The five most popular CNN.com stories during the last 24 hours, according to NewsPulse.

Judge overturns CA same-sex marriage ban: A federal judge in California on Wednesday knocked down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, ruling that voter-approved Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution - handing supporters of gay rights a major victory in a case that almost all sides say is sure to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Shooter chased victim outside, police say: A man who shot eight people dead Tuesday at a Connecticut beverage distributor before turning the gun on himself chased at least one of his victims through the building and out into a parking lot, police said Wednesday.

Plane crashes near Arizona airport, killing 1: One person died when a small plane crashed into a building and burst into flames Wednesday morning near the Deer Valley Airport runway in Phoenix, Arizona, authorities said.

Disney parks raising ticket prices: It's going to cost vacationers more to visit with Mickey Mouse starting Thursday, when Disney parks in California and Florida will raise ticket prices.

Second 2-year-old boy missing in Arizona: A second 2-year-old boy has gone missing in 10 days from Yavapai County, Arizona, authorities said Tuesday as they announced a major search effort under way for the toddler, identified as Emmett Trapp.