Military tactics, arms, helped rescue Ala. hostage
Written by JAY REEVES,Associated Press
Within hours after an armed, angry man shot a school bus driver and kidnapped a 5-year-old boy, workers feverishly unloaded boxes packed with percussive grenades, military C-4 explosives and an array of guns from a windowless DC-9 that had landed just miles from the suspect's isolated compound.
2 children and 1 woman killed in Denver shooting
Written by P. SOLOMON BANDA,Associated Press
DENVER (AP) — Two young children and a woman were killed and a third child was wounded in a shooting at a northeast Denver house, police said Wednesday.
Palestinian officials urge Obama to push for peace
Written by MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH,Associated Press
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian officials said Thursday they hope President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to the region signals readiness to re-engage in Mideast peace efforts, but that negotiations can only resume if Washington is ready to get tough with Israel.
Lawmakers to get drone report before CIA hearing
Written by KIMBERLY DOZIER,AP Intelligence Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's choice to head the CIA faces a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing just hours after lawmakers are expected to receive a classified report providing the rationale for drone strikes targeting Americans working with al-Qaida overseas.
Iran's supreme leader rejects direct talks with US
Written by NASSER KARIMI,Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's supreme leader Thursday strongly rejected proposals for direct talks with the United States, effectively quashing suggestions for a breakthrough one-on-one dialogue on the nuclear standoff and potentially other issues.
Boy Scouts delay decision on admitting gays
Written by DAVID CRARY,Associated Press NOMAAN MERCHANT,Associated Press
IRVING, Texas (AP) — Faced with intense pressure from two flanks, the Boy Scouts of America said Wednesday it needed more time for consultations before deciding whether to move away from its divisive policy of excluding gays as scouts or adult leaders.
Monopoly fans vote to add cat, toss iron tokens
Written by RODRIQUE NGOWI,Associated Press
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The Scottie dog has a new nemesis in Monopoly after fans voted in an online contest to add a cat token to the property trading game, replacing the iron, toy maker Hasbro Inc. announced Wednesday.
Stocks edge lower as earnings fail to inspire
Written by STEVE ROTHWELL,AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks drifted lower on Wall Street as the latest round of earnings reports failed to give investors an impetus to push the market's recent rally forward.