Local News

5 sentenced in Tacoma WA woman's fatal shooting

Five men convicted for their roles in the killing of a 20-year-old Tacoma, Wash., woman have been given sentences ranging from 12 to 75 years.

Worker trapped under Boeing 787 tires is rescued

An official at an Everett, Wash., airfield says emergency crews have rescued a worker who was temporarily trapped beneath the tires of a Boeing 787 jetliner.

Bo Kimble coaching "The System" in unlikely place

As is the case most nights, only half of the gym bleachers are pulled out, and the popcorn machine is just as close to the court as the players sitting on the bench.

WA Lottery

These Washington lotteries were drawn Friday:

Charges dropped against soldier in Afghan deaths

The Army on Friday dropped all charges against the fifth soldier it had accused of killing Afghan civilians for sport during a 2010 deployment.

Worker trapped under Boeing 787 tires is rescued

An official at an Everett, Wash., airfield says emergency crews have rescued a worker who was temporarily trapped beneath the tires of a Boeing 787 jetliner.

WA Lottery

These Washington lotteries were drawn Friday:

Charges dropped against soldier in Afghan deaths

The Army on Friday dropped all charges against the fifth soldier it had accused of killing Afghan civilians for sport during a 2010 deployment.

Charges dropped against soldier in Afghan deaths

The Army on Friday dropped all charges against the fifth soldier it had accused of murdering Afghan civilians for sport during a 2010 deployment.

Charges dropped against soldier in Afghan deaths

The Army on Friday dropped all charges against the fifth soldier accused of murdering Afghan civilians for sport during a 2010 deployment, in one of the most gruesome cases to emerge from the Afghan war.

State election has big implications for all India

One of India's most powerful and controversial politicians rises from a throne-like armchair, a clutch of candidates standing deferentially behind her and two large portraits flanking the stage. A gated semicircle keeps tens of thousands of supporters 20 yards (meters) away.

Pakistan PM to visit Qatar to talk Afghan peace

Pakistan's prime minister will travel to the Gulf state of Qatar next week to talk with government leaders there about moves to broker a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban.

Stevens portrait unveiled at Alaska state museum

An overflow crowd turned out Friday evening to witness the unveiling of a portrait of the late-U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens at the Alaska State Museum.

Charges dropped against soldier in Afghan deaths

The Army on Friday dropped all charges against the fifth soldier it had accused of killing Afghan civilians for sport during a 2010 deployment.

More charges ahead for man held in homeless deaths

Prosecutors said Friday they plan to file two more murder charges against an ex-Marine accused of killing four homeless men in Southern California, this time in the stabbings deaths of a mother and son who lived near him.

Ind. election chief's voter fraud trial nears end

The political future of Indiana's top election official, and potentially his freedom, rested Friday with jurors, who were deliberating late into the night in his voter fraud trial.

Friend: Ben Gazzara, method actor known for intense film, Broadway, TV roles, dies in NY

Heavy snowstorm hits Colorado on its way east

The most powerful storm of the winter season pounded Colorado and parts of neighboring states on Friday, creating whiteout conditions on the eastern plains, cancelling more than 600 flights in Denver and closing hundreds of miles of highway between major Colorado cities and the Kansas border.

Peru frees Chilean arrested outside air base

Peruvian police have freed one of two Chileans arrested this week on suspicion of espionage.

Cuba's Raul Castro visits Venezuela's Chavez

Cuban President Raul Castro flew to Caracas on Friday to attend a meeting with other allies of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, who was at the airport for the arrival.

Hackers take over Boston police website

The hacking collective Anonymous is claiming credit for defacing the Boston Police Department's website.

Latest illnesses point to raw milk's popularity

An outbreak of bacterial infections on the East Coast illustrates the popularity of raw, unpasteurized milk despite strong warnings from public health officials about the potential danger.

Law enforcement websites under attack by hackers

Saboteurs stole passwords and sensitive information on tipsters while hacking into the websites of several law enforcement agencies worldwide in attacks attributed to the collective known as Anonymous.

Durcan takes over as CEO in wake of Appleton death

The board of directors for Micron Technology Inc. has named president and chief operating officer Mark Durcan as the company's interim chief executive officer.

Canadian PM to visit China next week

Canada's prime minister heads to China next week where he'll discuss Canada's vast oil reserves in a visit that's being viewed as an "open warning" to the United States, which rejected a pipeline from Canada to Texas.

