Leon

Panetta: Complete background checks by Jan. 21

By LOLITA C. BALDORAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is giving the Defense Department and the military services until Jan. 21 to review the backgrounds of all employees who have contact with children in department programs and to report back in writing. Panetta's

Obama nominates Kerry for secretary of state

By JULIE PACEAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama on Friday nominated Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, one of Washington's most respected voices on foreign policy, as his next secretary of state. The move is the first in an expected overhaul of Obama's national security

Vandals Can’t Get Stops In Rivalry Loss

BOISE, Idaho - University of Idaho men's basketball led by as many as 11 points and had control for much of the game, but the Vandals couldn't get the stops they needed in the second half against Boise State in a 78-68 loss at CenturyLink Arena. Idaho held an eight-point halftime lead, but

Panetta: Layoffs unlikely over 'fiscal cliff'

WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is assuring Pentagon workers they will not face layoffs immediately if the government cannot avert the year-end federal tax increases and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff." In a letter to all Defense Department employees Thursday, Panetta