Florida Sex Offender Camp Closes; Alternatives Scarce

ORLANDO, Florida - A makeshift camp in woods near downtown Orlando, where a homeless advocate says county corrections officers parked sex offenders with no place else to go, was closed on Monday, sending more than two dozen sex offenders in search of new homes.

Nebraska Mother Killed Husband And Daughter Before Killing Self

OMAHA, Nebraska - A rural Nebraska mother suffering from depression stabbed her husband and 12-year-old daughter to death before killing herself, authorities said on Monday.

Idaho High School Students Protest Teacher Layoffs Plan

SALMON, Idaho - Hundreds of Idaho high school students walked out of classes on Monday to protest a plan to lay off public school teachers and curtail their rights to collective bargaining.

"Big Short" Author Lewis Sued For Defamation

NEW YORK - Michael Lewis, best-selling author of "The Big Short" about the mortgage meltdown, has been sued for defamation by an asset manager featured in the book.

Bernie Madoff Learns In Therapy He's "a Good Person"

LOS ANGELES - Disgraced financier Bernie Madoff says he is undergoing weekly psychiatric therapy sessions in prison, where he has learned he is a "good person" despite swindling investors out of billions of dollars.

Jaycee Dugard's Accused Kidnappers Have Confessed: Lawyer

LOS ANGELES - Phillip and Nancy Garrido, the California couple charged with abducting 11-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard in 1991 and holding her captive for 18 years, have given police a full confession, a defense lawyer said on Monday.

Health Officials Track Measles Exposure At Four U.S. Airports

BOSTON - Health officials said on Monday they have launched a cross-country measles watch for anyone who might have been exposed to a contagious airline passenger who traveled through four major U.S. airports.

Texas Fires Scorch Homes, Threaten To Spread

LUBBOCK, Texas - Calmer winds on Monday allowed an airborne assault on West Texas wildfires that destroyed dozens of homes and a dog kennel and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate.

Buxom Actress Jane Russell Dead At 89

LOS ANGELES - "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" movie star Jane Russell, who became a controversial Hollywood sex symbol, died on Monday at the age of 89, her family said.

Wisconsin Governor Gives Democrats Ultimatum

MADISON, Wisc. - Republican Governor Scott Walker on Monday gave absent Democratic lawmakers an ultimatum to return to Wisconsin within 24 hours and vote on a proposal to reduce the power of public sector unions or have the state would miss out on a huge debt restructuring.

Airport In Alabama Reopens After Security Scare

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Authorities reopened the airport at Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday after closing it for several hours due to a suspicious package, airport spokeswoman Toni Bast said.

Ohio Readies Union Bill Vote, Indiana Delay Continues

CHICAGO - A vote on an Ohio bill that would end collective bargaining rights for public employees could come as early as Wednesday, a state senator said on Sunday.

Wisconsin Democrats Stay In Illinois, Await Compromise

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin's 14 state senate Democrats who left the state to prevent a vote on a bill that would limit collective bargaining for public workers had no plans to return on Sunday, a spokesman said.

High Tech, Medieval Weaponry Combine In Trebuchet Competition

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - In a mashup of 12th-century weaponry and 21st-century technology, employees of an area Google Data Center triggered a 6-foot wooden siege weapon this weekend with an Android cell phone, a computer the size of a credit card and a Blue Tooth receiver.

Rising Oil Prices Could Stall States' Recoveries

WASHINGTON - Rising oil prices could trample prospects for economic recovery in many states, three governors warned on Sunday, as a leading economist said they also threaten the country's economic comeback.

Gates Foundation Works To Boost Food Production

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Amid global unrest over food security, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said Sunday it was forging a new effort to support agricultural research projects in Africa and Asia aimed at helping small farmers increase crop yields and farm incomes.

Make Money And Do Good Is The New Corporate Buzz

NEW YORK - Admitting you are making money by doing some good in the world is no longer a dirty little secret, it's called "creating shared value" -- the new catch phrase in corporate and philanthropic circles.

Local Mexico Drug Boss Tied To U.S. Agent Death Caught

MEXICO CITY - The Mexican Navy said on Sunday it arrested the alleged regional head of the feared "Zetas" drug gang in connection with this month's murder of a U.S. customs agent by a drug gang.

Last U.S. Veteran Of World War One Dies At 110

WASHINGTON - Frank Buckles, believed to be the last surviving U.S. veteran of World War One, has died at age 110, according to media reports Monday.

Many Protesters Refuse To Exit Wisconsin Capitol

MADISON, Wisconsin - Dozens of protesters against proposed legislation to weaken state public unions refused to leave the Wisconsin state capitol building on Sunday and police said they would be allowed to stay the night.

New Mexico's Hispanic Governor Battles Over Rules Of The Road

SANTA FE, New Mexico - The nation's first female Hispanic governor has angered many Latinos with a proposal to repeal a New Mexico state law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

Utah Draws Thousands For No-shooting-required Gun Permit

AUSTIN, Tex. - Texans seeking concealed handgun licenses are increasingly turning to Utah, a state that does not require actually shooting a gun to get a permit.

Fourth Child Dies After Texas Day Care Fire

HOUSTON - A fourth child has died following a fire at a Houston home day care on Thursday, fire officials said.

Health Officials Track Measles Exposure At Three U.S. Airports

BOSTON - State health officials are trying to track down travelers who may have been exposed to measles after a passenger who was contagious passed through three major U.S. airports.

Navy Sailor Shot By Police After Ramming Two Cars

LOS ANGELES - Navy police stopped a sailor who seemed drunk when he drove to the gate of the San Diego base early Saturday morning, then sped away and hit a couple police cars before officers shot him, authorities said.

Arizona Lawmaker Stopped By Police After Fight With Girlfriend

PHOENIX - Scott Bundgaard, the Arizona state senate majority leader, was involved in a domestic violence dispute with his girlfriend, but was not arrested because he has legislative immunity, police said on Saturday.

Thieves Heist Tractor Trailer Of Nike AirMax Shoes

Kansas City, Missouri - Police in Kansas City are on the lookout -- for shoe salesmen.

Judge Rules For Gov't On Rajaratnam Evidence

CHICAGO - A federal judge ordered that Galleon hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam must reveal taped evidence to be used in his upcoming insider trading trial set for March 8, a court document said.

Labor Protests Beyond Wisconsin Draw Thousands

NEW YORK - Thousands of people rallied in cities across the United States on Saturday to express solidarity with Wisconsin public sector unions fighting a proposal to curb their power.

Largest Crowds Since Vietnam War March In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisconsin - A crowd estimated at more than 70,000 people on Saturday waved American flags, sang the national anthem and called for the defeat of a Wisconsin plan to curb public sector unions that has galvanized opposition from the American labor movement.

Congressman Calls NY Statue Sexist, Wants It Sold

NEW YORK - A New York Congressman is calling for the removal and sale of a statue that once graced City Hall park, saying it is ugly and sexist.

Unions Protest Draft Kansas Law On Union Contributions

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Union supporters plan a rally on the state Capitol steps in Topeka, Kansas on Saturday to show solidarity with unions in Wisconsin and to protest a proposed Kansas law on payroll deductions.

California Headed For Cuts For For-profit Students

WASHINGTON - California's student aid commission said on Friday that aid funds going to students at for-profit schools should be slashed first when the state cuts its education budget.

Bush Cancels Conference Visit Over Assange Invite

WASHINGTON - Former President George W. Bush on Friday canceled a scheduled appearance at a business leaders' conference in Denver after learning that organizers also invited WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

NYC Seeks Banks To Run Services, Including Buildings

NEW YORK - New York City wants to hire investment banks to improve management of its assets -- from parking meters to buildings -- but the mayor flatly rejects selling any of the city's valuable properties.

Winter Not Ready To Release Icy Grip On Northeast

BOSTON - Heavy rains and high winds on Friday pummeled coastal areas of the Northeast, with snow blanketing the interior and flooding likely in many urban areas.

