National News + World News

Wal-Mart cuts layaway fee

By CNN
Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it is cutting the upfront fee it charges customers who use its layaway plan.

Tom Cruise, Scientology deny 2004 'auditions' for a girlfriend

By CNN
A representative for Scientologist Tom Cruise on Tuesday derided an article that contends the Church of Scientology embarked on a secret project to find the actor a girlfriend following his 2001 divorce from actress Nicole Kidman.

President's speech changes venue

By CNN
After days of bad weather, President Barack Obama's re-election campaign and Democratic National Convention organizers have decided to change the venue of the president's acceptance speech Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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.