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On the second day of their conclave, 115 Roman Catholic cardinals settled on their selection. Now, the new pontiff faces the challenge of leading a church that is confronting many challenges. His chosen name honors a saint known for works of mercy and a simple lifestyle.

The new pope is known for his appeal to the common man, but appears to hold many of the same conservative views as his predecessor.

Pope Francis is the first pope from the New World. For Latin America in particular — home to 43 percent of all Catholics — this is a momentous occasion.

Tony Lithgow and Andrea Mayer live under a highway overpass in Baltimore. They're among a growing number of the nation's homeless who are reaching what's called "premature old age." They're in their late 40s and 50s, but suffer from ailments more common for those in their 70s.

The Austin, Texas-based festival is basically the only one in the country where every fan who attends can create his or her own perfect experience.

In Florida, an investigation into storefront Internet gambling parlors has forced the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who is stepping down because of her involvement with a group called Allied Veterans of the World. The group runs dozens of what it calls "Internet cafes" — storefront operations where people essentially gamble using electronic slot machines.

A 62-year-old man had been on sick leave from work due to stress for the past few months — which is why his employer was surprised to see him wrestling a shark on an Australian beach in a video that went viral. The charity he worked for fired him. In his defense, the man said a doctor had advised him to take a vacation.

Tim Kelleher's Jack Russell terrier — named Jack — scarfs down anything he can get his paws on. Last week, his vet discovered the dog had scarfed down a bagel and, somewhere along the line, more than a hundred pennies. The vet operated and removed the pennies.

An Ohio judge is considering whether a 16-year-old was so drunk she couldn't consent to sex with two high school football players. The case also spurs debate over teen drinking, sex and social media.

Also: Advice on reading Vladimir Nabokov; fresh opportunities for Twitter poetry; and a new literary award.