The vote is seen as a mandate on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus programs, which have spurred growth after decades of deflation.

Authorities say four men ages 54 to 79 were held in "deplorable conditions" in the north Houston house.

With a very personal message about the Trayvon Martin case and race relations, the president "connected with so many African-American men," says Detroit radio host Angelo Henderson. He's among many commenting on the president's remarks.

The Cassini spacecraft that's studying Saturn is turning its camera back toward home on Friday. Earth should appear as a tiny blue dot. Saturday, another spacecraft that's orbiting Mercury will also snap photos of Earth.

The details have not been finalized, but the sides appear close to resuming full-fledged negotiations after years of stalemate.

The 57-year-old founder and head of SAC Capital Advisors is accused of allowing senior employees to make trades based on inside information.

School officials say they have to take tough steps to close a $1 billion budget deficit. Teachers say the administration is going back on a promise to keep cuts away from classrooms.

The city's filed for bankruptcy protection. But there are reasons for hope. Some wealthy investors, for example, have been pouring money into the downtown. And if you love sports, love music and love Greek food, the city has much to offer.

An Italian court accepted a plea deal from the ship's helmsman, two bridge officers, the cabin service director and the director of the cruise company's crisis team.

China's state media says the alleged bomber was the only person wounded in the the incident at the airport terminal.