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 ...

Nation news briefs

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

Christian college expels lesbian, charges tuition

Chimp victim is denied $150M state lawsuit

Nazi leader's Minneapolis life prompts shock

Crews battling Colo. wildfire hold flames in check

No injuries in Reno plane collision at air races practice

91-year-old sets age-group weightlifting record

Authorities probe sports bar deck collapse

Prep player classified as sex offender

Nation news briefs

BOSTON WOMAN PAYS $560,000 FOR 2 PARKING SPOTS: BOSTON (AP) - Parking is such a precious commodity in Boston that one woman was willing to pay $560,000 for two off-street spaces near her home.

Many Americans say 'Big Brother' is here

Poll: The online generation wants it

Teacher blames job loss on abusive ex

Prosecutors push for anti-phone theft measures

Odd News

POLICE: THIEF GETS STUCK IN MUD AFTER BURGLARY: FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Police say a man who robbed a Foxborough home had to call a tow truck after getting stuck in the mud while making his getaway.

2 dead in area burned by wildfire