Two fires raging along Calif.'s Central Coast Fla. Gov. Charlie Crist proposed to girlfriend 'Proud to call you a fellow American' 7th victim of helicopter crash dies in hospital Fireworks display accident in Iowa injures 12 Shots fired into crowd kill 4 on street in Milwaukee Texas monument honors flight crews killed on 9/11 Man faked heart attacks to avoid meal bills, cab fare: cops Park Service may reopen Liberty's crown to visitors

Former Republican NC Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86 Wildfire chases July 4th visitors from Big Sur Late fireworks chief to go off with 'last shot' Senator: Should motorists slow down? Pentagon extends tour of Marines New York City Sikhs protest cutting of 12-year-old girl's hair Auction house seeks to sell Rosa Parks collection Freed U.S. hostages, families reuniting in Texas Farmers say salmonella scare has hurt tomato sales Historian gets fireworked up about Fourth of July past National briefs

3 rescued U.S. hostages arrive safely in Texas Death penalty possible in sex-kidnap case Most of Big Sur evacuated after wildfire spreads Utah state government goes to 4-day week Callers directed to women's sex number What drove killing spree? Bourbon booms with surging exports Essence Music Festival begins Friday Many ideas on how to get dolphins out of N.J. river Baseball star Alex Rodriguez, wife split Nebraska Beef Ltd. is expanding a recall Movie productions keep rolling despite uncertainty Wisconsinites not drained of spirit Body of missing 12-year-old Vermont girl is found Oregon lawn-chair pilot plans 300-mile flight Employers cut jobs for sixth straight month Oil prices near record $146 Tropical Storm Bertha forms in the Atlantic Bush seeks new start for troubled Walter Reed hospital Fishing boat captain convicted in fatal smuggling NYC crane inspector pleads not guilty Jobless lines growing longer Cremated remains part of fireworks show Hedge fund scammer tells NY judge he tried suicide 'Pregnant man' gives birth to baby girl

FBI may get OK to investigate any American without evidence of crime Motorists drop cell phones, pick up hands-free devices Alleged police car joyride lands SC teen in jail Oil prices rise to record highs above $144 George Washington's boyhood home found Poll: Public cool to Michelle, doesn't know Cindy Teen drowns near Indiana University Suspicious package at World Bank declared safe Roller coaster that beheaded boy reopens Thieves take whole ATM, but can't get cash Museum has all the cocktails fit to drink Suspect's death spurs outrage Animal groups out to fetch part of Helmsley estate Ex-con arrested, suspected of murdering 8 in Ill., Mo. Fugitive hedge-fund swindler in federal custody Rules for recruits saved Service back on two Amtrak routes affected by floods Man hit mom with Polish sausage: police Mystery vegetables under investigation Town of Nowthen sticks with name it got back then Wal-Mart branches out into locally grown produce Police informant jumps from bridge National Guard troops to relieve fire crews in Calif. Poll: Obama beats McCain as bbq guest Steve & Barry's may shutter 100 stores Obama's sis, Maya, helps reach out to Asian voters Rush Limbaugh sets new deal Bonds' 756th homer ball lands in Hall, finally S. Korean Kia, Hyundai workers strike over U.S. Beef Pentagon's top investigator to resign US contradicts itself over its own ID theft advice NY considers help to victims of child prostitution DMX arrested in Phoenix on outstanding warrants Starbucks to close 600 stores, rein in growth Man found guilty of killing wife with antifreeze NYC authorities break up counterfeiting ring

Two-state manhunt over Texas shooter 'didn't want to do it' Video shows woman dying on psych floor Domesticated chimp is missing in California forest Mass. state senator indicted for sexual harassment Clergy consider getting out of wedding duty Jail guards investigated in Maryland inmate death Happy couples have affairs: research Dolphins can spend Independence Day in NJ river Investigation launched into death of Celtics fan Democrat accused of satanic crimes Judge throws out law making bookstores pay fine to sell porn R.I. high court overturns lead paint verdict Container captain to retire rather than testify after spill "Girls Gone Wild" founder sued for gambling debts California firefighters have to pick their battles WTC site rebuilding delayed and over budget 2 hostages at Maine state prison released unharmed U.S. considers killing wild horses Helicopter crash leaves a mother-to-be in mourning Penguin woes signal sea problems Lawsuit filed over Atlanta airport barring guns San Francisco denies liability in tiger attack Fed auctions $75 billion to ease credit stresses Pentagon will buy satellites to do more spying Obama to expand Bush's faith based programs Police killing suspect's jail death ruled homicide Oil passes $143 on Middle East tensions Police: Wash. woman's baby was cut from womb

