White smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals the Catholic church has chosen new pope.
Argentine Jorge Bergoglio elected pope; chooses name Pope Francis
Argentine Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope Wednesday and chose the papal name Francis, becoming first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.
Minnesota House, Senate panels pass gay marriage bills
The Senate Judiciary Committee and House Civil Law Committees endorsed the bills Tuesday on party line votes, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed.
More black smoke: Cardinals don’t agree on pope
In the second day of the conclave, thick black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, prompting sighs of disappointment from the thousands of people gathered in a rain-soaked and chilly St. Peter’s Square.
Black smoke from chapel chimney: No pope yet
Black smoke has poured from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that cardinals have failed to elect a pope on their first try.
Papal names are rich with meaning
Every time a new pontiff is chosen in a conclave, a senior cardinal goes up to him and asks: “And by what name do want to be called?”
Conclave to elect new pope begins
The heavy wooden door to the Sistine Chapel has been closed and locked, signaling the start of the conclave to elect a new pope to succeed Benedict XVI following his stunning resignation.
Chavez widely mourned, but some hope change on way
Chavez, who died Tuesday at age 58, was seen as a hero by some for his socialist programs, his anti-U.S. rhetoric and gifts of cut-rate oil. Others considered him a bully who repressed his opponents.
Top Minnesota College Republican backs gay marriage
Ryan Lyk told The Associated Press he wants people to know that not just Democrats support gay marriage.
Heavy snow makes travel difficult
Up to a foot of snow is expected to fall in southeastern Minnesota as a slow-moving storm overstayed its welcome for winter-weary residents.
Hundreds mourn fallen St. Paul police officer
A funeral was held Friday for 30-year-old Officer Josh Lynaugh at the Cathedral of St. Paul, who died of a heart attack last week after a police foot chase.
US joins fraud lawsuit against Lance Armstrong
The lawsuit alleges that riders on the postal service-sponsored team, including Armstrong, knowingly violated their postal service agreements by regularly using banned substances and methods to enhance their performance.
Mardi Gras rolling despite New Orleans rain threat
Overcast skies and the threat of rain couldn’t dampen the revelry of Mardi Gras as parades took to the streets early Tuesday, showering merrymaking crowds with trinkets of all descriptions.
Fugitive ex-LA cop charged with murder of officer
The prosecutor who filed murder charges against a fugitive former Los Angeles police officer that could result in the death penalty said he believes the man hasn’t finished carrying out his vendetta.
The Vatican announces Pope Benedict XVI will step down
On Monday, the Vatican announced that the leader of the world’s billion Roman Catholics was stepping down — the first pontiff to do so since 1415.