Military’s dependence on contractors makes it hard to fire private-sector partners

WASHINGTON - ITT Federal Services International, a defense contractor hired to maintain battle gear for U.S. troops in Iraq, repeatedly failed to do the job right.

W.Va. governor says stimulus only a short-term solution for troubled economy

WASHINGTON - Congress has taken the lead in bringing needed fiscal discipline to the economy, West Virginia's governor said Saturday.

Bush, Democratic Congress face obstacles in their plans to expand global AIDS program

WASHINGTON - A five-year, $15 billion effort to combat AIDS in Africa and other areas - arguably the most important and popular international program of the Bush presidency - may become a political battleground as it comes up for renewal.

All-Star game, State Capitol trip for Foster

Former Georgia Southern All-America quarterback Jayson Foster is in the midst of a busy two week period.

Hughes-Head

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hughes of Statesboro announce the engagement of their daughter, Tracey Shanese Hughes, to Terrence Ramon Head, son of Mr. and Mrs. Errol Moore of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Analysis: Mixed picture in Iraq sharpens differences among Pentagon brass on troop withdrawals

WASHINGTON - Discussions about a possible pause in troop cuts in Iraq underscore what is shaping up as a sharp debate between the U.S. commanders running the war and those who have to provide the forces for the fight.

Employment falls for the first time in more than 4 years, a fresh sign of possible recession

WASHINGTON - In a shower of pink slips, U.S. employers cut jobs last month for the first time in more than four years, the starkest signal yet that the economy is grinding to a halt if it hasn't already toppled into recession.

Happy 100th, Mrs. Cooper!

Pentagon seeking $20 billion to increase size of Army, Marine Corps

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is seeking more than $20 billion in its 2009 budget to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps as the military struggles to fight wars on two fronts, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Local Roundup: Bennett 3 at buzzer lifts Lady Devils, SHS sweeps Lakeside

AUGUSTA - Statesboro senior Monnette Bennett hit the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer and scored 23 points to lift the Lady Blue Devils to a 43-40 victory at Lakeside Friday night.

Investigators closer to understanding mystery slaughterhouse illnesses, give it a name

WASHINGTON - Investigators are preparing to test pig brains as they struggle to tell what is causing a mysterious nerve illness affecting pork plant workers in Minnesota and Indiana, but so far have found no signs of wider infection, federal health officials said Friday.

CDC: Flu outbreaks reported in 11 states as flu season goes into full swing

WASHINGTON - Flu season is in full swing, with wide outbreaks in 11 states - and a new strain is starting to emerge that this year's vaccine doesn't specifically target, the government's public health chief said Friday.

Hundreds of rebels clash with government forces in Chad’s capital

NAIROBI, Kenya - Hundreds of rebels charged into Chad's capital aboard pickup trucks Saturday, clashing with government troops around the presidential palace in the most forceful attempt yet to oust President Idriss Deby. The rebels claimed to gain strength from defecting soldiers in the oil-rich Central African nation.

It’s official: French President Sarkozy has married former model

PARIS - They had a glitzy, jet-setting courtship, but when it came time for the wedding, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former supermodel Carla Bruni opted for a simple, classic ceremony - and the bride wore white.

Iraqis bury victims of pet market bombings, raise toll to 99 in biggest attack since US surge

BAGHDAD - Weeping relatives loaded simple wood coffins atop minivans Saturday in Baghdad as the city buried dozens of victims of the deadliest bombings since the U.S. flooded the capital with extra troops last spring.

Living with Children with John Rosemond: Why teen mental health has worsened

In the 1960s, child and teen mental health and behavior problems began an alarming rise that has continued to the present. In 1970, one of my grad school professors proposed that this trend could be explained with the flight-or-fight principle (i.e. in response to perceived threat, a person is inclined to either flee or stand and fight).

Vidalia Onion Committee announces culinary contest

The Vidalia Onion Committee announces the Fourth Annual Golden Onion culinary competition on April 26 in conjunction with the Vidalia Onion Festival. The competition is open to all professional chefs in Georgia.

Alberson-Ellis

Mr. and Mrs. Osey Fail Jr. of Statesboro announce the engagement of their daughter, Kayla Brooke Alberson of Statesboro, to John Marc Grayson Ellis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grayson Ellis.

Poulter, Casey share lead at rain-delayed Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Ian Poulter didn't realize he had a three-shot lead in the Honda Classic, only that he was playing well enough to feel like he was in control of his game and the tournament.

Deadline to sign up for marketing workshop is Monday at 6 p.m.

Mike Blinder is a successful small business owner and multimedia consultant and one of his favorite things to do is share his experience and expertise in marketing.

Jimmie Johnson pulls away for another Atlanta Sprint Cup win

HAMPTON, Ga. - The season just started. The calendar hasn't even turned to spring. Yet Jimmie Johnson has all but wrapped up a shot at his record-tying seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

Public paycheck? Likely climbing if you're connected to Deal

ATLANTA - Many of Gov. Nathan Deal's top aides and senior executive branch officials got raises for 2015 that will far exceed what most teachers and state workers can expect in coming year.

Two-time champion: Statesboro dog owner takes home 2nd Best of Breed title

For the second year in a row, Lynn Vogel walked away with a Best of Breed title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Fun with the Family with Julie Lavender: March is a month of merriment

With the rainbow of colors on recent weather maps and the shuttered doors of schools just hours north of here, it's difficult to imagine that March pledges shamrocks and springtime. But promise it does, at least on the calendar. Watch for leprechauns, greenery and Irish dances the first part of the month and delight in the early spring offerings toward the end. Look for every shade of green imaginable when new buds and fresh leaves make their appearances after a long winter's nap. Enjoy the hues and colors of springtime with lawns that awaken and trees and flowers ...

Hadden-Brannen

Mr. Gary Hadden of Metter and Ms. Jeanette Hadden of Brooklet announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Hadden of Brooklet, to Josh Brannen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lehman and Sharon Brannen of Register.

Bulloch History with Roger Allen: Tobacco becomes huge crop for colonies, Bulloch County

(Note: The following is part of a series of articles looking at the history and evolution of agriculture in Georgia and Bulloch County.)

Bulloch County mother, son found safe

A woman and her young son have been found in good health, the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office said Saturday.

Spartans ready to hit field

Whether it's games, recruiting, practicing or just general discussion, football season never really ends in Statesboro.

Hawks rest players, still get by Miami

MIAMI - Even without four players, the Atlanta Hawks had more than enough.

Harrington leads at rain-soaked Honda

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Padraig Harrington is a 36-hole leader on the PGA Tour for the first time in nearly five years and he knows he has a long way to go.