United States

Los Angeles -- Actress Tippi Hedren says two tigers that used to belong to the late pop star Michael Jackson are doing "great" at a preserve outside Los Angeles.

New York -- The creators of "Sesame Street" say the U.S. children's TV series' 40th birthday is being marked with special ceremonies in New York and Washington.

San Diego -- Comic book collector Shel Dorf, who organized the first Comic-Con convention in San Diego, has died at the age of 76, his brother said.

Philadelphia -- Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell says a tentative agreement could end Philadelphia's transit strike by Saturday night.

Bentonville -- Wal-Mart is preparing a round of Christmas-season price cuts that are making smaller U.S. competitors nervous, analysts say.

Washington -- The levels of U.S. unemployment and underemployment announced this week has made it official that joblessness is worse than in the early 1980s, analysts say.

New York -- The giant U.S. bank Citigroup says it is distributing stock options to its employees in a bid keep them on board at the bailed-out institution.

London -- A disastrous summer is prompting British Airways to lay off about 4,900 workers, or 12 percent of its staff, company officials say.

Bali -- French players Marion Bartoli and Aravane Rezai each had straight-set wins Saturday and advanced to the finals of the Tournament of Champions in Indonesia.

Shanghai -- Phil Mickelson had three birdies over his last five holes Saturday and owns the lead heading to the final round of the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.