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AP PHOTOS: 3 little liligers cavort at Russian zoo

Car quality dinged by tech glitches, survey finds: DETROIT (AP) — Car buyers increasingly want high-tech features like voice recognition and navigation. But they're not very forgiving of the car company when those systems fail.

Woody Harrelson launches tree-friendly paper brand

Scattered street protests pop across Brazil: SAO PAULO (AP) — Scattered street demonstrations popped up around Brazil on Wednesday as protesters continued their collective cry against the low-quality public services they receive in exchange for high taxes and rising prices.

Former TWA Flight 800 investigators want new probe: MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — Former investigators are pushing to reopen the probe into the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of New York, saying new evidence points to the often-discounted theory that a missile strike may have

US calls out China, Russia over human trafficking: WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. accused China and Russia of failing to meet minimum standards in fighting human trafficking, ranking them on a par with North Korea and Syria.

Protests get support from Brazilian soccer players

Fed sees lower US unemployment, more growth: WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve sketched a slightly brighter picture of the U.S. economy this year and next, a sign it is moving closer to slowing its bond-buying program.

FBI ends Michigan search for Hoffa's remains: OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Beneath a swimming pool, under a horse farm and now a weed-grown field north of Detroit: For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud

Yankees spoil Mattingly's return to Bronx

Porsche tops in annual survey of vehicle quality: DETROIT (AP) — Porsche is the top performer in an annual survey of new vehicle quality.

UN says 45.2 million refugees and displaced people: GENEVA (AP) — The Syrian civil war contributed to pushing the numbers of refugees and those displaced by conflict within their own nation to an 18-year high of 45.2 million worldwide by the end of 2012, the U.N. refugee agency

LA to give every student an iPad; $30M order: NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles school system, the second largest in the country, is ordering iPads for all its students, handing Apple a major success in its quest to make the tablet computer a replacement for textbooks.

New Colo. wildfire prompts evacuations of homes: DENVER (AP) — A new wildfire in the foothills southwest of Denver is forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes.

GAO says airline merger would reduce competition: DALLAS (AP) — A government analyst says the merger of American Airlines and US Airways would reduce competition on more than 1,600 routes traveled by more than 53 million passengers.

UK banking commission urges better standards: LONDON (AP) — British bankers could soon be facing harsher penalties for behaving badly.

Russia could stand in way of Obama's nuke cuts: WASHINGTON (AP) — By saying he intends to bargain with Russia over new reductions in nuclear weapons rather than make cuts on his own President Barack Obama is asking for cooperation from a former Cold War foe in no mood

Obama defends U.S. intelligence strategy in wary Berlin: By Jeff Mason and Noah Barkin BERLIN (Reuters) -

Obama urges 'bold' nuclear cuts in Berlin speech: BERLIN (AP) — Summoning the harsh history of this once-divided city, President Barack Obama on Wednesday cautioned the U.S. and Europe against "complacency" brought on by peace, pledging to cut America's deployed nuclear weapons by one-third if Cold War foe

US tries saving Taliban talks after Karzai objects: KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Hopes dimmed for talks aimed at ending the Afghan war when an angry President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday suspended security negotiations with the U.S. and scuttled a peace delegation to the Taliban, sending American officials scrambling

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BBC

Work Programme 'not doing enough': Providers of the governments flagship Work Programme tell ministers the costs of helping sick and disabled jobseekers into employment cannot be met under the scheme.

Food labels system to be rolled out: A new consistent system of front-of-pack food labelling is to be introduced in the UK, the government says.

The air force pilot who took her baby on missions: The air force pilot who took her daughter on missions

How Israel keeps Holocaust memories alive: As witnesses die, will the Holocaust be forgotten?

Australia give three players debuts: Australia name Israel Folau among three debutants for Saturdays first Test against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane.

VIDEO: Camera pioneers' work goes on display: Portraits by 19th century photographers Henry and Charles Meade are subjects of a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.

VIDEO: Lourdes evacuated after flash floods: The Roman Catholic shrine at Lourdes has been evacuated after flash floods struck south-western France.

Chile to extradite Argentine judge: The Chilean Supreme Court approves the extradition of former Argentine judge Otilio Romano, accused of human rights abuses under the military government.

In pictures: Afghan army's elite special forces: Thwarting high-profile militant attacks

North Korea 'willing to join talks': The government in North Korea is willing to restart talks over its nuclear programme which broke down five years ago, according to Chinese officials.

Lloyds to return to private hands: George Osborne has used his annual Mansion House speech to the City to announce the government is preparing to sell its stake in Lloyds Bank back to private investors.

