1
If you've ever seen an American police show on TV or in the movies, you've seen a dispatcher or an officer on patrol communicate using so-called "ten-codes." These are shorthand codes that have different meanings.2
Country singer Kellie Pickler made some big changes in her personal life and career during the past year. Those changes are reflected on her new album, "100 Proof."3
Coinciding with Spring Fashion Week, which opens February 9, some New York models have launched an advocacy group to press for workplace rights and safeguards against financial exploitation, labor law violations and sexual abuse.4
British soul singer Adele, 23, dominated the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday night, earning six Grammys, including album of the year. There were moving moments at the annual ceremony as the music industry remembered Whitney Houston, who died Saturday -- but the show went on.5
Reuben Kyama | Harare, Zimbabwe6
Many Americans are recalling an icon in the entertainment industry following the death of longtime African American TV producer and music show host Don Cornelius. The 75-year-old Cornelius, who had been in declining heath for years, died Wednesday, February 1 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The television pioneer had an amazing career and incredible impact on the music world.7
William Eagle8
Preschool, or early education, has long been a part of children's lives in the U.S. Now, the benefits of preschool programs have been confirmed for rural African children.9
Art Chimes10
A number of U.S. airlines are in financial trouble. Several have merged or will do so soon.11
As he approached 30, Conor Grennan decided to take a break from what he felt was a monotonous life. Giving up his job and home, he took his life savings and planned a trip around the world, beginning with war-ravaged Nepal. Once there, he began a three-month stint volunteering at an orphanage.12
A new report says Arab countries face a serious food security challenge and that poverty rates are much higher than official numbers suggest. It blames the situation on vulnerability to volatile food prices, natural disasters and water scarcity.13
It is not easy finding a difficult way to perform a simple task. But New Yorker Joseph Herscher takes the trouble to do so, for the sake of making people laugh. A video of his latest outrageously complicated contraption is a big hit on YouTube.14
The U.S. auto industry is rebounding from some of the worst sales years on record. Now, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler are reporting strong profits. The health of the auto industry - and prior government loans to several manufacturers - are key issues for voters in Michigan’s Republican primary in late February, as well as the general election in November.15
The U.S. Senate has voted 96 to 3 to ban insider stock trades by members of Congress. If signed into law, legislators would face criminal penalties for buying or selling stocks based on non-public information given to lawmakers. Our correspondent reports the bill also mandates that members promptly disclose their stock trades in excess of $1,000.16
It has now been four years since the former Serbian province of Kosovo declared its independence. The country has made progress in that time, but major challenges remain, including establishing stability, extending government authority throughout the territory, and improving the economy. The relationship with Serbia - which has not recognized the independence of its former province - is at the core of these challenges.17
The man widely expected to become China's next Communist Party leader delivered a major policy address before American business leaders on Wednesday. Ahead of the speech, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden jointly announced progress on a number of key commercial and trade issues between the two countries.18
For many people, chocolate is a guilty pleasure. For sisters Frances and Ginger Park, Korean Americans, it's sweet success. They opened Washington's first gourmet chocolate shop more than a quarter century ago. In addition to running their shop, they have published award winning books embracing their family's roots and the American Dream.19
Final negotiations begin in July on the Arms Trade Treaty. The agreement would control the global trade in conventional weapons from rifles to tanks to warships. This week, the last round of preliminary talks is being held in New York.20
The commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps General John Allen, says the plan for a transition to full Afghan security control is intact after the announcement that American troops will largely end their combat duties next year, rather than the following year as had been widely expected.21
Experts say it's the largest coordinated effort ever - to fight diseases that are widespread, but normally don't get much attention. The new initiative launched in London this week has drawn almost $800 million in pledges to combat 10 so-called "neglected" diseases - such as sleeping sickness and guinea worm - that affect more than a billion people around the globe.22
Americans are getting their first national museum devoted exclusively to African American life, art, history and culture. When complete it will be the Smithsonian Institution's 19th museum.23
