The Fed has auctioned $46.1 billion in Treasurys to investment firms to ease credit stresses.

EU adds document formats to its Microsoft concerns

European Union regulators said Thursday they will consider Microsoft Corp.'s promise to make its Office productivity programs work more seamlessly with competing software.

UK dean tabbed as WSU provost

University of Kentucky dean Steven L. Hoch has been selected as the new provost and executive vice president at Washington State University.

Seattle landmarks board withholds protection from Denny's

Three months after declaring a boarded-up Denny's restaurant a landmark, the city's Landmarks Preservation Board had decided it's OK to tear the building down.

New US-Canada salmon agreement proposed

The U.S. and Canada have reached a new 10-year agreement to prevent overfishing of salmon off the western coast of Canada and southeast Alaska.

Closing arguments in Seattle Jewish Federation shooting trial

Closing arguments are under way in Seattle in the trial of the man who shot up a Jewish Federation office, killing a woman and wounding five.

Teens accused of vandalizing, burning Spanaway home

Pierce County sheriffA?s deputies have arrested two 15-year-old boys suspected of vandalizing a Spanaway home with gang graffiti and setting it on fire.

Survey finds average ferry rider is 52-year-old worker

The average Washington ferry rider is a 52-year-old from a household with a median income of more than $81,000.

7-year-old bike rider hit in Aberdeen

A 7-year-old boy riding his bike at an Aberdeen apartment complex was struck by a pickup truck backing out of a space in the parking lot.

WA court: Police pat-downs can't be based on odd behavior

The state Supreme Court says weird behavior in public isn't enough reason for the police to search your pockets.

Large tornado reported on ground in Colorado

The National Weather Service says a large tornado has been spotted on the ground three miles east of Milliken and 45 miles north of Denver.

400 jurors could be screened for Simpson trial

Court officials preparing for O.J. Simpson's armed robbery trial say lengthy questionnaires will be given to a jury pool that could number 400 or more.

Delta flight returns to Memphis for smoke alert

Condensation coming off a freshly washed airplane engine forced a Delta commuter flight to return to the Memphis airport Thursday, operator Pinnacle Airlines said.

Drug suspects arrested near Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

At least two dozen people were arrested on drug charges in a sting operation that uncovered evidence of drug sales at Fort Leonard Wood, authorities said.

Gazans poor relations as investors meet

Gaza's business people were the poor relations at a Palestinian investors' conference on Thursday, chasing backers but struggling to find any willing to risk their capital before a yearlong blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory is lifted.

California is rewriting its marriage forms for gays

You have to figure "bride" and "groom" are out.

High gas prices force cops to walk the beat more

With gasoline climbing toward $4 a gallon, police officers around the country are losing the right to take their patrol cars home and are being forced to double up in cruisers and walk the beat more.

Chinese eager to adopt quake orphans

The children's faces stare in somber black-and-white photos from newspapers and scribbled posters at relief camps, seeking their parents. Many will never find them.

Atlanta-area school evacuated after gas leak

Hundreds of students at an Atlanta-area middle school have been evacuated because of a gas leak.

Marine jailed for refusing to testify to grand jury

A Marine accused of killing of an unarmed detainee in Fallujah, Iraq, is in jail because he refused to testify against a comrade.

Fed auctions $46.1b in Treasurys to ease credit stresses

The Federal Reserve has auctioned $46.1 billion in safe Treasury securities to investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to ease credit stresses.

When economy revives, how will we know?

With any luck, the second half of this year will be better than the so-far rocky first half. The Federal Reserve chief hopes that is the case. So does President Bush.

Sugar falls to 5-month low on oversupply concerns

Sugar prices sank to a five-month low Thursday as a higher output from top producer Brazil helped push world supply beyond demand estimates.

IEA worried over oil supply

A leading global energy monitor said Thursday it is worried that demand for oil will outstrip world supply and is preparing a landmark revision of its closely watched forecasts.

Bodman rejects releasing government oil

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman on Thursday rejected a call by some members of Congress to release oil from the government's emergency stockpile, saying oil is needed to respond to future supply emergencies and not to influence prices.

NASA sets Oct. 8 date for shuttle's Hubble mission

NASA's final visit to the Hubble Space Telescope is now set for Oct. 8.

