ASHLAND, Ohio (AP) — A mentally disabled woman charged with shoplifting a candy bar asked to be jailed because three people "had been mean to her" — then went on to tell authorities about her time spent in unfathomably cruel servitude, along with her young daughter, at the hands of three people, authorities said Tuesday.

CLEVELAND (AP) — An attorney says slavery charges against three people in Ohio are ludicrous and says the woman at the center of the alleged forced-labor plot moved in and out as she pleased.

Nate Evans had three children depending on him and held down a good job running a hyperbaric chamber at a hospital.

(BPT) - After five years of market volatility, recession and uncertainty, markets in the U.S. are showing signs of life. Leading indexes are now approaching all-time highs, and many individuals are taking a fresh look at their investment plans. But with the sting of recent losses and swings still fresh in mind, now is a good time to consider a new investment approach. If you’re looking for long-term results in unpredictable market conditions, a few guidelines from the experts may help.

(NAPSI)—When asked to name America's oldest ally, many would be surprised to find the correct answer is the Kingdom of Morocco.

Charles "Chuck" Collings, a key Raley's executive who was actively involved with the West Sacramento company for nearly 50 years, died over the weekend.

When Mariah Franco becomes part of something, she isn't one to sit on the sidelines. When it came to local government, the Galt High School Class of 2013 valedictorian became then-Mayor Barbara Payne's intern.

The city of Galt can save tens of thousands of dollars by refinancing current bonds and replacing them with internal loans, according to recent staff research.

(StatePoint) Families are always looking for their next great vacation. And with recent studies showing that dads are more involved in the family vacation planning than before, Father’s Day is the perfect time to pack up the car and let him determine the final destination.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

Lodi faces a tough collective decision on the possible regulation of pit bulls. You probably recall our story about the pit bull that attacked and killed a cherished pet dachshund named Shelby at Lodi Lake.

When he moved out to Lodi almost a decade ago, Fred Marsaw wanted to build his grandchildren a lap pool on his 10-acre plot of land.

(NAPSI)—A growing number of investors are taking a closer look at IRAs that offer them more control of their retirement investment options as well as the ability to invest in a broader set of assets.

From the outside, it looked like a lost season was on the horizon. The Lodi Flames varsity softball team had lost six straight and eight of nine during a brutal preseason stretch, and any thoughts of a playoff appearance seemed far-fetched.

(StatePoint) There is something about the way dads think that allow them to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. If you’re the kind of handy dad that can be counted on to fix and build things around the house, consider translating those skills to getting creative with your kids.

(BPT) - Americans may still be cutting back in other areas, but when it comes to summer travel they’re willing to start spending again. Economic uncertainty aside, 78 percent of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer, and one in four of them plan to spend more this year on summer travel, according to a recent survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation.

This is a slightly condensed version of a keynote speech delivered by Annette Murdaca to graduates of St. Anne’s School in Lodi a few years ago.

Lilly is a 1-½-year-old Labrador and pit bull terrier mix. She was found running the streets with her puppy. Lilly has a lot of energy, loves people and likes to give kisses. She is receiving training to learn not to jump up, but it is hard for her to remember since she gets so excited when she sees someone. She is learning to “sit,” stay” and “lay down.”

(NAPSI)—While the bonds that unite families are usually associated with positive events, such as weddings or holidays, those bonds can be more challenging when entire families are impacted by a hereditary disease. Christie Hardin knows this firsthand. For years, she and more than 30 members of her extended family have lived with hereditary angioedema, or HAE, a rare genetic disorder that can cause severe swelling in various body parts including the hands, feet, face, gastrointestinal tract and airway. But now, on-demand treatments are helping generations of families affected by HAE take more control of their lives.

(BPT) - Summer provides a much-needed break for families and a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the community. Depending on interest and time, there are many different ways to get involved or make a charitable contribution, including the following:

With all the overstuffed slot machines and tempting blackjack tables in Las Vegas, it can be hard to resist the siren calls of Lady Luck when you are in pursuit of the perfect photo opportunity. Fortunately, much of Sin City’s manmade beauty can be found right on the famous four-mile strip and nearby downtown area. If you need a break from the dimmed gaming rooms abuzz with constant beeps and chimes, check out some of the best vantage points to capture all that glitters in Las Vegas.

With all the overstuffed slot machines and tempting blackjack tables in Las Vegas, it can be hard to resist the siren calls of Lady Luck when you are in pursuit of the perfect photo opportunity. Fortunately, much of Sin City’s manmade beauty can be found right on the famous four-mile strip and nearby downtown area. If you need a break from the dimmed gaming rooms abuzz with constant beeps and chimes, check out some of the best vantage points to capture all that glitters in Las Vegas.

(StatePoint) Not sure what to give your dad for Father’s Day? Classic choices like a tie or cufflinks are nice, but don’t forget to give him the most meaningful gift of all -- quality time.

(StatePoint) With summer travel season upon us, families across the country are taking to the open road for family road trips. But while the destination always leads to excitement, oftentimes the long car ride can be a drag.

(StatePoint) Forget the old stereotypes that women need to be cutthroat and competitive to succeed. A new networking trend shows that cooperation is a great way to combat the challenges women face in business.