WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Beijing’s efforts to meet clean air standards in time for the 2008 Olympics are drawing increased skepticism as the August deadline approaches. Worst case scenarios depict marathoners coughing their way through smog to the finish line, prompting the International Olympic Committee to suggest that some competitions may be delayed due to pollution. Yet even if Beijing fails to meet Olympic expectations on time, some analysts say that the attempt to do so will have at least one or two lasting benefits for Beijing and beyond.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The obstacles Beijing faces in meeting environmental expectations by the 2008 Olympic Games are clear; what remains hazy is how the International Olympic Committee will determine if Beijing’s efforts are insufficient, and what the organization's response would be in that event.

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FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- More than 2,000 firefighters were battling 41 fires that have blackened over 6,900 acres Saturday in Kentucky, said Jennifer Turner, a spokeswoman for the state

FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 17 (UPI) --