Gov't home price index posts largest drop in 17-year history

A home-price index considered to be the most comprehensive reading of the U.S. market posted the sharpest quarterly decline in its 17-year history, and analysts say housing has yet to bottom out.

Treasurys fall due to ongoing inflation worries

Treasury prices fell Thursday, particularly for long-term bonds, a day after the Federal Reserve indicated rising inflation will likely prevent it from lowering interest rates again.

Barnes & Noble loss widens, weighing Borders bid

Barnes & Noble Inc. appears to be getting more serious about buying chief rival Borders Group Inc., confirming Thursday that it put together a management team to study the "feasibility" of a combination.

Hormel 2Q rises on lower costs, maintains outlook

Hormel Foods said second-quarter profits rose 14 percent, helped by falling pork prices and strong Spam sales.

House subpoenas Karl Rove in Justice Dept. probe

The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed former White House adviser Karl Rove as part of its inquiry into whether the Bush administration politically meddled at the Justice Department.

Obama's outreach to US foes is questionable

Barack Obama's willingness to meet Iranian, Cuban and other hostile leaders who would not get face time from John McCain stands as a distinctive element of his foreign policy.

No mid-air bed swaps for Rice, Miliband

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband says he, unlike one of his predecessors, would never stoop so low as to take a lady's bed and force her to sleep in an airplane aisle.

US, Britain warn of new sanctions

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Thursday stepped up warnings to Iran to come clean about its nuclear programs soon or face new sanctions.

Highlights of Senate Iraq war funding bill

Highlights of a Senate bill passed Thursday to pay for military and diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into next spring. Key provisions would:

House passes farm bill again after printing error

Democrats moved forward with plans to override President Bush's veto of a $290 billion farm bill Thursday despite a printing error that has turned a triumphant political victory into a vexing embarrassment.

Foot-and-mouth plan used flawed study

One of the nation's oldest farm groups says a proposed foot-and-mouth disease research laboratory on the U.S. mainland, near livestock, could be an inviting terrorist target. Commercial livestock representatives insisted that a move from an island laboratory to sites near animals would be safe.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

HUD nominee promises to work hard

The man President Bush chose to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development assured senators Thursday that he'll use his limited time there to help solve the housing crisis.

Cuban American National Foundation to hear Obama

The Cuban American National Foundation, once the foremost voice representing the Cuban exile cause in Washington, is hosting a speech Friday by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in a bold move to recapture the group's prominence.

Health officials get tool to monitor drug safety

Federal health officials are getting new authority to mine prescription drug usage by millions of participants in the Medicare drug program to look for safety problems with medicines and medical devices after they hit the market.

Common virus blamed for 5 infant deaths, CDC says

A common virus traditionally viewed as mild killed at least five U.S. infants last year, government health officials said Thursday.

Bangladesh reports 1st human case of H5N1 bird flu

Bangladesh's Health Ministry says the nation's first human case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu has been detected.

Researchers say smokers tend to quit in groups

The urge to smoke is contagious, but quitting apparently is, too. A team of researchers who showed that obesity can spread person-to-person has found a similar pattern with smoking cessation: A smoker is more likely to kick the habit if a spouse, friend, co-worker or sibling did.

Merck ends study of cholesterol drug

Merck & Co. has halted a study of an experimental drug it had touted as key to energizing its sagging cholesterol franchise, barely three weeks after U.S. regulators refused to allow sales of the drug.

Problems rare but more likely in teen blood donors

Complications from donating blood are rare but happen more often in teens than in older donors, including dizziness, fainting and falls, a study found.

Those with rare diseases offered a chance for free treatment

They're the cold cases of medicine, patients with diseases so rare and mysterious that they've eluded diagnosis for years.

CDC: Syringe reuse linked to hepatitis C outbreak

A hepatitis C outbreak was caused by workers improperly reusing syringes and medicine vials at a Las Vegas clinic, federal health officials said Friday.

CDC: Syringe reuse linked to hepatitis C outbreak

A hepatitis C outbreak was caused by workers improperly reusing syringes and medicine vials at a Las Vegas clinic, federal health officials said Friday.

Survival of quake victims depends on many factors

A nurse survived eight days in the wreckage of a Turkish hospital destroyed by an earthquake in 1992. A newborn was rescued after more than a week in the rubble of Mexico City's 1985 quake. Now, in China, rescuers are pulling out victims days after they were buried by a powerful earthquake.

