Home-price index falls to lowest point since 2002 - Yahoo! News

Home-price index falls to lowest point since 2002 - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – An index of home prices in big metro areas has reached its lowest level since 2002, driven down by foreclosures, a glut of unsold homes and the reluctance or inability of many to buy."

Consumer confidence falls unexpectedly in May - Yahoo! Finance

Consumer confidence falls unexpectedly in May - Yahoo! Finance: "Americans are losing faith that the economy will keep improving, according to a monthly survey."

Limousine liberals? Number of government-owned limos has soared under Obama | iWatch News

Limousine liberals? Number of government-owned limos has soared under Obama | iWatch News: "Limousines, the very symbol of wealth and excess, are usually the domain of corporate executives and the rich. But the number of limos owned by Uncle Sam increased by 73 percent during the first two years of the Obama administration, according to an analysis of records by iWatch News."

Myrtle Beach police inundated with crime during 8-hour window - Local - TheSunNews.com

Myrtle Beach police inundated with crime during 8-hour window - Local - TheSunNews.com: "Myrtle Beach police received reports of five armed robberies, a stabbing, a shooting and an incident involving a shotgun being pointed at a security guard during a nearly eight-hour period in the city early Sunday and Monday."

Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida

Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida: "Since Monday, more than 300,000 Gay South Florida readers have viewed Herb Sosa's open letter to Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, the Beach commission and 'concerned citizens' about Urban Weekend"

Obama Approves $20 Billion In Assistance for Egypt & Tunisia | The Gateway Pundit

Obama Approves $20 Billion In Assistance for Egypt & Tunisia | The Gateway Pundit: "Evidently, it doesn’t appear to bother Obama that Christians are worried that Egypt is already being hijacked by the Islamists."

Supreme Court Sides With AZ Over Illegal Worker Law | The Blaze

Supreme Court Sides With AZ Over Illegal Worker Law | The Blaze: "WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has sustained Arizona’s law that penalizes businesses for hiring workers who are in the United States illegally, rejecting arguments that states have no role in immigration matters."

‘Hate the Jew, Hate the Capitalist:’ Glenn Explains Why Defending Israel Is So Important | The Blaze

‘Hate the Jew, Hate the Capitalist:’ Glenn Explains Why Defending Israel Is So Important | The Blaze: "On Radio today, Glenn Beck lamented world silence as hatred for the Jews seems to again be rearing its ugly head. During an almost 14-minute monologue, Beck detailed some odd circumstances that have contributed to the sentiment, from recent Obama actions to the rise of a new Egyptian Nazi Party."

Pending Home Sales: Pending Home Sales Dive 11.6% in April - CNBC

Pending Home Sales: Pending Home Sales Dive 11.6% in April - CNBC: "Pending sales of existing U.S. homes dropped far more than expected in April to touch a seven-month low, a trade group said on Friday, dealing a blow to hopes of a recovery in the housing market."

Yemen on brink of civil war as fighting worsens - Yahoo! News

Yemen on brink of civil war as fighting worsens - Yahoo! News: "SANAA (Reuters) - Yemeni tribesmen said they wrested a military compound from elite troops loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh outside the capital Sanaa on Friday as increased fighting threatened to tip the country into civil war."

News from The Associated Press

News from The Associated Press: "CAIRO (AP) -- Thousands of protesters returned to downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday for what they called a 'second revolution,' calling for Egypt's military rulers to speed up the pace of democratic reforms in a country that is still charting its political future."

Global Economic Rebound Weakens on Quake, Oil Price, European Debt Crisis - Bloomberg

Global Economic Rebound Weakens on Quake, Oil Price, European Debt Crisis - Bloomberg: "The world economy is losing strength halfway through the year as high oil prices and fallout from Japan’s natural disaster and Europe’s debt woes take their toll."

Senate rejects Ryan budget plan | The Washington Independent

Senate rejects Ryan budget plan | The Washington Independent: "The Senate today voted against the U.S. House of Representatives budget proposal for the 2012 fiscal year, 40-57. The House bill was sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis"

Incredible Okla. Tornado Video Catches Telephone Pole Hovering in Mid-Air | The Blaze

Incredible Okla. Tornado Video Catches Telephone Pole Hovering in Mid-Air | The Blaze: "Local station KFOR-TV in Oklahoma captured some incredible footage of a tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City last night. While doing a live report, the crew found itself in the middle of the twister. At one point in its coverage, the cameraman films telephone poles being ripped out of the ground, and as the news van turns to flee, one such pole appears to hover in mid-air over the road, barely missing the vehicle:"

Calif. School Tells Elementary Students There Are More Than 2 Gender ‘Options’ | The Blaze

Calif. School Tells Elementary Students There Are More Than 2 Gender ‘Options’ | The Blaze: "Who says elementary school is too early to start discussing gender issues?

This week, educators at Redwood Heights Elementary School in Oakland, California, are teaching young children all about the complicated world of “gender diversity.” The school has designed curriculum for every grade level. Amid the resulting controversy, Principal Sara Stone is defending the initiative, claiming that it is in line with what parents want:"

Weekly Jobless Claims Rise to 424,000 | The Blaze

Weekly Jobless Claims Rise to 424,000 | The Blaze: "More people applied for unemployment benefits last week, the first increase in three weeks and evidence that the job market is still sluggish."

See A Sneak Peek of Sarah Palin‘s New Documentary ’The Undefeated’ | The Blaze

See A Sneak Peek of Sarah Palin‘s New Documentary ’The Undefeated’ | The Blaze: "On TV last night, Sean Hannity gave a sneak peek of the new Sarah Palin documentary that details her time in Alaska and her political career. It’s called “The Undefeated,” and it’s set to premiere in Iowa in June. That’s important because the time and place of release has many speculating it could kick of a 2012 presidential run."

RealClearPolitics - Video - Congressman On Recent Flight: TSA Patted Down Child, Little Old Lady; Ignored Man In Arab Garb

RealClearPolitics - Video - Congressman On Recent Flight: TSA Patted Down Child, Little Old Lady; Ignored Man In Arab Garb: "'I walked through … right behind me there was a grandmother — little old lady, and she was was patted down,' Rep. Paul Broun (R-Georgia) said on C-SPAN's 'Washington Journal.'"

Barney Frank knocked on his Fannie - BostonHerald.com

Barney Frank knocked on his Fannie - BostonHerald.com: "U.S. Rep. Barney Frank admitted he helped his ex-lover land a lucrative post with Fannie Mae in the early 1990s while the Newton Democrat was on a committee that regulated the lending giant — but he called questions of a potential ethical conflict “nonsense.”"

The six-block scar: Amazing satellite photos pinpoint devastation of Joplin, the town wiped off map by deadliest tornado in modern times | Mail Online

The six-block scar: Amazing satellite photos pinpoint devastation of Joplin, the town wiped off map by deadliest tornado in modern times | Mail Online: "Following the devastating tornado which ripped though Joplin at the weekend, these satellite images show the extent of the damage.

