Tropical Storm Barry forms off Mexican coast

VERACRUZ, Mexico — Tropical Storm Barry formed off Mexico's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, prompting Mexican authorities to ready hundreds of shelters.

Men's Wearhouse ousts founder, pitchman Zimmer

NEW YORK — Men's Wearhouse doesn't like the way its founder looks anymore.

Cops: Disabled Pa. man dies after gruesome neglect

SCRANTON, Pa. — A Pennsylvania woman and her two daughters were charged Wednesday with murder in the death of their 32-year-old son and brother, who had Down syndrome, after officials said he was severely neglected and underfed.

Interactive: How Supreme Court Justices voted this term

The court's newest justices, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, have voted together in 97% of cases this term.

3 Navy football players accused of sexual assault

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Naval Academy has charged three Navy football players with sexually assaulting a female midshipman more than a year ago.

FBI ends Michigan search for Hoffa's remains

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Beneath a swimming pool, under a horse farm and now a weed-grown field north of Detroit. For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss.

Brazil officials reverse subway, bus fare hike

SAO PAULO — Leaders in Brazil's two biggest cities said Wednesday that they have reversed an increase in bus and subway fares that ignited protests across the nation.

Gehry refines design for Eisenhower Memorial in DC

WASHINGTON — A federal commission charged with building a national memorial honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower voted unanimously Wednesday to approve architect Frank Gehry's design for a park near the National Mall, allowing the project to move forward over the objections of Eisenhower's family.

Stocks slide as Fed says bond purchases could slow

NEW YORK — Financial markets shuddered Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said it could start scaling back its huge economic stimulus program later this year and end it by the middle of 2014.

Fed suggests it's closer to slowing bond purchases

WASHINGTON — Chairman Ben Bernanke ended weeks of speculation Wednesday by saying the Federal Reserve will likely slow its bond-buying program later this year and end it next year because the economy is strengthening.