Sprinter Antonio Pettigrew admits doping

Olympic gold-medal sprinter Antonio Pettigrew on Thursday for the first time admitted taking performance-enhancing substances during a long, successful track career in which he passed all drugs tests.

Group tries last-ditch attempt to save Bay Meadows

A group is suing the city of San Mateo in a last-ditch effort to delay the bulldozing of Bay Meadows Race Track to make way for an 84-acre development.

Double-amputee sprinter Pistorius declines invitation to run

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius declined an invitation to run the 400-meter race at Berlin's ISTAF Golden League meet, saying he wasn't ready to face the world's elite.

Big Brown arrives at Belmont for Triple Crown try

The street sweepers rolled past the stables at Belmont Park more than an hour before Big Brown arrived, as workers hurried to finish painting his new home at Barn 2.

Big Brown wins Preakness; poised for Triple Crown

Not once but twice, jockey Kent Desormeaux sneaked a peek to see if anyone was gaining on Big Brown. "I looked between my legs, under my arms, and they were eight (lengths) behind me," Desormeaux said. "I stopped pushing. I said, `That's enough.'"

No whip necessary: Desormeaux handles Big Brown with ease

A little before boarding Big Brown for the Preakness, Kent Desormeaux doubled back to the jockeys' room. Realized he had to go grab a piece of missing equipment: his whip.

Family of boy hit by baseball holds onto hope

She wraps her arms around her son, gently raising the spindly 14-year-old boy off a couch to his feet. She hugs him and rubs his back, whispering "I love you" over and over.

Amputee runner wins right to try for Olympic spot

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius won his appeal Friday and can compete for a place in the Beijing Olympics.

Olympian Montgomery gets 46 months for check fraud

Olympian Tim Montgomery had everything he ever wanted. Once known as the "world's fastest man," Montgomery won a silver medal in the 400 relay at the 1996 Olympics and gold in the same event in 2000. In 2002, he set a record of 9.78 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

Eight Belles tests negative for steroids

A steroids test for filly Eight Belles has come back negative.

Man dies after fall during game at Turner Field

Alcohol was a factor in the death of a 25-year-old man who fell down a stairwell at Turner Field during the game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.

Colon makes successful return for Red Sox

Bartolo Colon felt as if it were 11 years ago and he was on the mound at Fenway Park.

Mets' Randolph apologizes for creating distraction

New York Mets manager Willie Randolph issued an apology Wednesday to team ownership, the club's TV network and his players "for the unnecessary distraction" he created by suggesting he was portrayed in a different manner than white managers.

Chacon finally wins, Webb finally loses

Brandon Webb was halfway through May and hadn't lost a game before Wednesday night. So was Shawn Chacon, in an entirely different way.

Young and Bard of Padres leave game with injuries

San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young and catcher Josh Bard were knocked out of Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals by Albert Pujols within a span of two batters.

Martinez returns home to be with ailing father

Pedro Martinez returned to the Dominican Republic to be with his sick father on Wednesday, delaying plans to test his ailing hamstring.

Jeter in Yankees' lineup; Wang has calf strain

Derek Jeter was in the New York Yankees' lineup Wednesday against Baltimore, one night after getting hit on the left hand by a pitch.

Tigers' Willis coming back, but not to rotation

The Tigers recalled pitcher Dontrelle Willis shortly before their game against Seattle on Wednesday night and placed reliever Clay Rapada on the 15-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis.

Jeter leaves game after being hit on hand by pitch

Derek Jeter was hit on his left hand by a pitch Tuesday night, forcing him out of the Yankees' game against Baltimore, and the teams nearly came to blows when New York tried to retaliate three innings later.

Mike Piazza decides to retire after 16 seasons

Mike Piazza is retiring from baseball following a 16-season career in which he became one of the top-hitting catchers in history.

Celtics, Pistons to play Game 2 of NBA East finals

The Celtics and Pistons play Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals this evening in Boston. The home team won Tuesday's opener in Beantown, 88-79.

Andrew Bynum undergoes knee surgery in New York

Center Andrew Bynum underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday in New York, and the Los Angeles Lakers said they expect him to make a full recovery by the start of training camp next fall.

Scott expects to return as Hornets coach

NBA coach of the year Byron Scott, who has the right to buy out the remainder of his contract and go to the highest bidder next season, showed little interest in leaving the Hornets on Wednesday.

