Sikh temple victim remains in coma

Colleges open their eyes: ZZZs are key to higher GPA, learning

NEW YORK (AP) - As college students return to campus in the coming weeks, they'll be showered in the usual handouts of coupons, condoms and credit cards. But some schools are also giving students what a growing body of research reveals could make a huge difference in their college careers: ear plugs, sleep shades and napping lessons.

Romney makes Mormonism part of his big night

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (AP) - After years of avoiding direct mention of his religion, Mitt Romney opened about his Mormon faith as he accepts the Republican nomination for president.

Ann Romney shares miscarriage, depression

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?

Nation news briefs

FORMER PA. TEACHER CHARGED FOR CLASSROOM PIERCINGS: DILLSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is facing charges after police say she allowed a student to perform body piercings in class.

Fox News sued over airing suicide

NYC to offer free phone-charging stations in parks

Boy, 13, charged in 'wrestling' death of girl, 5

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A 13-year-old boy from a New Orleans suburb was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 5-year-old half-sister after investigators said he told them he repeatedly struck her with wrestling moves imitated from TV.

NASA picks 8 new astronauts, 4 of them women

Ga. radio hosts fired; mocked ex-player with ALS

ATLANTA (AP) - The cast of an Atlanta sports radio show has been fired after mocking a former NFL player who has Lou Gehrig's disease, a station official said Monday.

Bear mauls Alaska man who gave it barbecue meat

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A black bear mauled a man at a campground in Alaska, but the animal won't likely threaten other people, the state Department of Fish and Game said. Spokesman Ken Marsh said the bear was "pretty much goaded" into the attack Saturday near Eklutna Lake Campground north of Anchorage because the man fed it meat from a church barbecue, the Anchorage Daily News (reported. The man could be charged with illegally feeding ...

Ex-hitman heartbroken Bulger was informant

Official: Solar plane to help energy use on ground

Miss USA crown goes to Connecticut contestant Erin Brady

Adult smoking rate dips to 18 percent

NYC aims to require composting food scraps

Nation news briefs

FBI REACHES MILESTONE IN MOST WANTED FUGITIVE LIST: WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI has reached a milestone in its 63-year-old program of pursuing its "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives."

Nation news briefs

FBI REACHES MILESTONE IN MOST WANTED FUGITIVE LIST: WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI has reached a milestone in its 63-year-old program of pursuing its "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives."

To ease shortage of organs, grow them in a lab?