TOP OF THE NEWS
Fewer Marines needed in Iraq's western province
Conditions in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, where a brutal insurgency once ruled, have improved so dramatically that the United States is handing over responsibility for security in the Sunni stronghold to Iraq within days. Troops freed up in Iraq could shift to Afghanistan.
DIGEST
Bush steps up fight over congressional authority
Thai protesters defy court order to leave compound
McCain makes decision on running mate
Russia frees 12 Georgians, gets rejected by China
Cells change identity in promising breakthrough
Obama plays some hoops, works on speech
Death for man who kidnapped, murdered Idaho boy
Bombing of Pakistani government bus kills 8
Tourists evacuate as Gustav grows near Jamaica
Gulf Coast states prepare as Gustav strengthens
Obama makes unscripted appearance at the DNC
Spring's economic rebound unlikely to last
Putin: US orchestrated conflict in Georgia
As Gustav nears, Gulf Coast puts faith in planning
McCain makes decision on VP running mate
Afghans say deadly US raid based on misleading tip
CDC: Salmonella outbreak appears to be over
Jury acquits former Marine in killing of Iraqis
Dalai Lama, battling exhaustion, cancels trips