Weekly US oil, gas rig count down 11 to 1,997

The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is down 11 this week to 1,997.

Greek debt talks to stretch into weekend

"Crucial" issues remain to be resolved in Greece's critical negotiations over a second multibillion euro international bailout, and talks would continue into the weekend, the country's Finance Minister said early Saturday.

HP awards new CEO Whitman with $16.5M pay package

Hewlett-Packard Co. ushered in Meg Whitman as its CEO with a $16.5 million compensation package that hinges on the one-time politician's ability to lift the stumbling technology company's stock price during the next two years.

Apple, Motorola in patent struggle in Germany

Apple Inc. has temporarily blocked Motorola Mobility's attempt to have it withdraw several iPhone and iPad models from its Internet store in Germany, the latest twist in an extended legal duel over patents between the companies.

SEC names top federal auditor to accounting board

Federal regulators have appointed a top government auditor as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which polices the accounting industry.

Muslims to NY attorney general: Investigate NYPD

Thirty-three civil rights groups from around the country complained to the New York attorney general Friday about police documents that showed the New York Police Department recommending increased surveillance of Shiite mosques based on their religion.

Obama pushes for veterans jobs programs

In an effort to cut the unemployment rate among veterans, President Barack Obama is calling for a new conservation program that would put veterans to work rebuilding trails, roads and levees on public lands.

Romney campaign parts ways with debate coach

The debate coach who worked with Mitt Romney ahead of two well-received debate performances in Florida is no longer with the Republican's presidential campaign.

INFLUENCE GAME: Big donors and what they want

The millionaires, billionaires and companies giving big sums to political committees supporting Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Barack Obama have important business with the next president. Some are already in trouble with the government. Some are pressing for new laws or regulations that would benefit their interests in energy, mining and high finance.

Santorum campaign fights to get on Indiana ballot

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum said Friday he will fight an Indiana election board's ruling that he does not have enough support to appear on the state ballot in the May 8 primary.

Santorum pushes discredited stroke claim

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum on Friday backed prominent conservative James Dobson's claim that President Barack Obama's administration would block medical treatment for stroke patients over age 70. Professional medical groups have called such statements bogus.

A political tip sheet for the rest of us

A political tip sheet for the rest of us outside the Washington Beltway, Friday, Feb. 3, 2012:

Mo. candidate would be among richest in US Senate

St. Louis businessman John Brunner has already poured at least $1 million into his Republican quest to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, and new documents show Brunner has a lot more where that came from.

Romney focuses on Obama, Gingrich on Romney in NV

A confident Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama of failing to do enough to create jobs as he campaigned Friday ahead of GOP presidential caucuses this weekend in a state with sky-high unemployment and foreclosure rates. Newt Gingrich, who is fighting for a respectable showing here, rolled out a fresh line of criticism by comparing the former Massachusetts governor to Obama.

Air Force to cut 10,000 airmen, shift aircraft

The Air Force on Friday detailed plans to cut the service by nearly 10,000 active, National Guard and Reserve airmen next year, as part of a broad move to downsize and shift capabilities around the country to be better prepared for wars of the future.

Surprises about Planned Parenthood cancer testing

To many people, breast cancer screening means a mammogram. But for millions of poor, mostly young women who visit Planned Parenthood, it is usually just a physical exam by the only health professional they may ever see.

Contraception mandate outrages religious groups

The Obama administration's decision requiring church-affiliated employers to cover birth control was bound to cause an uproar among Roman Catholics and members of other faiths, no matter their beliefs on contraception.

35 cases of illness tied to Pa. farm's raw milk

Pennsylvania health officials say the number of people stricken with illness after consuming raw milk from the same dairy has risen to 35 in four states.

Contraception mandate outrages religious groups

The Obama administration's decision requiring church-affiliated employers to cover birth control was bound to cause an uproar among Roman Catholics and members of other faiths, no matter their beliefs on contraception.

Maine girl bouncing back after 6-organ transplant

A 9-year-old Maine girl is home from a Boston hospital healthy, active and with high hopes - and a new stomach, liver, spleen, small intestine, pancreas, and part of an esophagus to replace the ones that were being choked by a huge tumor.

Mass hysteria rare, but usually seen in girls

Fifteen teenage girls report a mysterious outbreak of spasms, tics and seizures in upstate New York. But tests find nothing physically wrong.

Malaria death toll possibly twice as high

Malaria may be killing around twice as many people as experts previously thought, and it could also be hitting older children and adults - long considered the least susceptible - a new study suggests.

