Mom charged in death of boy shot in crib

SLATINGTON, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in eastern Pennsylvania have charged a mother with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 19-month-old boy hit by a gunshot in his crib.

State Side

425-POUND MAN TRIED TO KIDNAP 10-YEAR-OLD: SANTA ANA . (AP) - Santa Ana police say they've arrested a 425-pound gang member who allegedly tried to kidnap a 10-year-old boy who was on his way to soccer practice.

Texas test scandal ex-school chief gets 3.5 years

Odd News

POLICE: CALL FROM 'BURGLAR' ACTUALLY CAME FROM DOG: OREM, Utah (AP) - Police in Orem, Utah, say a man who thought he was getting a call from a burglar had actually gotten a call from his dog.

Friendly fire likely in border shootings

Utah boy's letter: 'Grown-ups killed my kitty'

Steroid-related meningitis cases rise to 47

Obama, Romney clash on economy in first debate

DENVER (AP) - In a showdown at close quarters, President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney sparred aggressively in their first campaign debate Wednesday night over taxes, deficits and strong steps needed to create jobs in a sputtering national economy. "The status quo is not going to cut it," declared the challenger.

Prices trickle lower except on coasts

Girl offers piggy bank money for return of puppy

SAN JOSE . (AP) - A little girl is offering all the money in her piggy bank to add to a $6,000 reward for the return of her puppy taken in a burglary. Michael Mabanag, the father of 10-year-old Marissa Mabang, says his daughter offered the contents of her piggy bank because she "just wants her doggie back." <p style="line-height: 18pt; background: ...

Lawyer wants sex charge dismissed against teacher

MODESTO (AP) - An attorney for a former Modesto high school teacher who began a high-profile romance with a teenage student asked a judge to dismiss a sex charge against her client involving another person. James Hooker, 42, is facing one count of oral copulation with a person under 18 in connection with an alleged 1998 ...

Rare meningitis cases at 26 in 5 states, 4 deaths

Nation news briefs

BOSTON ARBORIST STUMPED BY BURL BURGLARIES: BOSTON (AP) - Arborists in the Boston area are stumped by the theft of burls, those giant knots on the trunks of most tree species prized by woodworkers for their intricate grain.

2nd Detroit police chief accused of sex scandal

Rare century-old $5 Alaska bill to be auctioned

Authorities probe sports bar deck collapse

Prep player classified as sex offender

Nation news briefs

BOSTON WOMAN PAYS $560,000 FOR 2 PARKING SPOTS: BOSTON (AP) - Parking is such a precious commodity in Boston that one woman was willing to pay $560,000 for two off-street spaces near her home.

Many Americans say 'Big Brother' is here

Poll: The online generation wants it

Teacher blames job loss on abusive ex

Prosecutors push for anti-phone theft measures

Odd News

POLICE: THIEF GETS STUCK IN MUD AFTER BURGLARY: FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Police say a man who robbed a Foxborough home had to call a tow truck after getting stuck in the mud while making his getaway.

2 dead in area burned by wildfire

Obama to step up military support of rebels

Police: Gunman shot 3, self at St. Louis business

1 dead, 77 hurt in Louisiana plant explosion

Nation news briefs

ZIMMERMAN JURORS TO BE SEQUESTERED UP TO A MONTH: SANFORD, Fla. (AP) - The six jurors and four alternates eventually picked to hear the second-degree murder case of neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman will be sequestered for the two to four weeks the trial will last, the judge presiding over the case said for the first time Thursday.

Idaho high school drops Redskins logo, mascot

DRIGGS, Idaho (AP) - An Idaho high school will drop its longtime "Redskins" nickname, logo and mascot in a move its top administrator says was made to show respect for Native Americans. The decision at Teton High School in Driggs is a way to encourage students and the community to see beyond skin color and stereotypes, said Monte Woolstenhulm, superintendent of District 401. Motivation also came from renewed efforts nationally to change nicknames and logos ...

Pool water heater cited in NC motel deaths