Boston Officials Testing Three More For Measles

BOSTON - Three cases of measles are now suspected in Boston among residents who may have crossed paths with a 24-year-old woman whose diagnosis was confirmed earlier this month, health officials said on Friday.

Saudi Charged In U.S. Bomb Plot To Plead Not Guilty

LUBBOCK, Texas - A 20-year-old Saudi student accused in a bomb plot that may have targeted former President George W. Bush will plead not guilty to terrorism charges, his attorney said on Friday.

Wisconsin Support Rally In NJ Draws Thousands Despite Rain

TRENTON, New Jersey - Thousands turned out in New Jersey's state capital despite heavy rain on Friday to show support for Wisconsin public worker unions fighting to preserve collective bargaining rights.

Wisconsin Republicans Push Ahead With Union Bill

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin Republicans seeking to curb the power of public sector unions tried on Friday to pressure absent Democrats to return home and vote on a plan that has sparked labor protests across the country.

Expansion Begins At Largest U.S.-Mexico Border Crossing

SAN YSIDRO, California - A $600 million expansion that would more than double capacity at the world's busiest border crossing broke ground south of San Diego on Thursday, aiming to boost security and cut lengthy delays at the California-Mexico border.

Alaska Lawmaker Seeks To Change TSA Search Policies

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - State lawmaker Sharon Cissna was little known outside Alaska when she left on a trip to Seattle, but when she returned home on Thursday, she had become a symbol of resistance to airport patdown searches.

Maryland Senate Approves Same-sex Marriage

PHILADELPHIA - The Maryland State Senate passed legislation on Thursday night to allow same-sex marriage.

Wisconsin Serial Killer Gets Consecutive Life Sentences

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - Serial killer Walter E. Ellis on Thursday received consecutive life sentences with no parole in Milwaukee County Circuit Court for committing seven homicides over a 21-year-period.

Indiana Democrats Stay Out Of State To Avoid Vote

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana House of Representatives is closed until Monday afternoon, while most House Democrats stay out of state to avoid voting on Republican-backed labor and education bills, officials said on Thursday.

Man Gets 25 Years In Jail For "South Park" Threats

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - A Virginia man who encouraged the murder of Matt Stone and Trey Parker over an episode of "South Park" that portrayed the Muslim prophet Muhammed dressed as a bear was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Thursday.

Key Soldier Reaches Plea Deal In Afghan Murder Case

SEATTLE - A key suspect in the U.S. Army prosecution of soldiers accused of terrorizing unarmed Afghan civilians has agreed to plead guilty to murder charges next week and testify against his co-defendants, his lawyer said on Thursday.

"Pacman" Jones Gets Probation For Vegas Brawl

LAS VEGAS - Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones was sentenced on Thursday to a year's probation for his role in a 2007 Las Vegas strip club brawl that left one man paralyzed from the waist down and two others wounded.

Saudi Charged In U.S. Bomb Plot, Bush Possible Target

WASHINGTON - A 20-year-old Saudi student has been arrested in Texas in a bomb plot that may have targeted former President George W. Bush and nuclear plants, U.S. authorities said on Thursday.

Wisconsin Assembly Approves Bill To Curb Union Power

MADISON, Wisc. - The Wisconsin state Assembly early on Friday approved a proposal to strip public sector unions of most collective bargaining rights despite fierce objections from Democrats and state labor unions.

Men Get Prison Sentence In Mexican Immigrant Death

PHILADELPHIA - A U.S. District Court judge on Wednesday sentenced two men to nine years each in prison for roles in the death of an illegal Mexican immigrant.

Judge Strips Taco-eating Texas Beauty Queen Of Crown

SAN ANTONIO - A teenaged Texas beauty queen accused by contest sponsors of infractions including gaining too much weight by eating tacos was stripped of her crown on Wednesday.

Americans Oppose Taking Away Union Bargaining: Poll

CHICAGO - Most Americans oppose laws that would take away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions, as has been proposed in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states, according to a USA Today/Gallup Poll released on Wednesday.

Number Of U.S. Militia Groups Rises: Report

ATLANTA - The number of U.S. militia groups that oppose government expansion and conduct para-military training grew rapidly in 2010, an organization that monitors hate groups said on Wednesday.

In Elective Surgery, U.S. Doctors In Regions Hold Sway

CHICAGO - When it comes to elective surgery in the United States, where patients live and which doctors they see play a big role how they are treated, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Police Raid "pill Mills" Across South Florida

MIAMI - State and federal agents raided pain clinics throughout south Florida on Thursday in a crackdown on "pill mills" that they said dispensed medically unnecessary oxycodone -- an often abused pain-killer -- to patients recruited via the Internet.

Prank Call Fallout Stokes Wisconsin Union Fight

MADISON, Wisconsin - The battle over a plan to curb public sector union power in Wisconsin took a bizarre turn on Wednesday when it was disclosed that the Republican governor told a prank caller he had considered luring Democrats who fled the state back under false pretenses.

Hawaii Governor Signs Gay Civil Unions Into Law

HONOLULU - Governor Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill allowing same-sex civil unions, making Hawaii the seventh U.S. state to grant essentially the same rights as marriage to gay couples.

Foreclosure Home Sales Fall In 2010: RealtyTrac

NEW YORK - Sales of foreclosed homes fell in 2010 as the market struggled with weak demand, though they still represented more than a quarter of total sales, according to a RealtyTrac report released on Thursday.

Obama Pulls Defense For Law Banning Gay Marriage

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's administration will no longer defend a 15-year-old U.S. law that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, a major policy shift in favor of gay rights.

Malcolm X Daughter Accused Of Fraud, Identity Theft

NEW YORK - The youngest daughter of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X was being held without bail on Tuesday in North Carolina pending extradition to New York on charges she stole $55,000 and the identity of the widow of her father's friend and bodyguard.

Iraqi Guilty Of Murder In Daughter's "honor Killing"

PHOENIX - An Arizona jury on Tuesday found an Iraqi immigrant guilty of second-degree murder for running down his daughter with a Jeep because she had become too Westernized.

NYC Outdoor Smoking Extinguished From May 23

NEW YORK - Smoking in New York City's parks, beaches, boardwalks, pedestrian plazas and other public spaces will be banned from May 23 despite complaints about excessive meddling by government in people's private lives.

Texas Executes Man Who Killed His Young Son

AUSTIN, Tex. - A man who shot and killed his 19-month-old son in 2002 was executed Tuesday evening, the second prisoner to be put to death in Texas this year.

Indiana State Senate Passes Law To Curb Teachers Unions

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana state Senate on Tuesday approved a proposed law that would limit the power of teacher's unions, despite protests similar to those that have swept Wisconsin and other states.

Detroit Mayor Aims To Get City Finances In Order

DETROIT - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing proposed plans on Tuesday to shore up the city's finances and attract jobs but said budget cuts proposed by Michigan's governor could be "potentially devastating" for the city.

Former Obama Aide Emanuel Elected Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was elected mayor of Chicago on Tuesday, powering to a strong majority of the vote to avoid a run-off.

Ohio Public Employees Protest Proposed Union Curbs

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Thousands of people picketed the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest a bill to cut collective bargaining rights for state workers.

Judge Won't Release Loughner Arrest Materials

SAN DIEGO - A federal judge on Friday rejected a request by news organizations to release search warrant records of Arizona shooting rampage suspect Jared Lee Loughner, saying the investigation was still under way.

Wisconsin Republicans Win Test Vote On Union Plan

MADISON, Wisconsin - The Wisconsin state Assembly late on Tuesday rejected an attempt to send back to the drawing board a Republican proposal to curb public sector union rights that has sparked large protests and a tense stand-off with Democrats.

Knicks Land Anthony In Blockbuster Deal With Nuggets

NEW YORK - The New York Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets in a blockbuster deal, according to a report on the Denver Post website on Monday.

Woman Dies In Windy Overnight NY Blaze

NEW YORK - A woman was killed and more than 100 people were left homeless in an apartment fire that was propelled by heavy winds before it was brought under control early on Sunday, authorities said.

