Judge: Duncan is mentally competent

Convicted child-killer Joseph Edward Duncan III is mentally competent to face a death penalty hearing, a federal judge ruled Thursday.

Building fire clouds downtown Spokane

A historic downtown building was heavily damaged in a dangerous fire that clogged streets and sent acrid smoke throughout the business core of the city.

Judge: Duncan is mentally competent

Convicted child-killer Joseph Edward Duncan III is mentally competent to face a death penalty hearing, a federal judge ruled Thursday.

SW Washington high school band to play at Olympics

In two weeks, Vancouver's Kara Patterson will hurl her javelin in China in search of athletic glory.

Judge: Duncan is mentally competent

A federal judge in Boise says convicted child-killer Joseph Edward Duncan III is mentally competent to face a death penalty hearing.

Federal judge says child killer Joseph Duncan III mentally competent to face death penalty hearing.

Saddling up in the Grand Coulee

Good news for those getting hammered by the energy crisis. I recently figured out how to drive to the Grand Canyon on less than a tank of gas.

Judge OKs emergency grazing program, with limits

Farmers and ranchers struggling against high grain prices got some help Thursday from a federal judge who cleared the way for an emergency federal program opening private conservation land to hay production and cattle grazing.

Calif. requires ships to cut pollution off coast

California air regulators on Thursday approved the nation's toughest rules to reduce harmful emissions from ocean-going ships headed into the state's ports.

Toll on 520 bridge could be as high as $3.80

Drivers commuting over the Evergreen Point Bridge across Lake Washington may get slapped with sticker shock: A state committee is considered up to a $3.80 one-way toll during peak traffic to help pay for a new bridge across one of the state's most heavily traveled routes.

Giuliani's son sues Duke over golf team dismissal

The son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is suing Duke University, claiming his golf coach manufactured accusations against him to justify kicking him off the team to whittle the squad.

Judge: Idaho child-killer is mentally competent

A federal judge in Boise, Idaho, says convicted child-killer Joseph Edward Duncan III is mentally competent to face a death penalty hearing.

Okla. crane fall kills man watching construction

Church members watching the steeple being raised on their new building looked on in horror Thursday as a crane holding the structure toppled, crushing a car and killing a 79-year-old man who had been watching from inside the vehicle, firefighters said.

Ex-US official: Afghan president hurting drug war

The Bush administration underscored its continued support for Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday despite fresh allegations from a former U.S. anti-drug official that Karzai is playing both sides of the effort to combat a raging drug business.

Election 2008

Obama urges Europeans, Americans to defeat terror

Cheered by an enormous international crowd, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama on Thursday summoned Europeans and Americans together to "defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism that supports it" as surely as they conquered communism a generation ago.

Concerns in Europe despite Obama's warm welcome

The warm welcome that washed over Barack Obama during his Berlin appearance Thursday made it abundantly clear that Europeans have a strong desire to heal the trans-Atlantic rift and the Democratic president candidate is a good choice for the job.

Satellite radio companies to pay $19.7 million

Approval of a merger of the nation's only two satellite radio companies was imminent Thursday after the pair agreed to pay $19.7 million to settle charges they violated federal rules.

1 dead in N.H. storms that leveled several homes

Violent storms in a 25-mile-long swath of central New Hampshire on Thursday destroyed several homes, damaged dozens of others and left at least one person dead, authorities said as police and firefighters went door-to-door searching for more possible victims.

Iran ends cooperation with UN nuclear arms probe

Iran signaled Thursday that it will no longer cooperate with U.N. experts probing for signs of clandestine nuclear weapons work, confirming the investigation is at a dead end a year after it began.

Correction: Sudan-Darfur story

In a July 23 story about Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's trip to Darfur, The Associated Press erroneously reported that it was his first visit to the western Sudanese region in more than three years. Al-Bashir has visited Darfur on several occasions since 2003, most recently in July 2007. It was al-Bashir's first visit since an international prosecutor filed genocide charges against him on July 14.

Bleeding cash, Ford looks to Europe for help

Bleeding cash and with its very survival uncertain, Ford Motor Co., an icon of American automaking, will try to import some of its success from across the Atlantic.

Dow Chemical reports decline in 2Q profit

Dow Chemical Co. said Thursday that despite record sales and two double-digit price increases unveiled in the second quarter, its profit for the period fell 27 percent, in large part because of sharply higher costs for energy and raw materials.

