Occupy San Francisco Activists, For Now, Reject Offer To Leave

SAN FRANCISCO - Anti-Wall Street activists in San Francisco, who hold one of the largest remaining Occupy camps on the West Coast, essentially rejected an offer to trade their compound for a new site even as officials said time was short for a deal.

Four Accused Of Amish Beard-cutting Attacks Ordered Held

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Four men from an Amish splinter group in Ohio facing hate crimes charges over beard-cutting attacks on fellow Amish were ordered to remain in custody of U.S. Marshalls, a judge ruled on Wednesday.

Agents Charge 20 In New Mexico Meth Ring Bust

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Federal authorities on Wednesday said they had broken up a methamphetamine trafficking ring that supplied large amounts of the illegal drug to towns in southeastern New Mexico.

Texas Man Sentenced To 37 Years For Fire Bombing Church

SAN ANTONIO - A Texas man who prosecutors said wanted to "gain status" with the white supremacist gang The Aryan Brotherhood was sentenced to more than 37 years in prison on Wednesday for fire bombing an African American church in an admitted attempt to murder a parishioner.

Police Take Down Occupy L.A. Camp, Arrest Nearly 300

LOS ANGELES - Police in riot gear and biohazard suits removed anti-Wall Street activists from their camp at Los Angeles City Hall Wednesday, arresting nearly 300 people and fencing off the area.

Honda Worker Caught In New Alabama Immigration Net

BIRMINGHAM, Ala - A second foreign auto worker has been stopped by authorities in Alabama, where the nation's toughest immigration law recently went into effect, officials said on Wednesday.

Billy Graham Hospitalized With Possible Pneumonia

- Billy Graham, one of America's best-known evangelists, is in a North Carolina hospital with possible pneumonia, and is listed in stable condition, officials with the facility said on Wednesday.

Five Shot And Wounded At Texas Home, Suspected Gunman Dead

- A woman and four children were shot and critically wounded on Wednesday in a Texas home, and the suspected killer was dead after apparently shooting himself in the head, police said.

Penn State Officials Say Applications Up Despite Scandal

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Penn State officials on Wednesday said applications to attend the university that has been rocked by a sex abuse scandal are ahead of last year and reassured students worried about the school's reputation.

New Accuser Is First To Sue Former Penn State Coach

PHILADELPHIA - A new accuser filed the first lawsuit against former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky on Wednesday, accusing the coach of sexually abusing him "over 100 times" as a child,

Bar Owner Charged With Rape Served Drinks To Minors

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota - A South Dakota bar owner, out on bond for allegedly raping three girls he had gotten drunk in October, served alcohol to 11 minors over the weekend at the same bar, police said on Tuesday.

Hearing For Two Officials In Penn State Abuse Case Delayed

HARRISBURG, Pa - A preliminary hearing for two Penn State officials charged with perjury in connection with the child sex scandal of a former assistant football coach has been postponed, court records showed on Tuesday.

Judge Allows Suit Challenging New York Same-sex Marriage Law

ALBANY, New York - A conservative religious group may proceed with a lawsuit seeking to overturn New York's new law legalizing same-sex marriage, a state judge has ruled.

New York Homeless Policy Change Called "cruel"

NEW YORK - The New York City Council voted on Tuesday to sue Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration over new eligibility requirements for homeless shelters that the council speaker described as "cruel and punitive."

Syracuse Coach Boeheim Not Worried About Losing His Job

SYRACUSE, New York - Syracuse University basketball coach Jim Boeheim said on Tuesday he was not worried about losing his job following allegations that his longtime assistant sexually fondled ball boys working with the team.

Philadelphia Protesters Vacate Camp After Police Warnings

PHILADELPHIA - Anti-Wall Street activists in Philadelphia vacated their camp early on Wednesday after police moved in and warned protesters they faced arrest unless they cleared out of their downtown compound, police said.

San Francisco Offers Anti-Wall Street Protesters New Camp Site

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, seeking to lure anti-Wall Street activists from a downtown encampment, offered them an alternate site on Tuesday at a former school 2.5 miles from the current Financial District camp.

California Babysitter Who Advertised Online Charged With Abuse

LOS ANGELES - A teenager who advertised babysitting services over the Internet and was believed to have "conversed" with scores of parents has been jailed on charges of sexually abusing two boys of a Los Angeles-area client, police said on Tuesday.

Michigan Governor Approves State Takeover Of Flint

- Michigan Governor Rick Snyder approved a state takeover of the city of Flint on Tuesday, following a review team's assessment earlier in the month that the city, a former manufacturing hub for the auto industry, is in a financial emergency.

Occupy LA Campers Brace For Imminent Eviction

LOS ANGELES - Throngs of anti-Wall Street protesters braced for eviction on Tuesday night from their encampment outside Los Angeles City Hall, as word spread by broadcast news reports and the Internet that a police raid was imminent.

Ex-fiance Named As Suspect In "The People's Court" Case

ORLANDO, Fla - Police on Monday named a Florida man as the prime suspect in the disappearance of his ex-fiancee on the same day an episode of The People's Court aired showing the former couple arguing over a $5,000 engagement ring.

Nigerian-American Sentenced To Time Served In Stowaway Case

LOS ANGELES - A Nigerian-American man who pleaded guilty to stowing away on a commercial airline flight from New York to Los Angeles was sentenced on Monday to time served and placed on supervised release.

No Emergency Calls Made Before Crash That Killed Oklahoma Coach

LITTLE ROCK, Ark - No emergency calls were made in the moments before a plane crash that killed two Oklahoma State University basketball coaches earlier this month, a preliminary crash report showed on Monday.

Mexican Truck Driver Jailed In Drug Tunnel Conspiracy

SAN DIEGO, California - A U.S. judge jailed a Mexican truck driver for 15 years and 8 months on Monday for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs through a sophisticated tunnel to California from Mexico.

Sandusky Charity Tells Donors: Give Elsewhere

- The charity founded by the former Penn State football coach facing explosive child sex abuse charges asked donors on Monday to give money instead to a separate Pennsylvania charity.

Parents Say To Sue After Florida Band Drum Major Dies

TALLAHASSEE, Fla - The parents of the Florida A&M University drum major who died after suspected hazing said on Monday they will file a lawsuit against the school to stop what they say is a violent initiation rite.

Officials Probe Alabama Immigration Law's Impact On Rights

BIRMINGHAM, Ala - Two Justice Department officials said they returned to Alabama on Monday as "boots on the ground" to sift through some of the more than 1,000 e-mails and calls received on a hotline fielding concerns about the state's tough new immigration law.

Government Begins Penn State Abuse Scandal Probe

WASHINGTON - Investigators from the Department of Education arrived at Penn State University on Monday to review how it handled sex abuse charges against a former football coach, the school said.

Syracuse Head Coach To Speak Publicly On Tuesday

SYRACUSE, New York - The Hall of Fame head coach of Syracuse University's basketball team whose assistant was fired over allegations of sexually molesting boys stayed mum on Monday about the growing scandal, but the school said he would speak publicly after a Tuesday game.

Police Hold Off On Eviction Of Los Angeles Occupy Camp

LOS ANGELES - Police in riot gear closed in before dawn on Monday on anti-Wall Street activists in Los Angeles who defied a midnight deadline to vacate a camp outside City Hall, but stopped short of clearing the encampment.

Four People Killed In Plane Crash In Suburban Chicago

CHICAGO - Four people were killed when a small plane crashed Saturday morning near Crystal Lake, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, officials said.

Violence, Pepper Spray Mar Black Friday Shopping

NEW YORK - Black Friday turned into a black mark against American shoppers as riotous crowds brawled over video games, waffle irons and towels, drawing international condemnation and even raising questions about the state of humanity.

Former Heavyweight Title Contender Ron Lyle Dies

DENVER - Former prizefighter Ron Lyle, a convict-turned-contender who once fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title, died on Saturday at age 70 in Denver.

Woman Accused Of Pepper-spraying Shoppers Surrenders

LOS ANGELES - A woman suspected of dousing fellow Walmart shoppers with pepper spray during a Black Friday eve bargain frenzy in suburban Los Angeles has turned herself in to authorities, police said on Saturday.

University Of Illinois Fires Football Coach Ron Zook

CHICAGO - The University of Illinois said on Sunday it had fired Ron Zook, the football coach who led the Fighting Illini to one of its strongest starts earlier this year, followed by a string of six straight losses.

Western States Report Comeback Of Cattle Rustling

SALMON, Idaho - Cattle rustlers, casting aside saddle and spurs for modern horsepower, are roaming the West with four-wheel drive and GPS technology in a resurgence of livestock thievery considered a hanging offense on the old frontier.

