Around the Nation

Economy

Rates Come Down On Jumbo Mortgage Loans

12:40pm September 06, 2013

by Chris Arnold

The interest rate on jumbo mortgages — those that exceed a government-set cap of $417,000 — has fallen below the rate for traditional loans. Mortgage industry observers say it's the first time this has happened.

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It Could Soon Be Drone Hunting Season

12:40pm September 06, 2013

Deer Trail, Colo., is considering a plan to issue hunting licenses for people to shoot down drones. It's a protest against federal surveillance. And even though the proposal has not passed, the Denver Post says 983 people applied.

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Florida's Byler Sextuplets Turn Six Years Old

12:40pm September 06, 2013

The Byler kids have started kindergarten — each in separate classrooms. Apparently it's been a tough transition. It's the first time the five brothers and one sister have been on their own since they were born.

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The owner of the dealership wouldn't sell trade-ins or the previous year's model once the new ones came out, keeping most of the old inventory outside. He closed his dealership in 1996 and is just now selling off his collection.

Under Dust And Rust, 'New' Classic Cars Go Up For Auction

8:11pm September 05, 2013

by Ryan Robertson

A long-closed car dealership in Nebraska will soon auction more than 500 classic cars, many with fewer than 10 miles on the odometer. Though time has taken a toll on many on the block, in some ways the cars are brand new. Some still have plastic on the seats and the price sticker on the window.

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Goldkamp also keeps an index card file of choice words to integrate into his poem when he has trouble finding the right words.

Forget Twitter. In St. Louis, Bare Your Soul Via Typewriter

8:10pm September 05, 2013

by Erin Williams

With more than 300,000 residents, St. Louis has a lot on its mind. Local poet Henry Goldkamp hopes to find out just what makes the city tick with his new public art project. He's installed 37 typewriters citywide, asking for answers to the question, "What The Hell Is St. Louis Thinking?"

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Data Marketing Critics Check Out What's Written About Them

9:34am September 05, 2013

by Martin Kaste

Companies that collect and sell information about you are usually pretty secretive. But one of the biggest is now allowing consumers to look themselves up. Acxiom Corporation has set up the website: AboutTheData.com.

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The next bed could cost you a lot if the hospital says you're there on observation.

For Hospital Patients, Observation Status Can Prove Costly

9:25am September 05, 2013

by Ina Jaffe

When is an inpatient in the hospital not an inpatient in the hospital? When that patient is on observation status. Patients who are termed on observation can have trouble getting Medicare to pay if they need to go to a nursing home. The practice has sparked lawsuits and legislation.

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Patient Not Amused At Drawings On Her Face

7:10am September 05, 2013

When a hospital employee at California's Torrance Memorial Medical Center checked in for treatment, an anesthesiologist allegedly drew a mustache and teardrops on her face. The doctor faces an investigation and a lawsuit, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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Politics & Government

Calif. Gov. Debates Changing Who's Eligible For Jury Duty

6:58am September 05, 2013

by Shereen Marisol Meraji

The California legislature passed a bill that would allow lawful permanent residents to sit on juries. Governor Jerry Brown has until Oct. 13 to sign the bill into law. If he does, California will be the first state to allow non-citizens to perform jury duty.

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Politics & Government

Is Operation Streamline Worth Its Budget Being Tripled?

6:58am September 05, 2013

by Ted Robbins

The Senate immigration bill calls for tripling a controversial federal court program called Operation Streamline. The program takes people caught crossing the border illegally, gives them prison sentences, then deports them. It's hugely expensive — but does it work?

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