WA state to revoke license of CA mortgage company

Washington state plans to revoke the license of a California mortgage broker.

Brush fire spreads in central Washington

Gusty winds have quickly fanned a new brush fire in central Washington to an estimated 3,000 acres and several homes are reportedly threatened.

Winning lottery numbers chosen

Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the Washington State Lottery:

Bird, Cash, tough defense lead Storm past Lynx

Sue Bird and the Seattle Storm returned to form.

WA long-term care initiative challenged in court

Opponents of an initiative to boost training for home health-care aides are challenging the measure's misprinted petitions in court.

Washington Mutual reports 2Q loss of $3.3 billion

Washington Mutual Inc. said Tuesday it lost a staggering $3 billion during the second quarter as the nation's largest savings and loan increased its loss reserves to more than $8 billion to cover souring loans in its mortgage portfolio.

Amboy man pleads guilty to child rape

Prosecutors say an Amboy, Wash., man who fled to Canada with his wife and children amid sex abuse allegations last year should serve nearly 10 years in prison.

Seattle hotel sewage leak fixed

A broken pipeline that sent raw sewage from a luxury Seattle waterfront hotel into Elliott Bay has been fixed.

Mariners have Bedard get MRI on left shoulder

Injured Seattle starting pitcher Erik Bedard has gotten an MRI of his left shoulder in hopes of discovering the cause of the nagging tightness and soreness the Mariners' lefty is experiencing.

Washington Mutual reports 2Q loss of $3.3 billion

Washington Mutual Inc. said Tuesday it lost a staggering $3 billion during the second quarter as the nation's largest savings and loan increased its loss reserves to more than $8 billion to cover souring loans in its mortgage portfolio.

No plastic bags in LA stores beginning July 2010

Los Angeles shoppers soon won't hear the question, "Paper or plastic?" at the checkout line.

Pakistan government pressed on missing persons

An international rights group is urging Pakistan's new government to investigate the disappearance of hundreds of people allegedly at the hands of its security agencies.

Thai-Cambodian conflict enters 2nd week

Thailand accused Cambodia of eyeing even more of its land and leaflets appeared in the Cambodian capital calling for a boycott of Thai goods, as a military standoff over disputed border territory entered a second week Wednesday.

Tokyo woman killed in stabbing attack

Police arrested a man for allegedly stabbing a woman to death and wounding another at a Tokyo bookstore in an attack the suspect described as random and fueled by frustration, police said Wednesday.

Suspect in pregnant teen death had baby obsession

A woman accused of slicing open a pregnant woman's belly and taking her baby was obsessed with getting an infant and even had hallucinations of hearing babies cry after a February 1990 miscarriage, according to court records.

Texas grand jury indicts polygamist sect members

A Texas grand jury indicted polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and four of his followers Tuesday on charges of felony sexual assault of a child. Another was indicted for failing to report child abuse.

Prosecutor: Missing Fla. girl may have been killed

The mother of a missing 2-year-old is a person of interest in a case that is beginning to look like a homicide, prosecutors said Tuesday. Sheriff's deputies said they still hope to find the girl alive.

Retired policeman killed in gun battle with NYPD

A retired police sergeant whose erratic behavior frightened his family into committing him to a psychiatric hospital fled the ward Tuesday and was killed by officers during a gun battle outside his home.

Accused driver in migrant crash pleads not guilty

A Mexican citizen accused of driving a sport utility vehicle into a canal, killing six illegal immigrants, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to smuggling charges.

Sen. Collins: Navy scrapping stealth destroyer

The Navy has decided to scrap its newest destroyer model after the first two are built in shipyards in Maine and Mississippi, Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday.

AP IMPACT: Traffic deaths fall as gas prices climb

Rising prices at the gas pump appear to be having at least one positive effect: Traffic deaths around the country are plummeting, just as they did during the Arab oil embargo three decades ago.