American Student Arrested In Egypt Recalls Threats In Detention

NEW YORK - One of three U.S. students held for several days in Egypt on accusations of throwing petrol bombs at police during pro-democracy protests said on Sunday his jailers had threatened to shoot the Americans and force them to drink gasoline.

Catholics Celebrate New Mass, Return To "traditional Roots"

AUSTIN, Texas - Catholics across the United States celebrated a new translation of Mass on Sunday that church leaders said would provide a deeper understanding of the faith, but which critics complained was unnecessary and confusing.

Syracuse Fires Basketball Coach Amid Sex Probe

NEW YORK - Syracuse University fired assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine amid allegations that he sexually molested boys, rocking the multi-million dollar world of collegiate sports with more questions of sexual abuse and oversight, the university said on Sunday.

Occupy LA Campers Brace For Midnight Eviction Deadline

LOS ANGELES - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protesters who have camped outside Los Angeles City Hall for weeks braced on Sunday for a midnight eviction deadline with plans to throw a party they hoped might forestall a raid.

Midnight Black Friday Start Likely To Become Norm

- Earlier than ever store openings at Macy's Inc, Target Corp and Best Buy Inc this year were such hits with shoppers that their midnight start on Black Friday will likely become the norm.

Two Bodies Found In Ohio, Links To Online Ads Possible

CLEVELAND - Authorities recovered two bodies from shallow graves in Ohio on Friday that may be linked to the shooting of one man and suspicious death of another who had responded to online help wanted ads.

Occupy Movement Inspires Rise In U.S. Campus Activism

DAVIS, Calif - Violent confrontations between police and protesters at two University of California campuses have drawn a new cadre of students into the Occupy Wall Street movement and unleashed what some historians call the biggest surge in campus activism since the 1960s.

Egypt Frees Detained American University Students: Family

CHICAGO - The three American students arrested on suspicion of throwing gasoline bombs this week during the protests in Egypt were freed on Friday, a family member and a representative of the students said.

Los Angeles To Evict Occupy Camp On Monday

LOS ANGELES - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protesters who have been camped in front of Los Angeles' City Hall for nearly two months will be evicted on Monday, city officials said on Friday.

Four People Killed In Plane Crash In Suburban Chicago

CHICAGO - Four people were killed when a small plane crashed Saturday morning near Crystal Lake, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, officials said.

Black Friday Draws Crowds, But Spending In Doubt

- Retailers were hoping for more shoppers like Shawn Elzia as the annual Black Friday bargain stampede marked the unofficial start of what is widely expected to be a middling holiday shopping season.

Violence, Pepper Spray Mar Black Friday Shopping

NEW YORK - Black Friday turned into a black mark against American shoppers as riotous crowds brawled over video games, waffle irons and towels, drawing international condemnation and even raising questions about the state of humanity.

Former Heavyweight Title Contender Ron Lyle Dies

DENVER - Former prizefighter Ron Lyle, a convict-turned-contender who once fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title, died on Saturday at age 70 in Denver.

Woman Accused Of Pepper-spraying Shoppers Surrenders

LOS ANGELES - A woman suspected of dousing fellow Walmart shoppers with pepper spray during a Black Friday eve bargain frenzy in suburban Los Angeles has turned herself in to authorities, police said on Saturday.

Oldest Living 4-star Army General Ralph Haines Dies

- The U.S. Army's oldest living four-star general, Ralph Haines Jr., died of natural causes at San Antonio Military Medical Center on Wednesday, an Army spokesman said. He was 98.

Supreme Court To Decide Whether Lawsuits Require Harm

WASHINGTON - In a dispute pitting big business against consumer groups, the Supreme Court hears arguments Monday on whether a person has to suffer legal harm to sue a company over an alleged kickback it got.

Spirited "Black Friday" Has Dark Roots

- Most Americans associate the words "Black Friday" with the ritual of excited consumers rising early to begin holiday shopping in search of doorbuster deals, but the term's origins have a deeper, darker meaning.

Midnight Black Friday Start Likely To Become Norm

- Earlier than ever store openings at Macy's Inc, Target Corp and Best Buy Inc this year were such hits with shoppers that their midnight start on Black Friday will likely become the norm.

Two Bodies Found In Ohio, Links To Online Ads Possible

CLEVELAND - Authorities recovered two bodies from shallow graves in Ohio on Friday that may be linked to the shooting of one man and suspicious death of another who had responded to online help wanted ads.

Occupy Movement Inspires Rise In U.S. Campus Activism

DAVIS, Calif - Violent confrontations between police and protesters at two University of California campuses have drawn a new cadre of students into the Occupy Wall Street movement and unleashed what some historians call the biggest surge in campus activism since the 1960s.

Egypt Frees Detained American University Students: Family

CHICAGO - The three American students arrested on suspicion of throwing gasoline bombs this week during the protests in Egypt were freed on Friday, a family member and a representative of the students said.

Los Angeles To Evict Occupy Camp On Monday

LOS ANGELES - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protesters who have been camped in front of Los Angeles' City Hall for nearly two months will be evicted on Monday, city officials said on Friday.

Black Friday Draws Crowds, But Spending In Doubt

- Retailers were hoping for more shoppers like Shawn Elzia as the annual Black Friday bargain stampede marked the unofficial start of what is widely expected to be a middling holiday shopping season.

Violence, Pepper Spray Mar Black Friday Shopping

NEW YORK - Black Friday turned into a black mark against American shoppers as riotous crowds brawled over video games, waffle irons and towels, drawing international condemnation and even raising questions about the state of humanity.

Giffords Serves Turkey At Tucson Air Base

- Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords served a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday to Air Force personnel in her first constituent event since she was shot in the head in January, her office said.

In Packers, Divided Wisconsin Finds Common Ground

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin - The Green Bay Packers have a lot to be proud of this season, including a 10-0 record before their 27-15 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Detroit Lions.

Award-winning Poet Ruth Stone Dies At 96

WASHINGTON - Award-winning poet Ruth Stone, who drew imagery and inspiration from the natural sciences, has died at age 96 in Vermont, her daughter said on Thursday.

Oldest Living 4-star Army General Ralph Haines Dies

- The U.S. Army's oldest living four-star general, Ralph Haines Jr., died of natural causes at San Antonio Military Medical Center on Wednesday, an Army spokesman said. He was 98.

Alleged Penn State Victim Says To Sue Charity

NEW YORK - One of the alleged victims in the Penn State University child sex abuse scandal on Wednesday sought an injunction to stop the Second Mile charity from dissipating its assets.

Family Of U.S. Student Freed In Egypt Gives Thanks

NEW YORK - Joy Sweeney's Thanksgiving wishes were granted in a predawn email on Thursday notifying her that her son and two other American students arrested on suspicion of throwing gasoline bombs in Egypt would be freed.

Huge Macy's Parade Crowd For Beloved - And Bizarre - Balloons

NEW YORK - Gigantic balloons floated down New York streets for the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, drawing huge crowds to sidewalks and an even bigger audience to television sets, a parade spokesman said.

Obama Thanks Military, Volunteers On Thanksgiving

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Thursday the United States was grateful to military service members and soup kitchen volunteers alike and the holiday displayed American unity despite Washington's political gridlock.

Family Of U.S. Student Freed In Egypt Gives Thanks

NEW YORK - Joy Sweeney's Thanksgiving wishes were granted in a predawn email on Thursday notifying her that her son and two other American students arrested on suspicion of throwing gasoline bombs in Egypt would be freed.

Worried Shoppers Greet "Black Friday" Sales

- Bargain hunters flocked to U.S. stores late Thursday and overnight Friday, searching for deals while fretting about their own shaky economic well-being.

Penn State Players Lived By Special Rules: Ex-official

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Penn State University football players received special treatment compared to other students when accused of violating school rules, the school's ex-chief disciplinarian said on Tuesday.

Will Penn State Be Pariah At Postseason Football Party?

BOSTON - Penn State's football team will end a winning season this weekend but the university's sex abuse scandal could yet make the Nittany Lions a pariah at the postseason college football bowl party.

Ohio Panel Proposes Exotic Animal Ban In Wake Of October Rampage

CLEVELAND - Ohio may ban the sale and new ownership of the kinds of exotic animals that caused a panic last month in the eastern part of the state if lawmakers approve a task force's new recommendations.

Judge Dismisses Harrisburg, PA, Bankruptcy Filing

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania is poised to take over its struggling capital of Harrisburg after a federal judge said the city cannot file for bankruptcy to get out of its $300 million outstanding debt.