Congo attacks over arrests in India: Shops belonging to Asians are targeted in a violent protest in DR Congos capital over the arrest of Congolese students in India over the weekend.

New clashes in Brazil before match: Police fire tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza, ahead of a football match against Mexico.

Kerry calls Karzai to defuse tension: The US Secretary of State calls the Afghan leader to defuse tension over the opening of a Taliban office in Qatar, an Afghan official says.

Early Mars atmosphere 'oxygen-rich': Mars atmosphere could have been rich in oxygen four billion years ago - well before Earths air became augmented with the gas.

Fed maintains pace of asset purchase: The Federal Reserve maintains its $85bn-a-month (£54bn) asset purchase programme, as investors await a press conference by Fed chairman Ben Bernanke.

Protests flare over Egypt governor: Egypts tourism minister quits and protests erupt as a man with links to Islamists behind the deadly 1997 attack in Luxor is named as city governor.

Xcom iOS app priced at premium: A US publisher is pricing a sci-fi video game for iPhones and iPads at more than double the cost high-end titles are usually sold for on those devices.

FBI 'uses surveillance drones in US': The FBI has used drones for surveillance in limited cases over US soil and is developing a drone use policy, the FBI director tells a US Senate panel.

Naked mole-rat gives cancer clues: A rodent that never gets cancer could hold the key to preventing or treating malignant tumours, say scientists.

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CNN

Reports of illness surge at parks: Those vacationing at Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks this summer should make extra efforts to stay sanitary, the National Park Service said Wednesday, after noting a spike in sicknesses among visitors so far.

Watch ominous tornado near airport: This Vine video shows an ominous tornado near the Denver International Airport.

Bieber in car accident with paparazzo: Its that combination again: Justin Bieber, an automobile, and a mishap.

Server drops F-bomb on receipt: A Missouri waitress was reprimanded for giving an explicit receipt to a customer on Fathers Day but will keep her job.

DJ 'visibly shaken' during apology: One of the radio hosts fired for mocking a former NFL player with ALS admits the skit wasnt funny and has apologized.

First lady, girls lunch with Bono: The first lady and girls take in Irelands sights and find time to grab a bite with U2s Bono. Erin McLaughlin reports.

Wendy's drive-thru rant goes viral: HLN takes a look at the latest viral rant by a fast-food customer.

Webcam catches volcano eruption: A volcano outside Mexico City erupted Tuesday, sending ash and smoke into the air.

Catfish stabs boy in the neck: A 13-year-old boy has a near-death experience after being stabbed in the neck by a catfish barb.

Underwater art: Sailors, sweethearts: A sunken World War II ship is now underwater gallery, featuring 12 photographs of retro sailors and their sweethearts.

Ellsberg: He's a hero: Daniel Ellsberg tells CNNs Don Lemon that NSA leaker Edward Snowden showed courage, has done an enormous service.

BuzzFeed reporter killed: Journalist Michael Hastings, known for his 2010 profile of Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to the officers abrupt retirement, died in a car accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Paris Jackson video played in court: AEG Live lawyer Marvin Putnam asks Paris Jackson about former nanny Grace Rwaramba.

Possible remains at 'Goodfellas' home: Material that may be human remains has been found at a former New York home of gangster James Jimmy the Gent Burke, a law enforcement source with knowledge of an investigation at the home said Wednesday.

Feds: Men hoped to turn ray gun on foes: Two men have been charged in the Albany, New York, area in a bizarre plan to use a device loosely described as a ray gun to target people they didnt like, a federal law enforcement source with knowledge of the

New study: Pollution raises autism risk: Pollutants in the air are known to affect brain development, but the first national study of in utero exposure and autism rates raises new concerns.

Vitamins: Not such a good thing?: Dr. Paul Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, warns against the dangers of taking too many vitamins.

Seeking clues as clock ticks: A girl at risk of being abused could be saved if federal agents can identify a blurred road sign in time.

What to read this summer: 20 picks

Shooting stars: Watch to see which host is the best shot

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Digg

Homeless man acquires a $330,000 house for $16 (Video): Neighbors say Kenneth Robinson is a squatter, but he says house is legally his.http://digg.com/news/business/homeless_man_acquires_a_330_000_house_for_16_videomwtapphttp://cdn2.diggstatic.com/user/4697591/p.2481234956.png

Homeless man acquires a $330,000 house for $16 (Video): Neighbors say Kenneth Robinson is a squatter, but he says house is legally his.

The Double Irish - How the Biggest US Companies Bypass The High Income-Tax Rate: Countries such as the United States are avoided by large technology companies because of their high income-tax rates. The U.S. corporate income-tax rate is 35%, while the U.K.s is set at 28%.

