Lennon killer wants to live with minister if freed

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The man who killed ex-Beatle John Lennon said in his most recent parole bid that he hoped to live and work with an upstate New York minister if released, according to a hearing transcript released Wednesday.

Ryan: Romney won't 'duck tough issues' on economy

Odd News

MAN HELD IN FIGHT OVER CHICKEN BAKED NOT FRIED: POINT MARION, Pa. (AP) - A southwestern Pennsylvania man has been jailed on charges he fought with his son and daughter-in-law after he was served chicken that was baked, when he wanted it fried.

California moves to give licenses to young illegal immigrant drivers

SACRAMENTO (AP) - California is moving to give driver's licenses to young immigrants who are in the country illegally but would no longer face deportation under a recently announced policy change by the Obama administration. AB2189 would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept as proof of legal residence whatever document the federal government provides to participants in its deferred action ...

Isaac steers clear of direct blow on New Orleans; days of rain ahead

Bill cracks down on 'party bus' drinking

SACRAMENTO (AP) - Operators of so-called "party buses" would bear legal responsibility for drinking by underage passengers under a bill that responds to several recent tragedies. AB45 would hold party bus operators to the same standards as limousine drivers. It requires them to have a chaperone to make sure underage passengers don't drink and makes them liable if passengers break the law. ...

Yahoo fires bureau chief for Romney/blacks remark

Houston man allegedly drove bulldozer into office

HOUSTON (AP) - An apparent disgruntled worker has been blamed for driving a bulldozer into a Houston auction house and causing $1.5 million in damage. Officials with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers are not sure why 52-year-old Lynn Benson of Houston was upset. The lot inspector operates the bulldozer as part of his regular duties. Nobody was hurt Monday night ...

Feds: NJ mail carrier distributed cocaine packages along her daily delivery route

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A mail carrier used her daily route to move cocaine shipments in falsely addressed packages on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico, federal authorities said Tuesday.

NY probes growing energy drink industry

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - High-octane energy drinks including 5-Hour Energy and Monster that promise healthy bursts of energy are getting pulled over in New York.

Choreographed conventions: Is something lost?

GOP convention gets rowdy in rift over Ron Paul backers’ fight over rules

Odd News

FLIGHT ATTENDANT'S CAREER LANDING IN GUINNESS BOOK: HONOLULU (AP) - A flight attendant is landing in the Guinness World Records book after spending 63 years moving about the cabin.

Hurricane Isaac makes landfall in Louisiana

Ann Romney says her husband will lift up America

Tests link deadly ricin to Obama letter suspect

Obama defends counterterrorism effort

Nation news briefs

NYC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADOPTS ALL-VEGETARIAN MENU: NEW YORK (AP) - A New York City elementary school has adopted an all-vegetarian menu, serving kids tofu wraps and veggie chili.

Legal tiff settled over Chicago parking meters

US assessing reported Syrian chemical use

Army amputee completes air assault school

Man arrested for letting son, 9, drive Ferrari

Pro-gun Native American billboard draws criticism

Nation news briefs

SOME LOSING JOBS AMID ALLEGED NEV. PATIENT DUMPING: CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Two staff members who violated discharge policies at a Las Vegas psychiatric hospital were fired Monday and three others are being disciplined following an investigation into busing patients to other states, the governor's office and agency officials said Monday.

Lawyer: Former ricin suspect's home is unlivable

1st female Iraq war resister to be court-martialed

Abortion trial stirs debate on when life ends

Boston suspect's defense team gets major boost