Arizona University Founds Civility Institute

TUCSON, Arizona - A university in Tucson is seeking to turn the shooting rampage that severely wounded U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords last month into a teachable moment with a new institute promoting civility in politics.

Tennessee Teachers Fight Bill To End Collective Bargaining

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - A Tennessee teachers group is calling a Republican-backed state bill that would end collective bargaining an "attack" on teachers' rights.

Blizzard Slams Northern Midwest States

MINNEAPOLIS - A severe winter storm was driving across the upper Midwest on Sunday, dumping up to 15 inches of snow and causing white-out conditions in spots from the Dakotas through Minnesota and into Wisconsin.

Michigan Workers To Oppose "anti-labor" State Proposals

DETROIT - Michigan labor leaders say union workers will lobby on Tuesday against legislative proposals that give emergency financial managers powers to remove elected officials and break labor contracts as they work to turn around failing schools and cities.

New Jersey Mayors Hold Their Breath Over State Budget

NEW YORK - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has built a national reputation as a fiscal conservative, but New Jersey mayors say they worry a $10.5 billion budget gap will be closed at their expense.

Bus Plunges Off Cliff In California, Killing 1

LOS ANGELES - A bus carrying more than 20 teenagers plunged off a cliff in a mountainous region east of Los Angeles on Monday, killing one person, police said.

Idaho Teachers Unions Protest Against Proposed Cuts

SALMON, Idaho - Hundreds of people rallied in Boise and ten other Idaho cities on Monday to protest a plan by the state's schools chief to lay off hundreds of teachers and curtail their collective bargaining.

Wisconsin Governor Asks Democrats To Come Home

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Monday urged 14 Democratic state senators who left the state rather than vote on a bill that takes away bargaining rights for state workers to return to work, but warned a big budget deficit left no room to negotiate.

Obama Uses Weekly Address To Spotlight A "win", Stress Workforce

WASHINGTON - U.S. companies have proved they can compete internationally, President Barack Obama said in his weekly address on Saturday, but the country also must make sure it produces a highly skilled and trained workforce.

West Stays Wet, Northeast Gets Windy

WASHINGTON -- The West will be hit with more heavy rain and snow over the holiday weekend and the Midwest will get a wintry wallop, forecasters said on Saturday.

Wisconsin Senators' Absence Raises Questions On Tactic

CHICAGO - As demonstrators wrangled on Saturday over Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's move to weaken public unions, analysts weighed the consequences of 14 Democratic senators' decision to flee the state to stall the bill's consideration.

Police Arrest 33 People At Long Island Cockfight

NEW YORK - A New York man and woman were being arraigned on Sunday on felony animal fighting charges following a weekend raid of a cockfight that resulted in the arrest of 33 people, authorities said.

Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Florida

MIAMI - A Delta Air Lines flight suffered engine failure over Florida and made an emergency landing on Sunday, with no injuries to the 125 passengers and crew on board, authorities said.

In Madison, Two Sides In Bitter Fight Agree Over Beers

MADISON - When the two sides in Wisconsin's bitter battle over the future of the state's unionized public employees converged on the Capitol on Saturday for dueling rallies, the fear was trouble would break out.

Woman Dies In Windy Overnight NY Blaze

NEW YORK - A woman was killed and more than 100 people were left homeless in an apartment fire that was propelled by heavy winds before it was brought under control early on Sunday, authorities said.

Blizzard Slams Northern Midwest States

MINNEAPOLIS - A severe winter storm was driving across the upper Midwest on Sunday, dumping up to 15 inches of snow and causing white-out conditions in spots from the Dakotas through Minnesota and into Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Demonstrators Party Like It's 1968

MADISON, Wisconsin - The issues were serious but the mood was cheery on Sunday among demonstrators in Wisconsin protesting an effort by the Republican governor to reduce the bargaining power of public employee unions.

Wisconsin Gov. Says Democrats Failed To Do Their Job

MADISON, Wisconsin - Thousands of demonstrators converged on the Wisconsin state capital on Sunday to oppose a bid to reduce public employee union bargaining power, marking the start of a second week of growing protests with threats of wider dissent ahead.

U.S. Ends Criminal Probe Of Countrywide's Mozilo

LOS ANGELES - Federal prosecutors have shelved a criminal investigation of former Countrywide Financial chief executive Angelo Mozilo after determining that his actions in the mortgage meltdown did not amount to criminal wrongdoing, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Pirates Grab Four American Sailors Off Oman

MOGADISHU - A yacht with four Americans on board is believed to have been hijacked in the Arabian Sea, the U.S. embassy in Nairobi said on Saturday.

High Winds Topple National Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON - America's National Christmas Tree came tumbling down on Saturday in a windstorm that battered the capital.

Detroit Musicians Reject Orchestra Offer, Season Ends

CHICAGO - The Detroit Symphony Orchestra suspended the remainder of its season after striking musicians rejected management's final contract offer on Saturday.

Tied-up Teller Arrested In Colorado Bank Robbery

DENVER - A Colorado bank teller who claimed he was robbed at knifepoint and tied up inside a bank vault was arrested Saturday along with his alleged accomplice after police said the crime was an inside job.

Obama Uses Weekly Address To Spotlight A "win", Stress Workforce

WASHINGTON - U.S. companies have proved they can compete internationally, President Barack Obama said in his weekly address on Saturday, but the country also must make sure it produces a highly skilled and trained workforce.

West Stays Wet, Northeast Gets Windy

WASHINGTON -- The West will be hit with more heavy rain and snow over the holiday weekend and the Midwest will get a wintry wallop, forecasters said on Saturday.

Wisconsin Senators' Absence Raises Questions On Tactic

CHICAGO - As demonstrators wrangled on Saturday over Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's move to weaken public unions, analysts weighed the consequences of 14 Democratic senators' decision to flee the state to stall the bill's consideration.

In Madison, Two Sides In Bitter Fight Agree Over Beers

MADISON - When the two sides in Wisconsin's bitter battle over the future of the state's unionized public employees converged on the Capitol on Saturday for dueling rallies, the fear was trouble would break out.

Competing Wisconsin Protests Draw Thousands

MADISON, Wisconsin - Supporters of legislation to reduce public employee union bargaining power and benefits in Wisconsin were far outnumbered by opponents on Saturday, as the two sides shouted competing slogans but did not clash.

Taco-eating Texas Beauty Queen Gets Crown Back For Now

SAN ANTONIO, Tex. - A beauty queen stripped of her crown for infractions including gaining weight from eating tacos was temporarily reinstated on Friday as Miss San Antonio.

Woman In Pitino Case Gets 7 Years Prison For Extortion

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky - A woman who had sex with University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino and tried to extort at least $1 million from him in exchange for her silence was sentenced on Friday to seven years in prison.

Husband To Divorce Woman Who Killed Teenaged Children

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - The husband of Julie Schenecker, who is accused of murdering their two teen-aged children because they talked back to her, said on Friday he plans to divorce his wife.

Obama To Court Small Business Owners In Ohio

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama will host a forum on Tuesday with small business owners in Ohio, seeking to boost his support with an important constituency as he looks ahead to his 2012 re-election campaign.

Intel Plans $5 Bln Arizona Chip Plant By 2013

LOS ANGELES - Intel Corp plans to build a $5 billion, cutting-edge microchip factory in Arizona by 2013, sharply ramping up its U.S. manufacturing capacity as part of a major global expansion.

Obama Touts Innovation Agenda For Spurring Jobs

HILLSBORO, Oregon - President Barack Obama touted his agenda to foster innovation as a means of spurring job creation and boosting U.S. global competitiveness during a high-tech visit to the Pacific Northwest on Friday.

Judge Won't Release Loughner Arrest Materials

SAN DIEGO - A federal judge on Friday rejected a request by news organizations to release search warrant records and federal booking photos of Arizona shooting rampage suspect Jared Lee Loughner, saying the investigation was still under way.

