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SEAL BEACH, Calif. – The sky was blue and the sun bright for the first time in days after a week of powerful Southern California rain storms, but all Victoria Macey could see was the mountain of steaming trash and twisted debris on her favorite beach. “I’m completely shocked. From …

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Haitian-American Lt. Ramses Brunache was supposed to be the one in danger in Afghanistan. Now his sister is dead, his homeland is devastated, and he’s trying to return to help save Haiti. Brunache found out about the earthquake in a 3 a.m. phone call from his wife …

DETROIT – The Associated Press has learned that Toyota is sending new gas pedal systems to car factories rather than dealerships who want the parts to take care of millions of customers whose pedals may stick. Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons confirms information in a company e-mail obtained by the AP …

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine: Color Bind Some black conservatives are taking heat for their involvement in the mostly white Tea Party movement. A member of a group of black conservatives, who support free market principles and limited government, says: “I’ve been told I hate myself. I’ve …

You catch her eye across the aisle. Not once, but again and again. You know that look. Can it be? Is this girl interested? You give her that knowing look back and then “the nod.” Getting up from your seat, you hear the click of her belt releasing. You meet …

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine: Try, Try Again It may be back to the drawing board for the world’s climate scientists. In the wake of mistakes, errors and apparent cover-ups surrounding global warming research, Britain’s Meteorological Office is suggesting a do-over. The proposal was presented Monday to …

Awards season is upon us, which means it is time for the stars to come out in full force. While it’s fun to watch celebrities glide down the red carpet in their glittering gowns and fitted tuxedos, marveling at their well-groomed, near-perfect existence, you don’t have to attend the Academy …

All week we’ve been wondering which president would show up at the State of the Union Address. Would it be the, “Hey, people aren’t digging my agenda; triangulate and move to the center” Obama? Or would it be the arrogant, “Do it my way” progressive Obama? I don’t think we …

Just when I thought I had heard everything, along comes a congressman with this gem: Offering pay raises for bilingual federal workers. California Democrat Michael Honda says they’re worth the proposed five percent boost. They help immigrants facing all these challenges communicating in English. Fine. Here’s what isn’t: Having taxpayers …

Washington, D.C. – This year falling on May 15, Armed Forces Day was designated in 1949 to recognize active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardsmen and Marines. Memorial Day, now a “nearest Monday” federal holiday, has been observed at the end of the month since 1868 in tribute to America’s war …