Israeli-Palestinian talks: no breakthroughs, but a way forward

Mariner Energy oil rig fire extinguished, no sign of oil spill in Gulf

An oil rig run belonging to Mariner Energy caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday. The Coast Guard has now refuted earlier reports of an oil sheen on the water.

Gangs vs. Chicago police: an open feud over blame for street violence

Gang representatives in Chicago held a press conference Thursday to explain why gangs cannot be held solely responsible for stopping street violence, which has escalated this summer.

As Iraq combat operations end, US forces try to cement gains

While Iraq combat operations are over, the 50,000 remaining US soldiers in Iraq are looking to cement their achievements by sending out small groups of advisers to help improve Iraqi Army performance.

• US, Iraqi leaders praise sacrifices of war, 'historic opportunity'

Hurricane Earl path stretches from North Carolina to Boston Harbor

Hurricane Earl path prompts tropical-storm or hurricane warnings from North Carolina to Hull, Mass. Earl, packing 140 m.p.h. winds, is slated to brush Cape Hatteras overnight.

• Hurricane Earl path: Power outages could vex Long Island, Cape Cod
• Hurricane Earl bears down on Outer Banks, following well-worn path
• The Monitor's View: Hurricane Earl brings a whirlwind of fear. It needn't.

Low mortgage rates go lower. Better days ahead for housing market?

Low mortgage rates fell still more this week – to the lowest level ever in four decades of tracking. Also, the number of pending home sales posted a rise for the month of July.

Union leader Trumka's bleak view under a Republican-led House

Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO president, predicts that Democrats will defy conventional wisdom and keep control of the Senate and House in November. But if Republicans take over even just the House, 'any chance of progress will be ended,' says the union leader.

Strikes in South Africa could have long-term economic consequences

In South Africa, 1.3 million striking public service workers refuse government offers, further disrupting schools and hospitals and posing long term economic problems.

Pakistani Taliban designated a terrorist group by US

Listing the Pakistani Taliban as a terrorist group lets the US expand its campaign against the organization, which said it trained the attempted Times Square bomber and has vowed more attacks in the US.

No travel to 'terrorist' countries for Florida state universities: court

A challenge to a 2006 law banning state university-funded travel to countries the US deems sponsors of terrorism was struck down Tuesday. Florida-based international scholars say the decision will disrupt studies.