Hitchhiker's dad stands by son in NJ killing

He was a gregarious, spontaneous child, his father said, a handful at times who loved music and playing the guitar.

WikiLeaks case file fight moves to federal court

The WikiLeaks organization and a handful of journalists are asking a federal judge in Baltimore to order greater transparency in the court-martial of an Army private who has acknowledged sending reams of classified documents to the WikiLeaks website.

Pocket-dialing 911 leads to Fla. murder charge

Authorities in South Florida say a man is charged with murder because he was overheard discussing the killing when his cellphone pocket-dialed 911.

The next steps in Jodi Arias case

The focus of the Jodi Arias murder trial now turns to the jury as it decides whether to impose a life or death sentence.

Killer's execution delayed indefinitely by Colorado governor

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper indefinitely delayed the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap on Wednesday and said he was unlikely to allow it as long as he is governor.

Arizona House non-prayer sparks Christian re-do

An atheist lawmaker's decision to give the daily prayer at the Arizona House of Representatives triggered a do-over from a Christian lawmaker who said the previous day's prayer didn't pass muster.

Minn. teen whose farewell song became web hit dies

A Minnesota teenager whose farewell song became a YouTube sensation has died after a fight with bone cancer.

Zimmerman wants Trayvon's pot use referenced

An attorney for the neighborhood watch leader charged with fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to deny prosecutors' request that the teen's marijuana use be off limits.

Facebook posts: Suit filed over vet's detention

A civil liberties group has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of an ex-Marine, claiming his rights were violated when he was detained in a psychiatric facility after posting anti-government messages on Facebook.

Singer-songwriter Carole King to be honored at White House by President Obama

President Barack Obama will present singer-songwriter Carole King with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on Wednesday night, the first woman to receive the award given by the Library of Congress

Chicago Board of Education votes to close 50 schools

The Chicago Board of Education has made a final vote to close 50 schools.

AG: 4 Americans killed since 2009 in drone strikes

Attorney General Eric Holder says four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes since 2009.

Fort Hood shooter fires attorneys, tells judge he'll represent himself in murder case

The Army psychiatrist accused gunning down 13 people and wounding 32 others at Fort Hood in 2009 has fired his attorneys and told a military judge he wants to represent himself, Fox News has learned.

Faith healers charged with murder after 2nd death

A Philadelphia couple who believe in faith healing over medicine and who were on probation in their son's 2009 pneumonia death have been charged with murder after a second child died.

First lady praises preservation of historic DC slave house

Michelle Obama said Wednesday that stories of toil and sweat by slaves once held at a historic home within sight of the White House are an important part of U.S. history, including her own personal story, and are "as vital to our national memory as any other."

Investigators searched Holmes' bank records, iPod

A Colorado judge has released five search warrants filed hours after the Aurora movie theater shooting that show where investigators immediately looked for leads.

Timeline of events in Jodi Arias murder case

The Jodi Arias murder trial has drawn international attention for its graphic tales of sex and lies.

Fed considered slowing pace of bond purchases

Several Federal Reserve policymakers this month favored slowing the Fed's efforts to maintain record-low long-term interest rates as early as June -- if the economy showed strong and sustained growth. But those officials appeared at odds over what evidence would demonstrate such gains.

Police recover backpacks of 2 kidnapped Iowa girls

Investigators searching for a 15-year-old Iowa girl who was abducted this week have recovered her backpack along with one belonging to a 12-year-old who escaped from the kidnapper.

Complaint accuses Exxon Mobil of anti-gay bias

One after another, major U.S. corporations have updated anti-discrimination policies to protect gay, lesbian and transgender workers, drawing plaudits from gay-rights groups. There's one prominent exception: Exxon Mobil Corp.

Stocks rise after Federal Reserve Chairman's stimulus comments

Stocks are moving higher Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said it was too soon for the central bank to pull back on its economic stimulus programs. Investors were also encouraged by news that sales of previously-occupied U.S. homes rose last month to the highest level in three and a half years.

Video of man jumping on manatee investigated

Wildlife officials are investigating an online video that shows a man jumping on two manatees.

Kerry: US, allies, ready to step up aid rebels

The United States and its Arab and European allies will step up their support for Syria's opposition to help them "fight for the freedom of their country" if President Bashar Assad's regime does...

10-year-old girl forced to wear thrift store clothing as punishment for being a bully

A Utah woman forced a 10-year-old girl to wear an unflattering wardrobe to school after a teacher said she was bullying another classmate over the way she dressed.

Pentagon to seek new vets record system

A U.S. official says the Pentagon has decided to buy a new computerized health records system that will allow the department to better share and merge its data with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Federal inspectors launch investigation after North Carolina nuclear plant shutdown

Federal regulators said Wednesday that they are conducting a special inspection of a nuclear power plant outside North Carolina's capital city that was forced to shut down last week after operators discovered corrosion and cracking in the reactor vessel's covering.

Chicago Board of Ed to vote on 53 school closings

The Chicago Board of Education was expected to take a final vote Wednesday on whether to close 53 schools, an ambitious proposal that sparked protests and lawsuits and could help define — for better or worse — Mayor Rahm Emanuel's term in office.

Boston church official faces racketeering charges

A Boston church official who once claimed to be an associate of mobster James "Whitey" Bulger has been arrested on charges of stealing money from the church.

Skateboarders might find new love at Philly park

Brokenhearted skateboarders who have long been denied access to Philadelphia's internationally renowned Love Park may have a new object of affection.

Sathwik Karnik wins National Geographic Bee

Twelve-year-old Sathwik Karnik of Norfolk, Mass., has won the 2013 National Geographic Bee.