Top News Today: The Ellen DeGeneres era on American Idol is over.]]> Three U.S. service members were killed in blasts in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year-war.]]> President Obama on Thursday signed legislation to fund his troop surge in Afghanistan, even though it was stripped of money for domestic stimulus programs.]]> Wanted: A hot-shot athlete to star in the NFL. Fame included. Other perks involve fat paychecks, big houses, luxury cars, mega fans and VIP lists. Survive camp, make the big plays and you're home free.]]> Soldiers of Bravo Company walk past windowless, mud-walled homes and mosques as children carry cans filled with water.]]> Automakers are tantalizing the market with 40-mpg small cars and 30-mpg sporty cars. Electric cars from major automakers are due by year's end. Plug-in gas-electric hybrids are under development.]]> For generations, U.S. consumers have relied on banks to bear the primary responsibility for keeping their hard-earned cash deposits out of the hands of thieves. Now, banks want consumers to share the load.]]> Investors may be fretting over the chance of a double-dip recession, but companies' earnings are coming in with sprinkles on top.]]> College students will be able to shop around more for deals on textbooks, thanks to a new law that took effect this month.]]> Wanted: A hot-shot athlete to star in the NFL. Fame included. Other perks involve fat paychecks, big houses, luxury cars, mega fans and VIP lists. Survive camp, make the big plays and you're home free.]]>
