Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - A legislative effort to tighten regulation of payday loans has received a significant boost with the endorsement of the Iowa Catholic Conference, which on Tuesday called for new restrictions on loans where interest rates can soar to 400 percent.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A fierce Christmas storm dumped more snow and ice across the nation's midsection Friday after stranding travelers as highways and airports closed and leaving many to celebrate the holiday just where they were.