Words "viral" And "epic" Consigned To College Trash

BOSTON - This story might be epic, and could even go viral, but not if Lake Superior State University has anything to do with it. Just sayin.'

Ex-Treasury Chief Paulson Loses $1 Million On DC Home

WASHINGTON - Few know better than former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson how the struggling U.S. economy has battered home prices.

Ford Recalls F-series Pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co is recalling about 20,000 new vehicles in North America, mainly its heavy duty pickup trucks, due to the chance that an electrical short could cause a fire, Ford and U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.

Chrysler Recalls More Than 144,000 Vehicles: NHTSA

DETROIT - Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker managed by Italy's Fiat SpA, recalled more than 144,000 vehicles in three separate filings to federal regulators posted on Thursday.

Minnesota Sues 3M Over Pollution Claims

CHICAGO - The state of Minnesota sued 3M Co on Thursday, saying that the company contaminated the state's waters for decades with chemicals used in some of its best known products, including Scotchgard stain repellent.

Woman In Insider Trading Case Stays In Jail

SAN FRANCISCO - A California woman charged with leaking secrets about technology companies to two hedge funds in exchange for illegal payments will stay in jail over the weekend after a friend failed to guarantee her bail, her lawyer said.

More Repairs Ordered For Space Shuttle Fuel Tank

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA ordered additional repairs to space shuttle Discovery after more cracks were discovered in the ship's fuel tank, but the flight remains targeted for early February, officials said.

Fog Plagues Ship Traffic At Houston Again

HOUSTON - Fog slowed ship traffic at the key oil port of Houston Friday, but pilots were moving inbound vessels and expecting the weather to improve by mid-afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

San Francisco To Host 2013 America's Cup

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco will be the site of the 2013 America's Cup, officials said on Friday, with a Silicon Valley billionaire giving the "City by the Bay" its first chance to host sailing's biggest event.

Transocean Tries To Stop Another Horizon Probe

SAN FRANCISCO - Transocean Ltd, the world's biggest offshore rig contractor, aims to stop a seventh U.S. body from investigating the accident that sank one of its rigs while causing the largest U.S. offshore oil spill.

Groupon Eyes IPO By End Of 2011: Report

BANGALORE - Online discount coupon provider Groupon Inc is working toward a potential public offering of its common shares by the end of 2011, the New York Times said, citing people briefed on the matter.

Barnes & Noble: E-books Take Lead In Online Sales

NEW YORK - Barnes & Noble Inc said that sales of digital books made through its website now exceed those of traditional books that it sells online.

Ex-Treasury Chief Paulson Loses $1 Million On DC Home

WASHINGTON - Few know better than former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson how the struggling U.S. economy has battered home prices.

Ford Recalls F-series Pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co is recalling about 20,000 new vehicles in North America, mainly its heavy duty pickup trucks, due to the chance that an electrical short could cause a fire, Ford and U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.

Chrysler Recalls More Than 144,000 Vehicles: NHTSA

DETROIT - Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker managed by Italy's Fiat SpA, recalled more than 144,000 vehicles in three separate filings to federal regulators posted on Thursday.

Minnesota Sues 3M Over Pollution Claims

CHICAGO - The state of Minnesota sued 3M Co on Thursday, saying that the company contaminated the state's waters for decades with chemicals used in some of its best known products, including Scotchgard stain repellent.

Jobless Claims, Factory Data Buoy Recovery Hopes

WASHINGTON - Upbeat U.S. data on the jobs market and manufacturing sector Thursday buttressed the view the economy gained momentum as the year ended, setting the stage for a stronger performance in 2011.

Woman In Insider Trading Case Stays In Jail

SAN FRANCISCO - A California woman charged with leaking secrets about technology companies to two hedge funds in exchange for illegal payments will stay in jail over the weekend after a friend failed to guarantee her bail, her lawyer said.

More Repairs Ordered For Space Shuttle Fuel Tank

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA ordered additional repairs to space shuttle Discovery after more cracks were discovered in the ship's fuel tank, but the flight remains targeted for early February, officials said.

Transocean Questions CSB's Power To Probe Oil Spill - Report

- Transocean Ltd has written to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), challenging the federal agency's authority to investigate April's deep-water drilling accident, Bloomberg said.

Wall St Bankers, Publicly Modest, Eye Fancy Toys

NEW YORK - Wall Street executives may face smaller bonuses and a public that still eyes them with suspicion, but that isn't stopping them from rediscovering their love of luxury cars, oceanfront homes and private jets.

U.S. Seizes Fake Jerseys Ahead Of NHL Winter Classic

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities said on Wednesday they have seized shipments of counterfeit souvenirs, including National Hockey League jerseys ahead of the league's Winter Classic game this weekend between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals.

Electric Neck Massager Strangles Florida Woman

MIAMI - A Florida woman's death apparently was caused when an electric neck massager became ensnared on her necklace and strangled her, sheriff's investigators said on Wednesday.

Judge Halts New York's Anti-smoking Displays

NEW YORK - New York City anti-smoking signs depicting a decaying tooth, diseased lungs and a damaged brain would violate cigarette vendors' free speech if displayed according to city rules, a U.S. judge said on Wednesday, handing a court victory to tobacco companies.

Polygamist Leader Jeffs Makes Texas Court Appearance

SAN ANTONIO - A Texas judge on Wednesday entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Warren Jeffs after the polygamist sect leader remained silent when prosecutors read bigamy and sexual assault charges against him.

California Woman Arrested In Insider Trading Case

NEW YORK - U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday charged a California woman with leaking secrets about technology companies to two hedge funds in exchange for illegal payments, expanding their probe into insider trading.

Jackson Doctor Defense May Say Singer Killed Self

LOS ANGELES - Lawyers for the doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson could claim the pop star killed himself when a hearing begins next week, a prosecutor said on Wednesday.

Blizzard Delays $1 Billion In Holiday Sales

NEW YORK - A blizzard in the Northeast this weekend postponed about $1 billion in holiday retail sales by keeping shoppers out of stores in the days after Christmas, research firm ShopperTrak said on Wednesday.

Underage Drinking Hits Hospitals At New Year

CHICAGO - Hospital emergency visits due to underage drinking are likely to jump on New Year's day, U.S. government researchers said on Thursday, hoping to warn parents and young people of the dangers as they ring in 2011.

Mayor Bloomberg Under Fire For Handling Of Blizzard

NEW YORK - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a political independent whose reputation was built on competence, may have been defeated this time by a blizzard.

Feinberg Strikes Deals To Settle Oil Spill Claims

HOUSTON - The administrator of BP Plc's $20 billion compensation fund has paid $43 million to residents of the U.S. Gulf Coast who agree not to sue the company for damages stemming from the nation's worst offshore oil spill.

In The Madoff Case, "net Winners" Could Get Lucky

NEW YORK, Dec 28 (Reuters Legal) - The unexpectedly rapid pace of recovery in the Madoff case -- including a recent $7.2 billion settlement -- has raised the prospect that the victims could actually be made whole.

Leading "Spider-Man" Actress Quits Show: Report

NEW YORK - In the latest disappointment for the ambitious Broadway production of "Spider-Man," one of the lead actresses who suffered a concussion during its first preview performance is quitting the show.

Apple Sued Over Apps Privacy Issues; Google May Be Next

BANGALORE - Two separate groups of iPhone and iPad users have sued Apple Inc alleging that certain software applications were passing personal user information to third-party advertisers without consent.

Ohio And New York State Pensions Named Plaintiffs In BP Case

NEW YORK - State pension funds in Ohio and New York were named lead plaintiffs in a shareholder suit against BP Plc that alleges losses due to the Gulf Coast oil spill, according to a U.S. district court ruling.

FAA Proposes Fixes For Collision Warning Devices

NEW YORK - The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing changes to midair-collision warning devices on U.S. aircraft after discovering a safety problem on a test flight.

Cold Snap Freezes Florida Citrus

MIAMI - A second major hard freeze this month iced up oranges and other fruit across Florida's citrus growing regions, causing some fruit damage and raising fears of longer-term impact on groves, growers said on Tuesday.

Federal-Mogul Recalls Parts In Some Chrysler Vehicles

DETROIT - Federal-Mogul Corp is recalling 22,689 replacement control arm assemblies in certain older model Chrysler vehicles after it found a fault that could cause vehicles to crash.

Man With Bullet Parts Arrested At Miami Airport

MIAMI - A man traveling with bullet parts in a suitcase was arrested at Miami's international airport on Tuesday after his luggage caused a small explosion on the tarmac, causing no injuries or damage, authorities said.

Northeast Digs Out After Storm Snarls Travel

NEW YORK - New York dug out of its sixth biggest snowstorm on record and thousands of stranded travelers hoped to finally board long-delayed flights on Tuesday after a blizzard buried the northeastern United States the day after Christmas.

Olympics Documentary Filmmaker Bud Greenspan Dies

LOS ANGELES - Olympic Games documentarian Bud Greenspan, whose stirring portraits of athletic triumph helped define the modern games, died in New York on Saturday after a battle with Parkinson's disease, his film company said. He was 84.

Gary Williams Says Small Explosion At Wynnewood, OK, Refinery

BANGALORE - Gary Williams Co had a small explosion and fire at its 70,000 barrels-per-day Wynnewood refinery in Oklahoma on Sunday morning, a company spokeswoman said.

Amazon Says Kindle Holding Its Own Against Tablets

NEW YORK - Amazon.com Inc said sales of its Kindle e-reader were strong over the holiday season amid competition from devices such as Apple Inc's iPad, a computer tablet that also has e-reader capabilities.

For Many U.S. Troops, A Last Christmas In Iraq

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Colonel Lance Kittleson is looking forward to spending Christmas with his family next year as U.S. troops withdraw from Iraq 7-1/2 years after the invasion that toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.

Blizzard Chills End Of U.S. Holiday Shopping Season

NEW YORK - A major snowstorm on the U.S. East Coast kept many shoppers home just after Christmas, casting a pall on the final act of the holiday sales season.

Gasoline Price Tops $3 A Gallon In Latest Week

WASHINGTON - The average price of U.S. gasoline rose above $3 a gallon over the past week, reaching its highest level since October 2008, the Energy Department said on Monday.

Allen Stanford's Lawyers Seek Two-year Trial Delay

HOUSTON - Lawyers representing Allen Stanford told a federal judge they need at least two years to prepare for the accused swindler's upcoming trial, citing their client's health and lack of access to documents.

Obama Pays Christmas Visit To Hawaii Marine Base

HONOLULU - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle took time from their Hawaii vacation to drop by a Marine Corps base on Saturday, where they greeted service men and women during Christmas dinner.

Regeneron Pain Drug Put On Clinical Hold By FDA

BOSTON - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Monday that U.S. regulators placed the company's experimental pain drug for osteoarthritis on clinical hold after a patient in another company's trial developed a serious bone disorder.

Northeast Digs Out After Storm Snarls Travel

NEW YORK - New Yorkers faced the task of clearing huge snowdrifts and thousands of stranded travelers looked forward to boarding flights on Tuesday after a major blizzard slammed the Northeast the day after Christmas.

U.S. Defends Permits For Iran Deals In Sanctioned Nations

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday defended its issuance of special licenses for American companies to do business with Iran and other blacklisted nations, in response to a New York Times report on deals made despite sanctions and trade embargoes.

Kids Tracking Santa Get Michelle Obama Surprise

HONOLULU - Eight-year-old Juliana-Rose Hatcher had tracked Santa Claus all of Friday with the aid of NORAD's Santa hotline, before she got some unexpected help from Michelle Obama.

"Spider-Man" Returns Safely To Broadway Stage

NEW YORK - "Spider-Man" returned safely to the Broadway stage with a mishap-free performance on Thursday night, restoring confidence in the show's ability to protect the health of its cast but not, perhaps, its financial future.

Warhol, Lichtenstein Prints Stolen In New York

NEW YORK - Police are seeking help in recovering nearly half a dozen pieces of art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol stolen from a New York City apartment by burglars who broke through a wall.

20th Century Financial Titan Neuberger Dies At 107

WASHINGTON - Roy R. Neuberger, a giant among 20th century American financiers, stock brokers and patrons of the arts, has died at Manhattan's Pierre Hotel at 107, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

Olympics Documentary Filmmaker Bud Greenspan Dies

LOS ANGELES - Olympic Games documentarian Bud Greenspan, whose stirring portraits of athletic triumph helped define the modern games, died in New York on Saturday after a battle with Parkinson's disease, his film company said. He was 84.