NY Pair Who Abducted Their 8 Kids Get 60 Days In Jail

NEW YORK - Parents who abducted their eight young children from foster care in New York City were sentenced on Wednesday to 60 days in jail, which they have already served, authorities said.

Occupy Alaska Protestors Keep Vigil Despite The Cold

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Forget pepper spray. anti-Wall Street demonstrators in Alaska have a different challenge -- bitter cold that tests their commitment to around-the-clock protests.

Alleged Penn State Victim Says To Sue Charity

NEW YORK - One of the alleged victims in the Penn State University child sex abuse scandal on Wednesday sought an injunction to stop the Second Mile charity from dissipating its assets.

Thanksgiving Kicks Off Fight For Holiday Sales

- The holiday shopping season starts in earnest on Thursday, with retailers anxious to see if U.S. consumers are willing to spend despite an endless stream of scary headlines about the fragile economy and their own precarious finances.

Six Believed Dead In Arizona Small Plane Crash

PHOENIX - Six people on board a small twin-engine plane appear to have been killed when it crashed in a ball of fire on Wednesday in a remote area of the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, officials said.

New England Snow Snarls Holiday Travel, Sparks Outages

CONWAY, Mass - A wintry storm socked New England states with a mix of heavy snow and freezing rain on Wednesday, sparking power outages and delaying some pre-Thanksgiving flights on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Three U.S. Students Held In Egypt Over Protests

CAIRO - Three U.S. students were paraded on Egyptian television on Tuesday after being accused of throwing petrol bombs at police during protests near Cairo's Tahrir Square where demonstrators have been demanding an end to military rule.

Wisconsin Colleges To Issue IDs To Comply With Voter Law

MADISON, Wis - Wisconsin's election board on Tuesday authorized a state university to issue identification cards that students can use to comply with the new law requiring voters to present photo ID at polling places.

Court Upholds Yellowstone Grizzly Protections

SALMON, Idaho - Grizzly bears roaming the Northern Rockies still require protection under the Endangered Species Act, despite their growing numbers, because of changing climate factors the government failed to consider, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

Occupy L.A. Says City Is Offering Incentives To Move

LOS ANGELES - City officials have offered Occupy L.A. protesters 10,000 square feet of indoor space and other incentives to vacate the City Hall lawn they have camped on for over seven weeks, a lawyer for the group said on Tuesday.

Florida Officials Probe Hazing After Drum Major's Death

ORLANDO/TALLAHASSEE, Fla - Hazing may have been a factor in the death of a Florida college drum major following a popular football and marching band competition between two of the state's historically black universities, authorities said on Tuesday.

Penn State Players Lived By Special Rules: Ex-official

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Penn State University football players received special treatment compared to other students when accused of violating school rules, the school's ex-chief disciplinarian said on Tuesday.

Oregon Governor Says Will Allow No More Executions

PORTLAND, Ore - Oregon's Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber said on Tuesday he would allow no more executions in the state on his watch because he believed the death penalty was "morally wrong."

Madoff Trustee Settlement To Recover $326 Million From IRS

- The trustee seeking money for victims of imprisoned swindler Bernard Madoff has reached an agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to recover $326 million that was earlier transferred to the agency by Madoff's firm purportedly on behalf of foreign account holders, court documents showed.

Sandusky Hearing Delayed In Penn State Abuse Case

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - A preliminary hearing for former Penn State University assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on child sex abuse charges has been postponed until mid-December, court officials said on Tuesday.

Many Above Poverty Line Struggle To Make Ends Meet

WASHINGTON - Nearly half of all Americans lack economic security, meaning they live above the federal poverty threshold but still do not have enough money to cover housing, food, healthcare and other basic expenses, according to a survey of government and industry data.

Tucson Shooter Appeals Forced Medication Ruling

TUCSON, Ariz - Tucson shooting rampage suspect Jared Loughner is appealing an order to allow doctors to forcibly medicate him against his will, papers lodged with an appellate court showed on Monday.

Airman Barricaded At Colorado Air Base Surrenders

DENVER - A U.S. airman facing possible discharge barricaded himself in a building on a Colorado air force base with a gun on Monday but later surrendered to authorities after a 10-hour standoff, base officials said.

Priest Arrested On Charge Of Sexual Assault On Boy

CHICAGO - A Catholic priest wanted in Colorado on charges that he sexually assaulted a boy was arrested in Chicago on Monday by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI said.

Man To Plead Guilty To Harassing Palin Attorney

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A Pennsylvania man has agreed to plead guilty to a charge that he harassed an attorney for former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, actions that authorities said followed his similar goading of Palin herself, according to court documents filed on Monday.

Thousands Mourn Oklahoma State University Coach Killed In Crash

OKLAHOMA CITY - More than 6,000 mourners gathered on Monday in Oklahoma to remember the head coach of the Oklahoma State University women's basketball team and three others who were killed last week in an Arkansas plane crash.

NY Governor Taps Business Leaders As Debt Talks Wither

NEW YORK - Some 20 New York business, labor and political leaders were asked on Monday by Governor Andrew Cuomo to help solve the state's fiscal problems in the wake of the Congressional super committee's apparent failure.

UC Davis Chancellor Sorry For Pepper Spray Incident

DAVIS, Calif - A University of California chancellor apologized to jeering students on Monday for police use of pepper spray against campus protesters in a standoff captured by video and widely replayed on television and the Internet.

Alabama Immigration Crackdown Nabs Mercedes Executive

BIRMINGHAM, Ala - As Mercedes-Benz executive Detlev Hager negotiated the streets of Tuscaloosa last week, he drove right into the controversy over Alabama's tough new immigration law.

Budget Crises Make Mayors Feel Like "bad Guys": Poll

WASHINGTON - Mayors of U.S. cities and towns feel they are being cast as the "bad guys" as they attempt to address budget crises, often through tax hikes and service cuts, according to a poll released on Tuesday.

U.S. Kept Distance From NY Plotter Probe: Source

NEW YORK - Federal authorities declined to join the local investigation of a suspected New York militant, saying he was not likely to carry out an attack, a law enforcement source familiar with the case said on Monday.

Mila Kunis Keeps Her Date With Afghanistan Vet

LOS ANGELES - Mila Kunis made a Marine's YouTube wish come true on Friday night, when the actress kept her promise to be his date at the Marine Corps Ball in Greenville, North Carolina.

Is U.S. Farm Boom Sitting On An Ethanol Bubble?

CHICAGO - Grain farmers in the Midwest may want to pinch themselves.

Two Die During Philadelphia Marathon Races

- Two runners died on Sunday while competing in the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon, organizers said without giving details.

UC Davis Investigates Pepper Spray Incident

- Two University of California, Davis police officers have been placed on leave while the school investigates the apparent use by campus police of pepper spray against seated student protesters, the university said Sunday.

Romney Picks Up Important New Hampshire Endorsement

LITTLETON, New Hampshire - Republican Mitt Romney, looking to close the deal in the early primary state of New Hampshire, picked up an important endorsement on Sunday from U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte.

Sandusky Charity Weighing Options, Including Closing

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - The charity founded by Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach charged in an explosive child sex abuse scandal, is weighing options for its future, including shutting down, the non-profit group said.

Insight: In Iowa, Farmland Boom Means End Of An Era For Many

IOWA FALLS, Iowa - It took just 31 minutes for Donald Ellingson's family to end an agrarian tradition that had survived more than a half-century, by auctioning off 153 acres of rich Iowa farmland.

Founder Sells Milwaukee Cafe For $100, Promise Of Food

MILWAUKEE - For a mere $100, Nell Benton has found herself not just a job, but sole ownership in a restaurant that would seem to be a perfect fit.

Penn State Trustees Panel Sets News Conference Monday

- A special committee formed by Penn State trustees to investigate the university's actions after reports of child sex abuse by a former football coach said it will hold a news conference Monday in connection with its investigation.

Police Clear Oakland Protest Camp Without Incident

OAKLAND, California - Police on Sunday cleared anti-Wall Street protesters from a vacant lot and public park in Oakland, California, a day after they had erected a tent camp to replace one torn down by authorities.

Football Abuse Scandal Devastates Small Mountain Town

LOCK HAVEN, Pennsylvania - For the better part of a decade, Jerry Sandusky was a fixture in this small, blue-collar community nestled in the Appalachian mountains: a volunteer football coach and eager mentor to some of its disadvantaged young boys.

Woman Killed By Truck Before Yale-Harvard Football Game

- One woman died and two others were injured after the driver of a U-Haul truck plowed through a parking lot tailgating area ahead of the annual Yale-Harvard football matchup on Saturday, police said.

