Topic: Alaska

Stranded Alaska oil rig: Example of safe practices or Arctic risks? (+video)

A floating oil rig, carrying about 143,000 gallons of diesel fuel, doesn't appear to be leaking. But the oil rig, stranded off the coast of Alaska, has raised safety concerns: 'Oil companies keep saying they can conquer the Arctic, but the Arctic keeps disagreeing with the oil companies,' Congressman Ed Markey, said.

Sandy Hook shooting: Town in mourning inundated with gifts, money

Money, toys, food and other gifts have poured in from around the world as Newtown, Conn. mourns the loss of 20 children and six school employees at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Genetically modified salmon not harmful, FDA says

Genetically modified salmon – despite concerns of environmental groups – is unlikely to harm the environment. The Food and Drug Administration report is the final step before approval of the genetically modified salmon, which grow twice as fast as regular salmon. 

Bestselling books the week of 12/20/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

As North Korea celebrates surprise rocket launch, alarm mounts abroad (+video)

North Korea went ahead with a rocket launch despite international pressure to call it off. Critics say the launch masks a weapons development effort and is a clear violation of UN sanctions.

Bestselling books the week of 12/13/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Michigan to join 'right to work' states. A blow to unions?

Michigan is set to become the 24th state with a 'right to work' law prohibiting unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers. Data on such laws' economic impact are mixed.

Top 10 metros for job growth

Some metropolitan areas have a booming jobs market, thanks to energy, manufacturing, or sometimes just the right mix of highly diversified industries. Here's a look at the 10 metros that have seen the largest percentage increase in jobs over the past 12 months:

Should US export natural gas? Study for DOE fuels fiery debate.

According to the study, global market conditions are not yet ripe for US natural gas exports, but when they are, the exports would benefit the economy. A key issue is how that benefit is shared.

Bestselling books the week of 12/6/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

North Korea preps for rocket launch despite international warnings

Many are concerned that North Korea's rocket launch is cover for developing the technology to attach a nuclear warhead to a long-range missile capable of going as far as Hawaii, Alaska, or the US West Coast.

Opinion: Fiscal cliff: Republicans on wrong track if they help Obama raise taxes on the rich

Higher taxes won’t much improve US finances and would likely wreck the economy. But as fiscal cliff talks intensify, a small group of Republican senators are prepared to help President Obama make the rich pay more – facts notwithstanding. A better approach: Spur private-sector growth.

Bestselling books the week of 11/29/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Republican Party 2.0: 4 GOP leaders share ideas for political upgrade

In the aftermath of election 2012, four prominent Republicans share their visions for how the GOP can adapt its messaging to reflect a diversifying US electorate.

Bestselling books the week of 11/22/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Bestselling books the week of 11/15/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Bestselling books the week of 11/8/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Decoder Wire
Presidential election: How soon will someone win so we can go to sleep? (+video)

Polls close in six Eastern states at 7 p.m. If the networks call Virginia quickly for Obama, it could be an early sign of victory. But don't expect speedy presidential election results in battleground Ohio, where provisional ballots could make for a long night.

Decoder Wire
Electoral College 101: How it works. Why we're stuck with it.

Why is 270 the magic number on Election Day? Because it's the number of Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency. A look at the messy system the Founding Fathers bequeathed us.

Opinion: Hurricane Sandy blows climate change back on the table

Today is election day in the US, but climate change should have been on the campaign agenda months ago. It shouldn't take a disaster like superstorm Sandy to finally bring it back into the conversation. 

Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?

On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

Horizons
Remembering Bob Ross, the host of 'The Joy of Painting'

The Google homepage honors public television legend Bob Ross, who would have celebrated his 70th birthday today. 

Culture Cafe
Bob Ross: How did he get so mellow? (+video)

Bob Ross, whose 70th birthday is celebrated Monday with a Google Doodle, said that one experience made him vow never to raise his voice again.

Hawaii tsunami: Smaller waves than predicted after Canada quake

Hawaii tsunami: Initial tsunami waves are small. But Hawaii residents got a good test of tsunami preparedness in the wake of Saturday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Canada.

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake rattles West coast of Canada

Canada earthquake: The earthquake stuck just after 8 p.m. local time Saturday, creating a small tsunami. No major damage or injuries have been reported in Canada. Hawaii still on tsunami watch.