Vancouver WA excavation company to pay back wages

The owners of a Vancouver excavation business must pay $356,000 to compensate for unpaid overtime wages and workers' compensation premiums.

Man surrenders in WA toddler abuse case

A 23-year-old man sought on an arrest warrant in the case of an abused and abandoned toddler has turned himself in to Pierce County authorities.

Jackson's 17 lifts Storm over Monarchs

Lauren Jackson had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Seattle Storm to a 79-64 victory Tuesday night over the Sacramento Monarchs.

Duchscherer leads Oakland past Seattle

Justin Duchscherer gave a sharp reminder to anyone who thinks the Oakland Athletics have thrown in the towel in the AL West.

Seattle Sounders beat Kansas City Wizards 1-0

Chris Eylander made two saves in the penalty kick shootout, and Zach Scott converted the game-winner in the seventh round of penalty kicks, giving the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 victory Tuesday night over the Kansas City Wizards in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal game.

Man surrenders in WA toddler abuse case

A 23-year-old man sought on an arrest warrant in the case of an abused and abandoned toddler has turned himself in to Pierce County authorities.

Jackson's 17 lifts Storm over Monarchs

Lauren Jackson had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Seattle Storm to a 79-64 victory Tuesday night over the Sacramento Monarchs.

Duchscherer leads Oakland past Seattle

Justin Duchscherer faced only three batters over the minimum and threw a two-hitter to lead the Oakland Athletics to a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Duchscherer leads Oakland past Seattle

Justin Duchscherer faced only three batters over the minimum and threw a two-hitter to lead the Oakland Athletics to a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Winning lottery numbers chosen

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

Kurdish rebels kidnap German climbers

The governor of a province in eastern Turkey says Kurdish rebels have kidnapped three German climbers on Mount Ararat.

Attack outside US consulate in Turkey, 6 dead

Armed men attacked a police guardpost outside the U.S. consulate in Istanbul on Wednesday, and the ensuing clash killed three officers and three of the assailants, officials said.

Nuclear talks to focus on verification

U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill said Wednesday that six-nation talks on disarmament that open Thursday will focus on ways to verify North Korea's nuclear assets.

UN says $400M needed to feed Afghans

The United Nations and Afghanistan's government launched a $400 million food aid appeal Wednesday to help feed 4.5 million vulnerable Afghans.

French first lady: Wives, keep working

France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy says presidential wives - like any wives - should not give up their livelihoods when they marry.

Somalia: UN agency driver killed

The U.N. food agency says Somali gunmen have shot and killed one of its drivers in southern Somalia.

Man arrested after climbing up NYC skyscraper

A man scaled a portion of The New York Times' 52-story headquarters early Wednesday morning, becoming the third person to do so in a span of a few weeks, the police said.

Iran tests missiles in Persian Gulf, Hormouz

Iran test-fired nine long- and medium-range missiles Wednesday during war games that officials say are in response to U.S. and Israeli threats, state television reported.

600 raids in Europe for date-rape drug

German investigators say raids have been carried out on 600 homes in Austria, Switzerland and Germany seeking chemicals used to produce an illicit date-rape drug.

South Korean doctors eat US beef to show safe

Sitting at tables with built-in grills, leading South Korean doctors and business executives ate U.S. beef on Wednesday in a bid to dispel public health fears.

Actors union ratifies deal with Hollywood studios

The labor drama gripping Hollywood is now entering its final act after one actors group said its members ratified a new deal and the other prepared to turn down the major studios' final offer.

Milwaukee museum unveils woolly mammoth skeleton

A 14,500-year-old woolly mammoth skeleton dug up in 1994 has been unveiled at the Milwaukee Public Museum, giving locals a glimpse of perhaps the most intact specimen discovered in North America.

Slaughter begins in Calif dairy herd exposed to TB

More than 4,800 dairy cows at risk of carrying tuberculosis are being slaughtered this week in central California, where nearly 16,000 cattle in the country's largest milk-producing region have been quarantined, federal officials said.

Longer lives, less pay _ women not saving enough

Women may not earn as much as men or fly up the corporate ladder as quickly, but they get the last laugh since they live longer. Right?

