8am Headlines

Sen. Edward Kennedy, the longtime Massachusetts lawmaker whose personal tragedies along with his professional triumphs and losses unfolded in the public eye, has died at his home in Hyannis Port after battling a brain tumor. He was 77.

His family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."


A day after Atlantic City's mayor enforced the immediate suspension of the police department's canine patrol, handlers from the unit met to discuss what's next. The canines will be off the streets until the mayor’s administration conducts an internal investigation
The suspension stemmed from criticism and complaints over how the police dogs were being used, including allegations of un-necessary biting of suspects by dogs. The unit stands firm, that without them on the streets, public safety is a huge issue. "This dog will give his life to save the life of police officer, handler or citizen…taking them off the streets, it creates a very dangerous situation not only for our police officers but the citizens of Atlantic City,"


The wildly successful $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program has generated more than half a million car sales. Now dealers hope to get paid.

The deadline for car dealers to submit reimbursement paperwork for the federal car incentives ended Tuesday night, a day after the government halted new sales under the program. Dealers received extra time to submit records for the car rebates as the government's Web site set up to handle the program struggled to accommodate dealers' rush to submit last minute claims.


Authorities say the mother of a Florida girl suffocated by a pet python last month has been charged in the child's death.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office says 19-year-old Jaren Ashley Hare and her boyfriend, 32-year-old Charles Jason Darnell, were each charged Monday with manslaughter, third-degree murder and child abuse.