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Chinese blacksmiths in Nuanquan (Warm Spring) Town perform a folk custom called "making trees and flowers." They throw ladles of molten iron onto a wall, creating showers of sparks. The centuries-old custom originated with blacksmiths too poor to afford fireworks. In recent years, urban tourists have flocked to this once obscure town over the Chinese New Year holiday to enjoy local folk customs.

Chinese Flock To The Countryside For A More Authentic New Year

As New Year's celebrations in China grow increasingly commercialized, many city dwellers are seeking a return to tradition. Some head to an ancient town outside Beijing where poor but ingenious blacksmiths created their own fireworks. But even centuries-old customs aren't immune to change.

Amtrak trains on the Empire Builder route, which stops in Williston, N.D., have been facing long delays.

Amtrak Fights Big Oil For Use Of The Rails

Because of an influx of trains hauling crude oil and other freight across the Northern Plains, Amtrak is facing problems with unreliability, long delays, lost revenue and stranded passengers. An advocacy group wants the government to intervene.

A Mexican guard at a prison in Tijuana where 17 men are being held on charges they were digging a drug-smuggling tunnel from Tijuana to the U.S. border at San Diego. The men say they were kidnapped and forced to do the work.

Tijuana Prisoner: I Was Forced To Dig Drug Tunnel To San Diego

The Mexican man says he was one of 17 kidnapped by a cartel and forced to build drug-smuggling tunnels. Now he might be in prison for the rest of his life.

Reining In Health Care Costs Key To Trimming Deficit

The Congressional Budget Office said this year's deficit is likely to be about a third the size it was in 2009, when the Great Recession bottomed out. A better economy is the main reason for the improving deficit, but moderating health care costs help.

1 Show Left For Jay Leno's 'Tonight Show'

After 22 years, Jay Leno will host his last Tonight Show Thursday night. The 63-year-old comedian is leaving at the top of the ratings. Thirty-nine-year-old Jimmy Fallon will takeover as host on Feb. 17.

Airline Loses Jamaican Bobsled Team's Belongings

The airline lost their luggage as well as their equipment. The team is staying upbeat. One member, Winston Watts said, "We have a lot of friends here. I'm sure people will lend us what we need."

Hagel Concerned By Ethical Lapses In Armed Forces

Scandals seem to be popping up almost weekly in the military: Air Force missile officers cheating on exams. Army officers getting kickbacks. Navy instructors sharing test results. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered some reviews of the nuclear force, and asked for an update on ethics teaching at military schools.

President Obama's motorcade returns to the White House after visiting with Senate Democrats at their retreat at Washington Nationals Park.

Senate Retreats Offer Chance To Bond, Plot Strategy

It was annual Senate retreat day in Washington Wednesday, a time when senators get away from the U.S. Capitol and all its daily distractions. But not too far away.

Researchers at the MIT Media Lab have created a "wearable" book.

Sensory Fiction: Books That Let You Feel What The Characters Do

Apparently, just imagining what's happening on the written page isn't enough. A new wearable device uses temperature controls and lighting to mimic the experiences of a story's protagonist.

The new 2015 GMC Canyon midsize truck was on display last month the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

GM Posts Disappointing Fourth-Quarter Earnings

The Detroit automaker's earnings fell far short of Wall Street expectations and were in sharp contrast to its chief rivals, Ford and Chrysler.

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