The failure of Western and Arab League efforts to persuade the Syrian government to end its violent crackdown against protesters is raising new fears of what lies ahead.24
Scientists say in the ancient past, higher temperatures meant smaller mammals. They're studying how a brief, but dramatic climate change event affected body size.25
Scientists have taken the first step toward making it possible to eavesdrop on people's thoughts by successfully decoding brain waves associated with hearing.26
If humans are responsible for speeding the climate change currently underway, it may not be the first time. Scientists say a long time ago in Central Africa, early farmers may have contributed to the disappearance of rainforests. The question is being raised in the journal Science.27
Since the late 1920s, Japanese coffee shops catering to jazz music fans have been a fixture in cities across the country. For decades, they disseminated cutting-edge Western culture and later, the counter-culture to students, intellectuals and music aficionados. Although the number of venues are dwindling, they have survived the digital age.28
The American Cancer Society says in its annual report that fewer Americans are dying of cancer, but doctors are seeing more patients with cancers linked to obesity, including pancreatic and kidney cancers. And while breast cancer patients are living longer, the risks of developing this type of tumor are rising along with the growing rates of obesity.29
Art Chimes30
Egypt's decision to bring criminal charges against 19 Americans and other activists is deepening a rift between Washington and Cairo at a time of growing instability in the Middle East. The charges are tied to an investigation into illegal foreign funding of non-governmental organizations.31
Five leading ladies are competing for the Oscar for best actress in a leading role. All have offered weighty performances but some are a cut above.32
The other day, a few of us here at got to talking about occupations that have grown obsolete, or nearly so, in these fast-changing times. Typewriter repair technician for one. And typist, come to think of it.33
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favor of Sub-Saharan African migrants who had sought asylum in Italy in 2009. Italy had intercepted the migrants' boats at sea and returned them to Libya. The decision could have broad implications for European immigration policies.34
How do you fix education in Africa, where students have far fewer opportunities than their counterparts in other parts of the world? There are two schools of thought on the subject: do you invest bottom up? Or top down?35
U.S. Homeland Security officials say the flow of counterfeit goods into the United States is on the rise, and is especially a problem ahead of big sporting events, such as Sunday's Super Bowl. But federal agents are striking back. They recently seized more $6 million in merchandise and shut down more than 300 illegal websites as part of "Operation Fake Sweep”.36
Financially empowering young women in poor countries may help protect them against sexually transmitted diseases. A new study shows that addressing poverty can help prevent risky behavior.37
Ricci Shryock38
The United States may get its first Mormon president this year, if Republican candidate Mitt Romney prevails in his bid. But in France, the Mormon faith is viewed with deep suspicion and a project to build the country's first Mormon temple is proving to be controversial. The temple is expected to be located in the Paris suburb of Chesnay, where the temple is expected to be located.39
'Almost like vaccination'40
Only a handful of nations have known the pure joy of winning a World Cup soccer championship. Cities whose teams win a league championship in any sport are more common, but nonetheless rare. On Sunday, the New York Giants won the Super Bowl, the championship of American-style football, creating the thrill of victory recognized by sports fans everywhere.41
An independent analysis shows the U.S. national debt would grow under tax policies proposed by all four Republican candidates running for president. And of the four, only one comes close to balancing the budget.42
Developing countries with potential mineral riches have often fallen prey to corruption and mismanagement. As a result, they've failed to benefit from their natural resources and remained in poverty. Now, new guidelines have been drawn up to help such countries harness their mineral wealth.43
Frostbite, sleep-deprivation and harrowing descents in pitch blackness are all part of the strange allure of the Arrowhead 135, a two-day 135 mile (217 kilometer) race that takes place each winter in far northern Minnesota.44
The risk of heart attack goes way up in the hours and days after the death of a loved on, according to new research.45
U.S. researchers say that deaths related to HIV/AIDS having decreasing, the number of deaths from the hepatitis C virus has been on the raise. according to U.S. researchers. As a result, more Americans are now dying from hepatitis C than from HIV/AIDS.46
These days, words like "speed," "flexibility," and "high-tech" describe the American culture - and a lot of the nation's business operations.47
