government

Drunken diplomats could soon be banned from attending United Nations budget negotiation meetings. That’s because earlier this week, the United States put forth a proposal asking the committee to consider prohibiting lushes and boozehounds from disrupting negotiations held by the budget assembly.

Chuck Hagel, whose confirmation hearing in the Senate was highly contentious, was finally confirmed today as the next secretary of defense by a vote of 58-41.

This morning in New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on large sugar-laden drinks was approved by the Department of Health in a 9-1 vote. How long do the Big Apple's Big Gulp enthusiasts have until they can't buy a soda bigger than 16 ounces?

Quick — name a sitting Supreme Court justice. If you can do that, congratulations. You’re in the vast minority of Americans.

The Fourth of July is about more than just fireworks and hot dogs.

Childhood obesity is certainly a problem. The percentage of children between 6 and 11 who are obese in the United States has tripled in the last 30 years and now stands at 20 percent.

Last week, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced a proposal which would ban certain sugary drinks over 16 ounces in the city.

While approval of all tiers of government has fallen over the past decade, it seems Americans are most dissatisfied with the federal government.

Facing huge budget shortfalls, the United States Postal Service has proposed solutions including closing hundreds of post offices and eliminating Saturday deliveries. Now it may be considering jacking up the price of stamps, too.

Studies about the dangers of using a cell device while driving have produced mixed results — some say talking or texting behind the wheel can increase the odds of a crash exponentially, while others say the perils are few. Regardless, the National Transportation Safety Board is so convinced of the dangers of “distracted driving” that it’s now called for a nationwide ban on non-emergency cell phone