Local News

CDC recommends HPV vaccine for boys

The HPV vaccine should now be given to all males between the ages of 11 and 21, according to new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says that the human papillomavirus vaccine should be routine for all boys ages 11 to 21. It also recommends “catch-up” vaccinations for... 

Finger ‘malfunction’ flap at Super Bowl

Madonna promised that her Super Bowl halftime show would not feature any wardrobe malfunctions. The singer delivered on that promise, but the 11-minute show was not without controversy. During the live performance with Madonna and Nicki Minaj, rapper M.I.A. flashed her finger at the cameras for a brief, but not unnoticed, moment. Twitter went a-twitter after viewers caught... 

Micron CEO Steve Appleton killed in plane crash

Micron CEO Steve Appleton died Friday after a small plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff at the Boise airport. Appleton, 51, an experienced and accomplished stunt pilot, was the only person in the aircraft. He died after being ejected. On Saturday Micron named Mark Duncan as its new CEO. In a statement, Durcan said, “We are deeply saddened by Steve’s... 

Thousands turn out for Krispy Kreme race challenge

A doughnut in the hand is worth two on the hips. But that didn’t stop thousands of people from pounding the pavement in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday to get their hands on dozens of doughnuts in “The 8th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge.” Some 7,700 people from all over North Carolina ran or walked the first 2.5 miles, which took participants from the bell... 

U.S. suspends diplomacy in Syria, shifts gears to tighten Assad supply lines

The United States on Monday announced the immediate suspension of its embassy operations in Damascus and withdrew all American personnel from Syria. Confirming that Ambassador Robert Ford and all American personnel have left the country, the State Department said in a statement, “Ambassador Ford has left Damascus but he remains the United States Ambassador to Syria... 

U.S. stocks open lower Monday; busy earnings week on tap

U.S. stocks opened lower Monday after closing out the prior week at highs. Just before 10 a.m. on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 61 points, the Standard & Poors 500 Index lost 6 points and the NASDAQ was off 17 points. The markets closed out last week on a high note. The Dow Jones Industrial rose more than 200 points, or 1.6 percent on the week,... 

Pennsylvania lawmakers reach compromise on natural gas drilling bill

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have reached an agreement on a bill charging companies an “impact fee” for drilling natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, legislation that is expected to be part of Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget address on Tuesday. Compromise legislation reconciling differences between House Bill 1950 and Senate Bill 1100 is said to have been drafted... 

Sons, husband of missing woman die in home explosion

Two young boys and their father, who was a suspect in the disappearance of his wife and the boys’ mother more than two years ago, died Sunday when their home exploded. Their deaths came only days after a judge ruled against the father, Josh Powell, in a child custody hearing. Police said Powell intentionally blew up the house with the three inside. A social worker... 

Hospitals mine their patients’ records in search of customers

When the oversized postcard arrived last August from Provena St. Joseph Medical Center promoting a lung cancer screening for current or former smokers over 55, Steven Boyd wondered how the hospital had found him. Boyd, 59, of Joliet, Ill., had smoked for decades, as had his wife, Karol. Provena didn’t send the mailing to everyone who lived near the hospital, just... 

Hottest 2012 Super Bowl souvenir is a hand-knit scarf

The most coveted, most sought after, hottest, and hardest to get souvenir heading in to the Feb. 5 Super Bowl is a hand-knitted scarf. What makes the scarves so difficult to wrap hands around are that they are not actually for sale. The knit one, purl two blue and white hand knitted scarves come with the Super Bowl XLVI emblem sewn on. An attached postcard reveals the... 

Newt wants Brad to play him in movie

If they ever make a movie about Newt Gingrich, the Republican presidential hopeful known for his ego wants Brad Pitt to portray him, TMZ reports. Gingrich picked the A-list actor even though he admits they don’t look alike, and that Pitt is younger, better built, and better looking. Gingrich said in an interview with the “Rich Stevens Radio Show” about... 

Spirit Airlines adds ‘unintended consequences fee’

Spirit Airlines says a new federal regulation aimed at protecting consumers is forcing it to charge passengers an additional $2 per ticket for what the airline is calling the ‘Department of Transportation Unintended Consequences Fee.” According to a Spirit spokesperson, the airline began adding the fee on Tuesday. The new DOT regulation allows passengers to... 

Initial unemployment claims continue slow improvement

Initial unemployment claims fell by 12,000 during the week ending Jan. 28 to 367,000 from the previous week’s tally of 379,000. The less volatile four-week moving average was 375,750, which was down by 2,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 377,750. Jobless claims are considered a key measure of the strength of the nation’s job market. Sustained... 

Man adopts girlfriend to protect his assets

Polo Club Palm Beach founder John Goodman, 48, adopted his longtime 42-year-old girlfriend Heather Hutchins in October in a move critics say will protect the millionaire’s assets during an upcoming lawsuit surrounding a deadly car accident. The strategy could shore up Goodman’s wealth as he confronts a wrongful death suit filed by the parents of Scott Patrick... 

Kodak wants its name off its namesake theatre

Eastman Kodak, currently in bankruptcy and attempting to shore up its assets and refinance, wants its legendary name off the Hollywood landmark that has been home to the Academy Awards show for the last decade. With just a few week before the star-studded and celebrated 84th Academy Awards broadcast, Kodak is seeking bankruptcy permission to exit the $75 million, 20-year... 

Attorney General faces Congressional subpoena deadline

Atttorney General Eric Holder on Thursday denied knowing U.S. law enforcement agents were allowing guns to be smuggled into Mexico during “Operation Fast and Furious.” He testified before a contentious meeting of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is investigating the operation intended to track illegal guns puchased in the United States... 

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band will perform at Grammys

Twenty-time winner Bruce Springsteen and The E Street have been added to the list of performers who will grace the stage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. ‘”The Boss” and crew will join British sensation Adele and chart toppers Katy Perry and Rihanna as performers. Presenters for music’s biggest night include Fergie and Ringo Star. LL Cool J will... 

Challenger: January brought increase in job cuts

Planned job cuts by employers for January totaled 53,486, an increase of 28 percent from December, according to a report from outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That marked the highest total since September when employers announced 116,000 planned cuts. Retailers and financial firms had the highest number of lay-offs. Retailers announced lay-offs... 

US researchers say sugar tax needed

The government should tax sweetened drinks and food and identify sugar alongside alcohol and tobacco as a threat to health, according to researchers in the United States. Sugar consumption has tripled worldwide during the past 50 years and is adding a large amount to people’s daily caloric intake. The result is a myriad of health problems, researchers say. An increasing... 

President Obama lauds as U.S. Senate reigns in insider trading by lawmakers

President Barack Obama on Thursday evening welcomed the Senate nod for the Stock Act, as the lawmakers voted 96-3 to ban insider trading for members of Congress, their staffs and top executive branch policy makers. Calling it “an important step to rebuild the trust between Washington and the American people,” Obama felt there was “much more work to be... 

Why Fannie and Freddie are Hesitating to Help Homeowners

Earlier this week, ProPublica and NPR detailed how Freddie Mac placed bets against homeowners that paid off if borrowers were unable to refinance their mortgage loans. The story highlighted the conflicted role of the behemoth and now government-controlled Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae: They are at once supposed to maximize their profits and thus pay back taxpayers, but they... 

U.S. Senate puts lid on multi-million dollar bonuses of Freddie, Fannie

The United States Senate on Thursday approved a bipartisan amendment prohibiting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives from receiving future multi-million dollar bonuses as long as the government-backed mortgage companies remain in federal conservatorship. The amendment offered by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) with an impressive list of co-sponsors... 

Roseanne Barr running for president

Roseanne Barr has filed the official paperwork necessary to run for the Green Party nomination for president of the United States. Barr filed her paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 25. Her filing creates a four-way race for the Green nomination, which is to be decided at the Green Party Nomination Convention in July. The comedian tweeted Thursday, “I... 

Chrysler posts $225 million profit

Chrysler reported a $225 million profit on Wednesday. The company capped its first profitable year since its government bailout and bankruptcy in 2009. The fourth quarter results were fueled by $15.1 billion in revenue, a 41 percent increase from the same period a year earlier. For the full year, the struggling automaker on the way to a dramatic turnaround, reported net... 

Sean Penn named ambassador for Haiti

Call him Mr. Ambassador. Actor Sean Penn has taken on the starring role of Ambassador at Large for Haiti. The actor took on the new title thanks to his work in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010 that ravaged the country, killing scores of people and leaving many more sickened and homeless. The actor accepted the award at a special ceremony held by President... 

American Airlines to lay out cuts to unions, may send jobs overseas

American Airlines’ parent company on Wednesday warned its unions to expect deep cuts to the staff of 88,000. AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) CEO Thomas Horton issued the warning during a presentation on the company’s cost-cutting plans. American Airlines is the nation’s third largest airline. While reportedly saying that American did not want to close any of its hubs... 

U.S. increases penalties for smuggling by ultralight plane

President Barack Obama is expected to sign a new law within days that increases the penalties for smuggling over the U.S. border using ultralight aircraft. In addition to being the last law proposed by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) before she was shot in the head last year, it is designed to close a loophole that allowed ultralight smugglers to receive relatively... 

War savings may be key to long-term ‘doc fix’ deal

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about the congressional conference committee trying to hammer out a bargain on a payroll tax cut extension and the Medicare “doc fix.” If the conferees — who are now discussing the possibility of a permanent “doc fix” — fail to agree to a proposal, doctors who see Medicare patients are in line... 

Planned Parenthood vs. Komen: Women’s health giants face off

Two of the nation’s most iconic women’s health groups are engaged in a nasty fight that’s raising a lot of eyebrows. The breast-cancer charity Susan G. Komen For the Cure is pulling about $700,000 in breast cancer screening and service grants from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The money isn’t massive by either group’s bottom... 

States under pressure as health law deadlines approach

The health law’s biggest changes don’t take effect until 2014, when states and insurers must be ready to begin signing up an estimated 32 million people in Medicaid and private insurance. But a successful rollout in two years hinges on critical decisions that states must make – and take quick action on – this year. It will be difficult for many... 

Clinton finds nothing new in controversial leaked NATO report

The United States’ top diplomat on Wednesday tiptoed around a controversial NATO report on the Taliban, leaked portions of which accuse Islamabad of having links with the organization harboring Al Qaeda. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told journalists there is nothing new in the new classified report by NATO which was earlier dumped by Pakistan Foreign Minister... 

Washington state Senate approves same-sex marriage bill

Washington state senators approved legislation allowing same-sex marriage Wednesday night, two weeks after Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire introduced the measure in the legislature. The bill passed 28-21, with four Republican, Sens. Joe Fain, Andy Hill, Steve Litzow and Cheryl Pflug, supporting it and refusing to toe the party line. Three Democrats, state Sens. Jim Hargrove,... 

Facebook files $5 billion IPO

The highly anticipated IPO from Facebook has gotten closer. The social network giant filed to go public late Wednesday in a bid to raise $5 billion. With more than 800 million members amassed in less than eight years, Facebook has redefined the way millions of people worldwide share information, and has altered the way businesses interact with customers. The proposed... 

Ailing American Airlines plans to cut 13,000 jobs

The pink skips are flying at ailing American Airlines.  The nation’s number three airline told its unions Wednesday it plans to cut some 13,000 jobs from its staff of 88,000. The cuts will be felt hardest in the airlines’s maintenance operations, where 4,600 jobs will be slashed. More than 4,000 ground worker positions will be lost and 2,300 flight attendants... 

Six more weeks of winter predicted after Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow

Every Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil makes the most anticipated and celebrated weather forecast of the year. The storied groundhog lets Americans know if winter will loom longer, or if we will enjoy an early spring. On Feb. 2, Phil sleepily crawled out of hiding, saw his shadow, and scurried back into his deep dark hole, predicting six more weeks of winter. Since 1887,... 

Leslie Carter, sister of singers Nick and Aaron, dead at 25

Leslie Carter, the sister of Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter and singer Aaron Carter, died Tuesday in upstate New York at the age of 25. No details were provided on her cause of death. The grieving family has asked for privacy as they deal with their loss. Leslie, an aspiring singer, had the song “Like Wow” featured on the “Shrek” soundtrack in... 

Major stock indexes post biggest January gains in 15 years

January was good for stocks and commodities. Major stock indexes in the United States closed out the first month of the year with the largest gains in 15 years. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 20.81 points Tuesday, the last day of January, the Dow rose 3.4 percent for the month, the biggest increase since 1997. The Dow advanced 415.35 points in January, the... 

Wall Street up on overseas optimism

U.S. stocks took off out of the gate Wednesday buoyed by overseas optimism. Shortly before 10 a.m. on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 114 points, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index rose 9 points and the NASDAQ was better by 13 points. Giving stocks a boost was better-than-expected data out of China and Germany, and words out of Greece, as the... 

ADP report shows private sector added 170,000 jobs in January

Hiring slowed in January, with private sector companies adding only 170,000 jobs to the economy, according to a report by payroll processor ADP. Many of those jobs were in the services sector, with 95,000 of those new jobs, slightly more than half, created by small businesses employing fewer than 50 people. Large companies that employ 500 or more people only created 3,000... 

Susan G. Komen ends partnership with Planned Parenthood

The nation’s leading breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is ending its financial partnership with a number of Planned Parenthood affiliates as a result of a bitter rift linked to national abortion debates between the two legendary organizations that have assisted millions of women. Planned Parenthood says the cutoff, which affects grants for breast... 

Deutsche Boerse-NYSE merger blocked by European Commission

A deal to create the world’s largest equity and derivatives exchange has been squashed. The European Commission has blocked the proposed $9 billion merger between the Deutsche Boerse and the NYSE Euronext, charging the tie-up would have created a dominant power in European exchange-traded derivatives that would have stifled competition. The combination of the two... 

U.S. expresses concern over cyber threats from China, Russia

Threats from cyberspace are a major concern of the U.S. intelligence community, according to top intelligence officials appearing at a Senate hearing this week. Citing a rise in cyber threats, National Intelligence Director James Clapper told lawmakers, “Among state actors, we’re particularly concerned about entities within China and Russia conducting intrusions... 

Shake up at the ‘X Factor’

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones have all been x-ed from the “X Factor.” The first season’s host, Jones confirmed his departure on Twitter Monday afternoon. Fox confirmed Scherzinger’s exit also on Monday, and confirmation that fellow judge Adbul won’t be back is imminent, sources say. It appears that the show’s producers... 

Home prices continue to fall

Home prices in November continued their fall from the bubble-high prices of 2006, dropping by 1.3 percent compared to October, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city report. Sales prices fell for the second consecutive month in 19 of the 20 cities the index covers. Analysts had not expected such a steep decline because mortgage interest rates remain low and... 

U.S. urges Security Council action on Syria

A day after the United States strongly denounced civil violence by President Bashar al-Assad’s government, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday called on the United Nations Security Council to work on a resolution to endorse the Arab League plan. The Arab League demanded the Syrian president step down to resolve the crisis in his country –... 

Obama claims U.S. drone strikes targeted militants in Pakistan

United States President Barack Obama, in unusually frank remarks on Tuesday, defended unmanned drone strikes in Pakistan, saying they were aimed at killing suspected militants believed to have been hiding in tribal areas of the country. Pakistan has opposed the drone raids, claiming they violate its sovereignty. This is the first time Obama has spoke publicly about drone... 