Spurs, Lakers renew their postseason rivalry

The Spurs-Lakers rivalry has been on hiatus since 2004 for one simple reason: The Lakers haven't been very good. They are now. So the NBA's dominant teams of the past decade meet again starting tonight, with the winner taking a giant step toward another possible championship.

Chicago Bulls win No. 1 pick in NBA draft lottery

Suddenly, a coaching search isn't the only big decision facing the Chicago Bulls.

Nuggets coach Karl has hip replacement surgery

The Denver Nuggets say coach George Karl has undergone left hip replacement surgery. The team says the operation Tuesday lasted two hours. Karl is expected to resume walking without a cane in a week to 10 days.

Vegas casino says Barkley has paid $400,000 debt

Former NBA star Charles Barkley has retired his debt to a Las Vegas Strip casino that sued him after he failed to pay $400,000 in gambling loans. But the civil lawsuit remains open, and it's going to cost Sir Charles $40,000 more to get out of the legal doghouse.

Spurs' flight home delayed out of New Orleans

The San Antonio Spurs' departure from New Orleans after winning Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals was delayed several hours after their plane had mechanical problems, the team said Tuesday.

Ex-NBA ref Donaghy deserves probation, lawyers say

Disgraced basketball referee Tim Donaghy told investigators in the NBA betting probe that relationships among officials, coaches and players "affected the outcome of games," his attorney said. The league said the charges were unfounded.

Utah forward Millsap tore thumb ligament

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap will have surgery Thursday to repair his left thumb, which was injured during the Western Conference semifinals.

Ties between Dolphins, Jason Taylor all but severed

The feud between Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells intensified Wednesday, making it likely the six-time Pro Bowl defensive end has played his last game for the Miami Dolphins.

Charles Grant still training with Saints

Charles Grant participated in an offseason training session at the New Orleans Saints' suburban headquarters Wednesday, a day after being indicted by a grand jury in Georgia on an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Falcons sign QB Matt Ryan to 6-year, $72M contract

For the second time in eight years, the Atlanta Falcons opened the vault and dropped a ton of cash on a franchise quarterback.

Owners vote to give Indianapolis 2012 Super Bowl

Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl on Tuesday, the fourth time a cold-weather city will host the NFL's championship game.

NFL owners vote to opt out of labor agreement

The NFL and its players' union are on the clock. As it counts down, the games will go on. To nobody's surprise, owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the union in 2011, opting out of a deal that could have gone through 2013.

Cowboys sign RB Barber, CB Newman through 2014

The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions Tuesday, just in time to beat a deadline that would've changed how the money is spread over the salary cap.

Bengals release troubled linebacker Odell Thurman

Less than a month after the NFL reinstated Odell Thurman from his two-year suspension, the troubled linebacker is out of a job.

Patriots' Belichick says Walsh isn't credible

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lashed out at the team's former video assistant Friday, saying in a televised interview that Matt Walsh was a low-level staffer who was fired for "poor job performance." "There's not a lot of credibility," Belichick said in an interview broadcast on "CBS Evening News."

Report: NFL investigators meet with steroids dealer

NFL investigators have met with a convicted steroids dealer, who has said he provided performance-enhancing drugs to professional football players, according to a newspaper report.

Boston Herald reporter expresses regret over Spygate story

The Boston Herald sports writer who reported the New England Patriots taped a pre-Super Bowl walkthrough by the St. Louis Rams in 2002 said he will regret the erroneous story for the rest of his life.

Tiger Woods plans to play Buick Open, host clinic

Tiger Woods intends to play in the Buick Open and will host a golf clinic at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 24, two days before the tournament begins. Buick golf marketing manager Larry Peck announced Woods' participation during a news conference Monday.

Sorenstam to make this her last year on LPGA Tour

Annika Sorenstam ignored her notes and spoke from the heart. One of golf's greatest players was leaving the game, and she handled her retirement announcement the way she would a 10-foot birdie putt with a tournament on the line. With command and composure.

Tiger's rehab going well; hopes to play in 2 weeks

Tiger Woods is chipping and putting again, and he hopes to play in the Memorial in two weeks. But even if he can't compete until the U.S. Open, he doesn't expect the same result as his last layoff during a season.

Wie won't take part in Sorenstam's Ginn Tribute

Don't look for Michelle Wie at this year's Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam. Wie did not seek an exemption into the event she played a year ago, the tournament said.