After and before aerial photos show the shocking extent of the damage caused by the twister in the Missouri city - this image show a six-block path of destruction."

New leak feared at stricken Japan nuclear plant - Yahoo! News

New leak feared at stricken Japan nuclear plant - Yahoo! News: "TOKYO (Reuters) - Radioactive water appears to be leaking from a waste disposal building at Japan's Fukushima nuclear complex, operator Tokyo Electric Power said on Thursday, in a new setback to the battle to contain radiation from the crippled power plant."

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn Report Shows Taxpayer Money Spent on Robots That Fold Laundry, Shrimp on Treadmills - ABC News

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn Report Shows Taxpayer Money Spent on Robots That Fold Laundry, Shrimp on Treadmills - ABC News: "You've probably heard of shrimp on the barbie, but what about shrimp on a treadmill?

The National Science Foundation has, and it spent $500,000 of taxpayer money researching it. It's not entirely clear what this research hoped to establish"

Foreclosure sales 'astronomically high' in Q1 - Business - Personal finance - Real estate - msnbc.com

Foreclosure sales 'astronomically high' in Q1 - Business - Personal finance - Real estate - msnbc.com: "LOS ANGELES — Sales of homes in some stage of foreclosure declined in the first three months of the year, but they still accounted for 28 percent of all home sales — a share nearly six times higher than what it would be in a healthy housing market."

These Are Obama‘s ’Top 10′ Insults Against Britain | The Blaze

These Are Obama‘s ’Top 10′ Insults Against Britain | The Blaze: "On the heels of Obama flubbing a toast to the queen (and talking over the British national anthem), it seems only appropriate to bring you what one British reporter has dubbed Obama’s “top 10” insults against Britain."

Caught on Vid: Deadly Okla. Tornado Rips Through Semi Truck | The Blaze

Caught on Vid: Deadly Okla. Tornado Rips Through Semi Truck | The Blaze: "(The Blaze/AP) — On the heels of the deadliest single tornado since the weather service began keeping official records in 1950, and the eighth-deadliest in U.S. history, in Joplin, MO, another group of violent storms swept through the central U.S. and killed at least 13 people in three states.* Eight of those fatalities occurred in Oklahoma. And the video below shows why."

9% Unemployment, $14 Trillion In Debt, & No Budget… It’s Bonus Time! | The Blaze

9% Unemployment, $14 Trillion In Debt, & No Budget… It’s Bonus Time! | The Blaze: "Let’s role play a little situation. (Try not to make the obvious comparisons to Congress.)

Your company is hemorrhaging cash, falling deeper into debt than even your accountants can imagine.
You choose to INCREASE spending, claiming “ya gotta spend money to make money.”
You are also so busy arguing with middle management that you can’t find time to make a budget that might get you back on track.
It appears that your job is about to be eliminated.
There is only one thing left to do – give bonuses to as many employees as possible"

Incredible Okla. Tornado Video Catches Telephone Pole Hovering in Mid-Air | The Blaze

Incredible Okla. Tornado Video Catches Telephone Pole Hovering in Mid-Air | The Blaze: "Local station KFOR-TV in Oklahoma captured some incredible footage of a tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City last night. While doing a live report, the crew found itself in the middle of the twister. At one point in its coverage, the cameraman films telephone poles being ripped out of the ground, and as the news van turns to flee, one such pole appears to hover in mid-air over the road, barely missing the vehicle:"

Obama skirts rule of law to reward pals, punish foes | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner

Obama skirts rule of law to reward pals, punish foes | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner: "Question: What do the following have in common? Eckert Cold Storage Co., Kerly Homes of Yuma, Classic Party Rentals, West Coast Turf Inc., Ellenbecker Investment Group Inc., Only in San Francisco, Hotel Nikko, International Pacific Halibut Commission, City of Puyallup, Local 485 Health and Welfare Fund, Chicago Plastering Institute Health & Welfare Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Teamsters Local 522 Fund Welfare Fund Roofers Division, StayWell Saipan Basic Plan, CIGNA, Caribbean Workers' Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Health and Welfare Plan."

Column: Is Obama grounding JFK's space legacy? - USATODAY.com

Column: Is Obama grounding JFK's space legacy? - USATODAY.com: "'First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.'—President John F. Kennedy, Joint Session of Congress, May 25, 1961"

iPads for kindergarteners?

iPads for kindergarteners?: "BURNHAM (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Parents in Ashburnham are questioning a school proposal to buy 150 new iPads for children in kindergarten"

Lawmakers Concerned About Ex-IMF Director's 'Golden Parachute' - FoxNews.com

Lawmakers Concerned About Ex-IMF Director's 'Golden Parachute' - FoxNews.com: "The former head of the International Monetary Fund accused of sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid will receive a $250,000 severance payment -- paid in part courtesy of the American taxpayer -- unless U.S. lawmakers can stop the 'golden parachute' from landing in the French politician's bank account."

North Texans assess damage after biggest storms in years | Local News | News from Fort W...

North Texans assess damage after biggest storms in years | Local News | News from Fort W...: "Reports of large hail, damaging winds and minor to moderate structural damage were trickling into the National Weather Service Fort Worth office early this morning after three rounds of storms swept through North Texas on Tuesday night"

After Joplin Tornado, a Search for the Missing - NYTimes.com

After Joplin Tornado, a Search for the Missing - NYTimes.com: "JOPLIN, Mo. — The sun shone for the first time in days on this devastated city on Tuesday, illuminating the full extent of the damage as rescue workers performed the grim task of searching for survivors and victims in buildings leveled by the United States’ deadliest tornado since modern record-keeping began."

Tornadoes touch down in Oklahoma - CBS News

Tornadoes touch down in Oklahoma - CBS News: "A broad tornado has blown through the Oklahoma City metropolitan area at the start of evening rush hour. State offices and a number of businesses let their workers go home hours earlier so they could be out of harm's way."

Europe in wrangle over airspace closure rules - Yahoo! News

Europe in wrangle over airspace closure rules - Yahoo! News: "PARIS/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - New airspace closure rules decided after last year's Icelandic volcanic eruption have caused divisions in Europe on how to decide whether airlines can fly near the ash cloud."

Unbelievable Before-and-After Picture From Joplin, MO Neighborhood | The Blaze

Unbelievable Before-and-After Picture From Joplin, MO Neighborhood | The Blaze: "Buzzfeed has posted an alleged before-and-after picture from a Joplin, MO neighborhood that shows just how utterly devastating the F4 tornado from earlier this week was."

Obama Signs Westminster Abbey Guest Book…Using 2008 Date! | The Blaze

Obama Signs Westminster Abbey Guest Book…Using 2008 Date! | The Blaze: "2008 was a good year for Barack Obama. He won the election and became the first black president, after all. And even though it’s now 2011, it seems 2008 is still at the forefront of Obama’s mind. See, while on his state visit in London today, Obama signed the guest book at the famed Westminster Abbey, but he didn’t date it May 24, 2011 — instead he put “24 May 2008:”"

Classic Plains Tornado Outbreak Ingredients - weather.com

Classic Plains Tornado Outbreak Ingredients - weather.com: "Sadly, given the events in Joplin, Mo. and Minneapolis this past weekend, we are not through with severe weather this week. Not by a longshot."

