FRANKFORT, Ky. - Even as most states grapple with shrinking coffers and deficits, most are keeping their commitments to preschool programs. However, Kentucky is not among them. A new report by the Pew Center on the States found that the Commonwealth is one of ten states that has cut funding for pre- ...Read More

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The latest state-by-state report card on women's health shows some disturbing trends in Connecticut in several indicators, including reproductive health. For one, as noted by Susan Yolen, vice president of New Haven-based Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, the number of ...Read More

RALEIGH, N.C. - A majority of people in North Carolina are willing to consider ending their state's death penalty, according to a new poll released today by the Fair Trial Initiative. The survey found that recent news of wrongful convictions and tainted forensic evidence at the State Bureau of Inves ...Read More

NEW YORK - Those battery-operated digital wonder toys have their place, but experts say the best way to help a young child develop creativity and imagination is to "keep it simple, Santa." Filling and emptying a can of tennis balls can keep a child fascinated. Hundreds of do-it-yourself ideas and pl ...Read More

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Arizona would have its own volunteer Homeland Security Force patrolling the border, under legislation proposed by State Sen. Jack Harper, Surprise. The volunteers, under National Guard supervision, would carry weapons as they report illegal activity to enforcement authorities. Cri ...Read More

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has dropped in Missouri, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Paula Gianino, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, says free testing campaigns and the "expedited p ...Read More

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The politics and fairness of the tax deal worked out between the White House and Republicans in Congress are being hotly debated in Washington. But what impact would the deal have on the economy? Andrew Fieldhouse, who studies the federal budget as an analyst for the Economic P ...Read More

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Extra caution is being advised this holiday season in picking out gifts for children. Earlier this year, items of children's jewelry were found to contain unsafe levels of cadmium, a toxic metal that's known to cause cancer. Nashville attorney Mark Chalos says despite improved s ...Read More