Alcoa's 2Q profit sinks 24 percent on higher costs

Alcoa Inc., the world's third-largest aluminum producer, ushered in the second-quarter earnings season by posting a 24 percent earnings decline as rising production costs eroded profits, but the results still exceeded analysts' expectations.

From bull semen to bras, Iran still buys American

Nuclear weapons? No way. But there are plenty of items on Iran's shopping list the United States is more than happy to supply: cigarettes, brassieres, bull semen and more.

AP sources: Chicago Tribune to cut 80 news jobs

The Chicago Tribune plans to eliminate about 80 editorial positions - roughly 14 percent of its newsroom staff - amid parent Tribune Co.'s campaign to cut costs as revenues decline.

Dow ends up 152 on decline in oil, Bernanke talk

Wall Street finished sharply higher Tuesday as oil prices dropped for the second straight day and investors were encouraged by the possibility of more help for the ailing financial system. The Dow Jones industrials gained more than 150 points, and all the major indexes were up more than 1 percent.

Treasury market looks to stocks for direction

Treasurys edged higher Tuesday as investors had little economic data to trade on and instead focused their attention on movements in the stock market.

SEC finds credit raters had conflicts of interest

The three main credit-rating agencies failed to rein in conflicts of interest in giving high ratings to risky securities backed by subprime mortgages that later collapsed, federal regulators said Tuesday.

General says Iraqi security forces still need help

The Army three-star general who for a year led efforts to train Iraq's army and police units says progress is mixed and U.S. help is needed for the foreseeable future.

Senate to pass bill overhauling eavesdropping rules

The Senate finally is expected to pass a bill overhauling rules on secret government eavesdropping, completing a lengthy and bitter debate that pitted privacy and civil liberties concerns against the desire to prevent terrorist attacks.

Rice collects honor for role in freeing medics

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was collecting Bulgaria's highest honor on Wednesday for her help in securing Libya's release of six medics nearly a year ago. Rice played less of a public role than several other international figures in winning the medics' release, but Libya agreed to free them in part to improve its relationship with the United States.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

GOP: Don't blame manufacturers for toxic trailers

Republicans are blaming the federal government for not having standards for safe levels of formaldehyde in trailers used by Hurricane Katrina victims.

Terror profiles at issue for Mukasey

Attorney General Michael Mukasey says the Bush administration will do everything it can to make sure the government has what it needs to fight terrorists before a new president takes over.

The story of Mosul: Few jobs, lots of trouble

Five years ago this month, Paul Wolfowitz, then the Pentagon's second-ranking official, dropped in on this northern city to take its temperature. He walked the streets, chatted with locals and came to a quick conclusion: The people here had grown impatient with post-invasion chaos.

FTC considers backing off nicotine guidance

The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday that it no longer considers reliable a test for tar and nicotine used for more than 40 years and touted by the tobacco industry in marketing "light" and "low-tar" cigarettes.

McCain, Obama pitch economic plans to Hispanics

Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama sought Tuesday to send the same message to a critical constituency: They understand that Hispanics share the same economic concerns as other Americans - and they will help the whole country prosper.

Panel calls for new war powers legislation

The next time the president goes to war, Congress should be consulted and vote on whether it agrees, according to a bipartisan study group chaired by former secretaries of state James Baker III and Warren Christopher.

Dental industry gets an earful on mercury

People trust dentists with their health. Some members of Congress are more skeptical.

Fringe autism treatment could get federal study

Pressured by desperate parents, government researchers are pushing to test an unproven treatment on autistic children, a move some scientists see as an unethical experiment in voodoo medicine.

FDA calls for urgent warning on tendon risks

Drug safety officials Tuesday imposed the government's most urgent safety warning on Cipro and similar antibiotics, citing evidence that they may lead to tendon ruptures, a serious injury that can leave patients incapacitated and needing extensive surgery.

Summary Box: US plans controversial autism study

QUACK RESEARCH? The government wants to test chelation, a treatment for lead poisoning, on children with autism - even though there's no evidence it leads to improvements.

Elderly may fare worse on prostate cancer drugs

A prostate cancer study that could change how doctors treat some patients found that widely used hormone-blocking drugs did not improve survival chances for older men whose disease hadn't spread.

