U.S., Poland sign missile defense deal

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski have signed a deal that will put an American missile defense base in Poland, a move that has angered Russia.

Rogue monkey eludes Tokyo police

A rogue monkey holed up at a Tokyo train station for more than two hours on Wednesday before giving dozens of net-wielding police officers the slip among crowds of excited children and passersby.

McCain takes 5-point lead over Obama

In a sharp turnaround, the Republican candidates has opened a 5-point lead on his Democratic rival and is seen as a stronger manager of the economy, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll.

Energy costs cut two ways in Colo.

President Bush won Colorado in 2000 and 2004, but Democrats hope to swing the state this year. Candidates will have to meet voter concerns about energy and the environment.

Tropical Storm Fay lingers over Fla.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Fay flooded hundreds of homes in central Florida on Wednesday, a county official said.

Ex-Dem Lieberman to speak at RNC

A Republican official tells The Associated Press that Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman will be speaking at the Republican National Convention.

Official: U.S., Iraq reach security deal
An Iraqi official said U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have finished a draft agreement that would see all American troops removed from Iraqi cities by June 30. He says the deal is awaiting final approval.

Small SUVs improving in crash tests

Four small sport utility vehicles received top scores in crash tests to be released Wednesday by the insurance industry, a sign of improvement compared with SUVs built earlier in the decade.