DENVER -- Four Air Force officers have joined in a lawsuit claiming senior officers and cadets at the Air Force Academy illegally imposed Christianity on others at the school.

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff pleaded not guilty to a five-count felony indictment Thursday in the CIA leak case, signaling a protracted court battle that is sure to prolong debate about the White House's prewar use of intelligence on Iraq.

WASHINGTON -- Tom Donohue, 26, learned two years ago he had the virus that causes AIDS.

WASHINGTON -- The Republican-controlled Senate will begin hearings Jan. 9 on Judge Samuel Alito's appointment to the Supreme Court, leaders of the Judiciary Committee announced Thursday, a bipartisan repudiation of President Bush's call for a final confirmation vote before year's end.

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans on Thursday included a break-up of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a budget bill that would be immune from Senate filibuster, drawing complaints from Democrats.

AUSTIN, Texas -- A new judge was selected to preside over Rep. Tom DeLay's conspiracy and money laundering trial Thursday, after a GOP judge became the second to step away from involvement in the case because of political contributions he has made.