'Ponytail bandit' guilty of thefts in 3 states

A Texas woman dubbed the "ponytail bandit" has pleaded guilty to robbing banks in three states.

2 dead whales on Olympic beach may have been hit by ships

The carcasses of two humpback whales found this summer on an Olympic National Park beach showed signs of being hit by ships.

2 teens trapped when snowfield collapses in Wash

Search and rescue crews are trying to locate two teenagers who apparently fell through a snowfield near Snoqualmie Pass.

2 teens trapped when snowfield collapses in Wash

Rescue crews are trying to locate two teenagers who apparently fell through a snowfield near Snoqualmie Pass.

5 'hero moms' honored for fighting Lakewood school fire

In the Snohomish County town of Lakewood they're known as the "hero moms."

Boeing and Machinists negotiators facing contract deadline

Representatives from Boeing and the Machinists union sit down today at a SeaTac hotel for what they call round-the-clock bargaining.

Collapsed snow cave traps 2 near Snoqualmie Pass

Search and rescue crews have begun trying to dig two teenagers out of a collapsed snow cave near Snoqualmie Pass.

Colleges in Canada, Australia offer surfing degree

A college in this Vancouver Island town is working with an Australian university to develop a program for surfers, often better known for skipping class than hitting the books, to learn the business aspect of the sport.

Court frees McNeil Island sex felon

A convicted sex offender released from the McNeil Island Special Commitment Center is now living in Tacoma.

Federal Way's Sanjaya makes ad for Nationwide Insurance

Former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar (san-JY'-uh MA'-luh-kahr) is in a commercial for Nationwide Insurance.

U.S. immigration authorities to end "self-deportation" program after only 8 people volunteer.

US Secretary of State Rice says agreement with Iraq on American forces near .

'3 Hebrew Boys' face new charges in alleged scam

Three South Carolina men accused of bilking investors out of millions of dollars are facing nearly two dozen new federal charges, according to a federal grand jury indictment released Thursday.

'World's Greatest Dad' gets 3-20 years in prison

A 33-year-old man who authorities say wore a "World's Greatest Dad" T-shirt to have sex with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to three to 20 years in prison.

1 of 2 boys trapped by in Wash. snow field rescued

Crews have rescued one of two teenage boys who were trapped under ice and snow after a snow bridge collapsed on top of them near a mountain summit east of Seattle.

2 NJ girls trapped in Georgia now safe with Dad

Two little girls from New Jersey were reunited with their father Thursday and could be returning home within a few days after being trapped by violence in the Republic of Georgia for two weeks.

61-year-old woman gives birth in Japan

A 61-year-old Japanese woman gave birth to her own grandchild, using an egg donated by her daughter, a clinic said Thursday.

Al-Qaida in Iraq says it killed US-allied Sunni

An al-Qaida in Iraq front organization is claiming responsibility for a suicide attack that killed a U.S.-allied Sunni leader in northern Baghdad on Sunday.

Anti-graft police probe Nigerian Obama fundraiser

Police questioned the head of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Thursday in connection with a glitzy fundraiser meant to drum up African support for U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Arrest in taped mugging of 85-year-old NYC woman

A man accused of choking an 85-year-old woman in an elevator and stealing her cane and cash was arrested after a detective saw the surveillance video and recognized him from a similar assault, police said Thursday.

Leading economic indicators fell sharply in July

A private business group's measure of the economy's health showed the largest drop in one year as stocks fell, new building permits declined and unemployment rose.

Fannie, Freddie rescue plans leave many anxious

A government rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be costly for scores of investment, banking and insurance companies that hold billions in preferred shares of the mortgage finance giants as assets.

9 polar bears observed on risky open ocean swims

Nine polar bears were observed in one day swimming in open ocean off Alaska's northwest coast, an increase from previous surveys that may indicate warming conditions are forcing bears to make riskier, long-distance swims to stable sea ice or land.

A century after introduction, Hydrox cookies back

If a kid'll eat the middle of an Oreo first, does the same go for a Hydrox? A new generation of children are getting a chance to find out.

Abbott to cut 1,000 jobs from diagnostic unit

Drug and medical device maker Abbott Laboratories said Thursday it will cut 1,000 jobs as part of a multiyear effort to lower spending on its medical testing business.

