Strong quake kills 589 in western China; panicked people flood streets
XINING, China (AP) — Soldiers and civilians used shovels and their bare hands to dig through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after strong earthquakes struck a mountainous Tibetan region of China on Wednesday, killing at least 589 people and injuring more than 10,000.The series of quakes flattened buildings across remote western Yushu county and sent survivors, many bleeding from their wounds, flooding into the streets of Jiegu township. State television showed block after devastated block of toppled mud and wood homes. Local officials said 85 percent of the structures had been destroyed. Residents and troops garrisoned in the town used shovels and their hands to pull survivors and bodies from the rubble much of the day. Several schools collapsed, with the state news agency saying at least 56 students died. 
Marine’s anti-Obama Facebook comments fuel debate
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Camp Pendleton Marine has removed his Facebook page after his comments fueled a free-speech debate about whether troops are allowed to criticize President Barack Obama’s policies while serving in the military.Sgt. Gary Stein said he was asked by his superiors to review the Pentagon’s directive on political activities after he criticized Obama’s health care reform efforts and then was asked this week to talk about his views on the MSNBC cable TV channel. 
AP-GfK Poll: Obama slips after health win despite economic uptick
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s national standing has slipped to a new low after his victory on the historic health care overhaul, even in the face of growing signs of economic revival, according to the latest Associated Press-GfK poll.The survey shows the political terrain growing rockier for Obama and congressional Democrats heading into midterm elections, boosting Republican hopes for a return to power this fall.Just 49 percent of people now approve of the job Obama’s doing overall, and less than that — 44 percent — like the way he’s handled health care and the economy. Last September, Obama hit a low of 50 percent in job approval before ticking a bit higher. His high-water mark as president was 67 percent in February of last year. 
Palin rallies tea partiers with pre-tax day message near historical site
BOSTON (AP) — Sarah Palin rallied the conservative tea party movement near the scene of its historical inspiration Wednesday, telling Washington politicians that government should be working for the people, not the other way around. 
Louisiana’s budget deficit estimated at $319M Wednesday
(AP) — Louisiana has a $319 million budget deficit this year, a state income forecasting panel estimated Wednesday, starting a scramble to fill the hole with only 10 weeks left in the budget year.The Revenue Estimating Conference revised tax collection estimates sharply downward for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, continuing a recent trend of forecast revisions to reflect drops in state income. 
Bill to ban insurance coverage of abortions heads to debate in House
(AP) — A Jindal administration bill that would bar health insurance coverage for elective abortions in Louisiana is headed to the full House for debate after getting overwhelming support Wednesday from the House Insurance Committee.Rep. Frank Hoffmann, R-West Monroe, said he introduced the bill to prohibit elective abortions in the state purchasing pools set up by the federal health overhaul legislation, a prohibition allowed under the federal bill.But Hoffmann’s proposal goes further, also banning elective abortion coverage by private insurers. Opponents said the measure was improper meddling in private business and personal health care decisions, saying women could lose benefits they already have. 
Obama nominates former congressman to be U.S. Attorney
(AP) — President Barack Obama has nominated a former congressman, Don Cazayoux, to serve as U.S. Attorney for Louisiana’s Middle District, which includes Baton Rouge.Cazayoux’s nomination must be confirmed by the Senate before he can fill the post currently held by David Dugas.