Gary Williams Says Small Explosion At Wynnewood, OK, Refinery

BANGALORE - Gary Williams Co had a small explosion and fire at its 70,000 barrels-per-day Wynnewood refinery in Oklahoma on Sunday morning, a company spokeswoman said.

For Many U.S. Troops, A Last Christmas In Iraq

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Colonel Lance Kittleson is looking forward to spending Christmas with his family next year as U.S. troops withdraw from Iraq 7-1/2 years after the invasion that toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.

Obama Pays Christmas Visit To Hawaii Marine Base

HONOLULU - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle took time from their Hawaii vacation to drop by a Marine Corps base on Saturday, where they greeted service men and women during Christmas dinner.

Blizzard Causes Air Travel Havoc In Northeast

NEW YORK - The first widespread blizzard of the season slammed the northeastern United States on the heavily traveled Christmas weekend on Sunday, canceling more than 1,500 flights, shutting the Amtrak passenger rail and challenging motorists on icy roads.

Kids Tracking Santa Get Michelle Obama Surprise

HONOLULU - Eight-year-old Juliana-Rose Hatcher had tracked Santa Claus all of Friday with the aid of NORAD's Santa hotline, before she got some unexpected help from Michelle Obama.

"Spider-Man" Returns Safely To Broadway Stage

NEW YORK - "Spider-Man" returned safely to the Broadway stage with a mishap-free performance on Thursday night, restoring confidence in the show's ability to protect the health of its cast but not, perhaps, its financial future.

Toyota Settles Suit Over California Crash For $10 Million

LOS ANGELES - Toyota has agreed to pay $10 million to settle legal claims from the family of a California state trooper and three relatives whose fatal car wreck helped spark the automaker's wide-ranging safety recall, lawyers said on Thursday.

Rahm Emanuel Gets Green Light To Run For Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel got a victory in his run for Chicago mayor on Thursday, with a decision by an election board that he meets the residency requirement to be on the February ballot.

Warhol, Lichtenstein Prints Stolen In New York

NEW YORK - Police are seeking help in recovering nearly half a dozen pieces of art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol stolen from a New York City apartment by burglars who broke through a wall.

20th Century Financial Titan Neuberger Dies At 107

WASHINGTON - Roy R. Neuberger, a giant among 20th century American financiers, stock brokers and patrons of the arts, has died at Manhattan's Pierre Hotel at 107, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

TSA To Give Drink Containers Closer Look At Airports

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities are warning air travelers to expect greater scrutiny of thermoses and other insulated drink containers at security checkpoints after intelligence suggested they could be used to hide explosives.

U.S. Defends Permits For Iran Deals In Sanctioned Nations

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday defended its issuance of special licenses for American companies to do business with Iran and other blacklisted nations, in response to a New York Times report on deals made despite sanctions and trade embargoes.

For Many Troops, A Last Christmas In Iraq

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Colonel Lance Kittleson is looking forward to spending Christmas with his family next year as troops withdraw from Iraq 7-1/2 years after the invasion that toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.

Obama Pays Christmas Visit To Hawaii Marine Base

HONOLULU - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle took time from their Hawaii vacation to drop by a Marine Corps base on Saturday, where they greeted service men and women during Christmas dinner.

U.S. Air Traffic Upgrade Hit By Delays, Higher Costs

WASHINGTON - A new high-altitude air traffic control system is taking longer than expected to bring on line and at higher costs than planned, a U.S. government watchdog said on Thursday.

Artificial Christmas Trees Get Nod Over Fresh: Poll

VANCOUVER - Far more Canadians, Americans and Britons will celebrate Christmas on Saturday with artificial Christmas trees in their houses than real ones, according to a survey released on Friday.

Kids Tracking Santa Get Michelle Obama Surprise

HONOLULU - Eight-year-old Juliana-Rose Hatcher had tracked Santa Claus all of Friday with the aid of NORAD's Santa hotline, before she got some unexpected help from Michelle Obama.

Online Holiday Sales Up 15.4 Percent: SpendingPulse

NEW YORK - U.S. online shopping rose 15.4 percent to $36.4 billion for the holiday shopping season, a MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse report showed on Thursday.

"Spider-Man" Returns, Safely, To Broadway Stage

NEW YORK - "Spider-Man" returned safely to the Broadway stage with a mishap-free performance on Thursday night, restoring confidence in the show's ability to protect the health of its cast but not, perhaps, its financial future.

Toyota Settles Suit Over California Crash For $10 Million

LOS ANGELES - Toyota has agreed to pay $10 million to settle legal claims from the family of a California state trooper and three relatives whose fatal car wreck helped spark the automaker's wide-ranging safety recall, lawyers said on Thursday.

Rahm Emanuel Gets Green Light To Run For Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel got a victory in his run for Chicago mayor on Thursday, with a decision by an election board that he meets the residency requirement to be on the February ballot.

Warhol, Lichtenstein Prints Stolen In New York

NEW YORK - Police are seeking help in recovering nearly half a dozen pieces of art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol stolen from a New York City apartment by burglars who broke through a wall.

TSA To Give Drink Containers Closer Look At Airports

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities are warning air travelers to expect greater scrutiny of thermoses and other insulated drink containers at security checkpoints after intelligence suggested they could be used to hide explosives.

U.S. Defends Permits For Iran Deals In Sanctioned Nations

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday defended its issuance of special licenses for American companies to do business with Iran and other blacklisted nations, in response to a New York Times report on deals made despite sanctions and trade embargoes.

Gillette Will Not Renew Tiger Woods

CHICAGO - Procter & Gamble Co's Gillette brand will not renew its endorsement contract with golfer Tiger Woods, which ends on December 31, a company spokesman confirmed on Thursday.

Goldman Sachs Sets New Long-term Compensation Plan

NEW YORK - Goldman Sachs Group Inc has established a new long-term bonus plan that lets the board award cash and stock on top of existing compensation, but lets the firm take back money if the employee takes too much risk.

Online Holiday Sales Up 15.4 Percent: SpendingPulse

NEW YORK - U.S. online shopping rose 15.4 percent to $36.4 billion for the holiday shopping season, a MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse report showed on Thursday.

Tech Analyst Latest To Plead Guilty In Insider Case

NEW YORK - A California technology consultant cooperated with prosecutors and pleaded guilty in the government's widening probe of researchers suspected of tipping hedge funds with inside information on companies, according to court documents released on Thursday.

Sensor Mat Issue Prompts GM Cadillac Recall

DETROIT - General Motors Co is recalling 109,000 Cadillac CTS cars worldwide for the model years 2005 to 2007 because a mat under the seat that senses the front passenger could break and disable the front air bag.

U.S. Proposes New Rest Rules For Truckers

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration favors giving truckers more rest, but for now is leaving open the question of whether drivers should spend fewer hours each day behind the wheel.

U.S. Air Traffic Upgrade Hit By Delays, Higher Costs

WASHINGTON - A new high-altitude air traffic control system is taking longer than expected to bring on line and at higher costs than planned, a U.S. government watchdog said on Thursday.

Toyota Settles Suit Over California Crash For $10 Million

LOS ANGELES - Toyota has agreed to pay $10 million to settle legal claims from the family of a California state trooper and three relatives whose fatal car wreck helped spark the automaker's wide-ranging safety recall, lawyers said on Thursday.

U.S. Defends Permits For Deals In Sanctioned Nations

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday defended its issuance of special licenses for American companies to do business with Iran and other blacklisted nations, in response to a New York Times report on deals made despite sanctions and trade embargoes.

Rahm Emanuel Gets Green Light To Run For Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel got a victory in his run for Chicago mayor on Thursday, with a decision by an election board that he meets the residency requirement to be on the February ballot.

Ousted General McChrystal To Publish Memoir

NEW YORK - The former top U.S. general in Afghanistan Stanley McChrystal, who was fired when he enraged the White House by disparaging the Obama administration in a magazine article, will publish his first memoir, the Penguin Group said on Wednesday.

Bush Memoir Speeds Past 2 Million Sales Level

LOS ANGELES - Crown Publishing Group on Wednesday said the memoir of former president George W. Bush, "Decision Points," has sold more than 2 million hardcover and e-book copies since its release in early November.

Nassau County, NY Moves Closer To State Fiscal Control

NEW YORK - New York's Nassau County has failed to close its budget deficit, the chairman of a state oversight board said on Wednesday, meaning the board could impose a control period over the finances of one of the country's wealthiest counties before the end of the year.

Apple Drops WikiLeaks App, Google Keeps It

BOSTON - Apple Inc has joined a growing number of U.S. companies that have severed ties with WikiLeaks, removing an application from its online store that gave users access to the controversial website's content.

New "Sheriff" On Wall Street Fills Top Six Jobs

NEW YORK - New York Attorney General-elect Eric Schneiderman named six lawyers to join his legal staff, including a top trial lawyer as his chief deputy, when he becomes the new "Sheriff of Wall Street" on January 1.

UAW Readies Drive On Asian, German Automakers

DETROIT - The United Auto Workers union will launch a campaign aimed at organizing the U.S. manufacturing plants of Asian and German automakers in January, the union's president told an industry publication on Wednesday.

Drunk Driver Gets 51 Years For Death Of Angels Pitcher

LOS ANGELES - The young motorist convicted of murder for driving drunk in the car crash that killed Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was sentenced to 51 years to life on Wednesday.

AIG To Pay $100 Million In Workers' Comp Fines

NEW YORK - Bailed-out insurer American International Group will pay $100 million in fines in a settlement with all 50 states over reporting errors for premiums on workers' compensation insurance.

U.S. Military To Allow Gays, But Rules Will Take Time

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed a landmark law to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military for the first time, but it could be many months before a move some top officers warn may endanger troops will finally take effect.

Health Bill For 9/11 Responders Clears Congress

WASHINGTON - Legislation to provide medical care for firefighters and other responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks passed the Congress on Wednesday after backers struck a deal to end a Senate Republican blockade of the measure.

Ruling Allows American To Pull Flights From Orbitz

ATLANTA - AMR Corp's American Airlines said on Tuesday it would no longer sell flights on online travel agency Orbitz Worldwide after a ruling from an Illinois court.

Ex-Madoff Aide Bongiorno Loses Bail, Surrenders

NEW YORK - Annette Bongiorno, one of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff's longest serving employees, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday when she failed to make bail pending trial for her purported role in the massive fraud.

King & Spalding Drawn Into Ex-Glaxo Lawyer's Defense

NEW YORK, Dec 21 (Reuters Legal) - A former GlaxoSmithKline Plc lawyer indicted last month for obstructing a U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into the company's marketing of antidepressant Wellbutrin was advised by major law firm King & Spalding, according to a document filed in court by her defense team.

House Passes Reform Of Food Safety System

WASHINGTON - The ailing U.S. food safety system moved closer on Tuesday toward its biggest overhaul in more than 70 years after the House of Representatives passed legislation that would increase inspections and give regulators the power to recall tainted foods.

Teen Birthrate Hits New Low Amid Overall Drop

CHICAGO - The U.S. teen birthrate dropped to its lowest level in the seven decades government researchers have been tracking it, government researchers said on Tuesday.

Divided FCC Adopts Internet Rules

WASHINGTON - A divided Federal Communications Commission banned Internet service providers like Comcast Corp from blocking traffic on their networks, provoking warnings the rules would be rejected in the courts and threats from Republican lawmakers to overturn them.

Defense In Bomb Case Wants To Silence Attorney General

PORTLAND, Oregon - Lawyers for a Somali-born man charged in a plot to bomb a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Portland are trying to restrict U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder from commenting on the case.

U.S. Moving To End Ban On Gays In Military

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is drafting new rules that will allow gays and lesbians to serve openly for the first time, but it could be many months before a move that some top officers warn may endanger troops will finally take effect.

Last-minute Holiday Shoppers Boost U.S. Sales

NEW YORK - More last-minute shoppers flocked to stores this year on the final Saturday before Christmas than last year, but spending is expected to be even higher late this week.

Republican-leaning States Gain Clout From Census

WASHINGTON - Republican-leaning states in the South and West will gain clout from U.S. population figures released on Tuesday, dealing a blow to President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats that could linger for years.