A government health agency says the United States is in the grip of an epidemic of prescription drug overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more people die from such overdoses than from all illegal drugs combined. And accidental prescription drug deaths in the United States each year outnumber highway traffic fatalities. Recent celebrity deaths from apparent prescription drug overdoses have helped to put this public health problem into the spotlight.48
American music and movie star Whitney Houston died February 11 in Los Angeles at the age of 48. Although she was known to struggle with drug and alcohol abuse, the cause of her death is still to be determined. Meantime, her body was flown to her home town in New Jersey for burial. And fans have come from near and far to pay respects to her talent.49
India's capital has held its first ever large-scale drill for a potential disaster. The drill highlights some of the public awareness and logistical challenges India faces as its economy expands.50
India's economy is growing at a blistering pace, and while that is increasing welfare for millions, it's also raising some alarming public health red flags.51
Researchers say indigenous people are among the most vulnerable to climate change. They're studying how extreme weather events can trigger more disease outbreaks.52
Scientists have discovered structural abnormalities in the brains of drug addicts and their non-addicted siblings, a finding that suggests there may be an inherited vulnerability to addiction, and that behavioral therapies could help addicts recover.53
Films from five nations are competing for the Best Foreign Language Oscar this year. "Will you come?" asks the wife. "No, I won't" he responds. She wants to leave Iran; he wants to stay. Iranian writer-director Asghar Farhadi has been collecting numerous awards for his film, A Separation, including the Golden Globe, which he accepted with a reference to international tensions.54
There's more evidence that the U.S. economy is improving. The U.S. Labor Department says private sector companies added 243,000 jobs in January, pushing the unemployment rate down to 8.3 percent from 8.5 in December. The latest reading lifted the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its highest close since before the 2010 financial crisis, and helped lift investor confidence around the world.55
New studies suggest that weak land rights are fueling a land rush in Africa and elsewhere. The findings say the sell-off of forests and other prime lands to developers could trigger widespread civil unrest.56
Immigrants are often caught between the cultures of their homeland and their adopted country. Mexican American playwright Josefina Lopez is showcasing the struggles of Latino immigrants through film, and through a community theater in Los Angeles. Our correspondent spoke with her about bringing those immigrant stories to the public.57
Tuesday, Feb. 14 is Valentine's Day, an annual occasion which celebrates romantic love. However, love is not only a matter of the heart. Brain researchers have discovered romance has a complex biochemical nature.58
More than 1.5 billion people don't have access to electricity, according to the United Nations Development Program. That means, among other things, that school children with homework to do are left in the dark. But some poor, rural areas that lack electricity may find they can generate it from something many do have plenty of: coconut shells and fruit pits.59
A new study says men in sub-Saharan Africa are not accessing HIV/AIDS treatment nearly as often as women. That means many are dying prematurely. Researchers are calling for a more balanced approach to gender in fighting the epidemic.60
Treating people infected with the AIDS virus involves using a combination of antiretroviral drugs. But some combinations work better than others. Now, a mathematical formula has been developed that may eventually help doctors decide which drugs to use.61
Most actors perform in movies, TV or theatres, but for others, the stage is an exam room at a medical school.62
Kane Farabaugh | Kalamazoo, Michigan63
A new study conducted in Bangladesh finds that pregnant women who get vaccinated against influenza are less likely to have low birth weight babies. And the benefits for the baby can last all life time.64
The U.S. space agency is celebrating a major anniversary this month as it prepares for a challenging future in an age of strained budgets.65
NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels this week to discuss the way forward in Afghanistan, among other issues. The previously-scheduled gathering comes in the wake of the French president’s announcement that he wants his combat troops out of Afghanistan a year ahead of schedule.66
Joe DeCapua67
The Obama administration last week committed $50 million to accelerate research on Alzheimer's disease. Scientists say recent breakthroughs in understanding the causes and progression of the brain-wasting illness give them new hope that an effective treatment or even a cure can be found.68
Cambodian immigrants in Los Angeles, California, who want to vote in November’s U.S. presidential election are getting help this year. Some 60,000 Cambodians live in the area -- so election officials plan to provide voting material for them in the Khmer language. And in the nearby city of Long Beach, students at a citizenship class are learning as much as they can, as fast as they can.69
