News | Journal Gazette

D.C. having capital time coping

Sylvia A. Smith — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Did you hear about the organized snowball fight? The one that included a legal disclaimer.

Indiana Toll Road bans some trucks

The Journal Gazette — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:34:00 EST

Because of the weather, the Indiana Toll Road is prohibiting some long trucks.

Heavy snow, high winds to pummel area

Journal Gazette — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:09:00 EST

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the region through 7 p.m. Wednesday. Snowfall, with totals ranging from 6 to 11 inches, will continue through today and taper offer to snow showers Wednesday.

Feds intensify efforts to halt foreign bribes

Carrie Johnson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Federal authorities want companies to know that the cost of paying bribes to win overseas contracts is growing steeper by the day.

Feds to spend $78 million to halt Asian carp

JOHN FLESHER and MATTHEW DALY — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Navigational locks and gates in Chicago-area waterways crucial for shipping may be opened less frequently than usual under a $78.5 million campaign to prevent Asian carp from overrunning the Great Lakes, federal officials said Monday.

60 years old and 17 wives

AMY TEIBEL — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The women tattooed his name and portrait on their bodies and gave their children his name - Savior.

Iran tells agency of nuclear goals

Washington Post — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday that it will start producing higher-grade enriched uranium, a day after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ordered the production, prompting the United States to renew threats of carefully targeted sanctions.

Iraq war critic Murtha dies

PETER JACKSON — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq war, died Monday. He was 77.

Storm delays Hill’s plans to file for re-election

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:53:00 EST

BLOOMINGTON - The massive weekend snowstorm that buried the Washington area with up to three feet of snow has delayed Indiana Democratic Congressman Baron Hill's plans to file paperwork seeking election to a sixth term.

Valparaiso continuing to shut off streetlights

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:42:00 EST

VALPARAISO - Valparaiso officials say the northwestern Indiana city is pushing ahead with plans to turn off many of its streetlights in a cost-saving move.

Signatures may be hurdle to Coats being on ballot

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:38:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS - Three Republican Senate candidates are closing in on having enough petition signatures to qualify for Indiana's May primary ballot by next Tuesday's deadline, according to state report released Monday.

Elkhart man held after allegedly stealing cruiser

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:28:00 EST

ELKHART - An Elkhart man is in custody after police say he drove away with a sheriff's patrol car left running outside his house while the officer investigated a disturbance inside.

Ethics debate rages over blood from newborn safety tests

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:20:00 EST

WASHINGTON - A critical safety net for babies - that heelprick of blood taken from every newborn - is facing an ethics attack.

Toledoan gets 44 years for retirement home standoff

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:15:00 EST

TOLEDO, Ohio - An Ohio man has been sentenced to 44 years in prison for holding his wife at gunpoint at a retirement home where she worked.

Ohio school evacuated, students feel lightheaded

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:11:00 EST

NEW RICHMOND, Ohio - A fire official in southwest Ohio says a high school was evacuated and five students were taken to hospitals after about 13 complained of feeling lightheaded.

Funeral held for Ohio trooper killed in car crash

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:03:00 EST

CAREY, Ohio - Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and more than 500 officers have paid their respects to a state Highway Patrol trooper who was killed in a car crash while on duty last week.

First lady launches fight against childhood obesity

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:22:00 EST

WASHINGTON - First lady Michelle Obama says she loves burgers and fries, but she wants her daughters - and the rest of America's children - to learn about better nutrition and exercise. On Tuesday, she is launching Let's Move, a nationwide campaign to fight childhood obesity.

Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:56:00 EST

TEHRAN, Iran - The head of the Iran's atomic agency says it will not enrich uranium to a higher level if the West provides fuel for the Tehran research reactor. Ali Akbar Salehi told the state TV late Monday, "whenever they provide the fuel, we will halt production of 20 percent."

Cattle battle: New Zealand has more cows than kiwis

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:08:00 EST

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealanders who for decades have endured jokes about being outnumbered 20-to-1 by sheep have a new farm animal majority to worry about: cows.

Hoosier rescued after 3 days in snow-covered SUV in Colorado

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

SAGUACHE, Colo. - A 31-year-old Indiana man says he had not food but kept himself hydrated with Mountain Dew and snow while he was stuck in his snow-covered SUV in southwestern Colorado for three days.

