Chris Chaberski
New Pope Elected — Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, Now Called Francis I
Jorge Bergoglio, the 76-year-old archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been elected as pope. He is the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis I, is also the first Jesuit priest to become pope.
Black Smoke Rises: No New Pope on First Ballot
Tuesday evening, a plume of black smoke rose out of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, signifying that the first round of balloting to elect a new pope had passed without any nominee receiving the necessary two-thirds majority.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Dead
The longtime president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, died on Tuesday at the age of 58, following a two-year battle with cancer.
Chuck Hagel Confirmed as Secretary of Defense
Chuck Hagel, whose confirmation hearing in the Senate was highly contentious, was finally confirmed today as the next secretary of defense by a vote of 58-41.
Buzzer Beaters: Brady Signs Extension, NHL May Realign, and More
Today's top sports stories:
Police Exchange Gunfire With Alleged Cop-Killer Christopher Dorner
Going on right now in Big Bear, California, is a gunfight between law-enforcement officials and alleged cop-killer Christopher Dorner. Multiple officers have apparently been injured during the battle, in which hundreds of rounds have been fired.
Women Will Soon Be Allowed to Serve in Ground Combat
For the first time, women in the armed forces will be moved into combat roles. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will make the official announcement Thursday.
Wal-Mart Plans to Hire 100,000 Veterans
The national unemployment rate spiked following the 2008 financial crash, and it has remained stubbornly high ever since. Unfortunately, it has been even worse for returning American servicemembers. Today, though, Wal-Mart announced a plan to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years.
President Bush Moved to Intensive Care Unit
Former President George H.W. Bush has been moved to the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital in Houston, due to a fever that is not responding to treatment.
2 Firefighters Shot and Killed at Scene of Fire in Webster, N.Y.; Gunman Dead (UPDATED)
UPDATE 4:07 p.m. EST: Authorities have identified the gunman as William Spengler, an ex-convict who spent 17 years in prison for murdering his 92-year-old grandmother in 1980.
Spengler was paroled for the crime in 1998.
Police also have not located Spengler's 67-year-old sister, who lived in the house with Spengler.
Authorities also report that a total of seven houses were destroyed in the blaze.