Most helicopters unprotected as bird strikes rise, FAA warns

WASHINGTON (AP) – Government researchers warned 10 years ago that changes were needed in helicopter designs to prevent birds from crashing through windshields and disabling pilots. Today, dangerous bird strikes are on the rise, but there are still no safety standards to protect 90 percent of the nation’s helicopters. According to the Federal Aviation Administration,…

In final year, Obama seeks to stave off lame duck status

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama heads into the final quarter of his presidency with a string of wins, including an Asia-Pacific trade agreement and the historic nuclear accord with Iran. But Obama’s last year as president also challenges anew his restrained approach to international crises, particularly in the Middle East. Americans’ fears of attacks…