National News: AP-3rdNewsMinute

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r h AP-3rdNewsMinute     04-09 0261
^AP-3rd NewsMinute<
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^Airline delays...Iraq anniversary traffic ban...VA surgery ban
easing<
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     DALLAS (AP) _ American Airlines is trying to arrange other
flights for travelers who are in for another day of delays. The
airline is having to recheck the wiring on hundreds of its MD-80
jets to satisfy government rules. American insists there‘s no
safety issue.
^

     BAGHDAD (AP) - It was five years ago Wednesday that U.S. troops
rolled into Baghdad, sweeping Saddam Hussein from power. Iraq‘s
government is banning vehicles for the day, hoping to head off more
violence. Twelve Americans have been killed in Iraq since Sunday.
^

     MARION, Ill. (AP) _ The Department of Veterans Affairs is easing
a ban on surgery at a VA hospital in Marion, Illinois. Minor
procedures will be allowed starting next month, including
vasectomies and hernia repairs. All operations were halted last
summer because of nine deaths blamed on substandard care.
^

     SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Richard Gere and Desmond Tutu have led a
candlelight vigil in San Francisco for Tibet on the eve of the
Olympic torch relay. Security is being tightened for the flame‘s
only U.S. appearance following turmoil during stops this week in
London and Paris directed at Olympic host China.
^

     WASHINGTON (AP) _ A Treasury Department inspector general says
the IRS hasn‘t been doing enough to crack down on tax fraud
committed with stolen Social Security numbers. He says the agency
only pursues cases that have a ``large tax impact.‘‘ Many such
frauds are looking to steal a refund check.
^

     

     (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

     AP-NY-04-09-08 0247EDT<