WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government's sprawling system of background checks and security clearances is so unreliable it's virtually impossible to adequately investigate the nearly 5 million... READ MORE »

NEW YORK (AP) -- In recent years, many American bishops have drawn a harder line with parishioners on what could be considered truly Roman Catholic, adopting a more aggressive style of... READ MORE »

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- A western Pennsylvania man has been charged with driving drunk while carrying an open can of beer -- on a riding lawn mower. Murrysville police say they found 55-... READ MORE »

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope Francis offered an olive branch of sorts to the doctrine-minded, conservative wing of the Catholic Church on Friday as he denounced abortions as a symptom of today... READ MORE »

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A University of Wisconsin student with a nickname of "Silo" is eating his way through school -- competitively. Computer engineering student Eric Dahl now ranks third... READ MORE »

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- An overnight campout for the new iPhone turned chaotic Friday morning when two men were arrested for fighting outside an Apple Store and a man's plan to hire... READ MORE »

LIMA, Peru (AP) -- A Peruvian congressman has joined animal rights activists to try and halt the consumption of barbecued cat at an annual religious festival. The activists say at least... READ MORE »

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- A University of Kansas journalism professor was placed on indefinite administrative leave Friday for a tweet he wrote about the Navy Yard shootings which said, "blood... READ MORE »

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- A semi-rural service station was abuzz with activity Thursday, with reporters and onlookers hoping to learn who held the winning $400 million ticket in the latest... READ MORE »

BOSTON (AP) -- A fund for a homeless man who turned in a backpack with more than $40,000 inside has collected nearly $98,000 -- an overwhelming response that is a "statement to everyone in... READ MORE »