The Fourth of July is often celebrated publicly with parades, live bands, pageants and fireworks displays. For private events, families gather for barbecues, picnics and getaways. Patriotic merchandise is a large part of what makes the celebration so festive, and red, white and blue are the colors of the day.

On Monday night the Temple College Board of Trustees announced the names of five finalists in the search for a new president. The candidates are: n Dr. Glenda Barron, assistant commissioner, The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Austin

WASHINGTON - Army brigades from Texas, New York and Pennsylvania, and two Marine units from North Carolina have been ordered to deploy to Iraq early next year, the Pentagon announced Monday. The units - which include about 33,000 troops - would replace forces already in Iraq, and allow the U.S. to maintain 15 combat brigades in the country through 2009 if needed.

Rather than promoting Viagra on TV, maybe former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole should have simply sunk his teeth into an occasional juicy, red watermelon. And perhaps one-time Texas Rangers first baseman and Viagra spokesman Rafael Palmeiro should have kept one of those Rio Grande beauties on ice in his locker.

Dan Stephens has been a fixture at the Temple Amtrak depot since the early 1970s. A framed painting of the 98-year-old building with the caption “Dan´s Depot” hangs in his office, a testament to his long tenure helping travelers. Beginning today, Dan´s Depot will have to get by without its namesake. That´s because the only station manager the Amtrak depot has had since 1973 retired Monday.

NEW YORK - Scott Feldman and a reshuffled Texas bullpen shut down the New York Yankees on four hits, leading the Rangers to a 2-1 victory Monday night. The win moved Texas to 43-41 - that may seem to be a modest achievement, but it marked the first time since Sept. 22, 2006, the Rangers have been two games over .500.

WIMBLEDON, England - While Roger Federer glided to another victory on Centre Court, and Rafael Nadal won despite a scary stumble on Court 1, the Williams sisters found themselves playing back to back Monday on cozy, clattery Court 2, known as the “Graveyard of Champions.” What in the name of lawn tennis were they doing out there?

HOUSTON - Roy Oswalt struck out nine in six strong innings, then left with an apparent injury in the Houston Astros´ 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. Oswalt (7-8) allowed a run and six hits, but walked off the field with a trainer after throwing his warmup pitches for the seventh.

OMAHA, Neb. - Katie Hoff made it 2-for-2 at the U.S. Olympic trials. And she´s just getting started.

BELTON - The CenTex Barracudas will get to host a playoff game after all. The Barracudas (8-6), who finished third in the Intense Football League final standings, will host the Alaska Wild at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Bell County Expo Center.