Green River Killer Pleads Guilty To 49th Murder

SEATTLE - Convicted "Green River Killer" Gary Ridgway pleaded guilty on Friday to his 49th murder charge, after being shouted down in court by a man in the audience as he tried to apologize.

Pirates Seize Four American Sailors Off Oman

MOGADISHU - Pirates have hijacked a yacht with four Americans on board off the coast of Oman, a regional maritime expert and an advocacy group monitoring piracy in the Indian Ocean said on Saturday.

Wisconsin Persists On Cuts, Protests Swell

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin's Republican governor vowed on Friday to press ahead with legislation to curb the union bargaining rights of public employees as part of a deficit-cutting plan even as protests against the measure swelled.

TSA-Iditarod Breakup Irks Alaska Senator

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Senator Mark Begich on Thursday blasted the Transportation Security Administration's decision to cancel a recruitment campaign aligned with the world's most famous sled dog race.

New York Airport Bomb Plotter Handed Life Sentence

NEW YORK - A U.S. judge on Thursday sentenced an Islamist militant to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of participating in a plot to bomb New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Alaska Won't Seek U.S. Health Exchange Grants

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Governor Sean Parnell said on Thursday his state will not apply for federal grants to establish medical insurance exchanges under the newly enacted U.S. healthcare law because a Florida judge has ruled the legislation unconstitutional.

Houston Police Chief Defends Department After Video Release

HOUSTON, February17 - In the wake of community outcries over a video showing police beating a 15-year-old African American burglary suspect, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland on Thursday defended his department and called for an end to "grandstanding" and heated rhetoric.

South Dakota Sets Aside Controversial Abortion Bill

PIERRE, South Dakota - Lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives voted on Thursday to delay further action on a controversial bill that supporters say would protect pregnant women from attack but critics fear could legalize the killing of abortion providers.

BP Workers Could Have Prevented Rig Accident: Report

WASHINGTON - BP had workers on the doomed Deepwater Horizon rig who could have prevented the missteps that led to the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, but they were not consulted, the White House oil spill commission said on Thursday.

Democrats Flee Wisconsin To Protest Union Curbs

MADISON, Wisconsin - Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate fled the Midwestern U.S. state on Thursday to boycott action on a Republican measure to curtail union rights for public employees as part of a deficit-cutting plan.

U.S. Charges 111 In Largest Medicare Fraud Crackdown

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Thursday charged 111 doctors, nurses and other defendants with Medicare crime schemes that exceeded $225 million in false billings, the largest health care fraud crackdown so far.

NY City To Fire Teachers, Cut Capital Spending

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday unveiled a $65.6 billion budget plan for fiscal year 2012 that calls for firing 4,666 teachers and reducing capital spending 10 percent over the next decade.

Former Chrysler Dealers Sue U.S. Over Store Closures

DETROIT - Sixty-four former Chrysler dealers sued the U.S. government on Thursday, saying the Obama administration violated their rights by closing their stores during the automaker's bankruptcy without compensation.

Prosecutors Will Not Charge Seattle Cop In Shooting

SEATTLE - Prosecutors decided on Wednesday not to bring criminal charges against a white Seattle policeman in the fatal shooting of a Native American woodcarver that stoked tensions between the city's police and minorities.

Bolivian Circus Lions Flown To U.S. Sanctuary

DENVER - Twenty-five Bolivian circus lions rescued from poor conditions arrived in the United States on Wednesday, bound for a Colorado wildlife refuge.

Los Angeles Asian Gang Leader Convicted Of Eight Murders

LOS ANGELES - A jury on Wednesday convicted a former leader of an Asian street gang of eight murders committed in the 1990s along with another 10 counts of attempted murder.

NY City To Lay Off Teachers Despite Rising Revenue

NEW YORK - New York City will have to lay off more than 4,000 public school teachers even though its revenue has leaped about $2 billion since forecasts made last November, a mayoral aide said on Wednesday.

Gay Marriage Case Back In California Court, Adds Delay

SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court waded back into the gay marriage debate on Wednesday, adding about a year's delay to a landmark case by agreeing to give guidance to federal judges considering the matter.

Rajaratnam Lawyers Ready To "rock" For March Trial

NEW YORK - The defense team for accused Galleon hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam is ready to "rock" for his criminal trial next month on insider trading charges.

Senator Scott Brown Says Sexually Abused As Child

BOSTON - Republican Senator Scott Brown will reveal he was physically and sexually abused as a child during an upcoming interview with "60 Minutes," CBS said on Wednesday.

N.Y. Pension Debate Targets Double-dippers, Crooks

NEW YORK - In New York state's debate over public pension reform, the only retirees more unpopular than the double-dippers are the convicted criminals.

Borders Files For Bankruptcy, To Close 200 Stores

NEW YORK/WILMINGTON, Delaware - Borders Group Inc filed for bankruptcy protection and said it would close about one-third of its bookstores, after years of shriveling sales that made it impossible to manage its crushing debt load.

Amid Crisis, State Workers Say: "Don't Blame Us"

NEWARK, New Jersey - When a New Jersey family with an autistic child walks into the state office seeking help, Norlande Perpignan is often the first person they see.

Houston Residents Outraged Over Videos Of Police Brutality

HOUSTON - More than 1,000 outraged Houston residents came to a town hall meeting on Tuesday to demand an end to police brutality following the release of two videos showing police violence against African American men.

Less Than Half The U.S.-Mexico Border Secured: Report

PHOENIX - Less than half of the United States' porous southwest border with Mexico is under the operational control of the U.S. Border Patrol, a government watchdog reported on Tuesday.

Texas Executes Man For Murder Of Mentally-disabled Woman

AUSTIN, Tex. - Texas on Tuesday executed the second of two men convicted of abducting a former co-worker with mental disabilities and shooting her to death in 1998, laughing as the woman suffered.

New Credit Card Rules Not Seen Hurting Borrowers

CHICAGO - A private lending watchdog group said on Wednesday that sweeping rule changes imposed on credit card issuers last year by the U.S. Congress had increased transparency for borrowers without restricting the availability of credit.

Al Qaeda Militant-turned-witness Released: U.S. Court

NEW YORK - A U.S. man who aided al Qaeda and helped train the lead London suicide bomber whose attacks killed 52 people has been free for two years, released in virtual secret after cooperating with U.S. prosecutors, court documents show.

High Military Court Refuses To Halt Afghan Murder Case

SEATTLE - The highest U.S. military court has denied a last-ditch bid to halt prosecution of one of the five U.S. soldiers in Washington state facing court-martial on charges of murdering unarmed Afghan civilians.

Senate Votes To Renew Anti-terrorism Provisions

WASHINGTON - The Senate approved a bill on Tuesday to extend for 88 days three provisions of the anti-terrorism Patriot Act set to expire in two weeks.

Mexico Gunmen Kill U.S. Customs Agent, Wound Another

MEXICO CITY - Gunmen shot dead a U.S. customs and immigration agent and wounded another on Tuesday in Mexico, where violence between powerful drug cartels and security forces has surged.

Madoff Says Banks Had To Know Of Ponzi Scheme: Report

NEW YORK - A frail Bernard Madoff, facing the rest of his life in prison, said a variety of banks and hedge funds were complicit in and "had to know" about his epic Ponzi scheme before it was uncovered, The New York Times reported.

California Governor Brown Freezes State Hiring

SAN FRANCISCO - California Governor Jerry Brown ordered a hiring freeze on Tuesday across the state's government to help cut costs in the face of a budget gap of at least $25 billion.

Moderate Quake Rumbles Near Mount St. Helens

SEATTLE - An earthquake measured at a magnitude of 4.3 struck near Mount St. Helens in Washington state on Monday, shaking an area extending north to Puget Sound and south across the Oregon border, geologists said.

Judge Clears Way For Yellowstone Bison Slaughter

SALMON, Idaho - A federal judge on Monday denied a request from environmentalists to halt the execution of buffalo at Yellowstone National Park, a ruling that clears the way for hundreds of buffalo to be shipped to slaughter.

