To defend itself against a lawsuit by the widows of three soldiers who died on one of its planes in Afghanistan, a sister company of Blackwater has asked a federal court to decide the case using Islamic law.

Amid investigations and lawsuits, military contractor Blackwater continues to get new business and grow.

Amid investigations into fatal shootings of civilians and allegations of tax violations, Blackwater Worldwide's multimillion-dollar contract to protect diplomats in Baghdad has been renewed, the State Department said Friday.

U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, a California Democrat, said he has uncovered evidence that Blackwater evaded tens of millions of dollars in taxes and improperly won $144 million in contracts set aside for small businesses.

A Texan is at the center of a federal investigation into the Sept. 16 shooting deaths of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad by a convoy of Blackwater security guards.

Report faults Justice Department.

2 granted leniency for gun probe help.

'05 Iraq incident increases scrutiny.

Blackwater Worldwide, the security contractor trying to repair a reputation tarnished by its role in the Iraq war, is getting into the renewable-energy business.

Government security contractor Blackwater Worldwide reaffirmed plans Wednesday to build a rural training camp, a day after residents recalled five town officials who endorsed the project involving the Moyock, N.C.-based company.

A proposal by security contractor Blackwater has divided residents of this mountain village into two camps: Those who welcome the company's plans to build a firing range here and critics who want to keep it out of town.

State Department official came under fire for his role in investigating Blackwater.

The military will have more control over Blackwater Worldwide and other private security contractors working in Iraq under a new agreement between the Pentagon and State Department, officials said Wednesday.

A federal grand jury investigating Blackwater Worldwide heard witnesses Tuesday, and a private lawsuit accused the government contractor's bodyguards of ignoring orders.

Federal prosecutors have issued grand jury subpoenas to some of the Blackwater employees present at a Sept. 16 shooting in Baghdad in which the company's security personnel are accused of killing 17 Iraqi civilians.

Panel suggested conflict of interest.

Inspector general cuts his own role.