Democrat delegates cast votes

Barack Obama was poised to become the first African-American ever nominated for president by a major political party Wednesday after delegates to the Democratic convention began the historic nomination process.

Bankruptcy filings near 1 million in 12 months
Nearly 1 million individuals and businesses filed bankruptcy in the 12 months ended June 30, according to U.S. Court data released Wednesday.

Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87

Pioneering lesbian rights activist Del Martin, who married her lifelong partner in June on the first day that same-sex couples here gained that right, has died. She was 87.

One-horse town to be no-horse town
A one-horse town in Nebraska looks like it's set to become a no-horse town.

NYT: For Obama, a challenge to clarify

For Senator Barack Obama, the theatrics and drama of this one are overwhelming one of his most important tasks here: connecting with the economic anxiety gripping voters and convincing them that he has concrete and achievable solutions.

Obama fights 'Swift Boat'-style ads
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign and its allies have begun an aggressive attack on an advertisement running in swing states that seeks to link him to former domestic terrorist William Ayers.

Mortgage mess puts banks at risk

The mortgage mess that has upended millions of homeowners' finances is now taking a bigger bite out of the nation's banking system.

Mugabe says he'll form new government
Zimbabwe's opposition accused President Robert Mugabe of abandoning talks aimed at forming a unity government, and said Wednesday he would fail if he tried to rule alone.

Gulf Coast watches ominous Gustav

Gulf coast residents keep a close watch on Hurricane Gustav as the third anniversary of Katrina approaches.