Line of hearses carries Wash. shooting victims

A line of hearses bore the bodies of five victims of a Skagit County shooting rampage away from this town as onlookers watched from the sidewalk and wiped away tears.

Palin switched colleges multiple times in 6 years

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin seems to have switched colleges multiple times in six years, including two stints at the University of Idaho before graduating from there in 1987.

After UK crash, new rules for Boeing 777s

U.S. regulators will tell airlines to quickly make changes aimed at preventing ice from building up in fuel lines of Boeing 777s, which British investigators said Thursday probably caused one of the jets to make a jarring emergency landing last January in London.

2 Lake Stevens schools locked down

Two Lake Stevens schools have been locked down as a precaution during a police search in the area.

Amtrak ridership up in Ore., Wash.

The number of people riding Amtrak trains in Oregon and Washington has increased by 12 percent so far this year.

Authorities say Sturgis gang violence unchanged

Shootings stemming from the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in 2006 and this year were the first major violence since 1990, but outlaw biker gangs generally have been no more violent than usual, law enforcement officers say.

Bird scores 19 to lead Storm past Sky 70-62

Sue Bird scored 19 points to help the Seattle Storm clinch a playoff berth with a 70-62 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday night.

Boeing workers back strike; pact extended 2 days

Boeing Co. aircraft assembly workers voted overwhelmingly to strike for the second time in three years but union leaders agreed to hold off on the walkout for 48 hours at the request of Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and a federal mediator.

Boeing, machinists union meet with mediator

Representatives from Boeing Co. and the machinists union met with a federal mediator Thursday as the clock ticked on an unusual two-day contract extension after union production workers soundly rejected a contract offer and voted to strike.

Boeing, union in 48-hour contract overtime talks

Representatives from Boeing Co. and the Machinists union met with a federal mediator Thursday as the clock ticked on an unusual two-day contract extension after union production workers soundly rejected a contract offer and voted to strike.

Pakistan officials report suspected missile strike near Afghan border; several dead

2 students shot, wounded at Thai protest rally

Thai police warned students Friday to avoid street protests after a gunman shot and wounded two students demonstrating against the embattled prime minister, raising new fears of violence in the country's tense political crisis.

Aso announces bid to lead Japan's ruling party

Japan's brash, right-leaning former foreign minister announced Friday that he would run for ruling party president in a move that would put him on track to take over as Japan's next prime minister.

Blair to AP: West Bank downward spiral halted

Tony Blair toured a Palestinian aluminum factory Thursday and was told it runs at one-third capacity because of Israeli import restrictions. He promised he'll take it up with Israeli authorities.

Detroit mayor pleads guilty in sex scandal, quits

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was bounced from office Thursday in a deal with prosecutors that will send him to jail and put an end to the sex scandal that embarrassed this chronically struggling city and preoccupied its government for months.

Hanna heading toward US after blowing past Bahamas

Tropical Storm Hanna was accelerating early Friday as it made its way toward the United States' southeast coast.

Magazine: Russia's Putin sexy, but not that sexy

He single-handedly saved a TV crew from the jaws of a tiger. He flexed his muscles in front of the cameras in Siberia. He cuts a dash on the ski slopes.

Malaysia deploys 3 navy vessels to Gulf of Aden

Malaysia is dispatching three navy vessels to the Gulf of Aden to protect its merchant ships following a sharp surge in pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, an official said Friday.

Nuclear envoys to gather over North Korea impasse

Top nuclear envoys from South Korea, the United States and Japan were to converge in Beijing on Friday to discuss the worsening impasse over North Korea's nuclear programs as Pyongyang took steps seen as reversing its promised disarmament.

Pakistan intel officials report missile strike

Pakistani officials say an explosion has destroyed at least one house near the Afghan border, killing several suspected foreign militants.

Asian markets plunge after Wall Street sell-off

Asian stock markets plunged Friday after more bad news on the U.S. economy, a vital export market, triggered a broad sell-off on Wall Street overnight.

ESA spacecraft set for flyby of Steins asteroid

Scientists at the European Space Agency are preparing for the first fly-by of a comet by their deep-space explorer, Rosetta, on a mission to solve the mystery of the birth of the solar system.

Wet summer brings mushroom boom to Northeast

There's a mushroom boom in the wet woods of the Northeast this summer.