Ultrasound zap on testicles eyed as male contraceptive

Applying therapeutic ultrasound on testicles may be a potential male contraceptive in the future after researchers, who tested it on rats, found the procedure lowered sperm count on the rodents. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill claim that rats zapped with the machine used for treating muscle injuries killed the germ cells that produce sperm... 

Getting to the Super Bowl last minute costs plenty

If you are lucky enough, or rich enough, to snag some last minute tickets to Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis, getting there will also cost you a pretty penny (but if you are rich enough you don’t have to worry about that). A non stop flight from New York or Boston to Indianapolis this weekend costs between $1,349 to $1,800, according to the popular airline... 

Congress moves toward vote on cyber-security bill

A congressional committee plans to recommend on Wednesday that Congress vote on a bill to improve cyber-security and information sharing at a time the government’s ability to protect its data and computers is hotly debated. The House Homeland Security Committee is marking up the “Promoting and Enhancing Cyber-security and Information Sharing Effectiveness... 

Wolfgang Puck receives James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award

The so-called Oscars of the food world this year will present the most coveted award to the man best known for feeding celebrities at the real Oscars, Wolfgang Puck. Chef Wolfgang Puck will receive the iconic James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award. Puck, who has won multiple honors from the foundation and is the only chef to have twice received its Most Outstanding Chef... 

Pep Boy goes private

The boys have agreed to go private.The chain Pep Boys (Manny Moe & Jack) will be taken off the market by the private equity firm Gores Group in a deal that values the auto-parts and repair company at roughly $800 million. Pep Boy’s board unanimously approved the agreement and recommended that its shareholders follow suit. Founded more than 90 years ago, the Philadelphia-based... 

Senator opposes release of Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay

Top U.S. intelligence officials on Tuesday called for detention or heavy surveillance of Taliban detainees under consideration for release from Guantanamo Bay as a “confidence building” measure, while the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence called for an open debate about the decision. Appearing at a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday,... 

Top U.S. intelligence officials cite interests with Pakistan as ‘not always congruent’

At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, top U.S. intelligence officials were candid in admitting that the bilateral relationship with Pakistan is essential but strained at present. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, testifying before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, categorized the relationship as “challenging... 

The National Alzheimer’s Plan: An opportunity for action

by Dr. Rachelle S. Doody The National Alzheimer’s Project Act provides an historic opportunity to develop and act on a comprehensive approach to the detection of memory disorders and the management of Alzheimer’s disease. No one doubts the importance of developing prevention approaches, tools for early detection and effective therapies. And no one doubts the... 

Pfizer recalls 1 million birth control packs that might not work

Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company, has issued a voluntary recall of 1 million birth control packs because they may not work. The recall involves 28 lots of two different birth control pills and affects customers in the United States who use Lo/Ovral-28 Tablet and Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic). Pfizer said an investigation... 

Jessica Alba starts eco-friendly ‘The Honest Company’

Jessica Alba has another hat to wear. The actress, wife and mother has become a businesswoman. Alba has launched a venture that provides parents easy access to eco-friendly natural products for babies and homes. The 30-year-old actress and mother of two said that while preparing for motherhood four years ago, her biggest challenge was trying to find environmentally friendly... 

Stocks higher Tuesday on Greek debt talk optimisim

U.S. stocks opened higher Tuesday on renewed hopes of a Greek debt deal and shrugged off a report that showed home prices tumbled in most metropolitan markets. Just a half hour into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 37 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5 points and the NASDAQ gained 8 points. Gains were tempered after the Standard &... 

Statins work well for both men and women

Statins are an extremely popular medication doctors prescribe to lower cholesterol. However, some experts say cardiologists don’t routinely prescribe them to women due to lack of data that shows their effectiveness for females. Now, a report in the Journal of American College of Cardiology provides evidence that cholesterol lowering statins are as effective in women... 

15 percent would miss birth of child for Super Bowl

A recent survey by the website CouponCabin reveals that for some die-hard football fans, life events would get in the way of attending the Super Bowl. Twenty-three percent of those surveyed said they would give up a vacation to attend the game featuring their favorite team, and another 21 percent said an important work event would just have to wait. Twenty percent said... 

Eight IPOs to debut the week of Jan. 30

While much of the recent buzz in the IPO market has been about the expected filing by Facebook on Wednesday, eight other deals are expected to public during the week of Jan. 30. The list is composed mainly of energy-related and tech deals. The most highly anticipated in the bunch is AVG Technologies NV, which is scheduled to launch its IPO on Thursday. The Netherlands-based... 

FDA finds fungicide in Brazil and Canada orange juice shipments

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that agents found a small amount of an unapproved fungicide in Brazilian and Canadian orange juice shipments. The findings do not pose a danger to consumers. Called carbendazim, the fungicide is approved for use on dozens of other crops by federal regulators. However, FDA approval for use on U.S. orange tress expired several... 

Deadline passes for protesters to stop camping in Washington parks

The deadline for Occupy D.C. protesters to stop camping in two downtown Washington parks came and went Monday with the encampments still in place and its residents pledging defiance against police. They are protesting income inequalities between rich and poor people that they say are encouraged by current tax and corporate structures. Instead of moving their tents and sleeping... 

People In state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind

The 2010 health-care overhaul creates state-based health plans for those who have medical conditions that make them uninsurable in the private market. These “preexisting-condition insurance plans” (PCIPs) are intended to act as a bridge until 2014, when insurers will no longer be able to refuse to cover people with medical problems or charge them more than... 

U.S. welcomes lifting of restrictions on former Pakistani ambassador

The United States on Monday expressed relief at the decision by Pakistan to let its former envoy to Washington travel abroad. “We are gratified that the government of Pakistan has lifted the travel ban on Ambassador (Husain) Haqqani, specifically the supreme court of Pakistan, and that he’s free to travel as he chooses,” said Victoria Nuland, the State... 

Connecticut police chief resigns amid civil rights probe

The police chief in the southern Connecticut town where the U.S. Justice Department says officers systematically harassed and assaulted Hispanics has resigned. Len Gallo officially steps down as head of the police department in East Haven on Friday, less than two weeks after four officers were charged by the FBI with making unlawful arrests, conspiracy and violating the... 

J&J recalls Aveeno baby lotion

Johnson & Johnson has announced a voluntary recall of a single lot of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion after a test by the Food and Drug Administration found the product contained more of a type of bacteria than specifications allow. In a statement, J&J said, “The test indicated that the lot exceeded the specifications for common bacteria, though extensive... 

Ugg boots given; given boot

New England is going to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis this Sunday where they will face the New York Giants in what is expected to be one of the most watched games in TV history, and one of the best displays of some football in some time. In a congratulatory gesture, Patriots’s quarterback Tom Brady gave each player on the team a pair of Ugg boots. This is the second... 

Singer-in-Chief boosts sales of Al Green song

Singer Al Green’s online sales have soared since President Barack Obama performed an impromptu “cover” of “Let’s Stay Together” at the Apollo Theater Jan. 19. Crooning just one line from the 1970s single, the president spurred a weekly sales increase of 490 percent for the track, Nielsen Soundscan reports. In his surprise rendition,... 

Facebook IPO filing expected Wednesday

Investors are sure to “like” this news. Facebook Inc. is expected to file papers for its initial public offering as early as Wednesday in what is likely to be one of the biggest debuts for a United States company. The deal could raise as much as $10 million, and values the social network between $75 billion and $100 billion. In less than eight years, Facebook... 

Conservatives to rally against gay marriage bill in Maryland

Conservatives and opponents of same-sex marriage were set to rally in Annapolis Monday evening, a week after Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley introduced a bill legalizing gay marriage in the state. The gathering organized by the Maryland Marriage Alliance has the support of the archdiocese of Baltimore, which successfully worked with conservative groups last year... 

Romney’s defense of the ‘individual mandate’ — unexpected and persuasive

For a candidate who keeps vowing to repeal the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney sure can make a convincing argument on its behalf. At least that’s how it appeared to a lot of people after Thursday night’s Republican presidential candidate debate in Jacksonville, FL. During a more than 10-minute back-and-forth on health... 

Budweiser unveils new lighter beet

The much-hyped new beer, Bud Light Platinum, from Anheuser Busch InBev has finally hit shelves. Touted as not quite Bud Light, and not actually Budweiser, the beer is said to “appeal to a key group of beer drinkers and expands consumer occasion.” Bud Light Platinum has 6 percent alcohol by volume and 137 calories. In comparison, top selling Bud Light has 4.2... 

Home births rise nearly 30 percent

There’s no place like home–when it comes to giving birth. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of home births in the United States has risen dramatically since 2004. Births taking place outside of the traditional hospital setting increased 29 percent between 2004 and 2009, from 0.56 percent of all births, to 0.72... 

Burberry, DKNY, Oscar de la Renta dominate Fashion 2.0 nominees

Leading the nominations for the 3rd Annual Fashion 2.0 Awards are Burberry, DKNY and Oscar de la Renta. All three fashion houses will compete along with Coach and Kate Spade for the Top Innovator prize. In 2011, the award went to DKNY. Oscar de la Renta will go up against Bergdorf Goodman, Dior, Gucci and Burberry for the Best Facebook Award. In December, Burberry made ... 

Ford posts third consecutive annual profit

The Ford Motor Company reported its third consecutive full-year profit on Friday, announcing its best annual earnings since 1998. Although 2011 was the second most profitable year in the company’s 109-year history, much of that profit was a non-cash gain from a large tax credit from past losses. That tax credit on the company balance sheet will shield it from taxes... 

Romney and Gingrich get mean heading into Florida caucus

The upcoming Republican caucuses in Florida are turning into a two-man race between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, according to the latest polls. At the same time, Florida’s former governor warned that the campaign rhetoric is becoming so mean that it overlooks the concerns of voters. A Time Magazine/CNN poll released this week showed Romney with only a slight lead... 

Ex-Marine reservist pleads guilty to shooting military buildings

A former Marine reservist on Thursday pleaded guilty to shooting at the Pentagon, the Marine Corps museum in Quantico and other military targets in 2010 and agreed to a 25-year sentence. Yonathan Melaku, 23, of Virginia pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Alexandria to additional charges of attempted desecration of grave markers at Arlington National Cemetery on... 

The coming nursing home shortage

The latest casualty of the Great Recession may soon be the nation’s elderly. Cuts in government payments for patient care and less construction of new nursing homes are already taking a toll. Add to this the aging baby boom generation and you have a worst-case scenario in which older people who need full-time care won’t be able to get it. “We believe... 

Pentagon budget trims to cut 100,000 troops

U.S. ground forces will be slashed by 100,000 troops in a series of proposals designed to deal with billions of dollars in budget cuts over the next decade unveiled Thursday by the Defense Department. Outlining decisions behind the fiscal 2013 defense budget request, Secretary Leon Panetta along with Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told... 

Planned wolf hunt in Minnesota unveiled

A plan to allow the first wolf hunt in more than 40 years in Minnesota was unveiled Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It will allow up to 6,000 Minnesotans the chance to hunt and trap wolves later this year. A quota of 400 wolves has been set under the Minnesota DNR proposal. The wolf season is slated to be held in late November after the regular... 

The United States on Thursday reiterated that its alliance with Japan is the “cornerstone” of a stable Asia-Pacific region and that the U.S. would “enhance cooperation” with the Asian nation despite planned reductions in American troop numbers. In a congratulatory telephone call to his newly-appointed counterpart Naoki Tanaka, Defense Secretary... 

Frank, first openly gay member of Congress, to marry partner

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the first openly gay member of Congress, is engaged to his long-time partner. The wedding will be the first same-sex marriage for a U.S. congressman. New England Cable News reported late Thursday night that the lawmaker plans to marry Jim Ready, a 42-year-old small business owner from Maine. The 71-year-old Frank has not issued a statement but... 

Historic Chicago charity Hull House closing doors in bankruptcy

Historic charity Hull House Association is out of money and will close its doors at 5 p.m. Friday after more than a century of helping Chicagoans. Social reformer Jane Addams started Hull House in 1889 with a mission of helping immigrants. It has done that and more for the past 122 years. Over the years Addams and Hull House earned international reputations for providing... 

U.S. stocks fall as GDP trails forecast

Wall Street opened lower Friday after a report showed that the U.S. economy expanded less than forecast.. Just after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lower by 33 points, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index was flat and the NASDAQ was up by about 6 points. Weighing on stocks was a report that showed the U.S. economy expanded at 2.8 percent in the... 

Wall Street up Thursday on follow-through from Fed comments

U.S. stocks opened higher Thursday as investors continued to focus on comments from the Fed and better than expected corporate earnings. Just before 10 a.m. on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 66 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5 points and the tech-heavy NASDAQ gained 12 points. Giving stocks a boost was the Fed’s statement... 

Initial unemployment claims rise by 21,000

Initial jobless claims for the week ending Jan. 21 rose by 21,000 to 377,000, compared with the previous week’s revised figure of 356,000, the U.S. Department of Labor said. The less volatile four-week moving average was 377,500, a drop of 2,500 from the previous week’s revised average of 380,000. DOL figures show that the total number of people claiming benefits... 

JC Penney overhauls pricing, stores

After a poor holiday season, J.C. Penney is revamping its strategy by retooling its store formats, marking down its merchandise and simplifying its promotions. In a statement to industry analysts Wednesday, Ron Johnson, chief executive of J.C. Penney said, “We are rethinking, we are reimaging, and if we find we have picked up some bad habits through the decades,... 

‘Octomom’ Nadya Suleman’s octuplets turn 3

It seems just like yesterday that the media and outspoken activists were talking about the birth of the world’s only complete set of octuplets. On Thursday, Nadya Suleman’s tribe–Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Narijah, Jonah, Josiah, Jeremiah, and Makai–turned three. The kids celebrated their birthday earlier in the week with an aquatic themed bash at Seascape... 

30-year mortgage rates rise to 3.98 percent

Mortgage rates reversed course in the week ending Jan. 26.The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 3.98 percent, up from last week’s average 3.88 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 4.80 percent, Freddie Mac reported. Despite the move upwards, this marks the eighth consecutive week the 30-year fixed rate has remained below 4... 

Severe storms rush through Texas, 3 tornadoes reported

Powerful winds and drenching rains stormed through Texas Wednesday spawning three tornadoes and causing flooding in some areas. The squall of storms moved from north to south. Dallas and Fort Worth were pounded overnight. As the storms traveled south and settled over Central Texas and Austin, record amounts of rain drenched areas that a few month ago were fighting the most... 

Diabetes amputations fall dramatically, CDC reports

The rate of amputations for patients suffering from diabetes has fallen by 65 percent since the 1990s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Health officials believe the numbers are down because of better treatments that keep blood sugar under control. Foot and leg amputations occurred in 4 out of every 1,000 adults with diabetes in 2008, compared to 11... 

More fruits and veggies in school lunches under new government guidelines

The U.S. government on Wednesday released new nutrition standards for school meals that mandate dramatic changes. Among the changes, sodium will be slashed, calories will be cut and students will be offered a wider variety and larger portions of fruits and vegetables. These changes raise the nutrition standards for school meals for the first time in more than 15 years. The... 

