WASHINGTON — A leading Republican senator said Sunday he would hold up Senate confirmation of President Barack Obama's nominees to head the Pentagon and the CIA until the White House provided more … more

DES MOINES, Iowa — The smell of bacon was in the air Saturday as thousands converged on Iowa's capital city for an increasingly popular festival celebrating all things connected with the … more

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools officials said Thursday they plan to close 54 schools in an effort to address a $1 billion budget shortfall and improve a struggling educational system — a plan … more

MOUNT VERNON, Va. — George Washington’s 1796 farewell address contained a stern warning to the nation about partisan politics, or the “dangers of faction” in the language of the founding … more

NEW ORLEANS — A high-stakes trial started Monday to assign blame and help figure out exactly how much more BP and other companies should pay for the nation's worst offshore oil spill. U.S. … more

SAN FRANCISCO — Stanford University has set a new record for college fundraising, becoming the first school to collect more than $1 billion in a single year, according to a report released … more

WASHINGTON — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says President Barack Obama's campaign was "eight, maybe 10 years, ahead" of the Republican Party last year in understanding the rapidly changing … more

QUANTICO, Va. — A Marine who worked at an officer candidates school fatally shot two colleagues, a man and a woman, before killing himself in a barracks dorm room, officials said. Military … more

LONDON — A London neighborhood wants its Banksy back. A stencil by the famed, secretive graffiti artist of a young boy sewing Union Jack bunting on an antique sewing machine appeared on the side … more

LOS ANGELES — Apps aren’t just for people anymore. Know a pooch with a birthday coming up? Here is a roundup of popular pet apps for mobile devices. The cost of apps ranges from free … more