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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Arbitrator: Beauty queen defamed pageant, owes $5M

Arbitrator: Beauty queen defamed pageant, owes $5M

Arbitrator: Beauty queen defamed pageant, owes $5M

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:11 PM PST

A beauty queen who claimed this year's Miss USA contest was fixed has been ordered to pay the pageant organization $5 million for defamation.

Judge indicates Fort Hood suspect can keep beard

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:10 PM PST

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Bell County Sheriff's Department shows Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage. Nidal will be allowed to keep his beard during his military trial. (AP Photo/Bell County Sheriff's Department, File)The Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly Fort Hood shooting rampage apparently will be allowed to keep his beard during his military trial, after a new judge indicated Tuesday that she won't force him to shave.

Hainsey anxious to get NHL labor talks restarted

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:00 PM PST

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey tells The Associated Press the players' association is ready and willing to get back to the bargaining table with the NHL.

LA jury awards $4.5 million to Filipino teachers

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:00 PM PST

A federal jury in Los Angeles has ordered a company to repay $4.5 million to Filipino teachers who paid large fees to obtain U.S. jobs through a placement agency.

Dottie Pepper leaves NBC Sports after 8 years

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:58 PM PST

FILE - This July 1, 2004 file photo shows golfer Dottie Pepper wiping tears as she announces that she will retire as a player at a news conference during the first round of the U.S. Womens Open Golf Championship at The Orchards in South Hadley, Mass. Pepper learned the art of retirement at an early age. She announced her retirement at the 2004 U.S. Women's Open when she was 38. Her retirement Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, after eight years with NBC Sports was not much different. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)Dottie Pepper learned the art of retirement at an early age.

Hugo Chavez's brother to visit Venezuelan leader

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:57 PM PST

Musicians perform in front of an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez that reads in Spanish "singing, dance, life and hope" during a concert in support of him marking the 8th anniversary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas group, ALBA, in Managua, Nicaragua, Monday Dec. 17, 2012. Chavez is recovering in Cuba from a surgery, his fourth operation related to his pelvic cancer since June 2011. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)President Hugo Chavez's elder brother reportedly was heading to Cuba on Tuesday to visit the Venezuelan leader amid uncertainty and concern at home over his condition after a fourth cancer-related surgery.

911 caller among four dead in Colo murder-suicide

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:56 PM PST

Neighborhood residents talk amid crime-scene tape at the scene of an apparent murder-suicide, which officials say left four dead inside a home, according to officials, in Longmont, Colo., Tuesday Dec. 18, 2012. Weld County sheriff's spokesman Tim Schwartz says dispatchers heard the woman who called 911 scream Dispatchers listened as a Colorado woman who called 911 to report a shooting was apparently killed as she begged for her life in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday.

Indiana drops charges in child's 1995 fire death

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:56 PM PST

Prosecutors in Indiana have dropped charges against a woman whose murder conviction in her son's 1995 death was overturned, but they say the case isn't closed.

Dottie Pepper leaves NBA Sports after 8 years

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:56 PM PST

FILE - This July 1, 2004 file photo shows golfer Dottie Pepper wiping tears as she announces that she will retire as a player at a news conference during the first round of the U.S. Womens Open Golf Championship at The Orchards in South Hadley, Mass. Pepper learned the art of retirement at an early age. She announced her retirement at the 2004 U.S. Women's Open when she was 38. Her retirement Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, after eight years with NBC Sports was not much different. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)Dottie Pepper learned the art of retirement at an early age.

Gov't rolls out $1.9B Indian land buyback program

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:54 PM PST

U.S. government officials said Tuesday they are launching a $1.9 billion Native American land buyback program now that a nearly 17-year lawsuit over more than a century's worth of mismanaged trust royalties is settled.

