AP Interview: NY Gov. Paterson lashes back at rumors, reports he says are false. New York Gov. David Paterson on Monday lashed back at what he called a "callous and sleazy" assault on his character in statehouse rumors and media reports that include accusations about womanizing and drug use, allegations he flatly denied.

Mayor says negligence can't be ruled out in Conn. gas plant explosion, criminal probe begins. Authorities in Connecticut have launched a criminal investigation into the cause of an explosion that killed five people at a power plant under construction, saying they can't rule out negligence.

Attorney for Ill. murder suspect's 3rd wife says 4th wife considered extorting husband. Days before a former suburban Chicago police officer's fourth wife vanished in 2007, she told a divorce attorney that her husband thought she suspected he had killed his previous wife and suggested extorting money from him to keep quiet, the lawyer testified Monday.

Lookout deck of world's tallest tower in Dubai unexpectedly shuts a month after opening. The world's tallest skyscraper has unexpectedly closed to the public a month after its lavish opening, disappointing tourists headed for the observation deck and casting doubt over plans to welcome its first permanent occupants in the coming weeks.

Just for show? Chances slim for health care deal at Obama's summit with GOP _ but 'not zero'. Could this turn into something more than political theater? President Barack Obama's televised dialogue with Republican lawmakers on health care, promised for later this month, has the makings of an entertaining exchange. But the differences between the basic Democratic and GOP ideas are stark ? and the two sides have increasingly hardened their positions in this election year.