Homeless rate in N.D. spiking

BISMARCK, N.D. -- More than almost any other state, North Dakota has escaped the worst effects of the national recession, but with its good fortune has come an unexpected problem: homelessness, as desperate job seekers flow into the state looking for ... full story

Allies may help Toyota out

WASHINGTON -- Toyota has friends in high places in Washington, including some of the very people now investigating the Japanese automaker.The company has sought to sow good will and win allies with lobbying, charitable giving, racing in the American- ... full story

Washington missed signs in Toyota recalls

WASHINGTON -- When Peter Boddeart's Lexus lurched forward and rear-ended another vehicle in Fauquier County, Va., earning him a police citation, he wrote to federal regulators imploring them to look into his case "before someone ends up seriously inj ... full story

Focus on car electronics after Prius problems

NEW YORK -- Your most expensive piece of electronics probably is not your flat panel TV or your computer. More likely, it's your car, which can pack 50 microprocessors to control everything from the fuel mix to the rearview mirrors.The recalls and ot ... full story

Obama: Health care reform may end

WASHINGTON -- No, maybe he can't.President Barack Obama, who insisted he would succeed where other presidents had failed to fix the nation's health care system, now concedes the effort may die in Congress.The president's newly conflicting signals cou ... full story

Job market improving, but has long way to go

WASHINGTON -- The job market is lurching toward improvement. It just has a long way to go.The outlook for jobs became a bit less bleak Friday when the government released the unemployment rate for January, showing an unexpected decline from 10 percen ... full story

El Niño limiting wildfires

LUBBOCK -- Central Texas rancher Debbie Davis can hardly believe the turnaround in rainfall.While her pastures were parched and withered last summer after nearly two years without appreciable rain, the area northwest of San Antonio where Davis raises ... full story

Worry for global economy, jobs grows

NEW YORK -- Stocks buckled Thursday under the growing belief that the global economy is weaker than many investors expected and likely to stop companies from hiring.A flood of bad news, including rising debt levels in European nations and an unexpect ... full story

New Heinz ketchup packet lets you dunk or squeeze

For decades there was only one way to use the humble ketchup packet, and it was messy. Now, thanks to a redesign by Heinz, fast-food lovers have a choice: the traditional squeeze play -- or the option to dunk.You want fries with that, in the minivan? ... full story

House approves $1.9 trillion more of debt

WASHINGTON -- The House on Thursday voted to allow the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt -- an increase of about $6,000 more for every U.S. resident that provided a vivid election-year reminder of the nation's perilous financial condition ... full story

Annual crawfish boil planned Friday

The Bryan-College Station 12th annual Crawfish Boil is Friday. Tickets are $100 per couple. It runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo. Sponsored by Godfrey Residential Group and College Station Utilities, ticket proceeds will be use ... full story

Quality Suites wins hospitality award

The Quality Suites hotel of College Station recently was announced as a recipient of a 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International Inc. "The Quality Suites award-winning hotel represents not only the best of the best, but also the ... full story

Local firm on list of top workplaces

CAPSHER Technology was named one of the Best Places to Work in Texas for 2010 in Texas Monthly. The award recognized the College Station software consulting company for the organization in its work environment, employee commitment and opportunity ... full story

Chamber's After Hours set Feb. 25

The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Business After Hours on Feb. 25. The free program will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ambrose Furniture Works, 401 S. Main St., in Bryan. Food, drinks and networking will be offered at the ... full story

Three businesses celebrate openings

The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce welcomed three companies to the area this week. Sports, Back & Pain Management Clinic, LLC, 2011 E. Villa Maria Road Suite A, in Bryan will hold a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Hypnotik ... full story

Tickets available to Cattle Baron's Ball

The 14th annual 2010 Cattle Baron's Ball will be Feb. 13. "The Stars at Night are Big and Bright" will benefit the American Cancer Society. The event is set for 7 p.m. at the Zone Club at Kyle Field. Tickets are $125 and seating is limited. ... full story

Brakes on Toyota Prius may be at risk

WASHINGTON -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday that Americans should park their recalled Toyotas unless driving to dealers for accelerator repairs, but then quickly retracted his statement.Meanwhile, questions now are being raised a ... full story