Searchers, dogs scour Missouri tornado wreckage - Yahoo! News

Searchers, dogs scour Missouri tornado wreckage - Yahoo! News: "JOPLIN, Missouri (Reuters) - First they found his dark blue teddy bear. Then frantic relatives searching for toddler Skyular Logsdon spotted his red T-shirt and pants, torn, rain-soaked and wrapped around a telephone pole."

Q & A: Tim Pawlenty on Evangelicals and the Issues | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Q & A: Tim Pawlenty on Evangelicals and the Issues | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction: "Tim Pawlenty knows that he doesn't carry the same name recognition that former Alaska governor Sarah Palin does, but that doesn't keep him from testing the 2012 presidential waters. The former governor of Minnesota said recently that he is 'leaning' towards a run as he promotes his new book Courage to Stand (Tyndale). An outspoken evangelical, Pawlenty attends Wooddale Church, led by Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals"

British flights cancelled as volcanic ash cloud from Iceland heads to UK - Telegraph

British flights cancelled as volcanic ash cloud from Iceland heads to UK - Telegraph: "According to the latest forecasts from the Met Office a thick cloud is likely to cover much of Scotland by tomorrow morning."

Could Vladimir Putin ‘Retake’ the Russian Presidency? | The Blaze

Could Vladimir Putin ‘Retake’ the Russian Presidency? | The Blaze: "That’s the headline in The Australian from Sunday. Citing “highly placed sources,” the paper reports former Russian President Vladimir Putin — who’s the current prime minister — has decided to run for president once again against his protege and current president of three years, Dmitry Medvedev"

US stocks plunge on European debt worries - Yahoo! Finance

US stocks plunge on European debt worries - Yahoo! Finance: "NEW YORK (AP) -- With little economic news coming out of the United States, Wall Street is panicking about Europe.

Stocks sank in midday trading Monday after warnings about the finances of several European countries stoked fears that the region's debt crisis is worsening. The euro dipped briefly to its lowest level against the dollar in two months."

California inmates: Supreme Court orders California to release inmates - latimes.com

California inmates: Supreme Court orders California to release inmates - latimes.com: "The 5-4 decision represents one of the largest prison release orders in U.S. history. The court majority says overcrowding has caused 'suffering and death.' In a sharp dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia warns 'terrible things are sure to happen.'"

Two patients died after waiting in ambulance outside 'full' Oldham hospital unit | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

Two patients died after waiting in ambulance outside 'full' Oldham hospital unit | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk: "Two patients died after being left waiting in ambulances outside an over-stretched hospital.

The patients, believed to have been in their 80s, couldn’t get into the Royal Oldham Hospital for seven and 20 minutes respectively."

Tim Pawlenty to announce W.H. bid on Monday - Kendra Marr - POLITICO.com

Tim Pawlenty to announce W.H. bid on Monday - Kendra Marr - POLITICO.com: "Tim Pawlenty will formally enter the presidential campaign on Monday in Iowa, an aide told POLITICO."

Obama's camp digging up dirt on NJ governor Chris Christie in case he decides to run for president: sources - NYPOST.com

Obama's camp digging up dirt on NJ governor Chris Christie in case he decides to run for president: sources - NYPOST.com: "Despite New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's repeated pronouncements that he will not seek the GOP presidential nomination, Obama operatives are compiling a dossier of what they call 'opposition research' -- material that could be used to damage Christie if he changes his mind, The Post has learned."

Joplin tornado kills 89; toll could climb

Joplin tornado kills 89; toll could climb: "JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - A massive tornado that tore a 6-mile path across southwestern Missouri killed at least 89 people as it slammed into the city of Joplin, ripping into a hospital, crushing cars like soda cans and leaving a forest of splintered tree trunks behind where entire neighborhoods once stood."

AccuWeather.com - Weather News | Tornado Devastates Joplin; More Severe Weather Today

AccuWeather.com - Weather News | Tornado Devastates Joplin; More Severe Weather Today: "Dozens are dead and even more injured after nearly 50 tornadoes tore though parts of the Midwest on Sunday."

Iceland's most active volcano erupting: reports

Iceland's most active volcano erupting: reports: "STOCKHOLM, May 21 (Xinhua) -- An eruption has started in Iceland's most active volcano Grimsvotn, according to reports reaching here from Reykjavik on Saturday."

Budget talks: Reid rejects Boehner proposal for $2 trillion in budget cuts - latimes.com

Budget talks: Reid rejects Boehner proposal for $2 trillion in budget cuts - latimes.com: "Reporting from Washington—
Battle lines in federal debt talks sharpened markedly Thursday when the Senate's top Democrat rejected a proposal for $2 trillion in budget cuts as demanded by House Speaker John A. Boehner, saying any cuts must be accompanied by action on closing tax loopholes."

Drivers in West Palm, Delray shot in 'bump and rob' attacks

Drivers in West Palm, Delray shot in 'bump and rob' attacks: "WEST PALM BEACH — There's a new crime in town. It's called the 'bump and rob.' And local law enforcement is increasingly worried over drivers being victimized."

RealClearPolitics - Video - Palin: "I Do Have The Fire In My Belly"

RealClearPolitics - Video - Palin: "I Do Have The Fire In My Belly": "I think my problem is that I do have that fire in my belly. I am so adamantly supportive of the good traditional things about America and our free enterprise system and I want to make sure that America is put back on the right track and we only do that by defeating Obama in 2012. I have that fire in my belly,' fmr. Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) tells FOX News."

White House on War Powers Deadline: 'Limited' US Role in Libya Means No Need to Get Congressional Authorization - Political Punch

White House on War Powers Deadline: 'Limited' US Role in Libya Means No Need to Get Congressional Authorization - Political Punch: "In an effort to satisfy those arguing he needs to seek congressional authorization to continue US military activity in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, President Obama wrote a letter to congressional leaders this afternoon suggesting that the role is now so “limited” he does not need to seek congressional approval."

EXCLUSIVE: New Details Emerge of Radical Imam's Lunch at the Pentagon - FoxNews.com

EXCLUSIVE: New Details Emerge of Radical Imam's Lunch at the Pentagon - FoxNews.com: "With the recent death of Usama bin Laden, the life of another Al Qaeda-linked radical Muslim cleric is taking on greater significance, and documents obtained exclusively by Fox News and its Specials Unit shed new light on his stint as a guest speaker at the Pentagon just months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks."

Mississippi River flooding: Residents build homemade dams to saves houses | Mail Online

Mississippi River flooding: Residents build homemade dams to saves houses | Mail Online: "We've all undertaken home improvements but these residents in flood-stricken Mississippi have had to embark on major construction projects just to protect their houses and livelihoods.

These homes in Vicksburg are all situated along the Yazoo River, a tributary of the overflowing Mississippi River, and their owners have surrounded themselves with tons of earth and sand."

