BRADENTON, Fla. – Prosecutors and the owner of a dog in custody for biting a 4-year-old boy have agreed to halt their case before a hearing officer and instead ask directly for a ruling from a circuit court judge. On June 4, the dog, Padi, bit the child while he …

Can you banish the labels “date rape,” “victims” and “poor people” from your vocabulary in 2015? Labels can diminish and demean or to uplift and affirm people. 2015 will be a year of hope and dignity by redefining or banishing these toxic and harmful labels.In their place a more generous, …

HENRYVILLE, Pa. – Animal control officials say they have rescued 122 cats and kittens from a squalid Pennsylvania home and transported them to a North Philadelphia facility for medical evaluations. Sgt. Nicole Wilson says officers with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and authorities in Henryville …

BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel says there’s no certainty the latest bailout for Greece will succeed but she is hopeful the country can overcome its economic crisis if it adheres to the agreements forged with its creditors. Merkel also told German broadcaster ZDF on Sunday that Greece can’t expect …

LISBON, Portugal – In the run-up to an October general election, Portuguese labor groups are stepping up pressure for higher pay and better working hours, with police hinting they will stop handing out traffic fines. Police and nurses have staged numerous protests in recent years as the center-right government implemented …

SAN DIEGO – Walking into Mexico at the nation’s busiest border crossing with the United States is no longer an uninterrupted stroll for foreigners. Starting late Wednesday, pedestrians going to Tijuana from San Diego at the San Ysidro crossing must choose between a line for Mexicans who get waved through, …

NEW YORK – Topless women posing for photos in Times Square are causing headaches for politicians and police who wish to regulate their presence but have no clear idea how. The women often wear body paint and mingle with tourists. But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo believes they are engaging …

Have Americans totally lost their minds when it comes to remembering history? I know I certainly remember President Ronald Reagan telling Russian President Gorbachev to “tear down that wall”. Yes. That was the Cold War. I for one have been astounded at the number of Americans who are fine with …

TOMBSTONE, Ariz. – A man who shot several rounds from a prop gun outside a saloon in the historic Arizona town of Tombstone faces disorderly conduct and other charges. Tombstone Marshal John Houston says the man was in the Dragoon Saloon early Tuesday when he got into a fight with …

ISLAMABAD – Police say officers have raided a suspected militant hideout in central Pakistan, triggering a shootout. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties. Police officer Rana Khalid said an explosion was also heard during Thursday’s raid in the town of Pir Mahal in the eastern province …