[U.S.] Kerry is easily confirmed as secretary of State

Kerry is easily confirmed as secretary of State
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/congressional/20130129_ap_senateconfirmskerrynominationforstatedept.html
WASHINGTON - The Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to confirm Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) as secretary of State, filling a crucial national security spot in President Obama's second-term Cabinet.

Scout Plan to Allow Gays Ignites Debates on Local Level
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/us/proposed-policy-shift-on-gays-divides-scout-community.html
A proposed shift by the Boy Scouts of America away from its national policy banning gays, leaving the decision to local councils, has divided scouts, families and troop leaders, with thousands taking to the organization's Facebook page and other online ...

Mayor's Final Budget Is Aided by Economy
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/new-city-budget-cut-2-500-teaching-jobs-article-1.1250346?localLinksEnabled=false
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed the last budget of his tenure on Tuesday, a $70 billion spending plan that calls for no new taxes or layoffs but cuts popular programs such as schools and libraries and closes 20 fire companies.

Indiana Couple Faces Jail, Fines, for Rescuing Dying Baby Deer
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/indiana-couple-faces-jail-fines-rescuing-dying-baby-deer
A couple from Indiana saved an injured fawn over two years ago when they found her nearly dead from coyote bites. While on patrol, Connersville police officer Jeff Counceller said he discovered her curled up on a neighbor's front porch.

Ex-boyfriend: Arias changed dramatically
http://abcnews.go.com/US/jodi-arias-borrowed-gas-cans-day-killing-travis/story?id=18345450
In testimony Tuesday, Jodi Arias' former boyfriend said she began to change dramatically after she started working for Prepaid Legal, the same company that employed her ex-lover Travis Alexander.

LaHood cleared way for Illinois rails and runways, but travelers still await benefit
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57566414-10391739/lahood-steps-down-as-transportation-secretary/
The federal government directed several billion dollars to Illinois during U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's tenure for faster Amtrak service and the expansion of O'Hare International Airport - two mega-projects that so far have failed to generate ...

This is not your father's NRA
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/this-is-not-your-fathers-nra-86885.html?hp=r3
For years, Washington largely turned a blind eye to the epidemic of gun violence in America, and it's no great secret why: Democrats and Republicans alike were scared silent by the perceived power of the national gun lobby.

In Some States, Political Ads Take Aim at Defense Secretary Nominee Chuck ...
http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2013/01/29/max-cleland-u-s-military-needs-to-come-home-and-chuck-hagel-%E2%80%98gets-that%E2%80%99/
Political ads both on TV and in newspapers have been launched against Chuck Hagel, nominee for Secretary of Defense. Judy Woodruff talks with New York Times reporter Jim Rutenberg about who may be behind the campaigns and what affect they may ...

Unusual warm weather in Southeast paves path for tornadoes
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0129/Tornado-threat-tonight-How-are-January-tornadoes-possible
So far there have been reported twisters and some damage as temperatures soar to springtime levels. But behind that front is another shot of frigid cold, and the threat of tornadoes.

Poll: Texans say Gov. Rick Perry shouldn't run again
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57566466-10391739/rick-perry-proposes-sending-unused-state-taxes-back-to-texans/
Is it time for Rick Perry to call it quits as Texas governor? More than six in 10 Texas voters -- including 34% who describe themselves as "very conservative" -- say it's time for Perry to step aside, according to a Public Policy Polling survey.

Sheriff: Man shot on Alabama school bus
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/driver-fatally-shot-aboard-alabama-school-bus-18349735
(CNN) -- One man was shot on a school bus in Alabama, the Dale County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday. Sheriff Wally Olson said in a written statement the suspect had not been taken into custody.

Wandering and Wondering
http://bostonglobe.com/business/2013/01/29/gun-makers-sellers-new-england-overwhelmed-with-orders-for-firearms-ammunition-before-new-restrictions/Ccz0jfMb12w04iqjcw57UN/story.html
HAPPINESS IS A WARM GUN? This is about my love/hate relationship with guns. As a young man, I was lucky to have an uncle who taught me how to shoot.

New Kevin Collins search in SF
http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/New-Kevin-Collins-search-in-S-F-4233827.php
(01-29) 19:11 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- Federal and local law enforcement officers searched a home in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood Tuesday as part of a renewed probe into the 1984 disappearance of 10-year-old Kevin Collins, but found ...

9/11 Health Fund Pays Out Its First 15 Awards
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/NATL-NY-911-Fund-Makes-1st-Payments-to-Sick-Responders-188900231.html
9/11 Health Fund Pays Out Its First 15 Awards. By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS. Published: January 29, 2013. A federal fund set up to compensate people sickened by the Sept.