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National and World News

Democrats Make Historic Pick: It's Obama

Barack Obama sailed into history Wednesday as the first African-American to head a major-party presidential ticket. Prompted by Hillary Clinton, the party nominated him by acclamation. And after VP pick Joe Biden spoke, Obama joined him onstage.
Transcript: Joe Biden's Acceptance Speech

Joe Biden accepted his nomination Wednesday as Barack Obama's running mate on the Democratic ticket. In his speech, he said Obama was the great American success story.
Transcript: Bill Clinton's Prime-Time Speech

In his speech at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Bill Clinton said Barack Obama is ready to be president. The former president also praised Obama's choice of Joe Biden as a running mate, saying, "He hit it out of the park."

Civilian Casualties Stir Angst In Afghanistan

After a joint U.S.-Afghan bombing raid allegedly killed 90 Afghan civilians, Afghan support for U.S. military action is waning. Officials say bad intelligence probably led to the deadly strike aimed at Taliban fighters.
Democrats To Focus On Foreign Policy Vision

Wednesday's speeches are designed to show how Biden and Obama will mesh in their approach to America's role in the world. But some question how closely their ideas align.
U.N.: U.S.-Led Strike Killed Dozens Of Afghan Children

The Afghan government is demanding that the U.S. and NATO presence there come under greater scrutiny. The move comes after the U.N. determined a U.S.-led air strike last week killed 90 civilians, most of them children.

Military Veterans at Convention Describe Why They Support Obama

In the race between Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, the Republican claims his political and military experience gives him a clear advantage. But military veterans attending the Democratic Convention say Obama's judgment and vision make him the best candidate.
Historians Give High Marks to Former President Bill Clinton's Speech

In a speech that drew huge applause from the crowd, former President Bill Clinton said, "The Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be commander in chief... Sound familiar?" Delegates and historians analyze the speech and Clinton's legacy.
New Orleans Mayor Warns of Possible Evacuation as Storm Nears

Mayor Ray Nagin told the Online NewsHour that any storm above a Category Two hurricane would prompt the city to order a full evacuation. Nagin also answered viewer questions on Katrina rebuilding and the storm's aftermath.

Bill Clinton backs Obama for president

Bill Clinton resoundingly endorses Barack Obama who is formally nominated by US Democrats as their presidential candidate.
Russia faces fresh condemnation

Seven of the world's top industrialised nations deplore Russia's decision to recognise Georgia's breakaway regions.
Malta fears 71 migrants drowned

As many as 71 African migrants drown after their boat sinks in the Mediterranean Sea, their companions tell Maltese police.

Democrats choose Obama in historic acclamation (AP)

AP - Barack Obama stepped triumphantly into history Wednesday night, the first black American to win a major party presidential nomination, as thousands of Democrats transformed their convention hall into a joyful, shouting celebration.
Obama makes unscripted appearance at the DNC (AP)

AP - Sen. Barack Obama dropped in on his own party at the Democratic convention a day early Wednesday to praise his wife, his former rival, and former President Bill Clinton for going to bat for him.
Western nations warn Russia to `change course' (AP)

AP - Western leaders warned the Kremlin on Wednesday to "change course," hoping to keep the conflict from growing into a new Cold War after tensions broadened to imperil a key nuclear pact and threaten U.S. meat and poultry trade with Russia.