Oil steady in Asia ahead of OPEC meeting

Oil prices were steady Friday in Asia below $108 a barrel as investors wait to see if OPEC moves to restrict output at its meeting next week amid a two-month plunge in prices.

19-square-mile ice sheet breaks loose in Canada

A chunk of ice shelf nearly the size of Manhattan has broken away from Ellesmere Island in Canada's northern Arctic, another dramatic indication of how warmer temperatures are changing the polar frontier, scientists said Wednesday.

30-year mortgages dip slightly to 6.35 percent

Rates on 30-year mortgages fell for a third straight week, dropping to the lowest level since mid-July.

A spotlight on August same-store sales figures

WHAT HAPPENED: The nation's retailers, particularly mall-based apparel chains, reported sluggish sales for August as consumers focused on buying basics and delayed making purchases amid economic worries. Among the few bright spots were discounters such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and warehouse club operators such as Costco Wholesale Corp.

Ameritrade names new chief operations officer

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. named a new chief operating officer Thursday as the company prepares for Fred Tomczyk to become CEO next month.

Asian soot, smog may boost global warming in US

Smog, soot and other particles like the kind often seen hanging over Beijing add to global warming and may raise summer temperatures in the American heartland by three degrees in about 50 years, says a new federal science report released Thursday.

Bank of England to announce rate decision

The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates steady at 5 percent despite a looming recession when it announces its monthly decision later Thursday.

'Broken man' Abramoff gets 4 years in prison

Broken and disgraced, lobbyist Jack Abramoff will spend four years in prison for his role in a corruption scandal that upended Washington politics and contributed to the Republicans' loss of Congress in 2006.

Analysis: McCain talks unity while allies attack

John McCain preached bipartisanship and unity from a stage retooled to carry him out to the Republican faithful. He didn't have to be biting: On the previous night, his attack dogs had paved the way.

It's GOP's world; elitists just live in it

Snowmobiles are good. NASCAR is very good. Football metaphors about God are better. "Sam's Club Republicans" are the salt of the American earth. Hollywood, the media and academics are suspect at best, subversive at worst. Though not as bad as European ideas.

McCain, Obama pitted in 8-week contest of 'change'

Republican presidential nominee John McCain, buoyed by a unifying GOP convention and the spark of running mate Sarah Palin, plunged into a competitive, eight-week struggle with Democrat Barack Obama over which party can best bring change to Washington.

Palin's lawyer has already questioned 2 witnesses

So far, the lawyer for Sarah Palin, the Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate, has done a masterful job of handling a controversy known as "Troopergate."

People convicted in the Abramoff investigation

Lawmakers, lobbyists, Bush administration officials, congressional staffers and businessmen caught up in the Jack Abramoff public corruption probe:

Rice set to make history in Libya

When Condoleezza Rice spends a few hours in Libya and shakes hands with Moammar Gadhafi, she will close a nearly three-decade era of bitter animosity between the United States and the North African nation that has sometimes gotten personal.

US naval flagship to arrive in Georgian port

The U.S. Embassy says the flagship of the U.S. Navy's Mediterranean fleet is to arrive in the Georgian port of Poti on Friday.

A look at speakers for Thursday's GOP convention

Major speakers scheduled for Thursday's final session of the Republican National Convention. The GOP nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, is set deliver his acceptance speech.

Alaska's 'first dude' digs into job creation

Todd Palin - oil worker, champion snowmobiler, hunter and commercial fisherman - also has been boning up on mining lately in his role as Alaska's first spouse.

FDA orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs

The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.

Gene domino effect behind brain, pancreatic tumors

Scientists have mapped the cascade of genetic changes that turn normal cells in the brain and pancreas into two of the most lethal cancers. The result points to a new approach for fighting tumors and maybe even catching them sooner. Genes blamed for one person's brain tumor were different from the culprits for the next patient, making the puzzle of cancer genetics even more complicated.

Heart defibrillator shock can signal more trouble

A lifesaving shock from an implanted heart defibrillator provides relief that a crisis was avoided, but new research suggests it can also be a sign that more trouble is ahead.

Smoking riskier to women's hearts than men's

Women typically get heart disease much later than men, but not if they smoke, researchers said Tuesday.

