1. A crash course in true political science

    Daniel Suson has a doctorate in astrophysics and has worked on the superconducting super collider and a forthcoming NASA probe. Now he's heading back to school to take on an even trickier task - getting elected to public office.

    1. Posted at 5:36 p.m.
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  2. Records show Sharpton owes overdue taxes, other penalties

    Big corporations give him money. Presidential candidates seek his endorsement. He has influential friends in Congress and the governor's mansion. The Rev. Al Sharpton has emerged over the past decade as perhaps the nation's most prominent civil rights leader, a status that was demonstrated again this week when he led protests against police brutality that briefly shut down six of Manhattan's major bridges and tunnels.

    1. Updated at 5:51 p.m.
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  3. Happy Mother's Day: Woman pregnant with 18th child

    It's a happy Mother's Day for an Arkansas woman - she's pregnant with her 18th child. Michelle Duggar, 41, is due on New Year's Day, and the latest addition will join seven sisters and 10 brothers. There are two sets of twins.

    1. Updated at 5:26 p.m.
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  4. Nevada judge accused of demanding royal treatment

    Elizabeth Halverson is a judge. But the way courthouse staffers see it, she expects to be treated like a queen.

    1. Posted at 1:58 p.m.
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  5. Man who lost homes in Katrina claims $97M Powerball prize

    A construction company owner who lost two homes in Hurricane Katrina claimed a $97 million Powerball prize, a jackpot won off a ticket he bought at a convenience store where he stopped to buy his wife a gallon of milk.

    1. Posted at 4:22 a.m.
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  6. Mo. woman pleads, will be sentenced in stolen baby attack

    A woman who slashed a young mother and kidnapped her newborn entered into a plea deal Friday, and the prosecutor revealed additional details of the 2006 attack - including that the victim was stabbed repeatedly and her toddler son was tied up.

    1. Updated at 5:51 p.m.
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  7. Mourners pay respects to slain Philadelphia police officer

    Hundreds of mourners lined up in the pouring rain outside a cathedral Friday to pay their respects to a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty.

    1. Posted at 1:18 p.m.
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  8. Fans long to have their ashes scattered on sporting sites

    Even though he's only 37 and in good health, Nathan Davis has already made out his will. In it, he bequeaths money to the University of Alabama athletic department and his ashes to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

    1. Posted at 11:51 a.m.
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  9. Dig for human remains to begin at ranch where Manson hid

    The sheriff of the remote region where Charles Manson hid after a killing spree in the summer of 1969 said Friday that he will allow researchers to begin digging into the sandy soil in search of possible human remains.

    1. Posted at 4:50 p.m.
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Multimedia

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    Campaign Trail Photos of the Week

    View photos from the past week on the campaign trail from AP photographers around the country.

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    Merlefest 2008

    Every year thousands from around the country and beyond make their way to Wilkesboro, N.C. for down home bluegrass and family fun.

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    Obama party at Reynolds Coliseum

    Obama supporters came out to Reynolds Coliseum to celebrate the senator's win in the N.C. primary election.

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    Jimmy Carter Visits WRAL

    The former president talked to David Crabtree about his new book, and the presidential primary.

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    Take a glimpse at Smithfield's Ham & Yam Festival

    Adults and youth stuffed their faces in a sweet-potato pie eating contest, and children got their faces painted, while strains of banjos, rock and Gospel music filled the air at the Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival on Saturday.