National

Fed suggests it's closer to slowing bond purchases

In a move that could send interest rates higher, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke ended weeks of speculation Wednesday by saying the Federal Reserve will likely slow its bond-buying program this year and end it next year because the economy is strengthening. Full Story

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Entertainment

Italy hospital: Gandolfini died of cardiac arrest

Organizers of the Taormina Film Festival scrambled Thursday to put together a last-minute tribute to U.S. actor James Gandolfini, after he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while in Italy to attend the festival's closing ceremony and receive an honor from the Sicilian resort city. Full Story

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Health

Singapore haze at worst yet, Malaysia schools shut

Singapore urged people to remain indoors amid unprecedented levels of air pollution Thursday as a smoky haze wrought by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia worsened dramatically. Nearby Malaysia closed 200 schools and banned open burning in some areas. Full Story

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World

Tropical Storm Barry bears down on Mexico's coast

Tropical Storm Barry bore down on Mexico's Gulf Coast early Thursday as civil defense workers readied emergency shelters and forecasters warned of the possibility of deadly flash floods and mudslides. Full Story

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Local

Sports

Saunders' WP scores only run in M's loss to Angels

Joe Saunders has made two starts against the Los Angeles Angels since they traded him in July 2010, and both of them have been absolute gems. Full Story

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Politics

Conservatives conference highlights murky tax laws

It was called the "Road to Majority" conference, a not-so-subtle reference to winning control of Capitol Hill in the 2014 midterm elections. Some of the biggest names in the Republican Party _ several potential presidential candidates among them _ offered plans to strengthen the GOP. Breakout sessions included tips on "winning the hearts and minds of young people" and harnessing new technology to win elections. Full Story

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Finance

Bernanke clarifies Fed plan to cut bond purchases

A muddled message from the Federal Reserve has rattled investors for weeks. Full Story

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Science & Tech

China astronauts float water blob in kids' lecture

Astronauts struck floating martial arts poses, twirled gyroscopes and manipulated wobbling globes of water during a lecture Thursday from China's orbiting space station that's part of efforts to popularize the space program among young people. Full Story

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Strange

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