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Two wildfires threaten homes near L.A. Two huge wildfires driven by Santa Ana winds threatened neighborhoods near Los Angeles on Monday, forcing frantic evacuations on smoke-choked highways and causing at least two deaths. Calif. gay couples rush to wed Gay couples from around California and the nation are feverishly tying the knot ahead of Election Day to avoid missing out if voters approve a ballot initiative aimed at banning same-sex marriage. Officials: Financial crisis can lead to violence Across the country, authorities are becoming concerned that the nation's financial woes could turn increasingly violent, and they are urging people to get help. FBI chief from civil rights era dies at 94 Roy K. Moore, an FBI agent who oversaw investigations into some of the most notorious civil rights-era killings, including those depicted in the movie "Mississippi Burning," has died. He was 94. Deadly blaze likely caused by fire play A blaze that claimed the lives of a couple and their three children in a Manhattan apartment was caused by a child playing with matches or a lighter, fire marshals said Monday. 3 drown in Hawaii's high surf Two sisters-in-law were struck by large waves on the Kauai shore and were pulled out to sea, and a snorkeler also died over the weekend as high surf hit Hawaii. High court rejects obese inmate's appeal The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from an Ohio prisoner who argued he is too obese to be executed. Richard Cooey is scheduled to be put to death Tuesday. Another teen dropped at Omaha hospital A Michigan mother drove roughly 12 hours to Omaha so she could abandon her 13-year-old son at a hospital under the state's unique safe-haven law, Nebraska officials said Monday. College librarian fatally shot The shooting happened at Northeast Lakeview College, an Alamo Community College school, a the San Antonio Express News and WOAI-TV reported. Purdue scientist claims defamation A Purdue University scientist who was reprimanded for research misconduct over claims he produced nuclear fusion in tabletop experiments is suing two other faculty members for alleged defamation. Study: Peers influence student views On issues such as abortion, gay marriage and religion, college students shift noticeably to the left from the time they arrive on campus through their junior year, new research shows. Gator victim gets new high-tech hand ?Getting a helping hand? took on a whole new meaning for Kasey Edwards Monday when he received a new, high-tech hand to replace the one he lost to a hungry alligator in June. ?That?s awesome,? he said as he flexed the new, lifelike prosthesis. Cops: Teacher offered better grade for sex A teacher initially placed on leave over a book controversy has been charged with trying to have sexual contact with three students, allegedly even asking one girl what she would do for a better grade. Fed probe lingers in boot camp death A looming federal investigation and possible trial is making it difficult for seven juvenile Florida boot camp guards and a nurse acquitted last year of state charges in the death of a 14-year-old boy to move on with their lives, their attorneys said. Shooting victims sue law enforcement The parents of four young people killed by a sheriff's deputy and the lone survivor of his shooting spree last year claim in a lawsuit that the gunman's law-enforcement superiors were negligent in supervising him and giving him access to weapons. Fake eye gives horse a shot at show career A miniature horse has been given a second chance for a career as a show horse ? thanks to a prosthetic eye. 2 killed in TV station chopper crash A pilot and television camera operator died Monday when their helicopter crashed near Houston on the way to cover a news story. Cops: Man tries to pay for meal with pot A McDonald's cashier called 911 after a Vero Beach drive-thru customer allegedly offered to pay for his meal with marijuana.