Study: New way to spot breast cancer shows promise

A radioactive tracer that "lights up" cancer hiding inside dense breasts showed promise in its first big test against mammograms, revealing more tumors and giving fewer false alarms, doctors reported Wednesday.

Study: No link between measles vaccine and autism

New research further debunks any link between measles vaccine and autism, work that comes as the nation is experiencing a surge in measles cases fueled by children left unvaccinated.

Doctors say Vytorin-cancer link can't be ruled out

Results so far from three studies of the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin are not enough to prove or rule out a possible link to a higher risk of cancer, so the drug should be used with caution until more is known, editors of a leading medical journal urged Tuesday.

E. coli outbreak in Oklahoma kills 1, sickens 200

An E. coli outbreak linked to a restaurant in northeastern Oklahoma has sickened more than 200 people and killed at least one person, state health officials said Tuesday.

Modest brain test benefit seen with brisk walking

Brisk walking led to slight improvements on mental tests for older people with memory problems in what is billed as the first rigorous test of exercise on the aging brain. The results from the small Australian study were only modest. But they back up observational studies showing potential mental benefits from physical activity.

Pfizer resuming ads for Lipitor after controversy

Television ads for the world's top-selling drug, cholesterol fighter Lipitor, are back, six months after Pfizer Inc. pulled them amid charges its use of a celebrity doctor endorser who's never practiced medicine misled the public.

Ready for some (more) football games that count?

A better question than "Are you ready for some football?" on the opening week of the NFL season might be how soon you're ready for some more games that count.

6 p.m. kickoff set for game moved due to TS Hanna

Officials have set a 6 p.m. start time for Saturday's Charleston Southern-Wofford football game.

Bengals' WR Chad Johnson now Ocho Cinco

Call him Ocho Cinco on the field, too.

Bills' LB Crowell placed on IR

Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell was placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday in a surprise move that came after the player elected to have surgery on his left knee.

Browns LB Antwan Peek out for season

Around this time last year, Browns rookie linebacker Alex Hall played his season opener against Mars Hill, a tiny Baptist school in North Carolina.

California lawmaker questions LPGA language policy

A California state senator said Thursday that he's seeking a legal opinion to determine whether the LPGA Tour's language requirement for players violates state or federal law.

Colts' Saturday passes on knee surgery

Despite a torn ligament in his right knee, Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday is not planning on surgery anytime soon.

Cubs ace Zambrano gets shot for tendinitis

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has right rotator cuff tendinitis and inflammation, an MRI confirmed Thursday, a potential obstacle to Chicago's chances of winning the World Series for the first time in a century.

Curlin's next start will be in New York

Curlin will get his chance to become thoroughbred racing's richest horse later this month in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in New York.

Delaware State 35, Florida A&M 28, OT

Quarterback Vashon Winton ran for four touchdowns, including a six-yarder for the game-winner in overtime, as Delaware State edged Florida A&M 35-28 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football Thursday night.

First use of instant replay backs onfield call

Baseball's first use of instant replay backed an onfield call of a home run for Alex Rodriguez during the ninth inning of the New York Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

Nationals lower ticket prices for at new ballpark

The Washington Nationals, who rank in the bottom half of Major League Baseball in attendance despite a new ballpark, are lowering some of their season ticket prices for next season.

Shea seats selling briskly at $869 a pair

As a season-ticket holder, Darrell Buono spent 13 years rooting for the New York Mets in blue, loge-level seats at Shea Stadium. So he bought them.

Braves' Cox extends ejection record to 143

Braves manager Bobby Cox extended his major league ejection record to 143 on Wednesday, getting tossed in the fifth inning for arguing ball and strikes during Atlanta's game against Florida.

Crede joins list of White Sox injured players

White Sox third baseman Joe Crede was out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Cleveland because of a tight back, joining left fielder Carlos Quentin and center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. on the sidelines.

First use of instant replay backs onfield call

Baseball's first use of instant replay backed an onfield call of a home run for Alex Rodriguez during the ninth inning of the New York Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

Glaus hits 300th career homer

Troy Glaus hit his 300th career home run on Wednesday, connecting in the third inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

MLB's scoring committee rules against Sabathia

Upon further review, the play stands. Major League Baseball's scoring review committee ruled Wednesday that official scorer Bob Webb did not err when he decided that Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche singled against Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia in the bottom of the fifth inning of Milwaukee's 7-0 win on Sunday.