Army Sergeant Gets Five Years In Afghan Misconduct Probe

TACOMA, Wash - A U.S. Army sergeant was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday for crimes that included beating a subordinate whose whistle-blowing led to an investigation of rogue soldiers murdering unarmed Afghan civilians.

Former Procter & Gamble CEO John Smale Dies At 84

CINCINNATI - Former Procter & Gamble chief executive John G. Smale, credited with transforming the two major international companies he led during his career, died on Saturday at age 84.

New York Occupy Wall Street Protests Face Challenges

NEW YORK - With just a few protesters huddled against the cold winds at Zuccotti Park on Friday, city officials are hoping protests which have taken place here for the past two months have run their course.

Thousands Rally Against Wisconsin Republican Governor

MADISON - Thousands of people gathered at the Wisconsin capitol on Saturday to demand a recall of Republican Governor Scott Walker, whose controversial and successful drive to limit public unions last winter sparked the biggest protests in the state since the Vietnam War.

UC Davis Will Probe Use Of Pepper-spray On Student Protesters

LOS ANGELES - The University of California, Davis said on Saturday it would launch an investigation over video footage that appeared to show campus police using pepper spray against seated student protesters at close range.

Fire Crews Gain Upper Hand On Destructive Nevada Blaze

RENO, Nev - Firefighters working to extinguish a blaze that blackened 2,000 acres of suburban scrubland and damaged dozens of homes on the edge of northern Nevada's biggest city had the fire mostly under control on Saturday, Reno city officials said.

Oakland Protesters Defiantly Set Up New Tent City

OAKLAND - Anti-Wall Street protesters took over a vacant lot and adjacent park in downtown Oakland on Saturday and erected a tent camp to replace one torn down by police, setting the stage for a potential showdown.

U.S. Banks Should "undermine" Occupy Protesters: Memo

WASHINGTON - The Occupy Wall Street movement is a big enough problem for U.S. banks that they should pay for opposition research into the political motives of protesters, said a firm that lobbies for the industry.

Washington State Man Pleads Innocent To Tree Theft

SEATTLE - A Washington state man charged with chopping down federally protected timber that was made into prized musical instruments pleaded not guilty to felony theft on Friday.

Nebraska Refuses Pot-promoting Vanity Plate, ACLU Sues

OMAHA, Neb - The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Nebraska's motor vehicle department for refusing to issue a personalized license plate that refers to an unofficial holiday known as National Pot Smoking Day.

Penn State's Paterno Has Treatable Lung Cancer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, fired last week in fallout from a sex abuse scandal at the university, has a treatable form of lung cancer, one of his sons said on Friday.

SeaWorld Expert Cites Trainer Mistake In Death: Lawyer

SANFORD, Fla - A SeaWorld expert blamed a mistake by trainer Dawn Brancheau at least in part for her 2010 drowning by a killer whale, according to a government lawyer who cited the expert's written report at a federal hearing on Friday.

Charging Electric Cars In New Jersey About To Get Easier

MONTCLAIR, New Jersey - Drivers of plug-in electric vehicles will soon find it easier than ever to charge up in New Jersey, which is at the center of a regional plan to install charging stations across the eastern seaboard.

Law Limitations May Protect Child Abusers In U.S.

NEW YORK - High-profile accusations of child sex abuse in the United States have refocused attention on laws that are meant to protect the rights of the accused but in fact can help pedophiles escape prosecution.

Firefighters Halt Advance Of Destructive Nevada Blaze

RENO, Nev - A wind-driven wildfire raged across 2,000 acres of sagebrush at the edge of northern Nevada's biggest city on Friday, damaging or destroying two dozen buildings, forcing thousands from their homes and leaving at least 17 people injured.

Former Mexico Cartel Leader's Nephew Indicted In Texas

MCALLEN, Texas - A federal grand jury in Texas charged a powerful former cartel chief's nephew on Friday in a drug and money laundering conspiracy that stretched across the United States.

Army Sergeant Gets Five Years In Afghan Misconduct Probe

TACOMA, Wash - A U.S. Army sergeant was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday for crimes that included beating a subordinate whose whistle-blowing led to an investigation of rogue soldiers murdering unarmed Afghan civilians.

New York Occupy Wall Street Protests Face Challenges

NEW YORK - With just a few protesters huddled against the cold winds at Zuccotti Park on Friday, city officials are hoping protests which have taken place here for the past two months have run their course.

Another Outburst By Soldier Accused Of Fort Hood Plot

WACO, Texas - A former Army private accused of a plot to attack soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas military base startled a court hearing on Thursday when he turned to the media and threw a sheath of rolled up papers.

Man Charged With Trying To Assassinate Obama

PITTSBURGH - A 21-year-old man who called President Barack Obama the "devil" and "anti-Christ" was charged on Thursday with trying to assassinate the U.S. leader by opening fire on the White House with an assault rifle.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Approve Major Pension Overhaul

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - A drastic overhaul of Rhode Island's pension system for public sector employees passed in both houses of the state's General Assembly on Thursday in a special session.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Approve Pension Overhaul

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - A major overhaul of Rhode Island's pension system for public sector employees passed in both houses of the state's Democratic-controlled General Assembly on Thursday in a special session.

Catholic Diocese Approved To Buy "Hour Of Power" Church

SANTA ANA, Calif - A plan to sell Crystal Cathedral, a California mega-church known for its "Hour of Power" broadcasts, to a Roman Catholic diocese for $57.5 million was approved on Thursday by a U.S. bankruptcy judge.

West Coast Protesters Struggle To Stay "Occupied"

SAN FRANCISCO - Police at the University of California at Berkeley swept away a protest encampment early on Thursday as anti-Wall Street demonstrators occupying a plaza across the bay in San Francisco braced for possible eviction.

Syracuse Puts Coach On Leave Over Abuse Probe

NEW YORK - A longtime assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University was put on administrative leave on Thursday after police reopened an investigation of alleged inappropriate behavior with a ball boy.

Anti-Wall Street Protesters Arrested At L.A. Bank

LOS ANGELES - Throngs of anti-Wall Street demonstrators snarled traffic by blocking a downtown Los Angeles street on Thursday, and later pitched tents outside a bank tower before police advanced to make arrests.

Chicago Protest Results In 46 Arrests On Major Bridge

CHICAGO - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street demonstrators marched in Chicago on Thursday, blocking traffic on a major downtown bridge to protest cuts to federal programs and a lack of jobs, and police arrested 46 people.

Authorities Foil NY Protest Bid To Shut Wall Street

NEW YORK - New York police prevented protesters from shutting down Wall Street on Thursday, arresting more than 200 people in repeated clashes with an unexpectedly small but spirited Occupy Wall Street rally.

Detroit Mayor Calls For Wage Cuts, Corporate Tax Increase

DETROIT - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing warned on Wednesday the city could run out of cash by April and called for wage cuts for police and firefighters and a corporate tax increase to avoid the appointment of an emergency manager.

J&J To Nix Baby-product Contaminant Within 2 Years

- Johnson & Johnson, responding to complaints about a potentially carcinogenic chemical in its baby shampoos, said it plans within two years to eliminate formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from hundreds of its baby products.

GE Planning New Software Center In California

- General Electric Co plans to hire about 400 people to work in a new software development center it intends to open in San Ramon, California, next year, the largest U.S. conglomerate said on Thursday.

More Americans To Shop On Black Friday: NRF Survey

- Americans plan this year to go shopping in greater numbers on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year and unofficial kick-off the holiday spending season.

New Judge Appointed For Penn State Scandal Hearing

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - A senior district judge with no known ties to Penn State University has been named to preside over a hearing for accused child molester and former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, authorities said Wednesday.

Police Find Major Drug Tunnel Under U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO - Police have discovered a "major cross-border drug tunnel" running to California from Mexico, and seized more than 17 tons (12,700 kilograms) of marijuana, U.S. and Mexican authorities said on Wednesday.

Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting That Hit White House

WASHINGTON - Police arrested a 21-year-old man on Wednesday suspected of shooting at the White House last week, after federal agents found two bullets that had hit the mansion, including one that struck a window.

Police Arrest San Francisco Protesters Inside Bank

SAN FRANCISCO - Police arrested scores of anti-Wall Street protesters in San Francisco on Wednesday after they occupied a Bank of America branch in the city's financial district.

Severe Storms Cause Deaths, Injuries In South

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Severe storms and suspected tornadoes across the South on Wednesday resulted in structural damage, power outages, injuries and deaths in at least three states, officials said.

Evicted Wall St Protesters Seek Rebound With Rally

NEW YORK - Occupy Wall Street protesters hope to rebound on Thursday with a march on the New York Stock Exchange to show their battle against economic inequality still has life after they were evicted from a nearby park.

