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

Man didn’t die, sues and gets $60K

Calif. exchange granted secrecy

Ohio captive suffered 5 miscarriages

Nation news briefs

ARIZ. CLIMBER FOUND DEAD, COVERED WITH BEE STINGS: TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A Tucson climber was found dead, hanging from a southern Arizona cliff in his climbing gear and covered with bee stings.

High hospital bills go public, but will it help?

Appeals panel lauds Google book plans

Arias case likely far from over even after murder verdict

Fish oil doesn't help prevent heart attacks

ATLANTA (AP) - Eating fish is good for your heart but taking fish oil capsules does not help people at high risk of heart problems who are already taking medicines to prevent them, a large study in Italy found.

Saga of suspect's body dragging on

Commander cites 'rot' in nuke force

Teen charged with homicide by assault in soccer ref death

Man charged with rape, kidnapping

Nation news briefs

Police facing questions in 3 women's rescue

Intel worker subjected to 'Kick Me' prank