Scores Reported Dead as Train Derails in Spain

A high-speed passenger train that was reportedly traveling at more than double the speed limit derailed just outside a station in northwest Spain on Wednesday evening, killing at least 60 of those on board, according to local news reports. Multimedia Fatal Spanish Train Wreck Connect With Us on Twitter Follow @nytimesworld for international breaking news and headlines. Twitter List: Reporters and Editors Enlarge This Image The New York...

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Sales of Existing U.S. Homes Unexpectedly Decrease: Economy

Previously owned home sales fell unexpectedly in June as tight supply and increasing rates for mortgages imperiled the real-estate market recovery in the U.S. Enlarge image A potential home buyer with an agent in Phoenix, Arizona. Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 2:41 July 22 (Bloomberg) -- Drew Matus, senior U.S. economist at UBS Securities, talks about today's report on June U.S. existing home sales and the economy. Matus speaks...

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Potential witness in Bulger gangster trial found dead

BOSTON -- A body found near Lincoln, Mass., has been identified as Stephen "Stippo" Rakes, once thought to be a prosecution witness in the ongoing racketeering trial of notorious South Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger. Rakes had been scheduled to testify that Bulger and members of his Winter Hill gang forced him at gunpoint to sell his liquor store to Bulger in 1984. But the U.S. Attorney's Office told Rakes Tuesday that they did not plan...

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Zimmerman verdict spawns protests across country

If the George Zimmerman murder trial didn't polarize America enough, the verdict certainly did. While supporters of Zimmerman's acquittal kept largely quiet after the weekend decision, outraged protesters poured into the streets across the country Sunday and early Monday While the vast majority of protests were peaceful, parts of Los Angeles grew tense. Some protesters hurled flashlight batteries, rocks and chunks of concrete toward police, Los...

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Five key issues for Zimmerman jury

George Zimmerman could spend the rest of his life in prison or walk away a free man after more than a year of being reviled as a murderer. During three weeks of testimony, state prosecutors called 38 people to the stand to paint Zimmerman as a spiteful, frustrated man who profiled and killed an unarmed teenager. Defense attorneys countered by calling 18 witnesses -- but not Zimmerman -- to explain that Zimmerman feared for his life and was being...

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Irish lawmakers back 'life saving' abortion bill

DUBLIN (AP) — Lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted to back Ireland's first bill on abortion, legalizing the practice in exceptional cases where doctors deem the woman's life at risk from her pregnancy. Exhausted legislators applauded Friday's 127-31 vote. It capped a marathon debate that locked lawmakers in argument until 5 a.m. Thursday and, after a pause for sleep, through midnight Friday. ALSO ONLINE: Irish lawmakers agonize over abortion...

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Rate on 30-year mortgage hits 2-year high

WASHINGTON (AP) — The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to 4.51%, a two-year high. Rates have been rising on expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow its bond purchases this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average on the 30-year loan jumped from 4.29% the previous week. Just two months ago, it was 3.35% — barely above the record low of 3.31%. HOUSING: Mortgage applications continue...

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Prosecution paints Zimmerman as angry vigilante in closing arguments

A Florida prosecutor painted George Zimmerman as an angry vigilante who "tracked" Trayvon Martin through a gated community and provoked the confrontation that claimed the teenager's life in a scorching summation Thursday. "A teenager is dead," said prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda in his closing argument. "He’s dead not just because the man made those assumptions, but because he acted on those assumptions and unfortunately, because his assumptions...

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Egypt unrest: Interim leader outlines election timetable

Adly Mansour's decree envisages changes to the Islamist-drafted constitution and a referendum, which would pave way the way for elections early next year. This comes as at least 51 people were killed in the capital Cairo. The Muslim Brotherhood says its members were fired on at a sit-in for ousted President Mohammad Morsi. The army says it responded to an armed provocation. Continue reading the main story Adly Mansour's transition timeline ...

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Firefighters are battling a blaze that has already forced the evacuation of dozens of homes

YARNELL, Ariz. -- Nineteen firefighters died battling a fast-moving wildfire here Sunday, officials said. Arizona State forestry officials confirmed Sunday night that 19 firefighters have died in the Yarnell Hill Fire that has ripped through half of the town. It is the state's worst ever wildfire firefighter tragedy. "It's a dark day," said Mike Reichling, Arizona State Forestry Division spokesman. Reichling said the 19 firefighters were found...

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