Jobless Americans Wary Of Losing Their Edge

NEW YORK - Since losing her job last April, Laurianne Dobbins has known one thing: she wasn't going to let her skills get rusty.

Newark Airport Terminal Reopened After Bomb Scare

NEWARK, New Jersey - Security forces began allowing passengers back into Newark Airport's Terminal A after the terminal was shut for more than half an hour early on Monday because of a suspicious package, a Reuters witness said.

Senators See Chance For Passing 9/11 Health Bill

WASHINGTON - A retooled bill providing medical care for firefighters and other emergency responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks could be resurrected soon in the Senate, a few weeks after Republicans blocked the measure, backers said on Sunday.

Special Report: For Some Professors, Disclosure Is Academic

NEW YORK - When Hal Scott testified on financial reform before the Senate last February, he identified himself simply as a Harvard Law School professor and director of an independent research group.

Texas, Home To Big Oil, Takes Shine To Solar Power

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas has long been home to Big Oil companies that specialize in extracting petroleum from hard-to-reach places. Now the hip college town of Austin is vying to become the epicenter of a potentially giant market for carbon-free electricity generated by the hot Texas sun.

U.S. Crime Down In 2010, FBI Reports

WASHINGTON - Murders and other violent crimes in the United States fell sharply in the first six months of 2010, part of a downward trend that has lasted 3-1/2 years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Monday.

U.S. Expects Foreclosure Probe Results Next Month

WASHINGTON - An Obama administration task force examining allegations of fraud in the mortgage foreclosure process will deliver its findings next month, two top officials said on Monday.

Better HIV Screening Worthwhile In U.S., Study Finds

WASHINGTON - Expanding screening for the AIDS virus to include every American at least once and the highest-risk people once a year could prevent more than 80,000 infections over the next 20 years, researchers projected on Monday.

NY Governor Fined For Taking Free Yankees Tickets

NEW YORK - Outgoing New York Governor David Paterson was handed a $62,000 fine on Monday by the state's ethics watchdog for unlawfully taking free baseball tickets to the 2009 World Series.

U.S. Executions Fall Due To Cost And Lack Of Lethal Drug

NEW YORK - The United States executed fewer people this year, in part because there is a shortage of the drug used in lethal injections and because executions are too expensive in tough economic times, a report released on Tuesday said.

U.S. Proposes Cellphone Ban For Truck Drivers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Friday proposed prohibiting commercial truck and bus drivers from using cellphones while behind the wheel.

SEC Expands Mortgage Probe: Sources

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Securities regulators have broadened their inquiry into the mortgage industry, asking big banks about the early stages of securitizing home loans, two sources familiar with the probe said.

Lee Harvey Oswald's Coffin Auctioned For $87,000

LOS ANGELES - An anonymous buyer has paid more than $87,000 to purchase the wood coffin that held Lee Harvey Oswald's body for 20 years, an auction house said on Friday.

Former Guantanamo Detainee Urges Judge To Clear Him

NEW YORK - Lawyers for the first Guantanamo detainee to have faced a U.S. civilian trial have asked the judge either to clear the Tanzanian terrorism suspect or grant him another trial.

Ford Bringing C-Max Small Minivan To U.S. Market

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co will introduce a seven-passenger C-Max minivan to the North American market in 2012, a vehicle that is smaller than most current minivans in an effort aimed at young families.

Bank Of America Cuts Off WikiLeaks Payments

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Bank of America Corp said on Saturday it will not process payments intended for WikiLeaks, which has angered U.S. authorities with the mass release of U.S. diplomatic cables.

New Evidence Allowed In Italy Trial For Briton's Murder

PERUGIA, Italy - An Italian court has allowed new evidence in the trial for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, in a boost for American defendant Amanda Knox and her Italian former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito.

Retailers Hope Big Saturday Will Clinch Season

CHICAGO/SECAUCUS, New Jersey - The last shopping weekend before Christmas kicked off with great weather, but not the throngs of shoppers retailers and investors were hoping would clinch a season that has so far beat expectations.

Kroger Recalls Pet Foods At Some Stores

NEW YORK - The Kroger Co is recalling select packages of dog and cat foods at some of its retail stores because the products may pose a health risk to pets.

Senators See Chance For Passing 9/11 Health Bill

WASHINGTON - A retooled bill providing medical care for firefighters and other emergency responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks could be resurrected soon in the Senate, a few weeks after Republicans blocked the measure, backers said on Sunday.

Two States Sue Bank Of America On Mortgage Servicing

SAN FRANCISCO - The states of Arizona and Nevada sued Bank of America Corp on Friday, accusing the largest U.S. bank of routinely misleading consumers about home loan modifications.

Lee Harvey Oswald's Coffin Auctioned For $87,000

LOS ANGELES - An anonymous buyer has paid more than $87,000 to purchase the wood coffin that held Lee Harvey Oswald's body for 20 years, an auction house said on Friday.

Court Denies Full Hearing For Ex-media Mogul Black

CHICAGO - The federal appeals court in Chicago on Friday denied a request from convicted former media mogul Conrad Black to have his case reheard by the full court, prompting Black's lawyer to say he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

U.S. Proposes Cellphone Ban For Truck Drivers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Friday proposed prohibiting commercial truck and bus drivers from using cellphones while behind the wheel.

SEC Expands Mortgage Probe: Sources

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Securities regulators have broadened their inquiry into the mortgage industry, asking big banks about the early stages of securitizing home loans, two sources familiar with the probe said.

Employment In Most States Better Than Last Year

WASHINGTON - Employment conditions in more than half of U.S. states improved in November from a year earlier, the government reported on Friday, with unemployment rates dropping in 28 states and the District of Columbia.

Former Guantanamo Detainee Urges Judge To Clear Him

NEW YORK - Lawyers for the first Guantanamo detainee to have faced a U.S. civilian trial have asked the judge either to clear the Tanzanian terrorism suspect or grant him another trial.

Bank Of America Cuts Off WikiLeaks Payments

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Bank of America Corp said on Saturday it will not process payments intended for WikiLeaks, which has angered U.S. authorities with the mass release of U.S. diplomatic cables.

New Evidence Allowed In Italy Trial For Briton's Murder

PERUGIA, Italy - An Italian court has allowed new evidence in the trial for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, in a boost for American defendant Amanda Knox and her Italian former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito.

Retailers Hope Big Saturday Will Clinch Season

CHICAGO/SECAUCUS, New Jersey - The last shopping weekend before Christmas kicked off with great weather, but not the throngs of shoppers retailers and investors were hoping would clinch a season that has so far beat expectations.

Madoff Trustee Recoups Biggest Settlement Yet

NEW YORK - The man assigned to recover money for Madoff's victims won his biggest settlement yet -- an agreement by the estate of longtime Madoff friend Jeffry Picower to give back $7.2 billion in profits from the epic fraud.

Google Rebuffs Connecticut Over Street View Request

WASHINGTON - Google Inc has told the Connecticut attorney general's office that it will not comply with its requests for information about its Street View cars collecting personal information.

GE Must Do More To Clean Hudson River: EPA

NEW YORK - The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday ordered General Electric Co to dredge deeper into the Hudson River as part of the next phase of an effort to remove cancer-causing chemicals dumped into the river over decades.

Two States Sue Bank Of America On Mortgage Servicing

SAN FRANCISCO - The states of Arizona and Nevada sued Bank of America Corp on Friday, accusing the largest U.S. bank of routinely misleading consumers about home loan modifications.

Lee Harvey Oswald's Coffin Auctioned For $87,000

LOS ANGELES - An anonymous buyer has paid more than $87,000 to purchase the wood coffin that held Lee Harvey Oswald's body for 20 years, an auction house said on Friday.

Court Denies Full Hearing For Ex-media Mogul Black

CHICAGO - The federal appeals court in Chicago on Friday denied a request from convicted former media mogul Conrad Black to have his case reheard by the full court, prompting Black's lawyer to say he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

U.S. Proposes Cellphone Ban For Truck Drivers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Friday proposed prohibiting commercial truck and bus drivers from using cellphones while behind the wheel.

Former Guantanamo Detainee Urges Judge To Clear Him

NEW YORK - Lawyers for the first Guantanamo detainee to have faced a U.S. civilian trial have asked the judge either to clear the Tanzanian terrorism suspect or grant him another trial.

SEC Expands Mortgage Probe: Sources

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Securities regulators have broadened their inquiry into the mortgage industry, asking big banks about the early stages of securitizing home loans, two sources familiar with the probe said.

Employment In Most States Better Than Last Year

WASHINGTON - Employment conditions in more than half of U.S. states improved in November from a year earlier, the government reported on Friday, with unemployment rates dropping in 28 states and the District of Columbia.

NFL Playoff Picture Begins To Take Shape

INDIANAPOLIS - A year ago the Indianapolis Colts were on cruise control, coasting into the holiday season with a perfect record.

Special Report: Is America The Sick Man Of The Globe?

SAGINAW, Michigan - Not long ago, if you wanted steak for lunch at the Texan Restaurant, less than two minutes drive from the Nexteer Automotive assembly plant, you had to be in the door by 11 o'clock in the morning. If you arrived any later, you joined a long line with other laggards and waited for a table to open up.

Obama Backs U.N. Indigenous Rights Declaration

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he was giving a belated U.S. endorsement to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, drawing hearty applause from a gathering of Native Americans.

U.S., States Spar In Florida Court Over Health Law

PENSACOLA, Florida - Attorneys for the Obama administration and 20 U.S. states sparred in court on Thursday over whether the new healthcare law oversteps constitutional limits on federal authority by requiring most Americans to buy medical insurance.

Larry King Ends CNN Stint With Nostalgia And Family

LOS ANGELES - Larry King, the gruff CNN personality whose nonconfrontational interviews were a hit with newsmakers and viewers for 25 years, signed off at the cable news channel on Thursday with a series of reminiscences from big names, old pals and family members.

Wal-Mart Faces Opposition In New York City-again

NEW YORK - After overcoming union and political opposition to new stores in Chicago, Wal-Mart Stores Inc is looking for ways to overcome or get around similar resistance in New York City.

Washington Subway Police To Begin Random Bag Checks

WASHINGTON - Officers will start random bag inspections on the sprawling Washington subway system, the Washington Metro Transit Police said on Thursday, a week after a man was arrested for making bomb threats to the rail system.

California Gives Green Light To Carbon Trade

SACRAMENTO - California on Thursday approved rules for a multibillion-dollar carbon market, in what proponents hope and detractors fear will be a turning point for the United States toward building a national program to address global warming.

Oklahoma Uses Animal Euthanasia Drug In Execution

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma put to death a man on Thursday convicted of strangling his prison cellmate, using for the first time in a U.S. execution a drug often used to euthanize animals.

U.S. Arrests 4 In Widening Insider Trading Probe

NEW YORK - Four people were arrested on charges of leaking secrets about technology companies to hedge funds, including details about Apple Inc's iPad ahead of its launch, in a widening U.S. probe into insider trading.

Aretha Franklin Released From Hospital

LOS ANGELES - Soul icon Aretha Franklin has been discharged from a Detroit hospital where she underwent successful surgery for reported pancreatic cancer.

Hall Of Fame Pitcher Bob Feller Dead At 92

NEW YORK - Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians whose sizzling fastball earned him the nickname "Rapid Robert," died Wednesday in Cleveland from leukemia, the team said. He was 92.

Wall Street Bonuses May Top Last Year As Profits Soar

NEW YORK - Despite the weak U.S. economy, this year could be the second most profitable for New York City's securities industry, a report said, and the average bonus may top last year's because so many bankers and brokers have been laid off.

New York Airport Bomb Plotter Given Life Sentence

NEW YORK - A U.S. judge on Wednesday sentenced an Islamist militant to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of participating in a plot to bomb New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Border Agent Killed In Gun Battle In Arizona

PHOENIX - A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot dead by suspected smugglers in a gun battle close to the Mexico border in southern Arizona and four suspects have been arrested, authorities said on Wednesday.

Obama Fuel Plan Would Raise Car Prices, Study Says

DETROIT - The average cost of a car sold in the United States could rise by just over 20 percent and more autoworkers would lose their jobs if regulators institute the Obama administration's most aggressive targets for increasing fuel economy, a study released on Wednesday said.

