GOP blocks access to birth control; Israel and Hamas settle on pause to battle; Murdoch's Time Warner bid rejected and more national and international news for Thursday, July 17, 2014.
GOP blocks access to birth control; Israel and Hamas settle on pause to battle; Murdoch's Time Warner bid rejected and more national and international news for Thursday, July 17, 2014.
1. WHAT'S SEEN AS POSSIBLE BREAKTHROUGH IN MIDEAST
Israel and Hamas agree to a five-hour "humanitarian" pause to their 9-day-long battle, the most encouraging sign that the fierce battle could come to an end.
2. US, EUROPE ESCALATE ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA
Struggling to defuse the crisis in Ukraine, Obama declares that the Kremlin must see that its actions supporting rebels "have consequences."
3. GOP BLOCKS BIRTH CONTROL BILL
The legislation would have ensured access to contraception for women who get their health insurance from companies with religious objections.
4. MURDOCH'S $76 BILLION BID FOR TIME WARNER REJECTED
But if talks resume and a takeover succeeds, analysts see some possible consumer benefits.
5. STUDIES SEE NEW RISKS FOR NIACIN
Doctors say the drug that hundreds of thousands of Americans take for cholesterol problems and general heart health now seems too risky for routine use.
6. ATTORNEY: WOMAN HAD NO REASON TO KILL GOOGLE EXEC
Alix Tichelman, accused by police of being a high-priced prostitute, would never have wanted him to die because he was paying her well, her lawyer says.
7. HOW STRANDED HIKER SURVIVED SIX DAYS
Greg Hein, 33, suffered a broken leg in California's Sierra Nevada and sought sustenance by eating crickets and moths, and drinking melting ice.
8. PONDERING A DIGITAL AFTERLIFE
A lawyers' commission backs a plan that would give loved ones access to - but not control of - the deceased's online accounts, unless specified otherwise in a will.
9. WHO BECAME A 'SAINTSATION' OVERNIGHT
Kriste Lewis, who's battling kidney disease, passes a tryout with the New Orleans Saints and becomes only the second cheerleader in her 40s in the NFL.
10. BRITISH OPEN SET TO TEE OFF
Adam Scott and Justin Rose are favored to win golf's third major at Royal Liverpool, according to Ladbrokes.