News Archive - September 23, 2013

Bush Doesn't Fault Obama For Playing Golf

President Obama has been criticized for playing too much golf. But former President George W. Bush tells the Golf Channel that the sport is a good outlet for the pressures of the White House.

Burger King: Customers Can Have Their Fries And Eat Them Too

The world's No. 2 hamburger chain rolls out lower fat, lower calorie french fries on Tuesday. Executives at the company say except for their shape, customers won't be able to tell that "Satisfies" are lower in calories.

Silver Spring Woman Among Survivors Of Terrorist Attack On Nairobi Mall

The ongoing attacks at a mall in Kenya, Nairob have claimed dozens of lives. One woman from Silver Spring, Md., is counted as one of the survivors.

Okla. Court Says 'Baby Veronica' Should Go To Adoptive Parents

The long-running case involves a controversial Supreme Court decision and fundamental questions about parental rights and Native American autonomy.

Muslim Leaders Push For Eid ul-Adha Observance In Montgomery County

Muslim community leaders are urging Montgomery County officials to close schools in observance of a Muslim holiday.

Statue Of Ten Commandments Near Supreme Court Toppled

The granite monument of the Ten Commandments in view of the Supreme Court was toppled by vandals some time over the weekend.

Former Exec, 77, Says He Earns His Old Hourly Rate In A Week

Tom Palome was once a vice president of marketing for Oral-B; now he has two part-time jobs. His story of getting by during retirement is attracting attention and impassioned comments.

After Drop, Number Of Immigrants Illegally In U.S. Levels Off

About 11 million immigrants are living illegally in the U.S., according to a new estimate by the Pew Research Center. The number of unauthorized immigrants has stalled since the end of the recession, after dropping from a record high of 12.2 million in 2007.

8 Things To Know About A Government Shutdown

In the event of a shutdown, you'll get your mail and your entitlement check. But forget about visiting national parks and monuments, and expect delays in getting passports or visas.

Costa Concordia Captain Blames Crash On Helmsman

Francesco Schettino, on trial for manslaughter and abandoning his passengers and crew, says the man steering the cruise liner turned the wrong way.

Online Review-Rigging Firms To Pay Fines In Yogurt Shop Sting

New York's attorney general announced penalties Monday for attempts to manipulate consumers. Nearly 20 companies admit to writing fake online reviews on consumer-oriented websites.

Raising Tastier Sea Urchins For Foodies And The Environment

A scientist in Birmingham, Ala., is trying to help overharvested sea urchins, considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, find their way back to a restaurant near you. He's developed an urchin farm to help grow them more sustainably and a special feed that gives them a sweet umami taste.

Former FBI Agent To Plead Guilty In Leak Case

A court filing reveals the former FBI bomb tech used his top secret clearance to obtain information about an al-Qaida bomb the U.S. intercepted in Yemen. Officials have called the leak one of the most serious in U.S. history.

Proposed D.C. Tattoo Regulation Could Violate Federal Law

A regulation proposed by the D.C. Department of Health would force tattoo artists and body piercers to deny service to those with communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, a potential violation of federal law.

IRS Official At Center Of Political Scandal Will Retire

Lois Lerner, who admitted that her division had inappropriately singled out Tea Party and patriot groups requesting tax exemption, had been on paid leave since May.

$4.7 Billion Deal Would Take BlackBerry Private

The deal comes just days after BlackBerry announced a nearly $1 billion quarterly loss and that it was shedding about 40 percent of its workforce.

Somalia's Al-Shabab: 4 Things To Know

The group that claimed responsibility for the attack on the mall in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, began as a militia fighting in Somalia. But it has evolved into an al-Qaida affiliate that views Somalia as a front in the war against the West.

Sandwich Monday: The Woody Allen

For this week's Sandwich Monday, we try the "Woody Allen," made famous by the Carnegie Deli in New York City. It's got pastrami, corned beef, and a whole lot of baggage.

High-Level Meeting Set Between Kerry, Iranian Counterpart

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif are expected to meet Thursday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. It's the highest-level meeting between the two countries in six years.

On Eve Of U.N. Goal-Setting, AIDS Agency Claims Big Progress

A steady increase in the number of people getting antiviral drugs has helped lower the rates of infection and death from HIV. Treatment can save a person's life. It also helps reduce the risk that infected people will pass HIV to their sexual partners and children.

