Bomb killed in '63, but trial starts today [AP photo] Thomas Blanton Jr. stands accused of a church explosion that came to define the violence of the civil rights era.

Companies let some retire in stages

Test nears for Bush school policy
Though the reality will look different from his campaign promises, the president is likely to prevail on overall direction.

China warned of harder U.S. line
Lawmakers from both parties say the spy plane incident is likely to affect Congress' votes on issues such as trade and arms sales.

Sara Fritz
With foreign policy, it's here we go hoop-de-la
WASHINGTON -- If Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan were still president, you can bet he would have been standing on the tarmac when the 24-member crew of the downed U.S. spy plane returned from China.

National briefs
Roger Clinton confirms subpoena