Cosmopolitan Casino Opens On The Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS, Dec 15 - It has a quirky ad campaign and a 3-story chandelier bar, but the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will need all that and more to keep the slot machines humming and its 3,000 rooms filled.

FDA Uncovers More Problems At J&J Fort Washington Plant

WASHINGTON - U.S. inspectors are still uncovering a host of problems at a Johnson & Johnson manufacturing plant that was the source of a major recall of dozens of popular children's medications earlier this year.

Obama Administration Sues BP, Others Over Gulf Spill

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Wednesday launched a legal battle against BP Plc and its partners by suing them for the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, which could cost the companies billions of dollars.

House Votes To End Military's Policy On Gays

WASHINGTON - The Democratic-led House of Representatives Wednesday passed a bill to repeal a ban against gays serving openly in the U.S. military.

Scarlett Johansson And Ryan Reynolds To Divorce

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds have called it quits after two years of marriage, they said in a statement on Tuesday.

Facebook CEO Youngest In California Hall Of Fame

SAN FRANCISCO - Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg becomes the youngest member of the California Hall of Fame on Tuesday when the state museum in Sacramento also honors singer Barbra Streisand, "Titanic" filmmaker James Cameron and others.

Lawsuits Accuse Knights Of Columbus Of Child Abuse

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut - The Knights of Columbus was sued on Tuesday by two men who said they were sexually abused as children by a leader of a youth group run by the Roman Catholic fraternal organization.

Jury Rules Against Lorillard In Child Smoking Case

BOSTON - A jury on Tuesday ordered U.S. cigarette maker Lorillard Inc to pay damages to a dead smoker's family for allegedly enticing the woman and other black children with free cigarettes given out decades ago.

U.S. Year-end Travel Seen Up 3.1 Percent: AAA

NEW YORK - The number of Americans traveling for the end of year holidays this year is expected to rise 3.1 percent from 2009 because of a modestly improved economic environment and pent-up demand, travel and auto group AAA said on Wednesday.

Poverty Equals Obesity? Study Bucks Common Wisdom

WASHINGTON - Women who are poor are much more likely to be obese but men are not, U.S. government researchers said on Tuesday in a report that contradicts some common perceptions.

U.S. Expected To File Gulf Oil Spill Civil Case

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department is expected to announce as early as Wednesday its first significant legal action stemming from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a federal government source familiar with the matter said.

Motorcyle Bandit Robs Las Vegas Casino Of $1.5 Million

LAS VEGAS - An armed man robbed a craps table at the Bellagio casino of about $1.5 million in chips on Tuesday before escaping on a motorcycle, Las Vegas police said.

Man Arrested For Threats To Washington Subway

WASHINGTON - A Virginia man has been arrested for making threats to use explosives in the Washington, D.C., area, including in the local subway system, according to court documents released on Tuesday.

Special Report: What's A Home Worth? Pick A Number, Any Number

WASHINGTON - Aaron and Beth Stiner are renters, but not by choice and not because they can't afford to buy a house. They had a move-up home in Phoenix selected and good credit scores. They even had buyers lined up for the home they were selling. Then they entered appraisal hell.

FedEx To Move 16 Million Packages On Busiest Day

NEW YORK - FedEx Corp expects to handle 16 million packages on Monday, its busiest day of the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, marking a 13 percent increase over a year ago.

Government Issues Guidance On Offshore Drilling Rules

WASHINGTON - The Interior Department on Monday issued guidance about its new regulatory regime for offshore drillers, responding to complaints that confusion over the agency's new policies has delayed deepwater permitting.

Accused Longtime Madoff Aide Strains To Make Bail

NEW YORK - Annette Bongiorno, who worked at the firm of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff for 40 years, is struggling to make bail on criminal charges as the case becomes "more notorious," her lawyer said on Monday.

Women Still Facing Glass Ceiling In 2010: Study

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Women saw little advancement in corporate boardrooms and compensation in 2010, extending a 5-year trend in which companies have lagged in promoting and mentoring of women to their own detriment, according to a new study released on Monday.

Miller Takes Elections Case To Alaska's Top Court

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Tea Party favorite Joe Miller on Monday took his fight over the November election to the Alaska Supreme Court, asking justices to throw out contested write-in ballots cast for fellow Republican Lisa Murkowski in their Senate race.

Republican Chief Michael Steele To Seek Re-election

WASHINGTON - Republican Party chief Michael Steele, resisting appeals that he step down, told fellow Republicans on Monday he planned to seek a new term to help lead the party through the 2012 presidential election.

Veteran Diplomat Richard Holbrooke Dies

WASHINGTON - Richard Holbrooke, the diplomat who brokered the accord that ended the war in Bosnia and served as U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, died on Monday.

Weather Delays Return Of Cruise Ship To Florida

TAMPA, Florida - High winds and rough seas have delayed the return of the Carnival cruise ship Inspiration to its home port of Tampa, Florida, the company said on Monday.

Cold, Snow Hit Schools, Travel In Many States

CHICAGO - Bone-chilling cold swept across the snow-hit Great Plains and Midwest on Monday, closing schools and playing havoc with travel plans, with the sub-freezing temperatures reaching as far south as Florida.

Judge Rejects Key Part Of Obama Healthcare Law

WASHINGTON - A judge in Virginia on Monday declared a key part of President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare law unconstitutional in the first major setback on an issue that will likely end up at the Supreme Court.

Defense Chief Robert Gates Keeps Pushing For Repeal Of Gay Ban

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Congress on Friday to lift a ban on gays serving openly in the military, saying he was disappointed by the Senate's failure to act this week and fearful of leaving the issue to the uncertainty of the courts.

Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper Found Guilty In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - A homeless street preacher was found guilty on Friday of kidnapping teenager Elizabeth Smart, whose abduction from her bed in the middle of the night and harrowing, nine-month ordeal gripped much of America eight years ago.

New York Governor Halts Gas "fracking" Until July

NEW YORK - New York Governor David Paterson on Saturday halted a controversial form of natural gas drilling in the state until July and ruled no such drilling take place until environmental regulators deem it safe.

Attorney General Eric Holder Defends Anti-terrorism Stings

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday strongly defended undercover sting tactics like those used last month to capture an Oregon man charged with trying to plant a fake bomb at a holiday festival.

College Teams Set Ice Hockey Attendance Record

DETROIT - Michigan and Michigan State set a world record for attendance at an ice hockey game on Saturday, when they played in front of an announced crowd of 113,411 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Wal-Mart In Talks With Unions Over NY Stores: Report

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc is in advanced talks with New York's construction unions to get their backing for its entry into New York City's retail market, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

Cosmopolitan Casino Aiming For The "curious" In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS - Billed as "polish without pretense," the latest, and likely the last for at least the next decade, new casino-resort will open this week on a Las Vegas Strip still grappling with a weak economy.

Bernard Madoff's Elder Son Dead In Suicide

NEW YORK - Mark Madoff, the elder son of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff, was found hanged in his New York City apartment in an apparent suicide on the second anniversary of his father's arrest, police and his lawyer said on Saturday.

Senior Diplomat Richard Holbrooke Critical After Surgery

WASHINGTON - Veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, President Barack Obama's special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, remained hospitalized on Sunday after surgery to repair torn aorta, a U.S. official said.

Winter Storm Pummels Midwest

MILWAUKEE - A blizzard dumped thigh-deep snow on some areas of the U.S. upper Midwest on Sunday, playing havoc with travelers and causing the roof of a large stadium, the Metrodome, to collapse in Minneapolis.

Miley Cyrus's Image Hits A New Low. Or, Is It High?

LOS ANGELES - Home video of singer Miley Cyrus using a bong apparently to smoke the hallucinogenic herb salvia hit the Internet on Friday, capping a year which has seen the teen star throw aside her squeaky clean Disney image.

Original Rules Of Basketball Sell For Sports Record

NEW YORK - Two Kansas University basketball fans paid more than $4.3 million on Friday for the faded and soiled original rules of basketball drawn up by the sport's founder, James Naismith, more than a century ago.

Supreme Court To Decide Generic Drug Labeling Issue

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said on Friday that it would decide whether generic drug companies could be sued under state law over allegations they failed to provide adequate label warnings about potential side effects.

Defense Chief Robert Gates Keeps Pushing For Repeal Of Gay Ban

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Congress on Friday to lift a ban on gays serving openly in the military, saying he was disappointed by the Senate's failure to act this week and fearful of leaving the issue to the uncertainty of the courts.

Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper Found Guilty In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - A homeless street preacher was found guilty on Friday of kidnapping teenager Elizabeth Smart, whose abduction from her bed in the middle of the night and harrowing, nine-month ordeal gripped much of America eight years ago.

New York Governor Halts Gas "fracking" Until July

NEW YORK - New York Governor David Paterson on Saturday halted a controversial form of natural gas drilling in the state until July and ruled no such drilling take place until environmental regulators deem it safe.

Attorney General Eric Holder Defends Anti-terrorism Stings

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday strongly defended undercover sting tactics like those used last month to capture an Oregon man charged with trying to plant a fake bomb at a holiday festival.

College Teams Set Ice Hockey Attendance Record

DETROIT - Michigan and Michigan State set a world record for attendance at an ice hockey game on Saturday, when they played in front of an announced crowd of 113,411 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Diplomat Richard Holbrooke In Critical Condition

WASHINGTON - Richard Holbrooke, the veteran diplomat President Barack Obama tapped as his special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, was in critical condition on Saturday after surgery to repair a tear in his aorta, the State Department said.

Bernard Madoff's Elder Son Dead In Suicide

NEW YORK - Mark Madoff, the elder son of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff, was found hanged in his New York City apartment in an apparent suicide on the second anniversary of his father's arrest, police and his lawyer said on Saturday.

Miley Cyrus's Image Hits A New Low. Or, Is It High?

LOS ANGELES - Home video of singer Miley Cyrus using a bong apparently to smoke the hallucinogenic herb salvia hit the Internet on Friday, capping a year which has seen the teen star throw aside her squeaky clean Disney image.

Original Rules Of Basketball Sell For Sports Record

NEW YORK - Two Kansas University basketball fans paid more than $4.3 million on Friday for the faded and soiled original rules of basketball drawn up by the sport's founder, James Naismith, more than a century ago.

Unusually Cold Weather Killing Florida's Manatees

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - Unusually cold weather last winter killed Florida's endangered manatees at a record rate, a report said on Friday.

General Petraeus "most Fascinating Person" Of 2010

LOS ANGELES - General David Petraeus, the top military commander in Afghanistan, has been named the "most fascinating person of 2010", beating the cast of MTV reality show "The Jersey Shore" and teen singer Justin Bieber.

Supreme Court To Decide Generic Drug Labeling Issue

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court said on Friday that it would decide whether generic drug companies could be sued under state law over allegations they failed to provide adequate label warnings about potential side effects.

Envoy Holbrooke Feels Ill, Goes To Hospital

WASHINGTON - Veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, felt ill at the State Department and went to the hospital, the State Department said on Friday.

FAA Overhauls Its Recordkeeping On Planes

WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an effort to sort out aircraft recordkeeping, saying that ownership information for nearly a third of the 357,000 planes on its registry is inaccurate.

Defense Chief Robert Gates Keeps Pushing For Repeal Of Gay Ban

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Congress on Friday to lift a ban on gays serving openly in the military, saying he was disappointed by the Senate's failure to act this week and fearful of leaving the issue to the uncertainty of the courts.

Attorney General Eric Holder Defends Anti-terrorism Stings

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday strongly defended undercover sting tactics like those used last month to capture an Oregon man charged with trying to plant a fake bomb at a holiday festival.

Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper Found Guilty In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - A homeless street preacher was found guilty on Friday of kidnapping teenager Elizabeth Smart, whose abduction from her bed in the middle of the night and harrowing, nine-month ordeal gripped much of America eight years ago.

Florida Pardons The Doors' Jim Morrison

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Rock and roll icon Jim Morrison was pardoned on Thursday by the Florida clemency board for exposing himself at a raucous concert in 1969, an act the late singer and many concert-goers denied ever took place.

Kia Says Some Consumers To Get Optima Pedal Fix

DETROIT - Several hundred early purchasers of the all-new Kia Optima sedan will be contacted by the Korean automaker in the coming weeks to have their cars inspected for a potential accelerator pedal glitch, the company said.

