President Obama has announced his choice of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice as the next national security adviser, an appointment that does not require Senate confirmation. Congressional Republicans have sharply criticized Rice for erroneous statements she made after the attacks on a U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, last September.

One building crumpled at mid-morning Wednesday. An adjacent thrift store was heavily damaged. Local news reports say at least 12 people were taken to hospitals.

Staff Sgt. Robert Bales pleaded guilty to 16 counts of premeditated murder. A judge has yet to accept his plea.

There are more reports about players using performance-enhancing drugs. In the past, polls have shown that many fans do care and don't like to hear that the stars might be juicing.

"When you want to get the devil, you have to go to hell to get your witnesses," says law professor Michael Cassidy. Among those who will be called to the stand in the infamous Boston gangster's trial will be Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi. He's serving a life sentence for 10 murders.

According to multiple news outlets, the man whose Miami clinic has been at the center of allegations about players using performance-enhancing drugs has agreed to testify. His evidence is likely to lead to suspensions of some stars, ESPN and others say.

At a Democratic fundraiser in Washington, D.C., a woman interrupted Michelle Obama with shouts about rights for gays. "Listen to me or you can take the mic, but [then] I'm leaving," the first lady said after confronting the woman. "You all decide. You have one choice." The heckler was escorted away.

Other former top journalists at the News of the World tabloid also pleaded not guilty at a hearing in London. Brooks is facing five charges ranging from conspiracy to obstruction of justice.

Government spending cuts and higher taxes are weighing on the economy, experts say. According to the latest ADP National Employment Report, just 135,000 jobs were added to private payrolls.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants the automaker to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Cherokees and Libertys. The agency says there's a risk of fire in rear-end collisions. Chrysler says data don't support that conclusion.