FDA issues warning on Cipro, similar antibiotics

Federal drug safety officials have imposed the government's most urgent warning on Cipro and similar antibiotics, citing risks that they can cause tendon ruptures, a serious injury that leaves some patients incapacitated.

Some accomplishments of athletes over 40

A look at a few of the major accomplishments over the past quarter-century by athletes who were past the age of 40:

Torn ACLs, other big injuries hit little athletes

A 14-year-old gymnast with a stress fracture in her lower back. A 12-year-old who tore his ACL in a soccer game. A 16-year-old runner with a leg stress fracture. A 15-year-old who tore his meniscus playing basketball.

Aging swimmer shows there's hope for rest of us

Dara Torres jokes that she had trouble reading the scoreboard after winning the first of two events at the Olympic swimming trials.

Cholesterol drugs recommended for some 8-year-olds

For the first time, an influential doctors group is recommending that some children as young as 8 be given cholesterol-fighting drugs to ward off future heart problems.

World champion Jana Rawlinson out of Olympics

A toe injury and related problems knocked 400-meter hurdles world champion Jana Rawlinson out of the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday, the day she officially was selected as part of her third Australian Summer Games team.

Schumacher wins Tour de France time trial

Cadel Evans knows what it feels like to lose the Tour de France by seconds. That's why, even though he did not win Tuesday's time trial, his dominance of Alejandro Valverde felt like a small victory in itself.

Tony Stewart set to be released from JGR

After 10 years and two championships, Tony Stewart appears set to end his relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing to pursue an opportunity to buy his own NASCAR team.

AP Sources: 76ers send Carney, top pick to 'Wolves

The 76ers have agreed to trade forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves, two people in the NBA told The Associated Press on Tuesday, in a deal that clears salary cap space for Philadelphia to make a stronger play for free agent Elton Brand.

AP Source: Warriors to ink Maggette to 5-year deal

The Golden State Warriors will sign high-scoring free agent Corey Maggette to a five-year contract worth around $50 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

Guerrero says he won't defend Home Run Derby title

Vladimir Guerrero will not defend his title in the Home Run Derby during All-Star week. The Los Angeles Angels slugger plans to spend the All-Star break next week with his family after he didn't make the team as a starter or reserve.

Cubs acquire pitcher Rich Harden from Athletics

One day after the Milwaukee Brewers landed an ace, the Chicago Cubs answered. Intent on ending their 100-year drought without a World Series title, the NL Central leaders acquired talented right-hander Rich Harden in a six-player deal with the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

Financier bids for majority interest in Steelers

A deal could be reached within days to sell a majority interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers to the chairman of a Pittsburgh-based investment firm, taking control of the NFL franchise away from the Rooney family.

Opt out costs A-Rod $200,000 in All-Star bonuses

Alex Rodriguez's decision to opt out of his contract last October cost him $200,000 in All-Star bonuses from the New York Yankees this year.

Lightning sign veteran forward Recchi, 2 others

Mark Recchi signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, part of a massive roster overhaul for a team with new owners and a new coach after finishing with the worst record in the NHL.

Just a scare: Tigers' Willis has knee tendinitis

Dontrelle Willis and the Detroit Tigers got good news Tuesday when a MRI revealed he has tendinitis in his right knee.

Brewers send 4 prospects to Indians for Sabathia

With one XXL-sized move, the Milwaukee Brewers hope to transform themselves from scrappy underdogs to a big, bad pitching powerhouse intent on chasing down the Chicago Cubs and making the playoffs for the first time since 1982.

Wife of Yankees Alex Rodriguez files for divorce

A tumultuous week for Alex Rodriguez, played out in tabloid headlines and carried on the whispers of a connection to Madonna, came to a head Monday when his wife filed for divorce.

Big Papi feels fine after 1st live BP session

David Ortiz strolled to his locker with a confident expression on his face. He joked - a sure sign his first batting practice on the field since being injured went well.

Red Sox hope to convert Masterson into reliever

The Red Sox optioned starting pitcher Justin Masterson to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, with plans to convert him into a relief pitcher.