Pathologist Doubts Suicide In Hanging At California Mansion

LOS ANGELES - A prominent forensic pathologist said a woman found hanged, bound and nude at the mansion of her wealthy boyfriend was less likely a victim of suicide, as police concluded, than of murder, and he urged a reopening of the case.

Condemned Idaho Killer Seeks Stay From Appeals Court

SALMON, Idaho - Lawyers for an Idaho man sentenced to death for the slayings of two women in the 1980s asked a federal appeals court on Tuesday to stay his execution, which if carried out on Friday as planned would be the state's first in 17 years.

St. Louis "Occupy" Protesters Can't Camp In Park, Judge Rules

ST. LOUIS, Mo - A federal judge in St. Louis ruled on Tuesday against anti-Wall Street protesters who wanted to camp overnight in a city park, declining to bar police from enforcing a 10 p.m. curfew.

Protesters Weigh Moving On After New York Raid

NEW YORK - Protest veterans had said for weeks the Occupy Wall Street movement needed to have a second act if it lost its hold on Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan.

Feds Raid Washington State Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

SEATTLE - Federal agents and police raided state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensaries across western Washington on Tuesday, targeting storefronts deemed to be engaged in illegal drug trafficking and money laundering.

Lawyers Spar Over Busted Alabama County Bankruptcy

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Lawyers on opposing sides of the debt crisis in Alabama's Jefferson County traded blame on Tuesday for the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history as they girded for a crucial court hearing next week.

Ex-prosecutor On Trial For Murder Says He Didn't Order Hit

NEWARK, New Jersey - A former federal prosecutor defending himself against murder charges before an anonymous jury used his closing argument on Tuesday to blast the government's key witness as a liar.

Berkeley Protests Carry On Despite Campus Shooting

BERKELEY, Calif - Anti-Wall Street activists rallied on Tuesday at the University of California, Berkeley, vowing to reestablish a short-lived protest camp even as police shot and wounded a man who brandished a gun in a campus computer lab.

Sandusky's Lawyer Vows "different Story"

STATE COLLEGE - The lawyer for former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky said on Tuesday one of his alleged child rape victims will tell "a very different story" from grand jury testimony.

Judge Upholds Eviction Of Wall St. Protesters

NEW YORK - A judge upheld New York City's right to evict Occupy Wall Street protesters from a park on Tuesday after baton-wielding police in riot gear broke up a two-month-old demonstration against economic inequality.

Fire Damages Historic Catholic Retreat In Colorado

DENVER - A wind-swept fire tore through a landmark Catholic retreat in the Colorado mountains on Monday, heavily damaging the site where Pope John Paul II spent an afternoon in 1993 while attending World Youth Day in Denver.

Merck Settles Vioxx Suits From New York, Florida

- Merck & Co has reached settlements to resolve lawsuits from the states of New York, Florida and South Carolina alleging the company misled state regulators about the dangers of the painkiller Vioxx, according to court filings.

Judge Denies Stay Of Execution For Convicted Idaho Killer

SALMON, Idaho - A federal judge refused on Monday to grant a reprieve to a convicted killer scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection on Friday in what would be Idaho's first execution in 17 years.

TransCanada, Nebraska To Work On New Keystone Route

LINCOLN, Neb - Nebraska and TransCanada Corp agreed on Monday to find a new route for the stalled Keystone XL pipeline that would steer clear of environmentally sensitive lands in the state.

Supreme Court To Take On Obama Healthcare Law

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide the fate of President Barack Obama's healthcare law, with an election-year ruling due by July on the U.S. healthcare system's biggest overhaul in nearly 50 years.

Military College "sorry" About Sex Abuse Inaction

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - The president of The Citadel said on Tuesday he was "profoundly sorry" the South Carolina military college failed to tell police about child sexual abuse allegations against a man who had served as a summer camp counselor at the institution.

Police Dismantle Oakland Camp, Protesters On March

OAKLAND, Calif - Police forcibly evicted anti-Wall Street protesters from their camp in downtown Oakland early on Monday, setting the stage for possible showdowns with some demonstrators who vowed to dig in after marching through the streets.

The Citadel Releases Documents On Child Sex Abuse Allegations

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - The Citadel, South Carolina's military college, released documents on Monday linked to a 2007 internal probe of child abuse allegations brought by a former Citadel summer camper against a camp counselor.

Penn State's Sandusky Denies He Is A Pedophile

STATE COLLEGE - Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State University assistant football coach charged with child sex abuse, said on Monday he is not a pedophile, but admitted he showered with young boys.

NY Police Clearing Out Anti-Wall Street Protesters

NEW YORK - Police wearing helmets and carrying shields early on Tuesday began to clear Zuccotti Park in New York City's financial district, where protesters from the Occupy Wall Street movement have been camped since September.

Police Arrest 27 St. Louis Protesters Over Curfew

ST. LOUIS - Police arrested 27 St. Louis demonstrators protesting economic issues at a downtown plaza early Saturday for curfew violations, authorities said.

Lawyer Says Call Supports Parents In Missing Baby Case

KANSAS CITY, Mo - A call from a cell phone reportedly stolen the night Kansas City infant Lisa Irwin vanished from her home points to the innocence of the parents in her disappearance, their lawyer said Saturday night.

After Penn State, Another College Reveals Abuse Probe

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - In the wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, The Citadel military college in South Carolina, revealed on Saturday that it had investigated accusations against a camp counselor but took no action.

U.S. Cities Target Protest Camps, Standoff In Portland

PORTLAND, Ore - Police confronted an estimated 1,000 anti-corporate protesters in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday after clearing parks occupied by demonstrators for weeks, echoing moves in other U.S. cities to shut encampments.

Justin Timberlake Keeps Date For Marine Corps Ball

LOS ANGELES - Justin Timberlake's date with a Marine combat instructor on Saturday night was "one of the most moving evenings" of his life, the singer-turned-actor said on his website.

Advertisers Pull Ads From Penn State Games

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Beyond the profound embarrassment and ethical questions surrounding the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State, the controversy is also hurting the University's bottom line.

Pennsylvania Governor Expects More Sandusky Victims

- More alleged sexual abuse victims of former Penn State University football coach Jerry Sandusky are likely to come forward, Pennsylvania's governor said on Sunday.

Penn State Prays For Abuse Victims, Perpetrators

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Churchgoers at embattled Penn State University offered prayers for victims and perpetrators of child sexual abuse on Sunday, and the state's governor said more victims of alleged abuse by a former university football coach are likely to be found.

Portland Police Arrest Over 50 As Protest Camps Cleared

PORTLAND, Ore - Portland Police arrested more than 50 people on Sunday as the authorities cleared out and blocked off encampments of the Occupy movement that has been protesting nationwide over economic issues.

Ex-Marine Injured In Oakland Protest Makes Public Statement

LOS ANGELES - Ex-Marine Scott Olsen, whose injury during clashes between Oakland police and demonstrators gave impetus to anti-Wall Street protests, said on Sunday he is "feeling a lot better" in his first public statement since his injury.

Dad Charged After Infant Son Chokes On Baby Wipe

CLEVELAND - A Cleveland man was arraigned on child endangerment charges on Saturday after emergency room doctors had to surgically remove a diaper wipe from the throat of his choking eight-week-old son.

Massive Storm That Tore Through Alaska Moves Into Rockies

- The hurricane-like storm that tore through Alaska earlier this week moved into the Rocky Mountains on Saturday, triggering winter storm and high wind warnings across the region.

New York Police Probe Fires, Graffiti In Jewish Area

NEW YORK - New York City police were investigating a possible hate crime in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn where cars were set on fire and anti-Semitic symbols spray painted on benches.

Swapping Chicken Pox-infected Lollipops Illegal

NASHVILLE - A federal prosecutor is warning parents against trading chicken pox-laced lollipops by mail in what authorities describe as misguided attempts to expose their children to the virus to build immunity later in life.

Arab-American Man Arrested By Mistake In Michigan

- The Arab-American head of a Dearborn, Michigan community center was arrested by local police on suspicion of being wanted for funneling money to Lebanon's Hezbollah, but was later found to be the wrong man and released, the FBI said on Saturday.

Police Arrest 27 St. Louis Protesters Over Curfew

ST. LOUIS - Police arrested 27 St. Louis demonstrators protesting economic issues at a downtown plaza early Saturday for curfew violations, authorities said.

Some Cities Act Against Anti-Wall St Protests

- Anti-Wall Street protesters in several U.S. cities on Saturday faced orders by officials to leave their camps, as police made arrests in St. Louis, Salt Lake City and Denver.

