July 4 fireworks shows go up in smoke

With the recession eating away at state and local budgets everywhere, it will be a silent Fourth of July across the country for many communities that have canceled their annual fireworks shows.

Jackson says he'll return for another Lakers run

Phil Jackson is returning to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season.

Cops hunt serial killer after 4 shootings
Authorities in South Carolina are looking for a serial killer they believe has shot four people to death within 10 miles of each other over the past six days.

Honduras says won't restore president

Honduras' Supreme Court rebuffed a personal appeal from the Americas' top international diplomat Friday, refusing to restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya before a Saturday deadline.

N. Korea marks July 4 with missile barrage
North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day.

Up to 6,000 exposed to hepatitis at hospital
A former surgery technician may have exposed thousands of Colorado patients to hepatitis C when she swapped her own dirty syringes for ones filled with a powerful narcotic, officials said.

Analysis: Yet again, Palin plays by own rules

Sarah Palin demonstrated once again yesterday that she is one of America's most unconventional politicians, following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

Palin to resign as Alaska governor

Sarah Palin announced Friday she plans to resign as governor of Alaska in a few weeks, saying she will try to "affect positive change" from outside government.

Johnny comes marching home — to no job
National Guardsmen are coming home from Iraq to face a new enemy – a swooning economy that has landed like a KO'd heavyweight on the canvas of their home towns.