Being narcissistic stresses guys out

Guys who don’t care what others think unless its about them just might want to listen up. A new study from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor found that unhealthy narcissism in college age men can wreck havoc on their health. An over abundance of vanity and egotism may chronically activate the body’s key stress response system, and may put them at an increased... 

Yahoo sees quarterly profits fall 5%

Yahoo’s quarterly profits fell by 5 percent during the last three months of 2011, marking 13 consecutive quarters of declines. Net income fell to $296 million, or 24 cents per share. The latest quarterly report came three weeks into the company’s management under new chief executive Scott Thompson and one week after Yahoo’s co-founder, Jerry Yang, left... 

Indian ambassador discusses bilateral regional issues in first talk with Clinton

The top American diplomat on Wednesday received the Indian ambassador in Washington to discuss regional developments and bilateral issues such as nuclear cooperation at a maiden meeting since Indian diplomat came here late last year, according to State Department officials. “The Secretary [Hillary Clinton] had a good meeting with the new Indian ambassador to the... 

Majority of Americans think ideology will affect high court’s ruling on health law

With the Supreme Court just two months away from hearing a historic legal challenge to the 2010 health law, nearly 60 percent of the public expects the justices to depend more on personal ideology than a legal analysis of the individual mandate, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s January health tracking poll. Just 28 percent of those surveyed believe the... 

Obama on health insurance reform: ‘I won’t go back’ (State Of The Union excerpts)

In his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama made just one explicit mention of the 2010 health law. Here is a transcript of the few parts of his speech that mentioned health care issues: Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells... 

U.S. frees American woman, Danish co-worker from Somali kidnappers

The United States, in a daring operation in the restive region of Somalia, rescued an American woman and an elderly Danish man who had been held captive for three months, President Barack Obama announced Wednesday morning. “As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their... 

Health plans launch own exchanges ahead of public versions

Commercial health insurers are scrambling for position as a key part of the federal health law threatens to upend their marketplace in two years. Health plans are trying to lock in business before government-sponsored health insurance exchanges go online in 2014. Several large insurers are launching private insurance exchanges to protect themselves against competition... 

Military dismisses manslaughter charges against Marine in Iraq civilian massacre

A United States military court on Monday dismissed charges of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault against a Marine sergeant, who figured in the killing of 24 unarmed civilians in Haditha, Iraq, in 2005, after the sergeant pleaded guilty to negligent dereliction of duty. Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, 31, of Temecula, CA, the commander of a marine unit involved... 

High cost of new cancer drugs sparks new care struggle

Julie Grabow, an oncologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, recently prescribed an exciting new therapy for a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer. Three-and-a-half years into her battle against the disease, the patient had already exhausted three different anti-estrogen therapies, each of which only put a temporary check on the spreading tumors. The... 

Trouble with your GPS? Could be the solar storm

Having trouble with your GPS? Is your computer mysteriously rebooting? Experiencing any dropped call? If so, you can probably blame it on the effects from Tuesday’s solar storm. The particles of energy, which erupted from the sun on Sunday, are traveling at a speed of 1,400 miles per second, and will hit the Earth Tuesday. The solar storm in expected is to be the... 

America’s rudest city is New York, according to Travel + Leisure

Pardon me? No F*!@# way. Not in New York City.New York City has returned to the top of Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the ruddiest cities in the United States. New York City displaced last year’s winner, Los Angeles which fell to fourth. Miami took the number two spot, followed in order by Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta,... 

Women feel more pain than men

Women have long been labeled the more sensitive, the more feeling, the more compassionate sex, and now a new study confirms it. According to findings published in the Jan. 23 issue of Journal of Pain, women, in a recent study of more than 72,000 adult patients in a test of more than 160,000 pain scores, recorded higher pain scores in virtually every disease category than... 

Supreme Court tax case to determine extent of IRS enforcement authority

The U.S. Supreme Court plans to issue a ruling in a corporate tax shelter case this spring at a time of uncertainty in the tax laws. Some tax breaks for individuals and corporations are scheduled to expire next month but Congress is still debating whether to extend them. The United States v. Home Concrete & Supply LLC case the Supreme Court heard last week is likely... 

Senate Watchdog Targets High-Prescribing Medicaid Docs

by Charles Ornstein and Tracy WeberAn influential U.S. senator is grilling officials in nearly three-dozen states, demanding to know how they are cracking down on physicians who prescribe massive amounts of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. Iowa Republican Charles Grassley sent letters to 34 states Monday asking what steps they had taken to investigate doctors... 

Coping with climate change

In the past five years, “resilience” (the ability to absorb shocks and recover) has become quite a buzzword in the aid community. Discussions on adapting to a changing climate are increasingly peppered with the “need to build resilience” of people, infrastructure and governments in the face of shocks such as soaring temperatures, rising sea levels,... 

High cost of child trafficking

Forced child labor remains rampant in Central Africa, where poverty fuels the trafficking of children from poorer countries to oil-rich states such as Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo, according to experts. “Trafficking in children is real,” said Gabon’s social affairs director-general, Mélanie Mbadinga Matsanga. “Gabon, for example,... 

Connecticut officers, head of police union charged with civil rights violations

Four police officers in a southern Connecticut town, including the head of the police union, have pleaded not guilty to allegations they assaulted, unlawfully arrested and violated the civil rights of Hispanics, as well as intimidated other officers who tried to cooperate with a federal probe. The charges follow a U.S. Justice Department report that East Haven police engaged... 

Rich Rico releases – Border Music Video

In a virtual how-to guide to the drug trafficking business, Rich Rico has released the music video for his new single Border Music. I liked what I saw in the project. The video has integrated footage from what appears to be several different “Drug Cartel Documentary” sources and some urban footage of Rich Rico as he delivers his lyrics. It has well timed graphics... 

Occupy Wall Street getting an album

Last year was quite a year for demonstrators. Time magazine named ‘The Protestor” its Person of the Year, and “occupy” was named “The Word of the Year.” While things have quieted down a bit, they are about to get louder. Occupy Wall Street is about to get an album. Featured will be artists who support the movement including Yoko Ono, Willie... 

Wall Street falls at the open Tuesday on Greece talks

United States stocks slipped at the open Tuesday as talks to resolve Greece’s debt crisis reached a stalemate once again. Also weighing on stocks were comments from several analysts who pointed to a short-term top in equity markets after the S&P 500 Index racked up gains in five straight session. Shortly before 10 a.m., the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down... 

Pot-based prescription drug seeks FDA ok

British company, GW Pharma, in advanced trails for the world’s first pharmaceutical developed from raw marijuana instead of synthetic equivalents, is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval. The pot-based prescription is a mouth spray that GW Pharma aims to market in the United States as a treatment for cancer pain. It hopes to get the FDA’s nod by the... 

Supreme Court Limits Police Use of Global Positioning Satellites

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that police must get a search warrant before they can use Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to track the vehicles of criminal suspects. The decision represented one of the first times the Supreme Court has tried to balance digital technology against the constitutional privacy rights of citizens. “We hold that the government’s... 

U.S. mulls plans to send Guantanamo Bay prisoners to Qatar prisons

The United States on Monday denied reports that Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, would be released on the streets according to the officials. Explaining the “release,” of prisoners, Victoria Nuland, the State Department spokesperson negated “the impression of putting guys who are currently in Guantanamo on the street,” saying, “I don’t... 

U.S. readies for Yemen President Saleh, refuses to divulge details

The United States on Monday confirmed issuance of visa to ailing Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh for a limited time to undergo medical treatment but refused to divulge time-period for which the visa is issued. “We have issued a visa for Ali Abdullah Saleh,” said Victoria Nuland, the State Department spokesperson, adding, “It is strictly for medical... 

“Truest” Music Video Released by Rossi Manolo

It wasn’t that long ago that we reviewed Rossi Manolo’s latest musical contribution to the Hip Hop Universe titled “Kushified“. I warned you in advance that this artist was not to be slept on! Well call me Nostradamus damn it! Cause here comes that fire I promised. Rossi’s current single Truest is an introspective look at Rossi’s life both... 

Gabrielle Giffords to retire from Congress

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced in a video on her website that she is retiring from Congress to focus on her recovery. The Arizona representative, who was shot in the head during a shooting spree in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2011, said Sunday in an announcement on Facebook and Twitter, that she doesn’t remember much from that fateful day. She added “I have more work... 

5.0-magnitude quake strikes Hawaii, at least 20 aftershocks felt

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii on Sunday, shaking the island of Oahu in an area about four miles south of the active Pu’u O’o crater on the Kilauea volcano’s east rift side. The National Geological Survey said the quake had a depth about five miles deep and there was no threat of a tsunami. A smaller set of quakes was reported within 10 minutes... 

First class stamp rises to 45 cents

Effective Jan. 22, it will cost you an extra penny to mail a first class letter in the United States. The increase, announced in October, is the first change for first class mail stamps in more than two and a half years. Prices also rise for other mail. The cost of sending a postcard rises 3 cents to 32 cents; a 5-cent increase to 85 cents for a 1-ounce letter to Canada... 

U.S. stocks up Monday as traders eye Europe

United States stocks opened modestly higher Monday as investors face a busy week and keep a close eye on developments in Europe. Just after the opening bell on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 22 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 3 points and the NASDAQ was better by 8 points. Stocks started Monday in a rally mode, sitting at its... 

Victim in California severed head case identified

Coroners in California have identified the man whose severed head, hands and feet were discovered this week as 66-year-old Hervey Medellin. Authorities said Medellin was a retired Mexicana Airlines employee who lived in an apartment not far from the hiking trail where his remains were found. On Friday, Los Angeles police completed the biggest search in recent memory, with... 

New poll puts Gingrich ahead of Romney in South Carolina

Saturday is a big day for politics in South Carolina, and as voters cast their vote for the Republican presidential nominee, a new poll shows Newt Gingrich is way ahead of Mitt Romney. The American Research Group poll, conducted Thursday and Friday, shows Gingrich with a strong lead over Romney by a 40 percent to 26 percent margin. ARG’s last poll, released Thursday,... 

In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system pares religious ties

Catholic Healthcare West, one of the nation’s largest hospital systems, is ending its governing board’s affiliation with the Catholic Church and changing its name, two steps intended to help the system expand throughout the states in which it operates — California, Arizona and Nevada — and beyond. The changes, which executives plan to announce Monday,... 

JKS Wholesale issues allergy alert on undeclared milk allergens In ‘Torta de Pan’

Wholesale SVCS Inc., of Beltsville, Maryland, is recalling its 16-ounce packages of “Torta de Pan” because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The product was packaged in a 16-ounce clear plastic bag and was distributed to supermarkets... 

Price Chopper Supermarkets recall shredded taco cheese

Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on its 16-ounce Coyote Joe’s Shredded Taco Cheese with UPC 41735-12509 and an expiration date of April 21, 2012, due to the possibility of shredded plastic fragments inside the packaging. The cheese was sold chain-wide between the dates of Jan. 4 and Jan. 17, 2012. Price Chopper has initiated its Smart Reply... 

JFK hearse sells for $160,000

The Cadillac hearse that transported the body of President John F. Kennedy from a Dallas hospital to Air Force One was sold at auction for $160,000. The vehicle, a 1964 Miller-Meteor Cadillac hearse, was originally owned by funeral home owner Vernon O’Neal and was sold in the late 1960s to Arrdeen Vaughan. Vaughan restored the vehicle and put it up for auction in... 

Fraud trial of former billionaire Allen Stanford begins Monday

The trial of former Houston billionaire Allen Stanford was set to begin on Monday with jury selection. Defense attorneys for the 61-year-old, now indigent after his assets were seized, were scheduled to choose from 80 potential jurors. Last week, the attorneys failed to convince District Judge David Hittner to delay the trial and give them more time to prepare. Stanford’s... 

Apple now worth more than Greece

Apple’s stock market value rose to $400 billion briefly on Thursday, a record high, valuing the tech giant worth more than Greece. By midday, Apple’s market cap slipped below the $400 billion mark as shares dipped back from its all-time high of $431.37 set Thursday morning. Shares of Apple finished the day down slightly, leaving the maker of the Mac, the iPhone,... 

Bank of America posts a profit

Bank of America reported a fourth-quarter profit of $2 billion compared with a $1.2 billion loss in the same period in 2010. The nation’s second largest lender said it had a full-year net profit of $1.4 billion compared with a net loss of $2.2 billion during 2010. Bank of America credited its two years of streamlining and simplifying the company for helping it return... 

Walmart launches ‘American Idol’-like contest for new products

Walmart announced Thursday the launch of an “American Idol”-like contest to uncover the next great product. The “Get on the Shelf” contest is the first contest of its kind from a major retailer and is open to all. Starting Thursday, anyone can enter “Get on the Shelf” for the chance to get their product sold by Walmart. Any product in... 

Unsafe abortions ‘on the rise’

A new study by the New York Guttmacher Institute states that the number of women having induced abortions has stayed stubbornly high since the last such report in 2003, and that the marked reduction in the eight years before that has not been maintained. Almost half of all abortions are categorized by the institute as “unsafe”, and this figure is rising –... 

Pentagon announces fresh deployment to Afghanistan

Thousands of troops based in Georgia and North Carolina are scheduled to head to Afghanistan for a rotation duty according to the Department of Defense. In an announcement the Pentagon identified three major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. Citing the scheduled rotation to begin in Spring 2012, the announcement involved... 

Mortgage rates hit another record low

Rates for U.S. 30 year mortgages dropped to the lowest level on record as the number of homeowners seeking to reduce their monthly payments soared. The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan for the week ending Jan. 19 fell to 3.88 percent, an all time record low, and down from 3.89 percent in the prior week, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. The average rate on... 

U.S. Army suicide rates fall, alcohol abuse remains high

Army suicide rates declined for the first time in four years in 2011, according to a report from outgoing chief of staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who credits the decline to the result of a complex effort to identify soldiers engaged in risky or self-destructive behavior. Suicides among active duty soldiers, and those in the National Guard and Reserves who are not an active... 

U.S. announces major visa shake up to lure tourists from China, Brazil, India

President Barack Obama on Thursday in Florida continued his job creation efforts highlighting America as a premier travel destination, with a new visa policy for “low risk” applicants and welcome strategy to lure visitors from China, Brazil and India. Addressing journalists on Air Force One on the way to Orlando, Florida, Jay Carney, the White House spokesman... 

AT&T hikes monthly rates on smartphone

AT&T announced it would raise monthly fees for new users of its smartphones. The wireless phone provider says it will increase the data plan rates required with the purchase of any smartphones, including the iPhone. Rate hikes are becoming inevitable as carriers face growing demands for bandwidth. Existing users will not face rate hikes. Fees for each level of data... 

Kentucky’s first sandhill crane hunting season fails to hit mark

The controversial sandhill crane hunting season in Kentucky, the first legal hunt of the migratory bird in Kentucky, was deemed a success despite failing to meet the state’s quota. According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, only 50 sandhill cranes were taken in the inaugural season that began Dec. 17, 2011 until Jan. 15, 2012. The department set... 