AP Source: Merrill Lynch CEO, NY AG in talks

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has been in all-day meetings with Merrill Lynch & Co. Chief Executive John Thain regarding a last minute settlement over auction-rate securities, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

At top of Greenland, new worrisome cracks in ice

In northern Greenland, a part of the Arctic that had seemed immune from global warming, new satellite images show a growing giant crack and an 11-square-mile chunk of ice hemorrhaging off a major glacier, scientists said Thursday.

Barnes & Noble's 2Q profits fall 15 percent

Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation's largest bookseller, posted a 15 percent drop in second-quarter profit Thursday as it struggles with sluggish consumer spending.

Brazil unemployment rises to 8.1 percent in July

Brazil says unemployment rose to 8.1 percent in July, reversing a five-month decline.

Burger King 4Q profit rises 42 percent

Customers bought more Whoppers, Cheesy Bacon BK Wrappers and crispy chicken sandwiches in the fourth quarter, driving Burger King's profit up 42 percent.

Election 2008

Obama outspends McCain in July by 5-3 ratio

After tightening his expenditures in June, Barack Obama spent far more freely in July, cutting into his cash reserves while mounting an advertising campaign against Republican presidential rival John McCain.

'Incalculable loss' _ US Rep. Tubbs Jones mourned

Tributes from political allies and even one-time enemies came pouring in for Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a trailblazer whose energy and outspokenness made her one of Congress' most dynamic leaders.

Bush calls Musharraf and Pakistan's prime minister

President Bush has expressed solidarity with Pakistan, which has been wracked by political turmoil and suicide bombings that killed dozens of people.

Bush's evolving rhetoric on US-Iraq timetables

Changes in the Bush administration's rhetoric over the past 16 months on a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq:

Campaigns vie over whether McCain is Bush clone

Barack Obama likes to say, "We can't afford to give John McCain the chance to serve out George Bush's third term."

Chicago's black politicians building own dynasties

In a city where the mayor holds the same job his father once did, politics can seem little different from the years of the legendary Democratic Machine. But the faces of political privilege - long dominated by white ethnic groups - have changed as powerful black politicians use their clout to build new dynasties.

Clinton to have own floor whips at Dem convention

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's delegates will have their own organizers on the floor of the Democratic National Convention, an unusual move at a convention that is being billed as unified.

Congress: Terror database upgrade failing

A congressional committee on Thursday asked for an investigation into a counterterrorism database software upgrade that it says is months behind schedule, millions over budget and would actually be less capable than the U.S. government terrorist tracking system it is meant to replace.

Conservatives grow wary of mixing church, politics

Social conservatives are growing more wary of church involvement in politics, joining moderates and liberals in their unease about blurring the lines between pulpit and ballot box, a new study found.

FCC proposes ban on some wireless microphones

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a ban on certain types of wireless microphones and has begun an investigation into how the industry markets its products.

Face transplant patient can smile, blink again

Transplanting faces may seem like science fiction, but doctors say the experimental surgeries could one day become routine. Two of the world's three teams that have done partial face transplants reported Friday that their techniques were surprisingly effective, though complications exist and more work is still needed.

FDA investigates possible Vytorin link to cancer

Federal drug safety regulators said Thursday they are investigating whether the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin can increase patients' risk of developing cancer.

FDA: Irradiating spinach, lettuce OK to kill germs

Consumers worried about salad safety may soon be able to buy fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce zapped with just enough radiation to kill E. coli and a few other germs.

Insurance gap leads some elderly to forgo medicine

Many people in Medicare with diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions stop taking their medicine when faced with picking up the entire cost of their prescriptions, researchers say.

Jump in US measles cases linked to vaccine fears

Measles cases in the U.S. are at the highest level in more than a decade, with nearly half of those involving children whose parents rejected vaccination, health officials reported Thursday.

Cervical cancer shots less cost-effective with age

An expensive vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer makes sense for young teens when it comes to cost-effectiveness, but not for women in their 20s, contends a new report.

New study backs angioplasty through the wrist

The best path to a clogged heart may be through the wrist. About a million artery-clearing angioplasties are performed in the United States each year, and the usual route is to thread a tube to the heart through an artery in the groin.

Stem cell advance may help transfusion supplies

Scientists say they've found an efficient way to make red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells, a possible step toward making transfusion supplies in the laboratory. The promise of a virtually limitless supply is tantalizing because of blood donor shortages and disappointments in creating blood substitutes.

