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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

13 hurt as bomb targets Turkish cops

A car bomb in western Turkey injured at least 13 people, mostly police officers, local media reported on Thursday.

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.

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.