Fed Tightens Conflict of Interest Rules The Federal Reserve on Wednesday tightened the conflict of interest restrictions governing the boards of directors of its 12 regional banks. Martin Crutsinger, AP NEWS - 8 minutes ago
Netanyahu Declares 10-Month Settlement Freeze Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a 10-month halt in new construction in Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Staff, AP NEWS - 11 minutes ago
EnerSys Chief Financial Officer Retires Industrial battery maker EnerSys Inc. said its chief financial officer and executive vice president of finance, Michael Philion, has elected to retire from the company. Staff, AP NEWS - 11 minutes ago
AP Newsbreak: Health Interests' White House Visits Records obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press show top aides to President Barack Obama met early and often with lobbyists, Democratic political strategists and other interests with a stake in a national health care overhaul. Sharon Theimer, AP NEWS - 13 minutes ago
Shuttle Atlantis Leaves Space Station, Headed Home Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station early Wednesday and headed home with one astronaut eager to hold his newborn daughter for the first time and another who’s been away from her young son since the summer. Marcia Dunn, AP NEWS - 13 minutes ago
Taliban Leader Rules Out Talks With Karzai The Taliban’s reclusive leader has ruled out talks with President Hamid Karzai and called on Afghans to break off relations with his “stooge” administration. Elena Becatoros, AP NEWS - 14 minutes ago
Toyota Replacing Some 4M Gas Pedals That Could Jam Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will replace accelerator pedals on about 4 million recalled vehicles in the United States because the pedals can get stuck in the floor mats, another blow to the reputation of the world’s largest automaker. Ken Thomas, AP NEWS - 15 minutes ago
Salvation Army’s Iconic Kettles Now Credit Ready There could be less jingle in the Salvation’s Army’s hallmark red kettles this season. The charity is testing kettles that take debit and credit cards. Kristen Wyatt, AP NEWS - 16 minutes ago
Israel Approves 10-Month Settlement Freeze Officials in the Israeli Prime Minister’s office say the Security Cabinet has approved a 10-month freeze in new construction in West Bank settlements, but without including disputed areas of Jerusalem. Josef Federman, AP NEWS - 16 minutes ago
Greece to Restore Birthplace of Classical Theater The ruined theater under the Acropolis where the works of Euripides and other classical playwrights were first performed some 2,500 years ago will undergo partial restoration over the next six years, Greek officials said Wednesday . Nicholas Paphitis, AP NEWS - 16 minutes ago
Obama’s First Pardon: A Turkey Named ‘Courage’ After 10 months in office, President Barack Obama granted his first pardon Wednesday to “Courage,” a 45-pound turkey spared from the Thanksgiving table. Natasha T. Metzler, AP NEWS - 17 minutes ago
Mo. to Receive $32.5M for Smart Grid Projects The federal government is providing $32.5 million in stimulus funds to two large-scale Missouri projects looking to improve the efficiency of delivering electricity to homes and businesses. Staff, AP NEWS - 20 minutes ago
Energy Prices on the Rise Despite Huge Supply Energy prices rose Wednesday even as the amount of unused crude, gasoline and natural gas being placed into storage rose again. Dirk Lammers, AP NEWS - 20 minutes ago
19.2 Million People Watch Donny Osmond Win An estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond win “Dancing With the Stars” — the smallest audience for the show’s finale since the first season. Staff, AP NEWS - 21 minutes ago
Iran Clerics Start Taking Control of Schools Islamic religious authorities have begun tightening their grip on Iranian public schools, a report said Wednesday, as hard-liners expand an ideological “soft war” against Western influence. Ali Akbar Dareini, AP NEWS - 23 minutes ago
Haydn Expert H.C. Robbins Landon Dies at 83 H.C. Robbins Landon, a musicologist noted for his pioneering research on Franz Joseph Haydn and for writing popular works on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, has died at age 83. Robert Barr, AP NEWS - 24 minutes ago
AT&T and Verizon Ads Duel on Airwaves and in Court What would the holidays be without bickering between siblings? AT&T and Verizon are swamping TV with ads attacking facets of each other’s wireless networks. While the ads stick fairly close to the truth, there’s a lot they don’t say. Peter Svensson, AP NEWS - 27 minutes ago