Dealership Refusing To Honor Nissan GT-R eBay Motors Sale, Now Threatening Lawsuits: UPDATE: Early this morning we received a call from Honda of San Marcos Pre-Owned manager Ian Jones. We tried to get the dealerships side of the story, but Jones instead focused on our having brought Xao Vangs story to public

Tsunami-nomics: How the Disaster Could Set the Stage for Japan's Economic Recovery: Japan, having absorbed a massive catastrophe, finds itself with major industries struggling. Whats a country to do?

7 ways to get an industry leader you don’t know to mentor you: Mentorship is a critical component for many successful entrepreneurs. No matter how smart you are – and how good your idea is – it’s always easier when you have someone who has been through it before (in some capacity).

Leap Year: The Web Series Every Entrepreneur Should Watch: The online series, sponsored by Hiscox USA, tells the story of a few friends who lose their job; instead of collecting unemployment and hitting the want ads.

AOL’s Q2: Global Advertising Revenue Finally Up Again.: Internet access, content and online advertising company AOL reported its earnings for the second quarter of the year. Total revenue came in at $542.2 million, down 8 percent compared to Q2 2010.

2011 to 2020: The Decade of U.S. Economic Hell: The super-rich get richer, bigger market crashes and class warfare -- thats what you can expect from Americas Worst Decade.

Tokyo Power reports $7.4bn loss: Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), the owner of the Fukushima nuclear plants damaged in Marchs earthquake, reports a $7.4bn quarterly loss.

Apple offers gift cards for old iPhones, iPads, and computers (even PCs): Apple has expanded its recycling program options to make it even easier to offload your old stuff. Users can now recycle any computer or display from any manufacturer for free without a Mac purchase, or even trade in an old

Fed to keep interest rate near zero for 2 years: WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that it will likely keep interest rates at record lows for the next two years after acknowledging

Oil Prices Slide As World Markets Plunge: Crude oil posted its sharpest fall since May on Monday as world stock markets plunged after an unprecedented downgrade of the US credit rating fueled fears of a double-dip recession in the worlds biggest economy.

Apple surpasses ExxonMobil as most valuable company in the world: Apple has, at least for the moment, taken the place of Exxon Mobile as the most valuable company in the world, measured by market cap, reports MacRumors. Apple’s merket cap hit $341.55 billion in valuation today, while ExxonMobil was valued

Infographic: How Small and Midsize Businesses Are Key to Growing the Economy: Its easy to get caught up in the exciting new ideas behind start-ups, and big businesses attract attention because their size makes their impact impossible to ignore. But it might surprise you to know that the businesses that fall between

The big danger is Europe: Europe may no longer be able to save itself. Too many countries have too much debt. Its economic growth — which helps countries service their debts — is too feeble. And nervous financial markets seem increasingly prone to dump the

AOL's Ad Revenue Grows for the First Time Since 2008: AOL posted advertising gains for the first time since 2008 in its Q2 2011 earnings report Tuesday, although it still wasnt enough to bring the company back to profitability.

Verizon's strike pits its past against its future: More than 45,000 Verizon workers are striking this morning. People are concerned about what the strike could mean for telecom equipment vendors, but a better question is how much will Verizon’s legacy employees drag down the company as it competes

S&P Downgrades Fannie and Freddie Credit Ratings, Other Agencies Tied to U.S. Debt: Standard & Poors Ratings Services on Monday downgraded the credit ratings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and other agencies linked to long-term U.S. debt.

Is Google Gunning for the Right Patents vs. Apple & Microsoft?: Google has acquired some patents from IBM that dont seem to protect the search engine from Android lawsuits. That is, until you dig more deeply, according to IP experts.

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FOX

Mueller: FBI uses drones for surveillance on US soil- NSA chief defends surveillance, says help(...): No description.

Bernanke offers possible timetable for tapering: No description.

Men's Wearhouse ousts founder Zimmer: No description.

Teen Bride Follows 'Teen Mom': No description.

Starbucks' New Food: No description.

MARS SPECTACULAR:NASA Image Shows Red Planet Like Never Before: Congress Says No to Asteroids, Yes to Moon Landing

Adding silver to antibiotics boosts effectiveness: No description.

