Response

US hesitant in condemning North Korean launch

By By BRADLEY KLAPPERAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is drawing no "red line" for North Korea after a successful long-range rocket test, tempering the public condemnation to avoid raising tensions or possibly rewarding the reclusive communist nation with too much

To give on the street? In cities, a daily calculus

By By JOCELYN NOVECKAP National Writer During her two decades living in Houston, Caroline Oliver, like any urban dweller, frequently encountered people in the streets asking for money. She struggled with how to respond. She wanted to help, but in a useful way. And so when Oliver, a consultant

Obama administration defends policy on Congo

By By DONNA CASSATAAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration on Tuesday defended its response to the security and humanitarian crises in Congo, rejecting criticism from Congress and human rights groups that the U.S. has failed to take decisive action. Johnnie Carson, the

Hefty fines for Mass. utilities for storm response

By By BOB SALSBERGAssociated Press BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts utility regulators slapped three power companies with penalties totaling nearly $25 million on Tuesday for their handling of widespread outages caused by two major storms in 2011. The record fines against National Grid, NStar and