House GOP unveils $61 billion in cuts

House GOP unveils $61 billion in cuts

WASHINGTON

House Republicans called for cuts in hundreds of programs across the face of government Friday night in a $61 billion savings package toughened at the last minute at the demand of tea-party-backed conservatives. From education to job training, the environment and nutrition, few domestic programs were left untouched — and some were eliminated — in the measure, which is expected to reach the floor for a vote next week.

Church officials charged in scandal

PHILADELPHIA

Nearly a decade after the scandal over sexual abuse by priests erupted, Philadelphia’s district attorney has taken a step no prosecutor in the U.S. had taken before: filing criminal charges against a high- ranking Roman Catholic official for purportedly failing to protect children.

District Attorney Seth Williams announced charges Thursday against three priests, a parochial-school teacher and Monsignor William Lynn, who as secretary of the clergy was one of the top officials in the Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1992 to 2004.

The three priests and the teacher were charged with raping boys. Lynn, 60, was accused not of molesting children but of endangering them. A damning grand-jury report said at least two boys were sexually assaulted because he put two known pedophiles in posts where they had contact with youngsters.

Magnitude-6.8 quake hits Chile

CAUQUENES, Chile

A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck central Chile on Friday, centered in almost exactly the same spot where last year’s magnitude-8.8 quake spawned a tsunami and devastated coastal communities. Electricity and phone service were disrupted, and thousands of people fled to higher ground after Friday’s quake, but the government quickly announced that there was no risk of a tsunami, and there were no reports of damage or injuries.

US weighs tougher stand with Pakistan

WASHINGTON

A standoff between the United States and Pakistan over a jailed American embassy worker took an ominous turn Friday when police accused the man of “cold-blooded murder,” and the U.S. responded with thinly veiled threats to cut valued aid and access for Pakistan unless he is released immediately.

The case of Raymond Allen Davis has opened one of the worst breaches in memory between the U.S. and a critical counter-terrorism partner. His detention has become a point of national honor for both nations, and a rallying point for anti-American suspicion in Pakistan.

Liz Taylor treated for heart problem

LOS ANGELES

Elizabeth Taylor has been hospitalized for treatment of congestive heart failure.

Her spokeswoman, Sally Morrison, said Friday that the Oscar-winning actress was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center within the past couple of days.

The 78-year-old Taylor is being treated for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, a condition she disclosed she had back in November 2004.

Morrison said it’s unknown how long she might be in the hospital. She added that Taylor’s family appreciated the support from fans, but asked for privacy to allow the medical team space to do its work.

Associated Press