MRI confirms sprained ankle for Flores

Washington Nationals catcher Jesus Flores had an MRI exam Wednesday that confirmed he sprained his left ankle during a collision with Philadelphia's Chase Utley.

Ryan Church's slam helps Mets to sweep of Brewers

Ryan Church hit a grand slam and Brian Schneider added a homer in a six-run first inning that provided all the offense the Mets needed to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-2 and complete a three-game sweep Wednesday.

Still a rookie, Oden joins others for orientation

He was drafted more than 14 months ago, and even then he looked too old to be a first-year player, so it's easy to forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie.

Chalmers sent home from NBA rookie program

Heat guard Mario Chalmers was sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

Chalmers, Arthur sent home from NBA rookie program

Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

LeBron James enjoying his gold

LeBron James could be excused for his poor shooting from behind the arc, and for being blown out in a game of H-O-R-S-E with a warehouse worker in a beach exhibition. James was still floating in the clouds from his Olympic experience.

Oklahoma City NBA team's nickname will be Thunder

As Oklahoma City's NBA team prepared to reveal its name and logo, the NBA's Web site showed "Thunder" as the name and the color scheme as blue, yellow and orange.

Oklahoma City's NBA team to be called Thunder

Thunder can be heard from miles away, an early warning that a storm is about to arrive. So, perhaps it's only fitting that the name of Oklahoma City's NBA team didn't sneak up on anyone.

Spurs' Ginobili undergoes surgery on injured ankle

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had arthroscopic surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle.

LeBron James to be featured in new documentary

LeBron James has gone from the gold-medal stand to the silver screen.

Leslie leads Sparks' rally against Silver Stars

Lisa Leslie scored four of her 18 points and added a blocked shot in the final 1:39, and the Los Angeles Sparks rallied for a 58-53 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Saturday night.

Favorite Son: Knicks trade for Ewing Jr.

Talk about pressure. Patrick Ewing Jr. is following in the footsteps of his famous father again.

Everett to be honored in Bills season opener

Kevin Everett will be honored while attending Buffalo's season opener against Seattle on Sunday, a year after the former Bills tight end sustained a severe life-threatening spinal cord injury.

Giants' Burress signs 2-year contact extension

Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress is finally going to be paid like one of the NFL's top receivers.

New Redskins present new problems for NY Giants

Despite having played Washington at least twice a year since 1970, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants are going to be playing somewhat of a guessing game against the Redskins in the kickoff game to the NFL season.

Newman's injury could turn Pacman into starter

Call him Adam Jones or Pacman. Maybe even call him a starter.

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper retires from NFL

Daunte Culpepper summed up his thoughts Thursday in two words, which ushered in the start of a new era for the former Pro Bowl quarterback. "Farewell NFL," he wrote.

Ravens agree to terms with Willie Anderson

The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson on a three-year, $11 million contract.

Ready for some (more) football games that count?

A better question than "Are you ready for some football?" on the opening week of the NFL season might be how soon you're ready for some more games that count.

Report: Jags' Collier making gradual improvement

Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is making gradual improvement from gunshot wounds but is "not out of the woods yet," his agent told a newspaper Thursday.

T.O. sees lack of proven WRs as chance to shine

Terrell Owens has an easy way for the Dallas Cowboys to hide their lack of proven receivers: Just throw it to him more.

Titans' Jones sits out practice with injured elbow

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jason Jones did not practice Thursday, a day after injuring his left elbow in practice.

First round of BMW Championship a washout

The first round of the BMW Championship has been washed out by steady rain that has deluged Bellerive Country Club, adding to the string of bad luck for golf in St. Louis.

Ochoa: LPGA English-only rule 'a little drastic'

Lorena Ochoa of Mexico says a new LPGA Tour policy requiring players to be effective in English starting in 2009 is a "little drastic."

Paul Azinger fills out US Ryder Cup team

Chad Campbell lingered in the parking lot of a Dallas hospital as his wife waited inside to get the latest report on their first child, due to be born later this week.