Union Official Who Blew Stolen Money At Strip Clubs Sentenced

NEW YORK - A former trade union official who spent $65,000 of embezzled union funds at New Jersey strip clubs was sentenced to 28 months in prison on Thursday.

Airport Pat-down Of India Envoy Appropriate: U.S.

WASHINGTON - An airport pat-down of the Indian ambassador to the United States in Mississippi angered her government but the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday said it was appropriate under the circumstances.

Du Pont Heir Convicted Of Murder Dies In U.S. Prison

NEW YORK - John du Pont, a wealthy heir to his family's chemicals fortune, died on Thursday in a Pennsylvania prison where he was serving a sentence for the 1996 shooting death of Olympic champion U.S. wrestler David Schultz.

J&J "Softchews" Recall Grows As Wood, Metal Found

WASHINGTON - Johnson & Johnson issued a recall of its Softchews Rolaids antacids on Thursday after consumers reported finding wood and metal bits in the tablets.

Great Lakes Storms Bring Snow, Colder Air Ahead

ERIE, Pennsylvania - Winter storms across the Great Lakes blew snow and cold temperatures across the region on Thursday, with nearly five feet of snowfall in some places and even colder air yet to come.

Ford Invests In Kentucky Plant; Sign Of Recovery

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co will invest $600 million to overhaul a Kentucky plant to make the next generation of its Escape small SUV, in a sign of the gradual recovery for the U.S. auto industry from its near collapse in 2009.

Bid To Repeal Military Gays Policy Fails In Senate

WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a White House-backed bid to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military, but lawmakers seeking to end the policy said they would soon try again.

Demolition Teams Torch California "bomb House"

ESCONDIDO, California - Demolition teams on Thursday burned down an explosives-packed house in suburban San Diego that authorities called the largest cache of homemade bomb-making materials ever found in the United States.

Private Firm Launches And Lands Space Capsule For NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A privately owned company put a spacecraft into orbit and brought it back safely on Wednesday in a groundbreaking test flight NASA hopes will lead to cargo runs to the International Space Station after the space shuttles are retired next year.

U.S. Sees Flawed Test In Chevron Utah Oil Pipe Leak

HOUSTON - Failure to follow test procedures last June may have caused a Chevron oil pipeline leak in Utah on December 1, the U.S. pipeline safety agency said Wednesday.

U.S. Arrests Man For Plot On Military Recruit Center

WASHINGTON - A Baltimore man was arrested on Wednesday on charges he plotted to detonate a vehicle bomb at a U.S. Armed Forces recruitment center in Maryland, a plot that was a sting operation, the Justice Department said.

House Bars Moving Guantanamo Detainees To U.S. Soil

WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation to prohibit moving terrorism suspects from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay to U.S. soil, a blow to President Barack Obama's efforts to prosecute them in criminal courts.

Supreme Court Considers 2007 Arizona Immigration Law

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday stepped into the fierce national debate over illegal immigration, considering an Arizona law that allows the state to shut down businesses that hire undocumented workers.

FCC To Look At New Fee Dispute Rules: Official

WASHINGTON - U.S. regulators plan to explore actions to keep customers from losing television service when broadcasters are in fee fights with cable and satellite TV providers, an official said on Wednesday.

Progress Seen In Drunk, Drugged Driving: Study

CHICAGO - More than 30 million Americans admit to drunken driving in the previous 12 months and more than 10 million say they drove while on illicit drugs, according to a survey of driving habits between 2006 and 2009.

U.S. To Probe Alleged Mortgage Discrimination

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration on Wednesday said it would investigate charges that almost two dozen lenders have unfairly denied U.S. government-backed mortgages to qualified loan applicants.

"Inept" Moves Preceded BP Spill: U.S. Panel Co-chair

WASHINGTON - BP and its contractors made a series of decisions that were "breathtakingly inept" ahead of the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, a co-chair of the White House oil spill commission said on Wednesday.

More Billionaires Pledge To Give Away Half Of Wealth

NEW YORK - Seventeen U.S. billionaires, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, have joined other wealthy American in pledging to give away at least half their fortunes as part of a philanthropic campaign by two of the world's richest men -- Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

Elizabeth Edwards Dies

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina - Elizabeth Edwards, abest-selling author and a driving force behind her husband John Edwards' political career before it was destroyed by his infidelity, died on Tuesday at age 61.

Altria In Rare Settlement Over Chewing Tobacco

BOSTON - Altria Group Inc agreed on Tuesday to pay $5 million in a rare settlement over the death of a chewing tobacco customer.

At Least 3 More Years Of Housing Troubles Seen

WASHINGTON - The housing market will remain depressed, with record high foreclosure levels, rising mortgage rates and a glut of distressed properties dampening the market for years to come, industry experts predicted on Tuesday.

FDA Cannot Block E-cigarette Imports: Court

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration can only regulate "e-cigarettes" as tobacco products and not as drugs, and thus cannot block their import, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

L.A. Dodgers Owned Jointly By Divorced Couple: Judge

LOS ANGELES - A judge ruled on Tuesday that the Los Angeles Dodgers are in effect jointly owned by newly-divorced couple Frank and Jamie McCourt, setting the stage for further wrangling over the storied baseball team.

Bank Of America Settles, U.S. Continues Bond Probe

CHARLOTTE, N.C./WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bank of America Corp will pay $137 million to settle a municipal bond bid-rigging probe which is likely to result in more cases being filed in the coming weeks and months.

Wesley Snipes Still Hopes To Avoid Jail

LOS ANGELES - Actor Wesley Snipes said on Tuesday he was upset about going to prison but still hopes to avoid jail time on tax-related convictions as his lawyer seeks a U.S. Supreme Court review of Snipes' case.

Middle Class Falls Short On Retirement Funds

NEW YORK - The average American has saved less than 7 percent of his desired retirement nest egg and will likely have to keep working in retirement to supplement his income.

NASA Sold Computers With Sensitive Data, Report Says

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA failed to delete sensitive data on computers and hard drives before selling the equipment as part of its plan to end the Space Shuttle program, an audit released on Tuesday shows.

Madoff Friend To Forfeit $625 Million; Mets Owner Sued

NEW YORK - U.S. prosecutors and a court-appointed trustee ramped up efforts to recoup money from friends of Bernard Madoff believed to have profited from his fraud, reaching one forfeiture deal of $625 million and suing the owner of the New York Mets baseball club.

FBI Warns Barbie Doll Could Be Used For Child Porn

LOS ANGELES - The FBI has issued a "cyber crime alert" for a new Barbie doll that comes equipped with a tiny hidden video camera in her chest, saying the toy could be misused to make child porn.

Depression Care Tapering Off In U.S.; Pills Favored

CHICAGO - The number of Americans being treated for depression grew more slowly in the past decade, suggesting that many people may not get the care they need, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Elizabeth Edwards's Cancer Has Spread To Liver

LOS ANGELES - Elizabeth Edwards's cancer has spread to her liver and doctors have advised against further treatment, People magazine reported on Monday.

California Governor Unveils $9.9 Billion Deficit Plan

SACRAMENTO, California - Outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency on Monday and proposed $9.9 billion in mainly spending cuts to close the state's current-year budget shortfall.

Firms Rely Less On Domestic Workers

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Companies are not hiring in the ongoing economic recovery because they are relying less on domestic workers, Bank of America Corp Chief Executive Brian Moynihan said at an economic outlook conference on Monday.

Wal-Mart Class-action Appeal Goes To Supreme Court

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said on Monday it would decide if the largest sex-discrimination class-action lawsuit in U.S. history against Wal-Mart Stores Inc can proceed, a case involving women workers who seek billions of dollars in damages.

HSBC Fights Madoff Claim; New Settlement Reached

LONDON - HSBC Holdings Plc said claims the bank aided the fraud of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff were unfounded and it would "defend itself vigorously" against all Madoff-related claims.

Texas Judge Puts State's Death Penalty On Trial

HOUSTON - A Houston judge on Monday began a hearing on the legality of the death penalty in Texas, which executes more convicts than any other U.S. state, and will render a high-profile judgment that could influence the national debate on capital punishment.

Appeals Court Hears California Gay Marriage Case

SAN FRANCISCO - U.S. appeals court judges considering whether to allow gay marriage in California on Monday asked whether there was any good reason for stopping same-sex weddings.

Study Finds Daily Aspirin Cuts Many Cancer Risks

LONDON - Taking low doses of aspirin can reduce the risk of many kinds of cancer, scientists said on Tuesday, and the evidence is strong enough to suggest people over 40 should take it daily as protection.

Release Of Top Taliban Fighters Concerns U.S.

WASHINGTON - The United States has expressed its concern to the Afghan government about reports Afghan security forces have freed captured senior Taliban for payment or political motives, a U.S. State Department spokesman said on Friday.

U.S. Failure To Land Big Events Not A Backlash: Experts

RALEIGH, North Carolina - The U.S.'s recent failure to secure major international sporting events is more about governing bodies exploring new opportunities than a backlash against America, experts told Reuters on Friday.

Special Report: A Day Without Genetically Altered Orange Juice

FORT PIERCE, Florida - For many Americans, few things seem more wholesome than a glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice, the original "natural food." As former beauty queen Anita Bryant chirped more than four decades ago, in what remains a fondly remembered tagline: "A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine."

Freighter Adrift In North Pacific With 20 Crew

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - U.S. Coast Guard cutters and helicopters rushed on Friday to assist a disabled freighter adrift in the Bering Sea with 20 crew members aboard and carrying a cargo of oilseeds and fuel.

Graeme McDowell Denies Tiger Victory In Sherwood Playoff

THOUSAND OAKS, California - Tiger Woods's miserable year ended with more disappointment as he gave up a four-stroke lead and suffered a crushing playoff loss to Graeme McDowell in the Chevron World Challenge on Sunday.

Pratt & Whitney In Labor Agreement With CT Union

NEW YORK - Pratt & Whitney, which is part of United Technologies, said on Sunday that it had signed a three-year labor agreement that covers more than 3,400 union employees in Connecticut.

Oprah, Paul McCartney Honored At Kennedy Center Gala

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and stars from the stage and screen honored talk show host Oprah Winfrey, singer Paul McCartney and other artists on Sunday for lifetimes of work in music, theater and television.

NASA Delays Space Shuttle Launch Until Next Year

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA will not attempt to fly space shuttle Discovery this year as it investigates what caused cracking in the ship's fuel tank during a launch try in November, officials said on Friday.

Climate Change Fans Deep-burning Fires In Alaska

WASHINGTON - Climate change is fanning longer- and deeper-burning fires in interior Alaska, changing the area from a carbon sink -- where planet-warming gases are stored naturally in the soil -- to a carbon emitter, scientists reported on Sunday.

Madoff Trustee Sues HSBC For $9 Billion In Court

NEW YORK - The lawyer searching the globe to recover money for defrauded investors of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff sued HSBC for $9 billion on Sunday, accusing the bank of enabling the largest financial fraud in history.

Rare U.S. National Anthem Score Sells For $500,500

NEW YORK - A rare first edition of the lyrics and music of the U.S. national anthem was sold in spirited bidding at auction on Friday to an anonymous buyer for $500,500, exceeding pre-sale estimates.

Secret Military Mini-shuttle Lands In California

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A miniature robotic space shuttle wrapped up a 224-day classified military mission and made an unannounced landing in darkness on a California runway on Friday, Air Force officials said.

Home Filled With Explosives To Be Torched

ESCONDIDO, California - A suburban San Diego house found packed with high explosives, bomb-making materials and trash will be burned to the ground next week because officials decided it was too dangerous to thoroughly clear the debris.

New York And Chicago Lauded For Humane Killing Of Mice

NEW YORK - New York's police department and the Chicago Transit Authority won praise and "compassion awards" on Friday for their humane methods of killing mice.

Tiger Woods Set To End Miserable Year With Sherwood Win

THOUSAND OAKS, California - Tiger Woods, with a renewed swagger in his step, was poised to cap a turbulent year on a high note after maintaining a four-shot lead in Saturday's third round of the Chevron World Challenge.

Release Of Top Taliban Fighters Concerns U.S.

WASHINGTON - The United States has expressed its concern to the Afghan government about reports Afghan security forces have freed captured senior Taliban for payment or political motives, a U.S. State Department spokesman said on Friday.

