SC serial killer conjures memory of 60s murderer (AP)

AP - 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.

Calif. bullet train hits criticism on SF Peninsula (AP)

AP - Last November, more than 60 percent of voters on the San Francisco Peninsula supported a $9.9 billion bond measure to help pay for a high-speed rail line between San Francisco and the Los Angeles area.

Palin resignation leaves questions on 2012 run (AP)

AP - Even for a nonconformist, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has defied political logic with her sudden, stunning announcement to leave office more than a year early.

Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home (AP)

AP - Questions about Michael Jackson's use of prescription drugs are intensifying after a powerful sedative was found inside his home.

Texas brewer, once near defeat, shines again (AP)

AP - By all accounts, Shiner beer shouldn't have made it this long. The Spoetzl Brewery ferments its brew in a one-stoplight town that's not on the way to anywhere, and much larger regional brewers long ago succumbed to consolidation and the muscle of national brewers.

Jackson kids face hurdles to coping with his death (AP)

AP - No matter how unusual their lives may have been so far, Michael Jackson's children now face a universal trauma felt by all kids who suddenly lose a parent.

Jackson was loving and attentive father, many say (AP)

AP - When Rabbi Shmuley Boteach brought his children to play with Michael Jackson's kids at Neverland Ranch some eight years ago, the rabbi's youngsters naturally made a beeline for the fabulous rides — the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, the bumper cars.

Calif. regulators warn of pot's cancer capability (AP)
AP - It might take Californians a puff or two to get their heads around an apparent contradiction recently enshrined in state law. The same marijuana smoke that doctors can recommend to ease cancer patients' suffering must soon come with a warning saying it causes the disease.

Police: Arizona woman led sons on crime spree (AP)
AP - Cynthia Mary Roberson is an unemployed mother who police say led her 12- and 14-year-old sons and their friends to commit at least 20 armed robberies and assaults, including the beating of a teenage boy who had nothing more than an orange lollipop.

AP Source: Detroit mayor firing police chief (AP)
AP - The mayor of Detroit is firing the city's police chief, a person familiar with the situation said Friday.

Communities bug out over cuts to mosquito control (AP)

AP - Millions of mosquito eggs laid across southern Texas after Hurricane Ike hit the coast last summer are waiting for the little bit of rain and hot summer days they need to hatch. That's got the man whose job it is to fight the bugs worried — he's already running out of money.

4 decades later, freedom rider returns to Miss. (AP)

AP - Corey Carter could hear snippets of music in his head — a calm and subtle melody that hadn't found its shape. The 19-year-old college student simply needed a hero to visualize before he could finish his composition for wind ensemble.

SC residents mixed over fate of cheating gov (AP)

AP - After a week that offered the world a glimpse into the conflicted mind of philandering South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, his constituents differed Friday on whether he should leave office.

Pachyderms outdo people in cross-species chow bout (AP)

AP - In the fight of pachyderms vs. people — the pachyderms now have the upper trunk.

Job seekers seek solace with fellow faithful (AP)

AP - Her fellow job seekers offer knowing groans as Diane Castro recalls the day she was laid off: The fear of being summoned to the front office. The phones in nearby cubicles going off like grenades. Finally, a ring at her desk.

Abortion doc murder suspect advocates via mail (AP)

AP - A man charged with shooting a prominent Kansas doctor who performed late-term abortions has been advocating through mailings from his jail cell that such killings are justifiable and communicating with individuals on the fringes of the anti-abortion movement, weeks after suggesting others might be planning similar attacks.

Product pitchman Mays remembered as natural seller (AP)

AP - References to television pitchman Bill Mays' trademark image were everywhere at his funeral Friday near Pittsburgh.

NYC Muslims push to add holidays to school year (AP)

AP - Moneeb Hassan remembers having to choose between a final exam in American history or celebrating the Muslim holy day of Eid al-Adha. In the end, he chose both.

Much-needed tax refunds delayed from Ga. to Calif. (AP)

AP - Colin Daymude was out of work last year after his business failed and eagerly filed his taxes in mid-January, figuring he'd get his refund sooner. He was wrong.

Mom in MySpace case says it was properly dismissed (AP)

AP - A Missouri mother said she never should have been prosecuted for her role in a MySpace hoax directed at a 13-year-old girl who ended up committing suicide.