N.Y. governor denies sex, drug rumors

News services — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

New York Gov. David Paterson on Monday lashed back at what he called a "callous and sleazy" assault on his character in Statehouse rumors and media reports that include accusations about womanizing and drug use, allegations he flatly denied.

NATO says Afghans to be key in offensive

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Thousands of Afghan soldiers and police will join U.S. and NATO troops in an upcoming offensive in southern Afghanistan, playing their biggest role in any joint operation of the Afghan war.

Winter weather ban issued for Indiana Toll Road

The Journal Gazette — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:51:00 EST

A winter weather ban is issued for the Indiana Toll Road

Coats' ex-law firm worked for foreign governments

Sylvia A. Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:07:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Dan Coats cares more about the interests of foreign governments than Hoosiers, a Democratic spokeswoman said Monday, citing the work Coats' former law firm did for India, Yemen and other countries in 2000 and 2001.

Snowballs, WD40 and jigsaws: Washington copes with storm

Sylvia A. Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:00 EST

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Did you hear about the organized snowball fight? The one that included a legal disclaimer?

Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha dies

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:59:00 EST

He had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery.

Power plant explosion kills 5 in Connecticut

PAT EATON-ROBB and JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

An explosion that sounded like a sonic boom blew out walls of an unfinished power plant and set off a fire during a test of natural gas lines Sunday, killing at least five workers, injuring a dozen or more and leaving crews picking through debris for more possible victims.

Obama acts to jump-start health bill

CHARLES BABINGTON — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

In the first major step to revive his health care agenda after his party's loss of a filibuster-proof Senate majority, President Obama on Sunday invited Republican and Democratic leaders to discuss possible compromises in a televised gathering this month.

Palin says run in 2012 possible

John McCormick — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Sarah Palin said she "won't close the door" on a potential presidential bid during an interview on the "Fox News Sunday" program.

Space shuttle blasts off on last night flight

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:03:00 EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Endeavour and six astronauts rocketed into orbit Monday on what's expected to be the last nighttime launch for the shuttle program, hauling up a new room and observation deck for the International Space Station.

Historic' storm disrupts capital

NAFEESA SYEED and BEN NUCKOLS — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Planes were grounded, trains stood still and Greyhound buses weren't rolling in the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday, leaving stranded travelers wondering when they'll be able to escape the icy, gray mess created by a major snowstorm.

Probe disputes 9/11 illness suits

DAVID B. CARUSO — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

As the first cases in a massive battle over illnesses linked to 9/11 near trial, an Associated Press investigation has found that several of the initial 30 suits contain inconsistent or exaggerated claims about how the workers became ill or how much time they spent at ground zero.

Wabash River group aims to improve rural areas

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:58:00 EST

LAFAYETTE - Trail development and improving water quality could be among the key goals in a new plan to improve rural areas of the Wabash River.

Connersville eager for Carbon Motors to rev up

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:52:00 EST

CONNERSVILLE - More than two years after a key city employer closed, Connersville is still on the ropes. Unemployment is at 13.8 percent, sending more people in search of help to feed their families. Retirees are worried about losing their health insurance and pension cuts. Jobless benefits are running out.

Children's Museum memberships help foster families

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:47:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS - More than 650 Indiana foster families from 72 counties have visited the Children's Museum of Indianapolis over the past year under a program developed by the museum and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Woman, brother plead guilty in attack

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:35:00 EST

LaPORTE - A northern Indiana woman and her brother have acknowledged their roles in abducting and beating the woman's ex-boyfriend and leaving him tied up in a wooded area.

Power woes plague South Shore double-decker cars

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST

EAST CHICAGO - A power glitch has forced the South Shore commuter rail line to park its new double-decker cars during the busiest part of the line's daily schedule.

Prescription drug abuse on the rise in Ohio

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:24:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio - An illegal prescription drug trade is killing more Ohioans every year, and frustrated authorities say they don't have enough resources to stop it, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Cleveland studies restaurant grading system

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:21:00 EST

CLEVELAND - Placing inspection stickers in restaurant windows will help inform consumers about how well the establishments comply with food safety codes, according to health officials studying ways to reduce food-borne disease.

Sick horses found at Ohio farm start to recover

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:14:00 EST

FREMONT, Ohio - Dozens of malnourished Arabian horses rescued from an Ohio farm are starting to recover but remain weak, according to volunteers caring for the animals.

