Marine eyes Iraq to Afghanistan shift
The top U.S. Marine officer said he could reduce his 25,000-strong force in the former al-Qaida stronghold in Iraq to reinforce military operations against a growing Taliban threat in Afghanistan.

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.

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.

GDP stronger than expected
The economy shifted to a higher gear in the spring, growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year as foreign buyers snapped up U.S. exports and tax rebates spurred shoppers at home.

Raft made of plastic bottles crosses Pacific

Tanned, dirty and hungry, two men who spent three months crossing the Pacific on a raft made of plastic bottles to raise awareness of ocean debris finally stepped onto dry land.

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.

Toyota lowers global sales target for 2009
Toyota lowered its global sales target for 2009 by 700,000 vehicles to 9.7 million Thursday, hurt by rising material costs, a slowing U.S. market and soaring gas prices.

Study: Life span tied to location

Major inequalities in health and life expectancy persist worldwide, according to an independent World Health Organization commission.

Dem convention boosts Denver merchants

Denver merchants are smiling this week as they enjoy a big boost from the business of some 50,000 people attending the Democratic National Convention.