More than a foot of snow was expected in parts of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where the National Weather Service warned of "extremely dangerous blizzard conditions." Parts of New England also girded themselves for bone-chilling wind gusts and snow accumulations of up to a foot. The storm was blamed for at least 12 deaths, most in traffic accidents. Full Story »
In these hard times, the Internet is becoming a place where people in need can ask for a handout. There are thousands of appeals on craigslist and on other Web sites devoted to begging like Begslist, CyberBeg and DonateMoney2me.com. Some appeals ask to help make a merry Christmas. Full Story »
Legislation aimed at better policing the financial regulatory system hits the house floor for final debate Wednesday. The financial system overhaul bill is a key part of the president's plan to fix the economy. However, black lawmakers in Congress say the administration isn't doing enough to help struggling minority communities, and they're willing to hold the measure hostage to make their point. Full Story »
South Dakota has some of the largest tracks of Indian trust land in the country. Despite the proposed settlement announced Tuesday, land issues remain an open wound for many Native Americans. Some landowners are pleased with the outcome, while others are calling it a slap in the face. Full Story »
The National Transportation Safety Board warned that illegally imported passenger buses from Mexico pose a threat on U.S. Highways. One such bus was involved in an accident in Southeast Texas that killed one person and injured 46 others. Full Story »
Senate Democrats want to make nearly $120 billion in cuts over the next decade to Medicare Advantage. That's the program where seniors get health coverage from private insurers rather than from traditional government-run Medicare. Republicans have tried twice to reinstate that money, so far unsuccessfully. Full Story »
A group of five moderates and five liberals say they've reached a tentative agreement on the public option but refused to give any details, pending a federal cost estimate expected Wednesday. It was unclear whether the deal jettisons a public option altogether. Full Story »
The New Mexico Environment Department reports that two-thirds of the state's 150 dairies are contaminating groundwater with excess nitrogen from cattle excrement. While no one wants to drive the milk cows out of the state, many want the dairies to clean up their act. Full Story »
Ron Smithfield, the CEO of a Tennessee metal cutting and machine servicing company, is one of the executives who have been forced to deliver some bad news to employees during the recession, including layoffs and reduced hours. Full Story »
Massachusetts Democrats chose Attorney General Martha Coakley to run for the late senator's seat, while Republicans opted for veteran legislator Scott Brown. Coakley is vying to be the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the state. Massachusetts residents had not voted in a Senate race without an incumbent since 1984. Full Story »
