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Five best and worst states for job growth

Some states have fared much better than others in reducing their unemployment rates in the past year. Can you guess which boom state was among those that backtracked?

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Heat wave spreads across US. When will it end?

The largest heat wave of the summer has spiked dangerously high temperatures across large swaths of the country for days. Relief from the heat wave is within sight, but cooler weather can't come soon enough.
Awash in art

Charlie didn't know that, by doing his laundry, he'd arranged a still life.
Ash borer beetle shows up in Iowa (again)

Ash borer beetle, first spotted in Iowa three years ago, has now appeared in a second location in the state, officials announced Tuesday. Most ash borer beetle infestations have been caused by people unknowingly moving infested firewood, nursery plants and sawmill logs across county and state lines.
Blagojevich sought 'political deal ... in the public interest,' appeal says

The disgraced former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, is appealing his conviction on corruption charges, arguing the judge barred evidence that put his actions in context.
Foreclosures fall nationwide, but problem lingers in some states

Foreclosures fell in June to their lowest leve since December 2006, but a lengthy judicial foreclosure process in certain states is leading to a rise of pent up foreclosure activity.
Conceal-carry: Heeding court, Illinois becomes 50th state to allow it

Both chambers of the Illinois legislature on Tuesday overrode a veto on the matter by Gov. Pat Quinn. About 300,000 residents could apply for conceal-carry permits, although some details of the law have to be worked out first.
Chicago erupts in gun violence: 74 people shot, 12 killed over July 4 weekend

The July 4 weekend gun violence pushed the number of Chicago murder victims this year over 200. Many of he shootings were in neighborhoods where gangs are well established.
Year after drought, wettest Midwest spring in 40 years delays crop planting

Last year, Midwest farmers struggled with drought; this year, it's heavy rain and sodden farmlands, which have pushed back the planting season. By contrast, farmers in the South worry about too little rain.
Five best and worst states for job growth

Some states have fared much better than others in reducing their unemployment rates in the past year. Can you guess which boom state was among those that backtracked?
Gay marriage battlegrounds: 12 states to watch

In the states, the battle over gay marriage is far from over. As many as 10 could move to legalize same-sex marriage over the next three years. One may be moving toward a stronger defense of traditional marriage. Here's the state-by-state rundown.
Unemployment benefits: a look state by state

Unemployment benefits: Nationwide, fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week than the week before, a sign of a strengthening job market. Here's the state-by-state breakdown.
The 10 most expensive US natural disasters

Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in billions of 2013 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Kenyans in small uproar as Obama Africa trip bypasses his father's homeland

Obama has affirmed his African family roots. But with Kenya's leaders facing ICC trials this fall, a trip to Nairobi was probably a non-starter.
Kardashian baby name: the science of how names shape us

Kardashian baby name: some studies have linked unusual names to numerous disadvantages later in life. As for the Kardashian baby name, it remains to be seen.
Immigration reform: new security plan could sway dozen Republicans

Many Republicans have balked at the immigration reform bill, saying it didn't do enough to improve border security. A new compromise amendment in the Senate addresses those concerns and could pave the way for overwhelming approval next week.
Beef recall: National Beef product could contain E.coli

Beef recall involves 23,000 pounds of raw ground beef that may contain E.coli. The beef recall affects 12 states that received ground beef from Kansas facility owned by National Beef Packing Company.
Teacher training: 'Industry of mediocrity,' says controversial report

Quantity over quality? Teacher training programs are turning out too many teachers, says a new review from the National Council on Teacher Quality, and they're poorly equipped to face the classroom.
How to move giant magnet from New York to Chicago (+video)

This 50-foot-wide magnet is going nowhere fast: It will take more than a month for scientists to roll the magnet across land and sea to its new home.
Nickelodeon TV channel is asked by senators to stop airing sugary food ads

Nickelodeon, a children's cable network, has been asked by four US senators to ban ads that promote sugar and junk food.
'Very dangerous' storm rattles Midwest

Hail and high winds struck the Midwest region on Wednesday. The weather inconvenienced many commuters in Chicago and elsewhere. There were, however, no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.
Derecho threat: Storms batter Midwest with wind, hail

A violent weather system – threatening a severe event called a derecho – moved through the Midwest Wednesday dumping hail and rain. Some 12 million people in four states live in the area at high risk of the storms and a potential derecho, according to the National Weather Service.
USA Update Concealed carry bill: Illinois prosecutor 'goes rogue,' allows concealed carry

Concealed carry bill: An Illinois prosecutor jumps the gun, saying he won't prosecute carriers of concealed weapons in his county. Illinois is the only state in the US without a concealed carry law.
Derecho windstorms could sweep the midwest: Who is in its path?

Derecho windstorms can blow 75 mph winds for hours, across vast distances. This derecho could affect Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and maybe Washington, D.C.
McDonald's sales buoyed by Dollar Menu, breakfast

McDonald's global sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.6 percent in May, a welcome result after struggling a year ago. McDonald's sales were helped by cheap eats and new menu items, including egg white breakfast sandwiches.
Top 10 states for clean tech

Clean Edge, a clean-tech research and advisory firm based in San Francisco and Portland, has ranked states for their leadership in clean tech. Here are its Top 10 picks: