National and World

Rain started to fall along the U.S. Gulf Coast as Hurricane Dolly closed in on towns straddling the Texas-Mexico border, packing 100 mph winds that could strengthen when it hits land later Wednesday.

Barack Obama defended his proposal to negotiate with Iran and said he would use "big sticks and big carrots" to persuade the country's leaders not to develop nuclear weapons.

The country slogged through slower economic growth and rising prices during the summer, packing a double whammy to people and businesses alike.

President Bush has dropped his opposition to legislation that aims to calm the chaotic housing market despite his opposition to a $3.9 billion provision, the White House said.

The director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers plans to warn about 3,000 faculty and staff about the possible health risks associated with cell phone use.

The mother of a missing 2-year-old is a person of interest in a case that is beginning to look like a homicide, prosecutors said Tuesday. Sheriff's deputies said they still hope to find the girl alive.

Syndicated columnist Robert D. Novak was cited by police after he hit a pedestrian with his black Corvette in downtown Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning.

Sixty years after President Truman desegregated the military, senior black officers are still rare, particularly among the highest ranks. Blacks make up about 17 percent of the total force, yet just 9 percent of all officers.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began talks with Asian officials ahead of her meeting with North Korea's top diplomat. She said she's prepared to deliver a "very strong message" about nuclear verification.

The Los Angeles City Council voted to ban plastic shopping bags from stores, beginning July 1, 2010. Shoppers can either bring their own bags or pay 25 cents for a paper or biodegradable bag.