Blagojevich Trial To Resume On Wednesday « CBS Chicago

Blagojevich Trial To Resume On Wednesday « CBS Chicago: "CHICAGO (CBS) – No testimony was heard and jurors were not present Friday in the retrial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but there were plenty of developments from the defense team."

Kirk Cameron Challenges Stephen Hawking

Kirk Cameron Challenges Stephen Hawking: "Former 'Growing Pains' star-turned-evangelist Kirk Cameron said astrophysicist Stephen Hawking is full of 'absurd ideas,' especially about Heaven."

Existing-Home Sales in U.S. Unexpectedly Fall - Bloomberg

Existing-Home Sales in U.S. Unexpectedly Fall - Bloomberg: "Sales of existing U.S. homes unexpectedly declined in April, indicating the industry is struggling to gain traction as the economy expands."

Is Heaven For Real? 12-year-old Colton Burpo vs. Famed Scientist Stephen Hawking | The Blaze

Is Heaven For Real? 12-year-old Colton Burpo vs. Famed Scientist Stephen Hawking | The Blaze: "Human beings have been discussing and debating this question since the beginning of time. In the modern era, this spirited and often contentious dialogue continues to evolve."

'Rapture' Movement Predicts End of the World on Saturday - FoxNews.com

'Rapture' Movement Predicts End of the World on Saturday - FoxNews.com: "RALEIGH, North Carolina -- For some, it's Judgment Day. For others, it's party time."

FT.com / Middle East & North Africa - Iran sets stage for tense Opec meeting

FT.com / Middle East & North Africa - Iran sets stage for tense Opec meeting: "Iran’s president, who has declared himself “acting” oil minister, might chair next month’s meeting of Opec, according to a senior aide, setting the stage for a highly politicised gathering of the cartel."

West: Obama 'a black mascot' and 'black puppet' - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com

West: Obama 'a black mascot' and 'black puppet' - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com: "Cornel West, a Princeton University professor and leading black intellectual, is harshly criticizing President Obama, a candidate he once supported but now calls “a black mascot of Wall Street oligarchs and a black puppet of corporate plutocrats.”"

Senate rejects GOP bill to expand, speed up offshore drilling - The Hill's E2-Wire

Senate rejects GOP bill to expand, speed up offshore drilling - The Hill's E2-Wire: "The Senate on Wednesday rejected Republican-backed legislation intended to speed up and expand offshore oil and gas drilling. "

Unemployment: Weekly Claims See Fall, But Jobs Picture Remains Weak - CNBC

Unemployment: Weekly Claims See Fall, But Jobs Picture Remains Weak - CNBC: "New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, but a rise in the four-week moving average to a six-month high indicated the labor market recovery will remain painfully slow."

$8 Million: That’s How Much the Wis. Budget Protests Will Cost Taxpayers | The Blaze

$8 Million: That’s How Much the Wis. Budget Protests Will Cost Taxpayers | The Blaze: "This is what the price tag associated with “democracy” looks like.

Wisconsin-based think tank The MacIver Institute has just released a video detailing some startling fiscal information: the Wisconsin budget and union protests earlier this spring cost the state over $8 million."

Health Group Plans to Demand Ronald McDonald’s Retirement at Annual Mtg. | The Blaze

Health Group Plans to Demand Ronald McDonald’s Retirement at Annual Mtg. | The Blaze: "His floppy shoes, painted-on smile and flaming-red hair may be a harder sell to today’s kids who are trading in their dolls and trucks for manicures and mobile game apps at ever younger ages. He also seems out of step with McDonald’s Corp.’s new efforts to appeal to adults. The 48-year-old spokesclown has fallen flat in new ads this year, according to Ace Metrix, a group that tracks TV advertising."

Michelle O’s Worst Nightmare? Man Eats 25,000th Big Mac | The Blaze

Michelle O’s Worst Nightmare? Man Eats 25,000th Big Mac | The Blaze: "FOND DU LAC, Wis. (The Blaze/AP) — Don Gorske may be Michelle Obama’s worst nightmare. Not only does he love McDonald’s Big Macs, but he’s healthy and skinny. And that’s all after eating his 25,000th Big Mac on Tuesday, 39 years to the day after eating his first … nine."

Michigan man still on food stamps despite winning $2M | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Michigan man still on food stamps despite winning $2M | Detroit Free Press | freep.com: "A man who won $2 million on a Michigan lottery show has told a TV station that he still uses food stamps."

Federal News Radio 1500 AM: USPS warns of default on retiree benefits

Federal News Radio 1500 AM: USPS warns of default on retiree benefits: "The U.S. Postal Service will begin to default on its financial obligations just over four months from now unless Congress takes action to relieve it of its obligation to pre-fund retiree health care accounts, its leader told lawmakers Tuesday."

White Teachers Sue Philadelphia School; Claim Black Principal Suggested They Were Unfit To Teach Black Students « CBS Philly

White Teachers Sue Philadelphia School; Claim Black Principal Suggested They Were Unfit To Teach Black Students « CBS Philly: "PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Four white Philadelphia teachers filed federal race-bias lawsuits that accuse a black principal of creating a hostile work environment and suggesting they were unfit to teach black children."

PM: 450 troops to withdraw from Afghanistan | The Sun |News|Campaigns|Our Boys

PM: 450 troops to withdraw from Afghanistan | The Sun |News|Campaigns|Our Boys: "The PM revealed the first 450 troops will be brought home this year.

But the move is bitterly opposed by military chiefs, who claim it risks throwing away the gains made by British forces."

White House shuts out Herald scribe - BostonHerald.com

White House shuts out Herald scribe - BostonHerald.com: "The White House Press Office has refused to give the Boston Herald full access to President Obama’s Boston fund-raiser today, in e-mails objecting to the newspaper’s front page placement of a Mitt Romney op-ed, saying pool reporters are chosen based on whether they cover the news “fairly.”"

Mexico finds 513 migrants from LatAm, Asia in two trucks

Mexico finds 513 migrants from LatAm, Asia in two trucks: "Police on Tuesday detained 513 undocumented migrants from Latin America and Asia who were crammed into two trucks bound for the United States, prosecutors in southeast Mexico said."

U.S.-Canada Border a Bigger Terror Threat Than U.S.-Mexico, CBP Chief Says | CNSnews.com

U.S.-Canada Border a Bigger Terror Threat Than U.S.-Mexico, CBP Chief Says | CNSnews.com: "The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has apprehended more suspected terrorists on the nation’s northern border than along its southern counterpart, CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin said Tuesday."

Cresting Mississippi River floods Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana - CNN.com

Cresting Mississippi River floods Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana - CNN.com: "CNN) -- The Mississippi River drew to within a finger's length of the highest level ever recorded at Greenville, Mississippi, Tuesday as a flood of historic proportions continued to slink its way to the Gulf of Mexico."

Appreciation: Humble Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew dies at 74 - USATODAY.com

Appreciation: Humble Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew dies at 74 - USATODAY.com: "Harmon Killebrew sat slumped against the airplane window, Row C, Seat B, heading from Phoenix to Detroit, en route to Cooperstown, N.Y."

