Daniel J. GraeberAUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 11 (UPI) — The number of drilling permits issued in Texas, the No. 1 oil producer in the country, for December was up 38 percent from last year, state data show.

Daniel J. GraeberAUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 11 (UPI) — The number of drilling permits issued in Texas, the No. 1 oil producer in the country, for December was up 38 percent from last year, state data show.

Daniel J. GraeberMOSCOW, Jan. 11 (UPI) — Former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson will listen to Russia, but will continue with his legacy of being a “tough person,” a Kremlin spokesperson said.

Richard TomkinsUTTOXETER, England, Jan. 10 (UPI) — Forklifts for use in rough terrain have been ordered by the U.S. Army from JCB.

Ryan MaassMOSCOW, Jan. 10 (UPI) — Russian defense officials discussed modernization efforts for the country’s TU-160 bomber and several spacecraft during a recent teleconference.

Ryan MaassWASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) — The U.S. Army has posted a solicitation for biodegradable ammunition to be used during training exercises.

Allen ConePALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 10 (UPI) — Blood-testing startup Theranos Inc. announced it will lay off 41 percent of its staff.

Ed AdamczykLAS VEGAS, Jan. 10 (UPI) — Two prototypes of a revolutionary three-screen laptop gaming computer were stolen at Las Vegas’ Consumer Electronics Show, their manufacturer said.

Ed AdamczykWASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) — The classified ad site Backpage.com closed the adult section of its website hours after a Senate committee charged it with facilitating child sex trafficking.

Ed AdamczykLAVAL , Quebec, Jan. 10 (UPI) — Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. will sell three of its skin care brands to L’Oreal for $1.3 billion in cash, it announced Tuesday.