Flight with 7 congressmen makes emergency landing

A Continental Airlines flight carrying former presidential candidate Ron Paul and six other members of Congress to Washington, D.C., made an emergency landing in New Orleans on Tuesday after a loss in cabin pressure.

UnitedHealth profit drops but tops estimates

Health insurers battered by rising costs and employer benefits cuts caught a break Tuesday when UnitedHealth Group beat Wall Street expecations and saw its stock jump nearly 8 percent, even though it reported a sharp drop in second-quarter profit.

Blackwater looks to rebuild name on other fronts

The world over, guns for hire are known as "Blackwater guys" - and that's the reason Blackwater Worldwide wants to move beyond the business of private security contracting.

Summary Box: Blackwater looks to rebuild name

BUILDING BLACKWATER: Former Navy SEAL Erik Prince founded Blackwater Worldwide with initial plans to provide training to law enforcement and military.

Investors question financial sector rebound

Surprisingly large second-quarter losses at Wachovia Corp. and Washington Mutual Inc. have quickly revived concerns that the financial sector still has a long way to go before it recovers from the year-old credit crisis.

UPS reports 2Q profit decline, lowers outlook

Customers are using UPS shipping services within the U.S. less amid a slumping U.S. economy and soaring fuel prices. The company's international business was affected as imports into the country declined in the second quarter.

AP source: Ford to retool truck lines to make cars

Ford Motor Co. plans to revamp some U.S. plants and bring six small vehicles to the U.S. market from overseas to meet customers' growing demand for more fuel-efficient options, a person briefed on the company's plans said Tuesday.

Supervalu 1Q profit up 9 percent, cuts 2009 view

Grocer Supervalu Inc. cut its 2009 profit guidance on Tuesday, citing a slowdown in consumer spending and soaring energy costs, even as it said profit rose 9 percent in its fiscal first quarter.

Treasurys lower on Plosser comments, drop in oil

Treasury prices dropped Tuesday as Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Charles Plosser said the central bank will need to boost interest rates "sooner rather than later" to fend off inflation.

Obama campaign: McCain flubs on Iraq timeline

Republican presidential candidate John McCain says Democrat Barack Obama is wrong about the Iraq war.

Report: Is data sharing stopping terrorists?

Nearly seven years after 9/11, the government still can't measure how well an office created to improve information sharing on terrorism may be helping prevent attacks, congressional investigators say.

Obama begins Mideast visit, vows to work for peace

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama stepped into the thicket of Mideast politics Tuesday, declaring in Jordan that neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians are strong enough internally to make the bold concessions necessary for peace.

Interior proposes lower royalties on oil shale

The Bush administration on Tuesday proposed charging energy companies wanting to squeeze oil out of vast shale deposits in the West lower royalties than they pay for drilling on other federal lands, including offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.

Obama's great-uncle recalls liberating Nazi camp

Charles T. Payne was 20 years old and, like any good Midwesterner, he knew how to listen.

Obama: Iraq now needs a political solution

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama declined Tuesday to rate the Bush administration's troop surge in Iraq a success despite a reduction in violence, and expressed understanding of Gen. David Petraeus' opposition to a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops.

Demonstrators, Denver spar over Democrats' plans

A judge on Tuesday rejected a request for the city to list how many police officers would be needed to staff potential routes for protest marches around the Democratic National Convention.

Mexican rock band Mana backs Obama

Mexican rock band Mana is backing Barack Obama, saying a Democrat in the White House would be better for Mexicans on both sides of the border.

Polygamist leader Jeffs indicted in Texas on sex assault count; five sect members also charged.

Legislation limits aviation inspector moves

Federal aviation inspectors would have to wait two years before taking airline jobs where they deal with their old government boss under legislation passed by the House Tuesday.

Foreign-born TB cases need better control, US says

Tuberculosis cases continue to fall in the United States, but some immigrants have disturbingly high rates of the disease, according to a study released Tuesday that called for more aggressive action.