California boy, 10, charged with murder of best friend

A 10-year-old is in a juvenile detention center in Southern California on charges that he murdered another child. The victim’s mother, Lisa Carter, said the suspect was her 12-year-son’s best friend. Ryan Carter, according to his mother, died after stepping in front of the 10-year-old as he was trying to stab another child. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department... 

Wall Street opens mixed Friday on GE, Google earnings

Wall Street opened mixed to lower Friday morning following earnings reports from General Eclectic and Google that disappointed. Just after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat, the S&P 500 Index was down 3 points and the NASDAQ fell 9 points. Weighing on stocks was an earnings report from Dow component General Electric. Shares of GE dropped more... 

Kansas tobacco prevention funds diverted to other uses

It may be a new budget year for Kansas, but it’s the same level of funding for anti-smoking efforts in the state. And that’s just the problem, anti-tobacco activists say. Kansas falls far short of the federally recommended level of spending for anti-tobacco programs. In fact, the state earns an F for prevention spending in the American Lung Association’s... 

Rick Perry dropping out of GOP race

Rick Perry is expected to drop his Republican presidential bid after repeated poor rankings and debate performances. The official announcement is expected at an 11 a.m. EST press conference. The Texas governor has already started informing supporters that he is no longer in the race, according to media reports. He may endorse Newt Gingrich, according to people familiar... 

Wall Street opens higher on trio of positive economic reports

Wall Street opened higher Thursday after three separate economic reports showed the year- long recovery is gaining ground. Just after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 15 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3 points and the NASDAQ advanced 11.84. Giving investors something to cheer about was a report from the Labor Department that... 

Turns out Santorum was the winner in Iowa

Rick Santorum was the real winner in the Iowa primary, finishing ahead of Mitt Romney by 34 votes, according the Des Moines Register. Results from eight precincts were missing and might still hold an advantage for Romney, the newspaper reported Thursday on its website. Those votes may never be recorded and certified, according to Republican Party officials, who were to announce... 

TSA admits violating policies in searches of elderly women

The Transportation Security Administration has admitted violating its own policies when it screened two elderly women late last year. In a letter to New York state Sen. Michael Gianaris, Betsy Markey, assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said it is against standard procedure to examine medical devices, and that agents... 

Study: Many older women may not need frequent bone scans

Many women who get screened for osteoporosis may not need the examination, according to a report published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The new study suggests current guidelines may spur extra tests, increasing costs and unnecessary treatments. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which sets testing guidelines, recommends a bone density test every... 

First time unemployment claims drop to 352,000

Initial unemployment claims dropped to 352,000 during the week ending Jan. 14, their lowest level in nearly four years. First time claims for jobless benefits dropped by 50,000 from the previous week’s revised tally of 402,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The less volatile four-week moving average was 379,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week’s... 

Scientists find La Nina precedes flu pandemic

Public health researchers revealed in a study that the La Nina weather phenomenon precedes flu pandemics. The findings of Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Marc Lipsitch of the Harvard School of Public Health were published Monday on the website of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Shaman and Lipsitch pointed... 

Disney delivers with DisneyBaby.com

Walt Disney drew its baby business on Tuesday with the delivery of DisneyBaby.com The new website features merchandise and also serves as a social media platform for parents. The site is Disney’s attempt to secure consumers in the baby and parent demographic. In November, Disney took its first step into the foray with the $40 million plus purchase of Babble.com,... 

China steps up gold purchases

China’s appetite for gold is glowing, glistening and growing. Shipments of the yellow metal to the Mainland have soared, giving gold prices a boost after a steep drop in December. The Chinese have been backing up the truck and loading up on gold ahead on the Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 23. The New Year in China is a heavy on gift giving in which the older... 

State Department to deny permit for Canada-U.S. oil pipeline project

The U.S. State Department is reportedly denying a permit for the construction of Keystone XL, a 1,700-mile oil pipeline between Canada and the U.S. The news sent shares of TransCanada Corp., which will undertake the project, falling on Wednesday. According to sources, the State Department will not issue the permit following the White House’s admission that it won’t... 

Obama nixes Republican pressure and the Keystone XL pipeline

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday refused to buckle under Republican deadline and rejected a bid to expand the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline according to the Obama Administration. President Obama personally conveyed “his Administration’s decision on the Keystone pipeline,” to Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper according to the White House... 

Eastman Kodak files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

It’s the end of a storied era for the iconic film and camera company Eastman Kodak, which Thursday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 131-year-old company has been trying desperately to sell its huge collection of digital imaging patents, saying it needed the money to stay alive. The company’s future virtually hinged on that sale. If the sale did not come... 

Jerry Yang quits Yahoo

Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo!, resigned from the company’s board of directors, as well as all other positions, late Tuesday after the company announced new leadership. Yang was very present in the day-to-day operations of the company. His resignation opens a new direction and removes several obstacles for the struggling internet giant, perhaps even opening up... 

57,000 carat emerald up for sale

It’s the size of a watermelon. It weighs more than 25 pounds. It’s been named “God’s Gift.” And for a million dollars or so it could be yours. The “Teodora,” or God’s Gift, is the world’s largest cut emerald at 57,000 carats and it is will be auctioned off this month in Canada. The 25.35 pound emerald, appraised Monday... 

New Mexico governor seeks to end licenses for illegal immigrants

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez plans to push for the approval of a bill denying driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, an effort Democrats will have to oppose quickly during the legislature’s 30-day session. Giving her state of the state speech before lawmakers on Tuesday, Martinez declared that she would once more seek to repeal a 2003 law that allows license... 

Goldman Sachs reports $1 billion profit

Banking giant Goldman Sachs reported a fourth-quarter profit of about $1 billion on Wednesday after posting a loss in the third quarter. However, the company’s revenue was still down from a year earlier. Once known for its high annual bonuses, Goldman Sachs slashed compensation and benefits by 21 percent to $12.2 billion in 2011, which helped it to post a profit during... 

Study: Alcohol not safe at any time during pregnancy

A study on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has found there is no safe amount of drinking during pregnancy. The study appeared online Jan. 16, ahead of publication in the April print issue of the journal Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research. Study authors say it is one of the first to examine the impact of quantity, frequency and timing of alcohol exposure on the condition. Fetal... 

Homebuilder sentiment highest since 2007

Could the housing industry be on the mend? According to a report Wednesday from the National Association of Home Builders, it just might be. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Hosing Market index rose to 25 in January from 21 the prior month. It was the highest level since 2007, when the housing market was collapsing. After remaining in a tight range for about a year, the index has... 

Consumer credit card debt down

Consumers decreased their credit card debt by 11 percent last year, with the average debt load declining in every state. That information came from a report released Tuesday by credit tracking and financial education website CreditKarma.com. It analyzed data from more than 300,000 of its users. “The new year typically inspires consumers to get in control of their... 

Supreme Court lets stand ruling that bans prayer at school board meetings

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected appeals that sought to give government organizations more discretion on whether to open their meetings with prayers. Instead, the court decided to let a federal appeals court decision stand that said a North Carolina school board would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by starting its meetings with prayers. The... 

Obesity rates plateau in U.S.

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has largely leveled off in adults over the last 10 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. That’s the good news. On the flip side, some groups, such as boys from ages 6 to 19, saw increases. Obesity rates among boys soared 29 percent between 1999 and 2010, surpassing girls for the first time. Girls... 

Fuel transfer begins at iced-in Nome

A Russian tanker and its crew have begun transferring more than a million gallons of fuel to the iced-in city of Nome, located on the western coast of Alaska. The tanker, Renda, has stretched two parallel hoses, one carrying gasoline and the other carrying diesel, 700 yards each, to a pipeline that will deliver fuel to the storage tanks in Nome. The transfer will take... 

White House under lockdown as smoke bomb hurled over the fence

A smoke bomb was thrown over the fence at the White House as a rally with more than 1,000 Occupy DC protestors was being held outside, according to the Secret Service. The crowd has been dispersed and no arrests have been reported. After a two-and-a-half-hour dinner, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michele Obama returned to the White House. Tuesday was the birthday... 

Romney ahead in polls as South Carolina readies for Saturday primary

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is on the brink of winning all three of the first primary ballots, according to a South Carolina poll that shows he will easily win the Palmetto State this Saturday. A Monmouth University Poll released Tuesday finds Romney ahead with 33 percent among likely Republican voters. Romney is trailed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich... 

White House labels Gingrich ‘food stamp President’ remark as ‘crazy’

The White House took the opportunity on Tuesday to take journalists down memory lane to the dark fiscal days of George W. Bush’s tenure when “the economy was contracting — or had contracted in the previous quarter, the last quarter of President Bush’s term in office, by nearly 9 percent.” Newt Gingrich, a former House speaker and Republican... 

U.S. rushes to endorse international code of conduct for outer space

Within days of crashing into the Pacific Ocean, a defunct Russian Mars probe weighing 13.5 tons elicited a strong statement from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday as the U.S. Department of Defense announced its support for an international code of conduct for outer space. “The long-term sustainability of our space environment is at serious risk... 

‘Tiered’ insurance confounds consumers, docs in Massachusetts

Sarah Bechta, a wife, mother and physician from Northborough, Mass. sat down at her kitchen table with a folder full of brochures, pages from insurance websites and a hand-drawn spreadsheet to try to find out if a new “tiered” health plan would be the cheapest option for her family. She started by comparing her premium for traditional insurance and a tiered... 

Wall Street opens wary on eurozone lending concerns

U.S. stocks opened lower Wednesday as initial enthusiasm over the International Monetary Fund’s plan to bolster lending to the ailing eurozone nations waned. Just after the opening bell on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lower by 22 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was off 2 points and the NASDAQ was virtually flat. U.S. investors... 

Internet sites go black to protest piracy bills

It just may be dubbed “Black Wednesday.” Several internet sites went black Wednesday to protest two bills before Congress that opponents say would censor the Internet and slow economic growth in the United States. The two bills are known the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) in the Senate, and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House. The Senate... 

Wikipedia warns of shutdown to protest U.S. priacy law

Things may get sticky at “Wiki” on Wednesday. Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia where users contribute and edit entries, has warned that it plans a 24-hour shutdown Wednesday to oppose proposed U.S. anti-piracy legislation. The move is a protest against pending legislation, including the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA bill, according to Wikimedia Foundation... 

U.S. stocks rise Tuesday on China growth report

U.S. stocks jumped on the open Tuesday after a report on China’s economic growth showed the country’s growth slowed, but less than expected. Just before 10 a.m. on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 104 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 10 and the NASDAQ advanced 23. China’s government said the country’s... 

LL Bean celebrates 100th year with “Bootmobile”

These boots weren’t first made for walking, they were made for fisherman and hunters. One hundred years later, LL Bean’s boots are staples for scores of people. Outdoor retailer LL Bean marks 100 years in business this week, and in celebration it has built a four-wheeled version of the founders’ famous hunting boot. The “Bootmobile” measures... 

Paula Dean confirms she has Type 2 diabetes

Southern-style, butter-loving cook Paula Dean confirmed in a press release Monday that she has Type 2 diabetes. Dean, whose southern drawl is as thick of some of her recipes, made the announcement in a release for her new “Diabetes in a New Light” website and products. Tuesday morning the Food Network star told the Today show she learned of her diagnosis during... 

Listen up: headphones can harm you

The number of people suffering serious injury while wearing headphones has tripled in six years, according to a new study in Injury Prevention. Researchers found a dramatic increase in injuries to people wearing headphones while walking in the street, particularly in young men. U.S. data from 2004 to 2011 shows 116 reports of death or injury of pediatricians wearing headphones.... 

Burger King to test home burger delivery

Home delivery has worked for pizza. Will it become a trend for fast food burgers as well? Burger King thinks it can. The company is testing out delivery service at some of its outlets in Virginia and Maryland in an effort to boost sales. The fast food giant, which operates some 7,500 fast-food restaurants in the Unites States and Canada, will expand its test from four... 

Congress cuts staff, computers and office supplies

With government deficits running high, Congress voted last year to cut its own spending by 5 percent, but not everyone agrees that it was the right thing to do. Sunlight Foundation, a non-profit nonpartisan organization, ran an analysis of the cuts both houses in Congress have made. Congress cut 948 staff positions, or 7.4 percent, slashed spending on computers by 62.5... 

The high cost of a good night’s sleep

On a Monday night in December, Lauretta Martin, 47, visited the sleep lab at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. for the second time. On her first visit, Martin, a heavyset woman whose husband reports she is a loud snorer, was diagnosed with sleep apnea. This time, she was being fitted for a CPAP machine, which helps keep a snorer’s airway open... 

Huntsman quits GOP race, endorses Romney

Jon Huntsman ended his run in the GOP presidential race Monday and endorsed Mitt Romney. The former Utah governor, flanked by his wife and daughters, announced his decision to quit the presidential race at a news conference in Myrtle Beach. Huntsman, who also served as U.S. ambassador to China under Democratic President Barack Obama, never gained traction in the Republican... 

Natural gas prices plunge as warm weather builds supply

Natural gas prices have plummeted a whopping 35 percent over the past year, a boon for homeowners, factories and businesses who heat with the fuel. The United States is rich with natural gas, a result of new drilling techniques that have enabled energy companies to tap vast supplies that were unreachable just a few years ago. This winter season’s mild weather has... 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial misquotes but still attracts visitors

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial marked its first holiday named for the slain civil rights leader Monday with a controversy. Shortly after the memorial was dedicated in August, it became obvious that an inscription at the base of the 9.1-meter high statue inaccurately quotes King. It says, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” A columnist... 

Romney enjoys wide lead in Florida

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is easily ahead in Florida on a day one of his primary opponents bows out and offers his endorsement. An American Research Group, Inc. survey released Monday finds Romney in the lead with 42 percent, followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 25 percent. Romney enjoyed the endorsement of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman who quit... 

Talks continue between MTA, New York transit workers

Talks between the union representing transit workers at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority were set to continue on Tuesday, a day after the three-year contract between the two parties expired. Transport Workers Union Local 100 has rejected a proposal freezing wages for three years starting this year, demanding that wages keep pace with inflation. Hundreds of workers... 

New group to set priorities for medical effectiveness research

More than two years ago, studies found that injection of medical cement into compression fractures of the spine produced no better pain relief than “sham” injections. Yet doctors continue to perform the $5,000-plus procedure and most insurers, including Medicare, still cover it. The continued use of spinal cement injections is a cautionary tale for those who... 

Peeking in on your doctor’s notes

If you saw that your doctor had written “SOB” in the notes he took during your latest office visit, you might be offended and wonder what you’d done to give him such a negative impression. But “SOB,” in physicians’ shorthand, simply means “shortness of breath.” Concern about such misunderstandings is one of several reasons... 

Bad water pumps prompting recall of thousands of Mini autos

BMW is recalling 89,000 Mini brand cars in the United States over faulty water pumps that can malfunction and cause engine compartment fires. The recall comes some three months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defects investigation, citing 12 reports of fires in the vehicles. Five of the fires reportedly destroyed the cars, NHTSA reported.... 

Google’s doodle honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Google celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a Google doodle. The doodle shows King within the name of the search engine giant, surrounded by words from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Martin Luther King, Jr., born on Jan 15, 1929, is best remembered for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the... 