U.S. Failure To Land Big Events Not A Backlash: Experts

RALEIGH, North Carolina - The U.S.'s recent failure to secure major international sporting events is more about governing bodies exploring new opportunities than a backlash against America, experts told Reuters on Friday.

Special Report: A Day Without Genetically Altered Orange Juice

FORT PIERCE, Florida - For many Americans, few things seem more wholesome than a glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice, the original "natural food." As former beauty queen Anita Bryant chirped more than four decades ago, in what remains a fondly remembered tagline: "A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine."

Freighter Adrift In North Pacific With 20 Crew

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - U.S. Coast Guard cutters and helicopters rushed on Friday to assist a disabled freighter adrift in the Bering Sea with 20 crew members aboard and carrying a cargo of oilseeds and fuel.

NASA Delays Space Shuttle Launch Until Next Year

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA will not attempt to fly space shuttle Discovery this year as it investigates what caused cracking in the ship's fuel tank during a launch try in November, officials said on Friday.

Rare U.S. National Anthem Score Sells For $500,500

NEW YORK - A rare first edition of the lyrics and music of the U.S. national anthem was sold in spirited bidding at auction on Friday to an anonymous buyer for $500,500, exceeding pre-sale estimates.

Secret Military Mini-shuttle Lands In California

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A miniature robotic space shuttle wrapped up a 224-day classified military mission and made an unannounced landing in darkness on a California runway on Friday, Air Force officials said.

Home Filled With Explosives To Be Torched

ESCONDIDO, California - A suburban San Diego house found packed with high explosives, bomb-making materials and trash will be burned to the ground next week because officials decided it was too dangerous to thoroughly clear the debris.

New York And Chicago Lauded For Humane Killing Of Mice

NEW YORK - New York's police department and the Chicago Transit Authority won praise and "compassion awards" on Friday for their humane methods of killing mice.

Pacesetting Tiger Woods Tightens Grip At His Own Tournament

THOUSAND OAKS, California - Tiger Woods gave himself extra reason to smile after stretching his lead to a commanding four shots in the second round of the Chevron World Challenge on Friday.

Release Of Top Taliban Fighters Concerns U.S.

WASHINGTON - The United States has expressed its concern to the Afghan government about reports Afghan security forces have freed captured senior Taliban for payment or political motives, a U.S. State Department spokesman said on Friday.

U.S. Failure To Land Big Events Not A Backlash: Experts

RALEIGH, North Carolina - The U.S.'s recent failure to secure major international sporting events is more about governing bodies exploring new opportunities than a backlash against America, experts told Reuters on Friday.

Special Report: A Day Without Genetically Altered Orange Juice

FORT PIERCE, Florida - For many Americans, few things seem more wholesome than a glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice, the original "natural food." As former beauty queen Anita Bryant chirped more than four decades ago, in what remains a fondly remembered tagline: "A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine."

Freighter Adrift In North Pacific With 20 Crew

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - U.S. Coast Guard cutters and helicopters rushed on Friday to assist a disabled freighter adrift in the Bering Sea with 20 crew members aboard and carrying a cargo of oilseeds and fuel.

NASA Delays Space Shuttle Launch Until Next Year

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA will not attempt to fly space shuttle Discovery this year as it investigates what caused cracking in the ship's fuel tank during a launch try in November, officials said on Friday.

U.S. Oil Spill Panel Urges Increased Safety Steps

WASHINGTON - The White House oil spill commission on Thursday challenged offshore drillers to boost safety standards, detailing proposals for the creation of an independent, self-regulating industry group and reformed government oversight.

Ex-Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski Ordered To Forfeit Pay

NEW YORK - Dennis Kozlowski, the imprisoned former chief executive of Tyco International Ltd, was ordered by a judge to forfeit seven years of pay after looting the company, a sum that could exceed $100 million.

Judge Denies Request To Close Great Lakes To Carp

CHICAGO - A judge on Thursday denied a request by five U.S. states to close off man-made waterways that connect the Great Lakes to inland rivers, ruling there was no imminent threat of Asian carp entering the lakes.

Doctors Encouraged Pregnant Women To Get Flu Shot

WASHINGTON - About twice as many pregnant women as usual got flu vaccines last year during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic, most because their doctors urged them to do so, federal government researchers reported on Thursday.

U.S. Names Three Pakistanis For Supporting Attacks

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday named three Pakistanis that it said were acting on behalf of terrorist organizations and banned Americans from any dealings with them.

U.S. World Cup Bid Lost Out In Politics And Alliances: Gulati

MIAMI - The United States was beaten by Qatar in a World Cup 2022 hosting vote that was about politics, friendships, alliances and tactics, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said on Thursday.

No End In Sight For American Imprisoned In Cuba

HAVANA - A year after security agents took him into custody at the Havana airport, U.S. aid contractor Alan Gross remains behind bars in Cuba, with no resolution in sight for a case that halted a brief thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations.

CIA Behind U.S. Envoys' Espionage Wishlist: Report

UNITED NATIONS - The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) prepared a list of information on U.N. officials and diplomats that it wanted U.S. envoys in New York and around the world to gather, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

Madoff Trustee Sues JPMorgan For $6.4 Billion

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking money for defrauded former clients of Bernard Madoff said he filed a $6.4 billion lawsuit accusing JPMorgan Chase & Co of aiding the imprisoned Ponzi schemer's fraud as his main banker.

Senator McCain Says Too Soon To End Military Ban On Gays

WASHINGTON - A top Republican warned on Thursday it might be too soon to end the U.S. military's ban on gays, as the party geared up to block President Barack Obama's bid to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy this year.

Thirty Injured As Tornadoes, Storms Rip Through South

ATLANTA - Thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes ripped through southern states injuring at least 30 people, destroying buildings, toppling trees, flooding highways and forcing schools to close, authorities said on Wednesday.

Toyota Says Camry Recall Can Prompt Secondary Fix

DETROIT - Toyota Motor Corp has told U.S. dealers it will pay for a secondary repair related to a massive safety recall on its top-selling Camry for sticking accelerator pedals.

Oil Rig Fire In Louisiana, As Many As 3 Hurt

HOUSTON - An oil field service rig working on an inactive gas well caught fire in Louisiana on Wednesday, injuring as many as three workers, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Recovery Closer In States, But Pain Persists

WASHINGTON - The recession that began in 2007 may have stopped pummeling the economies of U.S. states, but a report released on Wednesday shows they will remain bruised and bleeding for at least another year.

Military's Gays Policy Harms Health, Doctor Says

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for gays helps spread disease and puts service members' health at risk, a commentary by a doctor in the New England Journal of Medicine said Wednesday.

J&J Heartburn Worsens As Mylanta Joins Recall List

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson's consumer-product distress worsened on Wednesday as the company recalled 12 million bottles of over-the-counter Mylanta and almost 85,000 bottles of its AlternaGel liquid antacid.

Eminem And R&B Singer Bruno Mars Lead Grammy Nominees

LOS ANGELES - Rapper Eminem, riding high on the comeback trail after spending several years battling drug addiction, led the field of Grammy contenders on Wednesday with 10 nominations.

U.S. Wants To Lift Protections For Wolf And Grizzly

SALMON, Idaho - The Obama administration is seeking to lift Endangered Species Act protections from two of the most iconic symbols of the American West, the gray wolf and grizzly bear, in moves likely to spark fierce resistance from environmentalists.

U.S. Medic Jailed For Firing On Unarmed Afghans

TACOMA, Washington - A U.S. Army medic was sentenced to nine months in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to shooting at unarmed Afghan farmers and agreeing to testify against other soldiers accused of terrorizing civilians.

U.S. Initiates Post-WikiLeaks Security Crackdown

WASHINGTON - The White House has set up a special committee to assess the damage from the flood of classified cables leaked by WikiLeaks and organize efforts to tighten security measures in government agencies.

Companies Hold Holiday Parties, But On A Budget

NEW YORK - American companies are back in the partying mood this holiday season -- but don't count on getting a glass of wine or an appetizer with your dinner.

TSA Says Airlines Providing More Passenger Data

WASHINGTON - All airline passengers on flights to, from and within the United States are being checked against U.S. government security watchlists, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday.

High Court To Rule In California Prisons Case

WASHINGTON - California told the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday that releasing inmates from its overcrowded prisons would increase crime, while a prisoners' advocate denied that such a move would endanger public safety.

New Jersey Cities To Lay Off Cops To Battle Deficit

NEW YORK - The city of Camden, New Jersey, received approval on Tuesday to lay off 383 workers, including half of its police force, as it searches for ways to plug a $26.5 million hole in its budget, the city attorney said.

Lee Harvey Oswald's Coffin To Be Auctioned In L.A.

LOS ANGELES - For the JFK-assassination conspiracy junkie who has everything: Lee Harvey Oswald's coffin. Body not included.

Michael Jackson's Dad Files New Wrongful Death Suit

LOS ANGELES - An attorney for the father of Michael Jackson on Tuesday filed a new wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the pop singer's death.

Medical Costs For U.S. Retirees Fell In 2010: Institute

NEW YORK - Some medical costs have fallen this year thanks to new health care reform laws, but U.S. retirees will still need hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to cover their lifetime medical expenses.

New Michael Vick Emerges After Dogfighting Jail Term

NEW YORK - The NFL's most vilified player three years ago for his involvement in a dogfighting ring, quarterback Michael Vick has come back after 19 months in prison with a new maturity and has Philadelphia Eagles fans dreaming of their first championship in 50 years.

California City Approves Plan To Exit Bankruptcy

VALLEJO, California - The city council of Vallejo in California unanimously approved a financial plan late on Tuesday to exit its landmark bankruptcy, which the town declared two years ago in the face of mounting fiscal woes.

Military Study Gives Green Light To End Gay Ban

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon unveiled a study on Tuesday that predicted little impact if the U.S. military ended its ban on gays, bolstering President Barack Obama's push to get Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by year-end.

NY Man Jumps To Save Subway Rider - And Get To Work

NEW YORK - A New York grocery clerk, fearing he might be late for work, jumped onto city subway tracks to haul an injured passenger to safety after he fainted, authorities said.

Controversial Choice To Run New York Schools Is Approved

NEW YORK - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial choice to run the city's schools, former publishing executive Cathie Black, on Monday won the official waiver required for her to take charge of the nation's largest public school system.

Blyleven And Alomar Hope To Take Final Cooperstown Step

NEW YORK - Former pitcher Bert Blyleven and second baseman Roberto Alomar hope to take the final step into baseball's Hall of Fame after their near misses last year as the 2011 ballots for election were sent out Monday.

Retailers Hope Cyber Monday Sustains Shopping

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO - Retailers from Amazon.com Inc to Target Corp offered steep online discounts to shoppers on Cyber Monday, aiming to win additional sales after a strong start to the holiday shopping season over the weekend.

Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper Mentally Ill: Witness

SALT LAKE CITY - A former defense lawyer for Brian David Mitchell testified on Monday that he concluded that the self-styled prophet, who is on trial for kidnapping Elizabeth Smart in 2002, was mentally ill.

NY Trial Opens In Goldman Secret Trading Code Case

NEW YORK - More than 18 months after U.S. prosecutors charged computer programer Sergey Aleynikov with stealing speed-trading code from Goldman Sachs, Wall Street's most influential bank, a jury was selected on Monday to hear the complex trial evidence.

TARP Bailout To Cost Taxpayers $25 Billion: CBO

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Troubled Asset Relief Program, which risked up to $700 billion of government funds to bail out troubled banks and automakers, will cost taxpayers a mere $25 billion, according to an estimate released on Monday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Somali-born Teen Pleads Not Guilty In U.S. Bomb Case

PORTLAND, Oregon - A Somali-born teenager pleaded not guilty in federal court on Monday to charges that he tried to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a crowded Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Oregon last week.

U.S. Regrets Leaks, Says Will Tighten Security

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government said on Monday it deeply regretted the release of any classified information and would tighten security to prevent leaks such as WikiLeaks' disclosure of a trove of State Department cables.

Wisconsin Boy Takes Classmates Hostage, Shoots Himself

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - A 15-year-old boy took 23 of his classmates and a teacher hostage in a classroom at a small-town Wisconsin high school on Monday, shooting himself as police broke in.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

On Black Friday, Believers, Skeptics Hit The Malls

McLEAN, VIRGINIA/LOS ANGELES - At Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping mall in northern Virginia, Black Friday meant black tie, Gucci and marble floors.

