To people in this hard-scrabble region tucked between two soaring mountain ranges, Gov. Sarah Palin is a working-class heroine. As the Republican vice presidential candidate’s star rises nationally, she’s increasingly held up as the model for life in the Last Frontier.

A Russian Supreme Court appeals panel on Wednesday declared the last czar and his murdered family to be victims of political repression _ a decision that helps Russia move toward closing a chapter in its tortured history.

News agencies say a Russian Supreme Court appeals panel has declared the murdered last czar and his family to be victims of political repression.

Mets fans are getting a vintage New York City subway car for their last nostalgic ride to the final regular season home game at Shea Stadium.

The Democrats had the awkwardness of the Clintons at their convention. Republicans now have their version of a precarious guest: President Bush.

It is, indeed, a last hurrah.

Gory and bucolic all at once, cockfights have drawn crowds to small-time pits and full-blown arenas in towns around Louisiana for generations. By next week, they’ll be against the law. Everywhere.

Last weekend’s Cambodian national elections failed to meet international standards because of biases in favor of the country’s ruling party, the European Union said Tuesday.

Last summer, NBA referee Tim Donaghy stunned the league by pleading guilty to federal charges he took payoffs from a professional gambler for inside tips on games.

Last summer, NBA referee Tim Donaghy stunned the league by pleading guilty to federal charges he took payoffs from a professional gambler for inside tips on games.