Statements issued by the company today are nearly identical to an earlier one it made. But a Chicago lawmaker says he has gotten the fast-food chain to state it is company policy not to discriminate against anyone because of sexual orientation.

Fans complain as McDonald's delays this year's pork-a-licious McRib sandwich to boost an anticipated slump in winter sales. The sandwich is a food engineering marvel of pork trimmings pressed into a boneless rib shape, topped with pickles and barbecue sauce, sandwiched on a bun.

In the midst of the Cold War, many worried about securing a source of safe, drinkable water after a nuclear explosion. The results of a 1957 U.S. government study show that a post-bomb bottle of beer could be a fairly safe, but not tasty, substitute.

The farm bill is likely to be left on the table when Congress leaves for recess, but don't panic. The nutrition and commodity programs will likely be extended after Election Day at current funding levels for a while, if the last session is any guide.

Some creationists are taking offense at Dr. Pepper's new take on a famous 1965 evolutionary drawing called "March of Progress." And the outrage and "counteroutrage" are spreading across social media.

The nation's heaviest states of 2011 are Mississippi, Louisiana, and W. Virginia. But in the thinnest states, more people report eating five fruit and veggie servings a day and report getting more exercise.

McDonald's has concluded that Asian noodles are popular in Austria. So the company will give Austrians what they want. McNoodles took a year to develop and are available with curry sauce.