MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Organizers of an effort to kick Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker out of office said Thursday they've collected nearly enough signatures to force a recall election, though their financial backing is far behind the Republican governor's fundraising.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Although immigrants have not had a very strong presence in the Occupy movement, one man -- Francisco "Pancho" Ramos Stierle – captivated the attention of Latino media across the country.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Securities and Exchange Commission has brought civil fraud charges against six former top executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying they misled the government and taxpayers about risky subprime mortgages the mortgage giants held during the housing bust.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he won't support a payroll tax cut extension unless it includes language speeding work on a Canada-to-Texas oil pipeline.

ATLANTA (AP) -- Nearly half of America's public schools didn't meet federal achievement standards this year, marking the largest failure rate since the much-criticized No Child Left Behind Law took effect a decade ago, according to a national report released Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Before the housing, sanitation and nonviolent communication groups had their say, the Occupy Wall Street facilitator began the night meeting with guided meditation. Someone stood up to object, saying all that controlled, deep breathing was oppressive.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When someone is talking to you, your brain is listening, processing and thinking about what's being said - even if you're in the driver's seat trying to concentrate on traffic.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities looking into the death of a Florida A&M University drum major opened a new investigation after they uncovered possible employee fraud and misconduct at the school, according to documents released Wednesday.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Attorney General Eric Holder vowed Tuesday to fully enforce civil rights protections in next year's elections amid a flurry of activity by states to redraw political boundaries and impose requirements that could reduce voting by minorities who enthusiastically supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election.