Nation briefs 3/5/04

Gay couples rejected for licenses in NYC

NEW YORK -- The fight over gay marriages reached the nation's largest city Thursday as about three dozen same-sex couples asked for licenses and were turned down. Couples in a New York suburb were also rejected, but across the country in Portland, Ore., a line of at least 100 hopefuls snaked around a building as Multnomah County handed out licenses to gay couples for a second day.

Three American Muslims convicted in conspiracy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Three American Muslims accused of training for holy war against the United States by waging paintball battles in the Virginia woods were convicted Thursday of conspiring to support terrorism. Prosecutors said the three were part of a "Virginia jihad network" that used paintball games in 2000 and 2001 to train for holy war around the globe.

Dairy foods reduce risk of childhood obesity

SAN FRANCISCO -- Youngsters who skimp on milk and other dairy food to avoid calories actually appear to substantially increase their risk of becoming overweight, a study found. Several reports in recent years have shown health benefits of dairy products, despite their fat content. The latest research shows an unusually striking effect on weight as children go through their teens.

Retailers report strong February sales

NEW YORK -- Consumers' rising confidence gave the nation's retailers their third straight month of solid sales during February, with business above expectations at many clothing and department stores. Warmer weather and more appealing spring fashions contributed to the upbeat results issued Thursday. February's performance followed a robust January performance and a better-than-expected holiday.

Europe's summer of 2003 hottest in 500 years

WASHINGTON -- Last year's deadly summer in Europe probably was the hottest on the continent in at least five centuries, according to researchers who analyzed old records, soil cores and other evidence. More than 19,000 people died. Researchers analyzed temperature data from all over Europe, including tree rings from 1500. They found last summer was the most torrid of a general warming trend.

German court orders retrial of Sept. 11 convict

KARLSRUHE, Germany -- The only person in the world convicted in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks won a retrial Thursday after an appeals court faulted Washington for refusing to allow testimony from a key al-Qaida captive. The Federal Criminal Court overturned the conviction of Mounir el Motassadeq, a Moroccan.

-- From wire reports