News | Journal Gazette

Burglars steal box holding baby's ashes

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:16:00 EST

PEORIA, Ariz. – An Arizona family is pleading with burglars to return a wooden music box containing the ashes of their 5-month old son.

Prison cuts out lunch 3 days a week

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:19:00 EST

An Indiana prison no longer serves lunch to inmates on Fridays and weekends in what it says is an efficiency move designed to free up more time for classes and recreation.

Life sentence handed down for vicious attack on woman who took in teen

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:13:00 EST

Prosecutors said he attacked Abi Matthews with a baseball bat, raped her, stole her car and burned it.

Ex-NBA star Jayson Williams plea hearing delayed indefinitely

David Porter and Beth DeFalco — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:58:00 EST

A person with direct knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a gag order imposed by Coleman, told The Associated Press that the delay was partly because of travel problems Williams experienced getting to New Jersey from his home in South Carolina.

Asian carp may have breached electronic barrier to Great Lakes

John Flesher — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Federal officials say the despised Asian carp might have breached an electronic barrier designed to prevent it from invading the Great Lakes and jeopardizing their $7 billion sport fishery.

Sen. Burris admonished by ethics committee

Larry Margasak — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:23:00 EST

WASHINGTON – The Senate ethics committee on Friday admonished Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., for making “inconsistent, misleading or incomplete” statements about the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the seat once held by President Obama. The committee didn’t recommend any punishment.

Victim positively ID'd in S.D. slaying

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST

PIERRE, S.D. – Authorities have positively identified a Mitchell teenager as the victim in a slaying this month that involved a body found in the trunk of a burned car.

Purdue parking permit prank ends in arrest

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST

Authorities evacuated the Purdue University Visitor Information Center on Thursday morning after workers reported finding a suspicious box. Police found a wheel lock, a parking ticket and $20 inside.

Health officials see H1N1 waning

Niki Kelly and Michael Zennie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A 27-year-old woman who died in late October is Huntington County's first confirmed death from the H1N1 virus. Despite the news, state health officials said Thursday that hospitalization and visits to emergency rooms and doctors' offices for H1N1-like illnesses are declining.

Europe: Proton beams circulate in Big Bang machine

ALEXANDER G. HIGGINS — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:16:00 EST

GENEVA Scientists switched on the world's largest atom smasher Friday night for the first time since the $10 billion machine suffered a spectacular failure more than a year ago.

Volunteers strive to save Santa letter service

RACHEL D'ORO — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:12:00 EST

ANCHORAGE, Alaska A group of volunteer Santa Claus elves in Alaska's frigid interior is determined to save a popular holiday letter service featuring the North Pole's most beloved icon.

Sanford, under ethics review, wants to report private plane trips

Jim Davenport — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford wants to report previously unrecorded flights he took on planes owned by friends and campaign donors, a state ethics official said Thursday, even as the governor's lawyer continued to defend his travel practices.

Lugar's wife faces DWI count

Sylvia A. Smith — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Charlene Lugar, wife of Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., was arrested Wednesday evening on drunken-driving and hit-and-run charges after hitting an empty parked car near their home in a Washington suburb.

Hoosier judge OK'd with boost by Lugar

Sylvia A. Smith — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The Senate confirmed a Hoosier judge Thursday to a federal appeals court lifetime appointment. The vote was 59-39; Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., was the only Republican to vote for David Hamilton.

Senate adds 5% Botax'

Julie Hirschfeld Davis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

They call it the "Botax." The White House and Senate Democrats have turned to a proposal to tax breast implants, tummy tucks, wrinkle-smoothing injections and other procedures as they search for ways to pay for the health care overhaul plan.

Glitch snarls air traffic in latest FAA woes

Harry R. Weber and Joan Lowy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

For the second time in a little more than a year, a glitch at one of the two centers that handle flight plans for the nation's air travel system set off delays and cancellations for passengers around the country.

Liberace, Cruise, Palin among Winfrey's highlights

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:39:00 EST

LOS ANGELES Oprah Winfrey has racked up memorable moments during her long television reign. Some were moving, some embarrassing to her or others and a handful became pop-culture landmarks. Here are highlights through the years:

Astronauts get extra moving time at space station

MARCIA DUNN — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:46:00 EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The astronauts aboard the shuttle-station complex are getting some extra moving time.

Gunman opens fire on Saipan; 5 dead

GEMMA CASAS — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:50:00 EST

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands A gunman went on a rampage on the Pacific resort island of Saipan today, killing four people and wounding six others before fatally shooting himself, officials said.

Residents offer rewards in search for dog's killer

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:23:00 EST

SOUTH BEND South Bend residents outraged by a dog's shooting death during a home robbery are collecting reward money they hope leads to the arrest of the dog's killer.

Church sign about Allah raises objections

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:26:00 EST

TERRE HAUTE A Terre Haute church upset some residents with a message on its outdoor sign that mentioned Allah. The sign outside the Bible Baptist Church was recently posted with the message, Jesus died and rose and lives for you. What did Allah do.

Robber convicted in slayings of 7 faces life sentence

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:37:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS An Indianapolis man convicted of killing three children and four adults during a home invasion robbery three years ago is facing a sentence of life in prison.

Group to rally for saving parts of health system

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS A group opposed to current health care legislation in Congress will rally Saturday in downtown Indianapolis.

Karzai's goals draw skepticism

Joshua Partlow — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

President Hamid Karzai set two ambitious goals in his inauguration speech Thursday: to have Afghan soldiers and police take full responsibility for security within the next five years, and to root out the pervasive corruption that hobbled his first administration.

Panel OKs fees on finance titans

Jim Kuhnhenn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Taking aim at Wall Street and the nation's central bank, a key House committee voted Thursday to assess upfront fees on large financial firms to pay for the failure of their peers and to require a sweeping congressional audit of the secretive Federal Reserve.

2 police officers die in blast in Pakistan

Riaz Khan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A blast early today killed two police offers a day after a suicide bomber killed 19 people outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan, the latest attacks in an onslaught by Islamist militants retaliating against an army offensive near the Afghan border.

EU gives unknowns key leadership roles

Henry Chu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The European Union wants to become a more influential and higher-profile alliance, but its leaders picked two relative unknowns Thursday to represent the continent on the international stage.

Ohio defender takes on innocence project

ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Ohio's top public defender is taking on a rare challenge: accepting cases of convicted criminals who say they're innocent but don't have the DNA to prove it.

Stimulus auditors criticize job data, tout transparency

Ed O'Keefe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Government auditors raised doubts Thursday about the number of jobs created or saved by the economic stimulus program, but they also said that mistakes reported in recent weeks signal the benefits of government transparency.

Alaskan elves strive to save Santa's letter service

Rachel D'Oro — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A group of volunteer Santa Claus "elves" in Alaska's frigid interior is determined to save a popular holiday letter service featuring the North Pole's most beloved icon.

Busy calendar clouds Afghan announcement

Michael D. Shear — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

As White House observers attempt to read the tea leaves about the timing of President Obama's Afghanistan announcement, one thing becomes clear: There's not much time left.

Pumpkin pie plans imperiled

Sarah Skidmore — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The holidays may not be so sweet this year. Nestle - which sells nearly all the canned pumpkin in the U.S. - says poor weather hurt its harvest, creating a potential shortage of its Libby's pumpkin pie products.

Katrina lawsuits brewing

Cain Burdeau — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A landmark court ruling blaming the Army Corps of Engineers' "monumental negligence" for some of the worst flooding from Hurricane Katrina could lead to a new deluge: billions of dollars in legal action from thousands of storm victims.

