Litany of secrets after papal retirement bombshell
Written by VICTOR L. SIMPSON,Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) — For an institution devoted to eternal light, the Vatican has shown itself to be a master of smokescreens since Pope Benedict XVI's shock resignation announcement.
Mother says she forgave man who held boy in bunker
Written by RUSS BYNUM,Associated Press
The mother of an Alabama boy held for days in an underground bunker said in an interview broadcast Wednesday that she forgave her son's captor early in the standoff and asked authorities not to harm him.
American, US Airways announce $11 billion merger
Written by DAVID KOENIG,AP Airlines Writer
DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines and US Airways have agreed to merge in an $11 billion deal that would create the world's biggest airline.
General Motors posts $898M 4Q net profit
Written by TOM KRISHER,AP Auto Writer
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors made money in North America and Asia and lost a bundle in Europe as it nearly doubled last year's fourth-quarter net profit.
Obama pushes preschool programs in Georgia trip
Written by JOSH LEDERMAN,Associated Press PHILIP ELLIOTT,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's ambitious plan to expand preschool programs comes as one out of every 13 students already in Head Start classrooms is at risk of being kicked out if lawmakers don't sidestep a budget meltdown.
Social Security head: Program fraying from neglect
Written by STEPHEN OHLEMACHER,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Outgoing Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue has some parting shots for Congress, the White House and advocates for seniors. They have all "really walked away from Social Security," he says, leaving the program "fraying because of inattention to its problems."
After days stranded at sea, now comes the bus ride
Written by JAY REEVES,Associated Press RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI,Associated Press
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — After days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico in conditions some have described as dismal, most passengers aboard the disabled Carnival Triumph can look forward to an hours-long bus ride Thursday after they reach dry land.
Fugitive ex-cop may have hidden near police
Written by GILLIAN FLACCUS,Associated Press TAMI ABDOLLAH,Associated Press
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (AP) — Police scoured mountain peaks for days, using everything from bloodhounds to helicopters equipped with high-tech search equipment in their manhunt for a revenge-seeking ex-cop. They had no idea he was so close, possibly holed up in a vacation cabin across the street from their command post.