REGION

REGION
Mall asks nonprofit groupsto attend Fall Bazaar
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Shenango Valley Mall is offering nonprofit organizations an opportunity to participate in its annual Fall Community Bazaar, set for Oct. 6 through 9 in the mall concourse. Groups can distribute information, sign up volunteers and conduct fund-raising activities at the event.
For more information, contact the mall management office at (724) 346-4564 or visit www.shopshenangovalleymall.com.
NATION
California tightens rulesto reduce auto emissions
LOS ANGELES -- California air regulators Friday unanimously approved the world's most stringent rules to reduce auto emissions that are believed to contribute to global warming.
The regulations are expected to cut exhaust from cars and light trucks by 25 percent and in larger trucks and sport utility vehicles by 18 percent.
The move by the California Air Resources Board came despite vigorous opposition from auto industry officials, who argued that the board did not have the authority to adopt such sweeping regulations and that they could not be met by current technology.
WORLD
Fighting prompts Shellto evacuate 2 oil facilities
LAGOS, Nigeria -- Nearby clashes between troops and militia fighters forced oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell Group to evacuate two oil facilities in Nigeria's southern oil region, the company said Friday.
Shell said there has been no disruption to its production and exports. Shell accounts for roughly half of Nigeria's daily exports of 2.5 million barrels.
"The evacuation was just a precautionary safety measure" prompted by clashes near the Soku gas platform and the Ekulama oil pumping station, a company spokesman in Lagos said on condition of anonymity.
Vindicator staff and wire reports