By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER (WASHINGTON, AP) — As Social Security approaches its 80th birthday Friday, the federal government’s largest benefit program stands at a pivotal point in its history. Relatively modest… Read more »

By CALEB JONES (HONOLULU, AP) — Atop Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, where some Native Hawaiians have been peacefully protesting the construction of what would be one of the world’s largest telescopes,… Read more »

(ST. LOUIS, AP) — October marks the 50th anniversary of St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, and organizers have announced plans to celebrate the occasion, including a fireworks display and a chance… Read more »

By STACY A. ANDERSON (WASHINGTON, AP) — President Barack Obama spent his 54th birthday talking to a robotic teddy bear that teaches children how to manage their diabetes and watching… Read more »

By VIVIAN SALAMA (BAGHDAD, AP) — The dimly lit, dust-caked stacks of the Baghdad National Library hide a treasure of the ages: crinkled, yellowing papers holding the true stories of… Read more »

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER (WASHINGTON, AP) — Apartment rents are up. So are prices for restaurant meals, haircuts, gym memberships and a cup of coffee. For American consumers who have… Read more »

By SETH BORENSTEIN (WASHINGTON, AP) — The circle of life is closing in on the king of the jungle. When Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer killed Cecil the lion, the Internet… Read more »

By FELICIA FONSECA (FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., AP) — A geological gem awaits hikers in the wilderness along the Arizona-Utah border. Swirls of searing reds, oranges and yellow fold into a bowl… Read more »

By SUMMER BALLENTINE (COLUMBIA, Mo., AP) — Missouri’s Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday that state ethics laws need to be revamped in light of accusations that led to the… Read more »