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin, named Miss America 2012

There she is! Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012. The beauty from Wisconsin was crowned Saturday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Hosted by Chris Harrison of The Bachelor and Brooke Burke-Charvet of Dancing With the Stars, the event featured blinding pearly white smiles, sparkling floor-length gowns and Barbie-doll figures. Judges included “Dancing... 

Online shoe, clothing store Zappos hacked; passwords for 24 million users reset

Zappos.com has reset the passwords of its 24 million users after the server of the online shoe and clothing store was hacked and customers’ personal information were believed stolen. The Amazon-owned company is calling on its customers to reset their passwords as the hacker of one of their Kentucky servers may have stolen their names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers,... 

South Carolina primary election to test immigration policy

The upcoming South Carolina Republican primary election on Jan. 21 is turning into a test of U.S. immigration policy. Republican candidates are trying to respond to public outrage about illegal immigration but at the same time appeal to Hispanic voters. Consistently during primary elections of the past 30 years, candidates who won in South Carolina became their parties’... 

U.S. postpones military maneuvers with Israel

To prevent a tense regional situation from becoming further aggravated, the United States on Sunday announced it is postponing its joint military maneuvers with Israel. Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for politics-military affairs, had announced the drill, named “Austere Challenge,” in November. The drill, scheduled in May, was to include more... 

Mississippi attorney general to ask court to declare pardons void

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood plans to ask a court to declare void the more than 200 inmates granted clemency last week by former Gov. Haley Barbour. In a statement over the weekend announcing preliminary results of his review of the pardons, the Democrat assured that four of the five inmates released so far had been served notice. David Gatlin, Charles Hooker,... 

Markets gear up for busy shortened week

U.S. stocks are gearing up for a busy shortened week, with three major banks reporting earnings and two key inflation reports that will provide a gauge of which way consumer prices are moving. U.S. equities will also get their first chance to react to the decision after the close Friday by Standard & Poor’s to downgrade nine eurozone countries. France and Austria... 

Huntsman out of the hunt in GOP presidential race

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman will drop out the race Monday and endorse Mitt Romney, according to several news sources. Some reports say Huntsman does not want to stand in the way of the candidate best prepared to beat President Barack Obama. Others say he is stepping down for family reasons. Huntsman’s family will accompany him to a 11 a.m. news... 

United Nations integration under the spotlight

Putting all UN operations in a country under a single management structure is not as simple as it might sound. In some countries, different parts of the UN may be negotiating with rebels to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid, while their colleagues might be involved in planning military assaults against the very same groups. Neutrality, impartiality and independence... 

Three Fridays the 13th, 13 weeks apart in 2012

People who suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia, fear of Friday the 13th, will find 2012 very troublesome. There are three Fridays the 13th this year, 13 weeks apart. This rarity has not occurred since 1984. The three Fridays the 13th for 2012 occur on Jan. 13, April 13 and May 13, exactly 13 weeks apart. This phenomenon will not happen again until 2040. Fear of Friday the... 

Target to open Apple in-stores

Target Corp has targeted Apple Inc. in an effort to boost sales. The discount retailer confirmed Friday that it is revamping its stores to introduce stores-within-stores offering exclusive merchandise from several vendors. In addition, Target will test 25 locations with instore Apple displays. The instore operations will have a “unique display and assortment,”... 

New research highlights link between female circumcision, mental disorders

New data out of Iraq shows what many psychologists suspected though little research had confirmed: Girls who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) are more prone to mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results of the research – conducted by Jan Ilhan Kizilhan of the University of Freiburg, an expert in psychotraumatology... 

Regions Financial sells Morgan Keegan to Raymond James for $930 million

Regions Financial has agreed to sell its Morgan Keegan brokerage unit to Raymond James Financial for $930 million. Per the agreement, Morgan Keegan will pay Regions a dividend of $250 million before the deal closes, which is expected by the end of the first quarter. Regions, based in Birmingham, AL, can use the total $1.2 billion from the sale to pay down the $3.5 billion... 

Possible tornado tears through North Carolina, hurts 15

A possible tornado tore through North Carolina Wednesday, injuring at least 15 people and damaging dozens of homes, the National Weather Service reported Thursday. According to the NWS, Rutherford and Burke counties were struck by the apparent tornado late Wednesday as a cold front moved through the area. Many buildings in the area were also damaged, and officials were... 

Heads up: Coors Light now No. 2 beer in U.S.

Coors Light has taken the No. 2 spot from Budweiser to become the second-best selling beer by volume in the United States in 2011, Beer Marketer’s Insights reported. Coors Light finished 2011 with sales of 18.23 million barrels, a 0.8 percent gain from the previous year. Meanwhile, Budweiser ended 2011 with a 4.6 percent decline, to 17.7 million barrels. Anheuser-Busch’s... 

ICANN opens up the Internet to fit any .brand

The Internet is about to get a whole lot more personal, as the organization that controls domains opens up a bidding war for branded websites. ICANN, which regulates top-level domain names, will allow for personalized .brand addresses, starting at $185,000. Web browsers will soon be able to visit much more complicated web addresses, expanding on the old domain names such... 

U.S. astronomers say they have discovered the Milky Way’s true colors

Scientists have often wondered what color the Milky Way appeared to be when viewed from outside our solar system. That’s because astrophotographers use filters to capture different wavelengths of light that aren’t visible to the naked eye when they photograph the Milky Way from Earth. That puts those light wavelengths into colorized hues our eyes can recognize,... 

Connecticut considers bear-hunt lottery as mammal’s population rises

Sportsmen are sure to welcome the first bear hunt since 1840 in Connecticut after the state’s plan for a bear-hunt lottery was revealed. The draft, quietly crafted by Connecticut wildlife officials, is set for review this week by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office. It would address the issue of ballooning bear population, but the plan is expected to get resistance... 

The public option did not die

In a cavernous room just east of San Francisco, an army of phone operators fields calls from their customers. A large computer screen blinks the number of people on hold: two, and the average wait time: one minute, 12 seconds. These phone operators working in a nondescript office park in Alameda are employed by a large health insurance plan, and they’re willing to... 

Stolen car with toddler inside sparks Houston Amber Alert

Police in and around Houston, Texas, have issued an Amber Alert after someone stole a car that had an 18-month-old boy inside. The intended victim was the boy’s 7-year-old cousin, but local television station KBTX reports the girl was able to escape from the green Jeep when it was stolen from a Walmart parking lot at about 5:40 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The boy’s... 

U.S. Marines identify two ‘urination’ soldiers

The United States military said Friday it has identified two of four soldiers believed to be U.S. Marines shown in a video urinating on the corpses of Afghan insurgents. According to U.S. Marines spokesman Lt. Col. Joseph Plenzler, the Marines originated from a base in the U.S. However, he refused to name the unit since the incident is under investigation. There is speculation... 

Judge declares Natalie Holloway officially dead

An Alabama judge has declared that Natalie Holloway, the American teenager who went missing in Aruba in 2005, is dead. The decision, by Judge Alan King, was made after her father, Dave Holloway, said it was time since there is no evidence she is still alive. His ex-wife, Beth Holloway, was against the move. The declaration comes the same week as Joran van der Sloot, the... 

U.S. welcomes Myanmar, rebel truce pact

Just hours after Myanmar signed a cease-fire deal with Karen rebels to end a 62-year-old civil conflict, the United States on Thursday welcomed the move. “We do welcome the news of an agreement on a ceasefire between the government of Myanmar and the Karen National Union (KNU),” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. “We have long called... 

Home Depot to hire more than 70,000 seasonal workers

The “Help Wanted” sign is out at Home Depot. The home improvement giant announced Thursday that it is recruiting some 70,000 seasonal workers at stores across the United States. Spring and summer are particularly busy for Home Depot as homeowners rush in to buy plants, patio furniture, barbeque grills, and step up sprucing up their homes. While the number of... 

Airlines fares set to take flight

Spring break is set to get more expensive. On Thursday, several major airlines matched Delta’s domestic price increase of $20 per round trip the carrier filed for this week. United Continental Holdings, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and US Airways all confirmed they matched the fare hike, which fare tracker FareCompare.com called the first domestic airfare... 

Lipitor keeps 37 percent of market share against generic rivals

Pfizer’s cholesterol drug Lipitor is holding onto roughly 37 percent of the overall U.S. market as it competes with generic versions, the company reported Tuesday. Pfizer’s CEO, Ian Reed, said at the J.P. Morgan health care conference in San Francisco the company is “where we expected to be” in regards to sales of Lipitor. Generic versions of the... 

Starbucks offers free taste of new lighter roast Thursday through Saturday

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but there will be free coffee for a few days. From Thursday through Saturday, Starbucks will offer free taste tests of its new Blonde Roast blend. Starbucks, known for its signature dark roasts, has been working on perfecting a lighter roast to fulfill the needs of some of the 54 million java drinkers in the United States who... 

Washington protesters demand closure of Guantanamo prison

Human rights activists marched from the White House to the Supreme Court Wednesday to protest the 10th anniversary of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. They are demanding that the prison for accused terrorists at a naval base in Cuba be closed and that the U.S. government repeal laws that allow the prisoners to be detained without civilian trials. “Guantanamo... 

‘Skins London Fletcher nabs Bart Starr Award for character, leadership

Athletes in Action announced today that linebacker London Fletcher will be honored with the 2012 Bart Starr Award, which recognizes one NFL player for outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Other finalists for the award were Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Fletcher will... 

Secretary Clinton nods Taliban negotiations, denies Iranian assassination

The United States on Tuesday acknowledged support for Afghan-led negotiations with Taliban and talks about opening a Taliban office in Qatar according to the top U.S. diplomat. Addressing journalists after her meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, “We are... 

Mississippi court stops release of inmates pardoned by Barbour

A judge has temporarily halted the release of prisoners pardoned by former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour before he left office this week. Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green granted the injunction Attorney Gen. Jim Hood requested on Wednesday, assuaging some families of victims concerned about their safety. Hood, a Democrat, sought a temporary restraining order... 

U.S. scientists find smallest known vertebrate

A team of scientists from the United States reported this week that they discovered a frog in New Guinea that is the world’s smallest known vertebrate. The animal is one of two species of frog that were discovered, but at 7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches), it broke the record for tiniest vertebrate. Before the find, the Paedicypris progenetica, an Indonesian fish averaging... 

U.S. denies role in Iranian scientist’s assassination

The United States on Thursday rejected the Iranian government’s claims of Washington’s role in killing Ahmadi Roshan, a prominent nuclear scientist, in a car bomb attack. National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the U.S. had absolutely nothing to do with the killing. “We strongly condemn all acts of violence, including acts of violence like... 

Foreclosure filings fell 34 percent in 2011

First the good news. Foreclosure filings fell 34 percent in 2011 from 2010. Now the bad news. The decline was due to processing delays. RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, said Thursday a total of 2,698,967 foreclosure filings were reported on 1,887,777 U.S. properties in 2011, representing a 34 percent drop from 2010. The report also showed that... 

Ford recalls 490,000 vehicles for fire risks

Ford Motor Co. has recalled about 490,000 vehicles to fix flaws that can cause fires or loss of power. The vehicles recalled include 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans and 244,530 Ford Escape sport-utility vehicles in the United States, and about 40,000 Escapes in other countries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement on... 

Fungicide found in orange juice

A day without orange juice for some is like a day without sunshine. For others it is a day without fungicide. Low levels of fungicide found in orange juice products have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to step up testing for the contamination. FDA officials say they are not worried about the safety of the citrus juice, but will increase testing to make sure the... 

Marijuana smoking does not harm lungs, study says

New research says smoking marijuana is not as damaging to the lungs as cigarette smoking, clearing the air for some stoners. According to a new study led by the University of California-San Francisco and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the researchers found exactly what they thought they would find in relation to tobacco exposure: a consistent loss of lung function... 

Developing: Polls close in New Hampshire

The polls have closed in New Hampshire, where Republican voters cast ballots in the first binding election of the 2012 presidential primary. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads the pack in statewide pre-election polls. It is up to Romney’s rivals to either defeat him in the Granite State, or reduce his margin of victory to a number that will allow other campaigns... 

Mitt Romney projected to win New Hampshire primary

The polls have closed in New Hampshire’s 301 precincts and based on early election returns and exit polling former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is projected to win. Currently, Romney is trailed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), followed by former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. Paul’s success at retail campaigning works well in small states and among digitally connected... 

U.S. urges allies to impose sanctions on Iran without hurting their own interests

The United States on Tuesday reiterated hopes to impose sanctions on Iranian oil exports without impacting international markets and U.S. allies in the process, according to the White House. Addressing journalists, Jay Carney, the White House spokesman said, “We have effectively isolated Iran to a degree that has never before been the case. And the impact of the... 

FAA says ultralight pilots can resume flights with whooping cranes

The interrupted migration of a group of whooping cranes may continue to its destination at a wildlife preserve in Florida. The ultralight-led flight of the nine cranes was halted last week after the Federal Aviation Administration ruled that the pilots of the kite-like craft could not be compensated. The migration, already well under way, became stalled in Franklin County,... 

Appeals court upholds injunction on Oklahoma’s ban on Islamic law

The 10th U.S. Court of Appeals has unanimously upheld an injunction against a law banning courts in Oklahoma from considering Islamic law when deciding on cases. The appeals panel on Tuesday ruled 3-0 to uphold a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, chief of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. “While the public... 

Fannie CEO Michael Williams to step down

Michael Williams, the CEO of government-seized housing giant Fannie Mae, announced Tuesday that he will step down as soon as a new chief executive officer is appointed. In a statement Williams said, “I decided the time is right to turn the reins to a new leader. As I told employees today, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together and I am confident... 

Google’s doodle celebrates Nicolas Steno

Nicolas Steno, known as the “father of geology,” was remembered Wednesday, his 374th birthday, with a Google doodle. The artwork on Google’s homepage pays homage to the Danish anatomist and geologist, famous for his “principle of original horizontally,” the theory that layers of rock are formed horizontally, by presenting the letters of the... 

U.S stocks slip Wednesday as euro worries persist

U.S. stocks slipped on the open Wednesday, a day after major indexes hit a five-month high as investors once again turned their focus to the European sovereign debt crisis. Just after 9:30 a.m., the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 65 points, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index dropped 7 points and the NASDAQ was lower by 7. Weighing on U.S. stocks was the falling... 

Study: Psoriasis raises risk of heart disease

People who suffer from psoriasis may be at a greater risk for coronary artery disease, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of California analyzed data on nearly 9,500 patients who had coronary angiography, including just over 200 with psoriasis. When compared to the other patients, those with psoriasis were more likely to have a history of high cholesterol... 

‘Occupy’ occupies 2011 Word of the Year

Last year was quite a year for demonstrators. First, Time magazine named “The Protestor” its 2011 “Person of the Year.” And now linguists have chosen the word “occupy” (as in Occupy Wall Street) as the 2011 “Word of the Year.” The word has become synonymous with anti-Wall Street protestors who took over parts of New York City... 

Biologists say long-lost tortoise is still alive in hybrid ancestors

Biologists are jumping for joy after finding evidence that a once thought extinct tortoise has survived by mating with other species in the Galapagos Islands. When explorers, whalers, traders, and pirates reached the norotiously isolated South American islands made famous by Charles Darwin, they ravaged the local tortoise population, exterminating an estimated five separate... 