Trace arsenic in water may be linked with diabetes

A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes, researchers say. The study's limitations make more research necessary. And public water systems were on their way to meeting tougher U.S. arsenic standards as the data were collected.

AP: Mexican peppers posed problem before outbreak

Federal inspectors at U.S. border crossings repeatedly turned back filthy, disease-ridden shipments of peppers from Mexico in the months before a salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,400 people was finally traced to Mexican chilies.

8 Ga. Southern players suspended for Georgia game

Eight Georgia Southern players, included two projected starters, were suspended for the season opener against No. 1 Georgia for undisclosed violations of school rules.

All-Pro guard, Upshaw was craftier as union boss

Gene Upshaw was common sense writ extra large.

American loses in table tennis quarterfinals

Wang Chen of the U.S. has lost her quarterfinal match in the Olympic table tennis singles competition, bringing an end to the Americans' best showing ever in the sport.

Aussies in gold-medal game for 3rd Olympics in row

Even with one of its best players watching from the bench, Australia had more than enough to get back to another women's basketball Olympic final.

Australia beats Hungary 12-11 in bronze shootout

Goalkeeper Emma Knox blocked Rita Dravucz's penalty shot, the final one of a shootout, to give Australia a 12-11 victory over Hungary Thursday in the bronze medal match in women's Olympic water polo.

Bad day for US at softball, track _ and much more

Crystl Bustos rocked slowly from side to side, kicked away some dirt, then started rocking again. As she and her U.S. softball teammates waited to receive their silver medals - yes, silver - the slugger clearly wanted to get this over with.

BEIJING BEAT: South America, Africa lag in medals

A quick glance at the Olympic medal charts shows winners from every corner of the world. A closer look reveals two entire continents, South America and Africa, lagging far behind the others, to the consternation of their sports officials and the dismay of their fans.

Beijing police grab foreign and Chinese activists

Police descended on a group of foreign pro-Tibet activists and some disgruntled business owners from Hong Kong on Thursday, taking both groups away minutes after they displayed protest signs in central Beijing.

Big Brown to run in Monmouth Stakes

Big Brown is heading back to the grass in preparation for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Brazil wins men's beach volleyball bronze

Athens men's beach volleyball champions Ricardo and Emanuel of Brazil have added a bronze medal, beating Georgia in the third-place game.

ESPN signs digital rights deal with baseball

Major League Baseball and ESPN signed a new digital rights agreement that will allow the sports network to put baseball content on multiple platforms, including video game consoles and portable players such as iPods.

Glavine has surgery on injured left elbow

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine underwent surgery on his left elbow and shoulder Thursday and is expected be ready for spring training.

Pavano to start for Yankees on Saturday

Carl Pavano, written off by New York Yankees' fans, will return and start for the team on Saturday at Baltimore.

Take me out to the replay: MLB game could lengthen

As if major league games aren't long enough already, now there will be replay delays.

Beckett eyes Tuesday return from 'crick' in elbow

Josh Beckett remains on course to start for the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, although manager Terry Francona won't be overly disappointed if the right-hander gets pushed back again.

Ex-Yankee Irabu arrested for alleged assault

Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was arrested Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a bartender after drinking 20 mugs of beer, a police official said.

Griffey ties Sosa on home run list

White Sox slugger Ken Griffey Jr. hit career homer No. 609 against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, tying Sammy Sosa for fifth on the career list with a two-run shot against his former team.

Lohse suspended 5 games for throwing at Volquez

Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse was suspended five games Wednesday for throwing a fastball past the head of Cincinnati pitcher Edinson Volquez last weekend.

2010

Hideki Matsui returns to Yankees

The New York Yankees activated outfielder Hideki Matsui off the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Justin Christian to Triple-A on Tuesday.

Judge hands Schultz setbacks

Two more strikes against Howard Schultz in his long-shot attempt to void his sale of the former SuperSonics and undo their move to Oklahoma City.

Seattle to retain SuperSonics' banners and trophies

The championship banners and trophies from the SuperSonics' best days will be staying in Seattle. But the flat screen TV in the coaches' locker room, that's going to Oklahoma City.

Jackson to have ankle surgery after Olympics

Australian and WNBA star Lauren Jackson will undergo surgery on a nagging right ankle injury after the Olympics are over.