Kimberly-Clark 2Q profit falls 10 percent

Sharply rising gas and raw materials costs led to a 10 percent drop in second-quarter profit at Kleenex maker Kimberly-Clark Corp., which said Thursday it may raise prices again in the U.S. and other markets.

Treasurys rally after housing report, stock tumble

Treasury prices rose Thursday after the National Association of Realtors reported that sales of previously owned homes fell in June to the lowest level in a decade and stocks snapped a two-day rally.

AP told 3 bidders make final cut to buy Cubs

Tribune Co. is inviting at least three potential buyers who each submitted bids for the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field near or above $1 billion to participate in a second round of proposals, according to a person involved in the process.

Scientists expose mystery behind northern lights

Scientists have exposed some of the mystery behind the northern lights. On Thursday, NASA released findings that indicate magnetic explosions about one-third of the way to the moon cause the northern lights, or aurora borealis, to burst in spectacular shapes and colors, and dance across the sky.

Copper slumps to 5-week low on weak Chinese demand

Copper prices tumbled to a five-week low Thursday on expectations that falling demand from China and a slowdown in the U.S. housing market will lead to a surplus of the metal.

The slump persists: Home sales tumble across US

Sales of existing homes tumbled more sharply than expected in June, pushing activity down to the lowest level in more than a decade.

Bristol-Myers, Eli Lilly post strong 2Q results

Like other major drugmakers, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Eli Lilly & Co. saw benefits from the weak dollar in the second quarter, as sales grew at a faster rate overseas, but both also posted improvements in their U.S. businesses.

Jobless claims jump as housing market gets weaker

Two cornerstones of the economy - jobs and housing - sank to new depths Thursday, with unemployment claims bolting higher and home prices recording one of their steepest drops on record.

2002 Justice memo OKs CIA interrogation tactics

The Justice Department in 2002 told the CIA that its interrogators would be safe from prosecution for violations of anti-torture laws if they believed "in good faith" that harsh techniques used to break prisoners' will would not cause "prolonged mental harm."

Secret Service wants more money for candidates

The Secret Service has asked for an extra $9.5 million to cover unexpected costs of protecting the presidential candidates during what has turned into an historic year for the agency's campaign security job.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

Voters greet Obama trip with praise, skepticism

Calculated political ploy. Timely foreign outreach. A dash of each? Ask voters across the country about Barack Obama's image-packed week of foreign travel and you'll get a mix of admiration, suspicion, even a couple of bored shrugs.

EPA moves to ban pesticide carbofuran from food

The Environmental Protection Agency moved Thursday to stop the use of the pesticide carbofuran on all food crops, including those that are imported.

Hagel chides candidates on Iraq

Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, fresh from an Iraq trip with Democrat Barack Obama, said the presidential candidates should focus on the war's future and stop arguing over the success of last year's troop surge.

White House reverses experts on Yellowstone policy

The National Park Service wanted to close a section of Yellowstone Park in the wintertime because of the risk of avalanche. No way, protested businesses in Cody, Wyo., that wanted to promote more tourism.

On-time rates for first-class mail best yet

More letters, cards, bill payments and other first-class mail items are getting to their destinations on time than ever before, the Postal Service said Thursday.

Poll: Obama holds slight lead over McCain

THE RACE: The presidential race nationally

Air Force missile launch crew falls asleep

Three ballistic missile crew members in North Dakota fell asleep while holding classified launch code devices this month, triggering an investigation by military and National Security Agency experts, the Air Force said Thursday.

Booming business helps patients navigate medicine

After three surgeries, Judy Sherer still had chronic pain in her left shoulder. She'd lost faith in her doctors, and in despair tried a new health benefit offered by her employer.

US fentanyl deaths topped 1,000 over 2 years

More than 1,000 people died over two years from an illegal version of the painkiller fentanyl, the government reported Thursday in its first national tally of those deaths.

Officials: Search for HIV vaccine needs overhaul

Scientists will have to take "enormous intellectual leaps" to develop an AIDS vaccine in the coming years, say researchers clearly frustrated by the failure of a once-promising shot.

Officials: Search for HIV vaccine needs overhaul

Scientists will have to take "enormous intellectual leaps" to develop an AIDS vaccine in the coming years, say researchers clearly frustrated by the failure of a once-promising shot.

