WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden has issued a report to the president indicating U.S. Recovery Act initiatives are building a more energy-efficient economy.

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Militants struck two checkpoints in separate provinces of Afghanistan, killing at least 15 policemen, authorities said.

CINCINNATI, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A man is dead after police used a stun gun on him following a disturbance at an Ohio gas station and subsequent scuffle with officers, authorities said.

DETROIT, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A Detroit man convicted of drug trafficking but acquitted on homicide charges has been sentenced in federal court to life in prison, authorities said.

DETROIT, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Erma Henderson, who was Detroit's first black city councilwoman and its first woman council president, died Monday, city officials said. She was 92.

MEXICO CITY, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Red tape has delayed delivery of aircraft the United States has pledged to Mexico in the fight against drug traffickers, a government report indicates.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A retrial has been ordered for self-professed neo-Nazi John Ditullio, accused of killing a man and attempting to kill a woman in Florida, court documents say.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A New Jersey school ordered closed because of a bomb scare reopened Monday after two students who allegedly threatened the attack were arrested, officials said.

NASHVILLE, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Debate on whether an autopsy should be conducted on an executed Tennessee murderer will go to the courts, officials said.

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate leaders will drop expansion of Medicare from healthcare reform legislation in return for getting a bill passed by Christmas, senators said Monday.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- An initiative to legalize marijuana in California has collected sufficient signatures to qualify for the November 2010 ballot, its supporters said.

OTTAWA, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Canada wants to arm Coast Guard ships in Arctic waters with "deck weaponry capable of giving firm notice" Canada controls the territory, officials say.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- One of three Democrats crossing party lines to vote against the $447 billion spending bill awaiting President Barack Obama's signature is urging a veto.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Two daily tracking polls provided somewhat conflicting reports Monday on U.S. President Barack Obama's job approval ratings among voters.