Pentagon to launch Fort Hood probe

Julian E. Barnes — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the start of a sweeping Pentagon review of events leading up to the Fort Hood rampage, a probe that will examine whether military officials could have taken more aggressive pre-emptive action against the accused killer and, if so, why they didn't, officials said Thursday.

Purdue to restrict, not ban, smoking

Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Purdue University has backed away from a total ban on smoking on its main campus and instead will limit it to specific areas while prohibiting smoking in university motor vehicles.

Biennial Pap smears prescribed

News services — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually, new guidelines say.

Kerry's daughter arrested on DUI charge

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:37:00 EST

LOS ANGELES – The daughter of Sen. John Kerry has been arrested in Hollywood on charges she was driving drunk.

Hoosier judge confirmed to appeals court

Sylvia A. Smith — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST

WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed a Hoosier judge Thursday to serve a lifetime appointment on a federal appeals court. The vote was 59-39.

Sen. Lugar's wife arrested on DWI, hit-and-run charges

Sylvia A. Smith — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Charlene Lugar, wife of Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., was arrested Wednesday evening on drunk driving and hit-and-run charges after hitting an empty parked car near their home in a Washington suburb.

Children may be ready for second H1N1 dose

The Journal Gazette — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:00 EST

Children who have been vaccinated for H1N1 flu before Oct. 23 are now eligible for a second dose, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health said Thursday.

Married gay couples entitled to some benefits, court rules

Michael Gormley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s top court on Thursday rejected a Christian legal group’s challenge to some government benefits provided to gay couples legally married elsewhere and now living in New York.

Fire hits Bloomington office building

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:06:00 EST

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington firefighters said a blaze has left an office building nearly a total loss.

Possible motive surfaces in S.D. slaying

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST

MITCHELL, S.D. – Court documents say the apparent slaying of a Mitchell teenager might have been sparked by romantic jealousy.

Computer problem causes nationwide flight delays

Joan Lowy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:48:00 EST

FAA officials say computer failures that delayed flights across the country are now working again.

Popular Santa letter program ends

RACHEL D'ORO — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:27:00 EST

The U.S. Postal Service is dropping a popular effort begun in 1954 in the small town of North Pole, in Alaska's interior, where volunteers tackle up to 150,000 letters addressed to Santa.

Indiana, Ohio get aid for idled autoworkers

SYLVIA A. SMITH — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Indiana will share in $4 million to help displaced autoworkers get jobs in renewable energy and other industries.

Postal Service cuts closure list

Sylvia A. Smith — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

People who buy stamps, mail packages and keep post office boxes at the Diplomat Plaza station won't have to change their habits. But patrons at the Waynedale station won't know for weeks whether their campaign to keep the station open has worked.

HHS chief backs off cancer test guides

RANDOLPH E. SCHMID — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday, moving to douse confusion caused by a task-force recommendation two days earlier.

Palin a magnet in Michigan

KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

College students ditched class, employees skipped work and some huddled in the cold overnight just to make sure they get an orange wristband Wednesday that would let them meet Sarah Palin.

Senate health care bill debuts at $849 billion

DAVID ESPO — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The political stakes enormous, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid launched long-awaited health care legislation Wednesday estimated to extend coverage to 94 percent of eligible Americans at a cost of $849 billion.

No rebuke for 'admonish,' 2009 Word of the Year

BOB SALSBERG — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:53:00 EST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - When the U.S. House admonished Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie!" at President Obama during a health-care speech to Congress, it not only lit up talk show lines, but also sent many people scurrying to the Internet in search of a definition.

S.Carolina governor to face ethics accusations

JIM DAVENPORT — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:20:00 EST

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford will face an ethics panel to answer charges that he may have violated state law, which his lawyer said would give the once-popular politician a chance to present his side in an investigation into his travel and campaign finance practices.

Archives probing Watergate notes for hidden clues

CALVIN WOODWARD — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:23:00 EST

WASHINGTON - It seems history won't rest until someone fills in that 18 1/2-minute Watergate gap.

