Rice: U.S., Iraq close on troop timetable

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Thursday the two countries have agreed that timetables should be set for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Poll: McCain halves Obama's lead

The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds Obama up only 45-42 percent, as he still hasn't closed the deal with some Clinton backers.

Owner: Doomed jet experienced overheating

The jetliner that crashed in Madrid experienced overheating in an air intake valve before a first attempt at takeoff, but it is not clear if that had anything to do with the disaster, its owner said Thursday.

NFL players union chief Upshaw dies at 63

Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63.

Struggling at a million-dollar horse stable

In the electoral battleground of the Denver suburbs, Stan and Christine Penton are the embodiment of voters that both parties are trying desperately to woo. Msnbc.com's Mike Stuckey reports.

Buzz over Biden for VP crystalizes concerns

Sen. Joe Biden's emergence at the center of speculation about who will be Barack Obama's running mate may say more about Obama's challenges in the presidential race than it does about the final selection.

Russia blocks port city as deadline looms

Russian forces blocked the only land entrance to Georgia's main port city on Thursday, a day before Russia promised to complete a troop pullout from its ex-Soviet neighbor.

WashPost: ‘Other' China hides behind Olympics

It's obvious in China's fixation on gold medals that the Olympics are a deadly win-at-all-costs national project.

Student dead after school shooting
A 16-year-old student has died after a shooting at a Knoxville high school, authorities said on Thursday.