Francoeur recalled after only 3 games in minors

Jeff Francoeur's stay in the minor leagues barely lasted a weekend. Francoeur, who had four hits in his third game with Double-A Mississippi on Sunday, was recalled to the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Utley, Sizemore, Hamilton set for home run derby

Home run leaders Chase Utley and Grady Sizemore, and major league RBIs leader Josh Hamilton are among the players who will be in the All-Star home run derby.

Red Sox pitcher Schilling undergoing normal rehab

Two weeks after season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said Monday he hasn't decided whether he will try to play in 2009.

Bosox, Cubs each put 7 players on All-Star rosters

Maybe Manny Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano and the rest of the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs should just play their own All-Star game.

A-Rod ties Mantle with 536th career home run

Alex Rodriguez tied Mickey Mantle for 13th place on the home run list, hitting No. 536 Sunday night in the New York Yankees' game against the Boston Red Sox.

Round 1 to Beasley: His Heat top Rose's Bulls

Michael Beasley stood in the doorway to the gym an hour before gametime, iPod in his left hand, head bobbing slightly as he chatted with new Miami Heat teammate Mario Chalmers.

Bobcats coach Larry Brown hires brother Herb

Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown hired his brother to round out his coaching staff. Herb Brown will join Jeff Capel, Phil Ford and Dave Hanners as assistants. The move Monday came a day before the Bobcats open a rookie and free agent minicamp in Las Vegas.

Report: Duhon agrees to deal with Knicks

Chris Duhon verbally agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks on Friday, the point guard and his agent told The Sporting News.

Star point guard Paul, Hornets agree to new deal

Chris Paul and the Hornets reached a contract agreement Thursday that could keep the All-Star point guard with the team for at least the next four seasons.

Reports: Arenas agrees to $111M deal with Wizards

Gilbert Arenas has agreed to re-sign with the Washington Wizards for $111 million over six years, essentially taking millions less so that his team could have more financial flexibility, two newspapers reported Thursday.

Oklahoma City gets ready to rejoin major leagues

Mayor Mick Cornett was in a conference room waiting for a meeting to get started when City Manager Jim Couch walked in and handed him a slip of paper with a single word on it: "Done."

Seattle faces challenges to bring NBA back

As the SuperSonics pack for the move to Oklahoma City, basketball fans and city officials were hopeful about the provisions of the team's departure deal that could lead to a new NBA franchise in Seattle.

Judge declares mistrial; jury deadlocks on 2 lawyers charged with diet-drug settlement fraud.

Magic sign No. 22 pick Courtney Lee

The Orlando Magic signed first-round draft pick Courtney Lee on Thursday.

Beasley catches elbow, leaves first Heat practice

Michael Beasley's first official practice with the Miami Heat ended quickly.

2nd man held in Javon Walker case in Las Vegas

A second man was arrested on charges of abducting, beating and robbing Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker in Las Vegas last month. Deshawn L. Thomas, 40, was arrested Monday in Las Vegas and held without bail at the Clark County jail, police said Tuesday.

NFL hires Pa. police chief to run stadium security

The NFL hired Pennsylvania's state police chief for a new position that will cover all aspects of stadium security from fan behavior to signal stealing.

Imprisoned Vick files for bankruptcy protection

Imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick filed for bankruptcy protection while serving time for federal dogfighting charges, saying he owes between $10 million and $50 million to creditors.

Ex-Chargers LB Foley will settle lawsuit for $5.5M

Former Chargers linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit for $5.5 million against a police officer who shot him while off-duty two years ago, ending his pro football career.

Chiefs TE Gonzalez saves man's life in restaurant

A California man says Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs kept him from choking to death. "Tony saved my life. There's no doubt," Ken Hunter, a shipping company manager, told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Huntington Beach, Calif.

Police: Former Chargers safety Terrence Kiel dies

Former Chargers safety Terrence Kiel was killed after he was thrown from a Chevy sedan he was driving, police said Saturday.

Favre considers return to NFL or does he?

Brett Favre dismissed an ESPN report that he's considering coming out of retirement as "all rumor."

Chargers' Foley settles with police officer

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a police officer who shot him off-duty two years ago and ended his pro football career.

Judge declares mistrial for former Bengal WR

A judge has declared a mistrial in the assault case of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry.

Patriots DB Andrews arrested for assault with gun

New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews was held without bail Monday after allegedly pointing a handgun at his girlfriend's head.

