Gates, Bloomberg pool riches to fight smoking

Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg are pooling their piles of money and pouring $375 million into a global effort to cut smoking.

Amazon shrugs off high gas prices, weak economy

Amazon.com Inc. doesn't seem to be bothered by high gas prices or the sputtering U.S. economy.

WA Lotto jackpot increases to $9.7 million

Washington's biggest lottery prize keeps on growing.

Winning lottery numbers chosen

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

DNA tests confirm wild gray wolves in Okanogan Co.

Washington state wildlife officials say genetic tests have confirmed that two animals captured last Friday in western Okanogan County are wild, gray wolves. Before releasing the wolves - a male and a lactating female - biologists fitted them with radio collars to track their movements.

WA medical school celebrates opening

A new Pacific Northwest medical school celebrated its opening Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which plans to send primary care doctors to serve in rural and low-income areas in a five-state region.

Brush fire subsides in central Washington

Fire crews fully contained a blaze that briefly threatened several dozen homes near the Columbia River, but lightning sparked new blazes Wednesday in Washington's north Cascades.

Red Sox complete sweep of Mariners, 6-3

Can't win on the road. Top sluggers are out. Soaring Yankees are next.

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.

Microsoft exec who led Yahoo buyout team to leave

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said Kevin Johnson, the executive in charge of its Windows and Web operations and an instrumental player in the company's failed $47.5 billion bid to buy Yahoo Inc., is leaving the company.

Election 2008

Obama and German leader discuss war and economics

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as climate and energy issues at Germany's chancellery Thursday, part of a tour aimed at lifting the first-term senator's international standing.

Reports of wire taps emerge in Drew Peterson case

Two friends of former police officer Drew Peterson told a newspaper he made incriminating statements during secretly taped conversations following the disappearance of his fourth wife - claims that Peterson denies.

Visa program expanded for Iraqis who worked for US

The U.S. Embassy on Thursday launched an expanded immigration program that provides 5,000 more visas each year for Iraqis who have put themselves at risk by working for the U.S. government.

Killings turn focus on San Francisco sanctuary law

The scene repeats itself daily on city streets: a driver gets stuck bumper to bumper, blocking an intersection and preventing another car from turning left.

Sri Lanka says it seizes rebel territory

Sri Lankan forces battled rebel gunmen deep inside the nation's northern jungles Thursday, killing 25 guerrilla fighters and seizing new territory, the military said. Other battles killed 25 rebels and four soldiers, the military said.

Former official: Afghan president hurting drug war

A former top U.S. counter-narcotics official alleges that President Hamid Karzai is obstructing the fight against the country's burgeoning narcotics trade.

Scientists recover complete dinosaur skeleton

Japanese and Mongolian scientists have successfully recovered the complete skeleton of a 70-million-year-old young dinosaur, a nature museum announced Thursday.

Helicopter rescues 2 Italian climbers in Pakistan

A high-altitude rescue helicopter safely plucked two stranded Italian climbers from one of the world's highest mountains on Thursday, officials said.

State highway patrols struggle with big gas bills

In big, wide-open Montana, a state trooper might have to drive more than 100 miles to answer an emergency call, and routinely puts several hundred miles on the odometer in a day.

Thailand, Cambodia to meet over disputed land

Cambodia has agreed to meet Monday with Thailand to discuss a stretch of disputed land near a historic temple, rather than take the matter to the U.N. officials from both countries said Thursday.

Kimberly-Clark 2Q profit falls 10 percent

Kimberly-Clark on Thursday said its second-quarter profit fell 10 percent, confirming pre-released results that showed it had been hurt by rising gas and distribution costs.

Southwest 2Q profit up, sales rise 11 percent

Southwest Airlines Co. earned a profit in the second quarter and beat Wall Street expectations by continuing to rely on financial deals that lowered its fuel costs.

Ford posts $8.7 billion loss on asset write-downs

Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it lost $8.67 billion in the second quarter and will retool two more North American truck and sport utility vehicle plants to build small, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Lilly 2Q earnings rise 44 pct as sales increase

Drug and medical device maker Eli Lilly & Co. posted a 44 percent increase in second-quarter earnings as sales growth was helped in part by the weaker dollar.

National City posts $1.8B loss for 2nd quarter

Regional bank National City Corp. on Thursday reported a huge loss for the second quarter, as mortgage loans soured and it took a big charge related to previous acquisitions.

Qualcomm outlook fall short of expectations

Qualcomm, the world's largest maker of chips that run cell phones, issued revised earning estimates Thursday that fall short of Wall Street targets.

Vast oil, natural gas reserves estimated in Arctic

Some 90 billion barrels of oil and nearly a third of the world's undiscovered natural gas remain untapped under an area north of the Arctic Circle, government scientists estimate, in the largest-ever survey of the area's energy potential.

Insurance tests raise questions about some pickups

The latest crash tests by the insurance industry raise safety questions about small pickups, which are drawing more interest because they get better mileage than larger trucks.

Credit Suisse profit falls 62 pct

Credit Suisse Group's profit skidded 62 percent from a year ago, but was a major improvement from the loss it posted in the first three months of this year.

E.W. Scripps 2Q profit drops 48 percent

E.W. Scripps says second-quarter profit fell 48 percent on a sharp revenue decline at its newspaper properties and costs related to splitting off its digital businesses.