Cleveland area woman, 63, dies after attack by her dog

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:11:00 EST

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS - Police in a Cleveland suburb say a 63-year-old woman has died after an apparent attack by her Rottweiler-mix dog.

New York dog has nose for Super Bowl winners

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:10:00 EST

GLEN COVE, N.Y. - This dog has a nose for Super Bowl winners. A German shepherd-border collie mix who lives on New York's Long Island has correctly predicted the past six National Football League champions before the games begin.

TSA trims private-plane plan

Spencer S. Hsu — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Citing industry objections, the Transportation Security Administration is preparing to scale back a plan to expand aviation security rules for the first time to thousands of private planes.

Backers push to legalize online gambling

Dan Eggen — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Poker lobbyists are ramping up an aggressive push backed by millions of dollars to legalize Internet gambling in the United States this year, hoping to overcome passionate objections from social conservatives, sports leagues and other longtime opponents.

Retarded' left in history's bin

Michael Chandler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A national movement to purge the word "retarded" from lawbooks and medical terminology is nearing success, gaining support last week from White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, who apologized to advocates for the impaired for using the term during a private meeting last summer.

Bolivia advocates gender equality

Carlos Valdez — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

After reinventing Bolivia's government to reflect the country's multiethnic, Indian majority, President Evo Morales is championing gender parity at the highest levels of government.

Mexico aiming to win drug war

Lally Weymouth — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Mexican President Felipe Calderon is a busy man - battling drug lords, coping with an economic downturn and, as always, pondering his country's relationship with the United States. He sat down recently with Newsweek-Washington Post's Lally Weymouth to offer a progress report. Excerpts:

Opposition leader leads in Ukraine

DOUGLAS BIRCH and YURAS KARMANAU — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Exit polls and early ballot counts showed pro-Russian opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych with a lead in Ukraine's presidential runoff - a result that could restore much of Moscow's influence in a country that has labored to build bridges to the West.

Iran hurries atom work; Gates urges allied unity

Craig Whitlock and Thomas Erdbrink — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Sunday "there is still time for sanctions and pressure to work" against Iran's nuclear program despite an announcement from Tehran that it would begin production of medium-enriched uranium.

Haitian justice at standstill

Henri E. Cauvin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Haiti's criminal justice system was brought to a standstill by last month's earthquake, which leveled the capital city's courthouse. But crime did not stop, and that has left police commanders with jail cells full of frustrated inmates who have not been given a chance to go before a judge.

Muhammad cartoonist defies threats

Bo Nielsen — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Kurt Westergaard, who has been facing death threats for four years over his cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad that stirred Muslim wrath, is trying to settle back into his home - a month after an ax attack in his living room.

Snow, gusts on way; 6 inches by Tuesday

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Just days after Friday's heavy snowfall blanketed much of the state, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from late tonight through early Wednesday. The watch covers all of Indiana.

Toyota close to decision on Prius fix

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Toyota said Sunday that it will soon announce plans to deal with braking problems in its prized Prius hybrid amid reports it has decided to issue a recall for the vehicle in Japan.

Jailed missionaries fire local attorney

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The Haitian lawyer for 10 U.S. Baptists charged with child kidnapping tried to bribe the missionaries' way out of jail and has been fired, according to the attorney who hired him.

Student helps cut feral cat population

Associated Press — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A University of Notre Dame theology student has turned her concerns about the plight of feral cats into a program that traps and sterilizes felines to reduce their numbers.

Battle brews on jobless tax, gambling bill

Niki Kelly — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Just because Indiana legislators have made notable progress on several significant issues so far this session doesn't mean they don't still have work to do.

Miles may count in future gas tax

Ashley Halsey III — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Within a few years, a driver who pulls up to the gas pump might pay two bills with a single swipe of the credit card: one for the gas and the other for each mile driven since the last fill-up.

Questions and answers on Ohio's passenger train

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:11:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state is to get $400 million in federal stimulus money to restore passenger train service among its major cities, part of a plan to build a national high-speed rail network.

Children’s Museum free memberships help foster families

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:27:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS – More than 650 Indiana foster families from 72 counties have visited the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis over the past year under a program developed by the museum and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Wabash River group aims to improve rural areas

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:04:00 EST

LAFAYETTE – Trail development and improving water quality could be among the key goals in a new plan to improve rural areas of the Wabash River.