Owner of WNBA's Mystics unhappy with losing ways

The president of the Washington Mystics delivered a blistering assessment of her franchise Tuesday, declaring that the team hasn't "moved one ounce" in its history and that she "might as well shut down" the team if doesn't start winning.

Rockets formally announce Artest trade

Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Shaq's wife says marriage is on the mend

The wife of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal said Thursday that her marriage to the NBA star is on the mend.

Connecticut coach spends summer fighting cancer

It wasn't the way Jim Calhoun wanted to spend his summer.

Mo Williams headlines 6-player, 3-team trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting some help for LeBron James.

Hornets to play 2 preseason games in Europe

The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live.

Shock acquire McWilliams-Franklin in trade

The Detroit Shock have acquired six-time All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin from the Washington Mystics for forwards Tasha Humphrey and Shay Murphy and a 2009 second-round draft pick.

NFLPA head Gene Upshaw dies of cancer at age 63

Gene Upshaw, a towering lineman on the football field who went on to win untold millions of dollars for NFL players as their union leader, has died at age 63.

Rams RB Jackson signs 6-year, $44 million deal

Steven Jackson signed a six-year, $44 million contract, ended a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.

Redskins' Rogers, McIntosh return from injuries

They were two Washington Redskins defensive starters with wrecked knees, spending long days together in rehab in the offseason. They supported each other and pushed each other, yet they were also subtly trying to beat each other in the race back to football health.

Bengals players hoping Chris Henry avoids trouble

Chris Henry's return hasn't made much of an impact on his Cincinnati Bengals teammates, who have tried many times already to help the troubled receiver change his life. Now, they say it's entirely up to Henry to make good on his latest, unexpected chance.

Seahawks QB Hasselbeck still out with stiff back

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice again because of a stiff back on Wednesday, and he may also miss his second consecutive preseason game against San Diego.

Falcons release veteran wide receiver Joe Horn

Joe Horn, released by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday after the team couldn't trade the veteran receiver, said he is relieved he can pursue a job with another team.

Peyton Manning hopes to start Colts season opener

Peyton Manning proved Tuesday he can stand, walk and talk. Next question: Will the two-time league MVP start in the Colts' season opener?

Receiver Boldin wants Cardinals to trade him

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin asked to be traded, saying he doesn't feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Bears name Kyle Orton as opening day starting QB

Kyle Orton was selected to be the Chicago Bears starting quarterback by coach Lovie Smith on Monday. Orton won the competition with Rex Grossman for the starting job.

Bengals offense missing Chad Johnson, 2 others

Carson Palmer spent more time in the trainer's room than usual, the best gauge of where the Cincinnati Bengals' offense stands midway through the preseason.

Fire destroys Gary Nicklaus' home

A home being built for the son of Jack Nicklaus in Jupiter, Florida, has been destroyed by fire.

Fillmore wins qualifying portion of US Amateur

Robbie Fillmore, who never touched a club during two years away from golf, shot 5-under 65 on Tuesday to win the stroke-play portion of the U.S. Amateur.

Harrington hopes majors lead to increased confidence

There's little doubt Padraig Harrington's victories at the British Open and PGA Championships mark him as one of the world's best golfers.

Luke Donald has surgery, out for the year

Luke Donald has undergone surgery on his left wrist and will miss the remainder of the season, officially ending any hopes of playing on the Ryder Cup team for Europe.

Jack Nicklaus picking Team USA to win Ryder Cup

Jack Nicklaus isn't worried about Tiger Woods' absence hurting Team USA's chances of winning the Ryder Cup next month at Valhalla in Louisville.

Annika Sorenstam salutes fans but has no regrets

Huddled under an umbrella in the pouring rain, Annika Sorenstam walked up to the 18th green in the final round of her final major to take the cheers from the fans. A sign on the scoreboard said: "Annika, you will be missed."

Wie misses cut; McLachlin's 62 ties record at Reno

Michelle Wie failed in her eighth attempt to make the cut on the PGA Tour, shooting a second-round 80 at the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open Friday. Parker McLachlin tied the course record with a 62 to take the lead into the clubhouse at 14-under par.

Wie ignores critics before PGA tournament

Michelle Wie is set to play against the men on the PGA Tour again, and doesn't care that some people think it's a bad idea.

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.

Gordon on board with Islanders, leads youth charge

Scott Gordon faced a probing question in the time between accepting the job as head coach of the New York Islanders and his introductory news conference.

