High 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.

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.

'Boomerang' storm Fay may worsen

Tropical Storm Fay continued its erratic path, moving north along the Florida coast but not going out over the Atlantic Ocean, where many had feared it could strengthen and turn into a hurricane.

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.

Olympics Day 12: Golden shot for U.S.

Day 12 highlights: Both the U.S. men's beach volleyball and women's softball teams will be moving on to the finals to play for gold medals.

NYT: Obama's ads in key states go on attack
Senator Barack Obama has started a sustained and hard-hitting advertising campaign against Senator John McCain in states that will be vital this fall.

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.

Obama, VP to campaign Saturday

Barack Obama's newly minted running mate will be hitting the trail with the Democratic hopeful Saturday, a senior Obama adviser told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Sax player in Dave Matthews Band has died

LeRoi Moore, sax player and founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, has died at age 46. He was seriously injured in an ATV accident in June.

Former Chinese leader dies at 87

Hua Guofeng, who briefly ruled China as Mao Zedong's handpicked successor before being toppled by reformists, died Wednesday. He was 87.