A pilot project gets underway soon to test whether mobile phones can be used to help educate the poor. It's estimated three quarters of the world's poor have access to mobile phones.70
Ford's Theater in Washington has opened a new Center for Education and Leadership. Its focus is President Abraham Lincoln, who led the United States during the civil war in the 1860s and died by an assassin while attending a performance at Ford's Theater.71
In less than a week, voters in the northeastern state of New Hampshire will cast ballots in the first U.S. presidential primary, following last Tuesday's Iowa caucuses. People going to the polls in New Hampshire are looking at very different issues in deciding who should be the Republican candidate to challenge President Barack Obama in the November election.72
Construction is expected to be finished at the end of this month in Japan on the world's largest self-supporting tower. It will be the second highest man-made structure in the world, surpassed only by Dubai's 829-meter-high Burj Kalifa skyscraper. The Sky Tree is poised to supersede the 54-year-old Tokyo Tower in more ways than one.73
U.S. President Barack Obama will welcome China's Vice President Xi Jinping to the White House on Tuesday. Xi is expected to assume the presidency of China next year and the talks come amid major challenges in the U.S.-China relationship.74
President Barack Obama's cautious response to the popular uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa has drawn frequent criticism. But a year after the Arab Spring protests began, some regional experts say, the administration’s strategy paid off.75
It's been said of late that the two most popular subjects on the Web, and in videos viewed on handheld media as well, are pornography and cats.76
An epic children's adventure set in 1930's Paris has garnered the most Oscar nominations of any film this year: 11, including best picture and best director for Martin Scorcese. Here's a look at Hugo.77
Most people consider film to be purely visual. Yet a movie's music, or score, plays a key role in conveying the work's message.78
At "A Dog's Day Out" in Alexandria, Virginia, people bring in their dogs to stay either for the day or overnight.79
As Egyptians mark one year since popular protests forced their long-time President Hosni Mubarak from office, further south in sub-Saharan Africa, analysts say people power movements are gaining traction as well.80
The FBI and Capitol Police arrested a man Friday that they say intended to detonate a suicide bomb at the U.S. Capitol.81
The Obama administration is pressing the U.S. Congress to extend a temporary cut in taxes used to fund the federal retirement system known as Social Security. Chances for a full-year extension seemed to improve after Republican congressional leaders dropped a demand to offset reduced revenue with spending cuts.82
The political process in the United States to pick the candidates to run for president is a long one, and the next stop is the primary election in the northeastern U.S. state of New Hampshire. On January 10, the state holds the campaign's first regular primary after the opening caucuses in Iowa. Primary elections set the stage for the November, 2012 showdown between the Democratic and Republican parties.83
Several public and private organizations are working together to help homeless U.S. military veterans in New York.84
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the United States' cattle herd has shrunk to its smallest size in 60 years, mostly because of a severe drought that has ravaged the southern plains. Beef prices have gone up 17 percent as a result. In the pastures near Hallsburg,Texas, ranchers are hanging on desperately, hoping for rain.85
The Mediterranean Sea was a deadliest stretch of water in 2011for refugees and migrants. The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, says more than 1500 people drowned or went missing while fleeing Africa for Europe.86
After more than a decade of drilling in Antarctica, Russian scientists have reportedly reached the surface of a giant freshwater lake hidden under nearly four kilometers of ice. Lake Vostok has not been exposed to light or air in more than 15 million years and scientists believe it could contain life forms that existed before the Ice Age.87
Santorum, Romney in Virtual Tie in Race for US Republican Nomination88
U.S. scientists have done what was once considered science fiction - regrown heart muscle to replace tissue that was killed off in a heart attack. It's the latest advance in the field of regenerative medicine.89
Massage not only feels good, it does good. It is a regular feature of locker rooms, to soothe the overworked muscles of athletes, and physical therapy sessions, to help patients recover from injuries.90
Protesters clashed again with security forces at recent demonstrations in Dakar. The protesters want President Abdoulaye Wade to abandon his bid for a third term.91