A hot (pepper) lead in hunt for salmonella source

It was a hot lead for detectives on a cold case. People suddenly were getting salmonella at a Minnesota restaurant more than 1,000 miles from the center of the nation's outbreak.

Pittsburgh cancer center warns of cell phone risks

The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer.

Statin study could lead to test for gene variant

Scientists may have found a way to test for and possibly avoid the most serious side effect of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, one of the top-selling medicines in the world.

ADHD increasingly common in older kids, CDC says

More older children are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder while the rate is holding steady for children under 12, according to a government report released Wednesday.

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.

Asomugha signs, Jordan told to stay away

Star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha officially signed his $9.765 million franchise player tender offer Thursday and joined the Oakland Raiders in time for their first training camp practice, while running back LaMont Jordan has been told to stay away from the team.

Redskins' top draft pick Thomas out about 2 weeks

Redskins rookie receiver Devin Thomas probably will miss the team's first exhibition game after pulling his right hamstring in practice Thursday.

Packers might postpone Favre's jersey retirement

With Brett Favre's retirement up in the air, it goes without saying that the Green Bay Packers might have to put off retiring the three-time MVP's jersey.

Niners sign 1st-round pick Balmer on eve of camp

The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, getting their first-round draft pick into training camp a few hours before the team's first meeting.

Browns OL Ryan Tucker eyeing return

Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ryan Tucker said playing in an exhibition game is a reachable goal after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hip.

Forget '07: Pats back for another Super Bowl run

The New England Patriots signed first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo on Thursday, bringing their last unsigned selection into the fold as the defending AFC champions opened training camp and began their quest to put last season's imperfect season behind them.

Super Bowl hero David Tyree sidelined by Giants

Super Bowl hero David Tyree was placed on the physically unable to perform list by the New York Giants on Thursday because of lingering problems recovering from surgery on his right knee.

Warriors match Clippers' offer to Azubuike

Kelenna Azubuike will return to the Golden State Warriors after the club matched the Los Angeles Clippers' three-year, $9 million contract offer for the shooting guard on Thursday.

Edwards' back acts up; Vikes say it's not serious

Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards has aggravated a lingering back injury and will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Coach confirms Rod Smith retiring

Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said on Thursday that longtime receiver Rod Smith is retiring.

Bonds among topics at Yankees' meetings

Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees plan to talk about it.

Rollins scratched from Phillies lineup

Jimmy Rollins was scratched from the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup for their game against the New York Mets on Thursday.

Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez out with sore knee

Manny Ramirez missed Boston's 6-3 win in 12 innings over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday with what his manager said was a sore knee.

Wagner available for Mets after shoulder improves

Billy Wagner was available to pitch for the New York Mets on Wednesday night against Philadelphia after missing the previous game with a sore left shoulder.

Brewers give ex-major leaguer Gibbons 2nd chance

Former major leaguer Jay Gibbons is getting another chance with the Milwaukee Brewers. The team purchased Gibbons' contract from the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks and will assign him to its Double-A affiliate in Huntsville, Ala.

Yankees' Posada puts off surgery, opts for rehab

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada wants to put off surgery on his right shoulder even if it means sacrificing the start of next season. If he does play the rest of this year, it won't be behind the plate.

Reds' Josh Fogg to miss next start with split lip

Josh Fogg will miss his next scheduled start for the Cincinnati Reds because of a split upper lip, suffered when he was hit in the face during batting practice.

A-Rod signs with William Morris agency

Maybe Alex Rodriguez wants an Oscar or an Emmy to go with his three MVP awards.

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.

WNBA suspends 10 players and Mahorn for skirmish

It was a WNBA smackdown Thursday, when the league suspended Detroit Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn and 10 players for their roles in a skirmish with the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this week.

Shock sign 50-year-old Hall of Famer Lieberman

The Detroit Shock came up with a way to distract some attention away from their skirmish earlier this week.

Iraqi police say a female suicide bomber has killed at least 8 US-allied fighters in Baqouba .

Childress leaves Hawks to sign with Greek club

Josh Childress is leaving the Atlanta Hawks for Greek club Olympiakos, reversing the course of the many international stars who have signed with the NBA.

WNBA reviewing fight between Detroit, LA players

The WNBA always seems to crave more attention. Mission accomplished, albeit it without a dunk or fantastic play. The Detroit Shock - and assistant coach Rick Mahorn - were involved in a skirmish with the Los Angeles Sparks, making the WNBA a hot topic on TV, sports-talk radio and blogs.

