[U.S.] 6 dead, several injured as powerful winter storm system pounds Northeast

6 dead, several injured as powerful winter storm system pounds Northeast
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57560901/storm-spawns-sleet-snow-and-tornadoes-heads-northeast/
MOBILE, Ala. - A powerful winter storm system that pounded the nation's midsection, wrecking holiday travel plans and dumping a record snowfall in Arkansas, began lashing the Northeast on Wednesday with high winds, snow and sleet.

After collapse of GOP debt plan, weakened House Speaker John Boehner ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/barack-obama-returns-to-washington-on-edge-of-fiscal-cliff/articleshow/17778782.cms
WHILE DOUBTLESS some temporary measures will be taken to avoid the worst consequences of the “fiscal cliff,” either before or after New Year's, there is an issue that will have to be addressed on Jan. 3: the speakership (“Hope for deal on taxes fades at ...

Schatz hitches ride with Obama back to DC
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/dec/27/schatz-hitches-ride-obama-back-dc/
President Obama invited Hawaii's new Sen.-designate Brian Schatz to ride back with him to Washington, DC on Air Force One Wednesday night.

Minnesota soda shop threatened with $500 fine for selling candy smokes
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/26/3157254/minn-soda-shop-rebuked-for-stocking.html
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Owners of an old-school soda shop in St. Paul, Minn., are being warned to kick the habit and stop stocking novelty candy cigarettes.

Blazers buckle down on defense, share the ball in 109-91 win over Kings
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2012/12/blazers_buckle_down_on_defense_share_the_ball_in_1.html
Enlarge Randy L. Rasmussen, The Oregonian PORTLAND, OREGON-12/26/12--LaMarcus Aldridge (12), of the Portland Trail Blazers, drives through the defense of Sacramento Kings' Thomas Robinson (left) and Travis Outlaw (25) in the Blazers' 109-91 win ...

Storm cancels nearly 900 flights, delays over 3000
http://www.wkyc.com/news/national/275381/22/About-175-Philly-flights-cancelled-due-to-storm-
A winter storm heading for the East Coast has forced the delay of thousands of flights and the cancellation hundreds more during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Samsung seeks US sales ban on Ericsson products
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20849125
Samsung Electronics has sought a ban on the import and sales of some Ericsson products in the US which it claims infringe its patents.