Too big to jail? Execs avoid laundering charges

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:54 PM PST

FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2012, file photo, Lanny Breuer, center, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, addresses a news conference in New York's Brooklyn borough to announce British bank HSBC agreed to pay $1.9 billion to settle a New York based-probe in connection with the laundering of money from narcotics traffickers in Mexico. Among those joining Breuer is Treasury Under Secretary David Cohen, left. When the Justice Department announced its record $1.9 billion settlement against British bank HSBC last week, prosecutors called it a powerful blow to a dysfunctional institution accused of laundering money for Iran, Libya and Mexico's murderous drug cartels. But to some former federal prosecutors, it was only the latest case of the government stopping short of bringing criminal money laundering charges against a big bank or its executives. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)When the Justice Department announced its record $1.9 billion settlement against British bank HSBC last week, prosecutors called it a powerful blow to a dysfunctional institution accused of laundering money for Iran, Libya and Mexico's murderous drug cartels.

Twins agree to 1-year deal with Pelfrey

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:53 PM PST

Mike Pelfrey once was a promising prospect for the New York Mets, a groundball-inducing machine who chewed up innings and bats with a hard sinker that tumbled out of his 6-foot-7 frame.

Jets bench Sanchez, will start McElroy vs Chargers

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:53 PM PST

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is brought down by Tennessee Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (95) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 14-10. (AP Photo/Joe Howell)Mark Sanchez blew the second chance Rex Ryan gave him. Now, it's Greg McElroy's turn to be the New York Jets' starting quarterback.

Nielsen to buy Arbitron for about $1.26B

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:52 PM PST

Nielsen, the dominant source of TV ratings, on Tuesday said it had agreed to buy Arbitron for about $1.26 billion to expand into radio measurement.

Lawmakers await Benghazi review

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:50 PM PST

An independent review board is set to reveal its findings on the Sept. 11 attack in Libya that killed a U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

Nielsen's top programs for Dec. 10-16

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:48 PM PST

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for Dec. 10-16. Listings include the week's ranking and viewership.

Republicans seek to squeeze more from Obama in "fiscal cliff" talks

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:45 PM PST

U.S. House Speaker Boehner speaks at a news conference after a Republican caucus meeting in WashingtonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans tried to squeeze more concessions from the White House on taxes on Tuesday in political maneuvering for a deal that would prevent the U.S. economy from going over the "fiscal cliff" in the new year. With an agreement between President Barack Obama and House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner looking more likely, the Republicans pressed for Democrats to agree to raising taxes only on people making incomes exceeding $1 million a year. ...

CBS dominates week in TV ratings

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:45 PM PST

CBS had little competition for dominance last week in the television ratings.

Ireland to legislate for life-saving abortions

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:42 PM PST

Ireland's government says it will draft a new law spelling out the right of women to receive abortions in cases where the pregnancy poses a risk to their lives — including from a woman's own threats to commit suicide.

Unions plan new offensive after Michigan loss

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:41 PM PST

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2012 file photo, Hallis Mailen, of Madison, Wis., participates in a rally calling for the recall of Gov. Scott Walker at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Organized labor, blindsided by a new law weakening union rights in Michigan, point to Walker, who raised more than $30 million to beat his Democratic opponent in the June recall, as a prime target in the 2014 elections. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart, File)Blindsided by a new law weakening union rights in Michigan, organized labor is preparing to target Republican governors in politically important states up for re-election in 2014 — part of a renewed offensive against perceived anti-union policies.

Samsung drops attempt to ban Apple sales in Europe

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:35 PM PST

File illustration photo shows an Apple iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S, taken in BerlinSTOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Korea's Samsung Electronics on Tuesday said it would drop law suits aimed at banning the sale of Apple Inc. products in Europe just a day after scoring a victory in a battle in the United States with the maker of iPhones. Samsung and Apple, the world's top two smartphone makers, have been locked in patent disputes in at least 10 countries over the last 18 months since Apple sued Samsung, saying the Korean firm copied its best-selling iPhone and iPad. ...