Prescription drug abuse on the rise in Ohio

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:41:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Authorities in southern Ohio are increasingly frustrated with an illegal prescription drug trade that is killing more people every year.

Connersville eager for Carbon Motors to rev up

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST

CONNERSVILLE – An eastern Indiana county battered by high unemployment after a Visteon plant closed is hoping better days are ahead.

Obama adviser confident in Super Bowl security

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:49:00 EST

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s counterterrorism adviser says he’s not aware of any credible terrorist threats against the Super Bowl. John Brennan says officials are “very comfortable” with the security measures in place for Sunday night’s game in Miami between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts.

Snowmageddon staggers capital

Carol Morello and Ashley Halsey III — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A blizzard that dumped more than two feet of heavy, wet snow on the capital knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of people, toppling trees and reducing many streets to pedestrian pathways.

Strong earthquake hits off southern Japan coast

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:31:00 EST

TOKYO - A strong earthquake shook several small islands off Japan's southern coast today, rattling buildings over 100 miles away in Taiwan and causing officials to temporarily issue a tsunami warning. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

4 adults, infant are killed in house fire

Ray Henry — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A house fire that officials said might have simmered undetected for hours Saturday killed five people, including a 7-month-old baby and her mother.

NATO arrests Afghan officer accused in roadside bombs

RAHIM FAIEZ — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:44:00 EST

KABUL NATO-led forces arrested a deputy provincial police chief they accused of helping place roadside bombs north of Kabul, officials said, in the latest sign of concerns about weaknesses in Afghan security forces.

Clouds force shuttle launch delay, next try Monday

MARCIA DUNN — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:36:00 EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Clouds prevented space shuttle Endeavour from blasting off today on the last planned nighttime shuttle launch, delaying its trip with a final few building blocks for the International Space Station.

Lebanon retrieves black box of Ethiopian jet

BASSEM MROUE — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:50:00 EST

BEIRUT A senior Lebanese army officer said marine commandos have pulled out the black box of the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed into the Mediterranean. The Boeing 737 crashed Jan. 25 minutes after takeoff from Beirut during a fierce thunderstorm.

Missionary freed in N. Korea arrives in U.S.

GILLIAN FLACCUS — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:19:00 EST

LOS ANGELES Robert Park is back home with his family after spending 43 days in the hands of the North Koreans for entering the communist nation intent on urging a change in its leadership.

Palin becoming hostess of Tea Party movement

Liz Sidoti — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

At the mere mention of Sarah Palin's name, "tea party" activists light up and whip out "Saracudda" buttons - a play off her "Sara Barracuda" nickname from her high school basketball team in Alaska.

S. African president expresses regret over affair

DONNA BRYSON — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:47:00 EST

JOHANNESBURG South Africa's polygamist president has apologized to the nation after being criticized for having an extramarital affair that resulted in a daughter born in October.

World financial chiefs seek to calm markets

Jane Wardell and Martin Crutsinger — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Top finance officials of the world's seven major industrial countries pledged Saturday to work to calm global markets and maintain government stimulus to sustain an economic rebound.

Stalled overhaul foretells hospital mergers

David Olmos — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Failure to pass the health care overhaul might accelerate a push by Community Health Systems, Health Management Associates and LifePoint Hospitals to acquire facilities weakened by the recession.

Obama rallies dejected allies

Philip Elliott — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Just a year after celebrating President Obama's inauguration, despondent Democrats on Saturday heard from their party leader who urged optimism in the face of Republicans' strong challenge to their congressional dominance.

GOP senator blasted for delaying nominees

Scott Wilson — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The White House and leader of the Senate ramped up criticism last week of Republican Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, who has placed a blanket hold on more than 70 of the administration's nominees to federal positions until he can secure funding for home-state projects.

E-mails hint at Todd Palin's influence

News services — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

E-mails show Todd Palin's advice was sought on board appointments while his wife was governor of Alaska and suggest he was close to matters related to state government, his wife's image and politics.

Ohio diplomat key figure in Haiti renewal

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten had just begun a reception welcoming guests from the U.S. when the Jan. 12 earthquake struck and his house began to sway with his wife and daughters still inside.