Afghan president sworn in to second 5-year term

KATHY GANNON — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:32:00 EST

KABUL - Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai promised today to prosecute corrupt government officials and end a culture of impunity, speaking during an inauguration closely watched by the international community for signs that his administration is moving beyond the cronyism and graft of the past five years.

Small-town library gets top rating

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:26:00 EST

NEW CARLISLE A national magazine has rated a small-town library in northern Indiana one of the nation's best public libraries.

I.U. report calls for better traffic safety

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:34:00 EST

BLOOMINGTON A report on traffic safety conditions at Indiana University says the school should install better pedestrian crosswalks and launch an education campaign to help prevent campus accidents.

State's top justice lends name to Evansville academy

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:38:00 EST

EVANSVILLE Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard now has a high school academy named after him.

Obama touts cooperation in S. Korea

JENNIFER LOVEN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

America's relations with South Korea, a crucial Asian ally, are on an upswing as President Obama meets with President Lee Myung-bak today, although a stalled trade agreement is still a concern for the economic powerhouses.

Obama, Holder defend N.Y. 9/11 trial

DEVLIN BARRETT — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

From opposite ends of the globe, President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder firmly rejected criticism Wednesday of the planned New York trial of the professed Sept. 11 mastermind and predicted Khalid Sheikh Mohammed would be exposed as a murderous coward, convicted and executed.

Israel defies critics, revives settlements

BEN HUBBARD — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Israel broke ground on a new housing complex for Jews in east Jerusalem on Wednesday, brushing off President Obama's criticism that construction in the disputed part of the holy city undermines efforts to relaunch Mideast peace talks.

Police officer uses Taser on 10-year-old girl

JILL ZEMAN BLEED — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A police officer in a small Arkansas town used a stun gun on an unruly 10-year-old girl after he said her mother gave him permission to do so.

South Bend's GOP shepherd

ELI SASLOW — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Chris Riley planned this event because he wants to resurrect the Republican Party, but he opens the creaky front door to the St. Joseph County Republican headquarters and is reminded of the daunting task ahead.

U.S. ship fends off 2nd strike by pirates

JASON STRAZIUSO — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Somali pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama on Wednesday for the second time in seven months and were thwarted by private guards on board the U.S.-flagged ship who fired guns and a high-decibel noise device.

Iran scoffs at U.N. uranium export deal

ALI AKBAR DAREINI — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Iran's foreign minister Wednesday said his country would not export its enriched uranium for further processing, brushing aside the latest U.N. plan aimed at preventing Tehran from potentially building nuclear weapons.

Corps blamed in Katrina floods

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A federal judge has ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers' failure to properly maintain a navigation channel led to massive flooding in Hurricane Katrina.

Indiana gets $4 million grant to help autoworkers

Associated Press — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:32:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS Indiana has won a $4 million federal grant to lead an effort with Michigan and Ohio to help laid-off autoworkers find jobs in the renewable-energy industry and related occupations.

Lawmakers vow swift action on tax cap, jobs bill

Niki Kelly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Lawmakers are getting to work sooner rather than later, as House and Senate leaders announced Tuesday the chambers will conduct hearings in December on key issues such as property tax caps and unemployment insurance tax increases.

Obama, Lee to seek 'grand bargain' with NKorea

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:52:00 EST

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president says he and President Barack Obama have agreed to offer North Korea a “grand bargain” aimed at ending the North's nuclear program.

Judge: Corps' negligence caused Katrina flooding

Cain Burdeau — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:57:00 EST

NEW ORLEANS – A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Army Corps of Engineers’ failure to properly maintain a navigation channel led to massive flooding in Hurricane Katrina, a decision that could make the federal government vulnerable to billions of dollars in claims.