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The Washington Post

Chinese hackers referencing PRISM to lure e-mail victims: A cyber security professional named Brandon Dixon recently discovered an e-mail scam, apparently sent by the same group responsible for the NetTraveler attacks sourced to Chinese hackers, with an ingeniously newsy hook. Read full article >>

Before-and-after satellite photos from Darfur show entire villages wiped off the map: On April 8, one of Sudans most infamous militia leaders, a man who fights under the name of Ali Kushayb, descended on the the town of Abu Jeradil, in Darfur. He was traveling with a convoy of khaki-uniformed men, some

Obama, in Berlin, calls for U.S., Russia to cut nuclear warheads: BERLIN — President Obama on Wednesday called for reducing the number of deployed U.S. strategic nuclear warheads by one-third if the Russian government agrees to a similar cut, reviving a goal outlined early in his presidency to work toward a

The ultimate symbol of why Afghan peace talks will be so difficult: Peace talks to end the war in Afghanistan have not even begun yet theyre slated to kick off Thursday in Doha, between the United States, the Afghan government and the Taliban and theyve already hit three setbacks. First, the Taliban

G-8 leaders call for Syrian peace talks, sidestep issue of whether Assad should go: ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland — Leaders of the Group of Eight nations called Tuesday for a negotiated resolution to the worsening conflict in Syria, but in a concession to Russia, they did not declare that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must resign.

In Turkey, protesters try a new approach: Standing still: ISTANBUL — Turkey’s demonstrations took a new twist on Tuesday, as plazas, malls and public spaces across the country filled with people trying a new form of protest: doing nothing. Protesters opposed to the 10-year rule of Prime Minister Recep

Explaining Brazil's protest movement with photos and tweets: Brazil is experiencing its largest protests in more than 20 years, as more than 200,000 demonstrators take to the streets of Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and four other major cities to rally on a range of social issues.

NATO transfers full responsibility for security to Afghan forces: KABUL — Afghanistan’s military assumed the leadership role on security matters for every part of the country Tuesday, leaving the U.S.-led coalition even more firmly on the sidelines but raising the stakes for Afghan politicians, generals and soldiers, who still

Egypt appoints member of terror group that once massacred tourists to run tourism region: It was only 16 years ago, in 1997, that members of an Egyptian militant group called Gamaa Islamiya stormed the ancient Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, a tourism magnet, and massacred 62 tourists before killing themselves, part of their insurgent

Amazing point-of-view video shows what it feels like in the middle of Rio's massive protest: Protests across Brazil, which began as a movement against rising bus fares, have since escalated into mass demonstrations challenging the rising cost of living and what is seen as the governments emphasis on large-scale projects such as the World Cup

Indian court rules that any couple who sleeps together is considered married: NEW DELHI It is a bit of a cliche to say that Indian society is in the throes of change these days. But it appears that the more things change, the more they remain the same. A court verdict in

Israeli politicians form new caucus to track the U.S. relationship: JERUSALEM As the United States position toward Israel and the Middle East continues to evolve, lawmakers in Israel have established, for the first time, a parliamentary caucus aimed at tracking their countrys relationship with the U.S. and any issues that

In Israel, mixed signals on prospect for peace with Palestinians: JERUSALEM — As the United States seeks to revive Middle East peace talks, the coalition government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become a babel of voices whose members issue contradictory statements, sometimes hourly, declaring that negotiations with the

The two surprisingly small but notoriously difficult issues standing between the U.S. and Iran: Its only Tuesday, and already both President Obama and new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani have made comments this week hinting at their willingness to hold direct talks over the nuclear standoff that has created such antagonism between their countries. Its

Obama's doctrine on Syria: 'What we're trying to do is take sides against extremists': President Obama offered some clues to his thinking on U.S. involvement in Syria in a Monday evening interview with Charlie Rose. He hinted that one of his major goals is to slow or prevent the rise of extremists, such as

Bomb at Pakistan funeral kills at least 27: PESHAWAR, Pakistan — More than two dozen people were killed Tuesday when at least one suicide bomber detonated explosives at a funeral packed with prominent local officials in northwestern Pakistan, the latest in a string of gruesome attacks in a

Egypt’s Morsi gets poor reviews from Islamists after first year of presidency: ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT — As the first year of Mohamed Morsi’s presidency draws to a close later this month, this country is bracing for what organizers promise will be massive protests by liberal and secular Egyptians who demand his ouster. Read

Turkish government could use armed forces against protesters, senior official warns: ISTANBUL —Turkey’s leaders are prepared to use the armed forces against protesters if they consider it necessary, the deputy prime minister said Monday, raising the threat of military intervention for the first time during the ongoing unrest, in a country

Chinese hackers referencing PRISM to lure e-mail victims: A cyber security professional named Brandon Dixon recently discovered an e-mail scam, apparently sent by the same group responsible for the NetTraveler attacks sourced to Chinese hackers, with an ingeniously newsy hook. Read full article >>

Before-and-after satellite photos from Darfur show entire villages wiped off the map: On April 8, one of Sudans most infamous militia leaders, a man who fights under the name of Ali Kushayb, descended on the the town of Abu Jeradil, in Darfur. He was traveling with a convoy of khaki-uniformed men, some

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Reuters

Budget cuts hit security checks for defense contractors: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A budget shortfall has forced a Pentagon security unit to sharply cut back on regular investigations used to update security clearances for defense contractor employees.