Hull, 2 Rangers, Granato headed to hockey Hall

Brett Hull and longtime New York Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter are members of the 2008 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Predators sign center Jerred Smithson to extension

The Nashville Predators have signed center Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.4 million contract extension through 2011.

Scotty Bowman joins Blackhawks

Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman is joining the Chicago Blackhawks as a senior adviser for hockey operations.

Red Wings re-sign F Filppula to $15M, 5-year deal

The Detroit Red Wings made a subtle move Wednesday that could prove to be a spectacular one if Valtteri Filppula lives up to his potential. Filppula signed a $15 million, five-year contract with the Red Wings that keeps a talented forward on the roster for a while.

Wild gain cap room by letting Mark Parrish go

Mark Parrish's homecoming didn't work out. The Minnesota Wild bought out the final three years of the right winger's contract on Wednesday, ending Parrish's frustrating return to his hometown market. Parrish cleared waivers and is now an unrestricted free agent.

Top NHL draft pick Stamkos signs with Lightning

Steven Stamkos can hardly wait to get started for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, already penciled in as the team's second-line center, signed a three-year, $2.625 million contract that could be worth up to $11.175 million with incentives.

Attorney: Minor league hockey player sentenced

The attorney for a minor league hockey player says his client has been sentenced to one year and one day of prison for slapping a flight attendant, head-butting a passenger and exposing himself on an American Airlines flight from Toronto to Dallas.

Bruins sign forwards St. Pierre and Thompson

The Bruins have signed restricted free agent forwards Martin St. Pierre and Nate Thompson.

Bruins buy out right wing Murray's contract

The Boston Bruins bought out the final year of veteran right-winger Glen Murray's contract Saturday.

QB Mauk appeals to NCAA again

Quarterback Ben Mauk is taking his case for another year of eligibility at Cincinnati back to the NCAA.

Bob Pruett denies involvement in NCAA violations

Former Marshall football coach Bob Pruett has denied allegations he was involved in an academic scandal or made athletes lie about a jobs program that drew NCAA sanctions in 2001.

Delle Donne released from scholarship

Connecticut has officially released Elena Delle Donne from her basketball scholarship, a move that could allow the former top-rated recruit to play at Delaware.

NCAA penalizes New Mexico for football violations

The NCAA put New Mexico's football program on three years of probation Wednesday and cut five scholarships as punishment for academic violations involving two former assistant coaches.

Indiana coach Crean signs 10-year, $23.6M contract

New Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean got the job security he wanted, signing a 10-year contract worth at least $23.6 million.

Va. Tech suspends receiver for policy violation

Virginia Tech suspended receiver Zach Luckett indefinitely Monday for a violation of team policy.

Bulldogs! Georgia is No. 1 in preseason AP poll

By the time Georgia was done demolishing Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, it was apparent the Bulldogs were well on their way to being No. 1 - to start the 2008 college football season.

Freshman Collins dies after Huntingdon's practice

Sam Collins, a freshman defensive lineman for Huntingdon College, has died following the second practice of the preseason.

SEC, CBS agree to 15-year extension

The Southeastern Conference has agreed to a 15-year contract extension with CBS Sports to broadcast football and basketball games.

2060

NASCAR hands out penalties to 7 Gibbs crew members

NASCAR's latest attempt to reel in the rule-breakers aimed at an unfamiliar target: the normally squeaky-clean Joe Gibbs Racing.

2 Penske cars damaged in transporter fire

A Team Penske transporter, carrying the primary cars for Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe to Infineon Raceway for this week's IndyCar Series race, caught fire Wednesday on Interstate 80, west of Cheyenne, Wyo.

Dixon to race in ALMS at Atlanta

Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar Series points leader Scott Dixon will team with former Indy winner Gil de Ferran in the 10-hour Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on Oct. 4.

Nationwide Series to race at Iowa Speedway

The Iowa Speedway in Newton will host a NASCAR Nationwide Series race next season.

Shuffle in Sprint Cup schedule involves 3 tracks

Three NASCAR tracks will swap dates on the 2009 Sprint Cup schedule.

Racer dies at Grattan Raceway in N. Kent County

A 72-year-old racer has died in an accident at the Grattan Raceway in northern Kent County.

Stewart hires Newman as teammate

Tony Stewart plans to build his new NASCAR team into one that can win races and championships sooner than later.

