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Deals of the Hour / July 8, 2010, 5:13 am

Wal-Mart's Sam's Club to offer small business loans

Wal-Mart's warehouse chain Sam's Club says it is offering small business loans of up to $25,000 to its business members. The division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which is based in Bentonville, Ark., is testing a program ... (Source: Everett Herald 2010-07-08T11:52:11Z)

Sam's Club to offer small-business loans

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart's Sam's Club chain is teaming up with a lender to offer loans of up to $25,000 to its small business members. The program is one of several moves the retail giant has made to offer bank-like financial ... (Source: Philadelphia Daily News 2010-07-07T06:59:53Z)

World Cup 2010: Germany Klose But No Cigar, Spain's Puyol Becomes Durban Legend

A Carles Puyol bullet header 17 minutes from time was enough to see off Germany in Durban last night as Spain beat Joachim Loew's side 1-0. The narrow scoreline belied the truth behind the game though as La Roja ... (Source: Bleacherreport.com 2010-07-08T11:16:23Z)

Coast Guard: 3 dead after copter crash off Wash.

Associated Press Writer= SEATTLE (AP) — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crashed a few hundred yards off the coast of Washington state on Wednesday, killing three of four crew members on board. Rear Adm. Gary Blore, commander of the 13th Coast Guard district, said the cause of the crash is not known ... (Source: The Guardian 2010-07-08T00:39:18Z)

Decision Day: LeBron James set to end free-agent suspense

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — More than two years of hype, drama, conjecture and expectation have dwindled to a few more hours. LeBron James ' big moment is here — not as an NBA champion but as a free agent. There will be no ... (Source: Baltimore Sun 2010-07-08T11:52:11Z)

Jesse Jackson Jr. knew of $1 million offer for Senate seat, prosecutors say ...

Jul 08, 2010 (Chicago Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A supporter of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. told the Democratic congressman in 2008 that he would raise $1 million in return for then ... (Source: TMCnet 2010-07-08T09:29:01Z)

What they're saying about Kevin Durant: Damion James — 'He deserves it.'

Thunder guard James Harden — "He's our leader. He's our leading scorer and he's the founder. It's great to have him with this organization. It's a building process. Congrats to him." 07/07/2010 Q: How long is the contract for? A: Five seasons. But the new deal doesn't begin until the 2011-12 ... (Source: Daily Oklahoman 2010-07-08T03:38:16Z)

Review: Airfare search sites take off with new tools for finding flight deals

NEW YORK (AP) — A lot has changed since I reviewed travel websites four years ago. Now the best ones reflect the new realities of travel, and offer to include luggage fees in fare calculations. That helps because $15 ... (Source: Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel 2010-07-07T15:49:35Z)

ESPN: LeBron James Special Won't Violate Policy

ESPN should reap big ratings for Thursday night's special "The Decision," when NBA superstar LeBron James will announce where he'll land in a free-agency deal worth tens of millions of dollars. And the network is taking ... (Source: Post Chronicle 2010-07-08T11:37:52Z)

Low-key Kevin Durant announces contract extension via Twitter

The Thunder's star was satisfied with just 140 characters. As the NBA world, and millions beyond it, has become captivated by what franchise LeBron James will make his new home — while James milks it for all it's worth — Durant decided to downplay his somewhat similar plans for his future ... (Source: Daily Oklahoman 2010-07-08T09:43:20Z)

Drew Peterson

The much-anticipated murder trial was delayed Wednesday after Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow announced he would appeal a judge's ruling barring several hearsay statements that he says would help convict ... (Source: Baltimore Sun 2010-07-08T10:04:48Z)

LeBron James Will Announce Quickly From Connecticut Boys & Girls Club

An ESPN executive says LeBron James will announce his future NBA plans within the first 10 minutes of Thursday night's hourlong broadcast. Norby Williamson, the cable network's vice president of production, says ... (Source: Hartford Courant 2010-07-08T10:11:58Z)

Classy Spain Stun Germans To Reach Final

Spain killed off Germany with a single goal in a pulsating World Cup semi on Wednesday to set up a final with the Netherlands where a new winner of soccer's biggest prize will be crowned. A 73rd minute flying header by ... (Source: Post Chronicle 2010-07-08T11:45:01Z)

Sam's Club will offer small-business loans

Wal-Mart's Sam's Club chain is teaming up with a lender to offer loans of up to $25,000 to its small-business members. The program is one of several moves the retail giant has made to offer bank-like financial services to customers, in part, to help them spend. It also comes as the retailer ... (Source: Salt Lake Tribune 2010-07-08T00:10:40Z)

Sign of hope: Kevin Durant signs five-year extension with Oklahoma City

While big-name free agents grovel for the biggest payday possible from the highest bidder, Kevin Durant inked a five-year extension to stay in Oklahoma City and presumably try to finish what he's already begun there: Turning the franchise into a perennial contender. While LeBron James is hosting his ... (Source: Gather.com 2010-07-07T23:34:53Z)