Police killing suspect's jail death ruled homicide Boy dies from injuries suffered in Ala. bus crash Fire at Madonna's childhood home called suspicious 2 caught skinny dipping in Portland reservoir Bush signs $162 billion war spending bill 2 hostages at Maine state prison released unharmed Search for missing girl turns to uncle's property Ga. ride that killed teen to remain closed Flood towns: Should we stay? 6 killed in Arizona after helicopters collide Top model throws herself off building Gary mayor pays to gas up city-leased Hummer Calif. firefighters battle more than 1,400 blazes Police: Pregnant NC soldier's death is a homicide Bus bound for church camp crashes in Alabama Army study: Iraq occupation was understaffed 9 young hikers rescued from western NY gorge USDA reports flooding cuts corn acres Billionaire pleads to underage prostitution charge Bush administration freezing cuts in Medicare fees Out-of-town sign crew misses point Iraqi notice on oil does not include contracts State Department fines Boeing $3 million 'Rock Band 2' to be released in September

Omaha faces up to a week without power Gays celebrate weddings at S.F. parade 7 die as medical helicopters collide over Arizona Bear mauls teen during 24-hour bike race in Alaska Family mourns teen hit by roller coaster in Ga. Plane crashes in Alabama after takeoff, killing 4 Apartment complex fire near Seattle kills 3 Scientists closer to invisible container Days of oversize airline carry-ons are limited Nev. plane crash kills 4 Obama, McCain both hoping for Hispanic votes Vandals tag 60 cars with anti-Obama messages Is Obama the end of affirmative action? Boy survives 90-foot fall at Starved Rock George F. Will has eyes on the nation Who are those oil speculators, anyway? Maybe you Lost lotuses baffle California residents Reports: Model dies in fall from NYC building

First American named to head Vatican high court New tool to slow drivers: fake speed bumps Lincoln collectors cleaning house After-tax incomes and spending show big gains Obama regarding Hillary: 'She rocks' Pentagon ready to send 30,000 GIs to Iraq in '09

Court blows away gun ban Bush cuts N. Korea break Principal stands behind his pregnancy pact story Downstater charged with tattooing kids Vaccine help for kids on the way Please, remain in your vehicle God or science? Why not both? Mars lander finds soil like in our backyards

Supreme Court rules in favor of gun rights Bush taking N. Korea off terror blacklist Major bird study rearranges avian evolutionary tree NBC's 'Predator' settles lawsuit Officials: Family's deaths could be suicide Convictions of Black, 3 other execs upheld Project to dissect cocoa genome Plant gunman argued with boss over phone 4-legger was most primitive in history Malt liquor mural ads draw fire in Philadelphia Authorities hope to shoo dolphins from Jersey

Rain may spur 2nd round of Mississippi crests 20 mil. Americans may be saved from tax Obama blasts Nader's 'white' accusation Floods ruin farmers' chance for record year Imus: I was being sarcastic Air Force colonel acquitted of rape Obama: Allow child rape executions Court bans death penalty for child rape 4 killed in Kentucky plant shooting Alleged hookers on wheels arrested Jeffs' daughter may testify in sect case Painting left at Goodwill is worth $40,000 Want to name sea slug? Now you can Man leaves prison naked as a jailbird Felon avoids life sentence due to lost records Congressman's kin kidnapped in Mexico, released School's lunch meat wanders away 3-year-old uses song to call 911 for mom Homeowner bailout clears hurdle, but Bush threatens veto Illinois: Flood aid not enough Pelosi says sexism comes with the territory for women in government Passengers in a hurry leave $63K in change at O'Hare Hollywood loves Obama Architect hopes new skyscraper keeps us spinning

Homeowner bailout clears key hurdle Pregnant teen: 'There was definitely no pact' Imus says race-based remark misunderstood Woman: Air Force colonel raped me Man repays couple for gas he borrowed in 1974 Church ban irks Georgia sex offenders DMV finds obscene letters on own plate Kirk fears bickering will cost Illinois $9 billion Mississippi River breaks Missouri levee Columbia U. prof who found noose is fired Iowa police chief fired after sex abuse charge Gas thieves go after tractor-trailers Lightning sparks 800-plus fires in California Teen star witness in case against Texan Polygamists Home prices falling at fastest rate ever Nancy Pelosi: "I'm a victim of sexism myself all the time" FEMA really doing heckuva job this time Fictional spy tales inspired real devices