Southern 500 back at Darlington Raceway for 2009

The Southern 500 is back at Darlington Raceway. Track president Chris Browning said Wednesday the historic name will return to Darlington for next May's Sprint Cup race, restoring at least part of more than a half-century of tradition to the old country track.

Extension locks up Kanaan at AGR

Andretti Green Racing, a team that appeared to be in disarray two weeks ago, was on the same page Friday at Kentucky Speedway.

NASCAR defends firing of former official

NASCAR denied Friday that a former official, now suing for racial discrimination and sexual harassment, ever complained to her superiors about such problems.

Crow aims to upload voters with free download

Sheryl Crow wants your vote - and figures she can get it for a song.

Gwen Stefani gives birth to second child

It's Love, Angel, Music, and Baby No. 2 for Gwen Stefani, who on Thursday gave birth to a boy. Zuma Nesta Rock weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces when he was born Thursday afternoon, according to publicist Dave Tomberlin.

NYT's Carr retraces recovery in new book

When reporter David Carr began thinking about writing his life story, he found he couldn't trust his own memory.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS

HARDCOVER FICTION

Rejected by Hong Kong, Glitter arrives in Thailand

Thai police said disgraced rocker Gary Glitter agreed Thursday to leave Thailand for London, possibly ending a two-day odyssey that began when he was released from a Vietnamese prison after serving time for molesting children.

Rihanna, Pink, T.I. added as performers at VMAs

Rihanna is back for another performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, along with Pink, Paramore and T.I., who will be making his first appearance at a major awards show since his arrest right before an awards ceremony last year.

Sanjaya appears in Nationwide Insurance commercial

Former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar is pitching Nationwide Insurance. He's in a new ad that's part of the company's "Life Comes at You Fast" campaign.

Sanjaya of 'American Idol' on Nationwide's side

Former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya (san-JY'-yah) has gone from "pitchy" to pitchman.

Seinfeld to be pitchman for Microsoft

Junior Mints, Yoo-hoo, Drake's Coffee Cakes, puffy shirts: These are all things Jerry Seinfeld has endorsed - at least in his alter ego on his classic sitcom. Now, add Microsoft software.

Titanic treasures to go on display at Ga. aquarium

The brightly lit room looks like any nondescript warehouse packed with boxes and dusty shelves, but inside this plain brick building is nearly $200 million worth of treasures from the world's most famous shipwreck. The 5,500-piece collection contains almost everything recovered from the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, which has sat 2.5 miles below the surface of the Atlantic ocean since the boat sank on April 15, 1912.

Matt Damon's wife Luciana gives birth to girl

Matt Damon's wife Luciana gave birth to a baby girl Wednesday, his spokeswoman said. The baby's name is Gia Zavala Damon, spokeswoman Jennifer Allen told The Associated Press, adding: "Everyone is great and she is a healthy, beautiful baby girl."

Owner of car in accident with LaBeouf cited

A citation has been issued to the owner of a car that crashed into a pickup truck driven by Shia LaBeouf.

Report: Iranian actress banned from traveling

Iran's official news agency says authorities have banned an Iranian actress on her way to Hollywood from leaving the country.

UN-backed film to premiere at Rome film fest

A U.N.-backed movie on poverty made of eight segments by directors including Jane Campion and Wim Wenders will make its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival later this year, organizers said Wednesday.

Clooney, Pitt, Coens join Toronto festival lineup

Movies featuring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Kate Beckinsale, Edward Norton and Colin Farrell and a documentary about Paris Hilton have joined the lineup for the Toronto International Film Festival.

Moore's memoir: Being Bond was sometimes scary

It's not easy being Bond. Roger Moore, who starred in seven Bond films in the 1970s and 1980s, recounts his days as the dashing super-spy in his upcoming memoir, "My Word Is My Bond," and says things weren't always as they seemed.

Harry Potter film pulls vanishing act on EW cover

Maybe Harry Potter should have brought a note from his parents saying he would be missing school.

Producer critically injured after car hits her

Authorities say Hollywood producer and talent manager Joan Hyler was in critical condition after she was hit by a car Friday night on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.

Vader love triangle? New chemistry in 'Clone Wars'

Darth Vader: Sith lord, murderous imperialist, deadbeat dad ... dirty old man?

`Tropic Thunder' breezes to No. 1 with $25.8M

The action comedy "Tropic Thunder" grabbed the top spot at the box office with $25.8 million, knocking the Batman tale "The Dark Knight" into second-place after four weekends on top.