As presidential hopefuls began campaigning for Senegal's February 26 election, the sole female candidate, Amsatou Sow Sidibe, was touring the country's coast shaking hands and speaking to the market women along the beaches of the country's capital. "I'm with the women along the sea who sell the fish," she said from Dakar. "I'm doing a tour of the coast and talking to fishermen and those who sell the fish, because without them the country cannot properly feed itself."92
More and more Cambodian-Americans are finding their own voice in art and music. Add to that list musician Bochan Huy, who grew up in Oakland, California, and has just released her first album, Full Monday Moon.93
Small Businesses Offer Taste of Economic Growth94
In Somalia, thousands of already displaced people are fleeing new fighting northwest of Mogadishu. Many are heading for the capital where humanitarian agencies are setting up emergency relief operations.95
At the end of last year, about 350,000 Grade 12 students in South Africa passed their final exams. While some celebrated, others pondered their next move. In reality, a very small group of those who had passed, had achieved grades good enough to qualify for university admission. And of this reduced pool, very few can afford to pay for their tertiary education.96
Since 1994, after the introduction of compulsory education in South Africa, the number of children attending school has risen sharply. However, structural problems in the education system have resulted in many poorly prepared high school graduates and high numbers of dropouts in the final grades.In December, the South Africa government hailed the 70 percent pass rate for percent high school final exams, as a major achievement. It has risen every year since 2008 when 62.5 percent of students passed.97
South Sudan and Sudan have been engaged in a war of words since the south stopped pumping oil to the north in a dispute about pricing. Both sides have warned that a return to violence is a possibility.98
Ted Landphair99
With 17 Oscar nominations, Meryl Streep has joined the pantheon of great thespians but, despite being the most nominated actress in history, she has not won an Oscar since 1982.100
Many people in the United States and around the world like to share special gifts and cards with their loved ones every year on February 14, Valentine's Day. Originally a day to honor a Christian saint, it is no longer associated with any particular faith. It has become synonymous with expressions of love - and most of all, gifts of chocolate. These days, some might feel guilty about sharing such high-fat, high-calorie confections. But nutritionists say a little bit of chocolate can be very good for your health.101
Art Chimes102
A new study of epilepsy patients who had surgery to treat their illness decades ago indicates that seizures can be controlled safely and effectively with surgery.103
New research confirms removing polyps detected during colonoscopies saves lives.104
Research over the past several years shows that heavy users of social media tend to be less happy than non-users. But a new academic study now suggests that social media tools like Facebook can also affect how we perceive the happiness of others.105
The championship game of the U.S. National Football League, known as the Super Bowl, is the single most popular sporting event in the United States. While millions of people watch the game around the world on television, fans of teams competing in the final game of the American football season spend big money for a chance to experience the event in person.106
A wildlife rescue foundation in Thailand says it is being harassed by the government for speaking out about alleged official involvement in elephant poaching. 's Daniel Schearf reports from Phetchaburi province, where parks department officers have been raiding the group's compound.107
The Artist, a film that pays homage to early Hollywood, earned top honors at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday evening. The French film won five awards, including the key Oscars for best picture and best director.108
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has nominated nine films for best picture. Of these, only one will make Oscar history.109
A government raid on a meeting of gay rights activists in Uganda has prompted debate on the country's stance towards homosexuals. Daniel Kalinaki, managing editor of Uganda's Daily Monitor newspaper, spoke with correspondent Gabe Joselow about his recent opinion piece arguing that the threat to gay rights is a threat to justice throughout the country.110
Experts say there is a high likelihood of a big earthquake hitting the huge metropolis of Tokyo in the next few years. Authorities are trying to ensure the city is as prepared as possible for another large quake.111
Representatives of more than 70 countries and organizations are gathering outside the Tunisian capital, Tunis, for a conference Friday aimed at supporting the Syrian opposition. Getting aid to civilians caught up in Syria's violence will be high on the agenda.112
February is observed as Black History Month in the United States and Canada. The original goal was to educate Americans about African-American history, focusing on African Americans' cultural backgrounds and achievements. In New York, the month began with a rare look at the 13th Amendment, the amendment to the U.S. Constitution that freed the slaves. One of only 14 copies signed by President Abraham Lincoln is on loan to the New York Historical Society.113
