US & World News

U.S. News
2009 USNews.com

Shaquille O'Neal's Housing Market Rejection
The NBA superstar has been forced to reduce the asking price for his Florida property.
Gay Schools Controversy
I thank God that a school district has finally found the courage to create a safe haven for the youth that some narrow-minded people don't understand ["Milwaukee to Form Gay-Friendly Middle School," usnews.com].
Rick Warren Blurs Party Lines
President-elect Obama made an excellent choice in selecting Rick Warren to give the invocation for his inaugural. By doing so, Obama is reaching out to evangelicals such as myself who actually wanted Mike Huckabee to be president ["Left's Reaction to Rick Warren Helps President-Elect Obama on the Right," usnews.com].
Teddy Kennedy's Big Comeback to the Senate
During the Democratic National Convention, he pledged to fight brain cancer and return to Congress.
Bush Poised for Transition
Obviously, Ken Walsh has forgotten that President Bush has always been gracious to everyone—to a fault ["Bush's Gracious and Cooperative Attitude Toward Obama," usnews.com].
5 Ways to Save on Medical Costs by Going Generic
Our healthcare costs are rising at a slower pace largely because we've caught on to generic drugs.
The 7 Best States to Start a Business
Ranking the states based on how friendly they are to entrepreneurs.
Metro Hops Aboard Obama Express
A commemorative Metro card gets visitors around the city.
Reader Comment of the Day
Comment by Ray Fisher of NM
Home Prices Tumble in October: How Your City Performed
Milwaukee tops the list; San Francisco ranks last.
Israel’s Gaza Invasion Deepens Ideological Divides, Leon Panetta Makes the Right People Happy (if You’re on the Right), and Mac Gets Hacked
The Middle East debate continues; Panetta, Burris, the Senate, and Mac
Starting the Mobile Content Revolution
The mobile content revolution started with Brian Levin.
Israeli Ambassador: 'No Grand Political Scheme in Gaza'
The Gaza invasion is purely a military move against Hamas, says Israel's man in Washington.
Sanjay Gupta for Surgeon General? It Might Actually Make Sense
TV experience translates.
Left and Right Insist Rick Warren's No Billy Graham
Some are comparing Warren to Graham who was "Pastor to the Presidents."
California Political Leaders Unsure of Panetta for CIA
Sen. Dianne Feinstein criticized Panetta's lack of experience.
Capitol Hill Drama as Burris Tries (Unsuccessfully) to Claim Senate Seat
Despite calling himself 'junior senator from Illinois,' Burris was not allowed to assume Obama's seat.
Chronic Illness Accounts for 75 Percent of Health Spending
Out-of-pocket costs vary dramatically by disease.
FBI Snitch Brandon Darby Foiled GOP Convention Terrorist Bombing Plot; Activists Complain
As trial nears, alleged attackers' mates fret more about moles than murder.
MacWorld Sustainability Update: "Take That, Greenpeace."
Apple ups the sustainability ante at MacWorld.
Obama's Surprise Pick of Leon Panetta for CIA Director
He wasn't my first guess, or even my second, third, or fourth.
3,000 FBI Jobs More Popular Than 12,000 Vegas Jobs?
If Google search trends are any indication, the FBI generates a lot of buzz.
The Best Things in Life Are Free
We show how you can start, run and grow your business for, you guessed it, free.
3 Ways Teens Can Avoid Bogus Health Info Online
Kids using MySpace to look for medical information often get sketchy advice.
Using Facebook to Keep Your Diet Resolutions on Track
A new widget helps you stick to the Mediterranean diet.
New York Gov. David Paterson and Caroline Kennedy's Slowing Race to the Senate
Polls show Kennedy running well behind New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
D.C. Voting Rights Should Happen in 2009
It's basic fairness.
How We've Changed Throughout the Bush Era
A map shows us what our country was like in 2000 vs. 2008.
University of California to Accept Fewer Students
Cuts and a record number of applicants will likely mean more rejections.
Obama: 'Trillion-Dollar Deficits For Years'
Record shortfalls as far as the eye can see.
Pending Home Sales Fall to New Lows
Financial turmoil scares would-be home buyers from the market.
Why Burris, Panetta, Franken Are Just Like Us
They're willing and able to work--but obstacles are in their way.
HR Gives Your Résumé 20 Seconds
Try writing a 6-word résumé to practice conciseness.
The Media Coverage of Israel Fighting Hamas in Gaza Is a Lopsided War in Itself
Israel pulling off its Gaza incursion is debatable, but its chances against the media are dismal.
California May Ban Big Screen TVs
The state may force retailers to sell only energy-efficient models by 2011.
