Lost baby whale faces mercy killing

An abandoned baby whale that has been attempting to suckle boats in the waters off north Sydney will be euthanized because it is in such poor condition, an environmental official said Thursday.

Up to 225 days of White House e-mail lost
According to an internal document, the White House is missing as many as 225 days of e-mail dating back to 2003.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Taliban bombs kill 59 at Pakistan arms site

Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at the gates of Pakistan's main weapons complex Thursday, killing 59 people and dashing hopes for an end to political turmoil.

NYT: Rural slice of Penn. tests Obama

Once solidly Democratic, the rural reaches of western Pennsylvania pose a particular hurdle for Barack Obama. One hears much hesitating talk about Obama, some not-so-subtly racial.