(AP) EPA Administrator Jackson announces resignationBy KEVIN FREKINGAssociated PressWASHINGTONThe Obama administration’s chief environmental watchdog, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, is stepping down after a nearly four-year tenure marked by high-profile brawls over global warming pollution, the Keystone XL oil pipeline, new
(AP) US consumer confidence falls on fiscal cliff fearsBy PAUL WISEMANAP Economics WriterWASHINGTONU.S. consumer confidence tumbled in December, driven lower by fears of sharp tax increases and government spending cuts set to take effect next week. The Conference Board said
(Reuters) – A Christian member of Egypt’s upper house of parliament quit on Thursday, reflecting persistent political tensions just a day after the Islamist-dominated chamber took over legislative authority under a contentious new constitution. The Islamist-backed charter, approved in a
(Reuters) – The 24-year-old only son of assassinated former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto is due to launch his political career on Thursday, the fifth anniversary of his mother’s death. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is among hundreds of high-ranking Pakistani officials,
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked Health Minister Marizeh Vahid Dastjerdi, the sole woman in his cabinet, state television reported on Thursday. The minister had proposed price hikes for a number of medicines due to the plunge of the Iranian
Iran would let U.N nuclear inspectors into a military base they suspect was used for atomic weapons-related work, if threats against the Islamic Republic are dropped, a government official was quoted as saying. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes
(Reuters) – A suicide bomber killed three people in an attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the same base where a suicide bomb attack killed seven CIA employees three years ago. The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for
With Ted Kennedy Jr. ruling out a run for John Kerry’s senate seat, eyes turned to Barney Frank as a potential replacement. In an interview last week, Frank demurred but added he would not necessarily say “no” should he be
President Obama and First Lady Michelle released a statement on Wednesday, extending “warm thoughts and best wishes” to Kwanzaa celebrants. Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today marks the beginning of
On Wednesday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of his Lt. Governor, Brian Schatz, to succeed the late Daniel Inouye in the U.S. Senate. Schatz will serve until a special election is held in 2014. Other candidates for the senate
A company in the wedding industry based in Annapolis, Maryland will close its doors, rather than face lawsuits for refusing to serve same-sex marriage couples. Discover Annapolis Tours, which runs old-fashioned trolley tours in Annapolis, will close their $50,000 a
DETROIT (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp plans to spend $1.1 billion to resolve sweeping U.S. class-action litigation over claims that millions of its vehicles accelerate unintentionally, as the Japanese automaker looks to turn the page on the biggest safety crisis
(Reuters) – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has refused to block enforcement starting next week of a requirement in President Barack Obama’s 2010 healthcare overhaul that some companies provide insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. In an order
The United States said Wednesday it was “deeply concerned” about the growing unrest in Central African Republic, urging all Americans to leave the country and asking Bangui to protect its embassy. “On December 25, the embassy issued an emergency message
(AP) – Methamphetamine lab seizures are on the rise in the nation’s cities and suburbs, raising new concerns about a lethal drug that has long been the scourge of rural America. Data and interviews from an investigation by The Associated
(AP) – Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz on Wednesday was appointed the state’s next U.S. senator, bucking the dying wishes of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to win the support of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Schatz, a 40-year-old former nonprofit CEO who
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTIAssociated PressHOUSTONFormer President George H.W. Bush has been admitted to the intensive care unit at a Houston hospital “following a series of setbacks including a persistent fever,” but he is alert and talking to medical staff, his spokesman
With the irresolution on Capital Hill and increasing likelihood of going over the fiscal cliff, doctors should prepare not only for the implementation of Obamacare and associated taxes and paperwork but also for substantial Medicare cuts. Quoting a doctor requesting
Last Saturday, a southern California youth football game ended with riot police called when a massive brawl broke out between parents from the competing teams. Game spectators hailed from Alhambra, Bell Gardens and the Huntington Park area. Chino police walked
(AP) Health care tax hikes for 2013 may be just a startBy RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVARAssociated PressWASHINGTONNew taxes are coming Jan. 1 to help finance President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul. Most people may not notice. But they will pay attention if
Justin Timberlake probably thought the bad press over a tasteless video meant to be shown at his wedding was over. Not when Gloria Allred is involved. The famed civil rights attorney has teamed up with “Eddie,” the homeless man mocked
By CASSANDRA VINOGRADAssociated PressLONDONGerry Anderson, puppetry pioneer and British creator of the sci-fi hit “Thunderbirds” TV show, has died. He was 83. Anderson’s son Jamie said his father died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at a nursing home near
(Reuters) – Actress, singer and fashion designer Jessica Simpson sent a Christmas Twitter message that apparently confirms media rumors that she is pregnant – showing a photo of her daughter Maxwell with the words “Big Sis” spelled out in sand.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Actresses Natalie Portman and Kristin Stewart are Hollywood’s most bankable stars and provide studios with the highest average returns for their films, according to Forbes.com. Academy award winner Portman topped the list of best actors for
A channel 8 news reporter is claiming that NBC was denied permission by the MPD to use a high capacity magazine as a prop on a Sunday news show that was grandstanding on the gun control issue. Gregory and NBC