Veterans top leaderboard at Players

Kenny Perry, Bernhard Langer and Paul Goydos aren't quite ready to switch to shuffleboard.

Masters champ Trevor Immelman withdraws due to illness

Masters champion Trevor Immelman withdrew Thursday morning from The Players Championship because of an illness, leaving the PGA Tour's flagship event without the last two major champions.

Creamer wins SemGroup playoff to end Ochoa's win streak at 4

Paula Creamer blew another lead late in the final round and found herself in another playoff. Instead of getting nervous, she got mad at herself.

Tiger Woods leaves no timetable for return from knee surgery

Tiger Woods is no longer on crutches since surgery last week on his left knee, but he said Friday in his monthly newsletter that he does not know when he will return.

Woods to miss at least 4 weeks after undergoing knee surgery

The U.S. Open figured to be the closest to a sure thing for Tiger Woods in the majors this year, but maybe not anymore. Two days after his quest for a Grand Slam fizzled at the Masters, Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee for the second time in five years and will miss at least four weeks while he recovers.

Granato returns as Avalanche head coach

Tony Granato returned as coach of the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, four years after he was demoted from the job.

Jeremy Roenick agrees to return to Sharks

Jeremy Roenick agreed to a one-year contract Wednesday to return to the San Jose Sharks after his revitalizing comeback season with the club.

Wings look to finally close out Stars in Game 6

The Detroit Red Wings aren't really going to blow this - are they? Just a few days ago, the Red Wings were still in a span of being undefeated for almost a month, owning the NHL's longest postseason winning streak in 15 years and doing it with flair.

Penguins can close out desperate Flyers

If the Pittsburgh Penguins don't realize the enviable position they're in, the large NHL standings board in the middle of their dressing room should tell them.

Western Conference final: Red Wings lead Stars 3-1

The Detroit Red Wings sound as if the Western Conference finals have lasted long enough.

Laviolette to return to Carolina bench next season

The Carolina Hurricanes know their coach will be back next season. They're still waiting to find out whether two of their aging defensemen will join him.

GM Martin reaches deal with Panthers

Jacques Martin has reached an agreement to remain with the Florida Panthers as general manager through the 2011-12 season, the team said Friday.

Flyers defensemen Timonen and Coburn close to return

Not only did the Philadelphia Flyers stay alive Thursday night, they got good news on the status of injured defensemen Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn.

Penguins defense carrying club through playoffs

A little more than two years ago, coach Michel Therrien - 11 games into his tenure behind the Pittsburgh Penguins bench - ripped his club for its evident indifference to defense.

Red Wings' Franzen to miss Game 5

NHL playoff goal-scoring leader Johan Franzen will miss his fourth straight game when the Red Wings face Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals Saturday.

Online tickets available for women's Final Four

The NCAA women's Final Four returns to St. Louis next year, and ticket applications are now available online.

FSU president: College football playoff inevitable

Here's a ray of hope for college football fans bummed by the recent rejection of the plus-one model to determine a national champion.

Penn St.'s Paterno treated, released from hospital

Penn State coach Joe Paterno spent several hours at a hospital being treated for dehydration before returning home late Thursday.

Indiana gives Dakich $185,000 settlement

Indiana University has reached a settlement with former interim coach Dan Dakich, paying him the $185,000 he was scheduled to earn next school year.

NCAA president has 'new information' on USC's Mayo

Saying the NCAA has "new information," president Myles Brand promised to investigate former Southern California basketball star O.J. Mayo, who allegedly received thousands of dollars in gifts from money given to an event promoter by a sports agency.

Agency representing Mayo denies illegal activity

The head of the sports agency representing O.J. Mayo denied any illegal activity involving the Southern California star on Monday, a day after ESPN reported Bill Duffy Associates gave cash to an event promoter who provided gifts.

IU responds to allegations of NCAA recruiting violations

Indiana University told the NCAA on Monday that its own self-imposed penalties should be enough to keep the organization from having to punish the school for improper phone calls made by Kelvin Sampson before he resigned as basketball coach.

Florida football player shot in the shoulder

A University of Florida football player is recovering after being shot in the shoulder while at a Tampa area-park.

How some colleges view using Web cams to recruit

A look at some major colleges football programs' takes on the new technique of head coaches using Web cams to talk to recruits, which is allowed by the NCAA:

Web cams new tool in college football recruiting

Nick Saban normally spends this time of year on the road evaluating prep prospects and visiting with high school coaches.

