In Pa. speech, George W. Bush says private sector, not government, will lead economic comeback

ERIE, Pa. — The country will emerge from the recession on the backs of businesses — not the government, and the private sector will thrive as long as the United States continues to promote free-market expansion, former President George W. Bush said Wednesday night in one of his rare appearances since leaving office.

Chicago cites White House support and financial guarantees for 2016 Olympic bid

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Chicago has led off the presentations of the four cities bidding for the 2016 Olympics.

White House lawyer says AmeriCorps IG removed because he was ‘unduly disruptive’ to operations

WASHINGTON — A White House lawyer says President Barack Obama fired the watchdog for federal AmeriCorps programs because he was “unduly disruptive” and engaged in “trouble and inappropriate conduct.”

IOC president Jacques Rogge says economic issues shouldn’t drive decision on 2016 host city

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Financial considerations should not drive the decision on which city hosts the 2016 Olympics, IOC president Jacques Rogge said Tuesday on the eve of key presentations by the four candidates.

Brazil president Silva urges IOC to award the 2016 Summer Games to Rio de Janeiro

GENEVA — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the IOC to break new ground by awarding the 2016 Summer Games to Rio de Janeiro.

Fired AmeriCorps inspector general for national service says he acted properly

WASHINGTON — An inspector general fired by President Barack Obama said Friday he acted “with the highest integrity” in investigating AmeriCorps and other government-funded national service programs.

Obama removes AmeriCorps inspector general after probe of Obama supporter

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he has lost confidence in the inspector general who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs and has told Congress he is removing him from the position.

Obama removes AmeriCorps inspector general after probe of Obama’s supporter

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he has lost confidence in the inspector general who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs and has told Congress he is removing him from the position.

Agassi and kids keep Steffi busy at 40

HAMBURG - There were no major celebrations when Steffi Graf turned 40 Sunday as the tennis star feels that the number means “unbelievably little” to her.

Former wrestler, trainer Jesse Takamiyama retires from sumo after 45 years in sport

TOKYO — Hawaiian wrestler and trainer Jesse Takamiyama retired from sumo wrestling on Saturday after a 45-year career in Japan’s ancient sport.

Straight from President Barack Obama: It’s going to be the Lakers in 6 _ he thinks

WASHINGTON — OK, Mr. President, let’s see how you do picking the pro game. Barack Obama thinks the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the NBA crown.

Busy Saturday for first dad, husband: daughter’s soccer game, then date night in New York City

WASHINGTON — There were no official events are his schedule Saturday, so President Barack Obama had plenty of time to devote to his other roles — father and husband.

Iran agrees to football friendly with US

TEHRAN - Iran’s sports chief has agreed to a request by the United States national team to play a football friendly game later this year in Tehran’s Azadi stadium, media reports said Wednesday.