Sherrie Hassenger poses with a picture of her husband, Arden Hassenger, who was killed when his aircraft crashed in Laos while conducting operations in support of the Vietnam War.

Ethan E. Rocke/MCT

A long-ago war, a missing plane and an enduring mystery

This is Part One of a three-part series on the search for Spooky 21, an AC-47 gunship that disappeared with its six-man crew while on a secret mission over Laos during the Vietnam War. Reporter Matthew Schofield, who covers defense issues, spent months lo 1369475751

No quick fix for downed bridge on holiday weekend

Washington state officials are scrambling to find a temporary fix for a bridge that collapsed on an important interstate highway and, incredibly, left just three motorists with injuries. Whatever the solution, it won't come in time to help with Memorial Day's highway hoards. 1369470655
Jury convicts former South Texas DA of corruption

A former Texas prosecutor and one-time candidate for Congress was convicted Friday of accepting bribes in exchange for court favors, including an $80,000 payment in a scheme that allowed a convicted murder to escape.
Angel Flight crashes in NY, 2 killed, 1 missing

The crash of a volunteer Angel Flight in upstate New York that killed at least two people is under investigation, and the search for the missing pilot is ongoing, authorities said. 1369465887
Sandy-damaged NYC aquarium reopens this weekend

Playful sea lions and trusty penguins are welcoming visitors back to the New York Aquarium for the first time since the Coney Island marine haven was damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
Teen in devastated Okla. town handing out hugs

The people of the Oklahoma town where a deadly tornado struck could use just about everything - cleaning supplies, food, water, shelter.
Suspects in Denver bar slayings plead not guilty

Three men accused of fatally stabbing five people at a Denver bar that authorities say was set on fire to cover up the killings have pleaded not guilty.
Healthy 5-pound gorilla born at central Ohio zoo

A baby gorilla has been born to first-time parents at an Ohio zoo.
Key figures in racial profiling lawsuit in Ariz

Key figures in a lawsuit that alleges that an Arizona sheriff's office has racially profiled Latinos in its immigration patrols. A judge ruled Friday that Arpaio's office systematically racially profiles Latinos:
Ohio kidnap case hero not endorsing free burgers

The man who famously put aside his Big Mac to help rescue three women held captive in a Cleveland house said Friday that he's not endorsing a group of restaurants that are offering him free burgers for life and wants his name kept out of it.