Inouye's death leaves hole in HI political clout

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:30 PM PST

FILE - In this Friday, July 9, 2010 file photo, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, is seen at the ceremony welcoming F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham in Honolulu. Inouye has died of respiratory complications, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, according to Inouye's office. He was 88. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia, File)The death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii leaves open a seat in the Senate to be filled by a Democrat, with U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa the immediate frontrunner thanks to Inouye's wishes.

NBC's Engel, TV crew escape abduction in Syria

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:29 PM PST

In this image made from video, NBC chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel, right, shakes hands with an unidentified person after crossing back into Turkey, after they were freed unharmed following a firefight at a checkpoint after five days of captivity inside Syria, in Cilvegozu, Turkey, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. Engel told the Turkish news agency Anadolu that he and his colleagues are "very happy to be out" and they are "very tired." (AP Photo/Anadolu via AP TV) TURKEY OUT, TV OUTNBC's chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel said Tuesday he and members of his network crew escaped unharmed after five days of captivity in Syria, where more than a dozen pro-regime gunmen dragged them from their car, killed one of their rebel escorts and subjected them to mock executions.

Nielsen and Twitter team to measure TV tweets

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:25 PM PST

Twitter and the TV ratings firm Nielsen are joining forces to create a way to measure TV-related conversation on the micro-blogging site.

New inquiry into 1988 S. Africa disappearances

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:24 PM PST

Ruling party African National Congress (ANC) member Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attends the nominations session for the new leadership of the ANC's elective conference at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)A specialized missing persons unit in South Africa has opened a new investigation into the 1988 disappearance of two men last seen in the company of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Oil rises on continued US budget deal optimism

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:22 PM PST

The price of oil rose Tuesday on a growing belief that political leaders in Washington could soon reach a compromise to head off the dreaded "fiscal cliff."

NBC news team freed in Syria after firefight

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:11 PM PST

Handout photo of Richard Engel, Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News(Reuters) - An NBC news team was freed in Syria during a firefight at an Islamic rebel checkpoint five days after being ambushed and kidnapped by 15 heavily armed gunmen, correspondent Richard Engel said on Tuesday. Engel, 39, who along with production crew members Ghazi Balkiz and John Kooistra disappeared after crossing into northwestern Syria from Turkey on Thursday, said their kidnappers were members of a militia loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. ...

Panetta cites budget woes, Afghan war progress

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:11 PM PST

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Congress Tuesday that the budget stalemate and lawmakers' spending choices are among the greatest threats to the U.S. military today, increasing the stress on the force and making it difficult to fund programs that best keep troops ready to fight.

Ireland rejects latest Ryanair bid for Aer Lingus

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:11 PM PST

The Irish government announced Tuesday it won't sell its 25 percent stake in Aer Lingus to Ryanair because a merged airline would be likely to undermine competition and jobs at the former state carrier.

Winter storm moving through Southwest, Rockies

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:09 PM PST

Don McLachlan shovels out from a winter snow storm at Shelter Cover Resort and Marina on Willamette Pass after a snow storm descended on the area Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. (AP Photo/The Register-Guard, Chris Pietsch)A winter snowstorm is moving through the Rocky Mountain region as many get ready to begin their holiday travels.

Petraeus mistress won't face cyberstalking charge

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:08 PM PST

FILE -- This July 13, 2011, photo made available on the International Security Assistance Force's Flickr website shows the former Commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Gen. Davis Petraeus, left, shaking hands with Paula Broadwell, co-author of "All In: The Education of General David Petraeus." The Justice Department is dropping its investigation of David Petraeus' mistress, Paula Broadwell, into whether she stalked a romantic rival online. (AP Photo/ISAF)The Justice Department is dropping its investigation into whether David Petraeus' mistress, Paula Broadwell, stalked a romantic rival online.