Brazil protests proceed as smaller cities join the fray: SAO PAULO/FORTALEZA (Reuters) - Protesters blocked roads in Sao Paulo and marched toward a stadium hosting a major international soccer game in Brazils northeast on Wednesday in a growing wave of nationwide demonstrations against poor public services, inflation and other

Obama challenges Russia to agree to deeper nuclear weapon cuts: BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama used a speech in Berlin on Wednesday to call on Russia to revive the push for a world without nuclear arms by agreeing to target further reductions of up to one third of

Greek coalition parties meet to try to settle state TV row: ATHENS (Reuters) - Greeces ruling party leaders met on Wednesday to try to agree when and how to resume state TV broadcasts, two days after a top court ordered the immediate reopening of the state broadcaster ERT, abruptly closed by

Analysis: Putin basks in isolation over Syria as Obama's charm falls flat: ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland/MOSCOW (Reuters) - At the end of a tense two-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama - slumped over and serious - tried to lighten the mood with a joke about their favorite sports.

Orders top $100 billion as Ryanair gives Boeing a boost: PARIS (Reuters) - Orders at the Paris Airshow surpassed $100 billion on Wednesday, as planemakers Boeing and Airbus cashed in on demand for fuel-efficient jets and growth in both budget carriers and emerging markets.

North Korea says is willing to return to nuclear talks: BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea is willing to resolve the dispute over its nuclear program peacefully through talks, including returning to stalled six-party talks process, Chinas Foreign Ministry cited a senior North Korean diplomat as saying on Wednesday.

Suicide bomber embraces and kills Sunni politician in Iraq: MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - A suicide bomber blew himself up as he embraced a Sunni Muslim political leader in northern Iraq on Wednesday, killing the man and four of his family a day before elections in the area.

Afghans must talk to each other for peace, Obama says: BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Wednesday Afghans must talk to each other to resolve the conflict in their country even though huge mistrust exists between the government and its Taliban foes.

World Bank watching Fed, ready to respond: LONDON (Reuters) - The World Bank is concerned about the spillover effects on developing countries of a slowing of U.S. money creation and will move to provide affordable capital when borrowing costs rise, its president said on Wednesday.

Internet monitoring must have proper limits, Merkel tells Obama: BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel told U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday that government monitoring of Internet communications needed to remain within proper limits.

Suicide bomber, gunmen attack U.N. office in Somalia: MOGADISHU (Reuters) - A suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a United Nations compound in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police and witnesses said, in a strike that bore the hallmarks of al Qaeda-linked militants.

Dozens held in Turkey, silent protester goes viral: ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - A lone, silent vigil by a man in Istanbul inspired copycat protests on Tuesday, as police detained dozens of people across Turkey in an operation linked to three weeks of often violent demonstrations against Prime Minister Tayyip

Obama to set new goals to cut nuclear weapons: senior official: BERLIN (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will announce on Tuesday he will pursue a new reduction in deployed nuclear weapons, aiming to cut them by up to one third below the level achieved in the last New START treaty with

Analysis: French EU-wariness complicates life for Hollande: PARIS (Reuters) - A feeling in France that the European Union no longer works in its interest is fueling tensions between Paris and Brussels and adding pressure on President Francois Hollande to be more assertive in Europe.

Rohani once spoke approvingly of hiding Iran atomic work: UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Years before he became Irans president-elect, Hassan Rohani spoke approvingly about concealing his nations nuclear program and said that when Pakistan got atomic bombs and Brazil began enriching uranium, the world started to work with them.

Fed seen keeping options open on pace of bond buying: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve policymakers will likely announce on Wednesday that they will keep buying bonds at a monthly pace of $85 billion, while keeping their options open to scale back the program later this year if the U.S.

Rousseff salutes Brazil protests, cities cut bus fares: SAO PAULO (Reuters) - President Dilma Rousseff on Tuesday sought to defuse a massive protest movement sweeping Brazil, acknowledging the need for better public services and more responsive governance as demonstrations continued in some cities around the country.

