LA Times News

LA Times News

Israel sperm banks find quality is plummeting

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:38 PM PDT

Sperm quality is down everywhere, but Israel is worse off than other developed countries. Theories about why vary from cellphones in pockets to estrogen in milk or water.

JERUSALEM — The founder of the Tel Aviv-based specialty firm raves about his product with the same gusto distillers reserve for their top-notch scotch. He's particularly proud of his "premium" line. Sure, it costs a bit more, but it's targeted at a more discriminating client.

Putin's opponents feel the heat in Russia

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:42 PM PDT

Members of the protest movement in Russia tell of ransacked apartments, death threats and other intimidation. Pro-Putin analysts say Kremlin must send a message.

MOSCOW — When she picked up the phone last week in her new apartment, Maria Baronova heard a cold, metallic voice: "We know that you have moved to a new place, but you won't get away from us."

Syria warplanes pound rebel town; 30 reported killed

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:03 PM PDT

The dead in Azaz are among the nearly 200 people reported killed across Syria. The conflict spills over into Lebanon, where 20 Syrians are abducted.

BEIRUT — Air attacks by the Syrian government killed at least 30 people Wednesday in the rebel-controlled town of Azaz in one of the bloodiest days in the country's conflict, according to activists.

Standard Chartered settles N.Y. inquiry into Iran transactions

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 12:00 AM PDT

The British bank will pay $340 million to end a New York agency's investigation.

NEW YORK — British banking giant Standard Chartered has agreed to fork over $340 million to settle an investigation by New York state regulators.