Highest level of drug-resistant TB found in Europe

The World Health Organization says the highest levels ever of drug-resistant tuberculosis have been found in Russia and Moldova.

Fed judge considers if pharmacies must sell Plan B

A federal judge is considering whether Washington state can require pharmacies to stock and sell Plan B or other emergency contraceptives, even in the face of religious objections by druggists who believe they destroy human life.

UK suicide rates fell where prevention increased

British researchers say parts of England and Wales with more suicide prevention programs had bigger drops in deaths than regions with fewer services.

Pats, Giants kickers wandered onto Super Bowl path

Call them accidental Superheroes in the making. Or, if they miss, Super-something-elses.

Blue Jackets snap skid, beat Ducks in OT

Derick Brassard scored his second goal with 1:05 left in overtime, and the Columbus Blue Jackets snapped their six-game skid with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.

Giants Jerry Reese on the GM rollercoaster ride

Being an NFL general manager is like being a kicker: What have you done for me lately?

Iginla scores, Flames beat Blackhawks 3-1

Jarome Iginla had a goal and an assist to help Calgary Flames beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Friday night.

Rangers' Hamilton confirms alcohol relapse

Josh Hamilton shed no tears and used no prepared statement as he apologized and shared few details about his relapse with alcohol. Still, it was clear he was upset by what he had done.

UConn's Calhoun taking indefinite medical leave

UConn's Jim Calhoun doesn't mince words when it comes to his health.

Pacers tops Mavs for 1st win in Dallas in 8 years

Paul George hit seven 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 30 points, and the Indiana Pacers won in Dallas for the first time in eight years, beating the Mavericks 98-87 Friday night.

Pierce, Allen carry Celtics past Knicks 91-89

Paul Pierce scored 30 points and Ray Allen had nine of his 14 in the final quarter to lift the Boston Celtics to a 91-89 win over the struggling New York Knicks on Friday night.

Bergenheim lifts Panthers over Jets 2-1

Florida's Kris Versteeg didn't feel well going into Friday's game. He felt much better afterward.

Super matchups everywhere with Pats-Giants

MVP quarterbacks on marquee franchises. A rematch of a nail-biter from four years ago, featuring many of the same key characters. Madonna and plenty of Manning - Eli, and Peyton, too.

Report: Rangers' Hamilton has relapse with alcohol

Rangers outfielder and recovering drug addict Josh Hamilton had a relapse this week when he drank alcohol at a bar, The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday night.

Cubs pitcher Matt Garza's championship ring stolen

Sheriff's detectives say that an American League Championship ring belonging to Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza has been stolen from his California home.

Woman charged with stalking Yankees GM Cashman

A woman stalked and shook down New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, getting him to pay her $6,000 and demanding more by threatening to harm his reputation, prosecutors said Thursday.

Baseball Hall of Fame Classic moved up to June 16

The Hall of Fame Classic is moving to a new date - the Saturday before Father's Day.

Selig expects expanded playoffs to start this year

Commissioner Bud Selig expects baseball to expand its playoffs this season.

Fielder: Joining Tigers 'kind of a dream'

Prince Fielder was born in 1984, the last time Detroit won the World Series.

Baseball Hall of Fame Classic moved up to June 16

The Hall of Fame Classic is moving to a new date - the Saturday before Father's Day.

Selig expects expanded playoffs to start this year

Commissioner Bud Selig expects baseball to expand its playoffs this season.

Fielder: Joining Tigers 'kind of a dream'

Prince Fielder was born in 1984, the last time Detroit won the World Series.

Sources: About 12 groups submit Dodgers bids

About 12 groups submitted initial bids to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt, several people familiar with the process said Tuesday.

Brady, Manning vie to prove who's 'elite' QB now

He was always being compared to someone. That's what happens when you're the youngest son of a great quarterback and the baby brother of an even better one. It wasn't until he compared himself to Tom Brady, though, that people began taking Eli Manning seriously.

Belichick shows relaxed side before Super Bowl

He fishes, goes to wine festivals, even kisses his girlfriend in full view at a Boston Celtics game.

Defense will carry Giants over Patriots again

In this new NFL age of throw first and throw again, it's easy to forget to first rule of football: Defense wins championships.

Irsay insists, again, that he and Manning are fine

Maybe, just maybe, the Colts and Peyton Manning are done stealing headlines during Super Bowl week.

