Scotland: First Minister Alex Salmon is stepping down after losing the independence vote and also resigning as leader of the Scottish National Party. Salmon dedicated his political life to Scottish independence and leaves in disappointment. He said, “For me as …

The Scottish Play: Scottish voters rejected a resolution to become an independent country by a significant margin. The “no” vote was 55.3 percent while the “yes” for independence won 44.7 percent. Expressing relief, British Prime Minister David Cameron said, “As …

The Coming Fight: In a rare moment of agreement, House leaders from both parties voted to train and arm Syrian rebels to fight the Islamic State extremists in Syria and Iraq. Some dissenters said it was a step toward re-entering …

The Football Business:After a flurry of outrage over his re-instatement, The Minnesota Vikings have once again sidelined their star running back Adrian Peterson, who’s facing criminal charges that he hit his four-year-old son with a switch. A statement by the …

Ebola: President Obama is expected today to announce a dramatic step-up in aid to stop the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa. He’s sending 3,000 military personnel for medical and logistical help. The aid also would include five treatment centers …

ISIS: French President Francois Hollande told a world summit that the Islamic State in Iraq presents a global threat and must be dealt with by a global effort. Hollande called for support of the more moderate rebel forces in Syria …

In the Name of Allah: British aid worker David Haines has been beheaded by Isis extremists in a desert setting similar to where two American journalists also were murdered. His killing was shown on a video released on the Internet. Cawthorne …

Brain Damage: The National Football League, which for years has been in denial about brain-damaged players, can expect a third of its retired players to develop brain-related ailments, according to papers filed in federal court. The report, prepared by actuaries …

Bladerunner: Amputee runner Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter, by a South African judge. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp Feb. 14, 2013, saying he believed an intruder was in the …

Bladerunner: The judge in the Oscar Pistorius trial has thrown out all murder charges, saying the prosecution failed to prove Pistorius deliberately killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The judge said Pistorius could not have known who was inside the night …