Pakistan Charges 7 Suspects in Mumbai Attacks Pakistan charged seven men in last year’s Mumbai attacks on Wednesday, its first indictment in a case being monitored by India and the United States to see if Islamabad makes good on promises to bring those responsible to justice. Kim Gamel, AP NEWS - 31 minutes ago
Ky. Court Says State Must Readopt Lethal Injection The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the state improperly adopted the same three-drug lethal injection protocol that was upheld in the nation’s highest court and is used by dozens of other states. Brett Barrouquere, AP NEWS - 33 minutes ago
Americans Search for Cheaper Thanksgiving Trips Millions of Americans got an early jump on their Thanksgiving travel Wednesday, with many opting to drive or take trains and buses instead of shelling out more money for flights amid a sour economy still hitting household budgets hard. Michael Tarm, AP NEWS - 36 minutes ago
Iran Seeks to Quiet Critic Inside Ruling System When Iran holds state-run ceremonies this week for an important Islamic feast day, there will be one very noticeable change: former President Hashemi Rafsanjani will not be leading the prayers. Brian Murphy, AP NEWS - 36 minutes ago
Mom of Teen Set on Fire: Son Focused on Recovery In the days after 15-year-old Michael Brewer was set on fire by a group of teens, his mother, Valerie Brewer, sat at his hospital bedside and worried. Tamara Lush, AP NEWS - 36 minutes ago
Israel Approves 10-Month West Bank Settlement Halt Officials in the Israeli prime minister’s office say the Security Cabinet has approved a 10-month freeze in new construction in West Bank settlements. Staff, AP NEWS - 39 minutes ago
Police Confiscate Toxic Toys Peruvian police raid street market and seize suspected toxic Chinese-made toys ahead of Christmas. Reuters Video, REUTERS NEWS VIDEO - 39 minutes ago
Officials Say Iraq Not UK’s Main Worry Before War Iran and Libya, not Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi regime, were Britain’s main security concerns before the invasion of Iraq, Foreign Office officials testified Wednesday at an inquiry probing Britain’s role in the war. Jennifer Quinn, AP NEWS - 40 minutes ago
Jetman’s Africa-Europe Flight Fails Swiss daredevil pilot Yves Rossy ditches into the sea while trying to fly from Africa to Europe using his homemade jet-propelled wing. Reuters Video, REUTERS NEWS VIDEO - 41 minutes ago
UK: NATO to Offer 5,000 Troops for Afghanistan British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Wednesday that several NATO nations will jointly offer 5,000 more troops for Afghanistan, as London and Washington push allies to take on a greater share of the war burden. David Stringer, AP NEWS - 42 minutes ago
Pro-Immigration Reform PACS Growing in Influence For the first time, pro-immigration forces are raising more political donations than their immigration-control counterparts. Laura Wides-Munoz, AP NEWS - 45 minutes ago
Germany, IAEA Chief Urge Iran to Compromise Germany’s foreign minister and the chief U.N. nuclear inspector are urging Iran to shift from nuclear confrontation to cooperation, with the German official warning of possible new U.N. sanctions. Staff, AP NEWS - 48 minutes ago
Jet-Winged Adventurer Ditches in Atlantic, Unhurt A Swiss pilot ditched safely into the chilly waters between Morocco and Spain Wednesday after a technical malfunction ended the first attempted intercontinental crossing on jet-powered wings. Daniel Woolls, AP NEWS - 50 minutes ago
More Bankruptcy Cases Filed in Federal Courts Bankruptcy filings in federal courts jumped by more than one-third this year, as businesses and individuals struggled to regain their footing in a weakened economy. Staff, AP NEWS - 51 minutes ago
Dollar Slumps to 15-Month Euro Low The dollar slid to a 15-month low against the euro Wednesday as investors fled the safe haven currency on upbeat U.S. economic reports, while markets absorbed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s indication that interest rates will remain at super-low levels for a while yet and that it was not overly concerned by the U.S. currency’s decline. Pan Pylas and Erin Conroy, AP NEWS - 51 minutes ago
BLM Delays Nevada Horse Roundup to Allow Appeals The Bureau of Land Management has postponed a planned roundup of thousands of wild horses in Nevada because of a lawsuit and to allow time for appeals of its decision. Staff, AP NEWS - 52 minutes ago
