Traditions, fun and solemn, mark July Fourth
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Sources: U.S. to block some food from Mexico
Starting Monday, health inspectors will halt the shipment of ingredients common to Mexican cuisine from Mexico to the United States, sources familiar with the salmonella poisoning investigation said.
Poll shows warning signs for Obama
One week after Sen. Hillary Clinton made a public show of unity with Sen. Barack Obama, a new survey suggests supporters of the New York senator are increasingly less likely to follow her lead.
41-year-old swimmer qualifies for Olympics
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Video shows Colombia rescue operation
It begins with the grim-face hostages being led across a field in handcuffs and ends in hugs and tears aboard a helicopter as the 15 realize they have been freed -- without a shot fired -- after years of captivity in the jungle. The video shown Friday at Colombia's military headquarters documents the secret rescue operation one U.S. official has described as "brilliant."
Hostages were chained by the neck
They were chained by their necks and kept in deplorable conditions. Since Ingrid Betancourt, three U.S. military contractors and 11 Colombians were rescued on Wednesday, they and former hostages have provided a glimpse into what it was like to be held hostage for years deep in the jungle.
Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies
Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a North Carolina Republican who became an icon to conservatives, died today at the age of 86, the Jesse Helms Center announced. Helms once said his job was to derail the freight train of liberalism.
Syria: Efforts to secure Iraq border working
Syrian commanders say their troops along the border with Iraq are making strides in nabbing militants intent on staging suicide attacks in Baghdad.
Bus swept into river, at least 29 dead
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Activists: National Mall in monumental disrepair
About half a million people are expected Friday on the National Mall in Washington for the nation's birthday celebration, but they may be shocked at what they see.