Coughlin: More to Giants coach than football

Tom Coughlin's pinched face, ever present on the New York Giants' sideline during his eight seasons, gives way to a smile more often now. He'll even crack a one-liner or two.

#SB46 fans take to social media to navigate Indy

Attention, SB46 fans: Looking for a celebrity? Need a parking spot or a bathroom? How about a place to eat without waiting for hours? The answers could be just a tweet away.

NFL's Goodell says no plans to expand anytime soon

Sorry, Los Angeles. The only NFL expansion happening anytime soon is to next season's schedule of Thursday night games.

NFL's ratings, revenue, popularity grow and grow

Less than a year ago, Tom Brady, Logan Mankins, Osi Umenyiora and seven other players filed an antitrust suit against the NFL, a key moment in a convoluted and contentious labor dispute between the union and league that threatened to cut short - or even wipe out - the 2011 season.

Advocacy group wants 'hit count' to protect kids

Kids playing contact sports are suffering too many blows to the head, and an advocacy group is calling for a "hit count" to total them up before it's too late.

Indy's homespun charm wins over East Coast fans

Indianapolis' chowder and fried clams didn't measure up to the storied fare that has spoiled John and Cheryl Younghans in their native New England. Fellow New England Patriots fan Bob Ritchie drove to the Hoosier State from Massachusetts and when he arrived was floored by the flatness.

Spencer Levin takes Phoenix Open lead

Spencer Levin holed out from a greenside bunker for eagle on the par-4 17th and shot an 8-under 63 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the suspended second round of the Phoenix Open.

Yani Tseng ready to begin encore to 12-win season

Yani Tseng has a tradition on Chinese New Year to give her house a thorough cleaning. She decided to start with the trophy cabinet, which was no small project. A photo she posted on Facebook shows a cabinet crowded with crystal.

Play called off at Qatar Masters due to wind

European Tour officials reduced the Qatar Masters to 54 holes when they called off play Friday after strong winds moved golf balls and blowing sand reduced visibility on several holes.

So Yeon Ryu leads Australian Ladies Masters by 4

U.S. Open champion So Yeon Ryu shot an 11-under 61 on Friday to take a four-stroke lead after two rounds of the Australian Ladies Masters.

Webb Simpson in contention at Phoenix Open

Webb Simpson is getting used to his lofty position in the world ranking. He's comfortable on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, too.

Mickelson sues to find source of 'defamation'

Phil Mickelson filed a lawsuit against an Internet service provider in Canada to learn the identity of a person who has been posting "vexatious statements" that the four-time major champion says is a deliberate attack on his reputation.

Lee leads Australian Masters after 1st round

Lee Bo-mee of South Korea shot a 7-under 65 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the Australian Ladies Masters.

Fernandez-Castano leads Daly by 1 at Qatar Masters

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano birdied his last three holes for a 6-under 66 at the Qatar Masters, overcoming wind and blowing sand to lead John Daly by a shot after the first round on Thursday.

Stanley, Mickelson eager to play

Kyle Stanley and Phil Mickelson looked forward to fresh starts Thursday in the first round of the Phoenix Open. Defending champion Mark Wilson savored some pleasant memories in his return to the Valley of the Sun.

Woodland progress with new coach taking time

Gary Woodland was irritated that he couldn't do better than a 70 on the North Course at Torrey Pines. It wasn't much better on the South Course, where a 72 allowed him to make the cut on the number, and a 74 in the third round wasn't enough for the 54-hole cut.

Halak makes 22 saves in Blues' 1-0 win over Kings

Jaroslav Halak stopped 22 shots and Jamie Langenbrunner scored in the second period to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night.

Islanders' Eaton scores OT winner in 600th game

Mark Eaton scored 2:35 into overtime in his 600th NHL game to give the New York Islanders a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday night.

Penguins sign C Vitale to an extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed center Joe Vitale to a two-year, $1.1 million contract extension on Friday, locking up a 26-year-old who has earned a regular spot in the lineup this season.

Sittler marvels over Gagner's 'magical' night

Darryl Sittler knows exactly how Sam Gagner felt.

Devils F Elias fined by the NHL

New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias has been fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for boarding Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Blunden during a 5-3 win on Thursday.

Gagner has NHL's first 8-point game since 1988

Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey and ... Sam Gagner?