Palin tells tea partyers time for new revolution

Liz Sidoti — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Sarah Palin declared "America is ready for another revolution" and repeatedly assailed President Obama on Saturday before adoring Tea Party activists, a seemingly natural constituency if she runs for president.

300 people diagnosed with mumps in New York

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:54:00 EST

MONSEY, New York More than 300 people have been diagnosed with the mumps in suburban New York as America's largest outbreak of the disease in years spreads. Almost all the cases are among Orthodox Jews.

Drifts plague central Indiana

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Blowing and drifting snow is creating hazardous driving conditions across central Indiana. The National Weather Service says accumulating snow ended Saturday in the region and a winter weather advisory expired.

Hoosiers asked to knit 8,000 scarves for 2012

Associated Press — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Most Indianapolis Colts fans are focused on today's Super Bowl, but some Indiana knitters are already looking ahead to the 2012 game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Take a breath refresher

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Even if you earn that special Valentine's Day kiss, it won't make a difference if your breath is so bad that it could motivate the dog to leave the room. Dr. Harold Katz, author of "The Bad Breath Bible," offers some advice.

Coming this week

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The following are events scheduled this week and stories you can catch in The Journal Gazette.

Insurance claims soar as pizza drivers speed

Jamie McGee — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Super Bowl Sunday means money for speedy pizza-delivery drivers: it's the busiest sales day of the year. For their car insurers, game day means peril.

Obama says he’s not giving up on health reform

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:32:00 EST

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama Saturday sought to assure despondent Democrats he would not abandon his commitment to overhauling health care and that he would work to counter GOP challenges to their congressional dominance.

Obama calls capital's blizzard `Snowmageddon'

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:40:00 EST

WASHINGTON - Snowmageddon - that's what President Barack Obama calls the storm that's shut down Washington. His motorcade made it a few blocks through deserted streets so he could speak at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting on Saturday.

Snow piles up, paralyzing nation's capital, Mid-Atlantic

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:21:00 EST

A record 2.5 feet or more was predicted for Washington. As of early Saturday, 10 inches of snow was reported at the White House, while parts of Maryland and West Virginia were buried under more than 20 inches.

Heavy snow arrives in Ohio, postpones concert

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:32:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Snow accumulating in central and western Ohio led to flight cancellations, schools closing early, and sheriffs warning drivers to take it easy on snow covered roads.

Alito objected to Obama's history claim

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:10:00 EST

WASHINGTON - Still wonder exactly why Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito shook his head and mouthed the words not true during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address? He objected to the president's saying the ruling reversed a century of law.

Obama pushes Congress on small business loans

Philip Elliott — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:17:00 EST

Obama pushed Congress to use $30 billion that had been set aside to bail out Wall Street to start a new program that provides loans to small businesses, which the White House calls the engine for job growth. Republicans, meanwhile, taunted Obama with a familiar refrain: Where are the jobs the president promised in exchange for the billions of dollars already spent?

Toyota chief apologizes for global recalls

YURI KAGEYAMA — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Toyota's president emerged from seclusion Friday to apologize and address criticism that the automaker mishandled a crisis over sticking gas pedals. Yet he stopped short of ordering a recall for the company's iconic Prius hybrid for braking problems.

Obama offers new tactic on health care

Shailagh Murray — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

President Obama sketched out an alternative approach to passing health care legislation that would enlist Republicans and potentially extend debate into the spring, a strategy seemingly in conflict with the fast-track talks among Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Whaler, activist ship again collide off Antarctica

ROHAN SULLIVAN — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:44:00 EST

SYDNEY - Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd's ship the Bob Barker and a Japanese harpoon boat collided in the icy waters off Antarctica today - the second major clash this year in the increasingly aggressive confrontations between the two sides.

Lebanon finds parts of crashed Ethiopian airliner

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:40:00 EST

BEIRUT - Lebanon's army said search crews have found parts of the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed into the Mediterranean last month and efforts are under way to retrieve them.

After 40 years, we get to dip

SARAH SKIDMORE — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

For decades, there was only one way to use the humble ketchup packet, and it was messy. Now, fast-food lovers have a choice: the traditional squeeze play - or the option to dunk.

Tea Party aims for 20-seat win

Philip Rucker — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Organizers of the National Tea Party Convention announced Friday the formation of a political action committee aimed at electing up to 20 candidates this fall who adhere to conservative principles embraced by the grass-roots "tea party" movement.

