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New York poised to ban smoking in Central Park, Times Square

Smokers in New York will have fewer places to puff when Mayor Michael Bloomberg signs a new law banning smoking in the city's parks and on its beaches.
Is domestic violence cause for US to grant asylum?

Emerging federal policy allows asylum-seekers to request US sanctuary on grounds they are fleeing domestic violence. Humane, or an immigration floodgate?
Steampunk: The new Goth

The retrofuturistic trend draws on a Jules Verne-like view of the world and Victorian-era technology.
Wal-Mart wins Supreme Court review of huge bias suit against it

The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider whether a class-action suit filed against Wal-Mart, representing 1.5 million former and current female employees, should be allowed to proceed.
Supreme Court: Can judges tell California to release 40,000 prisoners?

A three-judge panel ordered California officials to reduce the state’s prison population by 30,000 to 40,000 inmates. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case.
California, at Supreme Court, fights judicial order on prison overcrowding

The Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday in a California prison case. At issue is whether a three-judge court overstepping its authority when it ordered inmates released to curb overcrowding.
In Pictures: Heisman hopefuls
Opinion: Amid mosque dispute, Muslims can look to Irish-Catholics for hope

The planned Park51 Islamic center near ground zero is stirring up anger at Muslims. But reason and decency will prevail, and Muslims – like Irish-Catholics before – will overcome bigotry and be accepted into the American family.
How reliable is personal DNA testing?

DNA testing deliver uncertainty. Faulty interpretation and incomplete genetic research are cited in direct-to-consumer tests.
In Pictures: US hikers detained in Iran
An eco-friendly floor finish – from cows

Polyurethane substitute is made from eco-friendly whey, a byproduct of cheesemaking.
World debt crisis: eight reasons you should care

As the world starts to focus on its debt crisis, Greece's financial woes may presage problems to come in Europe and the United States – with implications for your bank account and stock portfolio.
Update: Gigantic NASA balloon crash in Australia (video)

NASA says no one was hurt in huge NASA balloon accident in Australia.
Humongous, expensive NASA balloon crashes in Australia

The unmanned NASA balloon, designed to scan the sky for gamma rays, crashed during takeoff, smashing through a fence and flipping over an SUV.
Will the student aid bill help with your college costs?

Congress is expected to vote this weekend not just on healthcare, but also on a student aid bill. Here’s a rundown of five key components in the legislation.
In Pictures: March Madness mascots
CERN scientists ramp up to restart collider

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, nagged by overruns and delays, may solve a few mysteries – and pose many more – when it restarts on Feb. 15 and ramps up to unprecedented levels of speed.
Oscar nominations: 'Avatar,' 'The Hurt Locker' take the lead

But some fresh faces appear in the Best Actress category with Carey Mulligan (‘An Education’) and Gabourey Sidibe (‘Precious’).
Tips for planning a beautiful yard

A well-planned landscape can increase your home's beauty and its sale price.
What went wrong on the Bay Bridge?

A temporary repair made during Labor Day weekend failed in high winds, leaving thousands of commuters in a traffic mess. The Federal Highway Administration is investigating.
Dispute Finder: Making the call on Web ‘facts’

New software sorts out the consensus from the contentious.
Who learned what in Gates race debate

The flap over the arrest of the black Harvard scholar sparked a spirited national discussion, but did it turn out to be a ‘teachable moment’?
Free 40,000 California inmates? Not so fast.

A federal judicial panel orders the state to come up with a plan to cut prison populations. But any such plan would be carried out over two years – and any actual release order challenged.
GOP's new Sotomayor strategy: Attack Obama

As a senator, Obama voted against Justices Roberts and Alito on the basis of their ideology, Republicans say. Why can't we do the same? they ask.
Sotomayor navigates Senate corridors on her way to confirmation hearing

Democrats push for July; GOP senators say they need more time to examine her record.