First Take: Execution canceled. Whitman versus Allred. Schwarzenegger’s signatures and vetoes.

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State officials have called off the execution of Albert Brown, who was originally scheduled to be put to death this week.

The public-relations battle between Meg Whitman and Gloria Allred continues Thursday morning, with both appearing on ‘Good Morning America’ and Allred scheduling another press conference for noon Thursday.

In case you missed it, Allred appeared with former Whitman housekeeper Nicky Diaz to allege mistreatment at a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday. Whitman acknowledged she hired Diaz, who was in the country illegally, but said she was unaware of her immigration status.

Still no budget deal, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed and vetoed more than 200 bills Wednesday. He has until Friday to act on the remaining legislation on his desk.

Vaughn R.Walker, the federal judge who ruled California’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, announced his retirement Wednesday.

-- Anthony York