Dangerous' storm paralyzes D.C. area

NAFEESA SYEED — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Life in the nation's capital ground to a halt Friday as steady snow fell, the beginning of a storm that forecasters said could be the biggest in modern history.

Belgian boy found dead in luxury N.Y. hotel

TOM HAYS — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:36:00 EST

NEW YORK New York City police say a Belgian woman suspected of killing her 8-year-old son at a luxury Manhattan hotel and then trying to commit suicide made statements implicating herself in the crime.

Employees of sweat lodge leader granted immunity

FELICIA FONSECA — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:42:00 EST

PRESCOTT, Ariz. Two employees of a motivational speaker facing manslaughter charges told authorities they had no reason to be alarmed when participants in a deadly Arizona sweat lodge ceremony began vomiting and passing out, because their boss told them such responses were to be expected, according to documents released Friday.

U.S. offensive objective to blunt Taliban growth

KIM GAMEL — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A new and possibly decisive chapter of the Afghan war is unfolding. The U.S. is preparing a major attack on the Taliban, the militants are being squeezed in their Pakistani sanctuaries, and the Afghan government is trying to draw them into peace talks.

Expert doubts swine flu epidemic will surge again

Associated Press — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Is the U.S. swine flu epidemic over? Federal health officials won't go so far as to say that, but on Friday they reported for the fourth week in a row that no states had widespread flu activity.

Video shows Coats as future N. Carolinian

Sylvia A. Smith — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

As recently as the fall of 2008, Dan Coats planned to retire to North Carolina, according to a video of a talk he gave to Tar Heels at the GOP convention. Coats is taking preliminary steps to run against incumbent Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

Central Indiana blasted; Colts fans head for sun

CHARLES WILSON — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Heavy snow was falling at Indianapolis International Airport as the strongest winter storm of the season hit Indiana on Friday, but many travelers' minds were on sunnier weather in Miami.

Insurance mandate unconstitutional: Zoeller

Sylvia A. Smith — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Legislation the Senate passed last year to restructure the health insurance system would likely be found unconstitutional, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Friday.

Cleveland jury acquits DEA agent

TOM SHEERAN — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

A jury acquitted a federal drug agent Friday of framing 17 people in a sting.

Daniels urges suspension of 8 tax credits

Niki Kelly — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Gov. Mitch Daniels wants to suspend millions of dollars in tax credits given every year to individuals, non-profits and Hoosier companies as part of his proposed administrative cost-savings measure.

Peterson's ex-wife didn't die in fall, pathologist says

DON BABWIN — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:25:00 EST

JOLIET, Ill. A pathologist who concluded that the death of Drew Peterson's ex-wife was a homicide and not an accident as first determined testified Friday that her injuries weren't consistent with a fall in a bathtub.

14-year-old boy shot at Ala. school; student held

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:47:00 EST

MADISON, Ala. A ninth-grader was shot by another student during a class change at a north Alabama middle school Friday and the wounded teen was in extremely critical condition, officials said.

Thai army says Myanmar refugees' return halted

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:33:00 EST

BANGKOK The Thai army said that the planned return of more than 100 ethnic Karen refugees to military-run Myanmar opposed by rights groups as dangerous was halted Friday.

La. student, principal clash over Colts jersey

JANET McCONNAUGHEY — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:31:00 EST

NEW ORLEANS A Louisiana high school student says he was sent home for wearing an Indianapolis Colts jersey Friday the day the principal encouraged students to wear New Orleans Saints black and gold as the teams get ready to face off in the Super Bowl.

Judge wants Edwards sex tape 'under lock and key'

MIKE BAKER — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:29:00 EST

PITTSBORO, N.C. A judge wants to put a sex tape of two-time presidential candidate John Edwards under lock and key, demanding Friday that a former aide to the pilloried politician turn over the video by next week.

Coats planned N.C. retirement, according to video

Sylvia A. Smith — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:02:00 EST

WASHINGTON – As recently as the fall of 2008 Dan Coats planned to retire to North Carolina, according to a video of a talk he gave to Tar Heels at the GOP convention. Coats is taking preliminary steps to run against incumbent Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

Obama: Health care changes may die on Hill

Erica Werner — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST

WASHINGTON – After insisting for a year that failure was not an option, President Obama is now acknowledging his health care overhaul may die in Congress.

