All Latest News Wires
Gov. Cuomo proposes bold education reforms in New YorkNew York Governor Andrew Cuomo is beginning 2014 with a new education plan. His reforms include upgrading classroom technology, universal pre-kindergarten, and a fund that would pay teachers generous performance bonuses.
Larry Speakes, former Reagan press secretary, diesLarry Speakes, who became President Ronald Reagan's acting press secretary in 1981, and served in the position for six years, died Friday in his sleep at his Mississippi home. Speakes had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Why 6.7 percent unemployment isn't good newsThe US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest level since 2008, partly because many unemployed have stopped looking for work. Only 74,000 new US jobs were created in December.
Bridget Anne Kelly, fired Christie aide, was on team from the startBridget Anne Kelly: Recently released emails show Kelly gave the go-ahead for lane closures approaching the George Washington Bridge that snarled traffic in the New Jersey community of Fort Lee, slowed emergency vehicles and delayed school buses the first week of classes.
- Chemical spill shuts down schools, businesses in West Virginia
After a chemical spilled into the Elk River in Charleston, W. Virginia, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered 100,000 customers of West Virginia American Water: Do not drink, bathe, cook or wash clothes with tap water.
Penn State coach Sandusky sues for pension despite sex abuse convictionsFormer Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky is working to have his pension restored, despite his 45 child sex abuse convictions. Sandusky lost a $4,900-a-month pension in October 2012, when he was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for child sexual abuse.
- Insane Clown Posse sues FBI. Why?
Insane Clown Posse: The rap-metal duo sued the FBI for describing their devoted fans, the Juggalos, as a dangerous gang. The Insane Clown Posse suit says that the FBI gang designation has tarnished reputations and hurt business.
- Alaska: Marijuana to be legalized there too?
Alaska marijuana: A group may have gathered enough signatures for a ballot initiative on legalizing recreational use of marijuana in Alaska. Voters will decide in August.
Gabrielle Giffords: How did she mark shooting anniversary? With a dive.Gabrielle Giffords: Former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords landed a skydive successfully on the third anniversary of her shooting, Wednesday. In the meantime, others remembered victims of the attack that injured Giffords with ceremonies in Tucson, Arizona.
Traffic scandal: What will it mean for Chris Christie?Lane closures on the George Washington Bridge for four days in September snarled traffic and coincided with the beginning of the school year. A top aide to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie participated in discussions about the closures in advance, recently released emails and text messages show.
White House defends Biden from Gates' critiquesThe White House made efforts to counter former Defense Secretary Robert Gates' criticisms of Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday. In an unusual move, President Barack Obama invited photographers to document his lunch with Biden.
Navy helicopter crash cause unknownA Navy helicopter crashed into the Atlantic during routine training near Virginia Beach on Wednesday, leaving two servicemen dead, two others injured and a fifth missing. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Frozen pipes in Wisconsin multiply from polar vortexFrozen pipes in homes and businesses have been a major problem during this current frigid cold snap affecting the US this week. Plumbers have been kept busy with frozen pipes.
- Black students punished more than whites: Will new discipline guidelines work?
To combat racial bias in punishments, the Obama administration issued new recommendations for classroom discipline. Will it work?
Satan statue design for Oklahoma state capital unveiledSatan statue design for the Sooner State's capital building grounds was presented Monday. The Satan statue design is in response to a Ten Commandments monument already there.
Last DC-9 retired by Delta, oldest plane in US fleetLast DC-9: The final flight prompted dozens of aviation enthusiasts to buy tickets, and they lined up at the window to watch the plane come in from LaGuardia airport in New York.
Lindsey Vonn bows out of Sochi OlympicsLindsey Vonn says that her knee is 'too unstable' to compete in the downhill skiing events in the Sochi Winter Olympics. Lindsay Vonn won two medals in the 2010 Vancouver Games.
- Ice and snow strands 500 Amtrak passengers
Three Amtrak trains bound for Chicago – from Los Angeles, from Quincy, Ill., and from San Francisco – got stuck Monday in blowing, drifting snow and ice that made the tracks impassable.
- Chicago's ban on gun sales violates the Second Amendment, rules federal judge
Chicago's ban on the sale and transfer of firearms was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge, saying that while the government has a duty to protect its citizens, it's also obligated to protect constitutional rights, including the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.
Steubenville update: Ohio high school rape convict releasedSteuvenville High School student Ma'Lik Richmond was released Monday. He had been sentenced to one year in March 2013, after he and Trent Mays were convicted of raping an unconscious girl in August 2012.
