Obama calls on Congress to help small businesses
2012-05-16T20:35:01Z
President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner dug in Wednesday on their already hardened positions on tax increases versus spending cuts as the outlines of another dire debt ceiling showdown emerged.

Exclusive: Iran flouts U.N. sanctions, sends arms to Syria: panel
2012-05-16T20:34:36Z
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Syria remains the top destination for Iranian arms shipments in violation of a U.N. Security Council ban on weapons exports by the Islamic Republic, according to a confidential report on Iran sanctions-busting seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Iran, like Russia, is one of Syria's few allies as it presses ahead with a 14-month old assault on opposition forces determined to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. News of the panel's report came as Tehran and the U.N. ...

NATO summit gives Chicago coveted global spotlight
2012-05-16T20:32:21Z
The famous skyline is etched with distinctive buildings. The downtown boasts a vibrant cultural district. And the stunning lakefront and art-filled parks attract thousands of visitors every day.

World leaders set for busy US weekend of summitry
2012-05-16T20:31:30Z
More than two dozen world leaders will join President Barack Obama in an extraordinary weekend of back-to-back summits to tackle Europe's mounting economic woes and solidify plans for winding down the decade-long war in Afghanistan.

Fed: Several members could support further easing
2012-05-16T20:29:55Z
Federal Reserve policymakers are open to further efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy if growth falters or threats escalate.

GI killed in Cambodia clash awarded Medal of Honor
2012-05-16T20:25:01Z
President Barack Obama has awarded an Army soldier the Medal of Honor 42 years after the rifleman was killed during a Vietnam-era clash in Cambodia.

Samsung on top as mobile phone sales dip: survey
2012-05-16T20:22:56Z
Mobile phone sales worldwide suffered a rare dip in the first three months of this year on softened demand in Asian markets, industry tracker Gartner reported Wednesday.

US lowers cutoff for lead poisoning in young kids
2012-05-16T20:20:56Z
For the first time in 20 years, U.S. health officials have lowered the threshold for lead poisoning in young children.

Fund managers reveal "best ideas" at Ira Sohn event
2012-05-16T20:19:20Z
NEW YORK (Reuters) - David Einhorn, who runs hedge fund Greenlight Capital, said at a popular investor conference on Wednesday that shares in Martin Marietta Materials are overvalued. The stock immediately plummeted as much as 14.5 percent on the noted short-seller's comments, an indication of his prowess to move markets. Meanwhile, Einhorn also said favorable things about Apple Inc., calling it a well-run company. "Apple is still penetrating markets and gaining share... tablets still a young immature market," he said. ...

Romney keeps media at bay as he sticks to script
2012-05-16T20:18:43Z
Mitt Romney is trying harder than ever these days to stay on script — and keep his traveling national press corps at arms' length.