Private US firms take major role vs. cyberattacks
Written by ANNE FLAHERTY,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — When Kevin Mandia, a retired military cybercrime investigator, decided to expose China as a primary threat to U.S. computer networks, he didn't have to consult with American diplomats in Beijing or declassify tactics to safely reveal government secrets.
Chicago district disappointed in ex-congressman
Written by SOPHIA TAREEN,Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Residents in this swath of sprawling Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs have brimmed with loyalty to Jesse Jackson Jr. over the past 17 years, giving him an enthusiastic majority each election — even after questionable links to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, reports of an extramarital affair and a bizarre five-month medical leave.
Sony shows PlayStation 4 capabilities, but no box
Written by DERRIK J. LANG,The Associated Press PETER SVENSSON,The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Sony showed off what the PlayStation 4 can do, but not what it will look like.
Body found in rubble of exploded KC restaurant
Written by BILL DRAPER,Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Search crews at the site of a massive explosion that destroyed a popular Kansas City, Mo., restaurant recovered a body Wednesday, and the mayor said the rubble could be concealing other victims.
Pentagon notifies Congress of likely furloughs
Written by ROBERT BURNS,AP National Security Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if automatic government spending cuts kick in on March 1 he may have to shorten the workweek for the "vast majority" of the Defense Department's 800,000 civilian workers.
Stocks slip following homebuilding slowdown
Written by MATTHEW CRAFT,AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Caterpillar helped drag the stock market lower Wednesday after the industrial giant reported weaker worldwide sales. A mixed report on housing also weighed on the market.
Jesse Jackson Jr. pleads guilty in campaign case
Written by FREDERIC J. FROMMER,Associated Press PETE YOST,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., holding back tears, entered a guilty plea Wednesday in federal court to criminal charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. He faces 46 to 57 months in prison under a plea deal with prosecutors
BP civil settlement remains elusive as trial nears
Written by MICHAEL KUNZELMAN,Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the five Gulf coast states affected by a massive oil spill nearly three years ago have indicated they would like to settle their environmental and economic claims with BP PLC ahead of a trial scheduled to start next week.