Women on antidepressants may benefit from Viagra

Viagra's effect in women has been disappointing, but a new small study finds those on antidepressants may benefit from taking the little blue pills. The research involving 98 premenopausal women found Viagra helped with orgasm. But the benefits did not extend to other aspects of sex such as desire, researchers report in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

FDA finds salmonella strain in jalapeno pepper

Government inspectors finally have a big clue in the nationwide salmonella outbreak: They found the same bacteria strain on a single Mexican-grown jalapeno pepper handled in Texas - and issued a stronger warning for consumers to avoid fresh jalapenos.

Forecasters say hurricane warning issued for parts of Texas, Mexico coasts.

Quest: Repairing more hearts with implanted pumps

When it comes to hearts, Taneal Wilson won the lottery. A small pump implanted to keep the 31-year-old alive long enough for a heart transplant somehow helped Wilson's ravaged heart completely recover instead.

Health officials tout computer prescribing

Those hard-to-read scribbled prescriptions from doctors could soon become a rarity. Beginning Jan. 1, the federal government will boost Medicare's payments to doctors that send prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy rather than writing them out on paper and handing them to the patient.

Mass. woman diagnosed with rare brain disease

An elderly woman has been diagnosed with a rare brain disorder, state health officials said Monday.

Singapore says will study kidney donor payments

Singapore will study the possibility of paying some kidney donors to help meet demand for kidney transplants, the city-state's health minister said Monday.

Singapore says will study kidney trading

Singapore is considering legalizing kidney trading to help meet demand for kidney transplants, the city-state's health minister said Monday.

WHO says Asia should act against tuberculosis

The World Health Organization urged Asian countries on Monday to take action against the growing threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis, warning that even more virulent forms of the disease could spread if they fail to do so.

Bears star Urlacher signs 1-year, $18M extension

Brian Urlacher checked into the Chicago Bears' training camp Tuesday night with a new contract, declaring he was healthy and ready to play.

Nationals SS Guzman agrees to 2-year extension

Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman agreed to terms Tuesday on a $16 million, two-year contract extension that takes him through the 2010 season.

D'backs acquire reliever Jon Rauch from Nationals

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a major move to shore up their ailing bullpen on Tuesday, acquiring reliever Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals for top infield prospect Emilio Bonifacio.

Nats' Wily Mo Pena has surgery on left shoulder

Washington Nationals outfielder Wily Mo Pena underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season.

Browns sign 5 draft picks to 4-year contracts

The Browns have signed all five of their 2008 draft picks to four-year contracts.

Astros send minor leaguer to Padres for Randy Wolf

The Houston Astros, believing their season can still be saved, acquired pitcher Randy Wolf from San Diego on Tuesday in exchange for minor leaguer Chad Reineke.

Eagles coach Reid's son sentenced to drug rehab

The son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid was sentenced to two years in a drug rehabilitation program on Tuesday. Garrett Reid had pleaded guilty in May to trying to smuggle dozens of pills into the Montgomery County Jail.

LeBron leaves Team USA practice with ankle sprain

As Team USA's practice ended, LeBron James reclined on a table with trainers tending to his sprained right ankle. A horde of television cameramen surrounded James and the trainers before team officials shooed them away.

China OKs gym for US alternates

Hold up, the alternates for the U.S. women's gymnastics team might be going to China, after all.

Crew plays down 'altercation' during weekend game

Columbus Crew officials are playing down a weekend incident that included punches and police, describing it as a brief "altercation."

Mets closer Wagner has muscle spasm near shoulder

Tests on Mets closer Billy Wagner's left shoulder showed he has muscle spasms around the joint, and his availability for New York's first-place matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night will likely be a midgame decision.

A-Rod signs with William Morris talent agency

Maybe Alex Rodriguez wants an Oscar or an Emmy to go with his three MVP awards. The New York Yankees slugger signed another big league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond.

Despite smuggling conviction, agent has no regrets

Gus Dominguez negotiated the contract for the first Cuban player to defect to the United States. He opened his home to prospects fresh from the communist island and taught them about bank accounts.

