Grandson: Society matron is neglected

NEW YORK (AP) -- She wears torn nightgowns and sleeps on a couch that smells of urine. Her bland diet includes pureed peas and oatmeal. Her dogs, once a source of comfort, are kept locked in a pantry.

California firefighters make progress

LAKE MORENA, California (AP) -- With this area east of San Diego getting a break from California's heat wave Wednesday, firefighters were able to make progress against a wildfire that triggered evacuations as it crept toward rural communities.

Yates found not guilty by reason of insanity

HOUSTON, Texas (AP) -- Andrea Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity Wednesday in the bathtub drownings of her young children.

Former President Ford hospitalized

VAIL, Colorado (AP) -- Former President Gerald Ford was admitted to a hospital for shortness of breath and is expected to be released later Wednesday, his spokeswoman said.

Police: Indiana suspect argued with relatives

SEYMOUR, Indiana (AP) -- A teenager who confessed to a series of highway shootings had been on a hunting trip in the area and drove off in anger after arguing with relatives shortly before the attacks, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Calls pour in about killer's photos

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- For 22 years, the photos languished in a box collecting dust in a sheriff's evidence archive.

Congressman wins temporary delay in bribery probe

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court on Wednesday temporarily delayed a Justice Department bribery investigation of a Louisiana congressman while he challenges the legality of an unprecedented FBI raid on his Capitol Hill office.

Teen charged in highway shootings

SEYMOUR, Indiana (AP) -- A 17-year-old boy who confessed to committing a series of highway shootings that killed one man and wounded another was cooperative and remorseful while police questioned him, authorities said.

California broils as heat wave continues

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- The high-pressure system over California that has brought 100-degree weather wasn't budging Wednesday, promising an 11th straight day of sweltering heat, the potential of more deaths and another strain on utilities.

Inspiration for 'Men of Honor' dies

RICHMOND, Virginia (AP) -- Carl M. Brashear, the first black U.S. Navy diver who was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2000 film "Men of Honor," died Tuesday. He was 75.

Police seek 50 women linked to killer

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Investigators are trying to find about 50 women who were photographed decades ago by a man now on death row for murdering two aspiring models in the early 1980s, authorities said Tuesday.

Senate passes interstate abortion notification

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A bill that would make it a crime to take a pregnant girl across state lines for an abortion without her parents' knowledge passed the Senate Tuesday, but vast differences with the House version stood between the measure and President Bush's desk.

Severed hand found in nude dancer's home

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, New Jersey (AP) -- A severed hand was found at the home of an exotic dancer who decorated her home with skulls, and she was charged with improper disposition of human remains, authorities said.

Reports: Teen questioned in highway shootings

MUNCIE, Indiana (AP) -- Investigators questioned a 17-year-old Tuesday in connection with a series of highway shootings that killed one man, wounded another and damaged at least four vehicles, two television stations reported.

Polly Klaas' killer survives death row OD

SAN QUENTIN, California (AP) -- The death row inmate whose kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas helped inspire the state's three-strikes law survived an opiate overdose in his cell, prison officials said.

Heat tests power supply

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- As the death toll from a scorching heat wave rose and record demand tested California's power supply, energy managers feared they may have to trigger rolling blackouts.

California calls for backup

ALPINE, California (AP) -- Fire officials pleaded for additional manpower to battle a 7,000-acre wildfire near the California-Mexico border as stifling heat baked the state in triple-digit temperatures.

Kids' show host fired over 'Virgin' video

NEW YORK (AP) -- The PBS Kids Sprout network has fired the host of "The Good Night Show" after learning she had appeared in videos called "Technical Virgin."

Oklahoma GOP primary race has lots of laughs

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (AP) -- Rep. Ernest Istook is giving up his congressional seat in hopes of taking on a highly popular Democratic governor. But first the Republican has to get past an opponent in Tuesday's primary who has run a commercial with a comedian wearing an Istook mask and making pig noises.

Bush, Iraqi PM expected to discuss security

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As President Bush was to host Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Tuesday, the White House said it still has confidence in the Shiite leader despite continued security troubles in Baghdad.