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Question 9 on the first page of the 2010 Census form. After more than a century, the Census Bureau is dropping use of the word "Negro" to describe black Americans in its surveys. Instead of the term, which was popularized during the Jim Crow era of racial segregation, census forms will use "black" or "African-American."

No More 'Negro' For Census Bureau Forms And Surveys

Many African-Americans complained about the bureau's use of the word during the 2010 Census, calling it offensive and outdated. On Monday, officials said they would stop using it.

Caitlin J. Halligan, shown in 2005, waited more than 700 days in the last Congress for a vote on the Senate floor before she was filibustered, the White House says. She was nominated again last month.

Would-Be Federal Judges Face The Washington Waiting Game

The White House is calling out Congress for a slowdown in voting on judicial nominees, saying it has left 10 percent of judgeships unfilled. The president also faces criticism from the left on the pace of his nominations. But recent White House moves and a new Senate rule could help get things moving.

Fauja Singh, the 101-year-old "turbaned tornado," with other runners Sunday in Hong Kong.

101-Year-Old 'Turbaned Tornado' Retires From Running

Fauja Singh, who completed a marathon at the age of 100, participated in his last race Sunday. He finished the 6.2-mile course in Hong Kong in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds.

A sip or a hit? Jack Faller sucks up a bourbon Vaportini at Red Kiva lounge in Chicago.

The Vaportini: A Cocktail Inhaled, Not Stirred

Over in Chicago, cocktail connoisseurs are forgoing the liquid state altogether. Instead of drinking their favorite bourbon or infused vodka, they're inhaling it with a simple device, called the Vaportini. But don't expect these gaseous cocktails to replace liquid libations anytime soon.

For some kids who grow up in poverty, the bond developed with Mom is especially important in dealing with stress.

To Spot Kids Who Will Overcome Poverty, Look At Babies

Researchers say that the heartbeats and breathing of babies may help identify the kids most likely to struggle with poverty later on. Biology matters, the scientists say, but so does baby's relationship with Mom.

Forgoing calcium supplements is a fine approach for most people, a preventive services panel says.

Most People Can Skip Calcium Supplements, Prevention Panel Says

There's no evidence that calcium supplements help prevent bone fractures in most people, a preventive services task force says. And calcium supplements boost the risk of kidney stones, and perhaps heart disease.

Brooklyn Assemblyman Defends Blackface Costume

Dov Hikind dressed as a black basketball player for a party he threw celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim. Critics he said don't understand him or the holiday.

A young demonstrator is attacked by a police dog in Birmingham, Ala., in May 1963. Scenes like these helped usher in the nation's landmark civil rights law, the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday over a key provision of the law.

Alabama Divided As Court Prepares To Hear Voting Rights Challenge

The Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday in a case challenging a Voting Rights Act provision that requires some states to receive federal approval for elections rule changes. Shelby County says the system is outdated, but some black officials argue it's still necessary to ensure diverse voices in government.

Wal-Mart is one of several large retailers that say an increase in the payroll tax may hurt U.S. sales in the months ahead.

Too Soon To Blame Payroll Tax For Stagnant Retail Sales?

Several big retailers say the return of the full payroll tax is causing consumers to curtail spending, but so far the evidence is mostly anecdotal. Some analysts argue a variety of factors, and not any specific policy, contributed to slower growth in consumer spending in January.

Koop Turned Surgeon General's Office Into Mighty Education Platform

Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop died Monday. He was 96. As surgeon general, Koop turned an office with little power into a mighty platform to educate Americans about AIDS prevention and the dangers of smoking.

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