Astronaut running for Congress in Central Calif.

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A California native who grew up picking vegetables with his migrant parents and then soared over the same fields as an astronaut aboard the International Space Station announced plans Tuesday to run for Congress in one of the state's newly formed districts.

Jose Hernandez told a crowd of about 75 people outside Modesto City Hall that he was proof the American dream was still alive.

"I went from plowshares to the stars," Hernandez said with his wife beside him.

Hernandez, who has never held office, will face freshman lawmaker Jeff Denham, R-Atwater, if no other Democrat files. Democrats have a 42 percent to 37 percent voter registration edge over …

US Airways narrows 4Q loss

US Airways Group Inc. reported a $79 million loss for the final three months of 2009, but, like other carriers, sees positive momentum this year.

It also said Thursday it significantly reduced its 2010 and 2011 capital commitments, in part by deferring most new aircraft deliveries.

The carrier, based in Tempe, Arizona, said its fourth-quarter loss equaled 49 cents a share, compared to a loss of $543 million, or $4.76 a share, for the same period in 2008.

Without special items the fourth-quarter loss was 20 cents a share.

Revenue in the quarter fell 4.9 percent to $2.63 billion from $2.76 billion a year earlier.

Analysts surveyed …

On set of `Gladiators,' toughest foe is heat

Spartacus never got sunblock.

But when in fake Rome, 28,000 extras in director Ridley Scott's"Gladiators" didn't want toga tanlines.

Things turned a little toasty on the set of Scott's $100 millionepic, due out next summer and starring Russell Crowe, JoaquinPhoenix, Richard Harris and Lou Ferrigno. Joust the facts: "At acertain point, we had to pass out sunblock in the stands," saysCrowe. "These people were sitting there in 90-degree heat in metalskirts."

The film is set in A.D. 180 and revolves around the new emperor ofRome (Phoenix) who strips a ruling warrior (Crowe) of his power.

Speaking of power, DreamWorks honcho Steven Spielberg green-litthe …

Iceland MPs split over financial crisis charges

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A committee of Icelandic lawmakers split Saturday over whether to recommend an unprecedented prosecution of former leaders for failing to prevent the country's financial meltdown.

The deadlock means it will be harder for parliament to try former Prime Minister Geir Haarde and three other top officials for their role in the 2008 economic crash.

Iceland was one of the first victims of worldwide economic downturn sparked by the collapse of the American subprime mortgage market in 2007. Having grown frenetically over the previous years, Iceland's debt-fueled financial system imploded under the weight of its obligations.

The North Atlantic nation's …

Army dismisses 5 soldiers for failed drug tests

Britain's Ministry of Defense says five soldiers whose duties sometimes included guarding the queen were dismissed from the army after they failed drug tests.

The ministry said Tuesday that the soldiers were part of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The unit is based in London and is …

Clerics hung up on Quran ringtones: But Muslim cell users say tunes help their faith

LUCKNOW, India - Muslim clerics at a leading seminary are warningagainst using verses from the Quran as ringtones for their cellphones, calling the practice un-Islamic.

Clerics at the Dar-ul Uloom seminary in the northern Indian townof Deoband issued an edict banning the use of Quranic verses orMuslim call to prayers as ringtones, saying doing so violatesIslamic law.

Such ringtones are popular among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh,India's largest state. They are most commonly used by people intheir mid-40s and 50s, said Mukesh Sinha, a mobile phone companyexecutive. Many consider the religious tunes a reminder of theirfaith.

"Whenever my phone rings, I hear …

Paris Strong Again for No. 3 Oklahoma

HONOLULU - Courtney Paris scored 18 points and Chelsi Welch added 14 and No. 3 Oklahoma defeated Hawaii 76-56 to win the Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic on Saturday. Paris also grabbed 15 rebounds to earn her 31st straight double-double despite sitting most of the first half due to foul trouble.

Ashley Paris, Courtney's twin, had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Sooners (3-0).

Oklahoma took a 15-4 lead, but Hawaii (1-1) used two 3-pointers to cut the margin to five. After committing her second foul, Courtney …