News Archive - September 28, 2013

NSA Reportedly Uses Data To Chart Americans' Social Ties

The National Security Agency's effort to find connections between suspects has led the agency to collate reams of phone and e-mail data with information from sources that include GPS data and Facebook, according to The New York Times. The newspaper cites documents provided by former NSA contract worker Edward Snowden.

Report On Arizona Hotshots' Deaths Finds A Communications Gap

The 19 firefighters who died after being trapped by an Arizona wildfire in late June were only about 600 yards from a designated safety zone at a ranch, according to a task force formed by the Arizona State Forestry Division to investigate the firefighters' deaths.

Two Young Girls, A World Apart, United By Twin Tragedies

For best friends — one in Washington, D.C., the other in Nairobi — communications bring quick comfort in the globalized world, where both the malls and the random gunmen are all too familiar.

Greek Neo-Nazi Party Arrests Follow High-Profile Murder

The Golden Dawn party has long been suspected of carrying out violent attacks against immigrants, but the Sept. 18 killing of an anti-fascist rapper incited national outrage.

Some D.C. Cab Drivers May Get Third Extension On Credit Card Readers

Some D.C. cab drivers may get a few extra days to make their vehicles credit card ready.

My Governor Can Beat Up Your Governor (Or Thinks He Can)

Increasingly, governors are criticizing each other's stances on taxes, guns and pensions, as well as working to lure businesses from other states. They used to defer more to each other. But like members of Congress, governors are having a harder time finding common ground.

Film Industry Gives Virginia Economic Boost

Virginia's film industry is making millions of dollars for the state while employing residents.

Hearing On Maryland Gun Law Set For Tuesday

A hearing will be held Tuesday to determine whether a portion of Maryland's extensive new gun law will go into effect.

House Ties Government Funding To One-Year Obamacare Delay

House Republicans late Saturday prepared to pass a government funding bill that would include a one-year delay in implementing Obamacare. But the White House said President Obama would veto the House measure, on the unlikely chance it made it through the Senate.

Iran's Rouhani Meets Protests And Cheers After Obama Chat

Despite reports of a shoe being thrown at President Hassan Rouhani's car, he had many backers among the crowds that gathered near Tehran's airport Saturday. Some voiced their support; others criticized the U.S. and Israel.

Cycling's New Leader Promises New Era; Will Seek Armstrong's Input

Britain's Brian Cookson says he will focus on helping cycling recover from years of doping scandals. "I felt I owed it to the cycling world to put an end to the misery that we were all going through," he says.

Women's Health Groups Sue Texas Over Its New Abortion Law

Approved in a contentious process this summer, the Texas bill is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 29. Opponents say it would close more than a third of the clinics that provide abortions in the state.

Another Earthquake, Measured At 6.8 Magnitude, Hits Pakistan

Pakistanis who endured Tuesday's strong earthquake that killed hundreds of people felt another quake Saturday in a remote area of Baluchistan province. The quake struck less than 20 miles from Tuesday's 7.7-magnitude event.

Birch For Breakfast? Meet Maple Syrup's Long-Lost Cousins

Want to top your pancakes with something other than maple? The alternatives vary, depending on the types of trees in a region. There's Kahiltna birch syrup made in Alaska, blue spruce pine syrup from Utah and Georgian black walnut syrup.