Iraqi president in hospital after suffering stroke

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:04 PM PST

File photo of Iraq's President Talabani speaking to media during a news conference in BaghdadBAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd who has mediated among Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish parties, was in hospital on Tuesday after suffering a stroke that left him in "critical but stable condition", government officials and lawmakers said. Without Talabani, Iraq would lose an influential peace-maker who often eased tensions in the fragile power-sharing government and negotiated in the growing rift over oil between Baghdad and the OPEC member country's autonomous Kurdistan region. Reports on his medical condition varied. ...

APNewsBreak: $1 coin backers give to Harkin center

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:02 PM PST

A South Korean businessman and his Iowa metals company gave $500,000 to a university institute honoring U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, who is pushing for a dollar coin that could generate tens of millions of dollars in new business for the company, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

Berlusconi: voters will say if they're tired of me

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:00 PM PST

Former Italian Premier and People of Freedom party Leader Silvio Berlusconi attends the recording of RAI (Italian State Television) TV talk show "Porta a Porta"(Door to Door) hosted by journalist Bruno Vespa, in Rome, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. Three times premier, Berlusconi insists Italy needs him and says voters soon will indicate if they are tired of him. The media mogul has flip-flopped in recent days on whether he'll run for the premiership in elections expected for February. Berlusconi resigned as premier in 2011 as Italy's debt crisis worsened, making way for economist Mario Monti to take the helm. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)He's been Italy's premier three times. He's a powerful media mogul. And he's considered one of his country's most skilled political campaigners.

Prosecutors: Fla. man planned NY terror bombing

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:53 AM PST

A Pakistani-born man wanted to avenge the deaths of U.S. drone attacks in Afghanistan by blowing up a New York City landmark but lacked the money and materials to carry out the plan, a federal prosecutor said Tuesday.

2 inmates escape from federal prison in Chicago

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:50 AM PST

A rope dangles from a window on the back side of the Metropolitan Correctional Center Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, in Chicago. Two convicted bank robbers used a knotted rope or bed sheets to escape from the federal prison window high above downtown Chicago early Tuesday, a week after one of them made a courtroom vow of retribution, to federal judge. The escape occurred sometime between 5 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. when the inmates were discovered missing, Chicago Police Sgt. Mark Lazarro said. Hours later, what appeared to be a rope, knotted at six-foot intervals, could be seen dangling into an alley from a window of the Metropolitan Correctional Center approximately 20 stories above the ground. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)Two convicted bank robbers were on the run after using a knotted rope or bed sheets to escape from a federal prison window high above downtown Chicago early Tuesday, a week after one of them made a courtroom vow of retribution.

Classes resuming in Newtown, minus Sandy Hook

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:48 AM PST

Students ride a school bus in NewtownWith security stepped up and families still on edge in Newtown, students began returning to school Tuesday for the first time since last week's massacre, bringing a return of familiar routines - at least, for some - to a grief-stricken town as it buries 20 of its children.

Israel presses on with plan for 6,000 new settler homes

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:47 AM PST

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks in Ramat Shlomo, a settlement in an area Israel annexed to JerusalemJERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli officials said they would press on with plans this week to build 6,000 homes for settlers on land claimed by Palestinians, defying criticism from Western powers who fear the move will damage already faint hopes for a peace accord. Stung by de facto recognition of Palestinian sovereignty in a U.N. General Assembly vote last month, Israel announced it would expand settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. An Israeli Interior Ministry planning committee on Monday gave preliminary approval for 1,500 new homes in the Ramat Shlomo settlement. ...

What's on the table now in 'fiscal cliff' talks

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:46 AM PST

Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, arrives for a closed-door meeting with House Republicans as he negotiates with President Obama to avert the fiscal cliff, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)An update on the latest offers on the table in negotiations to avert a year-end avalanche of federal tax increases and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff":

Utah boy brings gun to school, cites Newtown fears

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 11:46 AM PST

Authorities say a Utah sixth-grader caught with a gun at school told administrators he brought the weapon to defend himself in case of an attack similar to the mass shooting last week in Newtown, Conn.
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