Tiger Woods says wife Elin expecting 2nd child

Even with his golf done for the year, Tiger Woods found something to celebrate Tuesday: His wife is pregnant with their second child. Woods said on his Web site that Elin is expecting in late winter without being more specific on a due date.

Faldo adds Poulter, Casey to Ryder Cup team

Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo used his two picks Sunday on Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, a surprising decision that left Darren Clarke off the European team for the first time since 1995.

LPGA's English-only policy draws criticism

Imagine what could have happened to Angel Cabrera if he belonged to a tour that required its players to speak English.

Volatile system brings unpredictable PGA playoffs

Padraig Harrington has won the last two majors and is considered the favorite to be voted player of the year on the PGA Tour. But if he doesn't play well the next two weeks, he might not even make it to the Tour Championship.

LPGA to require English for intl players

The LPGA Tour boasts players from all over the world, and it wants all of them to be able to speak English.

Federer leans on US Open success after tough year

His Wimbledon reign and No. 1 ranking surrendered, Roger Federer has one trump card left in his competition with Rafael Nadal: four straight U.S. Open titles.

Recovering Tiger Woods says 2009 schedule unclear

Tiger Woods said he is not sure whether he will be ready to defend his title at the Dubai Desert Classic early next year.

Russian league accuses NHL of breaking deal

A newly formed Russian hockey league accused the NHL of poaching two of its players when the Los Angeles Kings agreed to terms with two draft prospects last week.

Stu Barnes retires, joins Stars' coaching staff

Dallas Stars center Stu Barnes is retiring after 16 years in the NHL.

Avs sign center, captain Joe Sakic to new contract

Patience paid off for the Colorado Avalanche, who signed Joe Sakic to a one-year, $6 million contract Wednesday after he decided to play a 20th season in the NHL rather than call it a career.

Sharks sign D Vlasic to 4-year extension

Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic agreed to a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, keeping one of the club's best young players with the Sharks through the 2012-13 season.

Gordon on board with Islanders, leads youth charge

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

Hull, 2 Rangers, Granato headed to hockey Hall

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

QB Mauk takes appeal for another season to court

Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk testified Thursday that a foot injury prevented him from playing or even practicing at times during his freshman season in 2003 at Wake Forest, where he played before transferring to Cincinnati.

Tressel: No. 3 Ohio State's Wells out for Ohio

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells will not play when the third-ranked Buckeyes take on Ohio on Saturday.

Former Cincinnati QB Mauk loses final NCAA appeal

Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk has lost his final appeal to the NCAA for more playing time. Mauk was turned down Wednesday by the NCAA's reinstatement committee, the last available step in his eligibility appeals process.

Harvin, Spikes to make season debuts against Miami

Receiver Percy Harvin and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will make their season debuts for No. 5 Florida against Miami on Saturday.

LSU postpones game against Troy in wake of Gustav

LSU postponed its football game against Troy after Hurricane Gustav damaged Tiger Stadium and battered Louisiana's capital city far worse than anticipated.

Ponder will start for Seminoles

Christian Ponder will start at quarterback for Florida State in its season opener against Western Carolina.

Coastal Carolina, Chas. Southern may move games

Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern may reschedule their home games Saturday because of Tropical Storm Hanna.

Nebraska player found not guilty of sexual assault

Nebraska football player Andy Christensen has been found not guilty of first degree sexual assault. A Lancaster County District Court jury reached the decision on Tuesday.

USC gets its reward: Trojans are No. 1 in Top 25

By staying away from the cupcakes, Southern California earned itself a slim new ranking. No. 1 always seems to fit USC.

Ark. St adds Iowa to 2009 schedule

The Red Wolves will take on the Hawkeyes next season.

NASCAR rescinds probation against Stewart, Logano

Tony Stewart and Joey Logano will not be on probation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series after all.

Private club puts wealthy drivers on fast track

Bill McMichael braked his new Ferrari F430 Scuderia into the turn, downshifting as he went into the corner. Then he punched it on the straightaway. Pedal down, engine whining an octave higher, the sleek, black car closed in on 140 mph within seconds.

Dario Franchitti headed back to IndyCar Series

Dario Franchitti will leave NASCAR and return to IndyCar in 2009 as the replacement driver for Dan Wheldon at Chip Ganassi Racing.

Busch wins again

It's Kyle Busch - again.