After Penn State, Another College Reveals Abuse Probe

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - In the wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, The Citadel military college in South Carolina, revealed on Saturday that it had investigated accusations against a camp counselor but took no action.

Lawyer Says Call Supports Parents In Missing Baby Case

KANSAS CITY, Mo - A call from a cell phone reportedly stolen the night Kansas City infant Lisa Irwin vanished from her home points to the innocence of the parents in her disappearance, their lawyer said Saturday night.

Somber Mood At Penn State After Week Of Turmoil

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Penn State's football team played its last home game of the year on Saturday before a somber crowd still in shock from a child sex abuse scandal that has ripped the university apart in the past week.

Worker Taken To Hospital After Nuclear Lab Incident

SALMON, Idaho - A worker at a U.S. nuclear laboratory was taken to an Idaho hospital on Friday following a chemical reaction that was not radiological and posed no risk to the public, the lab said.

Teen Arrested For Rape Of 5-year-old In McDonald's Play Area

CLEVELAND - A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for the rape of a 5-year-old girl at a McDonald's Playland in southern Ohio, police said Friday.

Police Say Portland Protesters Arming For Fight

PORTLAND, Oregon - Portland police warned on Friday that anti-Wall Street protesters in the city were fashioning makeshift weapons with wood and nails, in advance of a planned move by authorities to clear their two encampments over the weekend.

Oakland Police Call For End To Protest Camp

OAKLAND - Police handed out notices on Friday to anti-Wall Street protesters in Oakland warning they could be pushed out of their encampment, but demonstrators said they plan to stay.

Alaskan Villages Recovering From Massive Storm

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Residents of remote Alaska towns and tiny Native villages were working on Friday to tally up damages from a near-record storm that lashed the state's west coast, officials said.

Police Investigate After Shots Fired Near White House

WASHINGTON - Police were investigating a shooting incident near the White House on Friday night, but it was not believed to have anything to do with the presidential residence.

Ex-Marine Hurt In Oakland Protests Out Of Hospital

LOS ANGELES - Former U.S. Marine Scott Olsen, whose injury during clashes between Oakland police and protesters last month galvanized the Anti-Wall Street movement, has been released from the hospital, friends said on Friday.

Penn State Seeks To Repair Shattered Image At Game

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania State University, reeling from a child sex abuse scandal that has shocked the nation, will try a first step toward repairing its shattered image at a football game on Saturday.

Anti-Wall Street Protesters Dig In Against Police

LOS ANGELES - Tensions were rising at anti-Wall Street protests in three western U.S. cities on Friday as demonstrators in Portland, Salt Lake City and Oakland defied orders by police to dismantle their camps.

At Penn State Candlelight Vigil, A Search For Solace

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Ever since charges of child sex abuse against Jerry Sandusky tore a giant hole in Penn State's heart, students, alumni and staff have grappled with how they could heal.

After Key Votes, Cincinnati Streetcar Project Moves Forward

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's plan to build a streetcar was moving into full swing on Thursday -- two days after voters elected a city council that strongly backs the line and rejected a change to the city charter that would have banned it.

Anti-Wall Street Protesters Vow To "occupy" Rose Parade

LOS ANGELES - Anti-Wall Street protesters hoping to commandeer a worldwide television audience to air their grievances said on Thursday they would peacefully "occupy" this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Blame All Around For Biggest U.S. Municipal Bankruptcy

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - From corrupt and incompetent local officials to Wall Street's credit crisis and toxic bonds, there was plenty of blame to go around on Thursday, a day after Alabama's Jefferson County declared the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Standoff Looms At Anti-Wall St. Camps In Portland

PORTLAND, Oregon - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street demonstrators must leave their protest campsites in Portland, Oregon, by early Sunday morning, the city's mayor said on Thursday, setting the stage for a possible standoff.

Chicago Man Proposed With Ring From Woman He Killed: Prosecutors

CHICAGO - A felon out on parole in Chicago beat an elderly woman to death last month, stole her engagement and wedding rings and then used them to propose to his girlfriend, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Man At Vermont Protest Dies Of Self-inflicted Gunshot

- A 35-year-old Vermont man died on Thursday after apparently shooting himself at an Occupy protest encampment in a downtown park in Burlington, officials said.

Police Warn Penn State Students Ahead Of Home Game

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Penn State University students were warned by local police not to take to the streets on Saturday at the football team's final home game to protest the sacking of legendary coach Joe Paterno amid a sexual abuse scandal.

Fort Hood Shooting Victims, Families File Claims Against Army

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Dozens of relatives of people killed in a November 2009 shooting at Fort Hood -- as well as some of the wounded -- are filing administrative claims against the Army, seeking more than $750 million in total damages.

Army Sergeant Gets Life Prison Term For Afghan Murders

TACOMA, Wash - A U.S. Army sergeant was convicted by court-martial on Thursday of murdering unarmed civilians and cutting fingers from corpses as ringleader of a rogue platoon that terrorized villagers in Afghanistan's Kandahar province.

Penn State Tries To Pick Up Pieces In Abuse Fallout

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Penn State University struggled to stem the damage on Thursday from a sex abuse scandal that ended the 46-year career of football coach Joe Paterno, one of the most revered U.S. sports figures.

Paterno Says Disappointed With Firing, Thanks Fans

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Ousted Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said on Wednesday he was disappointed by his firing, and called on students protesting the decision to remain calm.

Alabama County Files Biggest Municipal Bankruptcy

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Alabama's Jefferson County filed for bankruptcy court protection on Wednesday in the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Elderly Georgia Men Plead Not Guilty In Toxin Plot Case

GAINESVILLE, Ga - Four elderly Georgia men pleaded not guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges linked to an alleged plot to blow up government buildings and disperse a deadly toxin along interstate highways.

Walmart Moves Black Friday To Thanksgiving Night

- Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to beat other U.S. retailers to the punch by starting "Black Friday" on Thanksgiving night rather than wait until the wee hours of Friday for the traditional start of the high stakes holiday shopping season.

Penn State Students Protest After Paterno Fired

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - More than 1,000 protesting Penn State University students poured into the streets around campus on Wednesday after head football coach Joe Paterno was fired in fallout from a child-abuse scandal at the school.

Utah Drops Accomplice To Rape Case Against Warren Jeffs

SALT LAKE CITY - A Utah judge dismissed accomplice to rape charges against polygamist leader Warren Jeffs on Wednesday at the request of prosecutors, who said pursuing the case was unnecessary given his life prison term in Texas.

Afghan Murder Case Against U.S. Army Sergeant Nears End

TACOMA, Wash - The lawyer for a U.S. Army sergeant charged with killing unarmed Afghan civilians and cutting fingers off corpses said his client failed to "look at the enemy as human" but his actions did not amount to murder.

Ed Lee Wins San Francisco Mayor's Race

- Ed Lee won San Francisco's mayoral race on Wednesday, becoming the first elected mayor of Chinese descent in a city steeped in Chinese American history.

Paterno, President Out In Penn State Abuse Scandal

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Famed U.S. college football coach Joe Paterno and the president of Penn State University were fired on Wednesday in fallout from a child-abuse scandal and cover-up involving a former assistant coach and school officials.

"Storm Of Epic Proportions" Hits Alaska Coast

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A storm experts compared to a Category 3 hurricane lashed the western coast of Alaska on Wednesday, ripping roofs from buildings and pushing water and debris into communities, authorities said.

Seventeen Workers Exposed To Radiation At Idaho Lab

SALMON, Idaho - At least six workers were contaminated by low-level plutonium radiation and 11 others were exposed on Tuesday at a U.S. nuclear research lab in Idaho, but the public was not at risk, the government said.

Washington State Liquor Sales Headed For Privatization

SEATTLE - A ballot initiative strongly backed by Costco to close state-run liquor stores in Washington state and allow sales of hard spirits in supermarkets and big-box retail outlets took a wide lead in early returns on Tuesday.

Incumbents Winning In Big-city Mayoral Races

- Incumbent mayors in Houston, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Charlotte, North Carolina, appeared to defeat challengers on Tuesday as voters favored the familiar in a time of diminishing local budgets and a weak national economy.

Republicans, Democrats Split Governor Races

LOUISVILLE, Ky - Kentucky's Democratic governor won re-election and Mississippi elected the Republican lieutenant governor to succeed popular Governor Haley Barbour in the two gubernatorial races decided on Tuesday.

Ohio Voters Soundly Defeat Effort To Curb Unions

COLUMBUS - Ohio voters on Tuesday rejected a law limiting the collective bargaining rights of public workers in a major victory for organized labor and a defeat for the Republicans who backed the measure.

