Chris Chaberski
Gunman Shoots and Kills Bus Driver, Holds 6-Year-Old Hostage in Bunker
On Tuesday afternoon, a man in Dale County, Alabama, near Midland City, got on a school bus, demanded a child be let off with him, then shot and killed the bus driver when he refused. The shooter, identified as Jimmy Lee Dykes, then took the boy from the bus and is currently holed up with him in an underground bunker nearby.
North Korea Threatens Nuclear Test, Calls U.S. Its ‘Archenemy’
Sometimes—like when they call themselves "space conquerors" after launching a satellite that broke almost immediately and tumbled out of orbit—it can be hard to take North Korea seriously. Other times—like when they threaten another test of their nuclear program at a highly delicate time for their neighbors, politically—it seems wiser to keep a close eye on them.
Women Will Soon Be Allowed to Serve in Ground Combat
For the first time, women in the armed forces will be moved into combat roles. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will make the official announcement Thursday.
2 People Shot at Lone Star College in Houston (UPDATED)
Update 5:30 p.m. (Eastern): Three people in total were taken to the hospital, including one in critical condition.
Update 2:55: One shooting victim's name is Jody Neal, according to his uncle and sister, who were interviewed at the scene.
Update 2:50: "The police believe the danger has been mitigated," according to a spokesman for the college. "The school is under control but still
President Calls for Assault-Weapon Ban, Stronger Background Checks
Wednesday afternoon, President Obama proposed numerous measures in response to a string of recent mass shootings across the country, including one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six adults were murdered by a gunman.
Obama Names Picks for Secretary of Defense, CIA Director
On Monday President Obama nominated former Senator Chuck Hagel to the post of secretary of defense and current counterterrorism adviser John Brennan as director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Both nominees may run into problems getting confirmed to their positions by the Senate.
This Day in History for January 5 — Golden Gate Bridge Construction Begins, and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1643: The first legal divorce in the American colonies takes place (more info)
1925: Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming becomes the first female governor in the United States (more info)
President Bush Moved to Intensive Care Unit
Former President George H.W. Bush has been moved to the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital in Houston, due to a fever that is not responding to treatment.
2 Firefighters Shot and Killed at Scene of Fire in Webster, N.Y.; Gunman Dead (UPDATED)
UPDATE 4:07 p.m. EST: Authorities have identified the gunman as William Spengler, an ex-convict who spent 17 years in prison for murdering his 92-year-old grandmother in 1980.
Spengler was paroled for the crime in 1998.
Police also have not located Spengler's 67-year-old sister, who lived in the house with Spengler.
Authorities also report that a total of seven houses were destroyed in the blaze.
NRA Breaks Silence, Plans Press Conference on Friday
The National Rifle Association went quiet after last week's shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, and many have been wondering what the gun-advocacy group would have to say. On Tuesday, the NRA released an official statement: