Irish probe clears DCC execs of share-sales crimes

Directors and other officers at DCC, an Irish industrial holding company embroiled in the country's biggest insider-trading scandal, broke no corporate laws and should not be barred from operating businesses, a state investigator ruled Tuesday in a surprise verdict.

The judgment from Dublin High Court fact-finder Bill Shipsey could end the nearly decade-old legal battle over ethics at DCC. Last year the Dublin-based multinational agreed to pay back more than half of its profits from a 2000 sale of shares in Irish fruit importer Fyffes _ right before the stock plunged.

The latest investigation was authorized after the Supreme Court in 2007 found DCC and its …

Book depicts champions as baby Bulls

If a man's home is his castle, then what is a man's bathroom? Ina word, sacred. At least, I suspect that's what the Bulls would say.

Because the truth is out as to the origin of the rancor,bitterness and hostility that has run amok in the Bulls'organization. Contrary to urban legend, that origin is not JerryKrause. Unbelievably, yet somehow fittingly, the origin is . . . acommode.

Yes, America, like a tissue trail stuck to your shoe, thebeginning of the end of the Bulls' dynasty can be traced to a toilet.

Or, as Roland Lazenby writes in Blood on the Horns (and as youwill read in Monday's excerpt in the Chicago Sun-Times): ". . . theultimate superstar …

Presidents Cup Capsules

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Capsules from Saturday's matches at the Presidents Cup:

FOURSOMES:

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson, United States, def. Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy, International, 3 and 2.

The Americans opened with two birdies for a 2-up lead when Allenby twice missed matching putts from inside 6 feet. Allenby made a 10-foot par putt on the third to win the hole, and he nearly made an ace with a 9-iron on the fifth to square the match. The Americans never trailed, and the International team didn't threaten because of a few errant tee shots from Ogilvy and missed birdie chances from Allenby when they had a chance to win the hole. Watson holed a 12-foot …

Obama ends Iraq combat effort: Time to turn page

Declaring no victory after seven years of bloodshed, President Barack Obama on Tuesday ended the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, telling millions who were divided over the war in his country and around the world: "It is time to turn the page."

From the Oval Office, where President George W. Bush first announced the invasion that would come to define his time in office, Obama said bluntly: "Our most urgent task is to restore our economy." It was a telling sign of the domestic troubles weighing on Obama's nation and his own presidency that he would put such emphasis on the dire state of U.S. joblessness in a major war address.

Even in …

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07 time & money Enjoy the change in season with the latest looks,best buys and exciting events 11 Helen Mirren Despite Oscars andgongs galore, her heart belongs to Essex 16 fashion Mint Velvet'sdesign director unveils the inspiration behind the new collection 19beauty Turn back time and create the look to take you through thegenerations 21 health Do it naturally with our A to Z guide ofcomplementary medicine and treatments 24 area spotlight IdyllicIngatestone village offers a …

Bush Talks About Iraq War Plan, Saddam

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Thursday he wished the execution of Saddam Hussein "had gone in a more dignified way." Bush also said he will make a speech next week announcing his long-awaited decisions about how to proceed in the unpopular war in Iraq.

Considering more troops to deal with the rising violence in Baghdad, Bush said, "One thing is for certain: I will want to make sure the mission is clear and specific and can be accomplished." Senior generals have cautioned against sending additional troops unless their role is defined.

Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki spoke on a secure video hookup for nearly two hours. The White House said it could be their last …

English Football Summaries

Aston Villa: James Milner (27), Gabriel Agbonlahor (90).

Attendance: 24,267

Chelsea 0, Hull 0

Attendance: 41,802

Everton 3, Bolton 0

Everton: Mikel Arteta (40-pen), Jo (49, 90-pen).

Attendance: 33,791

Manchester City 1, Middlesbrough 0

Man City: Craig Bellamy (51).

Attendance: 40,588

Portsmouth 2, Liverpool 3

Portsmouth: David Nugent (62), Hermann Hreidarsson (78).

…