Good morning -- here's what's happening 5.28.08

GOP senators say no to the $7-billion plan to improve healthcare in state prisons. Just one problem -- the feds might take that $7 billion from the state anyway. More on this latest impasse from Michael Rothfeld.

The biggest drop in home prices in 20 years, with L.A. County and the O.C. really taking it on the chin. Peter Y. Hong has the latest numbers.

There's a bounty on teen popster Miley Cyrus' first kiss. Rachel Abramowitz explains.

Done deal: The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the studios agree on a new three-year contract. AP via LAT.

The Lakers win! The best-of-seven series is now 3-1 and moves to Staples Center on Thursday night. Mike Bresnahan's game story, plus lots of pix and links to more Lakers stories here.

They like him, they really like him. David Beckham's critics sing a different tune.

A new James Bond novel is out and ... wait, isn't Ian Fleming dead? Yeah, and his impersonators don't exactly bring the Bond legacy back to life. Read along with Tim Rutten.

Earle H. Hagen, the Emmy Award-winning TV composer who wrote -- and whistled -- the theme song for “The Andy Griffith Show” has died. Dennis McLellan writes about his life.

Remember the Olympic skater who was slipped a date-rape drug during dinner? An arrest in the case has been made, Kim Christensen reports.

A teensy bit of good news amid the housing debacle -- lower property tax bills for some of us. Garrett Therolf explains.

-- Veronique de Turenne

Photos: Associated Press, BMI