AP IMPACT: Fatal MRAP accidents prompt warnings

The towering trucks that give U.S. troops the best protection against roadside bombs and enemy bullets also make them vulnerable to routine hazards like sharp turns, rutted roads and rickety bridges.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

House committee probes medically unfit truckers

It's so easy to fabricate the medical certificates required to operate commercial trucks on the nation's highways that there's almost no incentive for truckers to obtain a legitimate document, according to a congressional study.

Police call communication key to convention peace

Borrowing from a European model, Minneapolis and St. Paul police hope to quell any disruptions at this summer's Republican National Convention by exchanging cell phone numbers and offering other olive branches to demonstrators.

Motorsport boss wins lawsuit against tabloid for story alleging he attended a Nazi-themed orgy

Nearly 15K mine-resistant vehicles to be built

NUMBERS: About 7,000 of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles are in use in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least that many more are being built at a total cost of more than $22 billion.

Ambassador: al-Qaida leaving Iraq for Afghanistan

Al-Qaida's foreign fighters who have for years bedeviled Iraq are increasingly going to Afghanistan to fight instead, the Iraqi ambassador to the United States said Wednesday.

Obama tells Israel he's committed to its security

From the solemnity of a Holocaust museum to a dusty village battered by Hamas rockets, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama on Wednesday professed "an unshakable commitment to the security" of Israel, whether the threat comes from terrorists, Iran or elsewhere.

Housing bill won't solve market's problems

Cash-strapped homebuyers and borrowers facing foreclosure will get some relief from a housing bill passed by the House on Wednesday but the bill won't solve the deep-rooted ills of the U.S. housing market.

Obama's great-uncle recalls liberating Nazi camp

Charles T. Payne had his first close brush with history at the end of World War II, when his infantry division liberated Ohrdruf, a subcamp of the Nazis' Buchenwald concentration camp.

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.

FDA finds salmonella strain in jalapeno pepper

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

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

Quest: Repairing more hearts with implanted pumps

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

Health officials tout computer prescribing

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

Source: Swimmer Jessica Hardy tests positive

Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games begin.

Person familiar with test: Hardy tests positive

Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games begin.

James likely to miss exhibition against Canada

U.S. forward LeBron James likely will miss Friday's exhibition against Canada as he recovers from a mild right ankle sprain. James shot baskets on the sidelines but was held out of a scrimmage at Valley High School on Wednesday.

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.

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.

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.

Evans faces familiar scenario in Tour de France

Once again, Cadel Evans needs to make up time on a Spanish rider if he wants to win the Tour de France. Runner-up last year to Alberto Contador, the Australian is now chasing Carlos Sastre.

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.

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.

Nats' Wily Mo Pena has surgery on left shoulder

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

Astros send minor leaguer to Padres for Randy Wolf

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

Despite smuggling conviction, agent has no regrets

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

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.

OKC signs Miles to offer sheet

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

Mystics fire Rollins, make Kenlaw interim coach

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

Lakers decide to let Ronny Turiaf leave

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

Bucks sign G Tyronn Lue, F Malik Allen

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

Near retirement, Rod Smith to hold news conference

Broncos receiver Rod Smith is planning to hold a news conference Thursday amid published reports he will retire. Smith's agent, Jack Mills, confirmed the event but declined to give details.

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.

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

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

Browns sign 5 draft picks to 4-year contracts

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

Eagles coach Reid's son sentenced to drug rehab

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

Raiders sign safety Greg Wesley to 1-year contract

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

Bengals coach Lewis shuts door on Henry returning

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

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

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

Dungy hopes Manning recovers quickly from surgery

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

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

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

Wie DQ'd from State Farm over scorecard mishap

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

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

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

Harrington, wrist survive first round of Open

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

Donald to miss British Open with wrist injury

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

Shoal Creek preparing for US Junior Amateur

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

Howell, Love among first in PGA to have drug tests

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

Recovering Woods says knee was sore 10-12 years

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

Mediate makes the most of his brush with Tiger

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

Tiger has knee surgery; doctor says 'no surprises'

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Gamecocks' Spurrier says he's not going anywhere

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

UCF WR who died had condition worsened by stress

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

Notre Dame taps Indianapolis lawyer as new AD

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

Former ASU coach Snyder has cancer

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

NC State coach Lowe's son sentenced to 15 months

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

Packer out, Kellogg in as CBS lead announcer

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

Dupay makes 1st court appearance on rape charges

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

Mack returning to Tigers after announcing exit

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

Eastward, ho! NJ school joins Great West

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Lucy Liu is set to embrace her inner warrior.

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.

That Was the Week That Was

Entertainment highlights during the week of July 27-Aug. 2:

Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity birthdays for the week of July 27-Aug. 2:

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."

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.

Anderson: Reprising Scully character was 'odd'

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

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

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

Jolie and twins slip out of hospital in Nice

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

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.

Firm sues Courtney Love over Nirvana catalog sale

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

Conductor James Levine had malignant kidney growth

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

R&B singer Ashanti turns into tourism ambassador

Grammy-winning singer and Long Island native Ashanti has a new gig: tourism ambassador.

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.

FCC nearing approval of satellite radio deal

The proposed merger of the Sirius and XM satellite radio companies appeared close to final approval Wednesday, with the sole undecided member of the Federal Communications Commission poised to support the deal if the companies settle past rules violations.

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.

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

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

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

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