A-Rod signs with William Morris talent agency

Alex Rodriguez signed another big-league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond.

Mets, Phils tied as showdown starts tonight

The Mets face the Phillies in New York tonight in a showdown for first place in the NL East. The teams are tied for the top spot.

Yankees catcher Posada may need shoulder surgery

Jorge Posada wants to help the New York Yankees win this year, and be ready for the start of next season. He may have to choose between the two.

Francona finds Red Sox's road woes 'perplexing'

Boston manager Terry Francona is having trouble grasping why the Red Sox have been so dreadful on the road recently.

Museum is plan for home run slugger's Ala. home

The childhood home of former baseball home run king Hank Aaron will be donated to the city where he grew up and will become a museum operated by the city's minor-league team.

Isringhausen struggles, even as backup closer

Jason Isringhausen's countdown to 300 saves has been on hold since early May. When and if it resumes with the St. Louis Cardinals, it'll almost certainly be a slow climb to the milestone.

Giants deal Durham to Brewers

Ray Durham wore a Giants uniform for the last time, then packed up his locker and went to join the Milwaukee Brewers on the other side of the ballpark before leaving town with his new team.

Arenas returns to Wizards focused on winning title

Gilbert Arenas got the money. Now he wants the ring. Arenas, who signed a franchise-record six-year, $111-million contract with Washington nine days ago, met the media for the first time Tuesday and said he will be more focused and do anything needed to help the Wizards win an NBA title.

Nets acquire G Keyon Dooling from Magic for cash

The New Jersey Nets acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in a sign and trade deal on Monday.

Nets acquire G Keyon Dooling from Orlando Magic

The New Jersey Nets say they have acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in exchange for cash considerations.

Celtics re-sign House, Allen for title defense

Eddie House had virtually disappeared from the Boston rotation during the Celtics' run to the NBA title. When he got in the game, though, he showed his worth.

OKC signs Miles to offer sheet

Oklahoma City has signed restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles to an offer sheet.

Mystics fire Rollins, make Kenlaw interim coach

The Washington Mystics have fired Tree Rollins as coach and promoted assistant Jessie Kenlaw to the position on an interim basis.

Lakers decide to let Ronny Turiaf leave

With great reluctance, the Los Angeles Lakers decided at Friday's deadline they wouldn't match Golden State's offer for Ronny Turiaf, meaning the former second-round draft choice will move up the California coast to play for the Warriors.

Bucks sign G Tyronn Lue, F Malik Allen

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Tyronn Lue and forward Malik Allen, giving new coach Scott Skiles two more veterans to work with.

Posey signs $25 million contract with Hornets

James Posey has won NBA championships with two teams. The New Orleans Hornets hope to be his third.

Cavaliers sign Gibson to 5-year deal

The Cavaliers finally made a move this offseason, signing sharpshooter Daniel Gibson to a five-year contract Wednesday. Bringing back Gibson, a restricted free agent, was one of Cleveland's top priorities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Raiders sign safety Greg Wesley to 1-year contract

The Oakland Raiders signed former Kansas City Chiefs safety Greg Wesley to a one-year contract on Tuesday, adding depth to the position on the eve of training camp.

Bengals coach Lewis shuts door on Henry returning

Coach Marvin Lewis emphatically closed the door Tuesday on the possibility of receiver Chris Henry rejoining the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chargers DE Castillo gets $43M in 5-year extension

Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo came up with a huge sack on Tuesday - a huge sack of money, that is. Castillo agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2014 valued at about $43 million.

Dungy hopes Manning recovers quickly from surgery

Tony Dungy is certain Peyton Manning's left knee will be ready for the Colts' season-opener. Heck, the Colts coach said he thinks Manning might even play during the presesason.

Pats' Nick Kaczur works deal to drop drug charges

New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty Tuesday to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold.

Shockey trade eliminates distraction for Giants

The Super Bowl champion New York Giants removed a potential distraction by trading disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints days before the start of training camp.