Passenger Takes Stunning Pics of Shuttle Launch From Airplane Window | The Blaze

Passenger Takes Stunning Pics of Shuttle Launch From Airplane Window | The Blaze: "Stefanie Gordon says her flight from New York City to Palm Beach, FL was “freezing.” But her Twitter account is hot right now after she posted two pictures during her flight capturing the space shuttle Endeavour launch from her airplane window. Even NASA has now taken notice. And it should — the pictures are breathtaking."

Schwarzenegger Reveals He Had a Child With a Member of Household Staff | The Blaze

Schwarzenegger Reveals He Had a Child With a Member of Household Staff | The Blaze: "LOS ANGELES (AP) — Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, separated after the former governor revealed he had fathered a child with a member of their household staff, The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday."

News from The Associated Press

News from The Associated Press: "GENEVA (AP) -- A senior official at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says solar storms pose a growing threat to criticial infrastructure such as satellite communications, navigation systems and electrical transmission equipment."

Inflation rebounds sharply in April as travel costs soar | Business | The Guardian

Inflation rebounds sharply in April as travel costs soar | Business | The Guardian: "• Bank of England governor Mervyn King forced to write another letter to George Osborne amid pressure for interest rate rise
• Annual CPI inflation rate jumps to 4.5%, the highest since October 2008, with RPI at 5.2%"

US alarmed by David Cameron's push for early Afghanistan withdrawal - Telegraph

US alarmed by David Cameron's push for early Afghanistan withdrawal - Telegraph: "Senior American military figures have warned Britain that a hasty exit from Afghanistan could strain relations between the two countries."

Health Care Law | San Francisco | Nancy Pelosi | The Daily Caller

Health Care Law | San Francisco | Nancy Pelosi | The Daily Caller: "Of the 204 new Obamacare waivers President Barack Obama’s administration approved in April, 38 are for fancy eateries, hip nightclubs and decadent hotels in House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s Northern California district."

Report: Doctors Refusing to Treat Overweight Patients | CNSnews.com

Report: Doctors Refusing to Treat Overweight Patients | CNSnews.com: "From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Fifteen obstetrics-gynecology practices out of 105 polled by the Sun Sentinel said they have set weight limits for new patients."

PICKET: GM sponsors and celebrates soon to be released Chi-Com propaganda film - Washington Times

PICKET: GM sponsors and celebrates soon to be released Chi-Com propaganda film - Washington Times

Denmark preparing to stake claim to North Pole - Yahoo! Finance

Denmark preparing to stake claim to North Pole - Yahoo! Finance: "COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Denmark plans to lay claim to the North Pole and other areas in the Arctic, where melting ice is uncovering new shipping routes, fishing grounds and drilling opportunities for oil and gas, a leaked government document showed Tuesday."

Coast Guard Closes Miss. River At Natchez - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Coast Guard Closes Miss. River At Natchez - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports: "Record flooding has caused authorities to close the Mississippi River at the port in Natchez because barge traffic could put more pressure on the levees.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough said the port was closed Monday, leaving two vessels waiting to head north and one waiting to go south. The U.S. economy could face a bill running into the hundreds of millions of dollars a day if the lower Mississippi River is closed to shipping for days or weeks, port officials said. It wasn't clear when the river would reopen to traffic."

FDA Approval Of New Merck Drug Opens Door To New Hep C Combo Therapies

FDA Approval Of New Merck Drug Opens Door To New Hep C Combo Therapies: "Merck just received approval this week for boceprevir (Victrelis) from the FDA, and it is expected that telaprevir from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is next later this month. It is thought by the medical community that this new pair of treatments will set off a new generation of cocktail therapies for millions of patients threatened by hepatitis C."

Endeavour Soars on 2nd-to-Last Space Shuttle Trip - ABC News

Endeavour Soars on 2nd-to-Last Space Shuttle Trip - ABC News: "Endeavour blasted off on NASA's next-to-last shuttle flight, thundering through clouds into orbit Monday morning as the mission commander's wounded wife, Gabrielle Giffords, watched along with an exhilarated crowd estimated in the hundreds of thousands."

Floodgate Opening on Mississippi Pumps 10,000 Cubic Feet of Water Per Second | The Blaze

Floodgate Opening on Mississippi Pumps 10,000 Cubic Feet of Water Per Second | The Blaze: "In a historic action designed to minimize the risk of catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the Army Corps of Engineers has begun opening the Morganza Floodway to divert water from the rain-swollen Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya basin."

New London Graduation Requirement: Speak English | NBC Connecticut

New London Graduation Requirement: Speak English | NBC Connecticut: "Students in New London will not only have to pass English to graduate, but they will have to prove that they know the American English language and be able to demonstrate it as of 2015."

FT.com / Companies / Retail - McDonald’s to shake up food ordering system

FT.com / Companies / Retail - McDonald’s to shake up food ordering system: "McDonald’s is to change the way customers order its meals in Europe, partly replacing cashiers and the use of banknotes at its 7,000 fast-food restaurants in the region with touchscreen terminals and swipe cards."

Heaven is a 'fairy story', says Stephen Hawking

Heaven is a 'fairy story', says Stephen Hawking: "British scientist Stephen Hawking has branded heaven a 'fairy story' for people afraid of the dark, in his latest dismissal of the concepts underpinning the world's religions."

Donald Trump to announce if he's quitting 'Apprentice' to focus on White House run - NYPOST.com

Donald Trump to announce if he's quitting 'Apprentice' to focus on White House run - NYPOST.com: "The billionaire businessman, who has been mulling a run for the White House, has been trying to decide whether to trade his TV show for politics."

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time

Treasury to tap pensions to help fund government - The Washington Post

Treasury to tap pensions to help fund government - The Washington Post: "The Obama administration will begin to tap federal retiree programs to help fund operations after the government loses its ability Monday to borrow more money from the public, adding urgency to efforts in Washington to fashion a compromise over the debt."

The £400 test that tells you how long you'll live - Science, News - The Independent

The £400 test that tells you how long you'll live - Science, News - The Independent: "A blood test that can show how fast someone is ageing – and offers the tantalising possibility of estimating how long they have left to live – is to go on sale to the general public in Britain later this year."

As Debt Limit Reached, Agreement Still Far Off - WSJ.com

As Debt Limit Reached, Agreement Still Far Off - WSJ.com: "The U.S. government is expected to hit the $14.294 trillion debt ceiling Monday, setting in motion an uncertain, 11-week political scramble to avoid a default."

What Would You Cut? - AskHeritage

What Would You Cut? - AskHeritage: "America is at a tipping point. Federal spending now exceeds tax revenues by $1.6 trillion a year. That means 40 percent of what Washington spends is borrowed. Washington must make drastic budget cuts now to preserve our freedom and prosperity."

La. floodgate opens, diverting Mississippi River - Yahoo! News

La. floodgate opens, diverting Mississippi River - Yahoo! News: "MORGANZA, La. – Water from the inflated Mississippi River gushed through a floodgate Saturday for the first time in nearly four decades and headed toward thousands of homes and farmland in the Cajun countryside, threatening to slowly submerge the land under water up to 25 feet deep."