Arizona Anti-immigration Activist Convicted Of Murder

TUCSON, Arizona - A jury on Monday found the leader of an Arizona anti-illegal immigration group guilty of two counts of first degree murder in the killings of a father and his 9-year-old daughter in a home invasion.

BP Faces New Oil Spill Lawsuit By Ohio, NY Funds

NEW YORK - State pension funds in Ohio and New York filed an amended complaint against BP Plc seeking to recover investment losses due to the Gulf Coast spill, when BP shares tumbled by nearly half, wiping out more than $90 billion of value.

U.S. Charges 7 Men In Taliban Drug, Missile Sting

NEW YORK - U.S. prosecutors on Monday accused seven men of trying to sell weapons and smuggle drugs to people they believed were Taliban militants.

Former USDA Official Accused Of Racism Sues

ATLANTA - A former U.S. Agriculture Department official who resigned under pressure last summer after conservative media depicted her as racist, has filed a defamation suit against the blogger who published an edited video of her remarks.

House Votes To Extend Anti-terror Provisions

WASHINGTON - The Republican-led House of Representatives voted on Monday to extend expiring surveillance provisions of the anti-terrorism Patriot Act, overcoming unanticipated early opposition.

Obama Budget Has $556 Billion, Six-year Transport Plan

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Monday proposed an ambitious long-term transport spending plan in his 2012 budget as a way to boost U.S. economic competitiveness and spur job growth.

Showtime For House Republican Spending Cuts

WASHINGTON - One day after President Barack Obama presented Congress with his $3.7 trillion budget, the focus shifts on Tuesday to Washington's more immediate spending needs and a controversial spending-cut bill that Republicans hope to pass in the House of Representatives.

Florida's Scott Takes Businessman's Ax To Budget

MIAMI - Many newly elected Republican governors have pledged to run their states like a business as they grapple with low revenues and multibillion-dollar budget gaps with little relief from a fragile U.S. economic recovery.

Convicted Murderer Gets 60 Year Sentence In Chandra Levy Case

WASHINGTON -- Convicted murderer Ingmar Guandique was sentenced on Friday to 60 years in prison for the death of former federal intern Chandra Levy, a court official said, capping off a controversial, decade-long case.

Climate Change Keenly Felt In Alaska's National Parks

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Thawing permafrost is triggering mudslides onto a key road traveled by busloads of sightseers. Tall bushes newly sprouted on the tundra are blocking panoramic views. And glaciers are receding from convenient viewing areas, while their rapid summer melt poses new flood risks.

New York Police Arrest Suspected Serial Stabber

NEW YORK - Police on Saturday arrested near Times Square a man suspected of stabbing three people to death, then striking a pedestrian with his car and killing him, and wounding four others in an overnight rampage.

Police Suspect Silicone Clogged Lungs In Injection Death

NEW YORK - Philadelphia police suspect a London woman who died after a botched buttocks enhancement may have been killed when a fumbled injection filled her lung with silicone and caused a fatal embolism.

San Diego Police Probe Taxi Crash That Injured 25

SAN DIEGO - Police said on Sunday they were looking into whether a taxi driver may have lost consciousness before his cab plowed into a crowd of pedestrians injuring 25 people outside a San Diego nightspot over the weekend.

Mississippi Plan For KKK Leader License Plate Criticized

BILOXI, Mississippi - A Mississippi proposal to issue a state license plate honoring a Confederate general believed to be a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan has stirred protest and resurrected the state's ugly racial past.

Over 100 Dogs Rescued From Cleveland-area House

CLEVELAND - A mother and daughter face animal cruelty charges stemming from their alleged abuse of more than 100 dogs rescued from a stench-filled home that the two women ran as an illicit breeding facility, authorities said on Sunday.

Man Jailed After Filming Himself Driving 140 Mph

PORTLAND, Oregon - A man who filmed the speedometer of his car while driving more than 140 miles per hour so he could post it on YouTube, ended up in jail on Saturday and the video confiscated, police said.

Fire Guts 20 Homes On Washington Indian Reservation

SEATTLE - Firefighters on Sunday were putting out hot spots from a fierce, wind-whipped blaze that gutted 20 homes and forced 300 residents from their dwellings on the Yakama Indian Reservation southeast of Seattle.

Need Quick Entry Into Texas Capitol? Just Get A Gun Permit

AUSTIN, Tex. - Security is newly tightened at the Texas Capitol, but plenty of gun-toting visitors can breeze right through.

Climate Change Keenly Felt In Alaska's National Parks

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Thawing permafrost is triggering mudslides onto a key road traveled by busloads of sightseers. Tall bushes newly sprouted on the tundra are blocking panoramic views. And glaciers are receding from convenient viewing areas, while their rapid summer melt poses new flood risks.

Wisconsin Governor Aims To Curb State Worker Unions

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin's new Republican governor on Friday proposed sharply curtailing the bargaining rights of public employee unions and other cost-saving measures to rein in the state's budget deficit.

Judge Blocks Release Of Tucson Shooter's Mug Shots

PHOENIX - A federal judge has ordered a temporary stay on the release of federal "mug shots" of accused Tucson shooter Jared Lee Loughner, after his attorneys argued releasing them would be tantamount to trying him in the media.

Convicted Murderer Gets 60 Year Sentence In Chandra Levy Case

WASHINGTON -- Convicted murderer Ingmar Guandique was sentenced on Friday to 60 years in prison for the death of former federal intern Chandra Levy, a court official said, capping off a controversial, decade-long case.

New York Police Arrest Suspected Serial Stabber

NEW YORK - Police on Saturday arrested near Times Square a man suspected of stabbing three people to death, then striking a pedestrian with his car and killing him, and wounding four others in an overnight rampage.

Police Suspect Silicone Clogged Lungs In Injection Death

NEW YORK - Philadelphia police suspect a London woman who died after a botched buttocks enhancement may have been killed when a fumbled injection filled her lung with silicone and caused a fatal embolism.

Taxi Plows Into San Diego Crowd Injuring 25 People

SAN DIEGO, California - A Taxi cab plowed into a crowd of people on a downtown San Diego sidewalk after they left a bar early Saturday morning, injuring 25 people, seven of them critically, authorities said.

Mississippi Plan For KKK Leader License Plate Criticized

BILOXI, Mississippi - A Mississippi proposal to issue a state license plate honoring a Confederate general believed to be a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan has stirred protest and resurrected the state's ugly racial past.

Man Jailed After Filming Himself Driving 140 Mph

PORTLAND, Oregon - A man who filmed the speedometer of his car while driving more than 140 miles per hour so he could post it on YouTube, ended up in jail on Saturday and the video confiscated, police said.

Need Quick Entry Into Texas Capitol? Just Get A Gun Permit

AUSTIN, Tex. - Security is newly tightened at the Texas Capitol, but plenty of gun-toting visitors can breeze right through.

Rat On A Plane Forces Seattle Flight Cancellation

SEATTLE - An Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Denver was canceled shortly before take-off when a rat was spotted on board, the airline said on Friday.

Mayor Bloomberg Criticized Over Drunken Irish Remark

NEW YORK - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's attempt at humor turned into tabloid gold on Friday after his characterization of the Irish as a bunch of misbehaving drunks backfired.

Man Sought In New York Carjacking Shot Dead In Florida

NEW YORK - A fugitive suspected of disfiguring a man and shoving him into the trunk of his car in New York was shot to death on Friday as he was fleeing authorities in Florida, police said.

Three Former Boston Priests Are Defrocked

BOSTON - Pope Benedict XVI defrocked three former Boston priests who faced accusations of sexual abuse or soliciting a minor, the Archdiocese of Boston said on Friday.

Judge Gives Abramoff Lobbyist 20 Months In Jail

WASHINGTON - A former lobbyist, the first person to plead guilty in the Jack Abramoff corruption scandal that rocked the U.S. capital, was sentenced Friday to 20 months in prison, the Justice Department said.

Florida Jury Awards $260,000 To Tampa Smoker

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - A Florida jury ordered tobacco company R.J. Reynolds on Friday to pay $260,000 in damages to a Tampa man who developed cancer from smoking, court officials said.

