Palin Resigns As Alaska Governor
WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she is resigning from office. She didn't say why she decided to step down, but the surprise announcement stirred speculation that she would focus on a bid for the 2012 Republican nomination for president. The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26. Spokesman Dave Murrow says Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor's picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month. Palin was first elected in 2006 on a populist platform. But her popularity has waned as she waged in partisan politics following her return from the presidential campaign.

Jackson Services Tuesday
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles city officials are preparing for massive crowds downtown during Tuesday's public memorial for Michael Jackson at Staples Center.
Assistant Police Chief Earl Paysinger says anywhere from a quarter-million to 700,000 people may try to reach the arena, even though a wide area around Staples Center will be sealed off to
those without tickets. Staples Center is offering 17,500 free tickets through an Internet lottery. The tickets are for the arena or the adjacent Nokia Theatre. City Councilwoman Jan Perry is strongly urging people to stay home and watch the memorial on TV. The ceremony will not be shown on the giant outdoor TV screen at Staples and there will be no funeral procession through the city.

Strong Sedative Found At Jackson's Home
LOS ANGELES (AP) - It's a drug that is widely used in operating rooms to make people unconscious, and it's not often found in someone's home. But a law enforcement official says the powerful sedative Diprivan has been found in the home of Michael Jackson. A registered nurse who had been working with Jackson had said he pleaded with her to give him Diprivan, because of his persistent insomnia. Investigators are trying to determine if he was illegally
provided with medications.

Recall Of Nonfat Dry Milk
WASHINGTON (AP) - A big recall is under way across the country for nonfat dry milk, cocoa and other products linked to a possible salmonella contamination at a Minnesota processing plant. The Food and Drug Administration says Plainview Milk Products Cooperative is recalling instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers and food thickening agents. The suspect products were made over the past two years. Salmonella can cause serious infections, especially in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA says none of Plainview's products were sold directly to the public, but to other distributors.

Specter Visits With Local Democrats
Senator Arlen Specter has been meeting with area Democrats. Specter made stops in Washington and Greene counties Friday to meet with members of the state Democratic committees. It was the first such visit since he left the Republican party in April. WJPA caught up with the senator at the Holiday Inn Meadowlands, where he said he's been welcomed by Democrats across the state. Specter says he supports President Obama's plans to reform health care.

Marine Killed In Afghanistan
NAWA, Afghanistan (AP) - One U.S. Marine has been killed on the first day of a major U.S. offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Military officials say several other Marines have been wounded or injured. Marines poured into villages controlled by the Taliban along about 20 miles of the Helmand River. The Marines said about 4,000 troops, many from Camp Lejeune, N.C., are involved in the offensive.

Solider Captured
WASHINGTON (AP) - A search is under way in eastern Afghanistan for a soldier apparently being held by Taliban insurgents after he walked off his base without his body armor or weapon. Officials say the military has intercepted communications in which insurgents said they had captured an American. But several officials declined to say whether there has been any direct communications with the insurgents or whether any demands had been
made for the return of the soldier. He's said to be a private first class. The military has released few details about the abduction. It's believed to be the first such abduction of a U.S. service member in the nearly eight-year-old war.

Canonsburg Parade Tomorrow
Canonsburg is getting ready for its huge 4th of July parade tomorrow. This is the 47th year of what has become the second-largest Independence Day parade in the state. Borough Manager Terry Hazlett says they're expecting a crowd of 40,000 to 60,000 people. Police Chief R.T. Bell says there's plenty of parking, but the earlier you get to town, the better. Parade organizer Terri Zemenchek says 140 units will participate, about 30 more than last year. There will be free swimming at the Town Park pool tomorrow, with music and other activities taking place at the pool.

The Whisky Rebellion 5K run starts at 8 a.m., the parade start at 10, and the celebration concludes with fireworks at Canon-Mac Stadium, starting at 9:45.

Fireworks At Washington Park
There will also be a fireworks display tomorrow night at Washington Park, starting at 9:45. Councilman Terry Faust says community members donated more than $13,000 to pay for the show.