Federal Court Allows Dec. 8 Execution in Ohio A previously blocked execution set for Dec. 8 can now go forward due to a change in Ohio’s lethal injection policies, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday. Staff, AP NEWS - 53 minutes ago
Gay Marriage Momentum Stalls in Liberal NY, NJ The state-to-state march to legalize gay marriage across the left-leaning Northeast has lost more momentum since a major setback three weeks ago at the ballot box in Maine. Geoff Mulvihill, AP NEWS - 54 minutes ago
White House: Exit Plan From Afghanistan Is Key The White House says President Barack Obama is placing heavy emphasis on how the United States eventually will withdraw from Afghanistan even as he plans to announce a troop increase next week. Charles Babington, AP NEWS - 56 minutes ago
WSP Holdings Plans $10 Million Share Repurchase WSP Holdings Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of oil and natural gas exploration and drilling products, said Wednesday its board has approved a repurchase program of up to $10 million in American Depositary shares. Staff, AP NEWS - 56 minutes ago
Sensata Plans to Raise Up to $500 Million in IPO Sensata Technologies Holding BV, which makes engineered sensors and controls for manufacturers in the automotive, aircraft and other industries, plans to raise up to $500 million in an initial public offering. Staff, AP NEWS - 56 minutes ago
AU: Donors Slow in Paying Up for Somalia Security The African Union’s Somalia envoy said Wednesday donors have released only 30 percent of funds they pledged months ago toward bolstering Somalia’s security, frustrating efforts to turnaround the lawless country. Tom Maliti, AP NEWS - 58 minutes ago
Idera: Novartis Deal Ends, Merck Pact Extended Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Wednesday announced the end of a research partnership with Novartis AG, but said Merck & Co. is extending its work with Idera for another year. Staff, AP NEWS - 58 minutes ago
Stocks Rise Following Drop in Jobless Claims Stocks climbed Wednesday following a drop in weekly unemployment claims to the lowest level of the year and a rise in new home sales. Tim Paradis and Ieva M. Augstums, AP NEWS - 59 minutes ago
Hospitality Properties Trust Upgraded; Stocks Rise An analyst upgraded shares of Hospitality Properties Trust Wednesday and said it expects the real estate investment trust to reinstate its cash dividend in 2010. Staff, AP NEWS - 59 minutes ago
Jobless Claims Dip, Spending Up in Sign of Rebound In a hopeful sign for the economy, the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell below 500,000 last week for the first time since January. Jeannine Aversa and Martin Crutsinger, AP NEWS - 59 minutes ago
UK Police Arrest Man Wanted in US on Fraud Charges British police have arrested a former Washington security consultant wanted in the United States for allegedly defrauding a client of more than $2 million, Scotland Yard said Wednesday. Jill Lawless, AP FEATURES - 60 minutes ago
2 Beefeaters Fired for Bullying Female Colleague Two ceremonial guards known as Beefeaters at the historic Tower of London were fired Wednesday after an internal investigation found that they harassed their first and only female colleague. Staff, AP NEWS - 60 minutes ago
Obama to Attend Major Climate Summit US President Barack Obama confirmed Wednesday he will attend a major climate summit next month, providing a shot in the arm for the talks after China said it is unlikely to cut gas emissions. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Obama to Take Near-Term Cut of 17% to Copenhagen President Barack Obama will attend the climate summit in Copenhagen next month and offer to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, officials said Wednesday. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Siberian Tiger Population Falls Sharply: Survey The population of Siberian tigers is dropping sharply, with researchers blaming the slump on poachers who are killing the feline for its pelt and bones, a report showed Wednesday. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Swiss Court Grants Polanski Bail: Official Switzerland’s top criminal court said on Wednesday it has granted bail to film-maker Roman Polanski, saying his offer of 4.5 million francs (4.5 million dollars, 3.0 million euros) and to go under house arrest was enough to prevent his escape. