October sales reports from major retailers ranging from Target Corp. to Macy's Inc. are expected to offer more evidence of a spending recovery when they're released Thursday. ...more

November 5, 2009

A man has been charged with smuggling songbirds into the United States by hiding more than a dozen of them in custom-tailored leggings during a flight from Vietnam to Los Angeles. ...more

May 7, 2009

When toy maker Mattel, working with Nickelodeon, announced earlier this month that a "tween" version of Nick's beloved "Dora the Explorer" cartoon character would be unveiled in the fall, the response was overwhelming ... overwhelmingly negative. ...more

March 16, 2009

Cheerleading can be tough and rewarding - just ask Lake Placid High School varsity cheerleader Kristina Grill. ...more

November 30, 2008

As a child, Alli Zeegers would watch the twirling cheerleaders and the gigantic helium balloons of Mickey and Minnie wind their way down New York City as the nation celebrated Thanksgiving with the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. ...more

November 20, 2008

Ahhh, the tween years. For parents, they can provide some needed respite between toddler tantrums and full-on teen turmoil. Until it comes to fashion, that is. Then these 8- to 12-year-olds are no different than their teenage counterparts. ...more

August 17, 2008

SEBRING — Thursday evening's Heartland Idol competition on the Circle gave fans and 18 semifinalists a chance to relive the 1980s. Idol contestants came dressed to reflect the style of the decade. Many wore black and spandex. Fishnet leggings were big with the females, while sequins often caught the spotlights. An audience of 350 saw two singers eliminated, while emcee David Flowers kept the event running smoothly. ...more

October 13, 2007