Beachgoers in Gloucester, Mass., take in large waves caused by offshore storms. Local officials urged swimmers to stay out of the water after dangerous conditions forced lifeguards to rescue a dozen people Tuesday. (Kate Glass / Gloucester (Mass.) Daily Times)

CNHI News Service

GLOUCESTER, Mass. -- Powerful currents that caused riptides along the coast led to one death and had lifeguards on full alert.

Patricia Coppock, owner of Anderson Costumes, shows off one of her favorite outfits for partygoers. This Halloween season will be her last in the business after 33 years of customizing special costumes.

By Karen Middleton
CNHI News Service

Financial experts say the economic recovery has stalled.

I guess in these difficult times it’s hard to see the glass half full when we expected so much more.

It’s the same with crooks. They have to make a living in their chosen profession.

A case in point occurred in Atlanta this summer. We all know it takes a lot of folding green to live in –– or even visit –– “Hotlanta,” so this particular crook cannot be blamed too much for seeing his glass half empty.

By Mike Pound
CNHI News Service

There is a reason most sporting events don’t start before noon and I can sum up that reason in three words: Because. That’s why.

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters
CNHI News Service

The disaster in the Gulf has been plenty grim. I don’t envy paymaster Kenneth Feinberg who has now taken over BP’s $20 billion compensation fund.

Feinberg is no stranger to trying to compensate those who have lost much, including the families affected by September 11th and a somewhat lower-profile project to compensate victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech.