Minnesota
Jesse Jackson Jr. at Mayo for depression
ROCHESTER - The Mayo Clinic says Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for depression at its hospital in Rochester.
The hospital's statement Friday provides the first details about the congressman's whereabouts and condition since he mysteriously went on a medical leave from Congress several weeks ago.
The hospital says he's undergoing an extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues.
Massachusetts
Explorers discover WWII German U-boat
BOSTON - Divers have discovered a World War II-era German submarine nearly 70 years after it sank under U.S. attack in deep waters off Nantucket.
The U-550 was found Monday by a seven-man group, some of whom have been searching for several years.
In April 1944, the U-550 torpedoed an Allied gasoline tanker, but was fatally damaged by depth charges from an escort vessel. Forty-four Germans were killed, and 25 aboard the tanker died.
Alaska
Stranded walrus calf rescued from lagoon
SEWARD - A Pacific walrus calf is under care at a marine rehabilitation center after it was found stranded near Barrow.
The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward said the male calf is estimated to be 4 to 6 weeks old. Officials reported that a large group of walrus floated on sea ice past Barrow on July 17, and that the calf became separated from them. Barrow fishermen saw the calf in a lagoon.
Staff members at the SeaLife Center said the calf appears to be in good health.
California
'Modern Family' stars reach contract deal
LOS ANGELES - The stars of "Modern Family" have reached new contracts to keep working on the Emmy-winning comedy, ending a dispute that had threatened to spill over into a courtroom.
A 20th Century Fox spokesman confirmed Friday evening that the deals had been reached and that shooting on the ABC series' fourth season will begin Monday.
The deals cover stars Sofia Vergara, Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
A lawsuit, which claimed the actors' contracts were illegal because they bound them to the Emmy-winning show for more than seven years, will be dropped. Exact terms of the deal were not released.
Woman says she found razor in candy
SANTA CLARA - A Northern California mother is raising safety concerns after saying she found an old, rusty razor blade in a bag of Jolly Rancher candy.
Amy Hu said she bought the bag of Crunch N Chew candy at Santa Clara Safeway, and after eating a couple of pieces pulled out a dull, 3-inch blade, partially wrapped in white tape.
The company issued a statement saying Hershey believes it was an isolated case and accidental. Hu said she is not seeking compensation but rather assurances that the candy is safe.
New Jersey
Boy hit by bird on roller coaster
JACKSON - A boy is recovering after he was hit in the face by a bird while riding a roller coaster at an amusement park in New Jersey.
The collision occurred as the Kingda Ka coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson was returning to the station Thursday. Park spokeswoman Kristen Sie-beneicher said the boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries to his face and neck.
The 45-story Kingda Ka coaster, which reaches speeds up to 128 mph, was shut down for 30 minutes.
Avatar will answer air travelers' queries
NEWARK - Passengers at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport will always get a smile from this customer service representative. Just don't ask her to carry luggage.
That's because she's an avatar.
The Port Authority on Friday unveiled the computerized, hologram-like image named "Ava" in the international arrivals area in Terminal B. She's programmed to answer passengers' most frequently-asked questions.
The Port Authority is spending $180,000 to place the high-tech help at Newark, Kennedy and LaGuardia airports.
Wire reports
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