From the Wire

State Department Officials Acknowledge Major Weaknesses, Ask Congress to Full Fund Security RequestsWASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Thursday acknowledged major weaknesses in security and errors in judgment exposed in a scathing independent report on the deadly Sept. 11 assault on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya. Two top State officials …
Hot Rhetoric and 'Small' Numbers Separate Obama and Boehner on Fiscal Cliff NegotiationWASHINGTON (AP) — In their "fiscal cliff" standoff, President Barack Obama wants to raise taxes by about $20 billion a year more than House Speaker John Boehner. The president wants the government to spend about that much more yearly than …
Midwest Hit by its First Major Snowstorm of SeasonThe first major snowstorm of the season began its slow eastward march across the Midwest early Thursday, leaving at least three people dead, creating treacherous driving conditions and threatening to disrupt some of the nation's busiest airports ahead of the …
Lawmakers, State Officials Tangle Over Libya RaidThe State Department on Thursday acknowledged weaknesses in security related to the deadly Sept. 11 assault on the diplomatic mission in Libya following a scathing independent report faulting management failures at the department.
Storm Warnings, Watches Out in MississippiSevere thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings spread across Mississippi on Thursday along with a fast-moving storm with winds up to 60 miles an hour in some places.
U.S. Economy Grew at 3.1 Percent in SummerThe U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 percent over the summer as consumers spent more and state and local governments added to growth for the first time in three years. But the economy is likely slowing in …
Strike Looms at East and Gulf Coast PortsWeeks after a critical West Coast port complex was crippled by a few hundred striking workers, the East Coast is bracing for a possible walkout numbering thousands that could close 15 ports from Massachusetts to Texas.
U.S. Mint Testing New Metals for Cheaper Coins A penny costs more than two cents and a nickel costs more than 11 cents to make and distribute.
Bryant Weighs in on Tort Cap Case in Federal CourtGov. Phil Bryant says scrapping Mississippi's tort reform laws would hinder economic development and cost the state the jobs that it brings.
In Wake of Tragedy, Parents Buy Armored Backpacks, Gun Enthusiasts Buy More GunsSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The reaction to the Connecticut school shooting can be seen in gun stores and self-defense retailers across the nation: Anxious parents are fueling sales of armored backpacks for children while firearms enthusiasts are stocking up …
New Orleans Plans to Roll Out New Tourism Pitch Starting With the SuperBowlNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. is planning a 2013 national campaign built around the theme "Follow Your NOLA."
Will Last-Minute Shoppers See Massive Discounts In Final Holiday Shopping Week?This holiday shopping season, many stores haven't been offering the same blockbuster deals as they have in years past. Instead, they've dangled offers of free shipping and no-fee layaways to lure shoppers.
U.S. Army Will Seek Death Penalty Against Solider Accused of Killing Afghan VillagersSEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army said Wednesday it will seek the death penalty against the soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in a predawn rampage in March, a decision his lawyer called "totally irresponsible."
Obama Optimistic on 'Fiscal Cliff' Bargain; Boehner Pushing 'Plan B' With Fewer Tax Increases In the HouseWASHINGTON (AP) — Optimistic despite a tightening deadline, President Barack Obama says he and Speaker John Boehner are "pretty close" to a grand fiscal deal that would avoid a first-of-the-year shock to the economy, but says congressional Republicans "keep on …
Obama Announces V.P. Biden to Head Taskforce to Propose Gun, Mental Health Laws in JanuaryWASHINGTON (AP) — Spurred by a horrific elementary school shooting, President Barack Obama vowed to send Congress new policy proposals for reducing gun violence by January.