Obama turns to technology during convention

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - When the Democratic Party's national convention opens this week, President Barack Obama's target audience won't be in the crowd. It will be the small sliver of undecided voters in battleground states who will be critical to the outcome of what the polls show is a tight race with two months to go.

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

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

Rare Superman comic book sells for $175,000

Committee rejects overhaul of military justice

Prosecutor says man endangered teen's life in hoax

Boy admits killing mom in fight over chores

MILLERSBURG, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio boy admitted he fatally shot his mother in the head with a rifle when he was 10 after what a relative described as an argument over chores. The boy, now 13, entered the equivalent of a guilty plea Monday in juvenile court. In January 2011, the boy went to a neighbor's house, called 911 and told the dispatcher he had shot his mother at their home in rural Holmes ...

Southern Baptists oppose gay Scout rule

Wildfires burn out of control in Colorado

Transgender suit goes to Maine high court

Nation news briefs

10-YEAR-OLD BEHIND WHEEL OF SUV: KENNER, La. (AP) - Police in Louisiana say a call about an SUV being driven recklessly on Interstate 10 led them to pull over a 10-year-old boy who was driving.

Levees, removable walls proposed

Levees, removable walls proposed