News for Thursday, July 21, 2011

Obama, House Republicans meet anew on debt ceiling

WASHINGTON (AP) — In secretive endgame negotiations, President Barack Obama and House Republican leaders reached anew on Thursday for an elusive “grand bargain” deal to cut deficits by $4 trillion or more and prevent a threatened Aug. 2 government default, officials said.

Applause, but no tears in Mission Control at end

HOUSTON (AP) — There was no crying in Mission Control.

Hot nights can compound danger from heat waves

WASHINGTON (AP) — The killer lurking in the shadows of the current heat wave may be hot nights.

NFL owners approve new labor deal; players yet to vote

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (AP) — NFL owners voted overwhelmingly in favor of a tentative 10-year agreement to end the lockout, pending player approval.

NFL cancels Hall of Fame game

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (AP) — The NFL canceled its Hall of Fame game between St. Louis and Chicago on Thursday despite owners voting in favor of a tentative deal to end the lockout, pending player approval.

Heat causing headaches for HS football coaches

GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — High school football coaches are always eager for fall practice to start, and that rings especially true in small towns all across the Midwest, where every store closes up and every light is turned off except for those at the stadium on a Friday night.

Westbrook, Cardinals breeze past Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — On a sweltering get-away day at Citi Field, Jake Westbrook helped his teammates beat the heat — and the Mets.

Napolitano: Planes still top of terror wish list

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ten years after al-Qaida used hijacked airliners as missiles to attack the United States, terrorists continue to target aviation more than any other potential U.S. vulnerability, Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano said Thursday.

Army general: US should aid Iraqi defense

WASHINGTON (AP) — The four-star general nominated to be the next Army chief told Congress Thursday that the U.S. should provide whatever defense assistance that Iraq believes it needs beyond 2011, particularly in light of what he called stepped-up Iranian efforts to pressure the U.S. to abandon Iraq.

Express Scripts buying Medco for $29.1B

The top two U.S. companies managing prescription drug benefits are uniting in a $29.1 billion deal they say will help achieve key goals of the health care overhaul: reining in costs and improving patients’ health.

Economy’s spring slump could last through summer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy’s spring slump appears to be extending into the summer, according to a slew of mixed data released Thursday.

‘Kilroy Was Here’ offers tribute to 1940s

Children from Jefferson City and the surrounding areas will show their talents Friday in a production of ‘Kilroy Was Here.’

Arizona launches site to net cash for border fence

Arizona launched a fundraising website Wednesday to build fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, a newly authorized project that supporters said is needed to close gaps exploited by smugglers and illegal immigrants.

Nixon outlines plans for 2011 special session

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says a special legislative session in September will focus on economic development and will include measures to boost technology and science sectors.

Mo. AG files suit over post-tornado scams

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is filing suit over two alleged fundraising scams involving the Joplin tornado.

Your Opinion: Solutions to debt crisis

Over the last several weeks the discussion has been about the raising of the debt ceiling.

Your Opinion: Outcry reveals double standard

Anger over the Casey Anthony verdict is overwhelming with public outcry.

Our Opinion: The scams after the storms

Just as homebuyers are advised to consider “location, location, location,” homeowners are encouraged to select contractors based on “reputation, reputation, reputation.”

Applause, but no tears in Mission Control at end

It took awhile before there were any signs of emotion from the steely engineers of that famous room that takes care of the astronauts from start to wheels-stop.

1 firefighter charged with looting in Joplin

The Jasper County prosecutor has charged one Kansas firefighter with stealing after the May 22 tornado.

St. John’s setting up second temporary hospital

The Joplin hospital destroyed by a tornado in May is preparing to open a second temporary hospital, while a hospital that survived the storm is planning to expand.

Children learn timeless, updated etiquette at Mansion

As she sat with her mother at the table, Emily Dulle, 9, proceeded to tell her, politely of course, where to put her purse so waiters won’t trip over it.

Lady Falcons may be young, but they're ready to show what they can do

With just one returning senior, there is no hiding the fact the Blair Oaks girls basketball team will be a young, less experienced squad this season after losing three starters to graduation.

Ground broken for Jefferson City's new animal shelter

After years of planning, construction on a new animal shelter will finally begin.

Calvary softball coach brings together two schools to start up program

As if starting up a program wasn’t hard enough, new Calvary Lutheran High School softball coach Mary Beth Anthony has an even tougher task.

Progress is seen on a blood test for Alzheimer’s

Scientists are closing in on a long-sought goal: A blood test to screen people for Alzheimer’s disease.

Pelvic mesh for women riskier than thought

A product commonly used in surgery to treat pelvic collapse and other women’s health problems causes far more complications than previously thought and is likely exposing patients to unnecessary risks, according to U.S. health officials.