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.

Doctors say Woods should recover from injuries

Doctors who treat the kinds of knee and leg injuries that ended Tiger Woods' victorious season have one word for his U.S. Open victory - remarkable.

Nicklaus even more amazed at Tiger's victory

Jack Nicklaus always thought the U.S. Open was the hardest and most complete test in golf. That's what made Tiger Woods' victory even more impressive to the man whose major record Woods is trying to beat.

Knee surgery for Woods creates headache for others

Tiger Woods was must-see TV at the U.S. Open, making birdie on the final hole to force a playoff, another clutch birdie the next day to extend the playoff and winning his 14th major on what amounted to one good leg.

Hicks in lead at Open, with Woods still in it

There's only one Tiger Woods.

Study: Puttering about on golf carts has its risks

Beware: Puttering around on golf carts can be hazardous to your health.

Wild sign Owen Nolan to 2-year, $5.5 million deal

Owen Nolan, the 36-year-old power forward who spent last season with the Calgary Flames, signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.

Jagr signs with Avangard Omsk in Russian League

Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL after nearly two decades and returning to the club he joined during the 2004-05 lockout.

Sharks acquire top defenseman Boyle from Lightning

Although Dan Boyle felt betrayed when the Tampa Bay Lightning decided to trade him, the standout defenseman is feeling much better about it after landing with the San Jose Sharks.

Penguins sign goalie Fleury for $35 million

The Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a seven-year, $35 million contract, the third long-term deal inked with one of their younger players in two days.

Rangers sign Naslund, Kalinin; say goodbye to Jagr

Just as the New York Rangers ushered in the Markus Naslund era on Broadway, they turned out the lights on the Jaromir Jagr show. Naslund, the longtime Vancouver Canucks captain, agreed to terms Thursday with New York on a two-year deal worth $8 million.

Sharks sign veteran defenseman Rob Blake

Rob Blake is heading up the California coast, hoping to end his stellar NHL career with a shot at another Stanley Cup title in San Jose.

Evgeni Malkin re-signs with Penguins for 5 years

Evgeni Malkin is staying in Pittsburgh for quite some time. The Penguins signed the MVP finalist to a five-year extension worth $43.5 million on Wednesday, a deal that will keep him under contract until 2013-14. The 21-year-old forward still has one year left on his initial three-year, entry level contract.

Marian Hossa signs with champion Detroit Red Wings

Marian Hossa chose to join the Detroit Red Wings at a discount. He hopes hoisting the Stanley Cup will make it worth the sacrifice.

'Canes sign Melichar, give Pitkanen $12M contract

The Carolina Hurricanes found the physical defenseman they've been looking for, while also signing another addition to the team's blue line.

Dallas Stars sign premier agitator Sean Avery

The Dallas Stars know all about Sean Avery - his history of mouthing off to teammates as well as foes, that he's a two-time NHL leader in penalty minutes whose agitating tricks included a "bush league" stunt in the playoffs that the league quickly banned.

Lawson's court appearance delayed until August 5

North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson's traffic case has been continued for another month.

2060

Mike Brey agrees to 2-year extension at Notre Dame

Notre Dame's Mike Brey, the Big East basketball coach of the year the past two seasons, has agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the Irish through the 2014-15 season.

Game over: struggling UK basketball museum closes

The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum has shut its doors due to falling attendance and financial problems.

Fulmer, Pearl get new deals through 2014

Tennessee signed football coach Phillip Fulmer and basketball coach Bruce Pearl to new deals Wednesday that will keep them with the Volunteers through 2014.

Longtime college coach John Pont dies at 80

John Pont, who guided Indiana to its only Rose Bowl appearance 40 years ago and also coached at Northwestern, Yale and Miami of Ohio, died Tuesday. He was 80.

UCLA, Howland agree to seven-year deal

UCLA coach Ben Howland, who has guided the Bruins to the Final Four each of the past three years, agreed to a new seven-year contract with the university Tuesday.

IU president: Sampson shouldn't have been hired

Indiana University's president told the NCAA infractions committee that the hiring of ousted basketball coach Kelvin Sampson was "a risk that should not have been taken."

