US economy shrinks 0.1 pct., 1st time in 3½ years
Written by CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER,AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy unexpectedly shrank from October through December, the first quarterly drop since 2009 and a reminder of the economy's vulnerability as automatic cuts in government spending loom.
UPDATE: Man linked to Ala. standoff was facing court
Written by PHILLIP RAWLS,Associated Press
MIDLAND CITY, Ala. (AP) — Police, SWAT teams and negotiators surrounded a rural property where a man was believed to be holed up in an underground shelter Wednesday after fatally shooting the driver of a school bus and fleeing with a 6-year-old child passenger.
Slow US economic growth in Q4 may hide strength
Written by CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER,AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Most economists agree that Wednesday's snapshot of U.S. economic growth is going to look dismal.
Giffords, NRA official, to testify at gun hearing
Written by ALAN FRAM,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wounded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was appearing as an unscheduled witness Wednesday at the year's first congressional hearing on curbing gun violence, adding drama to a session that was already slated to hear from a top official of the National Rifle Association.
Green thumb? Wash. state looks for pot consultant
Written by GENE JOHNSON,Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) — Wanted: A green thumb with extensive knowledge of the black, or at least gray, market.
Severe storms pummel central US, Southern states
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A large storm system packing high winds, thunderstorms and the threat of tornadoes is continuing its sweep across several Southern and central U.S. states.
Peace envoy says Syria is 'being destroyed'
Written by PETER JAMES SPIELMANN,Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The international envoy to Syria told the Security Council on Tuesday that "Syria is being destroyed bit by bit" and his mediation effort cannot go forward unless the council unites to push the Syrian government and opposition forces toward some compromise.
Stocks edge higher, pushing Dow toward 14,000
Written by STEVE ROTHWELL,AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks edged higher on Wall Street, pushing the Dow toward 14,000, as investors digested the latest round of earnings and economic reports.