Democrats Retain Control Of Iowa's State Senate

DES MOINES - Iowa Democrats maintained slim control of the state Senate on Tuesday after the party's candidate won a special election.

Gambling Efforts Lose In Maine, Win Support In New Jersey

NEW YORK - Efforts to expand gambling to shore up strapped municipal finances and help job creation headed for defeat in Maine voting on Tuesday while New Jersey voters cast their support for sports betting.

Champion Of Arizona Immigration Crackdown Trails In Recall

PHOENIX - A powerful Republican state Senate leader who spearheaded Arizona's controversial crackdown on illegal immigrants appeared headed for defeat on Tuesday in a historic recall election, early returns showed.

Election Measures Against Unions, Abortion Defeated

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Controversial ballot measures aimed at banning abortion in Mississippi and reducing public sector union power in Ohio were soundly defeated on Tuesday in local elections that cheered President Barack Obama's Democratic party.

Mississippi Voters Reject Anti-abortion Measure

JACKSON, Miss - Mississippi voters on Tuesday rejected an amendment to the state constitution aimed at outlawing abortion, a setback for abortion opponents seeking to overturn the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States.

U.S. Army Soldier Charged With Attempted Espionage

ANCHORAGE - A U.S. Army specialist who was arrested at a military base in Alaska last month on suspicion of spying was formally charged on Monday with attempted espionage, an Army spokesman said.

Man Guilty Of Marrying Girl To Polygamist Sect Leader

SAN ANGELO, Texas - Ex-bishop Fredrick Merril Jessop was found guilty on Monday of marrying a 12-year-old girl to polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, who is serving a life term for sexually assaulting two child brides.

Attorney General To Face Senate Over Gun Sting

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Eric Holder will go before a Senate committee on Tuesday where he will likely be asked about a botched operation that was meant to track gun smuggling to top Mexican drug cartels.

State Department Agent Accused Of Homicide In Hawaii

HONOLULU - A U.S. State Department agent visiting Honolulu for this week's Asia-Pacific economic summit has been charged with criminal homicide in the after-hours shooting death of a man on Waikiki Beach, attorneys said on Monday.

Kenyan Student Athlete Missing In Alaska Snowstorm

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A search team with dogs scoured the woods around the University of Alaska at Anchorage on Monday for a Kenyan student athlete who went missing in a heavy snowstorm, police and school officials said.

Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake Shakes Oklahoma After Larger Temblor

OKLAHOMA CITY - Another earthquake, this one with a magnitude of 4.7, shook Oklahoma on Monday night, two days after a larger temblor hit the state and damaged 14 homes, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

New Census Data Raise Number Of Poor To 49 Million

WASHINGTON - The number of poor Americans hit a record 49 million in 2010, or 16 percent, according to new data released on Monday that showed poverty rates for the elderly, Asians and Hispanics higher than previously known.

Michael Jackson's Doctor Guilty Of Manslaughter

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson's personal doctor was found guilty on Monday of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's drug-related death in 2009 but may not spend much time in jail.

Police Express Shock At Penn State Child Abuse Cover Up

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania - Two former Penn State officials were charged on Monday with covering up alleged sexual assaults of young boys by a former coach, as authorities widely criticized the university for allowing the abuse to continue unchecked for more than a decade.

Harrisburg Closer To Deal To Prevent State Takeover

HARRISBURG, Pa - Harrisburg's mayor and five of its seven city council members voted on Monday to sell an incinerator and lease out parking garages, among the city's biggest assets, moving closer to an agreement that could stave off a state takeover.

Missouri To Join Southeast Conference

- The University of Missouri will leave the Big 12 conference to join the Southeastern Conference effective next summer with sports competition to begin in the fall of 2012, the Southeastern Conference announced on Sunday.

Same Sex Marriage Fight Focuses On Iowa State Special Election

MARION, Iowa - A special election on Tuesday for an Iowa State Senate seat could change the balance of power there and encourage Republicans to try to overturn the state's approval of same sex marriage.

Acting San Francisco Mayor Poised To Win Election

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's interim Mayor Ed Lee is poised to become its first elected mayor of Chinese descent, a political milestone for a city where Chinese-Americans now account for a quarter of the electorate.

Thousands Remain Without Power Week After October Snowstorm

BOSTON - Tens of thousands of homes remained in the dark on Sunday a week after a historic snowstorm paralyzed the Northeast and cut power to more than three million customers.

Singer Andy Williams Reveals He Has Cancer

BRANSON, Mo - Veteran singer Andy Williams, a 1960s television variety show star best known for his rendition of the ballad "Moon River," told fans over the weekend that he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Despite Tough Times, Big-city Mayors Expected To Be Re-elected

HOUSTON - Voters on Tuesday will select mayors in eight of the nation's 25 largest cities -- including Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Baltimore -- with incumbents expected to win in most cases.

Atlanta Protesters Regrouping After Arrests: Spokeswoman

ATLANTA - Atlanta protesters from the "Occupy" movement against economic inequality will regroup and discuss plans for future demonstrations after 20 were arrested overnight, a protest spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Fourteen Homes Damaged In Record Earthquake In Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY - Fourteen homes were damaged late on Saturday in the largest earthquake to hit Oklahoma on record, emergency management officials said on Sunday.

Sex Abuse Case Against Ex-Penn State Coach Jolts State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa - Criminal charges for sexually abusing boys filed against a longtime assistant to legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno jolted students, fans and alumni across Pennsylvania Sunday.

Protesters Circle White House In Oil Pipeline Row

WASHINGTON - Thousands of protesters opposed to a new oil pipeline from Canada to the United States circled the White House grounds on Sunday to press President Barack Obama to reject the project for environmental reasons.

Army Veteran Injured In Oakland Clashes With Police

SAN FRANCISCO - A former U.S. Army Ranger and Occupy Oakland protester was in intensive care on Friday after a veterans' group said he was beaten by police during clashes with anti-Wall Street demonstrators this week.

Pennsylvania Man Gets Jail For Paying Judges For Favors

SCRANTON, Pa - A Pennsylvania man who owned for-profit juvenile detention centers was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday for paying judges to send youths to his facilities in a so-called "kids for cash" scheme.

Green Candidate For Mayor Based In Occupy Tucson Tent

TUCSON, Ariz - There is no bank of telephones at Mary DeCamp's campaign headquarters, no volunteers eager to bring her message to the masses.

Washington Protesters Hit By Car, No Visible Injuries: Police

- Three activists protesting economic inequality were struck by a car and mildly injured late on Friday night as they attempted to block traffic near a gathering of conservatives in the nation's capital, police said on Saturday.

Oklahoma Shaken By 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake

- A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck about 45 miles east of Oklahoma City in the early morning hours on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Costco Pours Money Into Washington State Liquor Vote

SEATTLE - An initiative backed by Costco to allow supermarkets and warehouse stores to sell liquor in the state of Washington has shattered an election spending record, and a recent poll showed the measure may pass.

Frazier Severely Ill With Cancer, Says Manager

- Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, who earned boxing immortality after three epic fights with Muhammad Ali, is in hospice care with liver cancer, his manager said on Saturday.

Ron Paul Declared Winner Of Illinois Republican Straw Poll

CHICAGO - Ron Paul was declared the winner on Saturday of a weeklong Republican presidential straw poll in Democratic President Barack Obama's home state of Illinois.

5.6 Magnitude Oklahoma Quake Causes Some Damage

OKLAHOMA CITY - A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck in Oklahoma late on Saturday evening, the U.S. Geological Survey said, toppling a chimney, damaging buildings and sending a boulder the size of an SUV onto a rural road.

Ex-Penn State Assistant Coach Charged With Abuse

PHILADELPHIA - A longtime former assistant to celebrated Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno was charged with sexually abusing eight boys, a state prosecutor said on Saturday.

Accused California Gunman Sued By Dead Ex-wife's Family

LOS ANGELES - A man accused of murdering his ex-wife and seven others in an October shooting rampage at a California hair salon was sued on Friday by his former spouse's parents.

Halliburton Sued Over Cold War Missile Casing Site

Halliburton Co faces lawsuits over groundwater pollution near a now-closed facility in Oklahoma that cleaned missile casings for the U.S. Defense Department during the Cold War, the company said on Friday.

Washington State Government Cuts Cell Phones, Car Fleets

- Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire told state agencies on Friday to reduce their use of cellular phones and the number of cars in their vehicle fleets to help cut the state's expenses.

Iowa Farmers Feel Ripples Of MF Global Bankruptcy

- MF Global Holdings Ltd's bankruptcy has sent shockwaves through a little Iowa town, where a local broker said he felt a moral obligation to guarantee more than $1 million in funds he placed for farmers at the futures brokerage.

