New BP delay a warning: Don't write obituary on Gulf oil spill yet

Key Florida campaign-finance provision blocked by federal court

A panel of the Eleventh US Circuit Court of Appeals issued an injunction on a provision of Florida's campaign-finance law aimed at leveling the playing field for candidates, citing free-speech rights.

Pipeline in Michigan oil spill had been cited for corrosion

Federal regulators had issued safety warnings about the condition of the pipeline in the Michigan oil spill that leaked nearly 1 million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River this week.

US 'nuclear sleuthing' abilities need improvement: report

In the event of a nuclear attack, US nuclear scientists would have a hard time tracking down the source and characteristics of the nuclear material, a panel of experts found.

Third California wildfire erupts, first two now half contained

California wildfire season has brought three separate blazes this week, leading some to call for better fire codes – and common sense.

Obama: Detroit auto bailout was unpopular, but it worked

Obama visited Michigan Friday, responding to critics who say the government shouldn't have spent taxpayer money to rescue the Detroit auto industry.

Afghanistan election will still include suspected war criminals

Afghanistan elections planned for September aren't supposed to include parliamentary candidates with ties to militias. Problem is, many of those disqualified aren't actually involved with militias. 'The net caught a few small fish while the sharks swam around it,' says one election official.

Sarah Palin anoints a new 'mama grizzly': Does it make a difference?

Sarah Palin endorsed Wyoming State Auditor Rita Meyer as a ‘mama grizzly’ Thursday. The Wyoming gubernatorial candidate joins Palin’s growing sisterhood of conservative feminists.

Pakistan likes Al Qaeda more than America

The US is in the middle of a $7.5 billion aid program to Pakistan. But America's image is slipping in the country, where its unfavorable rating is almost as bad as the Taliban's and even Al Qaeda is more popular.

Rare Arab summit to forestall possible Hezbollah unrest in Lebanon

An Arab summit of the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria met in Beirut today for the first time in eight years amid rising concern that the Hariri assassination tribunal could indict key Hezbollah members – sparking Hezbollah unrest.

Rare Arab summit to forestall possible Hezbollah unrest in Lebanon

An Arab summit of the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria met in Beirut today for the first time in eight years amid rising concern that the Hariri assassination tribunal could indict key Hezbollah members – sparking Hezbollah unrest.

Top three theories on what damaged Japanese oil tanker near Iran

Numerous theories have surfaced for what damaged the Japanese oil tanker sailing between Oman and Iran on Thursday. Investigators say it may have been a sea mine, a pirate attack, or a collision with a submarine.

• Terrorism & Security: Did Iran attack Japanese oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz?

Four things to learn from new GDP data

From Friday's GDP report: Imports are surging. Jobs growth is slowing. Regulators may need to lighten their grip. Until November's midterm elections, politics will color economic reports.

• The Monitor's View: The US economy slows -- and so does worker mobility

In ironic twist, Iran detained US hikers critical of Israel and America

Just before Iran arrested three US hikers a year ago Saturday, one of them – Shane Bauer – had nearly finished an exposé on Israeli military aggression.

Midterm elections: not all bad news for Democrats

Midterm elections are historically difficult for the president's party. With the economy in trouble, this year will likely be no different for Democrats – but it might not be as bad as it could be.