Gov't finances are improving over the short term
Written by TOM RAUM,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The annual federal budget deficit is sinking out of $1 trillion-plus nosebleed territory where it has hovered for the past four years. Government borrowing has dropped to roughly 25 cents for every dollar it spends, down from over 40 cents-per-dollar spent a few years ago. Tax receipts are rising and spending is moderating.
US Officials: North Korea poses serious threat
Written by DONNA CASSATA,Associated Press LARA JAKES,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — An unpredictable North Korea, with its nuclear weapons and missile programs, stands as a serious threat to the United States and East Asia nations, the director of National Intelligence warned Tuesday in a sober assessment of worldwide threats.
College tuition stipends for US airmen suspended
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force has joined other military branches in suspending tuition assistance that thousands of active-duty airmen rely on to pay for college classes.
AP Exclusive: Applying for health care not easy
Written by RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Applying for benefits under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul could be as daunting as doing your taxes.
Reports: Iran mulls suing Hollywood over 'Argo'
Written by NASSER KARIMI,Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran is planning to sue Hollywood over the Oscar-winning "Argo" because of the movie's allegedly "unrealistic portrayal" of the country, Iranian media reported Tuesday.
Senate panel ready to OK gun background checks
Written by ALAN FRAM,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are ready to muscle expanded background checks and other gun curbs through a Senate committee, giving President Barack Obama an initial if temporary victory on one of his top priorities.
Judge strikes down NYC ban on supersized sodas
Written by JENNIFER PELTZ,Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge struck down New York City's pioneering ban on big sugary drinks Monday just hours before it was supposed to take effect, handing a defeat to health-minded Mayor Michael Bloomberg and creating uncertainty for restaurants that had already ordered smaller cups and changed their menus.
Feds bust up $100M NC crop insurance fraud ring
Written by MICHAEL BIESECKER,Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal investigators have unraveled a massive scheme among dozens of insurance agents, claims adjusters, brokers and farmers in eastern North Carolina to steal at least $100 million from the government-backed program that insures crops.