Patty Duke Plays Cathy and Patty Lane Again at Age 62
Check out the award winning actress, 62, then and now
Budget Deficit: Biggest Since World War Two?
You don't have to be a budget hawk to be astounded by these numbers.
Why Tim Kaine Will Upset the Democratic Base
There were lots of irate comments on my post about Tim Kaine.
The Curse of the Kiddie Tax
The law of unintended consequences in action.
Small Business Optimism At Five-Year Low
At the end of 2008, falling revenues, capital spending, and jobs are hurting small-business owners, says Gallup.
Bush and the Environment: Pacific Protection Is Too Little Too Late
Good for him, eight years too late
Family History of Aneurysm Raises Stroke Risk for Smokers
They're 6 times likely to suffer bleeding stroke, study finds
Like the Past 25 Years Never Happened
Let's party like it's 1979!
Palm Said to be the Next to Target iPhone
New operating system and handset is an effort by Palm to revive its smartphones
Manhattan Apartment Sales Drop for Fourth Straight Quarter
Widespread layoffs on Wall Street lead to shaky confidence in the real estate market.
Pelosi's Full House for Obama's Inauguration
She's planning for an influx of family for the inauguration of the first black president.
Shilling: Housing Could Fall Even More
Housing is down 25 percent. It could fall another 20 percent.
Feds Out of Money for Digital TV Coupons
New applicants must depend on the pain of others whose coupons expire
Israel Widens Offensive in Gaza as Hamas Rocket Attacks Continue
Both sides are defying international pressure for a cease-fire.
Keeping Tabs on Cash Flow
If the money disappears, so does your business.
Should You Ban Tech Gadgets From Meetings?
There comes a point when gadgets detract from meetings. Or does there?
Why I Finally Quit
One employee explains what drove him to resign.
Burris Wants Respect and Power. Blagojevich Just Wants a Deal
Bob Kemper looks at the motivations behind Roland Burris's attempt to join the Senate.
Vanguard Study: Target-Date Investors Avoid Extremes
Their exposure to stocks also dips lower over time, versus non-target-date investors.
Audio: How to Keep New Year's Resolutions
When it comes to money, the secret is to talk about it.
Health Buzz: Teens Using MySpace and Other Health News
Jett Travolta's illness and tragedy; have blood, will travel.
5 Tech-Gadget Trends That Will Rock 2009
This week's Consumer Electronics Show gives a glimpse of what's hot and new this year.
The Future of the Stock Market, Revisited
The idea that stocks may never go up again isn't all that crazy.
Economy Could Actually Turn Around Under Barack Obama
Reasons for hope
Caroline Kennedy Losing Favor With New York Voters in Bid to Fill Senate Seat of Hillary Clinton
Kennedy takes a big hit as she vies to replace Hillary Clinton.
Christmas for the Banks: Top 5 Biggest Bailout Winners
The Treasury Department gives more money to banks through the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Was Barack Obama Correct to Choose Leon Panetta to Head the CIA?
The consensus is unclear on Obama's latest pick.
Steve Jobs Might Be Healthier Than Apple's Customers
Shares are up, but are estimates still too high?
And So It Begins ...
Mortgage contracts may not be worth the paper they are written on.
PTSD at Fort Carson, Karl Rove’s Attempts to Polish Bush’s Legacy, and Warm Wishes for Our Troops in 2009
Ignoring Karl Rove: Things are bad for the U.S. military, and Bush is to blame.
Hot Docs: House Begins Madoff Hearing, Congress Is a Top Risk
Today's selection of timely reports.
Health Care Spending in U.S. Grew at Lowest Rate in a Decade
But consumers are still paying more for out-of-pocket expenses, reports say
Employer-Sponsored Workouts Boost Workers' Health
Study at Home Depot saw big increase in employees working out
What Obama's Pick of Leon Panetta May Signal About the CIA
The respected Washington figure would bring new oversight and might smooth relations with Congress.
Jordan Threatens to Reconsider Ties With Israel
Turkey, too, pulls back in the wake of Israel's Gaza offensive against Hamas.
Is Obamanomics Centrist? Really?
That's the party line, at least.
The Genius of the 'Macbook Wheel'
The Onion spoofs Macworld.
Endocrinologists Weigh in on Steve Jobs' Hormonal Imbalance
Doctors call Jobs' condition 'vague;' likely related to his pancreas.
Music Industry: CDs, Album Sales Fall Further
Digital, vinyl sales are bright spots; bad news for the classical, country, and Latin genres.