Clowe helps Sharks skate past Stars, 5-2

Ryane Clowe scored in his first game back from an injury, and four other San Jose players scored as the Sharks stretched their winning streak to three with a 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

Datsyuk, Hudler lift Red Wings over Canucks

Pavel Datsyuk and Jiri Hudler scored in the shootout, and the Detroit Red Wings padded their lead over Vancouver in the Western Conference standings with a 4-3 victory against the Canucks on Thursday night.

Gagner has 4 goals, 4 assists in Oilers' win

Sam Gagner had four goals and four assists in the NHL's first eight-point game in 23 years, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Chicago Blackhawks 8-4 on Thursday night.

Backstrom stops 37 shots, Wild top Avalanche 1-0

Niklas Backstrom had 37 saves for his third shutout of the season and 25th of his NHL career, and Greg Zanon scored in the Minnesota Wild's 1-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.

Argentines Monaco, Chela into semifinals

Top seed Juan Monaco of Argentina beath fifth-seeded Albert Montanes of Spain 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 Friday to reach the semifinals of the Vina Del Mar VTR Open.

Road course planning done at Kansas Speedway

There are more changes in the works at Kansas Speedway.

Casino opens overlooking Turn 2 at Kansas Speedway

Lesa France Kennedy strode through the Art Deco-inspired lobby, past rows of blinking slots machines and spinning roulette wheels, her eyes trying to take in the homage to old Hollywood.

Berdych, Simon help set semifinal field in France

Tomas Berdych, Gilles Simon, defending champion Gael Monfils and Philipp Kohlschreiber reached the semifinals at the Open Sud de France.

Lacko, Berrer, Youzhny reach Zagreb semifinals

Lukas Lacko of Slovakia beat seventh-seeded Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-4, 6-4 Friday to reach the Zagreb Indoors semifinals.

Sato signs with Rahal-Letterman Racing

Japanese driver Takuma Sato has signed with IndyCar team Rahal-Letterman Racing.

Argentine qualifier upsets Bellucci in Chile

Argentine qualifier Federico Delbonis reached his second career ATP quarterfinals when he upset third-seeded Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 6-2, 7-5 in the VTR Open on Thursday.

Defending champ Monfils reaches quarters in France

Defending champion Gael Monfils finished off Michael Russell of the U.S. with his 17th ace Thursday, winning 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Open Sud de France quarterfinals.

Mother of NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth dies at 63

The mother of NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth has died.

Melzer, Haase advance at Zagreb Indoors

Michael Berrer of Germany upset top-seeded Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of Zagreb Indoors.

Mother of killed actress settles suit with Spector

A lawyer says the mother of the actress Phil Spector was convicted of killing has settled her wrongful death suit against the legendary music producer.

Director, writer, producer Zalman King dead at 70

Actor and filmmaker Zalman King, who became known for his erotic work after writing and producing his breakthrough film "9 1/2 Weeks," has died. He was 70.

Popular character actor Ben Gazzara dies in NY

Ben Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in such iconic productions over the decades as the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway and the film "The Big Lebowski," has died at age 81.

Keith Urban makes return from vocal surgery

Keith Urban is back.

Jason Segel honored by Harvard theater group

Actor Jason Segel has been honored as Man of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

Patricia Disney dies in Los Angeles at age 77

Patricia Disney, who was once married to Walt Disney's late nephew Roy E. Disney and was vice chairwoman of Roy's investment company, died Friday after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Son of actor Ryan O'Neal gets 16 months in prison

A San Diego judge has sentenced the son of actor Ryan O'Neal to 16 months in prison for his involvement in a drug-fueled, head-on car crash last year that left another driver injured.

Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows

Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:

Mel Gibson may be witness in discrimination trial

Attorneys for a deputy who arrested Mel Gibson on suspicion of drunken driving want to call the Oscar-winner as a witness during an upcoming trial to determine if the officer suffered discrimination because of the case.

Bogart's son opens film festival at Smithsonian

That famous movie line, "Here's looking at you, kid," will have time to echo in the halls of the Smithsonian this weekend as the son of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall opens the first film festival at the National Mall's new movie theater.

Racy ads for French movie about infidelity pulled

What does it take to shock in the land of the Gallic shrug? Ads that suggest adulterous oral sex, according to complaints about new movie "Les Infideles."

Schwarzenegger visits Taj Mahal, finds it closed

Arnold Schwarzenegger's dream of visiting the Taj Mahal has been dashed.

Marisa Tomei sued over leak in her NYC building

A lawsuit claims a leak from Marisa Tomei's New York City apartment has damaged the homes of two downstairs neighbors, including director John Waters.

