UK & USA Today Editoweb 14 December 2009

Obama to banks: ease lending to businesses

President Barack Obama challenged top bankers Monday to explore "every responsible way" to increase lending, saying they were obliged to help after being rescued by taxpayers.

Ground search for 2 missing Ore. climbers halted

Rescuers on Mount Hood who have recovered the body of one climber say "time is critical" in the hunt for his two companions, but all but ruled out a ground search for them Monday because the risks of an avalanche on Oregon's tallest peak were too great.

AP Enterprise: Gaps in DNA banks lead to tragedy

During what police say was a 20-year killing spree in Milwaukee, Walter Ellis left his DNA behind all along the way — everywhere but the one place where it might have saved a life.

Nev. brothel aims to offer 1st male prostitutes

The owner of a brothel more than two hours' drive from Las Vegas said she hopes to hire Nevada's first legal male prostitutes within a month, now that state health officials have approved a method to test men for infectious diseases.

Ga. man sentenced to 17 years in terror case

A Georgia man was sentenced to 17 years in prison Monday for conspiring to aid terrorists by sending homemade videos of Washington landmarks overseas and trying to meet with a terror group in Bangladesh.

Boxer's opponents capitalize on 'ma'am' exchange

The widely played video clip of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer reprimanding a general for calling her "ma'am" is the gift that keeps on giving for the two Republicans hoping to challenge her next year.

US agents hold suspected Iran-bound helicopter

Federal agents are investigating whether a helicopter they have held for 14 months at an airport in Texas was earmarked for shipment to Iran.

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