Museum defies pope over crucified frog

An art museum in northern Italy said Thursday it will continue displaying a sculpture portraying a green frog nailed to a cross that has angered Pope Benedict XVI and local officials.

Retailer Sears offers a downbeat outlook
Sears Holdings Corp. offered a downbeat outlook Thursday, predicting that sales and gross profit margins will likely continue to be pressured for the rest of the year.

New Orleans faces evacuation

National Guard troops stood ready and batteries and water bottles sold briskly as the New Orleans area watched a storm march across the Caribbean on the eve of Hurricane Katrina's third anniversary.

Russia-U.S. nuclear deal on hold
A key civil nuclear agreement between Russia and the U.S. looks likely to be shelved until next year at the earliest amid mounting tensions over the fate of Georgia's breakaway republics.

Tourists flee as storm nears Jamaica

Tropical Storm Gustav surged toward renewed hurricane force on Thursday as it started pounding Jamaica, while many miles away New Orleans watched it with a nervous eye.

Bill Clinton sets aside differences with Obama

Bill Clinton laid to rest any speculation Wednesday night that he would not enthusiastically back Barack Obama by making a forceful call for voters to elect Obama president.

Woman saves baby's life — by e-mail

It wasn't easy for Madeleine Robb to send an e-mail to another mom telling her that her baby might have a deadly eye cancer — but her warning may have saved the life of 1-year-old Rowan Santos. "I really had no option," Robb said.

Earthquake hits off Vancouver Island
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Canada's Vancouver Island early Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Gustav may raise gas 15 cents a gallon

Oil prices shot above $120 a barrel and then pulled back as traders bet the government would tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if Tropical Storm Gustav disrupts production.