Video Baby Monitors Recalled For Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON -- Consumers should take extra care when using some 1.7 million video baby monitors whose cords can present a strangulation hazard if placed too close to a crib, the government said on Friday.

Wisconsin Governor Aims To Curb State Worker Unions

MADISON, Wisconsin - Wisconsin's new Republican governor on Friday proposed sharply curtailing the bargaining rights of public employee unions and other cost-saving measures to rein in the state's budget deficit.

Judge Blocks Release Of Tucson Shooter's Mug Shots

PHOENIX - A federal judge has ordered a temporary stay on the release of federal "mug shots" of accused Tucson shooter Jared Lee Loughner, after his attorneys argued releasing them would be tantamount to trying him in the media.

Convicted Murderer Gets 60 Year Sentence In Chandra Levy Case

WASHINGTON -- Convicted murderer Ingmar Guandique was sentenced on Friday to 60 years in prison for the death of former federal intern Chandra Levy, a court official said, capping off a controversial, decade-long case.

State Street Sued By Arkansas Over Currency Deals

BOSTON - State Street Corp, one of the world's largest custodial banks, was sued on Thursday by an Arkansas pension fund for overcharging clients on currency transactions.

Oregon Man Crashes At Hospital, Dies In Emergency Room

PORTLAND, Oregon - A man driving himself to an emergency room at night crashed his car in the hospital's parking garage, then had to wait for an ambulance to take him to the ER where he died early on Thursday, police said.

No Prosecution Of Budweiser Heir In Girlfriend's Death

ST. LOUIS - Former beer executive August Busch IV will not be prosecuted in the death of a young woman found in his mansion last December with a mix of cocaine and painkiller in her system, officials said on Thursday.

U.S. Proposes Letting Idaho Kill Scores Of Wolves

SALMON, Idaho - Federal wildlife officials have proposed letting Idaho kill scores of wolves in what would be largest government-sanctioned wolf culling in the state since the animals were reintroduced to the northern Rockies 15 years ago.

Fans Rally To Raise Money For RoboCop Statue In Detroit

DETROIT - Like RoboCop himself in the cult classic movie, plans for a statue of the mechanized crime fighter in Detroit may not be dead after all.

Doctor Convicted Of Surgery To Alter Immigrant Fingerprints

BOSTON - A doctor from the Dominican Republic was convicted and sentenced in Boston on Thursday of offering to surgically alter the fingerprints of illegal aliens, the Department of Justice said.

Judge Delays Ruling On Confession In New Jersey Priest Murder

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey - A New Jersey judge said on Thursday he will not make a decision for at least a week on whether to admit into trial the confession of a church janitor accused of killing a local priest.

California Court Rules Against Williams-Sonoma

NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters Legal) - Retail stores may not ask a customer to provide a zip code in the course of a credit card transaction, the California Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

Chipotle "navigating" Through Immigrant Worker Woes

LOS ANGELES - Fast-growing burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc said on Thursday it was too early to tell if it would change its hiring practices after a federal immigration crackdown forced it to fire hundreds of employees in Minnesota.

Arizona Sues Government On Mexico Border Security

PHOENIX - Arizona on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that Washington has failed to secure the state's porous border with Mexico.

Oklahoma Gets More Snow While North Freezes

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The south is starting to look like the far north this winter -- with Oklahoma digging out from up to 20 inches of snow that fell overnight, while Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama saw snow fall on Wednesday.

South Carolina May Move Against Prison Facebook Users

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb 9 - South Carolina prisoners caught with banned cell phones, which are often tossed over a prison fence to them, can face solitary confinement and loss of visitation and canteen privileges.

Chipotle Flagged Immigrant Worker Audits Last Year

LOS ANGELES - Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, now in the midst of a widening federal crackdown on its undocumented work force, warned investors a year ago that it was subject to immigration audits and that it may have been employing workers in the country illegally.

Prosecutors Unseal Charges Against 41 Gang Members

WASHINGTON - Federal prosecutors announced charges on Wednesday against 41 alleged gang members for activities ranging from racketeering conspiracy to drug and gun trafficking and murder in four states and Washington D.C.

U.S. Cuts Prison Sentence For Bin Laden's Cook

MIAMI - Osama bin Laden's former cook had his Guantanamo prison sentence cut on Wednesday to two years from 14, under a plea agreement that remains secret, the Pentagon said.

New Jersey Rating Cut While Arizona Outlook Negative

SAN FRANCISCO - Standard & Poor's on Wednesday cut New Jersey's bond rating a notch due to an unfunded pension shortfall and high debt, while Moody's Investors Service warned Arizona of a possible downgrade by revising its outlook on the state to negative from stable.

North Carolina Man Guilty In Terrorism Case

RALEIGH, North Carolina - The leader of a small militant group in North Carolina pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to carry out acts of terrorism overseas and scheming to helping other militants, the Justice Department said.

Intelligence Chiefs Face Grilling On Costs

WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence chiefs head to Congress on Thursday to answer questions about the soaring costs of spycraft and shifting threats to the United States nearly a decade after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Republican Presidential Hopefuls Woo The Right

WASHINGTON - Republicans have no clue who they will nominate to face President Barack Obama in 2012, but conservative aspirants to the nation's highest office are hoping to put their names in play this week.

Wounded Rep. Giffords Speaking Again: Reports

HOUSTON - Representative Gabrielle Giffords has begun to regain her speech a month after being shot in the head in an assassination attempt, and has even requested toast for breakfast, her spokesman said on Wednesday.

U.S. Cities, Counties Gird For Community Grant Fight

WASHINGTON - U.S. cities and counties are getting ready to fight for federal grants they say keep local economies strong and residents employed, after President Barack Obama signaled he is open to cutting them.

Public Pension Costs Targeted In Three States

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 8 (Reuters ) - Efforts to tackle the costs of public pensions advanced on Tuesday in three Western U.S. states, led by a top Arizona lawmaker unveiling a plan to overhaul his state's pension system.

Colorado Pharmacy Mistake Puts Woman's Pregnancy At Risk

DENVER - A Safeway Inc. pharmacist mistakenly sold a pregnant Colorado woman a powerful anti-cancer drug that may cause birth defects or miscarriages, the grocery chain said on Tuesday.

U.S. To Raise Cost Of Govt Backed Mortgages: Sources

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will propose raising the cost of loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration as part of a plan to reduce government support of the mortgage market to below 50 percent, said sources familiar with the plan.

Buffalo, NY Bans Hydraulic Fracturing

NEW YORK - The city of Buffalo, New York, banned the natural gas drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing on Tuesday, a largely symbolic vote that demonstrates concern about potential harm to groundwater from mining an abundant energy source.

Probe Clears Toyota Electronics Over Runaways

WASHINGTON - A government probe cleared Toyota Motor Corp's electronics of causing unintended acceleration, a big victory for the world's top automaker as it seeks to recover from the hit it took over runaway vehicle accidents.

Blast Rocks Enterprise Natgas Plant In Texas

HOUSTON - One worker was unaccounted for after explosions rocked a natural gas liquids storage complex on Tuesday in Mont Belvieu, Texas, according to the plant's owner, which also said the main facilities were not damaged.

New Military Strategy Looks Beyond Afghan War

WASHINGTON - The military on Tuesday issued its first new statement of strategy in seven years, moving beyond a focus on the war in Afghanistan to address the rise of China and other strategic challenges.

Missouri Executes Man For Rape And Murder Of Girl

ST. LOUIS - Missouri executed by lethal injection on Wednesday a man convicted for the 1991 murder, rape and kidnapping of an 11-year-old St. Louis girl.

U.S. Plans To Inject $53 Billion Into Passenger Rail

PHILADELPHIA - Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced an ambitious $53 billion U.S. program to build new high-speed rail networks and make existing ones faster over the next six years.

Study Links Yellowstone Bison Fate To Genetic Flaw

SALMON, Idaho - A congenital defect combined with U.S. government plans to kill bison exposed to an infectious cattle disease could doom America's last wild herd of pure-bred buffalo at Yellowstone National Park, a genetics expert said in a new study.