Media Manipulation? The Majority of American Media Outlets Fail to Report the Yemeni Passenger Was Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as He Attempted to Storm the Cockpit Door – Video Examples of Newscasts From Around the Country | The Blaze

Media Manipulation? The Majority of American Media Outlets Fail to Report the Yemeni Passenger Was Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as He Attempted to Storm the Cockpit Door – Video Examples of Newscasts From Around the Country | The Blaze: "MEDIA MANIPULATION? THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN MEDIA OUTLETS FAIL TO REPORT THE YEMENI PASSENGER WAS SHOUTING ‘ALLAHU AKBAR’ AS HE ATTEMPTED TO STORM THE COCKPIT DOOR – VIDEO EXAMPLES OF"

Austrian Olympic Swimmer Nearly Buried Himself Alive on Florida Beach | The Blaze

Austrian Olympic Swimmer Nearly Buried Himself Alive on Florida Beach | The Blaze: "POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A member of the Austrian Olympic swim team had to be rescued after he used a bucket to dig a large hole that collapsed and trapped him, authorities said."

China Arrests 49 Leaders of Underground Christian Church | The Blaze

China Arrests 49 Leaders of Underground Christian Church | The Blaze: "BEIJING (AP) — Chinese police have detained 49 leaders of an underground Protestant church in a central province, an advocacy group and local official said Wednesday."

‘They’ll Never Be Satisfied’: Obama Mocks Republicans on Immigration | The Blaze

‘They’ll Never Be Satisfied’: Obama Mocks Republicans on Immigration | The Blaze: "EL PASO, Texas (AP) — In search of Hispanic votes and a long-shot immigration overhaul, President Barack Obama on Tuesday stood at the U.S.-Mexico border for the first time since winning the White House and declared it more secure than ever. He mocked Republican lawmakers for blocking immigration over border security alone, saying they won’t be happy until they get a moat with alligators along the border."

Gay Is Now OK for Presbyterian Clergy | The Blaze

Gay Is Now OK for Presbyterian Clergy | The Blaze: "After decades of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Tuesday struck down a barrier to ordaining gays, ratifying a proposal that removes the celibacy requirement for unmarried clergy, in the latest mainline Protestant move toward accepting gay relationships."

Irish Bombshell: Government Raids PRIVATE Pensions To Pay For Spending

Irish Bombshell: Government Raids PRIVATE Pensions To Pay For Spending: "The Irish government plans to institute a tax on private pensions to drive jobs growth, according to its jobs program strategy, delivered today."

Jockey Michael Baze found dead at Churchill Downs | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com

Jockey Michael Baze found dead at Churchill Downs | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com: "Michael Baze, a young jockey considered a rising star by many, was found dead in his car Tuesday afternoon on the back side of Churchill Downs. He was 24."

Controversy Over Suspension Of 2 Easton High Lacrosse Players « CBS Baltimore

Controversy Over Suspension Of 2 Easton High Lacrosse Players « CBS Baltimore: "Outrage is growing after two high school students are suspended– one taken away in handcuffs– over items found in their lacrosse equipment bags."

NJ Cops "Outraged" Over WH Rapper Invite | NBC New York

NJ Cops "Outraged" Over WH Rapper Invite | NBC New York: "The invitation of rapper Common to the White House this week is drawing the ire of the union representing New Jersey state police."

Illegal Immigration Is No Laughing Matter | The Foundry

Illegal Immigration Is No Laughing Matter | The Foundry: "he White House correspondents’ dinner might have been two weeks ago, but President Barack Obama continued his comedy routine yesterday in El Paso, Texas, only this time Donald Trump wasn’t the butt of the jokes. Instead, during a speech on immigration, the president mocked Republicans at large, the rule of law, and any American who takes the defense of our nation seriously."

82-Year-Old Dies In Attempt To Be Oldest To Climb Everest

82-Year-Old Dies In Attempt To Be Oldest To Climb Everest: "KATHMANDU - An 82-year-old former Nepalese foreign minister has died in his attempt to become the oldest person to climb Mount Everest, a government official said Monday."

U.S. ‘Underwater’ Homeowners Increase to 28 Percent, Zillow Says - Bloomberg

U.S. ‘Underwater’ Homeowners Increase to 28 Percent, Zillow Says - Bloomberg: "More than 28 percent of U.S. homeowners with mortgages owed more than their properties were worth in the first quarter as values fell the most since 2008, Zillow Inc. said today."

Microsoft to buy internet phone service Skype for $8.5bn | Mail Online

Microsoft to buy internet phone service Skype for $8.5bn | Mail Online: "Microsoft is on the verge of buying Skype for $8.5billion - despite the Internet phone service making a loss of $7million last year"

Memphis Flooding: Snakes and Other Critters Flee Rising Mississippi River - ABC News

Memphis Flooding: Snakes and Other Critters Flee Rising Mississippi River - ABC News: "Dangerous reptiles and other animals have been forced to flee their homes, invading residential neighborhoods in Memphis, Tenn., for instance, as the Mississippi River continues to swell to record flood levels."

Memphis braces for Mississippi River flood crest | Reuters

Memphis braces for Mississippi River flood crest | Reuters: "The Mississippi River likely began to form a crest on Monday at a near-record level in Memphis, and downstream the U.S. government opened a spillway and prepared to open a second to relieve flooding pressure on low-lying New Orleans."

New Yorkers soon to get emergency cell phone alerts in what Bloomberg calls 'quantum leap forward'

New Yorkers soon to get emergency cell phone alerts in what Bloomberg calls 'quantum leap forward': "Emergency officials will soon be able to blast critical alerts to anyone with a cell phone in a certain section of the city."

Rogue Arizona: No More Waiting for the Feds; AZ Going With Online Donations and Prison Labor to Build Border Fence | The Blaze

Rogue Arizona: No More Waiting for the Feds; AZ Going With Online Donations and Prison Labor to Build Border Fence | The Blaze

These Charts Show How Dismal the Housing Market Really Is…Again | The Blaze

These Charts Show How Dismal the Housing Market Really Is…Again | The Blaze: "The team over at Zillow Real Estate Research has just published its first quarter research numbers showing some dismal numbers for the housing market."

Great white zeroes in on whale off Vineyard - BostonHerald.com

Great white zeroes in on whale off Vineyard - BostonHerald.com: "Buddies out mackerel fishing today came upon a giant great white shark like they’ve never seen before “bumping” and “nudging” a dead whale and then circling their boat off Martha’s Vineyard."

Housing crash is getting worse Brett Arends' ROI - MarketWatch

Housing crash is getting worse Brett Arends' ROI - MarketWatch: "New data just out from Zillow, the real-estate information company, show house prices are falling at their fastest rate since the Lehman collapse"

Midair security scares on 3 U.S. flights - CBS News

Midair security scares on 3 U.S. flights - CBS News: "SAN FRANCISCO - Police say flight attendants and passengers subdued an unruly passenger and put him in handcuffs as an American Airlines flight was approaching San Francisco."

