COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University researchers using a new laser-imaging technique hope to draw new maps of the San Andreas fault that could help scientists better predict earthquakes in California. The image resolution on existing maps of the fault show post-quake earth movement of about 30 feet. The Ohio …

The following is President Bush’s New Year’s Day 2006 message as released by the White House: PRESIDENT BUSH: The New Year is a time of hope as we reflect on the past and prepare for the future. The great strength of our nation lies in the hearts and souls of …

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A timeline of the travels of Farris Hassan, 16, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who went to Iraq without telling his parents: Dec. 11 — Departs Miami International Airport, cutting a week of school. Dec. 12 — Gets connection in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Dec. 13 — Lands in Kuwait …

With Memorial Day weekend finally here, many Americans are planning picnics and barbecues — and more than ever before, many of those salads and veggie dishes are going to be prepared with olive oil (search). But this is not the yellow stuff in a can that Mom used to trot …

CHICAGO – A woman was charged Monday with strangling her 4-year-old son after he disobeyed her instruction to stay home while she left to do laundry, police said. Nicole Harris, 23, was charged with murder in the Saturday death of Jaquari Dancy. She remained in custody in lieu of $1 …

CHICAGO – Deere & Co. (DE) Tuesday posted a 27 percent increase in quarterly profit on strong demand for its construction equipment and tractors, especially in North America. The company, whose shares were up 2.5 percent, also boosted its full-year profit and sales outlook. “I’m pretty impressed,” Morningstar analyst Scott …

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-national security forces have captured a key associate of Iraq’s most wanted terrorist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (search), FOX News has confirmed. The man was identified as Ammar Adnan Mohammed Hamza al-Zubaydi, also known as Abul Abbas. Al-Zubaydi is accused of planning an April 2 assault by dozens …

JERUSALEM – Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (search) will meet with President Bush (search) for the first time on May 26, Palestinian officials announced Saturday. The trip to Washington, starting May 24, will be Abbas’ first visit to the United States since his January election. The leaders are expected to focus …

NEW YORK – Perhaps looking to capitalize on that “new mom” glow, Estee Lauder (search) has named Gwyneth Paltrow (search) as one of the faces of the makeup and fragrance brand. The Oscar-winning actress has signed a multiyear contract. She will first appear in a new global print and TV …

WASHINGTON – A House (search) subcommittee approved an initial $45 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan next year, two weeks after Congress approved $82 billion for this year’s costs of the conflicts. President Bush (search) has not yet requested any money for the wars during the 2006 budget …