Bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims in Iraq killed 51 people Thursday. And, stateside Marine base upgrades are planned for 2011.

Worrying Signs Overshadow Iran’s Nuclear Denials

When Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, says that “no country has been inspected the way Iran has been,” he has a point. The U.N. nuclear agency has inspectors on the ground in Iran almost continuously.

Insanity Defense Could Be A Tough Sell For Loughner

Twelve days after the shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., Jared Loughner’s legal battle has just begun.

SKorea accepts NKorean proposal for defense talks

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said Thursday it accepted a North Korean proposal to hold high-level defense talks a day after the leaders of the U.S. and China called for better communication between the two Koreas.

Veterans receive free legal help
The Houston Bar Association will host a free legal advice meeting for Harris County veteran residents at the American Legion post 490 on February 19, according to Texas news provider Ultimate Pasadena.

Bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims in Iraq kill 51

BAGHDAD (AP) — A pair of car bombs blasted through security checkpoints ringing the Iraqi holy city of Karbala Thursday and killed at least 51 people, most of whom were Shiite pilgrims headed to observe yearly religious rituals.

Marine base upgrades planned for 2011

In the past two years, Marine Corps installations have become veritable construction zones, with new barracks, chow halls, warehouses, offices and ranges opening at bases that are busy training and deploying Marines for war tours and other overseas duty.

Suicides nearly double among Army guardsmen, reservists

WASHINGTON — The number of suicides among Army National Guardsmen and reservists nearly doubled last year, even as suicide totals among active-duty soldiers saw a slight decline for the first time in recent years.

NCO Gets 8 Years in HIV Exposure Case

WICHITA, Kan. — A disgraced Air Force sergeant will spend up to eight years in prison for exposing multiple sex partners to HIV at swinger parties in a sentence that the prosecution hopes will send the message that the military values the integrity of its servicemembers.

AP sources: US, China in new nuclear security deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama plans to announce a deal to step up cooperation with China on nuclear security, U.S. officials say.

Giffords Hasn’t Been Told Details Of Tucson Shooting

The husband of Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has not told his wife what happened to her outside a Tucson Safeway store on Jan. 8, when a gunman shot her in the head.

Pennsylvania veterans receive guidance from rap group

Veteran Community Initiatives and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 364 are putting a rap group together in order to provide information to military members about veterans benefits, according to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, news provider, The Tribune Democrat.

Yemen Convicts Awlaki in Absentia

SANAA, Yemen — A Yemeni security court has sentenced a suspected al-Qaida agent to death for the killing of a French oil worker last year.

Halsey sailor’s body recovered

The body of a Halsey sailor was recovered Wednesday from the Gulf of Oman, 18 hours after the service member failed to show up at watch, according to a Fifth Fleet spokesman.

New problems disclosed on 2 models of F-35

The F-35 Lightning II strike fighter has previously undisclosed problems with its handling, avionics, afterburner and helmet-mounted display, according to a report by the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

Missouri town bans protests during funerals

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Despite the likelihood that it will be sued, an eastern Missouri city has voted to ban protests at funerals.