Apple: America's Most Fragile Company
A company isn't healthy when the CEO's health drives manic swings in the stock price
Whitman for Governor: How Bad Could It Be?
eBay's stock is awful. So are plenty of others.
Steve Jobs’s Letter Does Little to Clear Up Health Mystery
The uncertain status of Apple's chief leaves many people wondering.
The 10 Largest Terminated Pension Plans
Airlines and steel companies dominate the list
The New World’s Oldest Person is 114
Gertrude Baines has an affinity for hats, bacon, Scripture, and daytime television
Kudlow: Keep Cutting, Obama
Will the next president go even further?
7 Reasons to Kill the Obama Stimulus Bill
Maybe we shouldn't spend a trillion bucks to try and boost the economy.
Car Sales: What a Dismal 2008 Means For 2009
It was a terrible year for automakers. And 2009 could be worse.
Mapping the Best (and Worst) States in Which to Start a Business
How does your state fare in terms of economic innovation and government burden?
Richardson Withdraws His Nomination for Commerce Secretary, Bloggers Debate Latina Abortions, Debating the War in Gaza, and the Craziest Headline of 2008
Richardson recants his nomination, bloggers debate abortion, and more on Israel's incursion into Gaza.
Reader Comment of the Day
—Larry D. Nachman, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, City University of New York
Would-Be Republican Party Chairmen Quiet on Faith at Candidate's Forum
The candidates didn't address many Christian right issues.
10 Things You Didn't Know About Roland Burris
Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named Roland Burris as Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
Audio: Green New Year's Resolutions
Listen to a Fresh Greens interview with WTOP in Washington about ecofriendly resolutions for 2009.
Tim Kaine Expected to Broaden Democratic Appeal as DNC Chair
Party officials say he's likely to build on Howard Dean's model of expanding the Democratic base.
Republicans and Democrats Are Two Different Animals
My Creators Syndicate column looks at our two political parties.
Jett Travolta and Kawasaki Syndrome
Knowing signs of the mysterious ailment can reduce heart risk.
Bashing Rick Warren, Star Parker Reveals Christian Right's Fears
Rick Warren's Christian critics have remained mostly under the radar.
Debate Over Teacher Drug Tests Spreads to West Virginia
A judge rules that the random screenings are unconstitutional.
Why Paul Offit Isn't Flexible on Vaccines
The vaccine expert lays out his case against delaying some vaccines.
6 Tips to Save on Insurance Costs
Overcome reluctance to reduce coverage and review insurance needs.
Nancy Pelosi's House: After Her Historic First Term as Speaker, Tough Challenges Ahead
Even critics praise her political skills, which will be tested by the debate over a stimulus package.
Bowling Green State to Lay Off 43
The move will save the school almost $2 million.
Colorado Football Cracks Down on Misbehavior
Department will hire a director of "student-athletes wellness" and has set up accountability teams.
Utah State Sorority and Fraternity Charged With Felony Hazing
Charges are related to alcohol-poisoning death of fraternity pledge in November.
Joe Paterno's Glasses Stolen
They didn't belong to the real Jo Pa but instead to a statue that sits near Penn State's stadium.
Nope, McDonald's Isn't Making Us Fat
The "Super Size Me!" myth is disproved.
A Guide to the 50 States and the New Economy
Measuring the states and propensity for economic innovation.
Subaru's Secret: Clever Marketing
Appealing to progressive types may have boosted sales.
As Israel Presses Forward in Gaza, Some Israelis Support a Cease-Fire
Israeli government is determined to cripple Hamas and to stop its rocket attacks.
What It Means When Stocks Rally On Bad News
Is it confidence or confusion?
A Look at the World's Largest Stimulus Plans Outside the United States
Japan, Germany, China, the United Kingdom, and France have all announced massive spending plans.
Small Business Survival Index: Measuring the Cost of Government for Entrepreneurs
About the methodology and measurements used in the SBEC's study
On the Moralistic Policies of George W. Bush: Back-Alley Abortions Aren't Progress, Plain and Simple
Undoing the failed abstinence-only education of George W. Bush: Obama has his work cut out for him.
Inventor of the "Swap" Blames Regulators for Financial Crisis
David Swensen discusses the current state of the market and derivatives trading.
Red Cross: Free Travel for Lucky Blood Donors
American Red Cross's southern region chooses novel way to replenish blood supply.
Obama Faces a Delay for His Economic Recovery Plan
No deal by Inauguration Day, a blow to Obama's hope for a quick response to the economic crisis.
Richardson, Blagojevich Complicate Obama's Attempts for a Smooth Transition
A few bumps in the road have appeared for President-elect Obama.
