TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran delivered a "constructive" preliminary response yesterday to a package of incentives meant to convince the nation to curtail parts of its nuclear program, European and Iranian officials said. (07/05/2008)

HARRISBURG -- It was 9:30 last night when rank-and-file lawmakers got their first look at details of a budget agreement their leaders hashed out in the wee hours of Monday morning. ... (07/04/2008)

SEATTLE -- For a decade it appeared there was no such thing as too many Starbucks for U.S. coffee drinkers, whose willingness to buy its $4 lattes and dark drip brews rationalized a second green-and-white mermaid awning just down the street -- and sometimes even a third. ... (07/02/2008)

NEW YORK -- Animal welfare groups must be panting: Leona Helmsley reportedly directed that her fortune -- up to $8 billion -- be used for the care and welfare of dogs. ... (07/02/2008)

Gambling addicts could begin receiving state-subsidized counseling for the first time later this month, under new guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. ... (07/02/2008)