House GOP blasted for scrapping Sandy aid vote

WASHINGTON New York area-lawmakers in both parties erupted in anger late Tuesday night after learning the House Republican leadership decided to allow the current term of Congress to end without holding a vote on aid for victims of Superstorm Sandy. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said he was told by the office of Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia that Speaker John Boehner of Ohio had decided to...

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Obama Hails 'Cliff' Deal, Warns of Next Fiscal Fight

Minutes after the House of Representatives approved a bipartisan Senate deal to avert the "fiscal cliff" and preserve Bush-era tax cuts for all Americans making less than $400,000 per year, President Obama praised party leaders and wasted little time turning to the next fiscal fight."This is one step in the broader effort to strengthen our economy for everybody," Obama said.Obama...

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13 key stories to watch for in 2013

Among the few virtual certainties of 2013 is the ongoing anguish of Syria and the decline of its president, Bashar al-Assad.STORY HIGHLIGHTSLook for more unrest amid power transitions in the Middle EastDisputes and economic worries will keep China, Japan, North Korea in the newsEurope's economy will stay on a rough road, but the outlook for it is brighterEvents are likely to draw attention to cyber...

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Festive cheer for online shopping sites

SINGAPORE: More shoppers are buying online during the festive period due to its convenience and wide range of products.Many have skipped the trip to the malls and avoided the crowds by visiting web stores.One online bookshop said sales for 2012 jumped by about 40 per cent, compared with the year before. Its customers are mainly between 30 and 50 years old. It also has a mobile application....

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Senate passes fiscal cliff deal; House vote is next

STORY HIGHLIGHTSThe measure now goes to the House where a vote could come TuesdayA statement from House leadership made no promisesUnder the Senate package, taxes would stay the same for most AmericansIt leaves a range of big issues unaddressed.As the fiscal cliff looms, what's your New Year's message to Washington? Go to CNN iReport to share your video.(CNN) -- A full two hours after a midnight deadline,...

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Senate Approves 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal, Sends to House

Two hours after a midnight deadline for action, the Senate passed legislation early New Year's Day to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff" with an overwhelming vote of 89-8.Senate passage set the stage for a final showdown in the House, where a vote could come as early as today."While neither Democrats nor Republicans got everything they wanted, this agreement is the right thing...

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Stories for 2013: Syria to 'post-Gangnam'

Among the few virtual certainties of 2013 is the ongoing anguish of Syria and the decline of its president, Bashar al-Assad.STORY HIGHLIGHTSLook for more unrest amid power transitions in the Middle EastDisputes and economic worries will keep China, Japan, North Korea in the newsEurope's economy will stay on a rough road, but the outlook for it is brighterEvents are likely to draw attention to cyber...

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Board changes at STB and IE Singapore

SINGAPORE : The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has appointed Christina Ong, a partner at Allen & Gledhill, as a new member on its board.Meanwhile, Lim Kok Hoong, a chartered accountant and non-executive chairman at Parkway Trust Management, will step down from the STB board with effect from Monday.Three other STB board members have also been re-appointed. They are Mike Barclay, chief...

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Opinion: 12 lessons

What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012What we learned in 2012STORY HIGHLIGHTSDean Obeidallah: You are smarter today than 365 days agoObeidallah: You probably learned a few Korean words like "Gangnam Style"He says we found out poultry...

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