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.

2 GIs die in bombing, gunfight at Afghan base
Militants blew up a vehicle outside the gates of a U.S. base in Afghanistan on Saturday, sparking a two-hour gunbattle, officials said. Two American troops were killed and four others injured.

Ex-Titans, Ravens QB McNair shot, killed

Former NFL MVP Steve McNair has been shot and killed. Titans owner Bud Adams confirmed the quarterback's death in a brief statement released Saturday.

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.

Serena dominant in Wimbledon victory

Serena Williams has won her third Wimbledon title, beating sister Venus Williams 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the final.

‘Car guys' retrain but downshift to lower pay
Big, burly and a "car guy" since high school, Tom Persinger worked for years at General Motors. Now he's a nurse's aide earning $12 an hour. "I've been humbled quite a bit," he said.

1.2 million apply for Jackson memorial tickets

More than a million fans from around the world applied for 17,500 free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week, organizers said on Friday.

Analysis: Armstrong could spark best Tour ever

Analysis: Cyclist looks as good as ever, but even-better teammate stands in his way

Rusty Ramirez hitless in Dodgers' victory

Returning from his suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, Manny Ramirez barely hit the ball out of the infield in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Friday.