[U.S.] John Kerry confirmed as secretary of state in landslide senate vote

John Kerry confirmed as secretary of state in landslide senate vote
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/29/john-kerry-confirmed-secretary-of-state
John Kerry's nomination as President Barack Obama's new secretary of state sailed through the US Senate on Tuesday, as his fellow senators voted overwhelmingly to confirm him to replace Hillary Clinton as the country's top diplomat.

Man shoots self after stealing Nevada Highway Patrol vehicle
http://lasvegas.cbslocal.com/2013/01/29/man-steals-nhp-troopers-gun-kills-self/
A Nevada Highway Patrol traffic stop at 3:55 p.m. Monday led to two carjackings, a rollover and finally a suicide. A trooper stopped a gray 2013 Ford Explorer at the Mustang exit on Interstate 80.

Judge rejects Apple's demand for higher Samsung damages
http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-requests-dismissal-of-apple-appeal-in-japanese-court-7000010473/
A US judge has denied Apple's request for higher damages from South Korea's Samsung, saying the firms must abide by an earlier $1.05bn (£666m) ruling.

Senate kicks off work on gun violence with hearing featuring NRA, gun-control ...
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Senate-hearing-pits-NRA-gun-control-supporters-4234363.php
WASHINGTON - The National Rifle Association and gun-control advocates, including the husband of wounded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, are facing off at the year's first Senate hearing on what lawmakers should do to curb gun violence.

New Mexico girl found locked in wooden cage
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Las-Cruz-girl-found-locked-in-wooden-cage-4232570.php
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico woman and her boyfriend locked up an 8-year-old girl with developmental disabilities in a wooden cage, then left her alone while they headed out to watch a movie, police said Tuesday.

Obama signs Sandy aid bill
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/obama-signs-50-billion-sandy-measure-article-1.1250941
A destroyed home is viewed along the beach in the Belle Harbor neighborhood in the Rockaways on January 2, 2013 in the Queens borough of New York City.

Sarah Palin vows to fight on without Fox News gig
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/2013/0127/Sarah-Palin-vows-to-fight-on-without-Fox-News-gig
The “lamestream media,” as Sarah Palin calls it, may have written her off now that the former vice presidential candidate and tea party favorite has lost her principal media voice as a well-paid commentator on Fox News.