One of the first questions an American college student often gets is, "What are you majoring in?" Meaning, what academic subject are you spending most of your time studying?114
The American aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, has just finished a mission in the Persian Gulf and sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, not far from the Iranian coast. The transit took place amid rising tension over Iran's nuclear program, and Tehran's threats to close the strait’s vital shippinganes.115
When President Obama announced his new global defense strategy in January, he put the emphasis on Asia, and focused his budget decisions on developing air, sea and special operations capabilities most appropriate for potential security threats in that region. That raised some questions about the security of Europe, where the United States is the main defense partner.116
While the White House hails data showing an improved U.S. labor market, Republican presidential contenders continue to blast President Barack Obama's economic performance.117
Before World War II, African Americans were not allowed to pilot aircraft in the U.S. military. Racism prevented them from serving equally with their white counterparts. But a group known as the Tuskegee Airmen helped to tear down racial barriers and paved the way for desegregation of the armed forces in 1948 and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Despite those accomplishments, there are fewer African Americans serving similar combat roles in today’s U.S. Air Force.118
The United States is moving to restore its relationship with Pakistan, which was severely damaged during the past year by a series of incidents.119
Both major U.S. political parties - the Democrats and the Republicans - spend massive sums of money on the race to win the White House. This effort is highly regulated by U.S. laws meant to ensure accountability and transparency. In this segment of How America Elects, 's Jeffrey Young looks at campaign financing and the rules that control it.120
The Republican Party's presidential candidates have been confronting each other in a series of debates meant to give voters a sense of where each aspirant stands on critical issues. These debates serve to deliver messages from the candidates about themselves and their rivals.121
U.S. officials say Iran is increasingly active in backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's campaign of violence against his own people.122
Security officials say the crowds expected in Indianapolis for the NFL's Super Bowl championship game are tempting targets for terrorists. An operation in place to protect the Super Bowl 46 site is billed as "the most technologically advanced security operation" in the U.S. On the ground and in the air, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency plays a large role in helping keep everyone safe.123
U.S. senators are warning Latin American nations against deepening financial and military ties with Iran, pledging heightened U.S. vigilance of Iranian activities in the Western Hemisphere. The Senate's Foreign Relations Subcommittee took a close look Thursday at Tehran's dealings with Latin America.124
The rate of natural increase of the U.S. population - births minus deaths - is about one percent per year. However, the growth rates of American Indian tribes over the past decade has been two or three times as high, depending on the tribe. Enrolling in a tribe is not like immigrating to another country or joining a social club. Tribal citizenship is based on blood lines.125
Every day, and certainly on Sunday when many newspapers produce a separate comics section, millions of Americans check out the strip called "Dilbert," created by cartoonist Scott Adams. It satirizes worklife in white-collar offices, particularly those in which people toil in confined spaces called "cubicles."126
A top Vatican official is blasting bishops for what he calls their "deadly culture of silence" in dealing with the church's child sex abuse scandal.127
Campaigning in the West African state of Senegal is officially underway, with rivals of incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade pledging to unite to force him to withdraw his candidacy in the February 26th elections. Although Senegal's constitutional council has declared Mr. Wade's candidacy valid, his opponents say his bid for a third term is illegal. Our reporter speaks to some Senegalese who'll be voting in a couple of weeks in Washington.128
Whitney Houston, who died February 11 in Beverly Hills, California, is being remembered across the globe as a trailblazer. Here's a look back at her rise to superstardom and the songs that made her one of pop music's most celebrated divas.129
A new malaria prevention strategy might literally be blowing in the wind.130
Art Chimes131
The World Bank says regional trade barriers are blocking African countries from billions of dollars in potential earnings. It says it's easier for those countries to trade with other parts of the world than with each other. The World Bank has released a new report – called De-Fragmenting Africa: Deepening Regional Integration.