Tropical Storm Rafael tracks toward Bermuda

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) -- The outer bands of Tropical Storm Rafael drenched the Caribbean's Northern Leeward Islands on Sunday as its center steadily moved over open ocean on a possible track toward Bermuda.

There were no immediate reports of any significant damage or injuries in the Caribbean islands as the center of the tropical storm churned toward the north-northwest at about 10 mph (17 kph). By late Sunday night, it was about 235 miles (380 kilometers) north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was packing winds of roughly 70 mph (110 kph).

The Boss is back on the campaign: Springsteen appearing for Obama in Ohio, Iowa on Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bruce Springsteen will be back campaigning for President Barack Obama.

The musician will join former President Bill Clinton at a Thursday rally in Parma, Ohio, two days after the second presidential debate. Obama will not attend the rally.

Springsteen also will appear at a campaign event Thursday in Ames, Iowa.

Springsteen campaigned for Obama in 2008, but these will be his first political appearances of the 2012 cycle. Clinton is a prominent campaigner for Obama.

Predator at large: Search on for suspect who abducted, killed Colorado girl

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (AP) -- The weeklong search for a 10-year-old Colorado girl became a murder investigation after authorities identified a body found in a suburban Denver park as that of fifth-grader Jessica Ridgeway.

"Our focus has changed from the search for Jessica to a mission of justice for Jessica," Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk said Friday. "We recognize there is a predator at large in our community."

Anxious parents kept close watch over their children. Fueling the frustration: The FBI again urged residents to report any suspicious activity by people they know.

Justice Dept. will allow Indian tribes to possess eagle feathers, despite law against that

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department said Friday it is going to allow members of federally recognized Indian tribes to possess eagle feathers, although that's a federal crime.

This is a significant religious and cultural issue for many tribes, who were consulted in advance about the policy the department announced.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and other federal wildlife laws criminalize the killing of eagles, which are listed as either endangered or threatened, and possession of feathers and bird parts, but the Constitution and federal laws also give tribes local sovereignty for self-government.

Teen who posted video on bullying found dead

TORONTO (AP) -- Canada was in uproar Friday over a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was found dead, an apparent suicide, five weeks after she uploaded a video to YouTube describing years of bullying that drove her to drugs and alcohol.

Coroner Barb McLintock said Thursday night that preliminary indications suggest the British Columbia girl, Amanda Todd, killed herself. Her school district's spokeswoman, Cheryl Quinton, confirmed the girl in the video was her.

In the 9-minute video posted on Sept. 7, the 10th-grader and cheerleader didn't speak but told her story in haunting detail in a series of handwritten notes that she held up to the camera.

She said she was lured by a stranger to expose her breasts on a webcam and the picture ended up on a Facebook page made by the stranger, to which her friends were added.

Backers, critics of Egypt president clash in Cairo

CAIRO (AP) -- Thousands of supporters and opponents of Egypt's new Islamist president clashed in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday in the first such violence since Mohammed Morsi took office more than three months ago, as liberal and secular activists erupted with anger accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of trying to take over the country.

The two sides hurled stones and chunks of concrete and beat each other with sticks for several hours, leaving more than 100 injured, according to the state news agency. Two buses used by the Brotherhood to bring in supporters were set aflame behind the Egyptian Museum, the repository of the country's pharaonic antiquities, and thick black smoke billowed into the sky in scenes reminiscent of last year's clashes between protesters against the regime of then-leader Hosni Mubarak and his backers.

Official: Iranian hackers responsible for cyberattcks; Panetta says US prepared to act

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. authorities believe that Iranian-based hackers were responsible for cyberattacks that devastated Persian Gulf oil and gas companies, a former U.S. government official said. Just hours later, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the cyberthreat from Iran has grown, and he declared that the Pentagon is prepared to take action if American is threatened by a computer-based assault.

The former official, who is familiar with the investigation, said U.S. authorities believe the cyberattacks were likely supported by the Tehran government and came in retaliation for the latest round of American sanctions against Iran.

US: Hackers in Iran responsible for cyberattacks

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. authorities believe that Iranian-based hackers were responsible for cyberattacks that devastated Persian Gulf oil and gas companies, a former U.S. government official said. Just hours later, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the cyberthreat from Iran has grown, and he declared that the Pentagon is prepared to take action if American is threatened by a computer-based assault.

The former official, who is familiar with the investigation, said U.S. authorities believe the cyberattacks were likely supported by the Tehran government and came in retaliation for the latest round of American sanctions against Iran.

Names of alleged prostitute's customers to be released in small Maine town

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) -- Residents in the Maine town of Kennebunk are waiting to see who's been issued summons for allegedly giving business to a 29-year-old fitness instructor charged with running a prostitution operation out of her Zumba fitness studio and a small office in town.

Alexis Wright has pleaded not guilty to prostitution, invasion of privacy and other charges for allegedly accepting money for sex and secretly videotaping her encounters. Her business partner has pleaded not guilty to 59 misdemeanor charges for his alleged role.