Western New York Man Found Guilty Of Beheading Wife

BUFFALO, New York - A jury in western New York deliberated for only an hour on Monday before finding a television producer, who ran a cable studio designed to promote understanding of his Muslim culture, guilty of beheading his wife.

Woman Denied Puppy She Tried To Airmail To Son

MINNEAPOLIS - A Minneapolis woman who tried to airmail a four-month old puppy to her son in a sealed cardboard box cannot regain custody of the dog, an administrative hearing officer ruled on Monday.

U.S. Serial Killer Faces 49th Murder Charge

SEATTLE - A U.S. man convicted in 2003 of being the "Green River Killer" faces a 49th murder charge, filed on Monday, stemming from the death of a woman whose skeletal remains were found near Seattle in December, 28 years after she disappeared.

Marine Gets 6-year Prison Term For Iraq Fraud

LOS ANGELES - A U.S. Marine Corps captain who last year pleaded guilty to skimming nearly $1.7 million from government contracts in Iraq was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Monday.

Young Fight For Full-time Work In Job Market

NEW YORK - Shanee Greenidge of Boston has been searching for full-time work since she dropped out of high school in 2009 and took a string of part-time jobs to help her mother pay bills.

Amtrak, Senators Announce NY-NJ Rail Tunnels Plan

NEW YORK - Amtrak announced plans on Monday for a $13.5 billion commuter rail project connecting New York City and New Jersey, reviving an idea rejected late last year by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as too expensive.

Families Hope For Freedom Of Americans Held In Iran

WASHINGTON - The families of two Americans held by Iran on suspicion of espionage expressed hope on Monday the pair's Sunday court appearance in Tehran moves them closer to freedom, while the United States renewed its call on Iran to release them.

Ford Recalls New Explorers For Seat Problem

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co is recalling more than 1,600 just-built Explorers for a safety problem with the second row of seats.

U.S. Fast Food Caught In Immigration Crosshairs

LOS ANGELES/DALLAS - Chipotle Mexican Grill has a lot going for it -- an upscale burrito concept, a hip and eco-friendly image, expansion plans galore and a 500 percent-plus stock price gain in just over two years.

Black Eyed Peas A "mindless" Fit For Super Bowl

LOS ANGELES - Absurd, gauche and oddly appropriate.

Snow-battered Northeast Challenged By Winter Hazards

BOSTON - Unrelenting winter storms have left a chilled New England in a white maze, with growing mounds of snow and ice creating formidable public safety concerns.

Illinois Senators Want Better Protection For Chicago Shoreline

CHICAGO - In the wake of an historic blizzard that shut down Chicago's lakefront highway, Illinois' senators asked federal officials on Sunday to discuss ways to better protect the city's shoreline.

Ford May Add Shifts At Some U.S. Plants

SAN FRANCISCO - Ford Motor Co will increase production for deliveries to its U.S. dealers by 13 percent in the first quarter of 2011 and may add third shifts to some of its plants, Ford sales executives said on Sunday.

Latest Eastern Storm Exits, Two More On The Way

NEW YORK - The latest storm blew off the East Coast early on Sunday, sending snow shovelers and crane operators scrambling to clear threatened roofs and icy walkways before two more storms arrive to start the work week.

Ohio Train Derailment And Fire Force Evacuations

TOLEDO - An early morning derailment of train cars filled with ethanol caused explosions and a fierce fire on Sunday that resulted in evacuations of 20 homes in Ohio.

Ford's Lincoln On Track To Cut Number Of U.S. Dealers

SAN FRANCISCO - Ford Motor Co wants to cut its dealership count for U.S. luxury brand Lincoln to about 325 from the current 434 in big metro areas, where it hopes to win over buyers of premium autos, Ford executives said on Sunday.

Ohio College Student Dead, 11 Wounded In Shooting

CLEVELAND - A student at Ohio's Youngstown State University was killed and 11 other people, including six YSU students, were wounded in a shooting at an off-campus fraternity house, officials said on Sunday.

Packers Hold Off Steelers For Classic Super Bowl Win

DALLAS - The Green Bay Packers reclaimed the greatest prize in North American sport when they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 on Sunday to win the 45th Super Bowl.

Reagan Praised For Pragmatism On Centennial Of Birth

LOS ANGELES - Ronald Reagan was honored on Sunday in a centennial celebration of his birth that saw his former chief of staff praise the 1980s president for his pragmatism.

Wildlife Now Dogged By Man's Best Friend?

SALMON, Idaho - Man's best friend may be a formidable enemy to wildlife, a Utah State University biologist says in a newly published paper that tracks the harmful effects of loose dogs on other animals.

Plan To Slaughter Stray Yellowstone Bison Ignites Furor

SALMON, Idaho - A plan to slaughter scores of buffalo that strayed from Yellowstone National Park has reignited a debate about the nation's last purebred herds.

Arizona Man Held Over Super Bowl Porn Broadcast

TUCSON, Arizona - Thousands of Tucson football fans got a shock two years ago when transmission of the nail-biting final minutes of the 2009 Super Bowl were interrupted by a mystery hard core porn clip.

Kansas Prisoners Plan Super Bowl Pizza Party

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - The Super Bowl and pizza go hand-in-hand, sometimes even for people in prison.

Man Repeatedly Stabs Himself In Neck Before Arrest

INDIANAPOLIS - A man remains in critical condition after repeatedly stabbing himself in the throat when police arrived to take him into custody in connection with a Kentucky rape, authorities said on Saturday.

Accused Tucson Shooter Loughner To Face An Array Of Charges

TUCSON, Arizona - Accused Tucson shooter Jared Loughner will face several more charges after he is tried in federal court for the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabriel Giffords and attempted murder of two of her aides, prosecutors said on Friday.

Cuba To Seek 20-year Sentence For U.S. Contractor

HAVANA - Cuban prosecutors will seek a 20-year prison sentence for U.S. aid contractor Alan Gross, accused of crimes against the state, Communist Party newspaper Granma said on Friday, in a case that has stalled progress in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Chrysler Chief Apologizes For Using Term "shyster"

SAN FRANCISCO - Chrysler Group LLC's chief executive apologized on Saturday for describing the high-interest bailout loans extended by the U.S. and Canadian governments in 2009 as "shyster loans."

Snow-battered Northeast Challenged By Winter Hazards

BOSTON - Unrelenting winter storms have left a chilled New England in a white maze, with growing mounds of snow and ice creating formidable public safety concerns.

Jobless Rate Among Veterans Highest In Five Years

WASHINGTON - More than 15 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were unemployed in January, far higher than the national jobless rate and the highest since the government began collecting data on veterans in 2005, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday.

Conservationists Push Action On Protected Turtles

LOS ANGELES - Conservation groups served notice on Friday that they would file suit accusing the federal government of failing to protect leatherback sea turtles along the U.S. West Coast as required under the Endangered Species Act.

Jury Finds Bikini Barista Owner Guilty Of Too Much Skin

SEATTLE - The naked truth is that in one Washington State city, it just got more difficult to serve coffee with a side of bare skin.

Chrysler Workers Arrested For Alleged Drug Use

DETROIT - Three workers from a high-profile Chrysler plant that makes a crucial new Jeep model were arrested recently for alleged drug use during the workday, the company and police said.

"Ground Zero" Mosque Adviser Steps Down: Developer

NEW YORK - A recently appointed senior adviser to the Muslim cultural center and mosque planned near the site of New York's September 11 attacks has stepped down, the center's developer said.

Passenger Plane, Military Jets In Near Miss: Officials

WASHINGTON - An American Airlines jetliner and two Air Force cargo jets flying together averted a possible collision last month over the Atlantic Ocean, U.S. safety investigators said on Friday.

Jobless Rate Among Veterans Highest In Five Years

WASHINGTON - More than 15 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were unemployed in January, far higher than the national jobless rate and the highest since the government began collecting data on veterans in 2005, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday.

