Day 13 Highlights: Japan stuns U.S. softball

Day 13 highlights: The U.S. Olympic softball team was denied a fourth straight gold medal, losing to Japan in the sport's final appearance in the games for at least eight years.

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.

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.

Illinois sheriff does jail time - voluntarily
The Lake County sheriff is behind bars — voluntarily. His goal is to talk to inmates so he can see the jail from their perspective and try to solve potential problems.

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.

3 NATO troops die in Afghanistan
U.S.-led coalition troops battled a group of militants in eastern Afghanistan, killing over 30 insurgents, while three NATO soldiers were killed in a roadside blast elsewhere, officials said Thursday.

IOC chides Bolt for lack of respect to rivals

IOC president Jacques Rogge criticized the Jamaican sprinter for showing a lack of respect to other competitors after his record-breaking gold medal performances in the 100 and 200 meters.

Olympians share thoughts on ‘perfect athlete'

Emerging stars from the Beijing Olympics  share their surprising choices for the perfect athlete.