Remembering some of those lost in the deadly central Texas flash floods
There have been more than 100 deaths following the flash floods in Texas, and dozens more are still unaccounted for. We remember some of those lost in the floods.
Staten Island To Get Largest Ferris Wheel
It's part of a larger development, which is going ahead even though critics note it's partly in a flood zone. Flooding from Hurricane Sandy prompted the developer to make only minor adjustments.
Bird Sighting Record Broken In Canada
Josh Vandermeulen, 22, is happy as a lark about the record he set for number of birds sited in Ontario, Canada. He drove thousands of miles to see 344 different bird species this year, six more than the previous record.
What Was Left Out Of 'Fiscal Cliff' Compromise?
Now that the nation has moved away from the "fiscal cliff," what's the next drama policymakers have in store? Nothing has been done with entitlements and spending cuts were delayed.
Rep. Cole Predicts 'Very Strong Majority' Will Approve Budget Deal In House
A compromise deal to stop broad spending cuts and tax increases is headed to the House of Representatives, after receiving strong support in the Senate. "I really don't anticipate too much of a problem" passing the bill, Republican Rep. Tom Cole, the deputy majority whip, tells NPR's Steve Inskeep.
Hobby Lobby Plans To Defy Health Care Mandate
The federal health care law requires employee insurance plans to cover emergency contraceptives. That's something the owners of the craft store chain Hobby Lobby say they can't do. An attorney for the stores said the Christian owners consider the emergency contraceptives tantamount to abortion. Starting Tuesday, the company could be fined as much $1.3 million a day for defying the mandate.
School Wants 'Bucket List' To Kick The Bucket
Michigan's Lake Superior State University issued its annual list of annoying expressions to banish. The list includes: trending, bucket list, kick the can down the road and spoiler alert. The top one to ban: fiscal cliff.
Mayor Settles Council Election Tie With Coin Toss
In Seguin, Texas, a December city council election ended in a tie. Both candidates received 141 votes. So it was up to the mayor to settle things. The law gave him some options such as drawing straws or tossing dice. He chose: coin toss.