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Starbucks Accuses Kraft Of Hurting Grocer Sales

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK - Starbucks Corp has accused Kraft Foods Inc of mismanaging sales of its packaged coffee in grocery stores and wants to end their 12-year partnership due to Kraft's "material breaches" of their contract.

E-commerce Gets A Boost As Online Deals Spread

NEW YORK - Online retailers could see their best Thanksgiving weekend ever this year, as deep online discounts, once reserved for Cyber Monday, were offered more broadly throughout the weekend.

United States Bid Offers FIFA Safe Bet For Success

MIAMI - Nothing illustrates the growth of soccer in the United States better than the realization that hosting the 2022 World Cup there is now regarded as a safe option for FIFA, compared to 1994 when it was considered a risk.

"Naked Gun" Actor Leslie Nielsen Dead At 84

LOS ANGELES - Canadian comic actor Leslie Nielsen, star of a string of madcap spoof movies including "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun," died of complications from pneumonia in Florida on Sunday, a spokesman said. He was 84.

Department Stores Gain Black Friday Traffic

NEW YORK/CHICAGO - U.S. shoppers spent 6.4 percent more this Black Friday weekend than last year and hit department stores and clothing shops, rather than focusing on discounters as they had done in recent years.

Oregon Mosque Hit By Arson 2 Days After Bomb Sting

PORTLAND, Oregon - U.S. investigators said a fire at an Islamic center in Oregon on Sunday was arson and warned they would tolerate no retribution for an attempt by a Somali-born teenager to detonate what he thought was a car bomb.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

FedEx Finds Missing Radioactive Rod After Search

CHICAGO - FedEx Corp said on Friday it found a small radioactive rod lost in shipping earlier this week.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

On Black Friday, Believers, Skeptics Hit The Malls

McLEAN, VIRGINIA/LOS ANGELES - At Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping mall in northern Virginia, Black Friday meant black tie, Gucci and marble floors.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Retailers Slow Discounts After "Black Friday"

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO - Retailers scaled back discounts and shoppers were less frenzied on Saturday, a day after the mad rush for "Black Friday" bargains kicked off the holiday shopping season.

Somali-born Teen Arrested In Car Bomb Sting

PORTLAND, Oregon - A Somali-born teenager was arrested on Friday for attempting to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Oregon, officials said.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

FedEx Finds Missing Radioactive Rod After Search

CHICAGO - FedEx Corp said on Friday it found a small radioactive rod lost in shipping earlier this week.

Horse-drawn Wagon Delivers White House Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - A horse-drawn wagon delivered the White House Christmas tree on Friday, with first lady Michelle Obama and her children Sasha and Malia on hand to receive it as a military band played "Oh Christmas Tree."

Shoppers Back In Black Friday Binge

NEW YORK/MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - Shoppers were back in a Black Friday bargain-binging mood, snapping up hoodies and computer laptops at stores, in a turnout that could give the economic recovery more steam.

Madoff's Relatives And Employees Face 40 New Lawsuits

NEW YORK - The trustee seeking to recover money for defrauded Bernard Madoff investors said he filed 40 lawsuits on Friday, including several against relatives of the convicted money manager.

Somali-born Teen Arrested In Car Bomb Sting: Report

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities have arrested a Somali-born teen in a car-bomb sting operation in the state of Oregon, Fox News reported on Saturday.

New Drug Tunnel Found At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border agents said on Friday they had found a multimillion dollar drug-smuggling tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border that is more sophisticated than one discovered less than three weeks ago in the same area.

Billy Joel Recovering From Double Hip Replacement

NEW YORK - Singer Billy Joel is recovering from a double hip replacement, his publicist said on Thursday.

NASA Postpones Shuttle Launch Until Mid-December

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA is delaying next week's planned launch of space shuttle Discovery on a cargo delivery run to the International Space Station until at least mid-December, officials said on Wednesday.

George W. Bush Memoir Sells More Than One Million Copies

NEW YORK - More than 1.1 million copies of former President George W. Bush's memoir, "Decision Points," have been sold since its release earlier this month, his publisher said on Wednesday.

J&J Recalls More Tylenol

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it is recalling 9 million more bottles of its Tylenol painkiller because they do not adequately warn customers about the presence of trace amounts of alcohol used in the product flavorings.

Galleon's Rajaratnam Loses Wiretap Suppression Bid

NEW YORK - In a big victory for federal prosecutors, Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam lost his bid to suppress secretly recorded conversations from his pending criminal trial on insider-trading charges.

NOAA Closes Some Gulf Shrimping After Tar Balls Found

DALLAS - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday it had closed 4,200 square miles/10,880 square kms of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico to royal red shrimping after a commercial shrimper discovered tar balls in his net.

Experts Say Publicist's Murder Is "solvable"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - As the inquiry into the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen enters its second week, prominent criminal investigators say that the apparent targeted nature of the crime makes the case solvable.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

Shoppers Queue Up For Black Friday Deals

PRINCETON, N.J./MILWAUKEE - U.S. shoppers searched for deals on high-definition televisions and popular toys early on Friday, as retailers hoped that "Black Friday" would kick off the best holiday shopping season in three years.

Crowded U.S. Parking Lots Hint At Black Friday Sales

NEW YORK - More Americans will be out shopping this year on Black Friday -- or at least that's how it looks from outer space.

BP Gulf Cleanup Official Killed In Plane Crash

HOUSTON - An official of BP Plc's Gulf oil spill program and two family members died in a plane crash on Tuesday night in Florida, the company said in a statement.

NASA Postpones Shuttle Launch Until Mid-December

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - NASA is delaying next week's planned launch of space shuttle Discovery on a cargo delivery run to the International Space Station until at least mid-December, officials said on Wednesday.

George W. Bush Memoir Sells More Than One Million Copies

NEW YORK - More than 1.1 million copies of former President George W. Bush's memoir, "Decision Points," have been sold since its release earlier this month, his publisher said on Wednesday.

J&J Recalls More Tylenol

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it is recalling 9 million more bottles of its Tylenol painkiller because they do not adequately warn customers about the presence of trace amounts of alcohol used in the product flavorings.

Galleon's Rajaratnam Loses Wiretap Suppression Bid

NEW YORK - In a big victory for federal prosecutors, Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam lost his bid to suppress secretly recorded conversations from his pending criminal trial on insider-trading charges.

NOAA Closes Some Gulf Shrimping After Tar Balls Found

DALLAS - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday it had closed 4,200 square miles/10,880 square kms of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico to royal red shrimping after a commercial shrimper discovered tar balls in his net.

If It's Thanksgiving, You Must Be Shopping .

CHICAGO - Forget the turkey and the football -- if it's Thanksgiving, why aren't you shopping?

Harmful Errors Still Common In U.S. Hospitals: Study

NEW YORK - Harmful errors and accidents remain common in U.S. hospitals despite a decade of efforts to improve patient safety, a study found.

Holiday Travel Smooth Despite New Security

NEW YORK - Millions of Americans took to the skies on Wednesday for the start of the Thanksgiving holiday but air travel flowed smoothly as passengers largely ignored calls to protest more invasive security procedures.

Delta Air Lines Worker Group Rejects Union

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc Inc on Monday said workers in its TechOps maintenance department rejected union representation, handing the carrier another victory in its bid to remain largely union-free.

Cost-sharing Health Plans Lead Poor To Make Tough Choices

CHICAGO - Poor families who sign up for high-deductible health plans are more likely to put off needed care than wealthier families, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that suggests such plans may need to be revamped if they are to save health costs.

Half Of Americans Facing Diabetes By 2020: Report

NEW YORK - More than half of Americans will have diabetes or be prediabetic by 2020 at a cost to the U.S. health care system of $3.35 trillion if current trends go on unabated, according to analysis of a new report released on Tuesday by health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.

Massachusetts Police Probe Whether Body Fell From Plane

BOSTON - Massachusetts authorities are investigating the possibility a 16-year-old North Carolina boy whose mangled body was found outside Boston last week fell from an airplane, an airport official confirmed on Tuesday.

Richard Seymour Hit With Fine For Smacking Roethlisberger

NEW YORK - Oakland's Richard Seymour has been fined $25,000 for a hit on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, not a helmet-to-helmet collision of the sort the NFL has been disciplining but an open-handed smack to the jaw.

New J&J Recalls Hit Benadryl, Motrin, Rolaids

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson, which has been beset with recalls of Tylenol and other consumer products over the past year, has recalled almost 5 million additional packages of Benadryl, Motrin and Rolaids because of manufacturing "insufficiencies."

Fewer For-profit College Students Graduate

WASHINGTON - Just 22 percent of freshmen who enroll in for-profit schools graduate within six years, compared with 57 percent at nonprofit schools, according to a report by Education Trust issued on Tuesday.

Black Friday Lures Include Price Cuts, Sing-A-Ma-Jig

CHICAGO - From traditional lures like slashed prices on hot electronics to a "Santa-Sing-A-Ma-Jig" toy, U.S. retailers are pushing to attract shoppers into their doors on Black Friday.

Airlines Low Key In U.S. Security Controversy

WASHINGTON - Airlines are keeping a low profile when it comes to the furor over U.S. passenger security screening, which will mainly affect leisure customers during the holiday period, not premium paying business travelers.

Half In Survey Say Airport Patdowns Go Too Far

WASHINGTON - Half of Americans say the enhanced passenger security patdowns at U.S. airports go too far, according to a poll published on Tuesday just before the busy holiday travel season.

U.S. Examining Auto Rental Fleet Safety

WASHINGTON - U.S. auto safety regulators want to know whether rental car agencies are making necessary repairs on rental fleets totaling nearly 3 million vehicles.

NY State Strikes Deal With Tribe On Casino Land

NEW YORK - New York state agreed on Monday to give a swathe of land to a Wisconsin Native American tribe, which has plans for a major casino and resort complex near New York City.

Banks To Close 5,000 Branches By 2012: Analyst

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Banks' declining profits and tighter profit margins will push them to close 5,000 branches nationwide within the next 18 months, bank analyst Meredith Whitney said in a research note on Monday.

Delta Air Lines Worker Group Rejects Union

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc Inc on Monday said workers in its TechOps maintenance department rejected union representation, handing the carrier another victory in its bid to remain largely union-free.

Second U.S. Company Gets Stem Cell Go-ahead

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the second human trial of human embryonic stem cells -- this one testing cells in people with a progressive form of blindness, the company said on Monday.

Cost-sharing Health Plans Lead Poor To Make Tough Choices

CHICAGO - Poor families who sign up for high-deductible health plans are more likely to put off needed care than wealthier families, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that suggests such plans may need to be revamped if they are to save health costs.

FBI Raids 3 Hedge Funds In Insider Trading Case

NEW YORK - The FBI raided three hedge funds as part of a widening probe into suspected insider trading in the $1.7 trillion hedge fund industry.

Black Friday Lures Include Price Cuts, Sing-A-Ma-Jigs

CHICAGO - From traditional lures like slashed prices on hot electronics to a "Santa-Sing-A-Ma-Jig" toy, U.S. retailers are pushing to attract shoppers into their doors on Black Friday.

Half Of Americans Facing Diabetes By 2020: Report

NEW YORK - More than half of Americans will have diabetes or be prediabetic by 2020 at a cost to the U.S. health care system of $3.35 trillion if current trends go on unabated, according to analysis of a new report released on Tuesday by health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.

U.S. Security Rethinking Airline Screening

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities will reconsider airline passenger screening procedures that have caused a public uproar on the eve of the busy holiday travel season, the top transport security official said on Monday.

Justin Bieber Sweeps American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES - Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards on Sunday, overshadowing Eminem to take home four prizes, including artist of the year.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Army Court Stays Murder Prosecution Of Soldier

SEATTLE - A military appeals court has ordered Army prosecutors to halt proceedings against one of five U.S. soldiers charged with murdering unarmed Afghan civilians and staging them to appear as combat casualties.

Children Safer In Afghan Cities Than New York City: NATO Aide

KABUL - Afghan cities are like a network of villages where children may well be safer than in London or New York, NATO's top civilian envoy to Afghanistan has said.

Pentagon To Issue Report On Gays In Military November 30

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia - A long-awaited Pentagon report on the impact of lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military will be sent to Congress and released publicly on November 30, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday.