Redskins introduce Taylor after 'whirlwind' day

Jason Taylor has put his Hollywood offseason behind him now that he's a member of the Washington Redskins.

Saints get TE Shockey from Giants for draft picks

Jeremy Shockey caught more passes for more yards as a rookie - the one season when New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton was his offensive coordinator in New York - than any other.

Panthers sign draft picks Godfrey and Schwartz

The Carolina Panthers signed third-round draft pick Charles Godfrey and seventh-rounder Geoff Schwartz on Monday, leaving them with only two unsigned draft choices.

Johnson will report to Bengals camp despite ankle

Receiver Chad Johnson said he'll report on time for the Cincinnati Bengals' training camp next weekend, but his surgically repaired ankle will probably prevent him from fully participating.

18-year-old Michelle Wie to play on PGA Tour again

Fresh off a disqualification on the LPGA Tour, Michelle Wie has decided to tee it up against the men, again. Wie will play next week in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, the first time she'll play on the PGA Tour this year, tournament organizers said.

Wie DQ'd from State Farm over scorecard mishap

Michelle Wie finished the third round of the State Farm Classic alone in second on Saturday - then was disqualified for failing to immediately sign her scorecard a day earlier.

Choi to the world: K.J. atop British Open board

Tiger Woods on crutches was supposed to be a chance for someone else to seize the spotlight at the British Open. Greg Norman wasn't the guy anyone had in mind.

Harrington, wrist survive first round of Open

Nursing an injured right wrist, Padraig Harrington woke up Thursday wondering whether it might be too painful to swing a golf club, let alone make a strong defense of his British Open title.

Donald to miss British Open with wrist injury

Luke Donald of England will miss the British Open next week because of a wrist injury that will keep him out of competition for three to four weeks, jeopardizing his hopes of qualifying for the Ryder Cup team.

Shoal Creek preparing for US Junior Amateur

Shoal Creek is gearing up to host the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, its first major event since the 1990 PGA Championship was marred by racial controversy.

Howell, Love among first in PGA to have drug tests

In the 237 times Charles Howell III has teed it up on the PGA Tour, he never had a round end like Thursday at the AT&T National. After signing for an even-par 70, he was handed a pink slip. Howell was among the first players chosen for testing under the tour's Anti-Doping Program that went into effect this week.

Recovering Woods says knee was sore 10-12 years

Tiger Woods does not know when he can play golf again, but he said Monday his rebuilt left knee has been sore his entire PGA Tour career and he looks forward to playing on two good legs.

Mediate makes the most of his brush with Tiger

Rocco Mediate was told a story about how a father and his 3-year-old daughter were riveted to the U.S. Open, walking from "Dora the Explorer" to watch the 72nd hole when Tiger Woods made a putt to force a playoff.

Tiger has knee surgery; doctor says 'no surprises'

Tiger Woods had reconstructive surgery on his left knee Tuesday in Utah to repair a torn ligament, and doctors said it was "highly unlikely" there would be any long-term effects. It was the second time in 10 weeks Woods had surgery on his knee, this time on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Sabres sign goaltender Miller to 5-year extension

After watching Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Brian Campbell leave over the past year, the Buffalo Sabres were determined to keep Ryan Miller off the list of high profile departures.

Penguins, coach Therrien agree on 3-year contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins' march to the Stanley Cup finals has paid off for coach Michel Therrien, who agreed to a new three-year contract on Friday.

Terry Murray hired to coach Kings

The Los Angeles Kings went with experience in choosing a head coach. Terry Murray, who guided Philadelphia to the Stanley Cup finals 11 years ago and has coached 737 regular-season NHL games, was hired late Wednesday to succeed Marc Crawford.

Red Wings to face Blackhawks at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is going to be the frozen confines on New Year's Day 2009 when the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings meet the Chicago Blackhawks outdoors in the home park of the Chicago Cubs.

Thrashers agree to terms with Lehtonen

The Atlanta Thrashers have agreed to terms with goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who was an restricted free agent.