Katie Holmes: New York Spending Spree
How to budget like a wealthy celebrity in the big city.
Cashing In On The Obama Inauguration: A Small Business Trend
Obama memorabilia is a big booster for some quick entrepreneurs.
Race for Republican National Committee Chairman Will Determine Christian Right's Influence
Many religious conservatives have endorsed former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell.
Senator Judd Gregg on Obama's Plan: We Need Tax Cuts For Small Businesses And Entrepreneurs
Gregg wants tax cuts on job creators as part of any stimulus package.
Where to Find the Best (and Worst) Environmentally-Friendly Ski Resorts
Before you hit the slopes, check this list to see which ski resorts are sustainable, and which are not.
Top 10 Global Risks in 2009
Economic actions by Congress plus key foreign-policy challenges for incoming Obama team.
Hiccup for Obama: Richardson Abandons Bid for Cabinet Post Amid Investigation
The New Mexico governor withdrew his name from consideration as Obama's commerce secretary.
Will Richardson and Blagojevich Hurt Obama?
A verdict on Richardson's still out, though it's unclear what effect he might have on Obama.
Health Buzz: Cheaper Gym Memberships and Other Health News
America's state of health as Obama takes office; the importance of mothers in preventive healthcare.
Consumer: What's in a Word
Michelle Singletary argues that the word itself is partially to blame.
Citi Strategist: No Bull Market in 2009, but Market Set to Rally
Top-rated sectors are telecom and healthcare.
What If Stocks Never Go Up Again?
Potential scenarios don't paint a pretty picture.
The 8 Breakout Places to Travel in 2008
Dubai, Johannesburg, and Beijing made the cut.
7 Ways Laid-Off Baby Boomers Can Find Health Insurance
These strategies can help you hold out until Medicare kicks in at age 65.
Why Tim Kaine Is Likely to Expand Democratic Faith Outreach as DNC Chair
Kaine's 2005 governor's race offers clues about how he might run the Democratic National Committee.
Roku Adds Amazon Videos to Streaming Device
New partner is the first beyond Netflix for the Roku box
Smart Politics by Barack Obama: Middle-Class Tax Cuts Are Good for Democrats, the Economy
Obama needs to persuade the Democrats and the GOP to pass the tax cuts quickly.
Democrats Are More Optimistic About the Future Than Republicans
2009 a hopeful year for the Democrats ... Republicans don't feel the same way.
Apple Fans Relieved that Jobs Illness is Treatable
But anger lingers over Jobs' reluctance to discuss his condition
Sell Wal-Mart in '09?
Top S&P 500 gainers don't stay on top for long.
Why You Should be an Optimistic Investor in 2009
It's a good time to buy stocks and invest in real estate.
Top 5 Most Popular Presidents: Kennedy, Ike, Bush 41, Clinton, Johnson
Bush's approval ratings averaged 49.4% over the last eight years, not as bad as you might expect.
Off to School for Malia and Sasha: Obamas Share Day 1
The Obama Transition Office shared pictures of the girls heading off to Sidwell Friends.
Barack Obama Should Replace Bill Richardson in Cabinet With Kathleen Sebelius
Sebelius is qualified and more women are needed in the Cabinet.
Realtors to Media: Get Your Down-Payment Facts Straight
The National Association of Realtors tries to correct 'misinformation' about down payments.
Bill Richardson Out As Commerce Secretary With Shades of Blagojevich
Richardson's alleged "pay-to-play" is all too common.
Some Aren't Buying Steve Jobs' Hormone Imbalance
Dealbreaker, for one, is not convinced.
Las Vegas CityCenter Has 12,000 Job Openings
New "urban metropolis" in Las Vegas needs to hire thousands of employees.
When You Can't Give a Positive Reference
Sometimes managers must give references for employees they can't endorse.
How to Get Your Company to Pay for College
If your company doesn't offer tuition reimbursement, find another way.
Just For Men: For Second Careers
Hair dye company promotes product for older men before job interviews.
Hot Docs: Responding to War in Gaza, Rising Homicides Among Young Blacks
Today's selection of timely reports.
Israel Must Learn the Limits of Bombing and Violence in Palestine
Israel's massive retaliation will fail, writes Steven A. Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations.
What Could Go Right in 2009 ... and Wrong
Perhaps the best news is that 2008 is over.
Obama Stimulus 2.0
But history shows that government stimulus usually fails to stimulate.
Yellowstone Supervolcano Earthquakes: Scientists React
A lack of data makes forecasts difficult.
LG Jumps Ahead with Netflix Streaming on TVs
New models won't need set-top box for Internet video