Apple Sells 9 Million New iPhones In Opening Weekend

Sales of its new iPhone 5s and 5c models have surpassed other iPhone releases and exceeded initial supply, Apple says. The phones went on sale Friday in the U.S. as well as in many parts of Europe and Asia.

Typhoon Usagi Destroys Homes, Causes Dozens Of Deaths In China

The typhoon, which stormed ashore north of Hong Kong on Sunday evening, has been blamed for at least 25 deaths in south China's Guangdong province. Some 8,490 houses reportedly collapsed in the typhoon's winds, officials say.

U.S. Team Sails Back From Brink In America's Cup

Last week, it looked bleak for defending champion Oracle Team USA, but flukey wind and better tactics have kept them in the running against Emirates Team New Zealand.

To Succeed At Breast-Feeding, Most New Moms Could Use Help

Almost all new mothers have trouble breast-feeding in the first week with their babies. The early problems, such as pain, were also the ones most likely to cause the women to give up on breast-feeding earlier than doctors recommend.

Monday News Clips: What We're Reading

The looming federal government shutdown and efforts to defund Obamacare are capturing political headlines Monday morning.

Arlington County Gives Approval To 22-Story Building At Pentagon City

The Arlington County Board has approved a development for Pentagon City that could add a 22-story high-rise to the area, as well as four other office buildings.

Virginia's Unemployment Rate Ticked Up In August

The jobless rate in Virginia rose for the fourth month in a row in August.

Death Toll In Pakistan Church Attack Reaches 85

Two suicide bombers stuck a historic Christian church in the country's northwest on Sunday. Groups linked to the Taliban have claimed responsibility.

Federal Agency Left Out Of Loop In Wake Of Navy Yard Shooting

While investigators continue to piece together what happened during the rampage that left 12 dead at the Navy Yard, a report suggests a key law enforcement agency was left out of the loop.

Boston Police Chief Is Stepping Down

Edward Davis became known nationally as he led his department's response to the Boston Marathon bombings. He says that after seven years in the job, it's time for him to move on. The first opportunity he may take advantage of is a fellowship at Harvard.

Obama Memorializes Navy Yard Victims, Calls For Renewed Action On Guns

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray joined President Obama in using a memorial service for the victims of the Navy Yard shooting to call for changes to the nation’s gun laws.

$3.9 Billion U.S. Defense Contract Includes Missiles For UAE

The U.S. Defense Department has awarded a rich military contract to Lockheed Martin, agreeing to pay more than $3.9 billion for a missile-defense system. The deal calls for a maximum of 110 high-altitude interceptor missiles and 192 versions of the missiles for export to the United Arab Emirates.

Is It Racist To 'Call A Spade A Spade'?

For almost half a millennium, the phrase "call a spade a spade" has served as a demand to "tell it like it is." It is only in the past century that the expression began to acquire a negative, racial overtone.

U.N.: Child Labor Is Down, But 168 Million Children Still Work

Although there are one-third fewer children working than there were in the year 2000, the problem continues. Many are employed in hazardous occupations involving dangerous machinery or harmful chemicals.

Reports: Two Arrests In Chicago Shooting That Wounded 13

The attack at a park in the city's South Side last Thursday sparked outrage. Among those injured: a 3-year-old boy. He's recovering from a bullet wound to his head.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Is Banned By Court

A court in Egypt has issued a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, the group that is still protesting the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi this summer.

No Way, Man! Last VW Bus To Soon Roll Off Assembly Line

The transportation of choice for hippies is made only in Brazil. But "the man" says it needs air bags and other safety features, and VW says they can't be added to the vehicle. Are you cool with it going away or totally bummed out?

Kenyan Police Say They're 'Closing In' On Mall Attackers

Kenyan government spokesman Joseph Ole Lenku said that "our forces are in control of all the floors" at the upscale Nairobi mall. He added that at least two "terrorists" are dead. An Islamist militant group from Somalia has claimed responsibility.

Eastern Shore Brewery Helps Boost Local Economy

Worcester County had the state's highest unemployment rate last year, but the county is focusing on small businesses as a way to help boost the local economy.