Mayor: 'No evidence' of pregnancy pact Don Imus once again brings race to airwaves Groom, 'bride' may have been man, man Inmate falls through ceiling into Texas police office Forecaster: Mississippi is cresting 6 La. home fire victims apparently were trapped Doctor: Scotch, pills made him send e-mail threats Hey dog face! You win a prize Dad of 2 slain Texas children charged with murder Train derails in La. after crash with log truck Kids fed 'silly pills,' forced to do sex shows Philadelphia newscaster fired amid e-mail scandal 2 killed, 13 injured in van rollover in Texas Burglary suspect tripped up by his mullet Brain injuries cause half of seniors' fall deaths Indiana cops arrest stubborn tree-sitters Hardee's founder Wilbur Hardee dies at 89 Wildfires continue in California ComEd workers dive into flooded town Autistic man found alive in woods after week long search Shootout on California freeway leaves suspect dead California wine country goes up in flames Middle-class Mexicans move out 2 killed, 13 injured in van rollover in Texas Small quake shakes east of Los Angeles Drained Wis. lake yields 4 guns, animal bones We keep giving to charity despite woes Trio accused of preaching fraud and brimstone Man agrees to strike upside-down flag Pregnancy pact may be fiction Mississippi hitting its peak in flood-weary towns Condo owners fear red-letter days City wants end to Gates of Hell Sen. McCain offers $300 million prize for new auto battery

FEMA to residents: 'Levees are good' Police shootout in crowded Denver district kills 1 Clinton fulfills a promise to high school graduate Mississippi to largely crest Sunday in Mo. & Ill. Autistic man found alive after week in Wis. woods Auction of lunch with Warren Buffett starts Sunday Calif. firefighters battle hundreds of blazes Gay couples across California trade weekend vows Relief in sight as Calif. continues to swelter Growing old at the zoo Clinton in debt, Obama's haul dips Obama says McCain opposed levee funds Critics fear EPA rule change would foul air in national parks Suit seeks end to 'military-style' checkpoints in D.C. neighborhood Push mowers gain value as gas prices rise Bodies of missing snowboarders found in Wash. Billions more needed to secure U.S. embassies Amy Winehouse has lung damage and irregular heartbeat NBC: Brokaw gets "Meet the Press" through election

United requiring minimum stays AP, blogger resolve dispute over copyright Tampa condo offers buyers clothing-optional pool Ellen's 4th Daytime Emmy not necessarily last Ex-spokesman blames spin Warning to Iran? Israel stages major war exercise Bloomberg slams whisper campaign against Obama Girls made pact to get pregnant, gave high-fives after succeeding Newborn twins weigh in at 23 lb. Woman at .243 ran over, killed her mom, then left: cops Ultimate lounge lizard in Vegas: Komodo dragon Britney's return to L.A. begins with scuffle F-150 pickup delay part of Ford’s cutbacks on trucks Clinton, Obama could use each other's help

Arts panel considers revisions for King Memorial Super size me down: Man sheds 80 pounds on McDonalds diet Teen girls made pact to get pregnant Small Mo. towns fight to contain Mississippi River Uecker yacht on DL for fish tourney Toilet paper wedding dress wins national contest La. citrus growers face new threat to trees Illinois, Iowa floods to raise meat prices Plan for 'I believe' license plate on tap in Alabama More money voted for war in Iraq America the bummed Death comes before justice White House threatens to veto foreclosure rescue Scientists believe Mars lander exposed ice crumbs Bow to her majesty Fired newscaster sues station Alaska hikers recount their measures for survival Pioneer in field of molecular biology dies at 84

Bush flies to flood zone to inspect damage Ark. health clinic evacuated after illnesses Van driver at DFW airport passes out, hits plane Artists soften King's 'confrontational' look Southern California blisters in record heat wave Chicago is part of mortgage fraud crackdown Salmonella outbreak isn't over, officials say Ohio man could go to jail for removing rock Woman attacks when sent to other line: cops Some field turf should be tested for lead, CDC says South Carolina’s new license plates creating religious controversy Convicted killer gets life without parole 5-year-old boy killed by pit bull in Texas Parents sue companies over baby bottles Jobless claims decline by 5,000 New rating system in the works for nursing homes Gas driving home buyers closer to work Barge floats 2-story home from Wash. to Canada River wreaked havoc on old capital Charges at Bear Stearns linked to subprime debacle Obama: Bin Laden cannot be made a martyr Riding to New York — on a skateboard