Groce hired as men's basketball coach at Ohio U

Ohio University has hired Ohio State assistant John Groce as its men's basketball coach.

Indiana AD to resign amid NCAA basketball probe

Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan will resign at the end of December amid new NCAA allegations that the school failed to monitor the men's basketball team.

Truex fined 150 points for failing inspection

Martin Truex's bid to make the Chase for the championship took a severe hit Tuesday when NASCAR penalized his Dale Earnhardt Inc. team 150 points for bringing an illegal car to Daytona.

Stewart looks to snap bad luck streak at Daytona

Tony Stewart had his heart broken on the last lap of the Daytona 500, when a victory in NASCAR's biggest race was snatched away from him by winner Ryan Newman.

Briscoe on Watkins Glen pole; Dixon starting 4th

Scott Dixon came into the weekend insisting it wasn't going to be easy to make it four straight IndyCar victories at Watkins Glen International.

Martin joins Hendrick, replacing Mears next year

Mark Martin will make one final effort to win the NASCAR championship that's eluded him the past 26 years by driving for storied Hendrick Motorsports next season.

Champ retains NYC hot-dog eating title in overtime

Joey Chestnut achieved frankfurter immortality Friday, outdueling his celebrated Japanese rival in an epic hot-dog eating contest that pushed both of the gluttonous gladiators to the brink.

DEI sweeps front row at Daytona

Although Dale Earnhardt Inc. might not be a championship contender, it showed Friday it still can be a force at Daytona International Speedway.

Randy Moss buys 50 percent of truck team

Troy Aikman. Terry Bradshaw. Tim Brown. Julius Erving. Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Jim Kelly. Mark Rypien. Roger Staubach.

NHRA changing priorities in wake of tragedy

The death of Scott Kalitta has shaken up the NHRA and sent the organization, its owners and drivers back to the drawing board on safety issues.

Formula One urges changes to cut costs

Formula One wants to cut team budgets in half and improve fuel efficiency by 2011 to improve racing.

Coulthard announces retirement

David Coulthard has announced he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

Psychiatrist at trial sides with Christie Brinkley

A court-appointed psychiatrist took the stand at Christie Brinkley's divorce trial and added a dispassionate, but intimate viewpoint to a case piled high with dirty laundry.

Celebrity foreclosures show extent of housing woes

Tabloid magazines like to reassure us that celebrities are just like us - they go grocery shopping, take their dogs for a stroll around the neighborhood, even pump their own gas.

Matthew McConaughey, girlfriend welcome baby boy

Matthew McConaughey's longtime model girlfriend, Camila Alves, has given birth to the couple's first child, a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy.

Kidman birth adds to Nashville's image as oasis

Nicole Kidman has described Nashville as a quiet escape, a nice place to raise a garden or grab coffee without photographers in tow.

Nielsen: TV viewing up overall, but not last week

You wouldn't necessarily know it from last week, but Nielsen Media Research says TV viewership is on the rise.

TV One to offer extensive Obama coverage

TV One, the cable network aimed at African-American viewers, will cover Barack Obama's nominating convention but is ignoring John McCain's.

Psychiatrist: Brinkley should weigh choice of men

A court-appointed psychiatrist sized up Christie Brinkley's ill-fated fourth marriage Tuesday, saying the model needs to examine her taste in men and her cheating husband is a narcissist with a bottomless ego.

Leonard Cohen returns to Montreux stage

Leonard Cohen returned to the Montreux Jazz Festival on Tuesday for his first concert here in 23 years.

Nat's back as a Peach Pit of a guy on `90210'

Joe E. Tata is cooking again in the role of Peach Pit diner owner Nat for the new incarnation of "Beverly Hills 90210."

Report: CBS News' Logan talks about her baby drama

Lara Logan, the chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News, tells The Washington Post she is pregnant, and the father is a married federal contractor whom she met while stationed in Iraq.

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long end relationship

Justin Long and Drew Barrymore have ended their romance, the actor's publicist said Tuesday.

Kidman, Urban pick Sunday Rose for newborn girl

As with most new parents, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban might have difficulty telling what day it is.

Smith rules holiday with $62M `Hancock' debut

Will Smith owned the Fourth of July again at the box office.