Accuser: Cain Made "unwanted Advances"

WASHINGTON - A woman who accused Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain of sexual harassment suffered "very specific" instances of unwanted advances despite Cain's denials, her lawyer said on Friday.

Former South Dakota Governor Janklow Facing Terminal Cancer

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota - Former four-term South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow said on Friday he was dying from a "very far advanced" brain cancer and doctors have told him he does not have long to live.

Power Outages Linger As New England Braces For Cold Blast

BOSTON - Hundreds of thousands of homes from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire remained in the dark on Friday, nearly a week after a monster October snowstorm swept through the Northeast and knocked out power to more than 3 million customers.

Agitators Blamed For Oakland Unrest That Injured 8

OAKLAND, Calif - Police arrested more than 100 demonstrators early on Thursday in clashes that activists and Oakland city officials alike blamed on agitators who provoked unrest following a day of mostly peaceful rallies against economic inequality.

Army Veteran Injured In Oakland Clashes With Police

SAN FRANCISCO - A former U.S. Army Ranger and Occupy Oakland protester was in intensive care on Friday after a veterans' group said he was beaten by police during clashes with anti-Wall Street demonstrators this week.

Bail Denied For Girlfriend Of Crime Boss "Whitey" Bulger

BOSTON - Catherine Greig, charged with aiding her fugitive boyfriend, notorious mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger, was denied bail on Friday by a federal judge who ruled she was a serious flight risk.

Idaho Requires Two Online Courses For High School Graduation

SALMON, Idaho - Idaho became on Thursday the first U.S. state to require two online courses for high school graduation when state officials approved the requirement.

Wisconsin Senate Advances Sex-ed Abstinence Proposal

MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin could join 26 U.S. states in requiring sex education in public schools to stress abstinence under legislation that has cleared the state Senate and may be taken up by representatives early next year.

Detroit In "extremely Serious" Fiscal Shape: Mayor

- Detroit is in "extremely serious financial condition," as it is projected to run out of cash next year and must take action to avoid a state takeover, Mayor Dave Bing said on Thursday.

Alabama Blogger Derides Alleged Deadly Plot By Georgia Men

BIRMINGHAM, Ala - An Alabama blogger whose online novel was cited as inspiration for four Georgia men's alleged plot to kill federal employees said on Thursday he had no connection to them and doubted they posed any real threat to the public.

Three Ohio Cities Rank In Top 10 For Poverty Rate Increase

CLEVELAND, Ohio - At Toledo Catholic Charities' family shelter, there hasn't been an open spot in three years -- a sign of chronic problems in the Ohio city which placed first in the nation for rising poverty rates.

Mayor Lashes Out At Occupy Wall Street Protesters

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg lashed out at anti-greed Occupy Wall Street activists on Thursday after reports of self-policing, his patience seeming to wear thin with the seven-week old movement.

Army Whistleblower Recalls Sergeant's Chilling Threat

TACOMA, Wash - A U.S. Army sergeant accused of murdering three unarmed Afghan civilians also led several troops in beating up a fellow soldier for informing on their drug use, then threatened to kill him unless he "shut up," the soldier testified on Thursday.

Pennsylvania Unveils Plan For Distressed Capital City

HARRISBURG, Pa - The state of Pennsylvania on Thursday released a plan for keeping essential services running and obligations met in financially embattled Harrisburg, as the city tries to get out from under a $300 million debt.

Power Outages Plague Northeast Residents

CONWAY, Mass - Three-quarters of a million people from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire remained without power on Thursday after a deadly October snowstorm pummeled the Northeast and caused widespread outages.

Agitators Blamed For Oakland Unrest That Injured 8

OAKLAND, Calif - Police arrested more than 100 demonstrators early on Thursday in clashes that activists and Oakland city officials alike blamed on agitators who provoked unrest following a day of mostly peaceful rallies against economic inequality.

Drug Company CEO Sells Mansion Where Girlfriend Died

PHOENIX - An Arizona drug company chief has sold the historic California mansion where his girlfriend was found hanged two days after his son took a fatal fall in the house, his real estate agent said on Wednesday.

In Detroit, Dreams Of Civic Renewal Collide With Hard Realities

DETROIT - For years, Michigan Central Station, the towering train depot on the outskirts of downtown Detroit, stood as a haunting symbol of the city's decline and fall.

Drive To House Flood-displaced In Minot Drags On

- A months-long drive to house residents displaced by a summer deluge in Minot, North Dakota, and surrounding communities drags on, a day before officials expect to release the outline of a flood control proposal.

Alaska Soldier Caught Before Causing Damage, Army Says

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A U.S. soldier at an Alaska military base arrested on suspicion of espionage was caught before he could spread information that would damage national interests, an Army spokesman said on Wednesday.

Police Tie "Grim Sleeper" Suspect To Six More Killings

LOS ANGELES - A former sanitation worker charged with murdering 10 women and girls as a Los Angeles serial killer dubbed the "Grim Sleeper" is now considered a suspect in six more slayings, police said on Wednesday.

Army Sergeant Shot Afghan 'with A Smile': Witness

TACOMA, Wash - A U.S. Army sergeant accused of murdering three unarmed Afghan civilians casually shot one victim "with a smile on his face," then pulled a tooth from the dead man's mouth, a fellow soldier testified on Wednesday.

Pockets Of Poverty Grow In The United States: Study

WASHINGTON - The problem of poverty became more acute in many U.S. neighborhoods in the Midwest and South over the last decade, threatening schools, safety and public health, while raising costs for local governments, according to a study released on Thursday.

One Million People Without Power In Northeast Storm Aftermath

CONWAY, Mass - About 1 million people remained without power in the Northeast on Wednesday after an uncommonly robust and deadly fall snowstorm last weekend pounded a half-dozen states and sparked widespread outages.

Accused Gunman Mused Of Mass Killings At Beach: Affidavit

LOS ANGELES - A man accused of shooting his ex-wife and seven others dead in a California hair salon told police he contemplated the killings while sitting on a beach after a quarrel with his former spouse, court documents showed.

Protests Shut Oakland Port, Tensions Flare In Streets

OAKLAND, Calif - Protesters shut down operations at Oakland's port and blocked traffic on Wednesday in demonstrations against economic inequality and police brutality that turned tense as the night wore on.

Obama Makes Former Slave Haven A National Monument

PORTSMOUTH, Va - President Barack Obama created the first national monument of his presidency on Tuesday, signing a proclamation to preserve a former Army fort that was a safe haven for slaves during the Civil War.

Georgia Men Charged With Plotting To Make Ricin

- Federal authorities on Tuesday arrested four Georgia men accused of plotting to buy explosives and produce a deadly biological toxin to attack fellow U.S. citizens and government officials.

Proposed Tax Hikes Headed For Defeat In Colorado

DENVER - A Colorado ballot proposal to raise state income and sales taxes for the sake of public schools was headed for defeat on Tuesday, according to early election returns from the state's most populous counties.

Nerves Fray As Power Still Out For 1.6 Million In Northeast

MERIDEN, Connecticut - Cold, tired and frustrated, residents of more than 1.6 million homes in the Northeast remained without power on Tuesday and some were told it could take 10 more days to restore electricity after the rare and deadly October snowstorm.

Walmart Offers Early Preview Of Black Friday Deals

- Wal-Mart Stores Inc said it is offering an early preview of its Black Friday deals starting Wednesday and will also hold an early holiday sale beginning Saturday.

Maryland Killer Facing Death Penalty Says Murder Haunts Him

BEL AIR, Md - A Maryland man convicted in the murder-for-hire of a gas station owner told a jury tasked with determining whether he will be put to death that he was haunted by the killing.

Accused Tucson Shooter Seeks End To Medication

SAN FRANCISCO - A U.S. appeals court panel wrestled on Tuesday with whether Tucson shooting rampage suspect Jared Loughner should be compelled to undergo further psychiatric treatment at a Missouri prison hospital.

LA Dodgers, MLB Agree To Sell The Team

- The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team said it has agreed with Major League Baseball (MLB) officials to a court-supervised sale of the team and its media rights, potentially ending a long-running court battle between the league and owner Frank McCourt.

Volatile Oakland Faces General Strike On Wednesday

OAKLAND, California - After Oakland emerged as a new center for the Occupy Wall Street movement -- largely because an Iraq war veteran was seriously injured in a clash with police -- local protest leaders decided on a tactic with a storied history in the city: a general strike.

U.S. Army Soldier Arrested On Suspicion Of Espionage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A U.S. Army specialist who was serving as a military policeman has been arrested at an Alaska military base on suspicion of spying, an Army spokesman said on Tuesday.