State meth-lab seizures up 24% in 2009

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:27:00 EST

ELKHART – Indiana police agencies report seizing 24 percent more methamphetamine labs during 2009 than they did the year before, with the greatest concentration remaining in the state’s northeast counties.

Advice to Lugar: Senate's health bill likely unconstitutional

Sylvia A. Smith — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Legislation the Senate passed last year to restructure the health insurance system would likely be found unconstitutional, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Friday.

Ohio could set state record for lethal injections

Andrew Welsh-Huggins — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:12:00 EST

LUCASVILLE, Ohio – After a relative lull in the number of executions Ohio carries out annually, it appears poised to sharply increase lethal injections in the months to come, possibly setting a state record for most in a year.

Man charged with operating on his own dog

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:44:00 EST

BARRINGTON, Rhode Island A man who says he could not afford veterinary care for his dog has been charged with illegally operating on the pet.

Prius reportedly on verge of recall

STEPHEN MANNING — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Toyota will recall 270,000 Prius hybrid vehicles over brake problems in the United States and Japan, a report said today, while the beleaguered auto giant launched an investigation into similar brakes in its luxury Lexus hybrid.

Shark attack kills Floridian

BRIAN SKOLOFF — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

There was blood in the water, the sharks were circling and a grievously hurt Stephen Schafer - his thigh gashed and his hand mauled - was screaming in pain by the time the lifeguard reached him.

House passes debt limit rise

ANDREW TAYLOR — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The House on Thursday voted to allow the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt - an increase of about $6,000 for every U.S. resident that provided a vivid election-year reminder of the nation's perilous financial condition.

Washington cities clamp down on bikini baristas

GENE JOHNSON — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:47:00 EST

EVERETT, Wash. - Coffee shops in the Seattle area introduced the world to "bikini baristas" three years ago, hiring attractive young women to serve up steamy espressos and lattes while wearing as little as a G-string and pasties.

Confab tests Tea Party idea

KONRAD YAKABUSKI — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Political scientists will tell you that American protest movements typically come and go. Adherents can't sustain their indignation indefinitely. Sooner or later, the source of their grievances dries up.

Iraq ready to accept bomb dogs

CHELSEA J. CARTER — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The American military is rushing delivery of dozens of bomb-detection dogs to Iraq after accusations that widely used mechanical devices are ineffective to pinpoint explosives at checkpoints and other search sites, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.

Explorers’ century-old whiskey found in Antarctica

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:25:00 EST

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - This Scotch has been on the rocks for a century.

Ohio highway trooper dies in crash, colleague hurt

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:47:00 EST

CAREY, Ohio - A state highway patrol cruiser responding to a call rolled over on the side of a roadway Thursday evening, killing one trooper and injuring another. The crash occurred just outside Carey, a village of about 4,000 residents in the northwest part of the state.

Governor says he'd sign bill to push back school start

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:35:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS Gov. Mitch Daniels says he'd sign legislation that would prevent most schools from starting classes before Labor Day if the General Assembly approves the proposal.

Inside job suspected in blast that killed 3 GIs

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Suspicion intensified Thursday that a suicide car bomber who killed three U.S. soldiers training Pakistani troops along the Afghan border had inside information on their movements.

East Chicago mayor indicted in repairs case

Rick Callahan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

East Chicago Mayor George Pabey and a city employee were indicted on federal charges announced Wednesday alleging that they used city workers and resources to upgrade a home Pabey owns with his daughter.

Movie-inspired killer executed

ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Condemned killer Mark Brown filed a last-minute lawsuit challenging Ohio's execution process as flawed and capable of causing severe pain, then was put to death Thursday in a nearly flawless death penalty procedure.

NSF director to lead new Purdue research institute

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:27:00 EST

Purdue University has tapped the current director of the National Science Foundation to lead the school's new Global Policy Research Institute.

Robot to aid in heart surgery

Sherry Slater — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

Lutheran Hospital has invested $825,000 in advanced robotics equipment to perform delicate heart procedures, the first hospital in Indiana to offer the technology.

EPA awaits superfund site OK

Associated Press — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST

The federal government has yet to get permission from more than 50 property owners for a project to remove contaminated soil from an Evansville neighborhood starting next month.