All Latest News Wires
GOP Senators vow to trim superstorm Sandy aid to $23.8 billionSenate Republicans have proposed an alternate disaster relief plan for states affected by superstorm Sandy, which would use $23.8 billion- rather than President Obama's proposed $60.4 billion- to fund initial relief.
Teen smoking drops to record lowsAn annual survey of middle and high school students found the average number of smokers in that age range had fallen a whole percentage point since 2011. Some attribute the decline to higher cigarette taxes.
31 suspended in Army day care scandalAfter two day-care workers were arrested for assaulting children at a Fort Myer, Va., Army day-care center about three months ago, additional background checks found a few-dozen workers with criminal convictions.
Gun sales spike in some states, while others stock up on armored backpacksThe Sandy Hook Conn. school shooting has lead to mixed reactions amongst shoppers. Some states have seen record gun sales, while self-defense retailers have also noticed an increase.
Will cigarette companies get into the pot business?Tobacco companies have been vague when asked whether they plan to manufacture marijuana products for Washington and Colorado. The legal pot market could bring the states hundreds of millions in tax revenues.
US Army seeks death penalty for Robert Bales, accused of Afghan villager massacreThe slayings drew such angry protests that the US temporarily halted combat operations in Afghanistan, and it was three weeks before American investigators could reach the crime scenes.
Obama tapping VP Biden to lead push to curb gun violencePresident Obama will announce on Wednesday that Vice President Joe Biden will lead an effort to come up with policies to address gun violence following the Newtown elementary school shootings last week.
- Boy awarded $6.9 million after teacher sexually molested him
Boy awarded $6.9 million: The Los Angeles school district must pay $6.9 million to a boy sexually molested by his elementary school teacher, says a jury. The ruling says the school district is liable for the acts of Forrest Stobbe who was a teacher at Queen Anne Elementary School.
Newtown students return to schoolStudents in Newtown, Connecticut, other than those from Sandy Hook Elementary, went back to school on Tuesday. Friday's mass shooting has left the community in recovery mode and politicians around the country rethinking the nation's gun laws.
After Sandy Hook, teachers should be armed, says Texas Gov. Rick PerryTexas Gov. Rick Perry says he supports allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting. Perry also said that mental health issues should be considered as a way to make schools safer.
- Hawaii's Inouye was current longest-serving senator, war hero
As a senator, Inouye became one of the most influential politicians in the country, playing key roles in congressional investigations of the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals.
Connecticut governor recalls moment of heartbreak with Sandy Hook parentsDannel Malloy, governor of Connecticut was faced with the difficult task of informing parents they had lost their children in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.
Will the Senate pass the $60 billion Sandy recovery bill?In the midst of debt and deficit negotiations in Washington, politicians are carefully considering all aspects of the proposed billion-dollar superstorm Sandy recovery bill.
Hasbro to make gender-neutral Easy-Bake OvenAfter shopping for an Easy-Bake Oven for her brother and finding only purple and pink models, a 13-year-old New Jersey girl petitioned Hasbro to make a gender-neutral version of the toy.
Influential Hawaiian senator Daniel Inouye diesDaniel Inouye, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the longest-serving senator, and a World War II hero, died Monday after a brief hospitalization. Inouye was a senator for Hawaii since 1963.
Defense Secretary front-runner, GOP's Chuck Hagel has strong Obama tiesHagel emerged last week as the front-runner for the Pentagon's top job, four years after leaving behind a Senate career in which he carved out a reputation as an independent thinker and blunt speaker.
Two police officers killed in Kansas, suspect killed after standoffA third officer at the scene was not hurt and other people in the vehicle at the time of the shootings are not considered suspects.
Sandy Hook shooting: Obama asks, 'Are we doing enough to keep our children safe'?President Obama spoke at a service Sunday evening in Newtown, Conn. He noted that it was the fourth time as president he's had to comfort victims of mass shootings. He promised to use 'whatever power this office holds' to prevent another tragedy of this kind.
Sandy Hook shooting: Experts say Asperger's not associated with violenceAdam Lanza, the 20-year-old gunman in the Sandy Hook school shooting is thought to have had Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism characterized by social awkwardness, but not violence.
Hillary Clinton recovering from fall, working from homeSecretary of State Hillary Clinton has canceled work-related trips as well as a planned appearance before Congress to testify on the Benghazi attack. Clinton is working from home after she fainted last week.