Will the Supreme Court Strike Down Part of the Voting Rights Act?

This afternoon, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a Texas redistricting case that could have major implications for minority voters — as well as determine which party is likely to control Congress after the 2012 elections. Here’s our guide to why the case matters, why it could pose a challenge to part of the Voting Rights Act, and what impact the Court’s... 

Warner Bros. extends DVD rental delay

Warner Bros. will extend the time customers have to wait to watch movies on DVDs from services such as Netflix to 56 days, more than twice as long as the current delay. The move is a bid to bolster flagging DVD sales as well as fledging online movie service UlraViolet, which lets buyers of DVDs or movie downloads watch those movies online using computers, smartphones or... 

Romney, Huntsman tie among Dixville Notch voters in New Hampshire’s midnight primary

Republican voters in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire have selected both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman to lead the GOP fight against President Barack Obama in 2012. Nine voters from the tiny resort town (pop. 75) voted at midnight at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, continuing the longest streak of late night voting in American history.... 

White House dumps controversial book contents as sensationalization case

The White House on Monday brushed aside the controversial book about the First Family while journalists bombarded the presidential press secretary with questions. Citing the interest in Jodi Kantor’s book that’s coming out on Tuesday, Jay Carney, the White House spokesman said, “Books like these tend to overhype and sensationalize things and I think... 

Texas challenges Federal courts’ right to redistrict its voters

The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on Texas’ plans to reconfigure its voting districts after the latest census showed a big growth in its minority population. The state gained four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives because of the 4.3 million new Texas residents between 2000 and 2010. The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature responded by reconfiguring... 

Agriculture Department to close 259 offices

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to close 259 offices nationwide as part of a program to cut costs and improve service. In a statement that coincided with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced changes to his agency worth about $150 million in savings every year. The measures, which had been expected,... 

Study finds nicotine replacement drugs not that effective

Nicotine replacement therapies such as gum and patches do not appear to be effective in helping smokers kick the habit for good, according to a new study. Researchers with Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Massachusetts said the products don’t usually work as intended, even when combined with smoking cessation therapy. The researchers said the... 

GOP leader of New Jersey Assembly dies in State House

New Jersey Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, the top GOP lawmaker in the state’s lower house, died in a State House bathroom Monday night. DeCroce collapsed minutes after lawmakers cast their final vote of the 214th Legislature. His death prompted Gov. Chris Christie to postpone the annual State of the State address. Instead, Christie will eulogize DeCroce, whom local media... 

The health law goes graphic

Nearly two years after the passage of the federal health law, more than 40 percent of people say they know little or nothing about how the law will affect them, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest monthly health tracking poll, published in December. That figure hasn’t budged since April 2010, just after the law was signed. Jonathan Gruber, an... 

Record rains swamp Houston

Light rain was forecast for Houston Tuesday after record rainfall totals drenched the region on Monday. City roads were flooded and thousands of Houston residents, including at least five schools, were without electricity. Powerful thunderstorms dumped several inches of rain on drought-stricken areas, and a tornado watch was issued. Some spots received more than 6 inches... 

Stocks rise Tuesday on earnings hope

Stocks rose on Wall Street Tuesday morning after Dow component Alcoa kicked off the earnings season with an outlook that suggests prospects for the economy are improving. Just after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 118 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index jumped 14 points and the NASDAQ climbed 31 points. Monday after the close, Alcoa... 

Warner Bros. extends DVD rental delay

Warner Bros. will extend the time customers have to wait to watch movies on DVDs from services such as Netflix to 56 days, more than twice as long as the current delay. The move is a bid to bolster flagging DVD sales as well as fledging online movie service UlraViolet, which lets buyers of DVDs or movie downloads watch those movies online using computers, smartphones or tablets. Warner... 

U.S. stocks edge up ahead of earning season

U.S. stocks moved up slightly Monday morning as earning season gets underway. Right out of the gate, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 10 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up less than a point and the NASDAQ was better by 5 points. The early rise on Monday followed the previous week’s gains that sent U.S. stocks 1.2 percent higher, or up 142... 

Novartis recalls four popular OTC drugs

Novartis AG has voluntarily issued a recall of four popular over-the-counter drugs because they may contain broken or stray tablets from other products. The drugs recalled include Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X. The drug giant said in a statement released Monday that it has temporarily suspended operations at the Lincoln, NE, plant where the products were made. The... 

U.S. warns Pakistan over handling of ambassador in ‘Memogate’ scandal

The United States on Friday cautioned Pakistan to ensure its judicial and other proceedings follow the highest international standards in the case of the former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. Officials and lawmakers voiced concerns over reports of mistreatment of former ambassador Husain Haqqani on his return to Pakistan following the “Memogate” scandal. Victoria... 

Tucson marks one-year annivesary of Giffords shooting

A resounding chorus of bells resonated across Tucson Sunday as the southern Arizona city marked the one-year anniversary of a shooting rampage that claimed six lives and nearly killed Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Church bells rang at 10:11 a.m., the precise time authorities received the first 911 call reporting the deadly shootings at a local Safeway supermarket on Jan. 8,... 

U.S. reiterates warning to Iran to not block strategic Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Sunday again warned Iran against shutting down strategic Strait of Hormuz. “We made very clear that the United States will not tolerate the blocking of the Straits of Hormuz,” Panetta told CBS television. “That’s another red line for us and that we will respond to them,” the general added. Panetta’s... 

Novartis Consumer Health Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of Certain Over-The-Counter Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Tablets or

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. (NCH) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle packaging configurations of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. NCH is taking this action... 

Judge rules for Arm & Hammer in case against Clorox cat litter

A Manhattan judge has ruled in favor of Arm & Hammer in the company’s lawsuit against Clorox, which was found to have made false claims in a television ad on cat litter. In an evidentiary hearing on Thursday, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York granted a request by Church & Dwight , the owner of Arm & Hammer,... 

U.S. asks Venezuelan diplomat to leave country by Tuesday

The United States on Sunday ordered the expulsion of a Venezuelan diplomat, Livia Acosta Noguera, without giving any reason. Acosta is Venezuela’s consul general in Miami. According to State Department spokesman William Ostick, the U.S. had informed Venezuela that Acosta had been declared persona non grata and ordered her to leave the country by Tuesday. Although... 

Night-vision gear stolen from Washington state Army base

A 100-member infantry company was placed on lockdown last week after thousands of dollars worth of high-grade night-vision equipment went missing from the Washington state U.S. Army base. The equipment included rifle scopes and night-vision goggles, the Seattle Times reported. Maj. Chris Ophardt, a spokesman with Joint Base Lewis-McChord, told the newspaper the equipment... 

Merchant Marine midshipmen treated for carbon monoxide exposure

More than 40 midshipmen from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, were taken to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. The students reported feeling sick at around 10 p.m. Sunday night. The Long Island college trains students to become Merchant Marine officers. Three of the students had high enough carbon monoxide levels that... 

Red wine may lower breast cancer risk

Moderate red wine drinking may reduce women’s risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new study. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, said the skins and seeds of red grapes slightly lower estrogen levels and at the same time elevate testosterone among premenopausal women who drink eight ounces of red wine a night. The researchers said... 

NATO chief, McCain welcome Obama’s outline of ‘leaner’ military

Both the NATO chief and a former United States presidential candidate on Thursday welcomed plans announced by the U.S. leadership to make its military “leaner” but keep it “agile, flexible, and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats.” Flanked by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint... 

Collaborative efforts can save money, improve care

Peter Cady, who works 12-hour shifts on his feet at Intel’s plant here, occasionally suffers severe lower back spasms. But he nearly gave up seeking medical help because in the weeks it took to get a doctor’s appointment and a referral to physical therapy, the pain usually subsided. These days, however, Cady is much happier with his care. Rather than waiting... 

Kansas, Oklahoma insurers won’t get a break on rebate rule

Kansas and Oklahoma are the seventh and eighth states to get the thumbs down from the federal government on their requests to phase in new regulations that could result in health insurance rebates to consumers. Under the Affordable Care Act, companies that sell individual insurance policies must spend at least 80 cents of each premium dollar on health care or quality... 

Early depression, emotional distress may lead to heart disease, diabetes

New research suggests long-term, untreated emotional distress and depression leads to inflammation in the body associated with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Scientists have long debated whether the opposite might be true – that chronic inflammation may cause depression and emotional problems. Duke University Medical Center researchers tested a large... 

30-year mortgage rate matches record low

The New Year looks to be promising for home buyers and those who look to refinance. Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.91 percent for the week ending Jan. 5, matching the all-time record low hit two weeks ago. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage ticked down to 3.23 percent from 3.24 percent. That... 

U.S. stocks quiet Friday after stronger than expected jobs reports

The U.S. economy gained 200,000 jobs in December, the Labor Department said Friday. But the stronger than expected report did little to goose stocks. Just after the opening bell on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 51 points, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index was down 4 points and the NASDAQ dropped about 5 points. Stocks entered the last day... 

Google grabs 217 patents from IBM to bolster its Android defense

IBM confirmed Wednesday that it had sold an additional 188 U.S. patents and 29 patent applications to Google. The move is a “smart” one for the internet search giant. Google has been grabbing up patents from IBM and others over the past year as it aims to bolster its defense against lawsuits over its Android smartphone software that is widely used by a variety... 

Netflix users stream more than 2 billion hours in fourth quarter

Netflix reported Wednesday that its 20 million members watched more than 2 billion hours of TV shows and movies through its streaming video service during the fourth quarter of 2011. The whopping number blows away any of its competitors. It also bodes well for the company as it continues to focus on building its streaming content offerings and its attempts to lure more... 

FDA restricts some antibiotics in livestock

The Food and Drug Administration has placed new restrictions on antibiotics in livestock. The move is aimed at protecting both farm animals and human carnivores from some high-powered drugs. The FDA said Wednesday, after weighing evidence that agricultural drug use might spawn drug-resistant bacteria, that cephalosporins can no longer be used routinely in cattle, pigs,... 

IKEA issues repair recall for Antilop high chairs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with IKEA North America Services LLC, announced the voluntary recall of the Antilop high chair. About 169,000 high chairs are under recall with 133,000 in the U.S. and 36,000 in Canada. The restraint buckle on the Antilop high chair can open unexpectedly, which poses a fall hazard to the child. IKEA... 

Kodak shares plunge on report company might seek bankruptcy protection

Eastman Kodak Co. stock shares plunged 28 percent in value on speculation that the 131-year-old photography company is preparing to seek bankruptcy protection. Kodak once ranked among America’s largest corporations. The former blue chip company once attracted engineers, scientists and Ph.D.’s from around the world eager to work on the latest in imaging technology... 

Starbucks raises java prices for some

Get ready to peel off more bucks for your Starbucks lattes, frappuccinos, espressos and standard brews. The Seattle coffee chain announced Tuesday that it is raising prices an average of 1 percent in the Northeast and Sunbelt regions. Cities that will see higher prices include Boston, New York, Washington, Atlanta, Dallas and Albuquerque. Prices will remain unchanged in... 

Police shoot, kill armed 15-year-old Texas student

A 15-year-old male student died after police shot him for pointing a gun at them inside a Brownsville campus on Wednesday morning. The fatality from Cummings Middle School, who is yet to be identified, succumbed to three gunshot wounds in the chest around 9:15 a.m. at the Valley Baptist Medical Center, according to Brownsville police spokesman Jose J. Trevino. Police went... 

The year that was in the Middle East

When hundreds of thousands of people across the Arab world poured into the streets in 2011 to demand freedom from dictatorship, they set in motion a series of events which not only created humanitarian needs in countries that were otherwise relatively stable, but also exacerbated existing humanitarian and developmental challenges. “Despite the fact that the Arab... 

U.S. launches new Counterterrorism Bureau for global cooperation

The United States on Wednesday announced the establishment of a new counterterrorism agency to increase cooperation with countries on the front lines in the fight against violent radicalism, according to the Obama Administration officials. Giving birth to the idea of the bureau in a speech on Sept. 9, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, “I am upgrading... 

Flintlock hunters have one last shot before PA. deer season ends

Hunters who are more keen on taking on the challenge of the hunt than just shooting a deer have at least over a week to fill those remaining deer tags courtesy of their flintlocks. Flintlock weapons continue to enjoy popularity with black powder shooting enthusiasts despite its many constraints. Since its introduction at the beginning of the 17th century, it has been prone... 

Ailing Yahoo! names ex-PayPal boss Thompson new CEO

Former PayPal boss Scott Thompson has been named as the new chief executive of Internet search engine giant Yahoo. Thompson will replace Carol Bartz, who had been sacked by the group four months ago for failing to turn the firm around. A company statement said that Thompson, along with its board, would focus on company’s core business and try to identify the best approach... 

Lawsuit Accuses Company Of Fraudulently Cycling Patients Through Nursing Homes, Hospice Care

A national hospice company improperly cycled patients through nursing homes and hospice with a goal of making as much profit as possible from Medicare, according to a whistleblower lawsuit announced this week. Federal attorneys also sued the hospice company, AseraCare, alleging it milked Medicare’s hospice benefit by pressuring its employees to enroll people into... 

Six Utah police officers shot during drug raid

One Ogden police officer is dead and five of his colleagues wounded after a search warrant executed on a suspected drug dealer’s house turned violent. The gunfight happened Wednesday night. The dead officer was identified as Agent Jared Francom. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to local media. Francom was reportedly part of a multi-agency... 

Prosecutors clear young mom who shot intruder dead

A young Oklahoma mother was justified in shooting dead an intruder trying to break into her house on New Year’s Eve, according to local prosecutors. Sarah McKinley, 18, fatally shot Justin Martin, 24, after he kicked in the door of her trailer and approached her with a hunting knife. He was allegedly with an accomplice, 29-year-old Dustin Stewart, who ran away after... 

Texas distributor expands vegetable recall over possible listeria contamination

A Texas food distributor has expanded a recall of packaged vegetables because of possible listeria contamination. The Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas issued the recall of about 35,159 cases of a variety of its products. They are sold under the Let’s Grow Healthy Together!, Green Valley Food Corp. and Broccosprouts labels. The first recall was issued on Dec. 23 after... 

Washington governor to introduce same-sex marriage bill

Washington could become the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage after Gov. Chris Gregoire’s announcement that she would introduce such legislation next week. Democrats have vowed to push for passage despite being a few votes short in the state Senate. In an emotional statement on Wednesday, Gregoire said she had been uncomfortable with her position on gay... 

White House launches youth jobs program

The Obama administration announced an initiative on Thursday to help create as many as 250,000 summer jobs and internships for low income youth in 2012. The “Summer Jobs +” program is a private-federal government partnership. It has already received commitments from several companies and federal agencies to hire 180,000 youth for the summer. The program comes... 

Number of bank failures fell in 2011

Savers had little to celebrate in 2011 as interest rates on deposits remained next to nothing. But, there was something to cheer about. The number of bank failures is trending downwards. Ninety-two banks failed in 2011, down from 157 in 2010 and 140 in 2009. While the statistics are encouraging and a sign that economic normalcy is returning, which will eventually lead... 

