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.

Analysis: Palin prepping for 2012 run?
Sarah Palin's announcement that she's stepping down as Alaska's governor could be a sign that she's gearing up for a run at the presidency in 2012, Howard Fineman writes.

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.

Powerful sedative found in Jackson's home

A law enforcement official says the powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home. Diprivan is an intravenous anesthetic drug widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it's very unusual to have in a private home

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.

Chestnut, Kobayashi face off again in eat-off

Coney kings hot-dogged it for the cameras yesterday, mustering tough-guy poses and stare downs at the weigh-in for Saturday's traditional July 4th hot-dog eating contest.

Austin: Slight edge to Serena over Venus

Austin:  It'll be a battle from the baseline in Wimbledon final rematch

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.

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.