From: USA TODAY on Sat, Jul 02 2011 12:22 AM

Newly naturalized U.S. citizens share their thoughts on what it means to be an American and why they chose to do it.

From: USA TODAY on Sat, Jul 02 2011 12:22 AM

Hours after a political impasse forced a widespread government shutdown, Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents and about 22,000 laid-off state employees began feeling the effects on Friday. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Sat, Jul 02 2011 12:22 AM

After 25 years of marriage, Maria Shriver has filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Los Angeles Superior Court. The filing comes weeks after he admitted fathering a child with a former housekeeper. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 7:29 PM

Georgia fire officials say a house exploded in Hall County Friday morning. They say the 5,000-square foot home on the lake was flattened and there were three people in the house during the explosion. All three were taken to the hospital. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

Second quarter fundraising has drawn to a close for GOP presidential candidates and President Barack Obama. AP political reporter Phil Elliott explains why the numbers matter and which candidates' fundraising totals to watch. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

The manager of a fly fishing store in Brentwood says he’s sold more feather lures in the past two months than he typically would in a year.

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

Pet Peeves: Safety and loud fireworks

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

On Sunday , crews started building U2’s elaborate 60-ton stage for the concert on Dudley Field at Vanderbilt University on Saturday.

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

Most pet owners consider their four-legged friends to be members of the family. But apparently people have a limit on what they can - or are willing to afford for vet bills.

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

A Georgia female weightlifter has convinced the sport’s world governing body to change the rules of competition and allow her to wear the coverings required by her Muslim faith. Brenda Wood interviews Kulsoom Abjullah.

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

Lloyd McGriff wipes away tears after witnessing the face of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., carved out of granite.

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 5:15 PM

On his first day as Pentagon chief, Leon Panetta said his top priorities are preserving U.S. military power despite budget cuts, defeating al-Qaida, stabilizing Afghanistan and forging a "real and lasting partnership" with Iraq. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 3:02 PM

Tens of thousands of Canadians lined the streets and cheered as Prince William and Kate arrived in an open carriage at Parliament Hill to join in Canada Day celebrations on Friday. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 1:57 PM

Lawyers in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case offer differing opinions about the latest developments in the case and what they may lead to. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 12:52 PM

Former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn walked out of court free on bail Friday. His passport remained surrendered, and he will not yet be allowed to leave the country. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 12:52 PM

Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s allies are hoping that new doubts about the New York chambermaid who accused of him of sexual assault can help revive his 2012 French presidential bid. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 11:47 AM

AP source: NYC district attorney will agree to release Dominique Strauss-Kahn without bail as the former IMF leader arrived for court Friday. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 11:47 AM

A person familiar with the investigation tells The Associated Press that the Manhattan district attorney’s office will agree to release former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn without bail. (July 1)

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 7:31 AM

A wide-ranging state government shutdown bore down on Minnesota on Thursday, threatening to shutter state parks on the brink of a holiday

From: USA TODAY on Fri, Jul 01 2011 6:27 AM

Prosecutors have serious questions about the credibility of a hotel housekeeper who has accused former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn of raping her, a person familiar with the case said Thursday. (July 1)