United States to meet Taliban to seek Afghan peace: WASHINGTON/KABUL (Reuters) - The United States and the Taliban raised hopes for a negotiated peace in Afghanistan with commitments to meet this week after 12 years of bloody and costly war between American-led forces and the insurgents.

Asia business sentiment rises in second quarter, global growth risk still dominates: SEOUL (Reuters) - Asias top companies have become more optimistic about their business outlook with the retail and shipping industries rebounding sharply in the second quarter of 2013, the latest Thomson Reuters/INSEAD Asia Business Sentiment Survey shows.

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USATODAY

Nearly 1 in 4 stroke survivors develop PTSD, study shows: About one in nine stroke or mini-stroke patients have chronic PTSD more than a year later.

20 killed after militants storm UN compound in Somalia: Al-Qaida-linked militants on a suicide mission attacked the U.N. compound; 20 are dead.

Ohio woman allegedly enslaved spent time in jail: The woman who says men in Ohio enslaved her was once in jail.

Old bottle thrills descendants of message writer: A granddaughter says she got goose bumps reading about the discovery of a nearly century-old bottle and its connection to her grandmother.

World Food Prize goes for work on biotech crops: Three scientists who work on plant biotechnology share $250,000 prize.

Pentagon phasing out MRAPs, but bomb threat remains: The IED threat remains even as the military shifts away from its safest vehicles.

Six common surgeries often done unnecessarily: From C-sections to stents, common procedures that carry risks of not being necessary.

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MSNBC

After CBO report gives backers a boost, foes of immigration bill push back: After supporters of the Senate immigration reform bill got a boost from a new report estimating that the bill would substantially decrease the federal budget deficit over the next two decades, conservative opponents of the legislation pushed back Wednesday, saying

Kerry calls Afghanistan's Karzai to ease anger over Taliban office: KABUL, Afghanistan -- Secretary of State John Kerry assured Afghan President Hamid Karzai that the government of Qatar took down a sign board under the name of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, adding that the United States is committed to all its agreements

Consumer group says student loan 'debt relief' firms misleading borrowers: Struggling student loan debtors are being tricked into paying up to $1,600 in fees to private firms offering debt relief that they could get for free, according to a report issued Wednesday by the National Consumer Law Center.Student loan debt

Explore a 1.3-billion-pixel view of the Curiosity rover's digs on Mars: Fans of extraterrestrial anomalies will have a field day with the billion-pixel view of the Curiosity rovers surroundings at a place called Rocknest on Mars. The 360-degree clickable panorama lets you zoom in on an eerie Martian bird, a weird

Outbreak of deadly piglet virus spreads to 13 states: A swine virus deadly to young pigs, one never before seen in North America, is spreading rapidly across the United States and proving harder to control than previously believed. The virus now has spread to 13 states - with more

Son allegedly stabs father, cuts off his own hands: An argument ended grimly in California this week, with a father found in the driveway bleeding from stab wounds and his son nearby, his severed hands lying on the ground.Shasta County Sherriff’s deputies responded to a reported stabbing in Redding, Calif.,

Feds: 2 plotted to build 'Hiroshima light switch' weapon: Two upstate New York men, one of them said to be a member of the Ku Klux Klan, plotted to build a truck-mounted, industrial-strength X-ray weapon to kill “enemies of Israel” by poisoning them with radiation, federal authorities said Wednesday.One

Google: 'We're not in cahoots with the NSA': Google’s chief legal officer said Wednesday “we’re not in cahoots with the NSA” as the company stepped up its efforts to reassure customers that their gmail and Internet browsing history are safe from government prying.There is no free-for-all, no direct

Fed will keep pedal to metal on economic stimulus, for now: The economy is growing, the labor market is improving and inflation is nothing to worry about. Thats the Federal Reserves widely-anticipated assessment of the economy, released Wednesday after a two-day meeting.The Fed said it would keep interest rates at historic

Fed will keep pedal to metal on economic stimulus: The economy is growing, the labor market is improving and inflation is nothing to worry about. Thats the Federal Reserves widely-anticipated assessment of the economy, released Wednesday after a two-day meeting.The Fed said it would keep interest rates at historic

Missing elderly Kansas couple found safe, 400 miles from destination: A missing elderly Kansas couple who set out on an eight-hour trip from Kansas to Illinois to visit family on Monday afternoon was found Wednesday afternoon in Mio, Mich., – about 400 miles from their original destination.“They took a wrong

IRS to pay $70M in employee bonuses, senator says: The Internal Revenue Service is about to pay $70 million in employee bonuses despite an Obama administration directive to cancel discretionary bonuses because of automatic spending cuts enacted this year, according to a GOP senator. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa

