National News + World News

U.S. Debt Clock reaches $16 trillion

By Michael Wesp
In the midst of political conventions, the U.S. National Debt Clock has reached an unwelcome milestone - $16 trillion dollars in total federal debt.

Ryan renews defense of GM plant claim

By CNN
Paul Ryan continued defending his speech at the Republican National Convention Tuesday, saying the link he made between President Barack Obama and a closed auto plant in Wisconsin was accurate and reflected a record of failed promises from the

Five things to watch at the DNC this week

By CNN
Republicans got first serve in their convention last week. Can Democrats break serve, or will the presidential race go to a tiebreaker in November? Here are five things to watch for at the Democratic National Convention:

First lady will set the tone for convention with Tuesday night speech

By CNN
When Michelle Obama takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, she faces a similar task as Ann Romney of presenting her husband as a father and family man -- above his public persona in the political spotlight.

Democratic convention will highlight differing visions between the parties

By CNN
Facing a close election and Republican attacks that they have made things worse while in power, President Barack Obama and Democrats seek to emphasize what has been achieved and additional steps to bolster the middle class at their three-day na

Organic or conventional?

By CNN
(CNN) -- Jen Matlack's husband teases her about buying organic. It's not worth the extra money, he says, but she insists.

"Green Mile" actor, Michael Clarke Duncan, dead at 54

By CNN
Michael Clarke Duncan, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1999 film "The Green Mile," has died at age 54, according to a representative for his family.

Fake, inactive Twitter followers plague presidential campaigns

By Eric Weisbrod/CNN Digital Producer
When Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's Twitter account surpassed one million followers this weekend, the campaign took to Twitter to boast about their "1 million active followers." But according to a web app that analy

Record Labor Day gas prices

By Chris Isidore/CNN Money
Gas prices are higher than they've been going into any other Labor Day weekend on record, but experts predict some relief at the pump is coming fairly soon.

E-mails show promoter's doubts before Michael Jackson's death

By CNN
The promoter for Michael Jackson's comeback concerts expressed doubts about the star's ability to be ready for the shows but expressed confidence in the private doctor eventually convicted in Jackson's death, according to e-mails pu