Appeals Court Upholds Conviction Of Al Qaeda Doctor

NEW YORK - A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the conviction of a Florida doctor sentenced to 25 years in prison for offering treatment to wounded al Qaeda militants.

Immigration Probe Of Chipotle Widens

LOS ANGELES - Upscale burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc faces a wider probe of its hiring by immigration officials, after the company came under scrutiny in Minnesota and had to fire workers.

Cuba To Seek 20-year Sentence For U.S. Contractor

HAVANA - Cuban prosecutors will seek a 20-year prison sentence for U.S. aid contractor Alan Gross, accused of crimes against the state, Communist Party newspaper Granma said on Friday, in a case that has stalled progress in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Accused Tucson Shooter Loughner To Face An Array Of Charges

TUCSON, Arizona - Accused Tucson shooter Jared Loughner will face several more charges after he is tried in federal court for the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabriel Giffords and attempted murder of two of her aides, prosecutors said on Friday.

Las Vegas Judge's Son Nabbed Over $1.5 Million Casino Heist

LAS VEGAS - Police in Las Vegas arrested the son of a judge for riding a motorcycle up to the upscale Bellagio casino and stealing about $1.5 million in gambling chips, authorities said on Thursday.

Most States Used "rainy Day Funds" In Recession

WASHINGTON - Almost all U.S. states relied on their "rainy day funds" when the economic recession began to ravage their budgets, showing that the reserves will be critical during the next downturn and states should consider putting even more money away, a think tank said on Thursday.

Groups Ask Judge To Stay Killing Of Yellowstone Bison

SALMON, Idaho - Conservation groups asked a federal judge on Thursday to grant a stay of execution for hundreds of buffalo who strayed outside of Yellowstone National Park.

Group Says Video Shows Planned Parenthood Wrongdoing

LOS ANGELES - An anti-abortion group that has repeatedly taken on Planned Parenthood released a videotape on Thursday that it says shows employees at a Virginia clinic offering to help a man posing as a pimp get secret abortions for underage girls.

Three Dead, Five Hurt After SUV Plunges Into Icy River

OKLAHOMA CITY - An SUV carrying eight people plunged 80 feet from a highway into an icy river in Northeast Oklahoma in subzero temperatures, killing three and injuring the other five, state officials said on Thursday.

U.S. Border Police Nab Migrants With Dive Scooters

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border police nabbed two wet-suit clad illegal immigrants from Mexico who used self-propelled underwater "dive scooters" to enter California, authorities said on Thursday.

Lawsuit Peeks Into World Of New York City Co-ops

NEW YORK - Money might talk, but to people hoping to buy an apartment in New York City, it's the powerful co-op board that has the final say.

Warning Signs Missed In Fort Hood Killings

WASHINGTON - Federal authorities ignored warnings that could have prevented a 2009 massacre at an Army base, two U.S. senators said in a report on Thursday that outlined intelligence failures similar to those in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Officer Shoots Man In Alabama Courtroom

GOODWATER, Alabama - An Alabama police officer shot and wounded a defendant in a small town courtroom after he tried to grab a gun and attack a judge, authorities said on Thursday.

Son Of Jeffrey Skilling Found Dead

LOS ANGELES - The 20-year-old son of former Enron President Jeffrey Skilling has been found dead of unknown causes at his apartment in Southern California, police said on Thursday.

Blizzard Wreaks Havoc On U.S. Air, Ground Travelers

CHICAGO - Kansas City businessman Greg Stewart had expected to fly home from California in one day on Monday. Instead, he flew from San Francisco to Los Angeles, then to Denver, then to Chicago, then back to Denver, and on Wednesday he had still not reached Kansas City.

Charles Manson Found With Cell Phone Again

LOS ANGELES - Mass murderer Charles Manson was caught with a cell phone behind bars for the second time in two years, a California prison official said on Wednesday.

Texas Weathers Rolling Blackouts As Mercury Drops

HOUSTON - Texas imposed statewide rolling blackouts for only the second time in more than two decades on Wednesday, after frigid weather shut down dozens of generators, and warned it may be forced to do the same on Thursday.

Son Of Nebraska Deputy Governor Injured In Shooting

OMAHA - The son of Nebraska's lieutenant governor accidentally shot himself with a handgun at his Omaha apartment on Wednesday.

Janitor Shoots California School Principal To Death

SACRAMENTO, California - A janitor at an elementary school near Sacramento, California, was arrested on Wednesday after he shot and killed the school's principal, a county fire department official said.

Wal-Mart Draws Ire Even In Poor Parts Of Brooklyn

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart's lengthy struggle to open in New York City has hit fresh problems -- a controversial report that said America's biggest discounter does not just sell cheap, it makes neighborhoods poorer.

Judge Finds Ken Feinberg Not Independent Of BP

WILMINGTON, Delaware - The administrator of BP Plc's $20 billion fund to compensate victims of the Gulf oil spill is not independent and the oil company must refrain from calling him "neutral," a federal judge ruled on Wednesday.

Hardy Chicago Brought To Standstill By Blizzard

CHICAGO - Chicago, a city that usually sneers at winter, was brought to a near standstill on Wednesday by a blizzard packing the third highest snowfall in the city's history.

Blizzard Strands Hundreds Of Motorists In Midwest

CHICAGO - The fierce blizzard engulfing the Midwest on Wednesday struck so quickly and with such force that hundreds of motorists ended up stranded for hours in cars and trucks that littered the region's highways.

Massive Winter Storm Slams Midwest And Northeast

CHICAGO/BOSTON - A huge winter snow and ice storm cut a swathe from New Mexico to Maine on Wednesday, paralyzing much of the Midwest, stranding hundreds of thousands without power and stalling travelers and shipping.

Court Upholds Life Sentence In Plot To Kill George W. Bush

WASHINGTON - A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday upheld a life imprisonment sentence for an American citizen convicted in 2005 of plotting to assassinate then-President George W. Bush and conspiring with al Qaeda.

Proposed L.A. Stadium Would Be Called Farmers Field

LOS ANGELES - Farmers Insurance has agreed to pay a reported $700 million to put its name on a downtown Los Angeles football stadium that has yet to be built for an NFL team that has yet to arrive.

U.S. Security On Canada Border Lacking: Watchdog

WASHINGTON - Fewer than one in every 100 miles of the U.S. border with Canada is adequately secured, a government watchdog agency said on Tuesday.

Family Of Slain Pentagon Worker Offers $25,000 Reward

WILMINGTON - The family of a slain Pentagon official who served during President George W. Bush's administration is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his killer, the family's attorney said.

U.S. Illegal Immigrant Population Steady

PHOENIX - The number of illegal immigrants in the United States leveled off at around 11 million last year, ending a two-year slide since the start of the recession, according to a study released on Tuesday.

U.S. Pilots New Airport Scans After Privacy Concerns

ARLINGTON, Virginia - U.S. aviation security authorities on Tuesday unveiled a new pilot program aimed at quelling an uproar about full-body scanners used to screen air travelers -- the new software will no longer produce an image of the actual person.

BP Fund Underpays Oil Spill Victims: Mississippi

BILOXI, Mississippi - U.S. courts must compel the administrator of BP's $20 billion oil spill fund to meet his legal obligations and stop short-changing victims of the Gulf of Mexico disaster, Mississippi said on Tuesday.

Airlines Cancel Flights As Winter Storm Bears Down

CHICAGO/ATLANTA - Airlines canceled thousands of flights on Tuesday ahead of a blizzard that has promised near-record snowfall in the U.S. Plains and the central Midwest.

WikiLeaks Cable Shows Three Qataris In September 11 Plot

WASHINGTON - A classified U.S. document obtained by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks shows three previously undisclosed participants in the September 11, 2001 plot, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

Monster Storm Carves Path Across United States

CHICAGO - A monster winter storm stretching from New Mexico to Maine laid down a sheet of ice on the Plains and lower Midwest on Tuesday, turning to snow as it crept north, and forecasters said the worst was yet to come.