House passes $50.7 billion Sandy relief bill

FILE - In this Oct. 30, 2012, file photo, a man walks with his dog to a National Guard vehicle after leaving his flooded home at the Metropolitan Trailer Park in Moonachie, N.J., in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. The storm drove New York and New Jersey residents from their homes, destroyed belongings and forced them to find shelter for themselves - and for their pets, said owners, who recounted tales...

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Are gun curbs just symbolism?

STORY HIGHLIGHTSGun violence recommendations are expected from Vice President Biden on TuesdayThe proposals are expected to contain substantive and symbolic ideas to curb gun violencePresidents use symbolism to shift public opinion or affect larger political or social changeWashington (CNN) -- The pictures told the story: Vice President Joe Biden looked solemn, patrician and in control as he sat at...

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New report reopens questions over Natalie Wood death

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood icon Natalie Wood may have suffered non-accidental injuries before her 1981 drowning death and ended up in the sea in a "non-volitional" manner, a new coroner's report said Monday.The report, compiled by the LA County Coroner's Office after the case was re-opened in 2011, raises fresh questions about her death and the role of her actor husband Robert Wagner and a...

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Chelsea Clinton: Make a difference

First lady Michelle Obama helps paint a bench at a service event. She and her family will be participating in National Service Day.STORY HIGHLIGHTSChelsea Clinton heads National Day of Service on Saturday, will kick off inauguration weekendAll the states will offer volunteer opportunities everyone can participate in, she writesChelsea Clinton's grandmothers instilled in her family the value of serviceShe...

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N.Y. state about to get first post-Newtown gun law

ALBANY, N.Y. Days after calling for an overhaul of gun control in New York following the Connecticut school shooting, Gov. Andrew Cuomo worked out a tough proposal on gun control with legislative leaders who promised to pass the most restrictive gun law in the nation. The measure was approved by the Senate Monday night, 43-18, on the strength of support from Democrats, many of whom previously sponsored...

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Armstrong Admits Doping in Tour, Sources Say

Lance Armstrong today admitted to Oprah Winfrey that he used performance enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France, sources told ABC News.A goverment source tells ABC News that Armstrong is now talking with authorities about paying back some of the US Postal Service money from sponsoring his team. He is also talking to authorities about confessing and naming names, giving up...

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Is China easing up on local media?

A protester calls for greater media freedom outside the headquarters of Nanfang Media Group in Guangzhou on Jan. 9.STORY HIGHLIGHTSYoung: Handling of Southern Weekly row demonstrated tolerant side of new leadershipTraditional, newer media can serve as tools for achieving goals in China's modernizationThe fight against corruption in China is at the top of the list for incoming leader, Xi JinpingYoung:...

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S'pore property shares tumble after cooling measures

SINGAPORE: Shares of major property developers in Singapore were battered Monday after the government introduced new measures to cool the real estate market at the weekend.By midday, shares of top developers listed on the Singapore Exchange had sunk more than four per cent as investors spooked by the measures dumped the stocks.CapitaLand shed 4.11 per cent to S$3.73, City Developments...

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Fleischer: Hagel is wrong about Israel

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel was nominated by President Obama for defense secretary.STORY HIGHLIGHTSIn 2006, Hagel said 'the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here'Ari Fleischer: The support for Israel isn't because of 'intimidation,' but meritPolls show most Americans view Israel favorably, but don't support Iran or PalestiniansFleischer: Israel is a steady friend of the U.S. and a tolerant...

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North Korea vows to bolster war defenses

PYONGYANG, North Korea North Korea is vowing to strengthen its war defenses amid concerns the country may conduct a third nuclear test. Citing U.S. hostility, Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry said Monday without elaborating that the country will "continue to strengthen its deterrence against all forms of war." A ministry memorandum carried by the Korean Central News Agency urged the U.S. to dismantle...

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