HPV infections fell by half in teen girls after vaccine, study shows: Infections with the human papillomavirus tied to cervical cancer fell by more than half in U.S. teen girls after the HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006, despite high-profile controversy -- and low rates of uptake, a new study shows. Government

Duchess Kate to give birth in same hospital as Princess Diana: Prince William and Duchess Kate still aren’t revealing the gender of their first child – because they really don’t know, palace officials insisted Wednesday. New details about the highly anticipated birth of the new heir to the throne were disclosed

FBI director tells Congress agency uses drones for surveillance on U.S. soil: FBI director Robert Mueller said Wednesday that the nations top law enforcement bureau uses drones to conduct surveillance on U.S. soil, though only on a very, very minimal basis.Mueller, the FBI director since 2001 who is set to retire this

FBI director: Drones 'seldom' used for domestic surveillance: FBI director Robert Mueller said Wednesday that the nations top law enforcement bureau uses drones to conduct surveillance on U.S. soil, though only on a very, very minimal basis.Mueller, the FBI director since 2001 who is set to retire this

Best-selling author Vince Flynn dies at 47: Minnesota writer Vince Flynn, 47, the author of 14 thrillers and mysteries that reached the New York Times best-seller list, died early Wednesday morning after a battle with prostate cancer. Flynn announced on his website in February of 2011 that

Men's Wearhouse icon won't like the way he looks -- he's out!: Mens Wearhouse has fired George Zimmer, its bearded executive chairman famous for his TV ad line: Youre going to like the way you look. I guarantee it.The announcement by the mens clothing retailer that it had severed ties with Zimmer,

Singer, yodeler Slim Whitman dies at 90: Country singer Slim Whitman, known for his yodeling skills and falsetto voice, died Wednesday at age 90, his son-in-law said.This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Jeep recall smaller than first sought by US safety watchdog: About 1.2 million Jeeps originally listed as part of a recall requested by federal safety authorities have been effectively excluded from the compromise between Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, TheDetroitBureau.com has learned.A potential showdown between the Detroit

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CBS

Rare twin gorillas born in Dutch zoo: Zookeepers were shocked when 20-year-old mother gorilla give birth to two baby apes, a boy and a girl

James Franco blasts "Spider-Man" reboot: The actor who formerly played Harry Osborn in the Sam Raimi films says questions why a reboot was made so soon

Ex-Playmate pleads guilty in immigrant smuggling case: Colleen Shannon has admitted helping her Canadian boyfriend after he illegally entered the U.S. in northern N.Y. last summer

CDC: HPV vaccine reduced disease rates in teen girls 56%: Only 35% of girls receive full dose of HPV vaccine, which can provide 82% protection from the most dangerous strains

John Paul II a step closer to sainthood: A Vatican commission has approved a miracle attributed to John Paul IIs intercession

Serena Williams sorry for "what I supposedly said" on rape: Steubenville rape comments in Rolling Stone from top-ranked tennis star lead to apology posted to her website

Bernanke holds the line on Fed monetary policy: Federal Reserve officials signal theyre not ready to scale back stimulus for economy; investors react negatively anyway

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The New York Times

Merkel Challenges Obama on Surveillance: Speaking Wednesday in Berlin, President Obama said that German terrorist threats were among those foiled by American surveillance programs, which the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, seemed to confirm.

Uncertainty at Fed Over Its Stimulus Plans and Its Leadership: Ben S. Bernanke faces the growing challenge of shaping investor expectations amid increasing signs that his era as Federal Reserve chairman is ending.

Michael Hastings, Polk Winner, Dies in Crash at 33: Mr. Hastings, the journalist whose reporting led to the ouster of the commander of American forces in Afghanistan in 2010, was killed in a car crash, the news Web site BuzzFeed said.

On Basketball: Heat’s Allen Knows All About Big 3s: Ray Allen’s 3-pointer sent Game 6 into overtime and may have saved the legacies and even the N.B.A. future of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

Afghanistan Rejects Talks With Taliban and the U.S.: Angered over the way that a Taliban political office was opened in Qatar, the Afghan government backed away from discussions, while separately breaking off talks on military ties with the United States.

The F.B.I. Deemed Agents Faultless in 150 Shootings: Critics say the fact that no agent in the past two decades has been disciplined for deliberately shooting someone raises questions about the bureau’s internal investigations.

Extending a Hand Abroad, Obama Often Finds a Cold Shoulder: For all of his effort to cultivate personal ties with foreign counterparts over the last four and a half years, President Obama has complicated relationships with some, and has bet on others who came to disappoint him.