Isles split with Nolan over 'differences' with GM

Ted Nolan's return to NHL coaching ended after only two years Monday when he split with the New York Islanders over "philosophical differences" with general manager Garth Snow.

Lightning, Lecavalier ink 11-year, $85M extension

All-Star center Vincent Lecavalier signed an 11-year, $85-million contract extension that he hopes will keep him in a Tampa Bay Lightning uniform for the remainder of his career.

NHL, Russian league reach peace deal

The NHL reached an agreement with a new Russian hockey league Thursday that temporarily ends the threat of players being lured away by big-money offers.

Canucks sign Demitra to 2-year, $8 million deal

The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Pavol Demitra to an $8-million, two-year contract Thursday to bolster their offense.

Blue Jackets lock up Ken Hitchcock through 2011-12

Coach Ken Hitchcock signed a three-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, saying he welcomes the chance to turn the only team not to make the playoffs into winners.

A Bowden is picked to win ACC, but it's not Bobby

For the 17th straight year, a Bowden-coached team is the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. For the first time in that span, it isn't Florida State.

Gamecocks' Spurrier says he's not going anywhere

Steve Spurrier laughed off questions about speculation that he's grown frustrated with trying to build South Carolina into a championship contender and could walk away from the Gamecocks before his contract runs out.

UCF WR who died had condition worsened by stress

A University of Central Florida football player who died after spring drills had a pre-existing medical condition worsened by physical stress, autopsy results released Thursday showed.

Notre Dame taps Indianapolis lawyer as new AD

Jack Swarbrick graduated from Notre Dame the same year as the university president, yet the Rev. John Jenkins never heard of him until a few weeks ago.

Former ASU coach Snyder has cancer

Former Arizona State football coach Bruce Snyder says he has cancer.

NC State coach Lowe's son sentenced to 15 months

A judge has sentenced the son of North Carolina State basketball coach Sidney Lowe to 15 months in a low-security prison farm on dozen charges, including robbery and kidnapping.

Packer out, Kellogg in as CBS lead announcer

Billy Packer didn't sound like a man who found out his 34-year run as part of the Final Four broadcast had ended.

Dupay makes 1st court appearance on rape charges

Teddy Dupay, who played on the Gators' runner-up team in the 2000 NCAA basketball tournament, made an initial court appearance Monday on charges of raping and kidnapping a woman at a Utah ski resort.

Mack returning to Tigers after announcing exit

Tigers coach John Calipari says guard Doneal Mack will return to Memphis for the 2008-09 season after all.

Eastward, ho! NJ school joins Great West

The Great West Conference is expanding - all the way to New Jersey.

Newman, Stewart play coy on potential partnership

If Ryan Newman is indeed in line to join Tony Stewart's new team next season, neither driver is saying.

IN THE PITS: Driver movement should heat up

The biggest domino in NASCAR's free agency season fell when Tony Stewart decided to bolt from Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the year. It opened up a seat in the coveted No. 20, a ride loaded with a two-time championship winning team that will stay behind crew chief Greg Zipadelli.

Glock taken to hospital after crash at German GP

Toyota driver Timo Glock was taken to the hospital Sunday after hitting a concrete barrier at high speed during the German Grand Prix.

Scott Dixon on schedule for another title

Everything is right on schedule for Scott Dixon - for now.

Hamilton edges Massa to take pole at German GP

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton edged Felipe Massa on the final lap Saturday to take the pole position for the German Grand Prix.

GM cutting back on NASCAR spending

Troubled General Motors has notified two racetracks that run NASCAR events that their current contracts will not be renewed as part of an overall $10 billion cost-cutting program.

Sarah Fisher gets new sponsor, plans 2 IRL races

Sarah Fisher plans to drive in two IndyCar Series races after lining up a new primary sponsor.

