United States

Wednesday, August 26th 2015 - 06:12 UTC
US NOAA to investigate whale stranding as an “unusual mortality event”

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared the recent deaths of 30 large whales in the western Gulf of Alaska an “unusual mortality event,” triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause. An unusual mortality event is a stranding event that is unexpected, involves a significant die-off of a marine mammal population and demands immediate response.
Friday, August 21st 2015 - 06:17 UTC
California sinking as pumping groundwater continues in response to historic drought, says NASA

California's Department of Water Resources released a new NASA report showing land in the San Joaquin Valley is sinking faster than ever before, nearly 5 centimeters per month in some locations, as Californians continue pumping groundwater in response to a historic drought.
Thursday, August 20th 2015 - 06:38 UTC
Fed approaching interest rate hike but 'reasonable confidence' still short

An improving job market edged the US Federal Reserve closer to an interest rate hike at its July meeting even as policymakers continued to express broad concerns about lagging inflation and the weak state of the world economy, according to minutes released on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:30 UTC
US approves a libido-enhancing drug for women, to be marketed as “Addyi”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a libido-enhancing drug for women that has been dubbed “Female Viagra”. Flibanserin, a drug produced by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, recently passed an FDA advisory committee meeting.
Wednesday, August 19th 2015 - 07:02 UTC
American Airlines charters to Cuba from Los Angeles next December

American Airlines which has operated charter flights to Cuba since 1991, said on Tuesday that it plans to begin charter services between Los Angeles and Havana on Dec. 12. But by that time, the U.S. and Cuban governments may be ready to allow scheduled airline flights between the two countries, a practice not allowed for more than a half-century.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 08:16 UTC
Nine banks agree to pay US$2bn to investors over rigged foreign exchange rates

Nine banks have agreed to pay 2 billion dollars in settlements to US investors over claims they rigged foreign exchange rates, according to lawyers. They are taking action on behalf of investors, including hedge funds and pension funds, who accuse banks of conspiring to manipulate rates.
Saturday, August 15th 2015 - 08:33 UTC
Kerry calls for a new era in relations with Cuba, but also urged political change

US Secretary of State John Kerry declared a new era in relations as he celebrated restored diplomatic ties in Havana on Friday, but he also urged political change in Cuba, telling Cubans they should be free to choose their own leaders.
Sunday, August 9th 2015 - 14:55 UTC
US economy adds 215.000 jobs in July; unemployment at seven-year-low of 5.3%

The US economy added 215,000 jobs in July, while the unemployment rate held at a seven-year-low of 5.3%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday job gains came in retail trade, health care, professional and technical services, and financial activities.
Friday, August 7th 2015 - 07:18 UTC
Trump dominates the Republican race for US president following the debate among ten contenders

Donald Trump continued to dominate the Republican race for US president by causing further controversies in the first debate. The tycoon's refusal to rule out a third-party run drew boos from the audience on Thursday night. And he stood by offensive comments he has made in the past about women.
Thursday, August 6th 2015 - 08:46 UTC
Despite Obama's efforts for gun control, US firearms production jumped 140% in five years

Despite President Barack Obama’s push for greater gun control measures, it would seem that firearm production has boomed during his administration. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently released its “2015 Firearms Commerce in the United States Annual Statistical Update,” in which the agency pointed out a nearly 140% increase in gun production from 2008 to 2013, the last year with available statistics.