Jury: Death for child killer Duncan

A federal jury recommended the death sentence for convicted child killer Joseph Edward Duncan III on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Dylan Groene.

Regulator: Troubled banks highest since 2003
The number of troubled U.S. banks rose 30 percent to 117 in the second quarter, the highest level in five years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Indicted Stevens wins Alaska primary

Alaska Republicans gave U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, currently facing a federal indictment, a primary victory on Tuesday.

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.

Cells switch identity in biological breakthrough
Talk about an extreme makeover: Scientists have transformed one type of cell into another in living mice, a big step toward the goal of growing replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases.

U.S. avoids Russia-held port

Western leaders warns Russia to "change course," hoping to keep a conflict that threatens a key nuclear pact and could even raise U.S. chicken prices from blossoming into a new Cold War.

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.

Todd: Biden's time finally arrives

Joe Biden can be counted on to  make the case for Barack Obama and prosecute the case against John McCain.  But NBC News political director Chuck Todd wonders will he control his instinct to be No. 1?

Gustav may hike gas before Labor Day weekend

The brief respite for consumers at the gasoline pump may come to an abrupt end if Tropical Storm Gustav slams into the petroleum-rich Gulf Coast and its numerous refineries, just as Americans begin packing up cars for the Labor Day weekend.