Democratic leaders seek to resolve Burris dispute
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Roland Burris failed to capture President-elect Barack Obama's old Senate seat Tuesday in a wild piece of political theater, but the Democrats' opposition cracked when a key chairwoman said seating him was simply the legal thing to do. Democratic leaders, set to meet with Burris on Wednesday, were searching for a way to defuse the dispute before it further overshadows the 111th Congress....

Ala. policeman feared missing arrested in Vegas
DECATUR, Ala. (AP) -- Sgt. Faron White's job running a squad that targeted drug dealers, gamblers and other organized crime in a northern Alabama city earned him accolades but was filled with pressure....

State unemployment claim systems overwhelmed
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Electronic unemployment filing systems have crashed in at least three states in recent days amid an unprecedented crush of thousands of newly jobless Americans seeking benefits, and other states were adjusting their systems to avoid being next....

Ex-eBay CEO largely unknown amid Calif. gov.'s bid
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Former eBay executive Meg Whitman brings intrigue and a big bank account to California's beleaguered Republican Party....

Anti-tax groups sue over Calif. budget package
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Democratic leaders sent Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger an $18 billion deficit-cutting package on Tuesday, even anti-tax groups filed a lawsuit to stop it and the governor pledged a veto....

Blagojevich race card lands softly in Senate fight
The first race card of the Obama era is now in play. In an apparent bid to save his political life - or perhaps just irritate and confound his enemies - Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is trying to wedge a black man into the all-white Senate. On Tuesday, Blagojevich's choice, Roland Burris, was turned away on Capitol Hill when he tried to take his seat....

Death of Travolta's son raises medical questions
Millions of children and adults have seizures in the United States, but dying from one is rare. That only adds to the confusion and mystery surrounding the life and death of Jett Travolta, the 16-year-old son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston....

Obama plays food critic on Chicago public TV
CHICAGO (AP) -- Barack and Michelle Obama are known for nights out on the town in Chicago, dining at some of its poshest restaurants with the smartest chefs. But who knew the president-elect was a food critic?...

LA water cops hunt wasteful faucets, sprinklers
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The green thumbs who keep lawns lush and flora flourishing in the city have found a new foe among the aphids, white flies and other yard pests - the water police....

Prosecutor: Ex-Calif. sheriff cheated to get job
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) -- A former Orange County sheriff gave power to a millionaire businessman who laundered money to help him win his first election, then continued accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for the influence of his office, a federal prosecutor said Tuesday in closing arguments....