Obama: No change in Iraq policy...Freed hostages in good condition

Fargo, N.D. (AP) Barack Obama says he's always been open to refining his Iraq policy, and he's blaming John McCain's campaign for suggesting he's changing his policy when, he says, "we haven't." Obama says what he learns from military commanders on his upcoming trip to Iraq will refine his policy but not his 16-month timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat troops.

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (AP) Military officials say three U.S.

hostages rescued from Colombian rebels after more than five years in captivity are in good condition. Marc Gonsalves (gahn-SAHL'-vehs), Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell had been held since their drug-surveillance plane went down in the jungle in February 2003.

White House (AP) President Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. The White House announcement quashes any talk of a presidential boycott of the ceremonies over China's violent crackdown after anti-government riots and protests in Tibet. Bush has long been planning to attend the games themselves.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) Federal prosecutors say the kidnapping charges filed against a Vermont man whose 12-year-old niece was found dead near his home carry the death penalty if it's determined the girl was murdered. Prosecutors claim Michael Jacques (jayks) lured Brooke Bennett to his home to initiate her into a child sex ring. Brooke disappeared June 25th.

LOS ANGELES (AP) There's sad news for Bozo fans. Larry Harmon, who turned the character Bozo the Clown into a show business staple for more than half a century, has died of congestive heart failure.

He was 83.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-03-08 1749CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list