Sen. Edward Kennedy underwent “successful” surgery for a brain tumor at Duke University Medical Center today. Doctors said Kennedy was awake during the surgery, which lasted roughly three and a half hours. His doctor, Dr. Allan Friedman said Kennedy should suffer “no permanent neurological effects” and he hoped the senator would have “an uneventful and robust recovery.”

In a statement, the 76-year-old Democrat said before his surgery that he and his wife, Vicki, “along with my outstanding team of doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, have consulted with experts from around the country and have decided that the best course of action for my brain tumor is targeted surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation.”

Kennedy said in the statement, he expects to remain in the hospital “to recuperate for approximately one week.”

He added, “Shortly thereafter, I will start radiation treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and begin chemotherapy.” Video Watch what Kennedy faces in the operating room »

BreakingNewsOn: At least 50 bodies have now been recovered from the debris of a high school buildings that has trapped up to 900 students there - officials.

CHINA’S XINHUA SAYS SEVERAL HUNDRED BURIED IN COLLAPSED CHEMICAL PLANTS

BreakingNewsOn: Election officials say Conservative lawmaker Boris Johnson has been elected mayor of London.

BreakingNewsOn: A US Navy vessel fired warning shots on two Iranian fast boats in the Persian GUlf on Thursday, Fox News reports.

At least 5 people have died after gunfire erupted inside a residence on Chicago’s South Side; no further details at this point.

BreakingNewsOn: Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton raised nearly 10 million dollars online within 17 hours after she won the PA primary.

BreakingNewsOn: An earthquake, which has now been downgraded to a 5.8 magnitude, struck Taiwan but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

BreakingNewsOn: AP: Federal prosecutors will try a third time to convict six men accused of scheming to blow up Chicago’s Sears Tower and bomb FBI offices.

BreakingNewsOn: With less than 0% of votes returned in PA, Clinton leads with 66% (1,649 votes) in the Democratic race; Obama at 34% (838 votes).

Appalachian State Locked Down After Possible Gunman Sighting CLICK HERE for more.

The Appalachian State University campus is currently operating under STANDBY conditions.

5:24pm All Classes Cancelled Night of March 3

The suspect is currently at large. Police are attempting to locate the suspect at this time. All classes for Monday night March 3, 2008 are cancelled.
5:10pm Lockdown on all Campus Buildings
There is a a lockdown of all campus buildings effective immediately. Report any suspicious activity or persons in the areas to 262-8000 or 911.

Emergency Crime Alert: Update

Six-foot white male, the Pink Floyd t-shirt was black in color with a rainbow prism. Suspect was reported wearing a dark jacket. Ski mask was black or blue in color. Red & green tennis shoes. Subject was last seen on Hill Street with a small black handgun. Police are still on the scene. Avoid area and await further information. 4:47pm

Emergency Crime Alert

An armed gunman was seen in the area of Appalachian South Apartments / Hill Street area. Police are on the scene. All others should avoid the area, especially Hill Street parking lot. Call 262-8000 or 911 if you see anybody suspicious. The gunman was seen wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt, a dark jacket, blue jeans and wearing a black mask. The subject is believed to be armed with a handgun.

Police in Las Vegas are investigating the discovery of what they said is the deadly poison ricin in a hotel room. Preliminary tests show the substance is ricin, authorities said, but other tests to confirm it are under way. CLICK HERE to read the full story.