United Way campaign sets goal of $1.63 million

Pacesetters warming up to task

It may be the dog days of summer, but the annual United Way campaign goals have been set and the 28 Pacesetters will launch their campaign soon.

Boeing makes fast turnaround on 737

To keep one of its biggest customers, Boeing just promised American Airlines a plane it wasn’t sure it wanted to build. The plane doesn’t even have a name yet.

Red Cross reorganizes office in Callaway County

After eight years as manager of the Callaway County Red Cross office, Anne Johnson learned this week that her position has been eliminated by Red Cross officials effective Sept. 2.

Cops: Fla. teen told friend he would kill parents

A Florida teenager didn’t believe his best friend when he said he was going to kill his parents. He had heard the threats before.

Second City comedy troupe makes a stop in Jefferson City

One of the most renowned comedy troupes in America will make a stop in Jefferson City this month as part of a fundraising effort for various events in the downtown area.

Texas talks network with Big 12 rivals

Texas officials talked with Big 12 athletic directors and presidents this week about the upcoming launch of the Longhorn Network in hopes of calming fears it gives the Longhorns an unfair advantage over their rivals.

Ice Arena offers break from heat

Those looking for a break from the heat have another option starting Monday with the season opening of Jefferson City's Washington Park Ice Arena.

Howard signs to be put into folksy, bluegrass song

Mark Stevenson, who grew up in a small town in central Indiana, naturally felt a connection to the work of noted Callaway County folk artist Jesse Howard. Stevenson, also an artist as well as a paper conservationist, came across one of Howard’s famous signs and was inspired to build on that through song writing.

Comic-Con kicks off with fans, flicks, costumes

Calling all superheroes, zombies, space aliens, comic-book lovers and kids of all ages: Comic-Con is here. The pop-culture convention, which annually draws thousands of costumed fans to San Diego, begins Thursday, but the die-hards (and those with weekend-long passes) were getting a peek at the colorful convention floor on Wednesday night

Murdoch returns to News Corp. worries in US

Emerging relatively unscathed from a British parliamentary hearing on the phone hacking scandal, Rupert Murdoch returned to the United States on Wednesday, where his company faces a host of financial and legal challenges.

Movie Review: ‘Myth’ depicts teen angst as poetry

Not a single moment rings false in “The Myth of the American Sleepover,” the quietly observant, gently insightful feature debut from writer-director David Robert Mitchell.

Nixon to call special session on business aid

Gov. Jay Nixon said Wednesday he will call a special session this year to overhaul Missouri business incentives.

McCaskill amends 2006 campaign finance report

Sen. Claire McCaskill has made some changes to campaign finance reports stemming from her 2006 election victory.

FDA panel backs minimal-surgery heart valve

A federal panel of cardiologists has given its endorsement to a first-of-a-kind heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences that can be implanted without major surgery.

Intel, Qualcomm show changing face of computing

The changing face of the computer industry was on display Wednesday as two companies representing the old guard and the new issued strong results for the latest quarter.

OPEC: Venezuela’s oil reserves top Saudi Arabia

OPEC’s latest figures have Venezuela as the country with the biggest proven crude oil reserves ahead of Saudi Arabia. But analysts said Wednesday it’s an increase largely on paper and unlikely to lead to changes within the organization or affect oil markets.

Haskell leads at stroke play

Eldon’s Miller is tied for 40th

Brian Haskell sits atop the leaderboard after carding a 2-under 70 Wednesday for a two-stroke lead in the Missouri Stroke Play Championship at Hickory Hills Country Club.

Texas man executed for killing store clerk

A Texas inmate was executed Wednesday for killing a Dallas-area convenience store clerk during a shooting spree that he claimed was retaliation for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Area wrestlers compete at Nationals

Several area wrestlers recently competed at the Midwest Nationals at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill.

Minn. government reopening after 20-day shutdown

Minnesota’s government is reopening for business after a nearly three-week shutdown closed state parks, laid off some 22,000 public workers and demonstrated the wide reach of state agencies.

Georgia delays execution that was to be videotaped

Georgia abruptly postponed the lethal injection of a death row inmate who would have been the subject of the nation’s first videotaped execution in nearly two decades.

Japan export slump moderates in June

The slump in Japan’s exports moderated in June in a sign the world’s third-largest economy is beginning to mend after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Testimony to resume in Ark. soldier death trial

Arkansas jurors who heard vivid descriptions from the friend and mother of a soldier slain outside a military recruiting station are expecting to hear more testimony in the trial of the accused gunman.

