SEOUL - North Korea is ignoring opposition from neighboring countries and assembling a rocket to transport a satellite into orbit, a South Korean source said Friday. The unidentified source said while North Korea's neighbors have warned the Asian country against preparing for a long-rang missile test-fire, it appears work is under way on a Taepodong-2 missile in the country's northeast region, the Yonhap News Agency said. The North Korean government claims the missile is being ... [full story]

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - President Barack Obama said the futures of Iraq and the Middle East are interwoven so the United States needs a more comprehensive approach to the region. "(We) must work with our friends and partners to establish a new framework that advances Iraq's security and the region's (security)," he told an audience at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina Friday. "It is time for Iraq to be a full partner in a regional ... [full story]

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The following are remarks U.S. President Barack Obama delivered Friday at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on U.S. combat troop pullout in Iraq: Thank you very much. Please be seated. To General Hejlik, for the outstanding work that he is doing, thank you so much. Good morning, Marines. Good morning, Camp Lejeune. Good morning, Jacksonville. Thank you so much for the extraordinarily warm welcome. Just a few additional people I want ... [full story]

LAHORE, Pakistan - Pakistan Muslim League leader Nawaz Sharif says his political party will help liberate Pakistan with the support of the Pakistani people. The head of the PML-N party said the Pakistani people are supporting his group, which is planning a democratic revolution in Pakistan, the Paktribune said Friday. Sharif also said during a meeting of his party's provincial working council this week that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari allegedly pressured provincial assembly members ... [full story]

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Although an investigation is continuing and no citations have been issued, police say that dense fog and limited visibility may have factored into the death of a 46-year old pedestrian who died after being struck by an SUV this morning. Names of the deceased man and the male driver, 50, are being withheld pending proper notifications, a Hillsboro Police Department news release stated. The accident occurred about 7:20 a.m. in the 20600 ... [full story]

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A man accused of coaxing a Canadian college coed into committing suicide is a U.S. nurse with a suspended license and a record of abusing patients, police said. William Francis Melchert-Dinkel, 46, may be charged in the death of 18-year-old Carleton University student Nadia Kajouji "within the next couple of weeks," St. Paul, Minn., police spokesman Peter Panos said, The Ottawa Citizen reported Friday. For at least 14 years before allegedly ... [full story]

PORTLAND, Ore. - Everclear has agreed to perform a concert during the 2009 Kells Irish Festival, said the owners of Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub in Oregon. "We feel very fortunate to have a great band like Everclear headline this year's festival," co-owner Lucille McAleese said in a statement. "The fact that Everclear's singer, guitarist and songwriter Art Alexakis lives in Portland will help draw a big, local crowd, as well as fans from around ... [full story]

The couple—she’s 86 and he’s 88--farmed for a lifetime, reared four children and lived conservatively. Five years ago they sold their farm, placed the net proceeds of $250,000 in joint certificates of deposit and moved into a modest apartment.  Their older car ran well.  Household belongings were adequate.  Two children lived nearby.  Life was reasonably secure.  Then, “Mom was admitted to a nursing home today,” emailed the daughter.  “We are concerned that Dad will not ... [full story]

Q: I heard Dr. Phil call Social Security a "Ponzi scheme." What are your thoughts on this? A: I suppose some people might seek Dr. Phil's guidance when dealing with a wayward husband or helping a troubled young person. But I don't really think people count on him to help them understand complex economic matters or to explain the financing of the world's largest social insurance system. However, I will say this: Dr. Phil certainly ... [full story]

UDINE, Italy - The father of a woman who was the center of a right to die battle in Italy is one of 14 people under investigation in her death, Italian officials say. The chief prosecutor in the case, Antonio Nancardi, says his office must investigate the Feb. 9 death of Eluana Englaro, 38, even if there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, Italy's ANSA news agency reported Friday. A group calling itself the Truth ... [full story]