Diplomat Plaza post office saved

Sylvia A. Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:12:00 EST

WASHINGTON – The Postal Service’s Diplomat Plaza station is no longer under review to be closed, but a station in Waynedale is still being considered, a Postal Service spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Some camp out all night for Palin

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:01:00 EST

Hundreds of people were lining up Wednesday at a Michigan bookstore for a chance to meet Sarah Palin as she kicked off her national book tour.

Turkey wars: Now it’s 29 cents a pound

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:16:00 EST

Central Ohio stores battle for lowest price.

Senate halts filibuster of Hoosier judge pick

Sylvia A. Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and nine other Republican senators voted Tuesday to stop a GOP filibuster of a Hoosier judicial nominee.

Palin a rock star,' Souder tells callers

Sylvia A. Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Sarah Palin is a "rock star," Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd, said Tuesday evening, adding that he doesn't know whether she'll be the nation's first female president, but "she is one of the most exciting, dynamic figures to hit the political system.

Pirates again attack U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:46:00 EST

NAIROBI, Kenya The EU's anti-piracy force said that Somali pirates have again attacked the Maersk Alabama, the U.S.-flagged ship hijacked last spring. The EU Naval Force said pirates fired automatic weapons at the ship, but that guards on board the craft fired back and thwarted Tuesday's attack.

Kurds threaten Iraq vote boycott

Ernesto Londono — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Kurdish officials threatened Tuesday to boycott the upcoming national election in the three provinces they control in northern Iraq unless more parliament seats are allocated to the region.

New Indiana bishop voted chair-elect of laity panel

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:27:00 EST

FORT WAYNE The new Roman Catholic bishop for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is going to be busier than originally thought.

Visit illustrates shifting power

Charles Hutzler and Jennifer Loven — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

President Obama's first visit to China underscored a shifting balance of power: two giants moving closer to being equals.

Indiana theme park auctioning off surplus

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

SANTA CLAUS A southern Indiana amusement park plans to auction off hundreds of surplus items this weekend, including an antique circus truck and bumper boats.

Wind farm to be dedicated in northern Indiana

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:33:00 EST

BROOKSTON A wind farm capable of generating enough power to light 60,000 average Indiana homes will be dedicated Thursday in northwestern Indiana.

Pomp meets politics as British government unveils agenda

JILL LAWLESS — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:47:00 EST

LONDON - Prime Minister Gordon Brown will woo British voters with promises of new social programs and a clampdown on financial sector excess when the government's plans for the next parliamentary session are announced today by Queen Elizabeth II.

I.U. study: Students' goals, priorities don't match

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:38:00 EST

BLOOMINGTON A new report by Indiana University researchers found that most high school students expect to go to college, but the work students do in high school doesn't always match up to their perceptions or goals.

Shuttle nears space station, docking scheduled

MARCIA DUNN — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:52:00 EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis is closing in on the International Space Station.

N.Y. police car in accident ahead of Biden motorcade

COLLEEN LONG — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:57:00 EST

NEW YORK - A police car working ahead of Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade was involved in a minor traffic accident Tuesday evening, but it wasn't part of the procession and the vice president was unhurt.

Byrd becomes longest-serving Congress member

LAURIE KELLMAN — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON - The Senate is marking a new milestone Wednesday when West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd becomes the longest-serving lawmaker in congressional history.

Texas A&M remembers fatal ’99 bonfire collapse

EJUAN A. LOZANO — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:06:00 EST

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The bonfire collapse at Texas AM University killed Carolyn Adams' daughter, Miranda. A decade later, Adams said she's grateful her daughter and the 11 other Aggies killed haven't been forgotten.

IBM takes a (feline) step toward thinking machines

JORDAN ROBERTSON — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:33:00 EST

SAN FRANCISCO - Scientists say they've made a breakthrough in their pursuit of computers that "think" like a living thing's brain - an effort that tests the limits of technology.

Correction

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A list of legislator gifts published Sunday incorrectly included tickets to the NCAA's Midwest Regional. The NCAA offered all lawmakers the opportunity to buy tickets.

