AP - After two days of silence, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will step to center stage at the Republican National Convention to prove to delegates that she can help John McCain win the White House despite distracting questions about her family life and qualifications.

AP - A man recently released from jail on drug charges and whose mother calls him "desperately mentally ill" is accused of a shooting spree that left six people dead and two others injured in northwest Washington.

AP - Enter at your own risk, New Orleans. That was the message from Mayor Ray Nagin, who gave residents the go-ahead to return to the Crescent City on Wednesday night at midnight, but with several warnings — many homes were without electricity or working toilets and a dusk-to-dawn curfew would still be in effect.