Lowe's Motor Speedway chief Humpy Wheeler retiring

Humpy Wheeler announced his retirement as president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway on Wednesday, ending a 33-year career as one of NASCAR's top promoters.

Briscoe and 2 rookies crash in Indy 500 practice

Ryan Briscoe, a front-row qualifier last week, crashed hard in the second turn but was uninjured during practice Friday for the Indianapolis 500.

Rookie driver Viso crashes in Indy 500 practice

Rookie driver E.J. Viso has crashed during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Injured Indy 500 crewman released from hospital

Charles Buckman, a crewman for Dale Coyne Racing, has been released from Methodist Hospital four days after being struck by Danica Patrick's race car during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Ganassi's gamble pays off with Scott Dixon on Indy 500 pole

Strategy was almost as important as speed Saturday as Scott Dixon won the pole for the Indianapolis 500 with a big gamble by his Target Chip Ganassi Racing team.

Danica Patrick bumped off, falls short of Indy 500 pole

Danica Patrick watched contentedly from Indianapolis' pit wall as the first day of qualifying ended. With fans shouting her name and crew members hustling to put away her equipment, Patrick shook her head and reflected on the opportunity that had just slipped away - winning the Indy 500 pole.

Rookie Alex Lloyd crashes during practice for Indy 500

Rookie driver Alex Lloyd didn't break any bones in a hard crash during practice for the Indianapolis 500 that left him hospitalized.

NASCAR claims electrical fire caused fatal plane crash

NASCAR officials claim an electrical fire caused a fatal plane crash near Orlando last year that killed two aboard the aircraft and three on the ground, but federal investigators do not necessarily agree with that claim.

Dale Jr.: Busch has "Intimidator's style

Kyle Busch just might have a little "Intimidator" in him.

Oldest league bowler dies at 106

By the time Bill Hargrove was recognized last year as the nation's oldest league bowler, his eyesight had deteriorated so much he could hardly see the pins.

Daughter of Christian music star killed by car

The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.

That Was the Week That Was

Entertainment highlights during the week of May 25-31:

Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 25-31:

Ex-boy soldier back in Sierra Leone

Author Ishmael Beah disputed reports that his best-selling 2007 memoir about serving as a child soldier in Sierra Leone contained inconsistencies.

Chicago production of 'Wicked' to close January 2009

The hugely successful Chicago production of the Broadway hit "Wicked" is closing in January 2009, after three and a half years of performances.

Stolen Munch masterpieces on display in Norway

Edvard Munch's masterpiece "The Scream" goes back on display this week for the first time since it was stolen four years ago but has suffered permanent damage, museum officials said Wednesday.

Fotog assault conviction against Mills is reversed

A photographer convicted of assaulting Heather Mills won an appeal Tuesday because Mills didn't attend a court hearing.

Met director Montebello to teach at NYU

Philippe de Montebello, who is retiring as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will teach at New York University's Institute of Fine Arts.

David McCullough urges BC grads to speak properly

Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCullough has a suggestion for what young people can do for their country.

Beatlemania comes to Chelsea Flower Show

Beatlemania erupted at London's Chelsea Flower Show on Monday as Ringo Starr rolled up in a gaudily painted Mini to join George Harrison's widow for the opening of a garden inspired by the "quiet Beatle."

Soderbergh challenges Cannes with epic Che tale

Unless it is one of his "Ocean's Eleven" casino romps, Steven Soderbergh never makes things easy for an audience.

Garner, Affleck sign up for W.Va. fundraiser

Jennifer Garner and husband Ben Affleck have signed up to help raise money for an athletic complex at her hometown university in West Virginia.

'Indiana Jones' and the computer-generated jungle

In these hallowed halls, Indiana Jones almost seems out of place.

Saudi holds first film festival

It's a far cry from the glamour of Cannes: No celebrities strutting their stuff; an all-male audience drinking coffee and juice rather than champagne; and if any female spectators showed up - well, no one knew. They came in through a back entrance into a separate hall, off-limits to the male organizers.

Snipes seeks bond as he appeals tax convictions

Wesley Snipes must surrender to prison authorities June 3 if he isn't granted bail to appeal three federal tax convictions, defense lawyers said in a court filing.

