2 accidents raise storm, blackout toll to 26

BALTIMORE (AP) - The Mid-Atlantic region is struggling to get back to normal after deadly, power-cutting storms and sweltering heat.

Rain cools Colo. fires, other wildfires grow

DENVER (AP) - Rains cooled Colorado's wildfires Wednesday, but more than a dozen wildfires elsewhere in the West continued chewing through bone-dry pine and brush as firefighters working through the holiday kept a nervous eye for fireworks and other hazards.

To beer, or not to beer? ‘Can ban’ slows tourism

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (AP) - When it comes to new laws, Texas usually saves its bewilderment for ones from Washington. But this scorching summer, it's a single city ordinance on the popular Guadalupe River that is stirring frustration and confusion.

Nation news briefs

• SURVEY: NEXT PRESIDENT FACES HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT: WASHINGTON (AP) - A majority of economists in the latest Associated Press Economy Survey expect the national unemployment rate to stay above 6 percent - the upper bounds of what's considered healthy - for at least four more years.

Nation news briefs

JETBLUE PILOT NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY: AMARILLO, Texas (AP) - A federal judge in Texas found a JetBlue Airways pilot who left the cockpit during a flight and screamed about religion and terrorists not guilty by reason of insanity Tuesday.

Andy Griffith, creator of Mayberry, dies at 86

Guns blamed for starting wildfires

Ohio try at 'personhood' amendment to say start of life at fertilization falls short

At July lull, presidential race is close as ever

Evidence of 'God particle' found

Fatal crash grounds key part of firefighting

Sex offender accused of attacking boy

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man on parole for trying to infect children with HIV nearly twenty years ago pulled a boy into a Portland restaurant bathroom over the weekend, attempted to sexually assault him and then stabbed him several times, police said. The 10-year-old's injuries from the attack Sunday were severe enough to require surgery, and officers said he would have ...

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ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, MAYOR SWORN IN FROM HAWAII: ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Anchorage residents were met with overcast skies Monday as their mayor took the oath of office - not in Alaska - but in sunny Honolulu, where it was warm, with classic Hawaii temperatures of 80 degrees.

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PA. HIGH SCHOOL PUTS ITSELF UP FOR SALE ON EBAY: LANGHORNE, Pa. (AP) - Forget magazine drives and candy sales. A cash-strapped high school near Philadelphia hopes to raise money by auctioning itself on eBay.

At July lull, presidential race is close as ever

Woman faked marriage to dead racer

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Las Vegas woman has been accused of forging a marriage certificate so she could keep her racecar-driving boyfriend's possessions after he died three years ago when his Porsche veered off a mountain road in northern Nevada. Allison Lear was arrested on outstanding warrants May 25 at the Hakkasan nightclub at the MGM Grand. She faces charges of forgery and perjury in what family members characterize as a callous attempt at ...

Nation news briefs

TORNADO HITS OKLAHOMA CITY AREA IN PLAINS OUTBREAK: OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Tornadoes rolled in from the prairie and slammed Oklahoma City and its suburbs on Friday, crumbling cars and tractor-trailers along a major interstate and leading to numerous injuries.

Big stink over Camel ads

Would-be Chicago backpack bomber gets 23-year term

Hagel to broach cyberthreats topic with Chinese

Notes to Obama, mayor had gun threats

2 in 5 women would consider parenting solo

Teens wary of social media after homicide

Nation news briefs

BOY, 10, FINDS $10,000 IN KANSAS CITY HOTEL ROOM: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A 10-year-old boy who found $10,000 in a drawer at a Kansas City hotel where he was staying with his dad turned the money over to police.

Soldier to admit Afghan massacre in plea bargain

Decontaminating patients cuts hospital infections

Neighbor sours on property sale to Vt. governor

Letters to NYC mayor test positive for ricin

Obama preparing to name Comey to FBI

Chance for sibling 1st at National Spelling Bee