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.

Is it really just ‘the economy, stupid'?

The battle for electoral votes will be fought in high unemployment states such as Michigan, but also in places with relatively low unemployment such as Virginia.

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.

School spankings: Minorities get more
A quarter of a million schoolchildren were paddled in 2007 — and black children, American Indians and kids with disabilities got a disproportionate share, according to a study.

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.

Olympics Day 12: Bolt sets WR in 200

Day 12 highlights: Usain Bolt became the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to sweep the 100 and 200 gold medals at an Olympics. Bolt is also the first man ever to break the world marks in both sprints at an Olympics.

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.

Bush offers strong support for Georgia
In a speech to veterans of foreign wars Wednesday, President Bush offered strong support for Georgia, condemning Russia's brutal crackdown in the former Soviet republic.

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.