Career.com lists most, least stressful jobs for 2012

Think your job is stressful? Maybe you ought to think again after perusing the newest list of the most stressful jobs. While no job is stress free, and every occupation has the distinct possibility to inflict some sort of pressure, several jobs are more and less stressful than others. According to the 2012 CareerCast.com Job Stress Report, the top five most stressful jobs... 

U.S. naval fleets deployment to go ahead despite Iranian warnings

The United States on Tuesday took a tough stand to reports about threats from Iran to impede the transit of U.S. naval ships operating in the Gulf region according to the Obama Administration officials. Labeling Iranian position as weakening, Jay Carney, the White House spokesman told journalists, “It reflects the fact that Iran is in a position of weakness. It’s... 

Developing: Iowa Republicans begin to caucus

Republican voters have begun caucusing in Iowa, kicking off the first primary event in the 2012 election cycle. The caucus, which means “to meet together” in Algonquian, begins when the doors close at 8:00 PM ET in Iowa. Republican voters will meet in 1,774 districts and choose between a wide variety of candidates, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney,... 

Case-by-Case, California examines adult day care

Lunch is a dangerous time of day for Lawrence DiCarmo. The 79-year-old former brick layer takes his midday meal in a small side room under the watchful eye of a nurse at Napa Valley Adult Day Services in Napa, Calif. “He has swallowing difficulties,” says program director Celine Regalia, “that put him at higher risk, so that’s why he’s in... 

Iowa Republicans vote: Romney, Santorum in virtual tie

Iowa Republicans have voted, barely choosing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the winner of the state’s caucus and first primary election in the 2012 presidential race. The too-close-to-call race was a genuine nail-biter, with former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum losing by less than one percent of the vote after hours of counting. Each candidate received... 

Uni-O Industries Recalls Chinese Made ChiO-Grill Portable Gas Grills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: O-Grill Portable Gas Grills Units: About... 

Call for more coordinated approach to child protection

A new report on child migration in West Africa says thousands of children are being sold, exchanged or transported out of their communities each year in violation of internationally-recognized rights of the child, and calls on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to persuade governments to better protect these children. Among the recommendations identified... 

Ohio halts operations at injection wells after earthquake

Ohio has decided to halt fracking operations at wells in Youngstown Township following a magnitude 4 earthquake on Saturday, hours before revelers celebrated the New Year. Department of Natural Resources Director James Zehringer on Tuesday announced a suspension on five fluid injection wells while making clear conclusive evidence had yet to be found linking the temblor... 

After-Christmas sales boost December retail sales

The last week of December 2011 was robust for retail sales. A flurry of gift card redemptions and heavy discounts helped push retail sales up 5.3 percent from the same period last year. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, same-store sales in December are forecast to have risen 4 percent to 4.5 percent, up from a previous estimate of 3.5 percent to... 

Chinese oil firm gets $2.2 billion stake in controversial U.S. shale oil fracking industry

Chinese oil company Sinopec has invested $2.2 billion in a deal with Devon Energy to get access to shale oil deposits in the United States through the controversial process known as fracking. The deal gives Sinopec a one-third stake in five of Oklahoma-based Devon’s new shale projects. The firms expect to drill 125 wells for those projects this year alone. Sinopec... 

Stocks slip Wednesday after Tuesday’s strong rally

U.S. stocks slipped Wednesday, giving back some of Tuesday’s strong gains. Just after the opening bell on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 12 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was down three points and the NASDAQ dropped eight points. Robust worldwide economic data on Tuesday lifted the Dow 180 points in the first trading day of... 

Panetta calls service personnel to wish New Year greetings

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Monday made phone calls extending New Year greetings to three American service members in Afghanistan and another soldier abroad the USS Mesa Verde. “Secretary Panetta placed phone calls to four deployed service members. He wished them and their families a Happy New Year, and praised them for being outstanding examples of service... 

Romney has slight edge as Iowa prepares to caucus on Tuesday

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is holding a slight lead a day before Iowa Republicans caucus in the first primary event of the 2012 presidential election. A flurry of Hawkeye State polls have been released showing a close race between Romney, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. An American Research Group survey released Monday finds... 

Diabetes during pregnancy may raise ADHD risk

Young children are far more likely to develop attention and hyperactivity problems if their mother develops pregnancy during pregnancy, and if they are born into a poor or lower middle-class households, according to a new study published this week in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The study, conducted by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine... 

Super Bowl ads almost sold out

Marketers hoping to buy ad time for the 2012 Super Bowl are out of luck. Commercial time for Super Bowl XLVI is sold out. All of the 30-second slots, sold for a record $3.5 million, were taken by Thanksgiving, according to NBC’s marketing group. This year, there will be fewer 30-second spots and more long-form ads of 60 seconds or more. Volkswagen, which featured a... 

U.S. troops deaths in Afghanistan declined in 2011

U.S. military deaths in the Afghanistan War declined in 2012, the first drop in four years, aided by a string of battlefield victories against Taliban insurgents by U.S. and other coalition forces. In 2011, the number of U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan numbered 405, down 18 percent from 2010, according to a Pentagon report. Overall allied deaths, including U.S. forces,... 

Three hospitalized after white powder found in letter at Florida state attorney’s office

Three people were taken to a hospital after a letter containing a white powder was opened in the mail room of the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office Tuesday morning. The two women and a man who suffered headaches upon exposure to the powder were decontaminated on the scene before being taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for further treatment. A firefighter... 

Precious metals ring in 2012 with stellar performaces

Precious metals began 2012 with a stellar rally, led by gold. Just before noon on the first trading day of the new year, gold was up $40.10 to $1,606.50 a troy ounce; silver was up nearly 6 percent at $29.71; platinum gained $24 to $1,421 and palladium was up $9 to $663. Helping the yellow metal, the grey metal and the white metals were a weaker U.S. dollar and bargain hunting.... 

Work Insurance Often Offers Coverage For Programs To Stop Smoking

Seventy percent of smokers say they’d like to quit, and now, just three days into the new year, many may already be struggling to stick to their resolution to make 2012 a smoke-free year. If quitting were easy, after all, chances are good that nearly one in five adults wouldn’t still be smokers, a figure that hasn’t budged much in several years. Smoking... 

Arkansas town probes ‘intentional’ New Year’s blackbird deaths

Authorities in southern Arkansas are investigating the deaths of hundreds of red-winged blackbirds during New Year celebrations over the weekend. Residents in the small town of Beebe woke up to dead birds littering yards and streets Sunday morning, a year after thousands of the birds fell from the sky due to fireworks. Police and officials from the Arkansas Game and Fish... 

Police looking for couple linked to cross-state crime spree

Police and federal authorities are looking for a couple who allegedly murdered an elderly man and woman over the weekend in Utah and shot a woman during a botched carjacking in Nevada. Investigators found out about the murdered couple after the carjacking was reported Saturday morning. In that case, the female victim was forced into her own car in a casino parking lot.... 

Man accidentally shoots himself while using the bathroom

A Connecticut man proved that some bathroom accidents are more serious than others when he shot himself while using the toilet. According to local media reports, the 51-year-old convicted felon forgot that he had moved a pistol from his pocket and into his waistband before going into a bathroom on Christmas Eve. When he pulled his pants down, the handgun fell, hit the toilet... 

Stocks start 2012 higher

U.S. stocks started 2012 with a strong, broad-based rally. Right out of the gate on Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 191 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index climbed 21 points and the NASDAQ jumped 55 points. U.S. markets were closed Monday in observance of New Year’s day. With little on the economic calendar, investors worldwide turned... 

Skin cream recalled, may contain staph bacteria

The maker of a skin cream is voluntarily recalling its products nationwide because of concerns batches may be contaminated with certain dangerous bacteria and funguses. HimalayaUSA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Oganique by Himalaya Nourishing Night Cream. The batch numbers are S691001 and S691002. The cylinder-shaped teal bottles with... 

U.S. welcomes Jordan announcement to host Israeli, Palestinian, and Quartet envoys

The top American diplomat on Sunday welcomed an announcement from the Jordanian government it would host two meetings on Wednesday to take the Middle East peace process forward, according to the U.S. State Department. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a statement supported “this positive development,” saying, “I applaud the efforts of the King [Abdullah... 

Solo bass trail in North ‘Bama expects to lure more anglers in ‘12

The Top Rod Solo Trail is expected to be one of the attractions among North Alabama Bass Fishing circuits in 2012 after it was revealed that winners of each tournament will receive a guaranteed $500 or more in prize money regardless of number of entrants. Under its revamped program for 2012, the trail, which is on its second year, has upped the ante in each of the ten... 

Man in custody in connection with LA vehicle arsons

Police in Los Angeles, California, investigating almost 50 vehicle arsons have a man in custody. The string of arsons is the worst case of deliberate fire setting in Southern California since the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Up to eight new fires were set Monday alone. A joint force investigating the crimes said Monday that they have detained a man seen in a surveillance video... 

Manhunt underway for shooter who killed park ranger

A massive manhunt is underway in Washington state for a suspected shooter who killed a U.S. Park ranger on New Year’s Day and kept at bay fellow rangers and local deputies trying to save her. Authorities have identified the gunman as 24-year-old Benjamin Colton Barnes. He is considered heavily armed and wearing body armor. He is also wanted in connection with a shooting... 

Unemployment claims rise during holiday week

It appears that quite a few Americans got pink slips for Christmas. In the week before the holiday, the number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits rose. Roughly 381,000 people filed initial jobless claims in the week ended Dec. 24, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That was more than forecast and marked an increase of 15,000 from the prior week... 

Stocks rise after home sales report

U.S. stocks rose Thursday following a better than expected home sales report. However, gains were limited after the Labor Department reported a slight increase in the number of people filing for initial unemployment benefits. In mid-morning trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 80 points, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 9 points, and the NASDAQ... 

Microsoft prepares superphones for 2012

Microsoft is preparing a new generation of Window Phone “superphones” for 2012, according to buzz online. The introduction of such handsets is anticipated to set off a major battle in the smartphone wars as the iPhone 5 makes it debut and more advanced Android devices hit markets. Little information is available or has been leaked about the new handsets, but... 

Connecticut drops insurers from Medicaid

In the past decade, most states have turned Medicaid over to private plans with hopes they could control costs and improve care. Nearly half of the 60 million people in the government program for the poor are now in the managed care plans run by insurance giants such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. But Connecticut, the “insurance capital of the world,” is bucking... 

Fixed mortgage rates end year just under 4 percent

Average fixed mortgage rates in the United States end 2011 near all-time record lows. The 30-year fixed home loan exits the year at 3.95 percent. According to Freddie Mac, the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage has stayed at or below 4 percent for nine consecutive weeks. It averaged above 5 percent just twice in 2011. For the week ending Dec. 29, the 30-year fixed... 

Kindle tops Amazon’s best sellers

Kindle e-readers and tablets were the most popular items purchased on Amazon.com in December. The world’s largest online retailer confirmed that customers bought more than 1 million Kindles a week during the holiday season of 2011. Since Amazon launched the Kindle in 2007, the retailer has been mum on actual sales number. But Thursday, Amazon said in a statement about... 

Popular New Year’s resolutions pop up again and again

Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. But others take the occasion to try to improve themselves. If you look at the top 10 New Year’s resolution year after year, you will spot a familiar trend. The same ones crop up every year. It’s no mystery why. The reason is because most resolutions are just so hard to keep. According to... 

Border law enforcement uses more military equipment

New surveillance equipment and weapons being deployed along the U.S. border with Mexico are prompting some Mexicans to complain that U.S. law enforcement is becoming too military. This week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection took possession of a sixth high-tech surveillance drone to patrol the border for drug smugglers and illegal immigrants. The drone is no different... 

Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba hires US lobbying firm fueling speculation it wants to buy Yahoo

Chinese e-commerce businesses Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. hired a Washington lobbying company amid speculation on the company’s intent. Alibaba has hired lobbying firm Duberstein Group Inc. Yahoo owns a 40 percent stake in Alibaba. Some observers think Alibaba wants to buy Yahoo out while other observers think Alibaba wants to buy Yahoo. Hangzhou, China-based Alibaba... 

Concerned U.S. calls for immediate resolution to Egyptian crackdown on American NGOs

The United States on Thursday reacted with concern over reports of Egyptian officials raiding offices of nongovernmental organizations calling it “inconsistent with the bilateral cooperation,” the two countries have had over many years according to the U.S. State Department official. “We call on the Egyptian Government to immediately end the harassment... 

U.S. officials including Secretary Panetta gets active in Korean Peninsula

The United States started getting the feel of the Korean Peninsula as American officials including the top U.S. defense official reached out to their South Korean counterparts on Thursday according to the Obama Administration officials. In a statement released on Thursday evening, George Little, Pentagon Press Secretary said, “Secretary Panetta spoke by phone this... 

U.S. announces Saudi arms deal amid tense relations with Iran

In what could send a strong message to the Gulf region, the United States on Thursday announced the signing of an arms deal worth of $29.4 billion with Saudi Arabia. Under the deal, Washington will provide 84 new Boeing F-15SA fighter jets, spare parts, training and maintenance contracts and munitions to Riyadh and modernize 70 existing planes. The whole package will... 

Former Navy medic charged with injecting teen girl with lethal heroin dose

A former Navy medic known for saving lives in Afghanistan is now being charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl after he allegedly injected her with a fatal dose of heroin. Police in Anchorage, Alaska, say Sean Warner gave the girl, Jena Dolstad, a lethal shot of the drug during a party at his house on Dec. 22. Witnesses told police that the girl said she wanted to... 

Omega 3-rich diet linked with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Oregon State University researchers have linked a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids and several vitamins with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers simultaneously found that elderly people who regularly eat unhealthy foods perform poorer on mental acuity tests and have more brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s. The... 

Drought highlights in 2011

Severe drought, exacerbated by poverty and conflict, hit at least four countries in 2011 — Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia — displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Thousands in Somalia and Ethiopia began the year by making the dangerous journey to Yemen. Others from these two countries headed for South Africa where they faced arrest, deportation... 

Verizon Wireless announces $2 fee on some monthly bill payments

Verizon Wireless has announced plans to charge many customers a $2 convenience fee every time they pay their monthly bill. The charge applies to any customer who pays their bill for that month by phone or online using a one-time payment on a debit or credit card. However, customers who agree to have an automatic recurring charge to their debit or credit card every month... 

Leg on Florida beach has police looking for missing persons

Police here are looking into missing persons reports as they try to get a leg up on the identify of the person whose leg washed up on a local beach. The leg, severed at the thigh and foot, was found early Tuesday morning by a Canadian vacationer walking the beach on Tampa Bay. St. Petersburg police described the leg as a right limb from a “heavyset” white... 

Plavix warning may not be needed

Plavix, a popular blood thinner, is safe and effective for patients, including those classified as “poor metabolizers” of the drug, according to a new study released Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The findings are a stark contrast to the 2010 boxed warning that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated on the drug’s label. The... 

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson drops plans to run for 3rd term

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson has dealt a blow to the Democratic Party by announcing he has dropped plans to seek a third term. Nelson announced his retirement Tuesday in a letter and video address to Nebraskans in which he said he wanted to spend more time with his family and that it was time to move on. The moderate Democrat had served as governor for eight years before he... 

