COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina officials are advising students to watch their credit reports after the Social Security numbers of as many as 1,400 students were mistakenly e-mailed to classmates. A department chairwoman distributing information about summer classes accidentally attached a database file to an e-mail she sent …

RIVERTON, Kan. – Some people say they were loners. Others say they were bullies. And one student says the five teenagers suspected of plotting a shooting spree at their high school had told classmates the posting on the popular Web hangout Myspace.com that eventually tipped off authorities was just a …

NEWARK, Del. – Iran‘s pursuit of nuclear technology presents a challenge that will help determine whether the United Nations is an effective problem-solving body, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton said Monday. While Iran’s refusal to forgo nuclear weapons technology poses a growing threat to United States security and international stability, the …

KATMANDU, Nepal – The taxi driver wheeled around at the sight of hundreds of men closing in on him, his getaway marred by a rock thrown through the back window — the mob’s retribution for daring to work instead of protesting the rule of Nepal’s king. “We will smash all …

WASHINGTON – More tax cuts, fewer lawsuits, and stronger intellectual property rights were all cited as key factors in preserving the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit at the start of the Small Business Administration’s annual gala on Wednesday. Yet, hanging heavy over every issue at the event, part of National Small Business …

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Three people died Sunday when their plane crashed and sparked a fire at the Gainesville Regional Airport, authorities said. The aircraft crashed shortly before noon into a sport utility vehicle parked outside the airport, sending the vehicle through a terminal wall, said Sgt. Keith Kameg, spokesman for …

WASHINGTON – House Republicans, divided over how to control special interest spending, struggled Thursday to save a lobbying overhaul bill. At stake was an election-year promise to do something about scandals that have sullied the reputation of Congress. “This is the acid test today,” said Rep. Fred Flake, R-Ariz., who …

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The sentencing of original “Survivor” winner Richard Hatch has been delayed until May 16. Hatch, 45, won $1 million in the debut season of the CBS reality series. He was found guilty in January of failing to pay taxes on his winnings and other income. Hatch, who …

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Hank Williams Jr. surrendered to police Tuesday on a warrant issued in an alleged assault on a hotel waitress last month, a charge his publicist claimed is driven by “greed.” Holly Hornbeak, 19, has told police she was waiting tables at the Peabody Hotel’s lobby bar March …

LOS ANGELES – A real scary movie bumped off the spoof variety at the box office. Sony’s fright flick “Silent Hill,” set in an eerie ghost town, debuted with $20.2 million. It took over the top spot from the Weinstein Co. comedy “Scary Movie 4,” which slipped to No. 2 …