Santas want H1N1 vaccine this holiday season

Holly Ramer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Forget cookies and milk. Santa wants the swine flu vaccine.

U.S., China ready goals on emissions

Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a significant climate announcement: The Obama administration will offer concrete emission reduction targets as part of next month's negotiations, as long as the Chinese offer a climate proposal of their own.

Excess lead detected in seven toys

Jennifer C. Kerr — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead, according to a California-based advocacy group.

Most favor tax on rich to pay for health care

Erica Werner — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Americans don't want to shoulder the cost of President Obama's health care overhaul themselves. They think the rich should pay for it.

Wide probe seen after Fort Hood killings

Anne Gearan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Worried that the Army might have missed red flags about the shooter in the Fort Hood massacre, the Pentagon will likely launch an inquiry into how all the military services keep watch on other volatile soldiers hidden in their ranks, officials said Tuesday.

Army suicides up, but pace is slowing

Pauline Jelinek — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Soldier suicides this year are almost sure to top last year's grim totals, but a recent decline in the pace of such deaths could mean the Army is starting to make progress in stemming them, officials said Tuesday.

correction

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Because of a reporting error by The Associated Press, a story on Page 3H on Sunday about image makeovers had incorrect information on why one company changed its name. Accenture, previously known as Andersen Consulting, operated independently from Arthur Andersen, the accounting firm.

Byrd sets record today with 56 years on Hill

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The Senate is a resolutely superlative place, so it was resolved that the august body will open its session today by saluting Sen. Robert C. Byrd, Congress' longest-serving member.

Lugar defies colleague, goes to bat for judge

Sylvia A. Smith — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The leading critic of a Hoosier nominee for federal judge has it all wrong, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., told his colleagues Monday. Lugar said Judge David Hamilton, President Obama's first nominee for a federal appeals court post, "has not been a judicial activist and has ruled objectively and within the judicial mainstream."

GOP to push amendment capping property taxes

Niki Kelly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

If a panel discussion Monday with the four legislative caucus leaders is any indication, the battle over putting property tax caps into the Indiana Constitution will dominate the 2010 legislative session.

Senate agrees to allow vote on Hoosier judicial nominee

Sylvia A. Smith — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:12:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and nine other Republican senators voted Tuesday afternoon to stop a GOP filibuster of a Hoosier judicial nominee.

Lawmakers to jump-start property-tax caps, other bills

Niki Kelly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:42:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS – After going into overtime earlier this year to pass a state budget, lawmakers plan to get an early start on the 2010 legislative session by holding public hearings on a handful of key bills in December.

Woman pleads guilty in Smart kidnapping

Jennifer Dobner — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:23:00 EST

SALT LAKE CITY – A woman charged in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart pleaded guilty Tuesday as part of a deal with federal prosecutors and asked Smart to forgive her for all the pain she had caused.

Heartburn drugs can interfere with Plavix, FDA says

Matthew Perrone — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:17:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Federal health officials said Tuesday a popular variety of heartburn medications can interfere with the blood thinner Plavix, a drug taken by millions of U.S. residents to reduce risks of heart attack and stroke.

Parole board won't spare killer

Andrew Welsh-Huggins — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:13:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Parole Board has rejected mercy for a man who killed a woman and scattered her body parts, and could be the first inmate executed using just one drug.

Statue stolen from hospice memorial garden

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:24:00 EST

The bronze statue of a girl with pigtails was donated last year by the family of a terminally ill patient.

RV maker to hire 400

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:54:00 EST

Heartland said orders for its towable recreational vehicles have increased since Oct. 1.

Lutheran lifts flu restrictions at city sites

The Journal Gazette — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:52:00 EST

The Fort Wayne hospitals of the Lutheran Health Network have lifted visitor restriction policies that went into effect Oct. 16 in response to the H1N1 flu pandemic.

