"Joe The Plumber" Investigation Released
A state Inspector General report says a number of the background checks completed on "Joe the Plumber" were improper. (AP Image)

US Raid Kills Iraqi Blamed In Ohio Soldier's Death
The U.S. military says an Iraqi al-Qaida in Iraq leader blamed in the 2004 abduction and murder of an Ohio Army reservist has been killed.

Boehner Re-Elected House GOP Leader
The West Chester Republican easily defeated a challenger, despite the GOP losing at least 20 seats in the November election.

One Dead, Another Critical After Shooting
The man and his girlfriend are discovered on a rural road in Champaign County. Get the story.

Bail denied Pa. woman accused of killing FBI agent
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A judge denied bail on Thursday for a woman accused of killing an FBI agent during a drug raid that led to her husband's arrest on cocaine-dealing charges....

Activists say tobacco settlement is being wasted
In 2006, Alaska desperately needed cash to complete a museum featuring a mummified bison and other natural wonders of the frozen north. So the state dipped into its share of the landmark 1998 tobacco settlement....

Calif. trains collide; no major injuries reported
RIALTO, Calif. (AP) -- A commuter train collided with a freight train Thursday in Southern California, producing no serious injuries but conjuring memories of a similar, fatal crash just two months ago....

Army sets date for its first execution since 1961
FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) -- The Army has set a date for its first execution in nearly 50 years....

In Congo's remote hills, a struggle to survive
KANYABAYONGA, Congo (AP) -- His home was looted by wild government soldiers still pillaging this empty hilltop town. His fields are at the mercy of armed militias. And somewhere in the countryside, a rebel army is digging in....

Shouting and pounding, Iraqis fight over US pact
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraq's parliament persevered Thursday in its debate on a proposed security agreement with the United States despite raucous attempts by opposition lawmakers to disrupt proceedings ahead of next week's vote on the deal....

Pakistan protests to US over deep missile strike
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistan protested to the U.S. ambassador Thursday over a deep cross-border missile strike, and a militant group threatened to target foreigners unless the attacks stop....

Putin grabs spotlight, vows Russia will thrive
MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin used a meeting of his powerful political party to take center stage Thursday, casting himself as an indispensable leader even as the global financial meltdown threatens the achievements of his boom-time presidency....

AP Top-Sports Headlines At 4 p.m. EDT

Bengals: Ocho Cinco will not play against Steelers
CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Bengals say Chad Ocho Cinco, the wide receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, will be deactivated for Thursday night's game with the Pittsburgh Steelers for violating a team rule....

Browns' Quinn has broken finger
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn broke his right index finger in the first half of Monday night's win over Buffalo, but will try to play Sunday against the Houston Texans....

Phillies Utley (hip), Feliz (back) to have surgery
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Three-time All-Star Chase Utley, who anchored the middle of the lineup for the World Series champion Phillies, will have surgery and may not be ready for the start of the 2009 regular season....

Yankees control shifts to Steinbrenner's son Hal
NEW YORK (AP) -- George Steinbrenner's 35-year reign as boss of the New York Yankees ended Thursday when he passed control of baseball's most famous team to his youngest son, Hal....