3 dead in Coast Guard copter crash off La Push

Three members of a Coast Guard helicopter crew were killed in a crash off La Push Wednesday morning and fourth crew member, who was pulled from the water soon after the aircraft went down, suffered a broken arm and a ... (Source: Seattle Times 2010-07-07T22:44:46Z)

Blago prosecutor alleges $1 million offer for Jesse Jackson Jr. appointment

CHICAGO | Prosecutors say they have a witness who could testify about an offer to raise $1 million for former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich if Jesse Jackson Jr. was appointed to the Senate. Prosecutor Christopher ... (Source: NWI.com 2010-07-07T21:11:43Z)

Drew Peterson trial could be delayed for months

Prosecutors spoke to reporters Wednesday evening about their appeal, which could delay the trial for several months. Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow says he consulted with legal experts, including DuPage ... (Source: KABC 2010-07-07T21:54:40Z)

Spain beats Germany, joins Dutch in final

DURBAN, South Africa - David Villa had his chances. So did Andres Iniesta. Even newcomer Pedro got off a couple of shots. On a team filled with offensive threats, it was a defender who finally put Spain in its first ... (Source: Cincinnati.com 2010-07-08T11:37:52Z)

LeBron James's future is in comic sights of ESPY Awards host Seth Meyers

LOS ANGELES - Like a lot of other folks, Seth Meyers is waiting to learn where LeBron James is going to play basketball next season. The current host of the fake news sketch "Weekend Update" on "Saturday Night Live ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-07-07T21:11:43Z)

Spokesman: Coast Guard helicopter crashes off Washington coast, 1 crew member missing

A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard says one of its helicopters has crashed off the Washington coast, and one of its crew members remains missing. The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter with four crew members crashed Wednesday ... (Source: FOX News 2010-07-07T22:16:08Z)

Coast Guard helicopter down off Wash. coast

LAPUSH, Wash. - A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter with four people on board has gone down near James Island off LaPush. Their conditions of those on board are not immediately known. It's also not known if the helicopter was ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-07-07T17:15:29Z)

Summary Box: Review of websites for flight deals

EASE OF USE: Travel-focused search engines including Kayak, Bing Travel and TripAdvisor check multiple sites at once as you search for the best airline fares. NEW REALITIES: Fees for checking luggage are now common and can add up. Kayak and TripAdvisor both let you include such fees in comparing ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-07-07T18:34:14Z)

Drew Peterson trial delayed

A last-minute appeal by Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow is expected to delay Thursday's scheduled start of the Drew Peterson murder trial, Glasgow said today in a statement. The appeal comes after Judge ... (Source: Chicago Sun-Times 2010-07-07T18:34:14Z)

Coast Guard: 3 dead after helicopter crash off Washington coast

Lonnie Archibald / Peninsula Daily News A U.S. Coast Guard boat heads up the Quillayute River toward La Push Marina with wreckage from a helicopter that crashed near James Island on Wednesday. Officials say three U.S. Coast Guard crew members are dead and one is in a Seattle hospital. SEATTLE — A ... (Source: Longview Daily News 2010-07-08T01:22:15Z)

Seth Meyers mining LeBron James' future for laughs

L OS ANGELES — Like a lot of other folks, Seth Meyers is waiting to learn where LeBron James is going to play basketball next season. But Meyers' interest is purely for laughs. The host of "Weekend Update" on "Saturday Night Live" is mining the drama over James' decision for some comic nuggets ... (Source: Boston Herald 2010-07-07T23:56:21Z)

Review: Travel Sites Take off With Tools for Deals

A lot has changed since I reviewed travel websites four years ago. Now the best ones reflect the new realities of travel, and offer to include luggage fees in fare calculations. That helps because $15 or $25 applied each way can turn a good deal sour. My verdict this time: I found TripAdvisor ... (Source: ABC News 2010-07-07T17:15:29Z)

Coast Guard helicopter crash kills 3 off Wash. coast

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crashed a few hundred yards off the coast of Washington state on Wednesday, killing three of four crew members on board. Rear Adm. Gary Blore, commander of the 13th Coast Guard district, said the cause of the crash is not known but that there were downed power lines on ... (Source: HamptonRoads.com 2010-07-08T03:02:28Z)

Jesse Jackson Jr. knew of $1 million offer for Senate seat, prosecutors say

A supporter of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. told the Democratic congressman in 2008 that he would raise $1 million in return for then- Gov. Rod Blagojevich naming Jackson to the U.S. Senate , a federal prosecutor said ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-07-08T04:49:51Z)

LeBron's future is in comic sights of ESPY Awards host Seth Meyers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Like a lot of other folks, Seth Meyers is waiting to learn where LeBron James is going to play basketball next season. Only Meyers' interest is purely for laughs. The host of "Weekend Update" on ... (Source: Big Hollywood 2010-07-08T00:53:37Z)

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