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WASHINGTON – Researchers have identified seven possibilities for the next generation of mosquito repellant, some of which may work several times longer than the current standard-bearer, DEET. The next step: safety testing to make sure they’re not harmful. While the new repellants aren’t likely to be available commercially for a …

NEW YORK – After three decades of keeping mum, Barbara Walters now says she had a past affair with married U.S. Senator Edward Brooke, whom she remembers as “exciting” and “brilliant.” Appearing on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” scheduled to air Tuesday, Walters shares details of her relationship with Brooke that …

JARRATT, Va. – Lawrence Vaughan didn’t get to see his wife’s funeral. But after nearly 10 years, he was able to see her killer take his last breaths. Vaughan and his family watched Tuesday as Kevin Green, 31, was executed by lethal injection for killing Patricia Vaughan in August of …

NEW YORK – Stephen Colbert’s use of the Internet to connect with fans earned the Comedy Central host special recognition as recipients of the annual Webby awards for Web sites and online achievements were announced Tuesday. A special achievement award also went to will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas frontman behind …

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine: Elk Talk While campaigning for his wife in Indiana last week, former President Bill Clinton said Hillary Clinton would scratch No Child Left Behind laws and that, “every time I say this, it’s a guaranteed applause line. You can drop me in …

ATLANTA – From his first day at Morehouse College — the country’s only institution of higher learning dedicated to the education of black men — Joshua Packwood has been a standout. His popularity got him elected dorm president as a freshman. His looks and physique made him a fashion-show favorite. …

An Australian doctor proposed Monday that the government pay up to $47,000 for kidney donations to overcome a chronic shortage. The suggestion touched off debate around the country on the idea, which critics say will end in the poor selling their organs to the rich. Kidney specialist Gavin Carney said …

Some 7,000 U.S. troops soon may have to pack their bags for Afghanistan if the Pentagon goes through with plans to make up for a shortfall in military personnel from NATO, The New York Times reported on Saturday. If the proposal moves forward, Bush administration officials say, the service members …

LOS ANGELES – Contract talks will begin Wednesday between the major Hollywood studios and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the union said Tuesday. The announcement came as studio talks with the larger Screen Actors Guild neared a temporary end to allow the AFTRA talks to begin. No …

WASHINGTON – The toll from salmonella-tainted tomatoes jumped to 228 illnesses Thursday as the government learned of five dozen previously unknown cases and said it is possible the food poisoning contributed to a cancer patient’s death. Six more states — Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Tennessee and Vermont — reported …