Plan your 4th of July

Adventurous in Wash. paddle from atop surfboards

Megan Adams eyed a 12-foot-long surfboard and a long canoe-style paddle. She watched other stand-up paddle surfers easing over the glassy water just off Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park.

SC serial killer conjures memory of 60s murderer

A terrified rural South Carolina community hunkered down over the Fourth of July after the sheriff said a serial killer was on the loose, and longtime residents were reminded of a murderer who terrorized the town in the 1960s.

Obama, McCain give dueling holiday addresses

In dueling holiday addresses, President Barack Obama appealed for public support of his domestic programs and Sen. John McCain said Americans should side with Iranian election protesters.

Car dealer fights Chrysler over franchise

A poster in Jim Tarbox's office at his North Kingstown Chrysler Jeep dealership declares: "Challenge: The harder the course, the more rewarding the triumph."

Johnson's 2-run double lifts Mariners to 7-6 win over Boston

Rob Johnson doubled home two runs in the 11th inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6 on Friday night.

TV One to begin Sunday show aimed at blacks

Roland Martin will anchor a new Sunday public affairs show aimed at a black audience that will debut in September on the TV One network.

Turtle named for Obama freed on Independence Day

A sea turtle named after President Barack Obama that was rescued just before Inauguration Day has been set free on Independence Day.

Chestnut wins NY hot dog eating match, 3d in row

Joey Chestnut chomped down a record 68 hot dogs, capturing his third straight July Fourth hot-dog eating contest at Coney Island, an annual showcase for flamboyant hot dogging contestants eager to show they really are what they eat.

Details emerge on woman accused of al-Qaida ties

Newly filed court records reveal evidence regarding the life of a U.S.-trained scientist accused of being an al-Qaida operative.

Palin keeps low-profile after surprise news

Where is Sarah Palin?

Adventurous in Wash. paddle from atop surfboards

Megan Adams eyed a 12-foot-long surfboard and a long canoe-style paddle. She watched other stand-up paddle surfers easing over the glassy water just off Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park.

Police: Wanted man surrenders in Port Angeles

Police in Port Angeles say they cornered a man wanted on a federal warrant, and then he emerged from the crawl space of a garage to surrender.

Thousands expected for anti-tax rally

Despite low attendance at previous events, organizers of an anti-tax rally in Olympia on Independence Day are expecting thousands of people.

Lady Liberty's crown reopens on July Fourth

The first visitors allowed into the Statue of Liberty's crown in nearly eight years made the arduous climb Saturday on an Independence Day journey laden with symbolism of freedom, national pride _ and for one couple, romance.

Coroner: Teen 5th killed by apparent serial killer

A teenage girl shot while helping her father in their family's small furniture and appliance store died Saturday, becoming the fifth victim of a suspected serial killer terrorizing a small South Carolina community, authorities said.

Palin's replacement wants full term

The Republican inheriting the job as Alaska governor from resigning Sarah Palin plans to seek a full term in office in 2010.

Movement to shut down shark tours in Hawaii grows

Three women donned scuba masks and jumped into the waters off Oahu's North Shore, floating inside a submerged cage as about a dozen sharks glided toward bloody fish scraps tossed into the water by a tour company.