Biden takes aim at Romney comments about 47 percent of Americans who don't pay income tax

DANVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden says Republican Mitt Romney's opposition to the auto bailout and government steps to prevent foreclosures "shouldn't be surprising" given his comments about the 47 percent of Americans who don't pay income tax.

Biden is referring to remarks Romney made to wealthy donors. In a secretly recorded video, Romney said 47 percent of Americans believe they are victims and entitled to government help.

Sitting alongside Romney running mate Paul Ryan, Biden says some of those people are senior citizens show are living off social security.

American Airlines stumbles on path to recovery

DALLAS (AP) -- Just weeks ago, American Airlines was working its way through bankruptcy court, on schedule for one of the fastest turnarounds in aviation history. Planes were full. Revenue was pouring in. Then seemingly overnight, American became the butt of jokes from Facebook to late-night TV.

A slowdown that American blamed on pilots caused massive delays and cancellations. Then rows of seats came loose on a few planes. Passengers wondered if they'd get where they were going on time - and in one piece.

"American Airlines has a new slogan," Jay Leno joked on NBC's "The Tonight Show." `'Your seat is free to move about the cabin."

US trade deficit rose to $44.2 billion in August

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. trade deficit widened in August from July because exports fell to the lowest level in six months. The wider deficit likely dragged on already-weak economic growth.

The deficit grew 4.1 percent to $44.2 billion in August, the biggest gap since May, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Exports dropped 1 percent to $181.3 billion. Demand for American-made cars and farm goods declined.

Imports edged down a slight 0.1 percent to $225.5 billion. Purchases of foreign-made autos, aircraft and heavy machinery fell. The cost of oil imports rose sharply.

NKorea says South, US are within its missile range

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea on Tuesday warned that the U.S. mainland is within range of its missiles, and said Washington's recent agreement to let Seoul possess missiles capable of hitting all of the North shows the allies are plotting to invade the country.

Seoul announced Sunday it reached a deal with Washington that would allow it to nearly triple the range of its missiles to better cope with North Korean missile and nuclear threats. On Tuesday, North Korea called the deal a "product of another conspiracy of the master and the stooge" to "ignite a war" against the North.

In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, an unidentified spokesman at the powerful National Defense Commission said the North will bolster its military preparedness.

Winner of Florida roach-eating contest collapses, dies after downing dozens of the live bugs

MIAMI (AP) -- The winner of a roach-eating contest in South Florida died shortly after downing dozens of the live bugs as well as worms, authorities said Monday.

About 30 contestants ate the insects during Friday night's contest at Ben Siegel Reptile Store in Deerfield Beach about 40 miles north of Miami. The grand prize was a python.

Edward Archbold, 32, of West Palm Beach became ill shortly after the contest ended and collapsed in front of the store, according to a Broward Sheriff's Office statement released Monday. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities were waiting for results of an autopsy to determine a cause of death.

Egypt president decrees pardon for protesters

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's new president on Monday issued a decree pardoning all those charged with or convicted of acts "in support of the revolution" since the beginning of the popular uprising that forced his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, from power.

The move by Mohammed Morsi was long demanded by Egypt's youth groups behind the uprising. It could potentially benefit more than 1,000 protesters currently on trial following their arrests during demonstrations since the uprising against Mubarak erupted on Jan. 25, 2011 and until Morsi was sworn in on June 30.

Those already convicted for their role in the protests may also be pardoned. Most of those on trial or convicted were detained during the rule of the generals who took over after Mubarak stepped down in February 2011.

Egypt mulls arming Sinai Bedouin security force

CAIRO (AP) -- In Egypt's restive Sinai, Bedouin leaders are pushing to take matters in their own hands and urging the government to arm their tribesmen by creating a local security force in the peninsula, where the state is struggling to impose its authority and uproot Islamic militants who have attacked Egyptian troops and neighboring Israel.

But the proposal, which the government says it is considering, raises fears that the Bedouin could become a new militia, only adding to the turmoil in the peninsula.

Concern but no consensus at the farmers market, as campaign enters its last month

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- When the recession cost Jerry Krone his longtime accounting job several year ago, he turned to his hobby - making gourmet jam in his Fountainville kitchen. Now he's a fixture at Doylestown's weekly farmers market, selling his lilac jelly and rose petal jam for $4 and $8 a jar.

Ask him about the election, and he will tell you that neither President Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney truly understands what average families are going through. A registered Republican - but "that doesn't really mean anything," he said - the 58-year-old Krone voted for Obama in 2008, before his experience among the unemployed soured him.

Egypt president decrees pardon for protesters

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's new president on Monday issued a decree pardoning all those charged with or convicted of acts "in support of the revolution" since the beginning of the popular uprising that forced his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, from power.

The move by Mohammed Morsi was long demanded by Egypt's youth groups behind the uprising. It could potentially benefit more than 1,000 protesters currently on trial following their arrests during demonstrations since the uprising against Mubarak erupted on Jan. 25, 2011 and until Morsi was sworn in on June 30.

Those already convicted for their role in the protests may also be pardoned. Most of those on trial or convicted were detained during the rule of the generals who took over after Mubarak stepped down in February 2011.