Two separate weekend rail terror scares have city officials on edge - NYPOST.com

Two separate weekend rail terror scares have city officials on edge - NYPOST.com: "Two terrifying rail security breaches occurred within hours of each other in the city yesterday -- including one at the World Trade Center, where a man slipped into the PATH tunnel and walked all the way to Jersey before saying he had left a bomb in the tunnel."

NationalJournal.com - U.S. Adds 244,000 Jobs in April, but Unemployment Rises - Friday, May 6, 2011

NationalJournal.com - U.S. Adds 244,000 Jobs in April, but Unemployment Rises - Friday, May 6, 2011: "U.S. employment growth accelerated last month as the economy added 244,000 jobs, but the unemployment rate rose to 9 percent, the Labor Department reported on Friday."

Cook Your Cold Cuts to Avoid Bacteria that Kill Hundreds Each Year | TopNews United States

Cook Your Cold Cuts to Avoid Bacteria that Kill Hundreds Each Year | TopNews United States: "cold cuts should be served hot. The reason, they say, is that if the meat isn’t cooked before it is served then it can give people Listeria"

Al Qaeda threats, terror plans surface - CNN.com

Al Qaeda threats, terror plans surface - CNN.com: "Saber-rattling al Qaeda warnings against the United States emerged on Friday as the killing of Osama bin Laden continued to yield a trove of ominous intelligence, including details about a possible attack on the 10th anniversary of 9/11."

More Mike: He Will Tear Capitalism Apart With Bare Hands, Liberal Talker Malloy Says War on Terror, OBL and US Bombing Brown People Will Never End Until Capitalism Is Destroyed | The Blaze

More Mike: He Will Tear Capitalism Apart With Bare Hands, Liberal Talker Malloy Says War on Terror, OBL and US Bombing Brown People Will Never End Until Capitalism Is Destroyed | The Blaze

Obama Walks Away From 9/11 Family Member Who Asks About Investigation of CIA Interrogators | The Blaze

Obama Walks Away From 9/11 Family Member Who Asks About Investigation of CIA Interrogators | The Blaze: "Debra Burlingame, who lost her pilot brother on 9/11 when his plane crashed into the Pentagon, had a reportedly chilly exchange with President Barack Obama today. During a meeting with a select group of 9/11 families, Obama greeted Burlingame and even hugged her after a few pleasantries."

Students Sue High School That Banned Christian Club | The Blaze

Students Sue High School That Banned Christian Club | The Blaze: "Students at New York’s Hicksville High School were prevented from starting a Christian club by the school principal who allegedly said, “I don’t want any of these Christian clubs at my school.”"

CNBC's Fast Money: Panic in the Pits: Silver Plunge Spreads to Oil, Copper - CNBC

CNBC's Fast Money: Panic in the Pits: Silver Plunge Spreads to Oil, Copper - CNBC: "A cascading crash in commodities beginning with silver a week ago spread to oil and copper as exchanges took steps to rein in speculation, economic data pointed to a global selloff and big name investors took profits."

Swiss 'JetMan' To Fly Over Grand Canyon

Swiss 'JetMan' To Fly Over Grand Canyon: "MYFOXNY.COM - A Swiss adventurer dubbed 'JetMan' will try to fly over the Grand Canyon in a US first Friday, three years after he flew into the record books by crossing the Channel between Britain and France."

My Way News - Mississippi Delta sees flooding from mighty river

My Way News - Mississippi Delta sees flooding from mighty river: "MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Parts of the Mississippi Delta are beginning to flood, sending white-tail deer and wild pigs swimming to dry land, submerging yacht clubs and closing casino boats, and compelling residents to flee from their homes."

U.S. Payrolls Grew 244,000 in April; Unemployment at 9% - Bloomberg

U.S. Payrolls Grew 244,000 in April; Unemployment at 9% - Bloomberg: "American employers in April added more jobs than forecast, indicating the world’s largest economy is weathering the impact of higher fuel prices."

First Look: Boeing‘s ’Phantom Ray’ Drone Completes Test Flight | The Blaze

First Look: Boeing‘s ’Phantom Ray’ Drone Completes Test Flight | The Blaze: "We‘ve already showed you Northrop Group’s stealth drone, the X-47B (watch here). Now Boeing has entered the fray with its Phantom Ray, a stealth-style drone that just completed its inaugural test flight at Andrew’s Air Force Base. But the Phantom ups the ante: instead of being just an unmanned drone controlled by remote control, it can be controlled by a computer."

World Food Prices Rise to Near-Record High as Inflation Speeds Up, UN Says - Bloomberg

World Food Prices Rise to Near-Record High as Inflation Speeds Up, UN Says - Bloomberg: "World food prices rose to near a record in April as grain costs advanced, adding pressure to inflation that is accelerating from Beijing to Brasilia and spurring central banks to raise interest rates."

FOREX-Dollar tumbles to 3-yr low; data underpins rate view - Yahoo! News

FOREX-Dollar tumbles to 3-yr low; data underpins rate view - Yahoo! News: "Weak U.S. jobs, services data add to dollar's woes
* Euro hits 17-month high but fades ahead of ECB meeting
* Dollar at 6-week low vs yen; high-yield FX struggles
* One-month euro/dollar implied vols rise again (Updates prices, adds more details on options)"

No resistance in "cold-blooded" U.S. raid: Pakistan officials - Yahoo! News

No resistance in "cold-blooded" U.S. raid: Pakistan officials - Yahoo! News: "BBOTTABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) – Osama bin Laden and his comrades offered no resistance when killed by U.S. special forces in a Pakistani town, Pakistani security officials said on Thursday."

Obama administration floats draft plan to tax cars by the mile - The Hill's Floor Action

Obama administration floats draft plan to tax cars by the mile - The Hill's Floor Action: "The Obama administration has floated a transportation authorization bill that would require the study and implementation of a plan to tax automobile drivers based on how many miles they drive."

Jobless claims hit 8-month high - Yahoo! Finance

Jobless claims hit 8-month high - Yahoo! Finance: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing for jobless aid rose to an eight-month high last week and productivity growth slowed in the first quarter, clouding the outlook for an economy that is struggling to gain speed."

A record 226 tornadoes recorded over 24 hours last week -

A record 226 tornadoes recorded over 24 hours last week -: "According to the National Weather Service, 226 tornadoes were recorded from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, and that's a record for a 24-hour period."

The Intellectual Dishonesty of Nancy Pelosi « Commentary Magazine

The Intellectual Dishonesty of Nancy Pelosi « Commentary Magazine: "[E]ven if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done . . . is done. And even to capture him now I don’t think makes us any safer."

Bin Laden’s daughter confirms her father shot dead by US Special Forces in Pakistan

Bin Laden’s daughter confirms her father shot dead by US Special Forces in Pakistan: "Senior Pakistani security officials said Osama bin Laden’s daughter had confirmed her father was captured alive and shot dead by the US Special Forces during the first few minutes of the operation carried out at the huge compound in Bilal Town, Abbottabad. 
 