EBay profit falls on charges, results beat Street

EBay Inc.’s PayPal online payment service and marketplaces business grew swiftly during the second quarter, helping its results beat analyst expectations, although charges from its recent purchase of retail website operator GSI Commerce cut its profit.

Real estate website Zillow soars in IPO debut

Investors set aside housing market doldrums and rushed to grab shares of real estate website Zillow on Wednesday, valuing the company at as much as $1.6 billion.

Swimming beach closed at Lake of Ozarks

Missouri park officials have reclosed one of the two swimming beaches at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park because of high bacteria levels.

Boy Scout leader held in Bahamas over bullet

A Missouri man is home after spending four days in a jail in the Bahamas because airport security found a bullet in his fanny pack.

FDA approves new AstraZeneca blood thinner

A long-delayed blood thinner from AstraZeneca PLC won U.S. approval Wednesday, posing new competition to the multibillion-dollar blockbuster pill Plavix.

Authorities: 3 swept over waterfall presumed dead

Friends are describing the three young people who were swept over a 317-foot waterfall in Yosemite National Park as church role models who normally did not take risks.

Entire Apple stores being faked in China

At first, it looks like a sleek Apple store. Sales assistants in blue T-shirts with the company’s logo chat to customers. Signs advertising the iPad 2 hang from the white walls. Outside, the famous logo sits next to the words “Apple Store.” And that’s the clue it’s fake.

Record customer spending boosts American Express 2Q

Record customer spending on American Express cards led the company’s second-quarter profit to leap 31 percent, American Express Co. said Wednesday.

Missouri Gov. Nixon plans trade trip to China

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon plans to lead a trade delegation to China later this year.

Report: Afghans hampering US banking program

Afghan officials are thwarting U.S. efforts to protect American aid from being stolen or diverted to Taliban insurgents, a new report said Wednesday, specifically naming President Hamid Karzai as part of the problem.

House moves toward showdown with Senate on FAA

The House moved Wednesday toward a showdown with the Senate that could result in a shutdown of portions of the Federal Aviation Administration and the furlough of about 4,000 workers.

Obama aims for compromise

Running out of time, President Barack Obama softened his stand and signaled Wednesday he would back a short-term deal to prevent a disastrous financial default on Aug. 2, but only if a larger and still elusive deficit-cutting agreement was essentially in place.

Wednesday's National League Capsules

Clayton Kershaw was one pitch better than Tim Lincecum in a matchup of All-Star aces, leading Los Angeles past San Francisco 1-0 on Wednesday. Kershaw (11-4) allowed three hits in eight innings to help the Dodgers snap a four-game losing streak and six straight to the Giants. He struck out 12 to improve his major league lead to 167 this season.

Anthony computer expert backs off reported claims

A computer expert who testified in the Casey Anthony trial refused Wednesday to comment on a newspaper report that said he claims evidence offered about extensive chloroform searches on the family’s computer was inaccurate.

Wednesday's American League Capsules

Travis Snider hit a three-run homer, Brandon Morrow won his fifth straight decision and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Mariners 11-6 on Wednesday night, extending Seattle’s losing streak to 11 games.

St. Louis area group loses trash challenge

But second suit still is pending, with possible effect on Jefferson City

A group of St. Louis County voters convinced two Missouri Supreme Court judges they should be allowed to take their claims to trial.

NC woman to marry 1 year after paralyzing accident

Following poolside horseplay, paralyzed bride doesn’t blame friend for injury

A year after she was paralyzed in poolside horseplay at her bachelorette party, Rachelle Friedman knows one thing she would change about her life before the injury.

Germany, France reach deal on euro debt crisis

Germany and France have overcome differences over how to combat the continent’s spreading debt crises and agreed on a common position ahead of an emergency European summit Thursday, the French president’s office said.

Katy Perry notches 9 MTV VMA Award nominations

Katy Perry’s “Firework” had enough sparks to help her claim a leading nine MTV Video Music Award nominations, including video of the year.

KC marker now recalls Bonnie and Clyde shootout

A historical marker now stands at the site of 1933 shootout in Kansas City involving infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.

Oil falls below $98 as US debt deadline looms

Oil prices fell below $98 a barrel Thursday in Asia as a stalemate dragged on among U.S. lawmakers over raising the country’s debt ceiling and a survey showed a contraction in China’s manufacturing.

Serbia arrests last Balkan war crimes fugitive

He was on the run for seven years, the last Serbian fugitive sought by the U.N.’s Balkan war crimes tribunal.

British PM drags opponents into hacking scandal

Prime Minister David Cameron dragged his political foes into Britain’s phone-hacking scandal at a raucous session of Parliament on Wednesday, distancing himself from a former aide at the heart of the allegations and denying his staff tried to thwart police investigations.