It was a horrific crime, the sort that calls out for justice - three college students senselessly murdered, with a fourth left for dead after being shot in the head. But now a case in Newark, N.J., has become a rallying cry in the battle against illegal immigration. And that can't be good. It all happened on Aug. 4, when three African-Americans were gunned down in a schoolyard near their homes, after being made to ... [full story]

"The problem with Karl is that it's always about the next election; it's always about power; it's always about getting the money from the big boys so you can control the process. It's not about principle; it's not about issues - issues are used to gain and keep political power, not to advance the interests of this country." So spoke Tom Pauken, a staunchly conservative Dallas lawyer who was a key figure in the Texas ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - A conservative research group said a new report shows if current immigration trends continue, 105 million people will be added to the U.S. population by 2060.A release by the Washington-based Center for Immigration Studies said the findings were "carefully modeled on earlier projections by the Census Bureau."The report, "100 Million More: Projecting the Impact of Immigration on the U.S. Population, 2007 to 2060," will be available online at cis.org, the center said.The report ... [full story]

Game: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" Publisher: EA System: Nintendo Wii Cost: $50 ESRB rating: T Review rating: 3 stars   WIZARDRY - In this virtual version of Hogwarts, the player is free to explore nearly every location from the series, including the Dungeon Corridor, Viaduct, Hagrid's Hut and the Gryffindor Common Room. CNS Photo courtesy of EA.    FULL PRESS - The most powerful move in 'Mario Strikers Charge' is called the 'MegaStrike,' which ... [full story]

SEOUL - The Taliban released its seven remaining South Korean hostages Thursday, ending a 43-day Afghanistan hostage crisis without a ransom being paid, a report said.South Korea promised to follow through with plans to pull its 200 troops from Afghanistan by the year's end as well as ban any more Christian missionaries from traveling to the war-torn country, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.Taliban fighters seized 23 South Korean missionaries on July 18 and killed ... [full story]

Game: "Parappa the Rapper" Publisher: Sony System: Sony PSP Cost: $30 ESRB rating: E Review rating: 2 1/2 stars   FRIENDS BECOME ENEMIES - While play can become repetitive, in-depth customization options and gorgeous visuals help to make 'Project Sylpheed' an enjoyable 3-D space shooter. CNS Photo courtesy of Microsoft/Square-Enix.    NEW REMIXES - Sony has released an enhanced version of 'Parappa the Rapper' for the PlayStation Portable; it features eight new downloadable remixes in addition to the ... [full story]

Almost 30 years ago, a beautiful girl named Gail was resting a knee she had sprained in a skiing accident on a coffee table during a fraternity mixer at Southwestern University in Dallas when Bill Engvall - a strapping 6-footer - roller-skated into the room with a beer in his hand.   BILL ENGVALL - Bill Engvall is the force behind 'The Bill Engvall Show,' a gentle half-hour comedy he helped create, develop and executive produce. ... [full story]

ATHENS, Greece - Most of the wildfires that ravaged southern Greece in recent days have been extinguished or brought under control.Only four areas, two in the Peloponnese and two on the island of Evia, were still being identified by the Greek government Thursday as "problems," Athens News Agency reported.The death toll from the country's wildfires held steady Thursday at 64.Thousands of Athens residents gathered Wednesday evening in the city's Syntagma Square for a silent protest ... [full story]

Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill's birthplace and one of Britain's most opulent houses with seven acres under its gilded roof, is a sight to behold, even if you arrive by bus. But my friend Diane and I dreamed of a different sort of arrival - something a "Brit different" that would provide a lasting if not indelible memory.   BLENHEIM PALACE - Blenheim Palace was home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir ... [full story]

CHICAGO - Chicago police, including a SWAT team, surrounded a gunman believed holding several hostages in a First Commercial Bank branch.The attempted robbery was reported about 9:42 a.m. Acting Chicago Police Superintendent Dana Starks confirmed there was a hostage situation underway but didn't say whether any shots had been fired.He said FBI agents were on the scene.“We’re trying to establish contact right now with the offender in the bank,” said FBI Assistant Special-Agent-in-Charge William Monroe. ... [full story]