Flood breaks 2 levees in Illinois Bush wants $1.8 billion in flood aid 2 backpackers are alive after week Feeling thrifty, the thirsty reach for tap water Bar drinks often stronger than standard Bush looks offshore for remedy to high oil prices DNA sample identifies attacker from 1985 rape case Sons of Confederate Vets face own civil war Gays run into resistance in rural towns Michigan City probes alleged noosing Hundreds of gay couples wed across California Man seeks to prove Arnold was his dad Bush vetoes farm bill for the second time N.C. state trooper shot and killed during traffic stop

Gay couples rush to get married in California 26 Mississippi levees could overflow: feds Girl chases man after lemonade stand robbed of $17.50 Doctors support allowing menthol cigarettes 'Sulu' to get married in California UC Berkeley takes steps to oust tree-sitters Nude beach causes controversy at Vermont lake Rodeo proposals and more: wedding stories Snake owner orders pythons to attack: cops 2 Denali backpackers missing Zoo performs first reverse vasectomy on horse Restaurant owned by Paula Deen reopens after fire Pap's charges against Spears dropped Armstrong launches wellness Web site

1st gays get married in California Utah announces 'major' dinosaur find by Illinois scientists Iowa City's flood protections face a marathon test Woman pleads not guilty in Internet suicide 'Suicide is Painless' man didn't kill himself Pols weather recession just fine NC couple accused of tying son to tree charged 3 killed in New York City fire, 11 injured Oprah tells grads to learn from their troubles Tattoo artist re-writes record book with 415 Big flood on campus Voter turnout for tiny North Dakota town: Zero Texas officials: Angry man set gov's mansion fire FCC chief recommends approval for XM, Sirius radio merger Internet suicide case goes to federal court Police: Officer kills man who beat child to death Great Subway Impostor arrested for 23rd time 55-year lesbian couple to be 1st to marry Leona Helmsley's well-heeled dog loses $10 million 3-year-old died of E. coli -- without ever eating meat

Receding Cedar Rapids flood reveals wide damage Police: Officer kills man who beat child to death 10% drink tax infuriates Pittsburgh PTA gets 1st male CEO 'Think-Off' winner argues on immigration Hint of relief for Iowa City U.S. drivers take advantage of Mexico's cheap gas Mild weather aids Calif. firefighting Hotmail spell-check associates Obama with Osama Petrol prices pinching post office Ohio men guilty in plot to kill U.S. soldiers in Iraq Hardest-working journalist in D.C. Fake patients put hospitals, docs to the test Bud fans weigh possible Belgian takeover Cook County foreclosures are worse than U.S. avg. Ford tells union more cuts needed as market slump Chrysler raises prices 2 percent on 2008 inventory

Iowa's Katrina 'Press' host Tim Russert dies FDA: Fla., Mexico suspects in tomato outbreak Calif. firefighters still struggling with blaze DOE to formally withdraw from FutureGen partnership Yves Saint Laurent fashion to be auctioned off Lucky brake for Discovery crew: Homecoming's today VA report: Female vets get 2nd-class health care Weather appears good for shuttle's landing Bush urges help for developing democracies

Flooding forces evacuation of Iowa hospital Scouts were prepared Calif. wildfires burn homes, force evacuations Yahoo seeks Google's aid after Microsoft talks die Politicians oppose Belgian bid for Anheuser-Busch Top People bachelor beats rape charge -- again Woman arrested in cold case has other dead spouses Four Boy Scouts dead Burger King begins to restock tomatoes after scare Dells' ducks summoned Your-classmates -are-dead hoax enrages students Commute catastrophe 3 injured in crane accident at Cowboys' stadium Gitmo captives win rights Transgender rights run into foes like 'Not My Shower' Ringleader of body parts scheme says he's sorry Bill Cosby recalls jazz roots, Chicago debut Whoopi Goldberg ready to do her thing at Tonys

