TOKYO – Nintendo may have a Wii little problem. The American branch of the Japanese video-game company has sent an e-mail to registered owners of its just-released home console, reminding them to please, please hold on to the Wii’s motion-sensitive wireless controller, to always use the safety wrist strap — …

HAMBURG, Germany – German police said Saturday that they had found traces of radiation at two sites in and near Hamburg linked to a contact of poisoned former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Police said they found traces of alpha radiation at the Hamburg apartment of the ex-wife of Dmitry Kovtun, …

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said Tuesday that the Holocaust was an “immense tragedy” that must serve as a warning to people’s consciences. The Holy See said it was issuing the statement in connection with a two-day conference of Holocaust deniers in Iran ending Tuesday. “The Shoah [Holocaust] was a …

Actress Lindsay Lohan shared the stage with strippers for an evening at a New York City nightclub, according to The New York Post’s Page Six. The notoriously hard-partying actress was reportedly living it up with the exotic dancers for three hours early Wednesday, jumping onstage at Scores West to join …

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – A 14-foot python bit its handler and tried to drag her into its cage during a show at an aquarium, and wouldn’t release the woman until a police officer zapped the reptile with a stun gun. Alison Cobianchi, 18, was taking Chloe, a Burmese python, out …

WASHINGTON – President Bush issued 16 pardons on Thursday, including one for a Louisiana man, and commuted the sentence of an Iowa man who was convicted on drug charges. Seven of the 16 received no prison or jail time, instead getting probation or a reduction in their military pension. The …

COOPER SPUR, Ore. – One of three stranded climbers lost somewhere amid ice, billowing snow and gale-force winds on Mount Hood has been turning off and on his cell phone, authorities said Thursday, raising hopes for his rescue. T-Mobile received a signal from Kelly James‘ cell phone late Tuesday night, …

WASHINGTON – U.S. business inventories rose a stronger-than-expected 0.4 percent in January as stocks of autos and building materials grew, a Commerce Department report showed on Tuesday. Wall Street analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a 0.3 percent rise in inventories at retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers after an upwardly revised …

WASHINGTON – A one-two punch of bleaching from record hot water followed by disease has killed ancient and delicate coral in the biggest loss of reefs scientists have ever seen in Caribbean waters. Researchers from around the globe are scrambling to figure out the extent of the loss. Early conservative …

LOS ANGELES – When “American Idol” contestant Taylor Hicks belted out Stevie Wonder’s golden oldie “Living for the City” there was scant age difference between the singer and the 32-year-old song. Hicks, 29, and other “Idol” finalists edging near 30 are testing the limits of just how old an aspiring …