WASHINGTON (AP) — A report says former Navy Secretary Richard J. Danzig, who serves as a bio-warfare adviser to the president and Pentagon, urged the government to stockpile an anti-anthrax drug while serving as a director for the company that supplies it.

Dan Crownover made a habit of feeding the cats that wandered around Epic Plastics on Turner Road — with his superiors' permission — before and after each eight-hour shift he worked. It's a 5-acre property, with lots of pipe storage and a car part junkyard next door. That makes for plenty of nooks and crannies for feral cats to find shelter.

(BPT) - Often, we don’t think about heroism until we see it in action - when disaster strikes and ordinary people exhibit extraordinary courage and compassion to help victims in their time of need. The truth is, however, that the best of human nature is on display every day in the lives of millions of Americans who work in public service jobs across the country. Sometimes all it takes to tap that inner hero is an opportunity – and the education – to serve others.

(NAPSI)—While some think of North Africa as a region of turmoil and unrest half a world away, one nation has emerged as a leader, demonstrating a commitment to cooperation and regional security that can ultimately benefit the interests of the U.S.

Saying that Galt City Councilman Curt Campion would be committing a perfectly legal but unethical act, the council agreed to pay him a cash benefit for health insurance if Campion requests it.

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who are tired of giving dad a new version of the same old tie for Father’s Day.

(NewsUSA) - After 18 years spent leaping over regulatory hurdles and sputtering in political gridlock, the first genetically modified animal intended for human consumption is one critical step closer to receiving federal approval.

Millie, a scruffy black terrier in need of a bath, let out a whine that could barely be heard over the roar of the propeller. Pilot Bill Stigile turned away from a panoramic view of the Central Valley to reassure the dog serving as his co-pilot on this critical journey.

Sam Ninja is a short hair gray kitten. He is very friendly and will want to sit with you for petting and love. He gets along with other cats but would prefer the company of humans.

What is Paxton Gate? When you give two quirky landscape designers a storefront to explore their interest in succulents, insects and taxidermy, you get the crazy weird store, Paxton Gate. Paxton Gate started as an eccentric garden store, and has transformed into a life-size terrarium filled with what they like to call “treasures and oddities:” odd books, furniture, vintage and antique tchotchkis, lab vials and real bones and insects (they have been collected from their natural habitat).

Have you ever noticed that the words "new and improved" often turn out to be neither? Most of us have been consumers long enough to lower our expectations when we read an advertisement suggesting that some product has been improved upon. In our most cynical moments, we might even roll our eyes in disgust as we realize the only thing "new and improved" about this product is the price.

Seven of California’s 10 zip codes most burdened by pollution are in the San Joaquin Valley and three are in Los Angeles, according to a new tool developed by state environmental officials to target communities for cleanup.

(NAPSI)—Hearing loss is one of the leading public health concerns, impacting an estimated 17 percent of American adults. Despite this fact, most insurance policies cover only a portion of hearing impairment costs, and government-sponsored health programs like Medicare offer little to no coverage at all.

(StatePoint) If you’re tired of taking the same old kinds of vacations, consider looking into more meaningful travel alternatives. Whatever your interests are, there are great ways to infuse your vacation with purpose.

(BPT) - If you’re heading out into the workforce for the first time, there’s plenty of prep work to do. An employer’s first impression of you could very well be your resume.

The homosexual marriage issue and agenda is a troubling, but interesting moral and social phenomenon.

John Teerlink has always had a fascination with science. He majored in comparative religious studies and minored in cell biology at Swarthmore College near Philadelphia. While these areas of study may seem like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, Teerlink says they have worked together in his favor — they combined his keen interest in science and people.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is based on love, respect and agency. Mormons believe that all humans have inherited strengths, weaknesses, challenges and blessings and are invited to live (through the help and grace of God) the principles revealed by Jesus Christ. We are to love one another. We are to treat each other with respect as brothers and sisters and fellow children of God, no matter how much we may differ from one another.

(NAPSI)—Those with an interest in events in North Africa may already be aware that the push toward democratic reforms in the region did not begin with what is known in the West as the Arab Spring.

For three years into her college career, Lodi native Krista Baumbach’s focus was on her ambitious double major of psychology and criminology.

Summer is just around the corner and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning family adventures to check off the bucket list. Living in the central valley, we have plenty to do within driving distance. Here is a list of ideas close and far to get your wheels spinning.

Dear Pharmacist: I’ve had a couple of years of bad insomnia. I’ve tried medications, but I want something natural. Suggestions? — P.T., Denver

A Stanislaus County pro-life organization wants to invite students in the Lodi Unified School District to enter a speech contest, but district officials denied the group's request to distribute fliers promoting the contest on high school campuses.

To reach prospective employees, companies are using social media websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and various career-orientated sites like Monster, Indeed and Career Builder. It makes sense that these same companies would also use these websites to review candidates, as well. But this practice has come under great scrutiny in the past year and raised questions of applicants’ online privacy.

Diversity is a word that can define many characteristics when it comes to hiring employees. Diversity encompasses race, age, gender, cultural background, religious affiliations, sexual orientation and even the ways an employee may apply thoughts to decision-making situations.