Former CART champ Tracy gets IRL ride for Edmonton

Paul Tracy will finally get his chance to race in the IndyCar Series - for at least one race. The former CART champion will drive in the July 26 Rexall Edmonton Indy in a car fielded by Walker Racing, supported by Vision Racing and sponsored by Subway.

And after 10 stages, the Tour de France rested

Frank Schleck of Luxembourg wants ideas.

Olympic swimmer Shanteau has testicular cancer

When Eric Shanteau touched the wall second at the U.S. Olympic trials, he was overcome by the joy of reaching a lifelong goal. The celebration didn't last long.

Omarosa: Wendy Williams is 'a fake and a phony'

Omarosa is not sorry for sparring with Wendy Williams. "I stand by everything I said," Omarosa told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Conductor James Levine had malignant kidney growth

A growth on a kidney removed from conductor James Levine was malignant, but the cancer was caught early and no further treatment is needed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra said Tuesday.

Firm sues Courtney Love over Nirvana catalog sale

A business management and accounting firm sued Courtney Love for nearly $1 million on Tuesday, claiming she failed to pay them a share of profits from the sale of Nirvana's publishing catalog.

Jonas Brothers buy house in Dallas-Fort Worth area

The Jonas Brothers reportedly bought a house in a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb - and some young neighbors sound thrilled.

Kid Rock gets probation in Waffle House fight

Kid Rock has been sentenced to a year's probation and fined $1,000 for his role in a fight at a suburban Atlanta Waffle House last fall.

Ted Danson relishes first post-`Cheers' Emmy nod

Ted Danson is relishing his first Emmy nomination since "Cheers."

Foreigner's Mick Jones says new songs on the way

Foreigner's Mick Jones says the band's new career retrospective "No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner" is a signal that new material is on the way.

Mulder, Scully believe in `X-Files' audience

Some Mulder and Scully fans were dubious when the title for the new movie based on their favorite TV show was announced: "The X-Files: I Want to Believe."

LA police arrest photographers near Spears' home

Two photographers suspected of loitering on city-owned property near Britney Spears' home were arrested Monday.

'Gossip Girl' will launch new racy promos (OMG)

"Gossip Girl" will get people talking. At least, that seems likely as the CW network brings to a boil its new campaign for the sexy prep-school soap.

'Dark Knight' finishes with record $158.4 million

Bruce Wayne just keeps getting richer.

Dark Knight's kind of town: Gotham City gets windy

Christian Bale's Batman is perched atop a skyscraper, looking over a dark and foggy skyline pierced by glittering lights, preparing for a dive to the gritty streets below.

Anderson: Reprising Scully character was 'odd'

Gillian Anderson says getting back into Dana Scully's character for "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" was harder than she expected.

Studio ad touts contract offer to actors guild

A newspaper ad placed by Hollywood studios touts their contract offer to the Screen Actors Guild as a groundbreaking deal that mirrors those already accepted by other industry unions.

'Dark Knight' sets box office record with $66.4M

Batman's joust with the Joker has set another box office record. Stoked by fan fever over the manic performance of the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, "The Dark Knight" set a one-day box office record with $66.4 million on opening day, Warner Bros. head of distribution Dan Fellman said Saturday.

Jolie and twins slip out of hospital in Nice

Angelina Jolie has left the building. Oh, and so have the twins. Before dawn Saturday, the Hollywood superstar and her newborn twins left the French Riviera hospital where she gave birth a week ago, the hospital said in a statement.

Troyer reaches settlement in sex tape lawsuit

Actor Verne Troyer has settled a lawsuit he filed against a porn broker after the defendant agreed not distribute a sex tape depicting Troyer and a former girlfriend, court documents filed Friday show.

Milo Ventimiglia discusses 'Heroes,' Mideast trip

"Iron Man" isn't the only superhero to visit the Middle East this summer. Milo Ventimiglia, who plays power-absorbing Peter Petrelli on NBC's "Heroes," traveled to the region last week as part of a USO tour of U.S. bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Ledger's compelling Joker thrills, saddens fans

As Chris Finegan watched Heath Ledger's stunning portrayal of the Joker on Friday in "The Dark Knight," he couldn't help but think of another actor who wasn't on the screen: James Dean, who also died prematurely and tragically, nearly 53 years ago.