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TIME

Boehner in a Bind on Immigration: Even if he wants to pass reform, many in the Republican party are bent on killing the forthcoming immigration bill

It's True: Money Makes You Lie and Cheat: Its True: Money Makes You Lie and Cheat

Brazil's Protests Reveal Region's Fumbling Elites: As Latin American countries gain more wealth, their citizens become less accepting of social inequality

The Tragedy of the Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone': A lack of oxygen in the water sends sealife fleeing

3 Big Questions We Hope Ben Bernanke Will Answer: With the U.S. economy slowly improving, the chairman of the Federal Reserve could outline a new course for Americas economic future today

Gender-Bender: 12 Brands Defying Sex Stereotypes: Gender-Bender: 12 Brands Defying Sex Stereotypes

In Berlin, Obama Calls for Nuclear Reductions: Speaking at an iconic Cold War site, Obama appealed for a one-third reduction in U.S. and Russian nukes

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Newsday

LIRR: Loose track switch component may have caused derailment: A loose component in a track switch near Penn Station appears to have caused Mondays derailment of a Long Island Rail Road train, officials said yesterday.

Anthony Criscuolo, Bronx teacher, arrested on rape charge: A teacher at a Bronx elementary school teacher has been arrested on a charge of second-degree rape.

Yankees' bullpen holds on to beat Dodgers in Game 1: What had been a major strength of the Yankees season to this point, a strong bullpen, nearly kicked one away Wednesday afternoon.

Jeep recalls millions of cars despite Chrysler's early defiance: After initially defying federal regulators, Chrysler abruptly agreed Tuesday to recall some older-model Jeeps with fuel tanks that could rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.

Kelly Rowland criticizes Simon Cowell's style at 'X Factor' Long Island auditions: For the members of DV8, a female quartet from New Jersey, selecting a song to perform at "the X Factor" auditions wasnt a problem.

Saletan: House bill to outlaw abortions at 20 weeks will lead to a total ban: Republican lawmakers want to gradually get rid of legal abortions.

NYPD: Suspect dead in police shooting: An NYPD officer from Long Island and a Brooklyn robbery suspect exchanged shots early Wednesday in a gunfight that killed the suspect, police said.

Demi Lovato vouches for late Simon Cowell at LI 'X Factor' auditions: For the members of DV8, a female quartet from New Jersey, selecting a song to perform at "the X Factor" auditions wasnt a problem.

Hasan Vaughan, Thomas Singletary to spend rest of life in prison: The two men convicted of torturing and slaughtering three people in a Central Islip home before setting it on fire with two children inside were sentenced Wednesday to the maximum, ensuring that neither sets foot outside prison again.

Ex-TWA Flight 800 investigators seek new probe: A group of investigators who worked on the probe of TWA Flight 800, which exploded off the South Shore of Long Island 17 years ago, killing 230 people, have petitioned the federal government to reopen its investigation based on new

Kate Middleton baby plans revealed: With Prince William and the former Kate Middleton expecting their first child in mid-July â and much of the world interested in the birth of a future monarch â officials at Clarence House have released some of the couples plans,

Cops: Police shoot suspect in Albertson: A man with a gun was shot Wednesday morning in Albertson after he refused police orders to stop and show his hands, Nassau County police said.

Jeep recalls 2.7M cars, despite Chrysler's early defiance: After initially defying federal regulators, Chrysler abruptly agreed Tuesday to recall some older-model Jeeps with fuel tanks that could rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.

Police: Officer shoots suspect in Albertson: A police officer shot an armed suspect Wednesday morning in Albertson, Nassau County police said.

'X Factor' auditions return to Nassau Coliseum for round two: This time, judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be present for taping of The X Factor Wednesday through Friday from Nassau Coliseum.

Carlson: Why Hillary Clinton should drop Bill: Thank you, Bill, for all youve done. Now step back.

LIRR: Trains on time Wednesday morning: LIRR trains were running on or close to schedule Wednesday morning, a day after round-the-clock repairs followed a derailment in the East River Tunnel.

HBO hit 'Girls,' star Lena Dunham film in Greenport: Fourteen-year-old Charley Claudio spent her entire Tuesday morning sending pictures to Instagram.

CDC report: National smoking rate dropped in 2012: Fewer people lit up in 2012, with the national percentage of adults over 18 who smoke falling to 18 percent, down from 18.9 percent in 2011, according to a new report released today by the Centers for Disease Control.

Former TWA Flight 800 investigators want new probe: Former investigators of the TWA Flight 800 crash off Long Island are calling on the National Transportation Safety Board to re-examine the case.

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