4 teens dead as tornado hits Boy Scout camp in Iowa Texas governor's mansion fire confirmed as arson Siegfried and Roy welcome new tiger cubs 3 injured in crane accident at Cowboys' stadium Supreme Court: Gitmo captives can appeal United to charge $30 round trip for checked bags Judge posts explicit photos on his Web site Excerpts from court's Gitmo ruling Group asks Calif. court to ban gay marriage Dems attempt to extend unemployment benefits Man accused of attacking co-worker with nail gun Bush administration defends Russia nuclear deal Energy Dept. says oil, gas prices to stay high 'Izzie' says no thanks, Emmy U.S. says bombing was on target, but ties with Pakistan may suffer Shaky Wisconsin dam a concern for Antioch Marine expelled over puppy video Cell phone fees OK for consumers, not government Fear strikes town after 2 girls killed Guess what was on Web site of judge in porn trial Calif. polygamist convicted of torturing 19 kids Not all Democrats falling for Obama Politics an obstacle for InBev's Anheuser-Busch bid

4 dead, 40 hurt as tornado hits Boy Scout camp 2 guns, 2 killers involved in 2 girls' deaths Marine expelled, another punished over puppy video Johnson quits as Obama VP vetter Extension of jobless benefits loses in House Mom finds snake wrapped around baby Floods hit downstate Illinois 40 salespeople tossed out of hotel Why did food sellers treat tomatoes like hot potatoes? US life expectancy tops 78 as top diseases decline Drivers fight for gas in Calif. 2 hours, 2 DUI arrests for man Are Dells down the drain? Sellers move fast this time to pull tomatoes Tax on Big Oil knocked down by Republicans 50 Cent told not to sell fire-ravaged property Mayor still opposes his own pay raise Sandbagged levee holds in Iowa, protects city

Girl in day care hurls, kills infant: officials Flash floods inundate Wisconsin town Jewel, Cub join stores banning tomatoes Trade deficit jumps to highest level in 13 months Scientist names catfish after mailroom boss We're safer at home Flag-burning editorial helps kill school paper Police find pipe bomb stuffed inside chicken 90-year-old accepts high school diploma in Mich. NYC doctor pleads guilty to stealing mom's money Last minute work for shuttle before hatches close Petal, oldest African elephant in U.S. zoo, dies $1 million Park Service resort trip ripped

Floods wash away 4 Wisconsin houses ‘Pregnant man’ readies for delivery, wants more babies Bush declares 29 counties in Indiana disaster areas Catfish named after mailroom supervisor Man kills himself by leaping from plane Rep. Kucinich introduces Bush impeachment resolution 3 bodies unidentified from 1973 mass killings Hundreds attend documentary screening in Bush town Arson suspected in blaze that ravaged Texas Gov.'s Mansion Ohio plane crash kills 6, including ex-legislator FDA warns of salmonella outbreak 'Free gas' promotions hottest thing this summer Medical helicopter crashes in Texas, killing 4 South Carolina beach surf really had teeth to it 2 arrested as 'thong bandits' Sailor called 'hero' for helping save 5 others

Groundbreaking sportscaster Jim McKay dies Achatz takes top chef award at food "Oscars" Fire heavily damages Texas governor's mansion 'I endorse him and throw my full support behind him' 'Beach-combing' pilot dies in plane crash Severe storms bring flooding, tornadoes to Midwest Union leaders OK Hollywood labor contract Shuttle astronauts to go on final spacewalk Coast Guard finds 5 missing sailors in Gulf Workers get more time for donations Violence prompts D.C. police to set up checkpoints NH gay bishop, partner joined in civil union

Police: Brooklyn boy, 3, beaten to death in house Shuttle flight hits halfway mark Home oyster gardening popular restoration effort Derrie-Air pitch has major hitch Gay marriage fallout: Clerk dropping all ceremonies 911 calls were made in widely viewed hit-and-run McMahon talks about possible home foreclosure Conviction upheld in al-Qaida plot on Bush Clinton's efforts will shape her future Briefs Totem pole climber could get his clothes back California wildfire mostly contained Wonder Woman actress finds body on river Feds: Caribbean monk seal is extinct United, flight attendants agree on buyout plan

Oil prices could rise higher by July 4 University president to resign over degree scandal Air heads fired How gay-friendly is Seattle? Man dies who won Medal of Honor at 17 Frightened elephants escape as tornadoes hit Daredoubles climb NYC skyscraper Clinton 'not seeking' to be VP Democrats procrastinate, leave problems to Obama or McCain Indictment: Broadcom ex-CEO built drug warehouse Court hangs up on cell foe