Nation news briefs

SHUT UP! SPEECH JAMMER AMONG 2012 IG NOBEL WINNERS: BOSTON (AP) - For anyone who's ever been tired of listening to someone drone on and on and on, two Japanese researchers have the answer.

Another sign economy has bottomed out

Modesto ranks as fifth poorest city in nation

Chick-fil-A makes another statement on controversy, triggers more reaction

Anti-jihad 'savage' ads going up in New York subway

Golden Gate Bridge dropping human toll takers in early 2013

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Drivers using San Francisco's historic Golden Gate Bridge will finally see the anticipated change from human toll-takers to an all-electronic toll system in early 2013, officials said. The system will switch to electronic tolling in February instead of this month as previously announced, Bridge spokeswoman Mary Currie said Tuesday. "It's where the industry is ...

Riders stuck 300 feet high after ride malfunction

BUENA PARK. (AP) - The Windseeker attraction at Southern California's Knott's Berry Farm has broken down, leaving about 20 riders who expected a three-minute thrill dangling 300 feet over the amusement park for nearly two hours. Buena Park police say the ride, which lifts fun-seekers high over the park with their legs dangling and spins them in a circle, broke down at ...

Coloradoan wins $7 million in popcorn lung lawsuit

DENVER (AP) - A suburban Denver man who was diagnosed with "popcorn lung," possibly from inhaling the artificial butter smell of the microwave popcorn he regularly ate, has won a $7.2 million verdict against various food companies. Wayne Watson's attorney, Ken McClain, said a federal jury granted the award Wednesday against Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., The Kroger Co. and Dillon Companies Inc. after ...

Prosecutor: Dad killed girl over toilet training

DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit man was so obsessed over toilet training that he fatally beat his 2-year-old daughter for having an accident, a prosecutor said Wednesday in an opening statement to jurors at the man's first-degree murder trial. D'Andre Lane also is charged with child abuse in the Dec. 2 disappearance of Bianca Jones, whose body has never been found. Lane ...

Bay Area briefs

SAN FRANCISCO MOVES TO PROVIDE GREEN POWER: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Supervisors have given initial approval to a five-year deal with Shell Energy North America that gives San Francisco residents the option of getting 100 percent of their power from renewable sources.

Bakersfield hockey team mocks opposing Stockton’s bankruptcy

BAKERSFIELD (AP) - A hockey game promotion poking fun at America's largest bankrupt city has caused a tiff between fans in the San Joaquin Valley. The Condors, a Bakersfield minor league hockey team, advertised its game against Stockton Thunder on Dec. 27 as "Our City Isn't Bankrupt Night." The team promised to ...

Obama boosted by upbeat housing reports, new polls in bid for 2nd term

FBI asked to keep data on anti-Sikh hate crimes

SD prison tobacco ban curbs religion rights

209 News

MODESTO OFFICIALS VOTE TO STOP WATER DEAL WITH SF: MODESTO (AP) - Modesto water officials are no longer negotiating with San Francisco to sell Tuolumne River water to the coastal city.

Woman faked marriage to dead racer

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Las Vegas woman has been accused of forging a marriage certificate so she could keep her racecar-driving boyfriend's possessions after he died three years ago when his Porsche veered off a mountain road in northern Nevada. Allison Lear was arrested on outstanding warrants May 25 at the Hakkasan nightclub at the MGM Grand. She faces charges of forgery and perjury in what family members characterize as a callous attempt at ...

Nation news briefs

TORNADO HITS OKLAHOMA CITY AREA IN PLAINS OUTBREAK: OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Tornadoes rolled in from the prairie and slammed Oklahoma City and its suburbs on Friday, crumbling cars and tractor-trailers along a major interstate and leading to numerous injuries.

Big stink over Camel ads

Would-be Chicago backpack bomber gets 23-year term

Hagel to broach cyberthreats topic with Chinese

Notes to Obama, mayor had gun threats

2 in 5 women would consider parenting solo

Teens wary of social media after homicide

Nation news briefs

BOY, 10, FINDS $10,000 IN KANSAS CITY HOTEL ROOM: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A 10-year-old boy who found $10,000 in a drawer at a Kansas City hotel where he was staying with his dad turned the money over to police.

Soldier to admit Afghan massacre in plea bargain

Decontaminating patients cuts hospital infections

Neighbor sours on property sale to Vt. governor

Letters to NYC mayor test positive for ricin

Obama preparing to name Comey to FBI

Chance for sibling 1st at National Spelling Bee