Leslie, Parker involved in melee with Shock

Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker are the only players to have dunked in a WNBA game.

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.

AP Source: Marshall meets with NFL commissioner

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York last week concerning his string of off the field legal troubles.

Support for Favre muted as Pack shareholders meet

There were plenty of No. 4 jerseys in the stands and a smattering of jeers for general manager Ted Thompson at Thursday morning's annual meeting of Green Bay Packers shareholders at Lambeau Field.

Campbell says he cried but accepts Army's orders

Caleb Campbell said he was upset when the Army told him he wouldn't be able to play for the Detroit Lions this season.

Chiefs sign tackle Branden Albert

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed tackle Branden Albert, the second of the team's two first-round draft picks, the team announced Thursday.

Hester MIA on first day of Bears camp

Devin Hester, who has electrified the NFL with 11 punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in his first two seasons, skipped the Chicago Bears' first training camp practice Wednesday in a holdout.

AP Source: Goodell monitoring Favre situation

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is monitoring the ongoing rift between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre. A person with direct knowledge of Goodell's interest said the commissioner has spoken with Packers management several times recently as tensions mounted between the three-time MVP and his team.

Lions, tackle Cherilus agree to 5-year contract

Tackle Gosder Cherilus agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday night. Cherilus was the 17th pick in April's draft out of Boston College.

Army orders Lions draft pick Campbell to duty

Caleb Campbell was a day away from practicing with the Detroit Lions and taking a step toward his dream of playing in the NFL. "He was issued a helmet, ready to go," coach Rod Marinelli said Wednesday.

Saints, Marques Colston agree to 3-year extension

Wide receiver Marques Colston got his reward for playing far beyond the expectations for a seventh-round pick.

Bears, top pick Williams agree on 5-year deal

The Chicago Bears and first-round pick Chris Williams agreed to a five-year contract Wednesday on the first day of training camp.

Rudy Giuliani's son sues Duke over golf dismissal

The son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is suing Duke University, claiming he was wrongfully kicked off the golf team.

Stadler aces shortest Open hole and wins wine

Craig Stadler has aced the shortest hole in British Open golf, the Postage Stamp at Troon, and earned a prize of 123 bottles of wine - one for every yard.

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.

Bruins get F St. Pierre in trade from Blackhawks

The Boston Bruins have swapped forwards with the Chicago Blackhawks, getting Martin St. Pierre in exchange for Pascal Pelletier.

Ducks coach Randy Carlyle signs 2-year extension

Randy Carlyle, who coached the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup championship in 2007, signed a two-year extension Wednesday. Financial terms were not announced.

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.

SEC intrigue: Fulmer and the subpoena

Lawyers for a former Alabama football booster said they staked out the Southeastern Conference football media event Thursday and served Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer with a subpoena to testify about a lawsuit against the NCAA.

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.

NASCAR squeezes horsepower down on Toyota motors

NASCAR tried to even out the competition in the Nationwide Series on Wednesday by ordering all teams using Toyota motors to squeeze down their horsepower before this weekend's race in Indianapolis.

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.

Amy Adams engaged to acting-class sweetie

Now Amy Adams' love life is "Enchanted," too.

Russell Brand hosting MTV Video Music Awards

MTV is staking its brand on a lesser-known one: Russell Brand.

Rapper DMX pleads not guilty to felony charges

DMX rapped for reporters outside a Phoenix courtroom after pleading not guilty to felony charges of theft and identity theft. Then he plugged his new album.

'Wallace & Gromit' to become episodic video game

"Wallace & Gromit" are going on a new adventure.

Crow: Not working with Fleetwood Mac anytime soon

Sheryl Crow is putting the "Rumours" to rest: She's not making a record with or joining Fleetwood Mac - not anytime soon at least.

Tyminski gathers no moss during break from Krauss

With Alison Krauss touring this summer with Robert Plant, the guys in her band, Union Station, had some time to kill, like enough to read biographies of all 43 presidents and maybe paint their houses and their neighbors' houses, too.

Capsule reviews of `Step Brothers' and other films

Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Correction: Comic-Con story

In a July 23 story about Comic-Con, The Associated Press reported erroneously that more than 100,000 people a day attend the comic-book convention. More than 125,000 guests are expected over the four-day event. It also misidentified the movie studio involved. It is named Summit Entertainment, not Summit Films.