"

About 1 in 7 in U.S. Receive Food Stamps - Real Time Economics - WSJ

About 1 in 7 in U.S. Receive Food Stamps - Real Time Economics - WSJ: "The number of food stamp recipients was essentially flat in February, the most recent month available, with 44.2 million Americans receiving benefits, according a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

No More Help to Texas: FEMA | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth

No More Help to Texas: FEMA | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth: "Gov. Rick Perry said late Tuesday night that the White House rejected his request for a federal major disaster declaration for areas of Texas affected by recent wildfires, but FEMA says they've already provided Texas assistance."

To get bin Laden, Obama relied on policies he decried | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner

To get bin Laden, Obama relied on policies he decried | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner: "Let's cheerfully and ungrudgingly give credit to Barack Obama for approving the military operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden."

Even more details on the OBL photos – The 1600 Report - CNN.com Blogs

Even more details on the OBL photos – The 1600 Report - CNN.com Blogs: "A Senior US Official tells CNN 10 hard drives, 5 computers and more than 100 storage devices which includes discs, DVDs and thumb drives were taken from the compound."

Glenn Reacts to OBL News: Why Did We Give Him a Dignified Burial at Sea? | The Blaze

Glenn Reacts to OBL News: Why Did We Give Him a Dignified Burial at Sea? | The Blaze: "In reacting to the news of Osama bin Laden’s death, Glenn Beck wondered why there was so much emphasis put on giving him a dignified burial at sea. To tackle the subject, he used humor. From Glennbeck.com:"

'Mini-tsunami': Levee blown to save town - Weather - msnbc.com

'Mini-tsunami': Levee blown to save town - Weather - msnbc.com: "WYATT, Mo. — A few momentary blasts, flashes of orange light, and the Mississippi River began pouring through a wide hole in a Missouri levee, intentionally blown open by the Army Corps of Engineers in the hope of saving a small Illinois town."

Gas prices set record in Chicago - chicagotribune.com

Gas prices set record in Chicago - chicagotribune.com: "U.S. gasoline prices surged ever closer to the $4-a-gallon threshold in the latest week, placing more pressure on lawmakers to show voters they are working to provide relief at the pump."

Canada's Conservatives score massive election win - Yahoo! News

Canada's Conservatives score massive election win - Yahoo! News: "OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's Conservatives stormed to a decisive victory in Monday's federal election, winning 54 percent of the seats in Parliament and securing a stable four-year term in power after vowing to focus on the economy."

Osama bin Laden dead – but no body. Now for an explosion of conspiracy theories – Telegraph Blogs

Osama bin Laden dead – but no body. Now for an explosion of conspiracy theories – Telegraph Blogs: "No body. No photograph or DNA evidence – at least, not yet. [Update: The White House now says there was a DNA match between the body and tissue taken from bin Laden's dead sister's brain.]"

CIA Chief Panetta in First Interview Since bin Laden Raid: U.S. Ruled Out Involving Pakistan | Swampland

CIA Chief Panetta in First Interview Since bin Laden Raid: U.S. Ruled Out Involving Pakistan | Swampland: "In his first interview since commanding the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, CIA chief Leon Panetta tells TIME that U.S. officials feared that Pakistan could have undermined the operation by leaking word to its targets."

Morning Bell: Winning the Long War on Terror | The Foundry

Morning Bell: Winning the Long War on Terror | The Foundry: "Four men and one woman lay dead—among them, Osama bin Laden. The operation, which was planned for months, came after years of searching and intelligence gathering. In the end, it was America’s use of “hard power“ and the strategic interrogations of detainees that brought about an end to the terrorist mastermind. But make no mistake, the long war against terrorism is not over."

Report: Fire at OBL Compound was From a U.S. Chopper Blown up by Navy SEALS | The Blaze

Report: Fire at OBL Compound was From a U.S. Chopper Blown up by Navy SEALS | The Blaze: "Fox News’s Jennifer Griffin is reporting that the fire burning overnight at the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed was actually the result of a U.S. Blackhawk helicopter going down."

So What Exactly is the Navy‘s Secret ’SEAL Team 6?’ | The Blaze

So What Exactly is the Navy‘s Secret ’SEAL Team 6?’ | The Blaze: "The news today is riddled with references to the Navy’s elite “SEAL Team 6,” the team being hailed for killing Osama bin Laden. But what exactly is SEAL Team 6? For most people it’s the stuff of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor novels. But in the spy and military world, it is an elite black ops fighting group shrouded in secrets that reports to the president himself."

This is the Pentagon‘s Power Point Presentation With Pictures of OBL’s Compound | The Blaze

This is the Pentagon‘s Power Point Presentation With Pictures of OBL’s Compound | The Blaze: "The Pentagon has released a Power Point presentation showing some of the background pictures and graphics it used in planning its raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound. We’ve included the five slides below."

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Compound Where Osama Bin Laden Was Killed - ABC News

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Compound Where Osama Bin Laden Was Killed - ABC News

Bin Laden was found at luxurious Pakistan compound - Yahoo! News

Bin Laden was found at luxurious Pakistan compound - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. forces finally found al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden not in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan's border, but in a million-dollar compound in an upscale suburb of Pakistan's capital, with his youngest wife, U.S. officials said early on Monday."

U.S. issues travel alert after Osama bin Laden killing | Reuters

U.S. issues travel alert after Osama bin Laden killing | Reuters: "The State Department on Sunday warned Americans worldwide of 'enhanced potential for anti-American violence' following the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden."

Capturing bin Laden 'would unleash hell'

Capturing bin Laden 'would unleash hell': "The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks warned that al-Qaeda has hidden a nuclear bomb in Europe which will unleash a 'nuclear hellstorm' if Osama bin Laden is captured, leaked files revealed."

Official: Bin Laden buried at sea - Yahoo! News

Official: Bin Laden buried at sea - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – A U.S. official says Osama bin Laden has been buried at sea."

Hamas condemns killing of "holy warrior" bin Laden - Yahoo! News

Hamas condemns killing of "holy warrior" bin Laden - Yahoo! News: "GAZA (Reuters) - The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Monday condemned the killing by U.S. forces of Osama bin Laden and mourned him as an 'Arab holy warrior.'"

U.S. team's mission was to kill bin Laden, not capture | Reuters

U.S. team's mission was to kill bin Laden, not capture | Reuters: "The U.S. special forces team that hunted down Osama bin Laden was under orders to kill the al Qaeda mastermind, not capture him, a U.S. national security official told Reuters."

Obama: Bin Laden's death makes the world safer - Yahoo! News

Obama: Bin Laden's death makes the world safer - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – Declaring the killing of Osama bin Laden 'a good day for America,' President Barack Obama said Monday the world was safer without the al-Qaida terrorist and mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. His administration used DNA testing to help confirm that American forces in Pakistan had in fact killed bin Laden, as U.S. officials sought to erase all doubt about the stunning news."