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Israel Seeks Temporary Halt to New Settlements Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday pushed for a temporary ease in settlement building amid US pressure for concessions towards peace, even as the Palestinians rejected the offer as insufficient. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Kuwaiti Journalist Accused of Slander Stays in Jail Kuwait’s public prosecution on Wednesday extended the detention of a journalist accused of slandering the prime minister until after the Muslim Eid al-Adha holidays, his family said. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Pakistan Court Charges Seven Over Mumbai Attacks A Pakistani anti-terror court on Wednesday charged seven suspects in connection with the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people one year ago, a defence lawyer said. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
US to Pledge Major Emission Cuts at Climate Summit President Barack Obama will attend the climate summit in Copenhagen next month and offer to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, officials said on Wednesday. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Britain Is Last Major Nation in Recession Britain is the last major world power mired in recession, official data showed on Wednesday, but economists forecast a return to growth before the end of 2009 and ahead of next year’s general election. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
US New Home Sales Rebound in October US new home sales rebounded more than expected in October to their strongest pace in more than a year, government data showed Wednesday, suggesting stabilization in the ailing sector. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
HRW Sceptical About Fair Eq.Guinea Elections Human Rights Watch has criticised preparations for Sunday’s presidential poll in Equatorial Guinea, saying there was “serious doubt” about its credibility. Afp, AFP GLOBAL EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Obama to Announce Afghan Plan Tuesday US President Barack Obama will announce his new Afghan strategy in an address to the nation Tuesday evening from the prestigious West Point military academy, the White House said. Afp, AFP ASIAN EDITION - 62 minutes ago
US Skeptics Fear Afghan Mission Turning Into a Quagmire Skeptics reject President Barack Obama’s expected decision to ramp up the Afghanistan war as a misguided bid to fix a muddled mission, arguing it will draw America deeper into a quagmire. Afp, AFP AMERICAN EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Swiss Court Grants Polanski Bail: Official Switzerland’s top criminal court said Wednesday it had granted bail to film-maker Roman Polanski, saying his offer of 4.5 million francs (4.5 million dollars, 3.0 million euros) and to go under house arrest was enough to prevent his escape. Afp, AFP AMERICAN EDITION - 62 minutes ago
Kandahar Is Key City in Afghan War A wedding was called off because international troops killed the groom. A suicide bomber blew himself up in front of a police patrol. An old woman was beaten by the Taliban after she tried to stop them from taking her son. Kathy Gannon, AP NEWS - 64 minutes ago
Greece to Restore Birthplace of Classical Theater Greek authorities say they will partially restore the ruined marble theater under the Acropolis, where the works of Euripides and other classical playwrights were first performed about 2,500 years ago. Staff, AP NEWS - 66 minutes ago
UK Police Arrest Man Wanted in US on Fraud Charges British police have arrested a former Washington security consultant accused by U.S. prosecutors of defrauding a client of more than $2 million. Staff, AP NEWS - 67 minutes ago
Natural Gas Stocks Grow Less Than Expected Natural gas stockpile levels rose less than expected last week, the government said Thursday. Deborah Jian Lee, AP NEWS - 67 minutes ago
Diedrich: Green Mountain’s $265M Bid Superior Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. bested a rival Wednesday, after the board at Diedrich Coffee Inc. said its all-cash buyout offer trumped a dueling cash-and-stock bid. Staff, AP NEWS - 68 minutes ago
Obama to Outline US Climate Goals at Copenhagen President Barack Obama will commit the United States to a goal of substantial cuts in greenhouse gas pollution over the next decade when he travels to a widely anticipated climate conference in Copenhagen next month. Julie Pace and H. Josef Hebert, AP NEWS - 70 minutes ago
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