Palin book comes out today

David Bauder Caryn Rousseau — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:42:00 EST

“My ambition, if you will, my desire is to help our country in whatever role that may be, and I cannot predict what that will be, what doors will be open in the year 2012,” she told Barbara Walters.

Panel cuts breast test frequency

Rob Stein — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Women in their 40s should stop routinely having annual mammograms and older women should cut back to one scheduled exam every other year, an influential federal task force has concluded, challenging the use of one of the most common medical tests.

Welfare workers on edge

DAVID EGGERT — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

One frustrated client hurled a piece of concrete through the window of a welfare agency. Another threw her car keys at a welfare worker before being escorted away.

China censors Obama's anti-censorship stance

Keith B. Richburg — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

President Obama, taking questions Monday from government-selected students at a town hall-style meeting in Shanghai, called himself "a big supporter of non-censorship." But the Beijing government, apparently, is not, and most Chinese never got to hear or read what Obama said.

Obama, Hu show cooperation – and differences

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:12:00 EST

BEIJING - President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao emerged from hours of intense talks Tuesday determined to marshal their combined clout on crucial issues, but still showing divisions over economic, security and human rights issues that have long bedeviled the two powers.

Indiana wants share of stimulus cash for schools

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:49:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana hopes to win $250 million or more in competitive federal stimulus grants for schools - money the state superintendent says it deserves because of recent changes lawmakers made to education policies.

Mother of toddler found near candy store arrested

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:44:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS - Police have arrested an Indianapolis woman whose 1-year-old daughter was found wandering outside a candy store over the weekend.

Sotomayor adds celebrity to court

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:17:00 EST

WASHINGTON - Apparently, no one told Sonia Sotomayor that Supreme Court justices are supposed to be circumspect, emerging from their marble palace mainly to dispense legal wisdom to law schools, judges' conferences and lawyers' meetings.

Sandhill crane migration draws northern Indiana crowds

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:59:00 EST

MEDARYVILLE - Hundreds of people have been flocking to a northern Indiana wildlife refuge where thousands of sandhill cranes are making their annual fall migration stop.

Indiana court weighs use of psychological tests in sentencing

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:54:00 EST

INDIANAPOLIS - A felon's friends and hobbies could influence how much time he spends behind bars if the Indiana Supreme Court upholds a lower-court ruling.

Ohio World War II veteran to be honored by Germany

Brian Albrecht — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:27:00 EST

CLEVELAND - A bit of military maneuvering more than 60 years ago, affecting millions of lives, has led to one of Germany's highest civilian honors going to a local World War II veteran.

Job prospects drawing students to ag schools

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:09:00 EST

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Tristesse Jones will probably never drive a tractor or guide a combine through rows of soybeans at harvest time.

Suu Kyi seeks meeting with Myanmar junta chief

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:28:00 EST

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has sent a letter to the head of the country's junta seeking a meeting to discuss how they can cooperate for the national interest, a spokesman for her party said Monday.

Tobacco execs quickly find tax loophole in child health law

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:03:00 EST

WASHINGTON - With a simple marketing twist, tobacco companies are avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxes by exploiting a loophole in President Obama's child health law.

Fake search warrant fails to get bank's loot

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:07:00 EST

HENDERSON, Nev. - Authorities say they have arrested five people who allegedly tried to rob a Nevada bank by presenting a false federal search warrant which demanded all of the money in the vault.

'Unfriend' is U.S. dictionary's 2009 word of the year

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:02:00 EST

NEW YORK - What word sums up 2009? How about unfriend? That's the New Oxford American Dictionary's 2009 Word of the Year. It means to remove someone as a friend on a social networking Web site such as Facebook.

'Gold' rings stolen from Toledo shop just brass

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:36:00 EST

TOLEDO - An Ohio jeweler says thieves who smashed their way into his store and got away with rings are in for a surprise when they try to sell them.