Phil Hill, only US-born F1 champ, dies

Phil Hill, the only American-born Formula One champion, died Thursday of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 81.

NASCAR puts Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards on probation

NASCAR placed Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on probation Wednesday for the next six Sprint Cup Series races, the result of their on-track incident last weekend at the end of the race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Sorenson to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports

Reed Sorenson isn't waiting for Chip Ganassi Racing to figure out the Car of Tomorrow. The 22-year-old driver signed a multiyear contract to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season, where he'll join Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler.

Logano picked to replace Stewart in JGR No. 20

Joe Gibbs Racing has selected 18-year-old Joe Logano to replace Tony Stewart in the No. 20 Sprint Cup Toyota next season. Logano was introduced Monday at the team's race shop, less than two months after he made his debut in the Nationwide Series.

NASCAR hands out penalties to 7 Gibbs crew members

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

2 Penske cars damaged in transporter fire

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

David Spade is the father of Playboy pinup's baby

David Spade is the father of Playboy playmate Jillian Grace's newborn daughter, Spade's representative said Thursday. The baby girl was born Aug. 26 in Missouri, and Spade plans to visit her on his first break from filming the CBS sitcom "Rules of Engagement," publicist Meredith O'Sullivan said.

Jacksons reunite at BMI Urban Awards

The Jacksons were crowned icons at the BMI Urban Awards, but the King of Pop was absentee.

NFL season kicks off with free NYC concert

Usher, Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield are kicking off the NFL season with a free concert that's expected to draw thousands to Manhattan's Columbus Circle.

'Fringe,' 'Privileged' and 'Do Not Disturb' on tap

The new TV season's official start date (Sept. 21) is weeks away, but one of the most anticipated shows, "90210," has already arrived. Now comes the other: Fox's weird-science thriller "Fringe," which premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT. So what's left this fall? Well, CW's sunny youth drama "Privileged," debuting Tuesday at 9 p.m. EDT, offers evidence there are pleasant surprises ahead. But Fox's sitcom "Do Not Disturb," on tap for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EDT, isn't one of them.

'Peanuts' animator Bill Melendez dies at 91

Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other "Peanuts" characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91.

AARP celebrates 50th with star-studded event

Actress Sally Field had some advice for the mature crowd celebrating AARP's 50th anniversary on a sunny Thursday at the Lincoln Memorial: Don't get burned.

Britney Spears to open MTV Video Music Awards

It's Britney, baby, one more time. Despite her train-wreck performance at the MTV Video Music Awards last year, the network confirms Spears will kick off the show once again. But it won't be a performance. Instead, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said Wednesday, it'll be something "fun and unexpected" on Sunday night's show.

Country singer Jimmy Wayne scores No. 1 hit

Jimmy Wayne was down and out a few years ago. His record label had been bought out, and it looked like his shot at being a country star was over.

Democratic Convention was No. 1 on cable last week

Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of Aug 25-31. Day and start time (EDT) are in parentheses:

Dr. Green returns in `ER' final-season flashback

Dr. Mark Greene is coming back to "ER," but he's not coming back from the dead.

Man gets prison for crime at Dunst's NYC hotel

A drug addict who was arrested on charges of burglarizing Kirsten Dunst's New York City hotel penthouse suite has been sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison.

Michael Moore to release new film online for free

Inspired by Neil Young and Radiohead, Michael Moore will release his new film online and for free.

Oscar for Capra's 'Prelude to War' given to Army

The Army, with a hand from Hollywood, has received a long-lost Oscar back into its ranks.

Don LaFontaine, voice of movie trailers, dies

The omnipresent baritone and gravely bass undertones of Don LaFontaine's distinctive voice had the unique ability to seamlessly embellish big-screen kisses, slice through over-the-top explosions, perfectly pair with robust musical scores, glide alongside car chases and effortlessly co-star with any A-list talent in Hollywood.

Judge nixes claims in Heath Ledger tape lawsuit

A judge on Wednesday dealt a serious but possibly temporary blow to a lawsuit filed by a celebrity magazine reporter who has accused a paparazzi agency of secretly filming Heath Ledger doing drugs in her hotel room.

Toronto film fest includes Spike Lee, Coens movies

Sundance is about new talent and small, personal films. Cannes is about highbrow cinema and celebrity-watching.