Plane Lands Safely In New York After Engine Problem

NEW YORK - A Delta Airlines flight landed safely at New York's JFK Airport on Sunday after the pilot complained of an engine problem shortly after takeoff, authorities said.

U.S. Has No Plans To Retreat From Traveler Patdowns

WASHINGTON - U.S. homeland security officials have no plans to back away from airline passenger security patdowns despite traveler complaints that they violate constitutional rights and growing congressional concerns about the policy.

PepsiCo To Launch Lower-calorie Gatorade

NEW YORK - PepsiCo Inc plans to introduce a lower-calorie line extension of its Gatorade sports drink next year to appeal to a wider audience.

Federal Judge Pleads Guilty To Helping Stripper Buy Drugs

ATLANTA, Nov 19 (Reuters Legal) - A senior federal judge in Atlanta pleaded guilty on Friday to helping an exotic dancer buy cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain killers.

Actor Wesley Snipes Headed To Prison For Tax Evasion

MIAMI - Actor Wesley Snipes was ordered on Friday to start serving a three-year prison sentence for failing to file income tax returns by a federal judge who rejected the Hollywood star's bid for a new trial.

EPA To Delay Decision On Ethanol-blended Gas

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it would delay until January a decision whether gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol is safe for 2001-06 cars and light trucks, a key verdict for boosting sales of higher blends.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Sick Sept 11 Workers Agree To $712 Million Settlement

NEW YORK - More than 10,000 workers suffering health problems stemming from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have agreed to a $712 million settlement with New York City, officials said on Friday.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Army Court Stays Murder Prosecution Of Soldier

SEATTLE - A military appeals court has ordered Army prosecutors to halt proceedings against one of five U.S. soldiers charged with murdering unarmed Afghan civilians and staging them to appear as combat casualties.

MSNBC Suspends Another Host For Political Gifts

NEW YORK - MSNBC television suspended conservative morning host Joe Scarborough for two days for giving money to political candidates, meting out the same punishment given to liberal host Keith Olbermann two weeks ago for a similar offense.

PepsiCo To Launch Lower-calorie Gatorade

NEW YORK - PepsiCo Inc plans to introduce a lower-calorie line extension of its Gatorade sports drink next year to appeal to a wider audience.

Federal Judge Pleads Guilty To Helping Stripper Buy Drugs

ATLANTA, Nov 19 (Reuters Legal) - A senior federal judge in Atlanta pleaded guilty on Friday to helping an exotic dancer buy cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain killers.

Actor Wesley Snipes Headed To Prison For Tax Evasion

MIAMI - Actor Wesley Snipes was ordered on Friday to start serving a three-year prison sentence for failing to file income tax returns by a federal judge who rejected the Hollywood star's bid for a new trial.

EPA To Delay Decision On Ethanol-blended Gas

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it would delay until January a decision whether gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol is safe for 2001-06 cars and light trucks, a key verdict for boosting sales of higher blends.

Senate Approves Compensation For Black Farmers

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Friday funding $1.15 billion in compensation to black farmers in a decades-old bias lawsuit that is one of the largest civil rights settlements in U.S. history.

Pilots Get Reprieve From New U.S. Screening Checks

WASHINGTON - U.S. airline pilots will be allowed to bypass new heightened security screening at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, relenting after a lawsuit and outcry that pilots already undergo rigorous background checks.

Sick Sept 11 Workers Agree To $712 Million Settlement

NEW YORK - More than 10,000 workers suffering health problems stemming from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have agreed to a $712 million settlement with New York City, officials said on Friday.

Peru Says Yale To Return Machu Picchu Relics

LIMA - Peru said on Friday that Yale University has agreed to return thousands of artifacts taken from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Andes in the early 1900s, and the pact could end a bitter controversy.

Jury Convicts Ex-SocGen Trader In Secrets Theft

NEW YORK - A former Societe Generale trader, who surprisingly admitted at trial that it was wrong for him to have copied the French bank's speed-trading computer code, was convicted of trade secrets theft on Friday.

Sex Trafficking Ring Across Four States Busted

NEW YORK - Authorities closed down 20 brothels masquerading as massage parlors and arrested 22 people for running a sex trafficking and prostitution network involving Korean women across four states, officials said.

Theory Emerges About Hollywood Publicist's Murder

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) Police investigating the killing of Ronni Chasen have assembled a working theory of what happened to the veteran Hollywood publicist.

Migrating Pool Of Gas Closes Post Office In MT Town

SALMON, Idaho - Hazardous fumes from a 10,000-gallon gasoline leak forced the evacuation and closure of the post office on Thursday in Miles City, Montana, where officials say a pool of gasoline is migrating below ground.

Activist Admits Setting Fire To Colorado Sheepskin Store

DENVER - A self-described animal-rights activist known on the Internet as "Lone Wolf" pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to arson in a fire that destroyed a local sheepskin business.

Australian Twin Sisters In U.S. Suicide Pact: Police

DENVER - An Australian woman who survived a double shooting that killed her twin sister at a Colorado gun range told police on Thursday that the pair had made a suicide pact.

More Shoppers Forecast For Black Friday Weekend

NEW YORK - As many as 138 million shoppers could be hunting for Black Friday bargains during the three days after Thanksgiving, a slight increase over last year's projections, according to a retail trade group survey released on Thursday.

Woman Who Helped Kidnap Elizabeth Smart Testifies

SALT LAKE CITY - The woman convicted of helping her husband kidnap Elizabeth Smart broke into tears on the witness stand on Thursday as she told jurors her marriage to the homeless street preacher was "hellish."

U.S. Army Court Asked To Unseal Photos In Murder Case

SEATTLE - Lawyers for one of five U.S. soldiers accused of murdering unarmed Afghan civilians for sport petitioned a military appeals court on Thursday to open grisly photographic evidence in the case to public scrutiny.

J&J, Takeda Recall Batches Of Cancer Drug Velcade

NEW YORK - Johnson & Johnson and Millennium Pharmaceuticals are recalling thousands of vials of the cancer drug Velcade sold in Europe, the United States, Japan and Malaysia after receiving reports of white particles seen floating in vials of the medicine.

NY Mayor Orders More Than 6,000 Layoffs Over 18 Months

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced $1.5 billion in budget cuts and layoffs on Thursday, saying the actions will narrow the city's budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year to $2.4 billion.

Rabid Bats On The Rise In Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - If the threat of earthquakes, wildfires and mudslides isn't enough to worry Los Angeles residents, public health officials are now warning of an unusually high number of rabid bats.

Apparent Wreckage Of Air Force Fighter Jet Found

ANCHORAGE - Search and rescue teams on Wednesday spotted what appears to be the wreckage of an Air Force fighter jet that went missing during a nighttime training mission over Alaska, officials said.

Fake Doctor Jailed For Giving Breast Exams In Bars

SALMON, Idaho - An Idaho judge on Wednesday set bond at $100,000 for a Boise woman police say posed as a physician and duped at least two other women into having their breasts examined by her at Boise-area nightclubs.

"Hulk" Actor Joins Arizona Sheriff's Posse

PHOENIX - Television 'Hulk' actor Lou Ferrigno has joined an Arizona sheriff's posse targeting illegal immigrants in the Phoenix valley area, the sheriff's office said on Wednesday.

White House Pushes For "don't Ask" Vote This Year

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and senior White House officials urged top lawmakers on Wednesday to pass a measure this year that would allow gay men and women to serve openly in the U.S. military.

FDA Warns Makers Of Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks

NEW YORK - U.S. regulators warned makers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks that their products are unsafe and violate federal laws, following a public outcry and several state bans.

Harvard President Says ROTC Welcome Once Gay Ban Ends

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts - Harvard University's president on Wednesday invited the U.S. military to restore a training program at the college once a ban on gays serving openly is lifted.

Jury Clears Ghailani Of Major Terrorism Charges

NEW YORK - The first suspect transferred from Guantanamo military prison to face a U.S. civilian trial was found not guilty on all but one charge in the 1998 African embassy bombings on Wednesday in a setback to President Barack Obama's plans for trying terrorism suspects.

World Comparison Shows U.S. Healthcare Lacking

WASHINGTON - A third of Americans say they have gone without medical care or skipped filling a prescription because of cost, compared to 5 percent in the Netherlands, according to study released on Thursday.

New York City Proposes Extending Subway To New Jersey

NEW YORK - New York City wants to extend a cross-town subway line under the Hudson River to New Jersey, taking advantage of federal stimulus support and construction work intended for a canceled New Jersey commuter rail tunnel, a city official said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Hasan Declines To Testify At Fort Hood Tribunal

SAN ANTONIO - A Muslim Army major charged in last year's shooting rampage at a Texas Army base declined to testify before a military tribunal Monday.

Cable Operators Call For Reform Of TV Industry

WASHINGTON - Cable operators are asking U.S. lawmakers to consider reforms that would protect consumers from blackouts of their favorite television programs.

Newark, NJ Offers Amnesty For Late Property Tax Payments

NEW YORK - Newark, New Jersey announced on Tuesday an amnesty program for property owners who have fallen behind on their tax and other bills that will cancel interest and penalties for overdue payments made by November 30.

U.S. Charges Pakistani Tied To Times Square Bomber

BOSTON - U.S. authorities on Tuesday filed immigration fraud charges against a Pakistani man they said provided nearly $5,000 to the convicted Times Square bomber apparently without knowing how the money would be used.

China Telecom Briefly Hijacked U.S. Web Traffic: Panel

WASHINGTON - China Telecom sent incorrect routing information last April that resulted in Internet traffic to major corporate websites and U.S. military and government sites being sent through China for 18 minutes, according to a report by a congressional advisory group.

UAE, Australia And U.S. Top List Of Carbon Emitters

OSLO - The United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United States have the worst overall records for emitting greenhouse gases, according to an index published on Wednesday combining current and historic emissions.

Top Medal Given To 1st Post-Vietnam Living Winner

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Tuesday awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry to Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, the first living recipient of the top military honor for a post-Vietnam era conflict.

BofA, Female Brokers Settle Bias Case Over Bonuses

NEW YORK - Bank of America Corp has settled a federal lawsuit alleging it discriminated against female brokers at the former Merrill Lynch & Co by offering them lower retention bonuses than male counterparts.

TV Producer Wanted For Mexico Death Held In LA

LOS ANGELES - U.S. officials arrested Bruce Beresford-Redman, a former producer of hit TV show "Survivor," at his home on Tuesday and are holding him for extradition to Mexico where he has been accused of murdering his wife.

BP, Firms Missed Key Errors Before Spill

WASHINGTON - Lacking standards to weigh costs against safety, BP and its partners made critical errors leading to the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, according to a scientific panel report obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

U.S. Trial Unlikely For 9/11 Suspect Mohammed: Report

WASHINGTON - The self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks probably will remain in military detention without trial for the foreseeable future, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Obama administration officials.

Auction Of Madoff Effects Raises $2 Million

NEW YORK - A diamond engagement ring that belonged to the wife of Bernie Madoff fetched $550,000 at an auction on Saturday, while a pair of black velveteen slippers embroidered with the convicted swindler's initials went for $6,000, U.S. marshals said.

U.S. Animal Disease Lab Carries Risks, Report Says

KANSAS CITY - A high-security laboratory that the U.S. government wants to build in Kansas to study dangerous animal diseases could jeopardize the safety of U.S. livestock and expose them to highly contagious pathogens, according to a report requested by Congress.

New York Jury Convicts Man Over $80 Million Ponzi Scheme

NEW YORK - A Texas man has been convicted by a federal jury for helping run what prosecutors called an $80 million Ponzi scheme that lured victims into investing in automated teller machines that were never purchased.

Hasan Declines To Testify At Fort Hood Tribunal

SAN ANTONIO - A Muslim Army major charged in last year's shooting rampage at a Texas Army base declined to testify before a military tribunal Monday.

U.S. Officials Defend New Airport Screening Procedures

ARLINGTON, Virginia - Homeland security officials on Monday defended heightened airport security screening measures but said they would consider adjustments to new rigorous patdowns after complaints from travelers.

New York "well Positioned" For Tunnel Funds: Senator

NEW YORK - The fate of federal money earmarked for a canceled New Jersey tunnel could be decided in the next month and some of the money will likely stay in the region, a New York senator said on Monday following a meeting with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.