Iran proposes nuclear plants with Arab countries

The head of Iran's nuclear power agency said Sunday the country is willing to help neighboring Arab countries build joint light-water nuclear power plants if they are interested.

There was no immediate reaction from Arab countries, many of whom are deeply suspicious of the Islamic Republic's intentions regarding its controversial nuclear program.

Several Arab countries have announced plans to develop their own civilian nuclear programs for electricity generation in recent years, motivated in part by a feeling they need to keep up with Iran to blunt its growing regional influence.

It was unclear why Iran made the offer to help, but it may be …

Handicapped teachers push to transcend limitations

When the University of Illinois at Chicago opened its newcollege resource center, it naturally sent an invitation to DrewBrowning, assistant professor in the School of Art and Design.

But Browning did not go - he couldn't.

The center is located on the third floor of a building withoutan elevator, and Browning is confined to a wheelchair.

"It's as if the university is designed specifically to thwartaccessibility," said Browning, who recalls a time when he could notgo to the departmental office to pick up his mail. "Though there'sgoodwill on the part of the administration, it takes a long time tomake changes happen."

Browning's biggest …

Kennedy Leaves Hospital After Surgery

BOSTON - U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was released from the Massachusetts General Hospital on Saturday, a day after surgery to clear a blockage in a major neck artery.

Kennedy, 75, plans to rest for a few days at the family's Hyannis Port compound before returning to work in the Senate, according to a statement from his office.

The blockage in Kennedy's left carotid artery, which supplies blood to the face and brain, was discovered Oct. 4 after a routine physical examination and MRI on his back.

Kennedy hurt his …

Homeland secretary to kill spy satellite program

A government official says Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to kill a controversial program begun by the former Bush administration to use U.S. spy satellites for domestic security and law enforcement missions.

The program was announced in 2007 and was to have been run by Homeland Security. It has been delayed because of privacy and civil liberty …

'Life is great'

Jaime Baltazar was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Eight years ago, the 6-foot-3-inch jock was driving through his rough Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood when a gang-banger's bullet changed his world forever.

The shooter was never found. Baltazar was left a paraplegic, his days of varsity basketball and cross-country ended.

Baltazar, now 25, isn't bitter. In fact, he says, "Life is great."

A sophomore student-athlete at the University of Illinois, he plays varsity wheelchair basketball on a team that won this year's national championship.

And, on Thursday, he flew to Colorado Springs, Colo., to try to live out a dream: He's there to try out for the …

TARA Toronto Completes Expansion

*To further enhance its students' exposure to the audio recording industry. The Audio Recording Academy (TARA) Toronto has designed and built a new studio to deepen student skills in recording for film and television. Supporting the latest in hardware and software, as well as connecting to the academy's 1 ,000 sq. ti. hve space, the studio has been integrated into the facility in such a …

Army chief briefs new Pakistan PM, coalition leaders on war on terror

Pakistan's army chief briefed its new civilian leaders on Wednesday before they review the U.S.-backed policies of President Pervez Musharraf in fighting Islamic militancy.

Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, key Cabinet ministers and leaders of parties in the ruling coalition. Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said Kayani gave a detailed briefing on security issues and the war on terror.

Among those attending were Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted as premier in Musharraf's 1999 coup, and Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Security analyst Nasim Zehra says the meeting reflected …