For five years, someone prowled rural counties in upstate New York, pilfering pearl necklaces, gold chains, bracelets, coins, silverware and other valuables from an untold number of homes. Now … more

WASHINGTON — Seeking to spur fresh action on gun legislation, Vice President Joe Biden is meeting at the White House with victims groups and gun-safety organizations. Wednesday's meeting is to … more

NEW YORK — A commuter ferry from New Jersey crashed into a dock in lower Manhattan during the Wednesday morning rush hour, injuring at least 50 people, at least two critically, officials and … more

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian rebels on Wednesday freed 48 Iranians held captive since August in exchange for the release of more than 2,000 detainees in the first major prisoner swap of the country's … more

MOSCOW — It was supposed to be a thrilling ride down a ski slope inside a giant inflatable ball that is to be one of the symbols of next year's Winter Olympics; it ended in tragedy for the two … more

LAS VEGAS — If you've always wanted a fork that spies on your eating habits, you're in luck: A company has developed a utensil that records when you lift it to the mouth. The electronic fork is … more

TOKYO — After years of searching, scientists and broadcasters say they have captured video images of a giant squid in its natural habitat deep in the ocean for the first time. The three-meter … more

WASHINGTON — Beyonce will sing the national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony. The committee planning the Jan. 21 event also announced Wednesday that Kelly Clarkson will … more

WASHINGTON — The widow of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers will deliver the invocation at President Barack Obama's second inauguration on Jan. 21. The Presidential Inaugural Committee … more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the murder conviction of a man who had been sentenced to life in prison for the 1990 slaying of a neighboring farmer, ruling … more