Repo man struck by repossessed car

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:32:00 EST

CINCINNATI - An Ohio man is accused of striking a repo man with his car when he tried to take it back after it was repossessed.

Uninsured more prone to die in wreck: Study

Karen Kaplan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Patients who lack health insurance are more likely to die from car accidents and other traumatic injuries than people who belong to a health plan - even though emergency rooms are required to care for all comers regardless of ability to pay, according to a study to be published today.

Millions to owe on '09 tax credit

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

More than 15 million taxpayers may owe the government $250 or more because of how the IRS last spring set up President Obama's tax break that was designed to help consumers spend the U.S. economy out of recession.

President's name fails to translate

Keith B. Richburg — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The Chinese government invited "President Aobama" to China. But it was "President Oubama" who emerged from Air Force One.

Aussies sorry' for abusing kids

ROD McGUIRK and JILL LAWLESS — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

When John Hennessey was 10 years old, he was sent from a war-weary Britain to an orphanage in Australia, where he was told food was plentiful and children rode kangaroos to school.

Body of N.C. girl, 5, found dumped

ALYSIA PATTERSON — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A missing 5-year-old whose mother was accused of offering her for sex was found dead off a heavily wooded road in a rural area Monday, ending a weeklong search, police said.

Food insecurity' rises sharply in U.S.

News services — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

More than one in seven American households struggled to put enough food on the table in 2008, the highest rate since the Agriculture Department began tracking food security levels in 1995.

Chicago schools leader kills self

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Chicago's school board president apparently shot himself in the head near the Chicago River before dawn Monday, officials said as his death was met with disbelief by civic leaders and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Correction

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Because of a clerical error, a listing on Page 4D on Sunday for the Triple Crown Health Fair was incorrect.

Lugar defends Hoosier judicial nominee

Sylvia A. Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:46:00 EST

WASHINGTON – The leading critic of a Hoosier nominee for federal judge has it all wrong, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., told his colleagues Monday.

Eek! Rats amble through R.I. Statehouse

Ray Henry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:47:00 EST

When a rat scurried through her office, her natural response was to jump on a chair, snap it with rubber bands and threaten to spritz it with Obsession.

Parkview Health hospitals to lift flu restrictions

The Journal Gazette — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:57:00 EST

Effective Tuesday, all Parkview Health hospitals will lift temporary restrictions on visitors that were in place to minimize the spread of the H1N1 influenza.

Atlantis launches supply run to space station

Marcia Dunn — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST

NASA wants to stockpile as many pumps, tanks, gyroscopes and other oversize equipment as possible at the space station, before the three remaining shuttles retire next fall.

Llama named Spanky attacks farmer

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST

A Texas man awaiting heart surgery was mauled by a llama while tending to his sheep.

Body of missing 5-year-old found

Alysia Patterson and Mike Baker — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:06:00 EST

SANFORD, N.C. - Searchers found the body of a missing 5-year-old off a road Monday, ending a weeklong search for the girl, whose mother was accused of offering her for sex, police said.

IU profs want to educate inner-city youths in African boarding school

Associated Press — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:32:00 EST

Some Indiana University professors are working on plans to start a boarding school nearly half a world away for inner-city youths from around the state.

55-year sentence upheld for teen killer

Associated Press — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST

ELKHART - A state appeals court has upheld the murder conviction and prison sentence of a northern Indiana youth who was 13 at the time of the killing.

Jewelry store heist grabs the brass rings

Associated Press — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:23:00 EST

Henry Triplett of Henry’s Jewelers in Toledo says what appeared to be thousands of dollars in gold rings in his display cases were actually rings made of brass and worth barely 25 cents apiece.

In China, Obama calls freedoms 'universal rights'

Associated Press — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:50:00 EST

SHANGHAI - Pressing for freedoms on China's own turf, President Barack Obama said Monday that individual expression is not an American ideal but a universal right that should be available to all.