Benefits outweigh risks in Philippines peace deal

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A tentative roadmap to peace in the southern Philippines announced this week is the first major step in the latest attempt to end a long and bloody insurgency waged by minority Muslims in the predominantly Christian nation. It carries the risk of failure that has been the fate of similar peace agreements, but strong domestic and international backing could boost its chances of success. Here's a look at the background and the future of the deal:

SEEDS OF THE FIGHTING:

Muslims in Mindanao first took up arms decades ago to defend what they see as their traditional homeland under threat by Christians. Tens of thousands have died in ethnic clashes and massacres that sowed bad blood for generations.

Syria vows to 'crush' rebels, launches new attacks

BEIRUT (AP) -- Syria's military will "crush" armed rebels, President Bashar Assad's defense minister warned Saturday, as the regime shelled rebel positions in two cities and near the Lebanese border in a widening offensive.

Neighboring Turkey, meanwhile, set new rules of engagement after three shells from Syria hit Turkish territory Saturday. Turkey retaliated with artillery, as it has for the past four days, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said this would now be the standard response.

Davutoglu insisted that "we haven't taken a step toward war," but Turkey's threat to fire back for each errant Syrian shell was bound to keep border tensions high. Turkey is one of Assad's harshest critics and a key supporter of Syria's opposition.

The latest Syria-Turkey crisis erupted earlier this week, after a Syrian shell killed five civilians in a Turkish border town.

Police say RI woman, 2 from Europe were victims in submerged car found in RI harbor

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) -- The three victims who were pulled from a car hours after it plunged off a pier and landed on its roof in Newport Harbor were identified Saturday as a Rhode Island woman and two women from Europe, police said.

Part of the Hyundai Accent was sticking out of about 4 feet of water when it was discovered around 6:30 a.m. Friday at the Newport Shipyard, a privately owned marina near several of the tourist city's largest hotels and vacation condo complexes, Newport police Capt. Fred Gonsalves said. A fuel deliveryman saw the car and alerted authorities, Gonsalves said.

The driver apparently missed a right turn, police Lt. William Fitzgerald said. A dense fog advisory was in effect in Newport that morning.

Supreme Court to decide if state can say FOIA doesn't apply to out-of-state applicants

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court decided Friday it would hear arguments over whether states can keep out-of-staters from using their Freedom of Information Act laws to get government documents.

The high court on Friday agreed to hear an appeal from Mark J. McBurney of Rhode Island and Roger W. Hurlbert of California, two men who wanted to use the Virginia law to request public documents from state officials. Both were both denied because they are not Virginia citizens. Hurlbert was trying to get property assessment information for his business, Sage Information Services, and McBurney was trying to information from the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement in a child support enforcement case against his ex-wife.

Abu Hamza extradited to US after UK ruling

LONDON (AP) -- Radical preacher Abu Hamza al-Masri and four other terror suspects who fought for years to avoid facing charges in the United States lost their grounds for appeal and were flown to the U.S. from Britain late Friday, officials said.

The U.S. Embassy said it was pleased with the ruling earlier Friday by Britain's High Court, and Scotland Yard said the five departed from an air force base in eastern England just before midnight on two jets bound for the U.S.

Judges John Thomas and Duncan Ouseley rejected last-ditch applications by al-Masri, Khaled al-Fawwaz, Babar Ahmad, Adel Abdul Bary and Syed Talha Ahsan, who had been battling extradition for between eight and 14 years.

Madoff fraud's last days recounted in NYC document

NEW YORK (AP) -- In December 2008, two of Bernard Madoff's most loyal employees met on a Manhattan street corner and fretted over a closely held secret that the rest of the world would learn about eight days later: that their boss was a con man for the ages.

Frank DiPascali told JoAnn Crupi that Madoff had just confided that his investment firm was out of money and that client accounts - worth billions on paper - actually had no more value than Monopoly money, authorities say.

The pair then is alleged to have cooked up a cover story that quickly collapsed under the weight of the largest Ponzi scheme in history - one authorities say cost investors an estimated $17.3 billion.

Correction: School Staff-Sex Charges story

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) -- In a story Oct. 4 about a sex scandal involving teachers and students at a New Jersey high school, The Associated Press made multiple errors. The AP reported erroneously that a prosecutor said rape charges could not be brought against three defendants because the alleged victims were above the legal age of consent. One student with whom one of the defendants is alleged to have had sexual intercourse was under the age of consent, and a sexual assault charge was filed in that case. In addition, the AP erroneously paraphrased the comments of a prosecutor when he said the circumstances were unusual. The prosecutor did not characterize the situation as a case of three sexual assaults by teachers at one school. Only one of the cases involves a sexual assault charge.

AT&T to sell Nokia's first Windows 8 phones

NEW YORK (AP) -- Lending support to two companies struggling to make a comeback in smartphones, AT&T Inc. said Thursday it will be selling Nokia smartphones that run Windows Phone 8, Microsoft's upcoming software release.

The phones are a critical part of Nokia Corp.'s attempt to stem its rapid decline from the position as the world's largest maker of phones. The Finnish company's presence in the U.S. market has been very small in recent years, but AT&T and T-Mobile have been selling Nokia's earlier Windows Phones.