that some of ... [full story]

Deputies have released the names of the two young men who drowned in the Topsy Reservoir near Keno in Klamath County Tuesday evening, and now say they believe the pair had not been drinking, nor had one of them pushed the other into the water -- but instead drowned after jumping in to save his friend who was not a strong swimmer. Details are still sketchy about the altercation, the drownings, and the stabbing of ... [full story]

DESMOINES - Former Sen. Fred Thompson is likely to be on the Republican ballot for the Iowa straw poll even if he has not announced his presidential candidacy. Members of the Iowa Republican Party, not the candidates, decide who will be on the ballot for the Aug. 11 straw poll, which draws thousands of Republicans to Ames, Iowa, and serves as a party fundraiser. "It's our party, and we decide whose name is on the ... [full story]

The Humane Society of Central Oregon will showcase some of their "live art masterpieces" during the June 1 First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Bend, at the Birkenstock of Bend location, 836 NW Wall Street.  The featured ‘live art’ (adoptable dogs and cats) will be anxiously waiting to captivate your imagination from 5-9 p.m. The ‘live art’ will include dogs and cats in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any home.  Art lovers will ... [full story]