Little to believe in with new `X-Files' movie

The makers of the new "X-Files" movie have done themselves a disservice in coming up with the elongated title, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe." Really, it just invites a whole bunch of bad jokes which, unfortunately, are justified.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS

HARDCOVER FICTION

Ruling reveals ID of online Oscar ticket seller

A judge's ruling has brought the organization that hosts the Academy Awards a step closer to discovering how tickets to this year's show got online.

Dissident actors could sway outcome of SAG talks

More than 30 actors dissatisfied with stalled contract talks said Wednesday they have joined to campaign for seats on the Screen Actors Guild's board of directors, a move that could eventually break the stalemate with Hollywood studios.

Ferrell and Reilly step down with `Brothers'

The title is "Step Brothers." You know, because there are two of them.

Ethan Hawke and wife welcome daughter Clementine

Ethan Hawke and wife Ryan Shawhughes are the new parents of a baby girl.

Comics, film and figurine fans flock to Comic-Con

The most passionate Spider-Men, Storm Troopers, Harry Potters and other pop-culture fanatics are headed south for their annual pilgrimage. Comic-Con, the country's biggest comic-book convention, begins Thursday at the San Diego Convention Center.

Forbes: Vince Vaughn is best value for the money

Vince Vaughn is the best star for the buck, says Forbes magazine.

`Step Brothers' Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby might be on the road to nowhere if they tried to team up today the way they did in old Hollywood.

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."

'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.

Madame Tussauds in London unveils wax Winehouse

Madame Tussauds unveiled a waxwork of Amy Winehouse on Wednesday complete with her signature beehive, black eyeliner and a bright yellow minidress.

50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign

50 Cent has sued Taco Bell, claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent.

Ry Cooder keeps alive L.A. sound with new album

It was more than 50 years ago but Ry Cooder remembers it like it could have been last week; he was 8 years old and Johnny Cash came on the radio singing "Hey Porter."

Neil Young documents anti-war tour in film

Not every musician will make a film that features a fan facing him from a concert audience with two arms raised, middle fingers extended - more than one fan, in fact.

Rapper DMX indicted on felony charges in Arizona

Rapper DMX has been indicted on felony charges by a grand jury in Arizona for allegedly trying to get out of paying a hospital bill.

Correction: Mick Jones story

In a July 22 story about Foreigner's Mick Jones, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Foreigner's co-headlining tour with Bryan Adams stops Thursday. The bands have a concert Thursday, July 24, near San Antonio, Texas, before ending their combined tour Saturday in Dallas. Foreigner will continue on the road at least through late October.

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.

Marvin Sapp song continues to break records

Marvin Sapp's single "Never Would Have Made It" is a record-breaking phenomenon far beyond the world of gospel.

LA police arrest photographers near Spears' home

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

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.

Pamela Anderson starring in new reality show

Pamela Anderson is shacking up with Tommy Lee again - but not like that.

Waging the image campaign overseas

Barack Obama has packed his overseas trip with presidential images: a helicopter ride over Iraq with the U.S. military commander; a visit to a Holocaust memorial; a meeting at Afghan President Hamid Karzai's palace.

Lucy Liu joins Samuel L. Jackson in `Afro Samurai'

Lucy Liu is set to embrace her inner warrior.

Balthazar Getty says he's separated from his wife

Balthazar Getty says he's separated from his wife and is embarrassed by recent photos of him kissing a topless Sienna Miller in Italy.

2 eagles named by Miley, Billy Ray to be set free

Two 14-week-old American bald eagles named by Disney star Miley Cyrus and her country singer father, Billy Ray Cyrus, will be released into the wild Thursday at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Broadway, soap opera star Larry Haines dies at 89

Larry Haines, a two-time Daytime Emmy winner for his 35-year role on the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow," has died. He was 89.

Home Run Derby on ESPN is No. 1 on cable TV

Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of July 14-20. Day and start time (EDT) are in parentheses:

'At the Movies' saves its aisle seat, for now

Richard Roeper, fresh off announcing that he was leaving the balcony of "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper," may have put it best.

NY judge upholds charge of stalking 'SNL' producer

A criminal court judge has upheld charges against a Long Island, New York, man accused of stalking "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels.

Widow of Aaron Spelling pays $47M for LA condo

The widow of producer Aaron Spelling paid a whopping $47 million for a two-story condo atop a Century City residential tower that's still under construction, her lawyer said.