Modern luxuries such as a warm bed are nowhere to be found in Iraq. Soldiers have to catch a few minutes of rest when they get the chance, even if it means napping in the middle of the road.

COATZACOALCOS, Mexico (AP) Salma Hayek has apologized for missing the opening of a new theater in her hometown, saying she arrived late because of delays during the shooting of a movie she’s making elsewhere in Mexico. Hayek, who was born in Coatzacoalcos in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, had planned to attend the inauguration…

NEW YORK (AP) Dan Rather, embattled anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” announced Tuesday that he will step down in March, on the 24th anniversary of taking over the job from Walter Cronkite. The veteran anchor has been under fire in recent months for his role in a “60 Minutes Wednesday” story that questioned President…

NEW YORK (AP) Thanksgiving is all about family, turkey and football on TV. Don’t let Fido get his paws on the remote, however. After two years of surprising success, NBC will present its coverage of the National Dog Show Thursday at noon, directly after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. John O’Hurley (J. Peterman in “Seinfeld”)…

LOS ANGELES (AP) The frog is back. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and their pals are starring in their own Web site — the first in a series of new creative efforts launched by the Walt Disney Co. since buying the Muppets in April. “Today is the first day of the Muppets being back,” said Chris…

It’s comforting to know we can go home and have a roof over our heads in Warren County. But U.S. soldiers in Iraq have no such assurances. They could be asked to set up camp in the middle of a giant mud field.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) Come New Year’s Day, the world’s most famous mouse will lead one of its best-known parades. Declaring him “a friend to families around the world,’ the Tournament of Roses named Mickey Mouse as grand marshal of the 116th parade, which will have the theme “Celebrate Family.’ “Mickey Mouse has brought entertainment, joy…

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Paul McCartney will headline the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show as the National Football League goes mainstream after the controversy over this year’s show. “There’s nothing bigger than being asked to perform at the Super Bowl,” McCartney said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in…

NEW YORK (AP) Martha Stewart, in prison for one of her favorite holidays, says she is “safe, fit and healthy” and grateful this Thanksgiving for the support of her fans. In a new message on her personal Web site, the homemaking expert also says she is being treated fairly by staff and other inmates at…