'Tropic Thunder' retains No. 1 spot at box office

"Tropic Thunder" defended its position at the top of the box office with $14.6 million in ticket sales over the long Labor Day weekend. Vin Diesel's sci-fi thriller, "Babylon A.D.," debuted in second place.

Actress Helen Mirren: I used to 'love' cocaine

Oscar-winning British actress Helen Mirren said she used to love cocaine, but stopped taking the drug after learning that a Nazi war criminal profited from the trade, according to a magazine.

Auction raises cash for Superman's Ohio birthplace

Superman's run-down house needs your help.

Charges filed in McConaughey surf battle

Two surfers have been charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly throwing a photographer into the water as he tried to shoot pictures of Matthew McConaughey surfing, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Hendrix, Beatles, Elvis memorabilia sold

A guitar set alight onstage by Jimi Hendrix during a concert in London was sold at auction on Thursday for $497,557 to a collector from the United States.

Pop star writes of friendship with ex-priest

Pop star Cliff Richard has written about his relationship with a former Roman Catholic priest in an autobiography excerpted in a British newspaper on Thursday.

Wein works to preserve the Newport festival legacy

For the first time since he founded the Newport Jazz Festival, George Wein didn't have to sign any checks or worry about how the fickle weather might affect the bottom line. Instead, his biggest concern at the recent festival was whether he could keep up on piano with his Newport All-Stars band during their set on the main stage that preceded performances by Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins.

Aguilera does exclusive deal with Target

Christina Aguilera has become the latest musical act to release an album exclusively through one retailer.

Akon plans on trial in New York fan-toss case

Akon is headed to trial on criminal charges he tossed a fan offstage at an upstate concert last summer.

Judge enters $700,000 judgment for Ne-Yo

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ordered a concert promoter to pay R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo $700,000 stemming from A lawsuit filed earlier this year.

Judge refuses to dismiss case against Spears

A judge on Wednesday refused to dismiss a misdemeanor driving without-a-valid-license case against Britney Spears. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James A. Steele issued his ruling after reviewing statutes cited by prosecutors and Spears' attorney, J. Michael Flanagan.

Kiss bassist Gene Simmons sued over IndyCar deal

A Los Angeles man claims in a lawsuit that Gene Simmons took him for a ride on a marketing deal with the Indy Racing League.

Levine on track to make return at the Met

Conductor James Levine is on track to return to the podium this month at New York's Metropolitan Opera after cancer surgery.

Reggaeton's 'El Father' turns to The Father

A Puerto Rican reggaeton star announced Wednesday he will give up his role as a rapper known for lyrics about violence and womanizing to devote his life to God.

Dynamic duo Griffin, Rickles paired for Emmy show

Kathy Griffin, who shook up an Emmy ceremony last year with her rowdy acceptance speech, is bringing her act to this year's prime-time awards show. Griffin and Don Rickles, a comedian who's legendary for his combative style, will team up as presenters at the Sept. 21 ceremony airing on ABC, the TV academy says.

Fashion store sues Winfrey's mom for unpaid bill

A high-end clothing store in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is suing Oprah Winfrey's mother for failing to pay her bill.

More than 40 million people see Palin speech

Barack Obama apparently isn't the only "rock star" in presidential politics this year.

Reality TV shows create rich, famous

When Jon Dalton was discovered by a "Survivor" casting agent at an L.A. gas station several years ago, the chance to win a million dollars wasn't the prize he most desired.

Russell Brand brings a British twist to MTV awards

America, meet Russell Brand.

VMAs offer glimpse of music and mayhem

Britney Spears may not sing at MTV's Video Music Awards, but Christina Aguilera will.

Correction: Pappas obituary

In a Sept. 2 obituary of former CBS television newsman Ike Pappas, The Associated Press misspelled the first name of Pappas' daughter. She is Sara Thomason, not Sarah.

Late-night TV hosts tread lightly with Palin

Late-night comics tread lightly when referring to the pregnancy of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's unwed daughter.

Letterman wants to call sunset for late-night gig

David Letterman wants to stick with CBS' "Late Show" through his contract - and maybe longer - as rival Jay Leno prepares to surrender the "Tonight" reins next year.

List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for Aug. 25-31. 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.