DNC kickoff protest lively but largely uneventful

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The kickoff protest ahead of the Democratic National Convention had the benefit of sunny skies, pent-up demand from demonstrators who were rained out in Florida and the perfect setting to decry the practices of big business.

Neb., SD wildfires grow with help of strong wind

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Wildfires in northwestern Nebraska tripled in size in less than 24 hours, as strong winds pushed flames through the rugged, rural terrain.

Homes cracking due to drought-parched soil

State news briefs

52M lottery winner learns of jackpot from TV FREMONT (AP) - A San Francisco Bay area man told by relatives that his picture was just shown on television was not wanted for a crime, but as the winner of a $52 million lottery jackpot. KGO-TV reported on Friday that Marita and Bladimir Agnite of Fremont didn't know they had the winning ticket until ...

Feds ending Wyoming wolf protections

Astronauts, family mourn humble hero Armstrong

Ex-Marine kills 2 co-workers, self inside closed New Jersey supermarket

Mixed legacy of George W. hovers over Tampa

Mixed legacy of George W. hovers over Tampa

Clint Eastwood’s pitch: Make his day by electing Mitt Romney's president

Romney makes his case: We 'need jobs, lots of jobs'

Odd News

98-YEAR-OLD MESSAGE IN BOTTLE SETS WORLD RECORD: LONDON (AP) - It was scooped up from the sea after 98 years, and now officials say a message in a bottle discovered in Scotland has set a world record.

Peanuts were thrown at black camerawoman at GOP meeting

Batman movie shooting suspect made call prior to deadly attack

Weakening Isaac hovers over water-logged Louisiana

Sikh temple victim remains in coma

Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51

MOORE, Okla. (AP) - A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

Side Briefs

ANGRY MOB PELTS MAN THOUGHT TO BE SEX ATTACKER: DENVER (AP) - Residents angry that police had not warned them about sex assaults of children took matters into their own hands, chasing down a man they thought was the attacker, pelting him with rocks and leaving him with a bloody face in Colorado, authorities said Monday.

Volcano's ash prompts flight cancellations

Kentucky teen dies with dog lead on neck

Kentucky teen dies with dog lead on neck

Should wunderkinds drop out of high school?

Cardinal skips event over Irish PM's role

More Obama aides knew of IRS audit

1 SEAL dead, 7 sailors hurt in training accident

More time needed to indict Tsarnaev

Treasury told of IRS probe in June 2012

Marine, dog reunited in surprise ceremony at Iowa State Capitol

Navy pilot earns degree in combat zone

Dark clouds hang over air shows after budget cuts hit military services

Colorado sheriffs sue over gun rules

Alaska volcano shoots ash 15,000 feet into the air