'Hancock' grabs heroic $107.3M over long weekend

Will Smith's box-office superpowers remain intact. Smith's "Hancock" - the story of a boozing, foul-mouthed superhero who dresses like a street bum - led the Fourth of July weekend with a $66 million debut, according to studio estimates Sunday.

How's `Hancock' stack up among movie twists?

A Will Smith movie packs in millions of people over Fourth of July weekend. No surprises there.

Lost scenes shown from sci-fi classic 'Metropolis'

Lost scenes from the sci-fi classic "Metropolis," recently discovered in the archives of a Buenos Aires museum, were shown to journalists for the first time in decades on Thursday.

Brangelina twins will always have Nice

They'll always have Nice.

French and tourists seem indifferent to Brangelina

Partially eclipsed by the glitterati of Cannes and the royal glare of Monaco, Nice is a place where even the brightest stars - like Brangelina - are greeted by little more than indifference.

Spielberg group gives $1M to Pa. Jewish museum

A foundation created by Steven Spielberg is giving $1 million to the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Will Smith's kids see `daddy being mean' in film

Will Smith usually plays the hero in his summer blockbusters. But in "Hancock," he drinks, swears, mouths off - and goes to prison.

LA prosecutors charge Nate Dogg with stalking

Prosecutors have filed felony charges against Nate Dogg, who authorities suspect threatened and stalked his wife.

Fertile country: Babies linked to Colo. festival

The effects of an annual music festival in Grand Junction, Colo., may appear months after the last act plays - nine months, to be precise.

Paulson: Many of today's high number of home foreclosures are not preventable.

Original Village People policeman in hospital

Former Village People lead singer Victor Willis is recovering from vocal cord surgery and has postponed his tour.

Conductor James Levine to have kidney removed

James Levine will have a kidney removed in surgery this week, causing the conductor to miss the remainder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood season.

Britney Spears to film footage for Madonna tour

Madonna has recruited Britney Spears for a virtual appearance on her upcoming tour.

Scalpers ask $1,500 for free Bon Jovi concert

Bon Jovi's concert in Central Park this Saturday is free. But that isn't stopping some scalpers from selling tickets for as much as $1,500 a pair - despite a warning they cannot be resold.

Bon Jovi helps bring down a house in Detroit

Jon Bon Jovi is giving some people who are living on a prayer something a bit more substantial.

Ringo Starr celebrates 68th in Chicago

Ringo Starr celebrated his 68th birthday in Chicago giving out messages of peace and love, along with dessert.

Bon Jovi helps bring down a house in Detroit

Jon Bon Jovi is giving some people who are living on a prayer something a bit more substantial.

Top 20 prime-time shows in Nielsen ratings

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for June 30-July 6. 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.

Steve-O says sobriety won't stop stunts

Sobriety won't change some things about Steve-O - the daredevil prankster says he could still perform many of the radical stunts that made him famous.

Meet the 'Big Brother 10' cast

"Big Brother 10" is returning to its roots.

'Survivor' producer sued by ex-partner for $70M

The producer of the hit reality series "Survivor" and "The Apprentice" has been sued in Los Angeles by his former business partner.

'Big Brother 10' contestants

A look at the 13 "Big Brother 10" contestants:

Stadium speech by Obama sends networks scrambling

Barack Obama's plan to accept the Democratic presidential nomination at a Denver outdoor stadium instead of the arena in which his party's convention will be held sent the television networks scrambling Monday.

TV's 'The Bachelor' weds in California

"The Bachelor" is a bachelor no more. Andrew Firestone, star of the ABC-TV reality show, married Serbian model and actress Ivana Bozilovic Saturday, Firestone's publicist Alisha Mahon told The Associated Press.

Koppel series shows changes in China

The image of Ted Koppel interviewing world leaders is so ingrained that it feels odd to see him wearing a hardhat for a nervous trip into a Chinese coal mine, or sitting in a Chongqing karaoke bar where teenage girls are hired to "entertain" male customers.

Crikey! 'Crocodile Hunter' daughter gets own doll

The Emmy-winning daughter of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin is getting her own doll.

'Love Connection' producer Eric Lieber dies at 71

Eric Lieber, whose television production credits include the long-running dating show "Love Connection," has died. He was 71.