Precious metal prices fall Wednesday, but outlook upbeat

Gold prices fell Wednesday for the fifth consecutive day. In early afternoon trading, the yellow metal was off as much as $23.50, or 1.5 percent, to $1,571.10 a troy ounce. Silver, poor man’s gold, fell in sympathy and plummeted 4.3 percent to $27.46 a troy ounce. With no major U.S. economic reports on tap, investors were focusing on Europe, and the hugely successful... 

Fewer than quarter of companies plan to hire in 2012

Don’t look for the unemployment picture to show signs of much improvement in 2012. According to a new survey from the job search site CareerBuilder, fewer than a quarter of hiring managers plan to add employees in the new year. In a survey of more than 3,000 human resource and hiring professionals, 23 percent said they plan to add full-time permanent staff in 2012,... 

Yemen’s controversial president heads to U.S. for medical treatment

Protests and labor strikes continued Wednesday in Yemen as its embattled president heads to the United States for medical treatment. Ali Abdullah Saleh is seeking treatment for shrapnel wounds and burns suffered in a rocket attack on his presidential compound in June. However, his request for medical assistance created a dilemma for President Barack Obama as he seeks to... 

Gingrich falls in national poll

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is losing steam among Republican voters, falling to a tie in a new national poll. In the latest nationwide survey of registered Republican voters, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is back to a frontrunner tie with Gingrich. Gallop daily polling shows both Gingrich and Romney are tied at 25 percent, followed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)... 

U.S. calls Russian human rights report “useful mechanism”

The United States on Wednesday refused to call a critical Russian human rights report as interfering in internal affairs instead Washington welcomed it as a useful mechanism according to the State Department official. Answering questions from journalists, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman said, “These kinds of human rights reports can be a useful mechanism.... 

New York Times sells regional newspapers for $143 million

The New York Times Company announced the sale of its regional newspapers for $143 million in cash. The Times sold its Regional Media Group of 16 newspapers, other print publications and related businesses to Halifax Media Holdings, of Daytona Beach, Fla. Included in the deal were well-known newspapers such as The Gainesville Sun; The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, Calif.;... 

U.S. abstains from passing judgement on Arab League finding nothing disturbing in Syria

The United States on Wednesday tried to avoid commenting on press reports about Arab League mission member labeling sanguinary events in Syria as nothing disturbing according to the State Department. Asked to comment on the statement from the head of the Arab League mission in Syria saying that he found nothing disturbing in Homs, the State Department spokesman Mark Toner... 

New York Times scrambles after accidentally canceling millions of subscriptions

The New York Times on Wednesday went into a damage control overdrive to salvage subscribers after canceling subscriptions of millions according to emails received by the subscribers. The situation was further complicated as subscribers thought the site had been hacked and subscriber information compromised as a NYT tweet informed them that the emails were “not from... 

U.S. welcomes Japanese government further action on relocation

The United States on Wednesday welcomed the developments as the Government of Japan submitted its environmental impact report for the Futenma Replacement Facility to the Okinawa Prefectural Government according to the Pentagon. Citing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta as welcoming the news, George Little, Pentagon Press Secretary in a statement said, “We are also pleased... 

Miami home sprayed with bullets for second time, pastor wounded

A hail of bullets struck a Miami home for the second time in two months badly wounding a pastor on Tuesday morning. Miami-Dade police said a high-powered rifle was used in the 4 a.m. shooting of the house in the Brownsville neighborhood that hit Annie Wimberly, 69, in the stomach. She was taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial, where doctors removed one of... 

Romney ahead in Iowa as caucus countdown draws closer

A new Iowa poll shows former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leading the GOP pack as the state prepares to hold its primary caucuses on January 3. A CNN/TIME/ORC poll released Wednesday shows support for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has eroded in the Hawkeye State following disastrous news that his campaign was unable to qualify for Virginia’s primary ballot.... 

U.S. warns Iran against blocking Strait of Hormuz

A day after Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, the United States on Wednesday sternly warned the Islamic nation against blocking the world’s most important oil transit channel, which links the Gulf’s petroleum-exporting nations like Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to the Indian Ocean. Iranian Vice President... 

Government must pay $17.8 million to family of Marine Corps jet crash victims

A federal judge Wednesday awarded $17.8 million to surviving family members of four people killed when a Marine Corps jet crashed into their southern California house in 2008. Following three days of testimony by Dong Yun Yoon and his in-laws, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Miller ruled the federal government must pay the money. An F/A-18D Hornet crashed into the Yoon’s... 

Officials warns debris from Japanese tsunami could soon reach U.S.

Federal officials are warning that debris from the earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of Japan nine months ago could soon reach the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they are trying to figure out how much debris is out in the Pacific Ocean, where it is going and when it will arrive in the states. NOAA is working with the... 

U.S. police fatalities rise 13 percent in 2011

The number of police officers killed in the line of duty rose 13 percent in 2011, preliminary figures released Wednesday from the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund show. In 2011, a total of 173 federal, state and local officers were killed in the United States, and there are still a few remaining days before the end of the year. In 2010, the number was 153. Gunfire... 

IRIN’s pick of the year 2011

Computers and mobile phones are already essential to humanitarian planning, and 2011 saw the growth of technology-based humanitarian interventions, from the use of GPS (global positioning systems) to provide early weather warnings to real-time health reporting. Here is a round-up of IRIN articles on important humanitarian technology in 2011: Humanitarians in Libya used... 

Ten big stories in 2011

It’s been a roller coaster of a year in HIV and AIDS. AIDS turned 30 in 2011, and with new evidence of the effectiveness of HIV treatment as prevention, experts are increasingly talking about “the end of AIDS.” At the same time, however, funding for HIV has become ever more uncertain, jeopardizing efforts to put new, life-saving science into action. IRIN/PlusNews... 

U.S. stocks slip in early trading Wednesday after successful Italian debt auction

United States stocks slipped Wednesday after a successful auction of Italian debt gave European stocks a boost but failed to excite equity traders here in the states. Just after the opening bell on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lower by 10 points, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index fell 2 points, and the NASDAQ dropped 4 points. With little other... 

Economists bit more hopeful as 2011 comes to an end

Economists see the glass as a tad more full than empty, but just barely so, when questioned about the future of the U.S. economy as 2011 comes to an end. A CNN Money survey of 20 top economists found that their fear of the economy slipping into a new recession has fallen in the last three months to 20 percent from 30 percent. Just two economists have a heightened sense... 

S&P index says home prices down for sixth straight month

U.S. residential house prices dropped by 1.2 percent in October compared with September, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city index. In addition, S&P/Case-Shiller issued a negative outlook for housing prices. “There was weakness in the monthly statistics, as 19 of the cities posted price declines in October over September,” said David M. Blitzer,... 

Christmas online sales jump 16.4 percent

Folks took time out from friends, family, food and festivities to shop online Christmas Day. According to IBM’s Smarter Commerce unit, which tracks online shopping, online shopping jumped 16.4 percent on Dec. 25 over last year. Additionally, online sales saw another 10 percent boost as of 3 p.m. Boxing Day, Dec. 26. After-Christmas deals contributed to the rise in... 

U.S. consumer confidence up more than forecast

Confidence among U.S. consumers rose in December to the highest level in eight months, helped by an improving job market that helped gain ground lost following the mid-year government budget battles and credit rating downgrades. The Conference Board’s index increased to 64.5, exceeding all estimates, in a report released Tuesday. The number is the highest since... 

Painkiller 10 times stronger than Vicodin in the works

A new painkiller, Zohydro, 10 times stronger than Vicodin, is in development and has health experts alarmed about possible abuse. Four companies have begun patient testing on the pills, which are the first to contain the addictive ingredient hydrocodone in a pure form. If approved, it would be the first time patients could legally buy pure hydrocodone. Existing products... 

Pentagon acknowledges sexual harassment at academies, suggests improvements

The United States Department of Defense released a report suggesting policies to tackle sexual harassment and violence at the military service academies as there was an increase in the number of incidents compared to the last year according to the DoD release. The “Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies,” covered... 

White House prepares third U.S. debt ceiling hike

President Barack Obama’s administration is preparing to ask Congress to raise the national debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion. Congress is expected to approve the measure, having reached a hard-fought deal in summer to extend the debt ceiling and fund the government. Overall, the United States debt ceiling will rise to $16.39 trillion, a record high. Both houses of Congress... 

Top Ten Movies of 2011

Top Ten lists are arbitrary, nonsensical, and silly. Also useful and irresistible. So, with all of 2011’s movies either already on video, there and gone from theaters, or still beckoning moviegoers from marquees through the holiday season, it’s time to salute the cream of this year’s crop. Here are — with votes offered and tallied by the firm of Me,... 

Our most-watched films of 2011

Launched in 2004, IRIN’s film unit has won numerous awards for its productions, several of which have been aired by prominent international broadcasters. Here is a list of the unit’s most-watched films in 2011. 1. Slum Survivors (2007) : More than a billion people live in slums worldwide, hundreds of thousands of them in the Nairobi slum of Kibera. The film... 

DEA: Mexican drug cartel extortion moving more into U.S.

Mexican drug cartels are increasingly demanding protection fees from retail businesses on the U.S. side of the border, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Law enforcement agencies are having trouble stopping the extortion because the businesses that pay the money typically employ illegal immigrants. They do not report the extortion to police to avoid the... 

Pick of the year 2011

Volcanic flooding (rain mixed with lava) greeted us at the start of 2011 in Indonesia and we wrapped up the year with billions of cubic meters of water bearing down on Thailand’s capital, and the southern Philippines caught off-guard by storms, which killed more than 1,000 in December. In between, IRIN’s editors pushed the boundaries of disaster preparedness... 

Five faces we were watching in 2011

From scientific breakthroughs to herbal “cures,” HIV was never far from the headlines in 2011. IRIN/PlusNews brings you some of the people behind this year’s headlines: Mandisa Dlamini – Mandisa, daughter of murdered HIV activist Gugu Dlamini, took center stage at the South African AIDS Conference in the country’s port city of Durban. Thirteen... 

Sears to shutter up to 120 Kmart, Sears stores

Attention Kmart shoppers. On Tuesday, Sears announced it will close between 100 and 120 Kmart and Sears stores after lackluster holiday sales. The company has not yet determined which stores will be closed, but it has made clear it plans to refocus its resources. The company is shifting from its practice of propping up “marginally performing” stores in hopes... 

Stocks little changed at the open Tuesday

U.S. stocks were little changed at the open Tuesday after markets were closed Monday for the Christmas holiday. Just before 10 a.m., the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 12 points, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the NASDAQ were both virtually flat. Trading is expected to be thin Tuesday and for the remainder of the week as traders extend their holiday... 

Mother-toddler bond linked to obesity

Children who have poor emotional relationships with their mothers are more than twice as likely to become obese, according to a new study. Researchers from Ohio State College of Public Health, and Temple University, PA, have found that the lower the quality of the relationship between mothers and children during their toddler years, the greater the chance that a child... 

Final week for 2011 stocks should be quiet in U.S.

The final week for 2011 stocks is expected to be quiet in the United States as many traders and investors extend their Christmas holiday time off. Stock markets in the United States and Europe are closed Monday for the Christmas holiday. Normal trading hours will resume on Tuesday. Even though a great many investors have balanced and closed out their books for 2011, the... 

Hepatitis B vaccine recommended for diabetic adults

New government guidelines recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all unvaccinated adults, aged 19 to 59, with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says the immunization should be done as soon as possible after adults in this age group are diagnosed with diabetes. Unvaccinated adults older than 59 can receive the hepatitis B vaccination... 

Let the returns and exchanges begin

The season for giving and receiving gifts is now Christmas Past. Now, it is the season for returning unwanted presents. Dubbed “Mega Monday,” Dec. 26 is expected to be the third busiest shopping day of 2011, with scores of people heading to stores in droves in search of after-Christmas bargains and to return items. Stores are forecast to ring up $469.1 billion... 

Mistrust gets attention as U.S. makes public report on deadly cross-border incident

The U.S. Central Command on Monday made public its investigation into the November cross-border engagement with Pakistani military forces that resulted in the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers and plunging to a new ebb the crucial anti-terror relationship between the two nations. “The strongest take-away from this incident is the fundamental fact that we must improve... 

CDC: Swine flu found in five states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that 12 people in five states have been infected with the swine flu. The people infected with the influenza H3N2, 11 of whom were children, resided in the states of Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The cases have prompted the CDC to ask all state public health laboratories to notify the... 

Three dead in Florida helicopter crash

Three people flying to a central Florida hospital to harvest organs were killed early Monday when their helicopter crashed in a wooded area in the next county. The trio, two medical personnel and the pilot, had left the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville about 5:45 a.m. to fly to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, according to Lt. Russ Burke of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.... 

For Hospitals, There’s No App For That

Hospitals are usually eager to embrace the latest medical technology, but the road to deploying tablet computers has been bumpy. iPads have been available since April 2010, but less than one percent of hospitals have fully functional tablet systems, according to Jonathan Mack, director of clinical research and development at the West Wireless Health Institute, a San Diego-based... 

Seven found dead in Texas Christmas Day murder-suicide

Police in this Dallas suburb were untangling a mystery Monday: Why was the Christmas morning opening of presents suddenly interrupted by gunfire that killed six people and, apparently, the shooter? Police went to the Lincoln Vineyards apartment complex Sunday after they received a 911 call in which no one spoke. Inside one residence they found four women and three men... 

No. 1 worry among Americans is the economy

It’s the economy that keeps Americans up at night, on edge and worried, revealed a new CNN/ORC International poll released Friday. Some 70 percent said that things are not going well in the United States, with just three out of 10 saying things are okay, putting the state of the economy as the top worry and the most pressing issue heading into the new year. More... 

Space station gets early Christmas ‘gift’ — three more astronauts

A Russian Soyuz capsule arrived at the International Space Station on Friday with three astronauts, bringing the capsule back to full staffing after a failed cargo ship launch in August disrupted flight schedules. The trio of Russian cosmonauts blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for the space station, a $100 billion research complex that... 

GOP presidential candidates want limits on Supreme Court rulings

Republican presidential candidates are increasingly taking aim at the Supreme Court as they get closer to the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses. All of the top contenders in the primary elections are saying the Supreme Court commonly exceeds its constitutional authority with its rulings. The argument is likely to have strong appeal in Iowa, where voters unseated three state Supreme... 

Pakistan refuses U.S. report; Washington readies to pay for 24 deaths

Pakistan has refused to even listen to a briefing on the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) investigation into the cross-border incident which resulted in the death of 24 Pakistani military personnel but the U.S. State Department announced Pakistan had not refused, just postponed the acceptance of the report. Responding to journalists’ questions about the refusal, Mark... 

Christmas stocking for Lake Chabot; 1,000 pounds of fish set for “planting”

Anglers will be treated to a bountiful catch, including rainbow trout, in Lake Chabot soon after the state completes its fish planting of more than 1,000 pounds’ worth of fish next week. Lake Chabot, a man-made lake covering 317 acres (1.3 km2) in Alameda County, California, is one of 21 lakes around the Bay Area to be stocked with rainbow trout and/or catfish this...