Thatcher movie opens in Argentina to tough reviews

Meryl Streep may have been nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," but Argentine critics panned the film during its premiere in Buenos Aires on Thursday.

Old NM prison serving as backdrop to 'Geronimo'

Set builders for "Code Name: Geronimo" are putting together a replica of Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan at an old New Mexico state penitentiary as filming begins this week.

Egyptian comedian sentenced for offending Islam

One of the Arab world's best known Egyptian comedians has been sentenced to three months in jail for offending Islam, a judge said Thursday, in the latest such case against a high-profile figure, underlining concerns about freedom of expression in Egypt.

Filmmaker without credentials arrested at hearing

An Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker was arrested at a House hearing Wednesday after trying to film the proceedings without the required media credentials.

Smithsonian honors Eastwood, opens theater on mall

Clint Eastwood helped open a new movie theater on the National Mall Wednesday evening and the Smithsonian Institution honored the actor and director for his six decades of work in American film.

Smithsonian honors Eastwood, opens theater on mall

The Smithsonian Institution is honoring Clint Eastwood for his six decades of work in American film, and the actor and director is cutting the ribbon to open a new theater to showcase film at the National Museum of American History.

Sean Penn named ambassador for Haiti in ceremony

Actor Sean Penn has been named ambassador at large for Haiti in recognition of his humanitarian work since the 2010 earthquake.

Bee Gee Robin Gibb says his health has improved

Bee Gee star Robin Gibb says he is making a strong recovery and putting on weight after suffering from a serious illness.

NYC's Algonquin closes legendary Oak Room

New York City's famous Algonquin Hotel has permanently shuttered the Oak Room, its fabled supper club that helped launch careers of many top-shelf jazz and cabaret stars.

Madonna launching video on billboards, online

Clear Channel is giving Madonna all its luvin'.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO resigns

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is looking for a new president and CEO following the abrupt departure of the man who has held the post for seven years.

Madonna launching video on billboards, online

Clear Channel is giving Madonna all its luvin'.

Ja Rule gets advice on stocks, education in prison

Rapper Ja Rule has been getting advice behind bars from two once high-powered men: ex-New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi and ex-Tyco International CEO Dennis Kozlowski.

Cornelius' legacy lives on in Chicago

When this proud city welcomed back hometown hero Don Cornelius last year, it wasn't just Chicago-style - it was "Soul Train" style, complete with Afro wigs, bell bottoms and hip-shaking in the streets.

Spain crisis hits Barcelona opera house

Barcelona's renowned Liceu opera house says it must cancel shows and close its doors for two months because of the economic crisis hitting Spain.

'Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead of suicide

"Soul Train" host Don Cornelius was the arbiter of cool, a brilliant TV showman who used his purring, baritone voice to seduce mainstream America into embracing black music and artists.

Officials in Serbia say 11,000 villagers trapped by heavy snow and blizzards.

Roseanne Barr seeks Green Party presidential nod

Roseanne Barr said Thursday she's running for the Green Party's presidential nomination - and it's no joke.

Snooki and JWoww wanted in Jersey Shore ... Pa.

If Snooki and JWoww need a place to live, Jersey Shore will welcome them with open arms.

Letterman celebrates 30 years in late-night TV

As David Letterman and Howard Stern can attest, a 30-year anniversary celebration is a ripe opportunity to cringe at geeky haircuts.

Reality TV booms in Louisiana

Alligator hunters, raccoon wranglers and crawfish catchers in Louisiana's critter-filled swamps and bayous are increasingly common on television.

'Jersey Shore' cast not angry with NJ city's snub

The women of MTV's "Jersey Shore" say they're not angry that Hoboken officials won't allow a spinoff of the reality show to be filmed in the city of Frank Sinatra's birth.

UConn TV station apologizes for rape sketch parody

A student-run television station at the University of Connecticut has apologized for airing a video sketch that parodies a female student using a campus phone to report an attempted rape.

Secret's out: Philippine president dating Korean

Philippine-Korean relations have suddenly gotten warmer.

First lady pushes Jay Leno to eat healthy foods

Jay ate the veggies.

Paula Abdul exits 'X Factor'; third to leave show

Simon Cowell predicted "The X Factor" would be a TV hit and eclipse his ex-employer, "American Idol." He was wrong, and now his show has been gutted of three of its five stars, including Paula Abdul, putting its future in question.

Nielsen's top programs for Jan. 23-29

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for Jan. 23-29. Listings include the week's ranking and viewership.