Salma Hayek, Pinault call off their engagement

Salma Hayek has called off her engagement to businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, her representative said Friday.

Carey, Timberlake among Fashion Rocks performers

Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Rihanna will perform at the fifth annual Fashion Rocks concert celebrating the relationship between music and fashion.

Sugarland explores 'Love on the Inside'

After Sugarland's first two albums, singer Jennifer Nettles kept hearing how their records were good and all but somehow ... not.

Lautenberg drops Boss tix request for fundraiser

Sen. Frank Lautenberg's re-election campaign has dropped its request to get the operator of Giants Stadium to provide it with Bruce Springsteen tickets for a fundraiser event this weekend.

Rap music figure convicted in Las Vegas slaying

A jury found a 37-year-old San Francisco rap music figure guilty in the slaying of a Kansas City rival in what authorities called a West Coast versus Midwest rap war.

Amy Winehouse's husband gets 27 months in jail

Amy Winehouse's husband was sentenced Monday to 27 months in jail for assault and obstructing justice.

Lil Scrappy free on bond after weekend arrest

Police say Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy is out of jail after being arrested following a fight with his sister's boyfriend.

McCartney plays for thousands in free Quebec show

Paul McCartney churned out a Beatles-laden song list to a pumped-up crowd gathered Sunday for a free concert as part of Quebec City's 400th anniversary celebration.

Paris concert presses for Colombia hostage release

Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt took the stage and shook her hips to a Colombian superstar's guitar riffs, leading the crowd in chants of "Freedom for all!" at a concert Sunday dedicated to captives held by Colombia's FARC rebel group.

Rapper DMX arrested at Phoenix mall

Rapper DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall Saturday on suspicion that he gave a gave a false name and Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses.

Sing us one last song at Shea, Piano Man

Billy Joel bade a stirring farewell to Shea Stadium on Friday during an electrifying, sold-out final show at the same ballpark where the Beatles famously ushered in a new era in rock 'n' roll four decades ago.

MLB all-star game leads Fox to ratings win

The last baseball all-star game at Yankee Stadium and the most-watched midsummer classic since 2002 - at least through the first nine innings - helped Fox to a TV ratings victory.

List of top 20 prime-time shows in Nielsen ratings

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for July 14-20. Listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.

Miss Universe glad to put modeling career on hold

Dayana Mendoza put a promising modeling career on hold to go for - and win - the Miss Universe crown.

`At the Movies' gets new hosts Lyons, Mankiewicz

Over the years, TV's best-known movie review show has gone from hosts Siskel and Ebert to Ebert and Roeper to Roeper and guest critics - and now it's Lyons and Mankiewicz.

The Jonas Brothers to perform at this year's VMAs

The Jonas Brothers will perform at this year's Video Music Awards.

Court tosses FCC 'wardrobe malfunction' fine

Among the most notorious on-screen gaffes ever, Janet Jackson's breast-baring "wardrobe malfunction" on CBS during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show drew a $550,000 indecency fine from the Federal Communications Commission. Now a federal appeals court has thrown it out.

Leno's last `Tonight' is May 29; O'Brien in June 1

Conan O'Brien will take over the "Tonight" show next June - and what happens to deposed host Jay Leno after that is anybody's guess.

Ebert, Roeper cutting ties with `At the Movies'

Roger Ebert is leaving the balcony - but hinting that he's not finished with television.

Richards-Sheen custody battle returns to court

Denise Richards went to court Monday seeking changes to a custody arrangement with ex-husband Charlie Sheen - but didn't get everything she wanted.

`Greek' star arrested for alleged drunken driving

Scott Michael Foster, star of ABC Family's frat-house series "Greek," has been released on $5,000 bail following his arrest in Hollywood for misdemeanor drunken driving.