Spike Lee at online film festival

You don't need to be a member of the Cannes Film Festival jury to have a say in what movies deserve awards. All it takes is an Internet connection and an opinion.

Yoko Ono tries to block use of `Imagine' in film

Yoko Ono wants a judge to imagine a movie challenging the theory of evolution - but without John Lennon's song "Imagine" in it.

Spielberg given honor for Holocaust, Darfur work

Steven Spielberg is now an officer in the French Legion of Honor.

Lee: Eastwood omitted black troops in WWII films

Spike Lee is slamming Clint Eastwood over his two recent Iwo Jima movies, saying the filmmaker overlooked the role of black soldiers during World War II.

Jessica Alba marries Cash Warren

Sorry, guys. Jessica Alba's "taken" status is legal.

4 witnesses ID alleged victim in R. Kelly trial

Prosecutors trying to prove that a woman appeared in a sex tape with R. Kelly when she was underage - over her protestations that she didn't - have turned to one of her childhood friends, the friend's father and two relatives.

Grammys coming to Staples Feb. 8

Music lovers, mark your calendars. The 51st annual Grammy Awards will be held at Staples Center on Feb. 8, 2009 and broadcast live on CBS.

Pink Floyd, Renee Fleming win Polar Music Prize

Pink Floyd and soprano Renee Fleming were named winners of the 2008 Polar Music Prize on Wednesday for their contributions to their musical genres.

Amy Winehouse to perform at Glastonbury music fest

Amy Winehouse will perform at this summer's Glastonbury Festival.

Boy band creator sentenced to 25 years in prison

Lou Pearlman, the man who created the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in federal prison for engineering a decades-long scam that bilked thousands of investors out of their life savings.

Photographer's images capture heady days of jazz

Herb Snitzer's photography from a half-century ago shows there's more than one way to record a jazz musician.

Sausage king gives $1M to Texas college

Sausage king Jimmy Dean donated $1 million Tuesday to Wayland Baptist University, the biggest gift ever donated by an individual to the small school.

Jermaine Jackson and his wife finalize divorce

Jermaine Jackson and his wife, Alejandra, have finalized their divorce, according to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Jackson, a former member of the Jackson 5, agreed to pay $50,000 for Alejandra Jackson's attorney fees and $50,000 for back child support payments.

House belatedly supports `Frank Sinatra Day'

House members have declared "Frank Sinatra Day," but did it their way.

Chesney sought fan support before ACM Awards

Kenny Chesney may not have wanted online voters to decide one of country music's top awards, but he still asked his fans to click for him.

How David Cook won 'American Idol'

The duel between two Davids brought an estimated 30.6 million viewers to the Fox finale of "American Idol," Nielsen Media Research reported Thursday.

Simon says 'Sorry': Cowell apologizes to Cook

Did Simon Cowell know David Cook would win? Or was he - gasp! - just being nice?

Aging star power lights up 'American Idol' finale

On a night when "American Idol" viewers were focused on two young singers named David - Cook and Archuleta - the Fox singing competition's seventh-season conclusion had plenty of appearances from a few older idols.

David Cook is 'Going to Disney World!'

David Cook is no professional athlete, but he celebrated like one after winning "American Idol" on Wednesday night.

Frenzied Utah stadium deflates in a word: 'Cook'

For fans of Utah crooner David Archuleta, the seventh season of "American Idol" was a fairy-tale ride without the fairy-tale ending.

Ferrell, Stiller presenters at MTV Movie Awards

MTV is rolling out the gold carpet - and the star power - for its 2008 Movie Awards. Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Edward Norton and Liv Tyler are among the celebrities set to serve as presenters at the June 1 ceremony, the network said Thursday.

A look at the 'Idol' winners

A look at the winners of Fox's "American Idol" and what they've been up to since taking home the prize:

Cook triumphs over Archuleta on 'American Idol'

Grown-up rocker David Cook has triumphed over smooth-voiced teen David Archuleta to become the new "American Idol."

'Dog the Bounty Hunter' producers sued in NYC

An actor who says he created the "Dog the Bounty Hunter" reality TV program has sued the show's producers for at least $5 million that he claims they owe him in royalties, salary and other compensation.

'American Idol' bests 'Dancing' in TV ratings

Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi is used to winning with a lot of people watching, and Tuesday's "Dancing With the Stars" finale was no exception.