Dave Matthews Band sax player LeRoi Moore dies

LeRoi Moore, the versatile saxophonist whose signature staccato fused jazz and funk overtones onto the eclectic sound of the Dave Matthews Band, died Tuesday of complications from injuries he suffered in an all-terrain vehicle accident, the band said. He was 46.

Domingo returns to role of 1968 Met Opera debut

Forty seasons after making his unscheduled Metropolitan Opera debut as Maurizio in Cilea's "Adriana Lecouvreur," Placido Domingo is returning to the role.

Former GnR drummer enters not guilty plea

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler has pleaded not guilty to drug charges and will remain in rehab for at least the next month.

Glitter denied entry to Hong Kong, officials say

British glam rocker Gary Glitter was stranded at Hong Kong's airport Thursday, denied entry in a second country after being released from nearly three years in a Vietnamese prison for molesting children.

Jessica Simpson to market beer for Dallas brewer

Jessica Simpson is now selling beer. The singer and actress has signed on as spokeswoman for Stampede Light Plus, made by Dallas' Stampede Brewing Co.

Jonas Brothers notch third-biggest debut of 2008

Not only have the Jonas Brothers notched the year's third-biggest debut album, they've managed the rare feat of having two albums in the top 10 at the same time.

Memphis airport not ready to be renamed for Hayes

Officials of Memphis International Airport say they probably won't change the airport's name to honor the late singer Isaac Hayes.

Ricky Martin a father of twin boys, publicist says

There won't be much "livin' la vida loca" for Ricky Martin these days - he's now the father of twin boys. The Latin superstar had the children via a surrogate mother, and the babies were born a few weeks ago, according to a statement from his representatives.

Blue Mountain returns with new album 'Midnight'

For seminal alt-country band Blue Mountain - torn apart by divorce - breaking up was hard to do. Getting back together, it turned out, was pretty easy.

Malaysia cancels 'too sexy' Avril Lavigne concert

Malaysia on Tuesday canceled a concert by Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne, saying it may taint the Muslim-majority country's independence day celebrations after the Islamic opposition slammed her show as being "too sexy."

Why don't TV stars like to watch television?

Stage actors love theater. Film actors see movies. Musicians dig concerts by their fellow musicians. But TV performers just don't seem to catch much TV, according to an unofficial survey spanning years of interviews I've had with them.

`Desperate Housewives' stars teaming up for Emmys

The stars of "Desperate Housewives," snubbed by the Emmy nominators this time around, will get a moment in the ceremony's spotlight anyway.

Angie Harmon, Jason Sehorn expecting third child

Angie Harmon and husband Jason Sehorn are expecting their third child, Harmon's publicist confirmed Wednesday. The 36-year-old actress and 37-year-old former National Football League player were married in 2001 and have two daughters, 4-year-old Finley and 3-year-old Avery.

France bans broadcast of TV shows for babies

France's broadcast authority has banned French channels from marketing TV shows to children under 3 years old, to shield them from developmental risks it says television viewing poses at that age.

Next 'Bachelor' is 'Bachelorette' reject

If the new man looking for love on ABC's "The Bachelor" looks familiar, that's because he was rejected last season on "The Bachelorette."

Applegate calls double mastectomy a 'tough' choice

Christina Applegate is taking the long view of her battle with breast cancer - the really long view. Speaking on ABC News' "Good Morning America" in her first interview since announcing her diagnosis earlier this month, the "Samantha Who?" star said she had a double mastectomy three weeks ago. She'll undergo reconstructive surgery over the next eight months.

Bronze Fonz now an 'Ayyyy'-list celeb in Milwaukee

His hair will always be in place, he doesn't mind if you touch the leather and he's far too heavy to jump the shark. Thought Arthur Fonzarelli couldn't get any cooler? Meet the bronze Fonz.

List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for Aug. 11-17. 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.

Meet the new teams on 'The Amazing Race'

An ex-NFL player and his estranged wife, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and her actor brother, recent divorcees, a pair of Southern belles and fraternity brothers are among the 11 two-person teams hurrying for the finish line - and the $1 million grand prize - on the upcoming 13th edition of CBS' "The Amazing Race."

Olympics coverage means more ratings gold for NBC

NBC is enjoying a taste of what superstar swimmer Michael Phelps savored last week: a clean sweep.