Plane catches fire on takeoff in Madrid; NTSB to join investigation.

The Note: Obama seeks lost momentum; will announce VP before the week's end.

For the first time, a government study publicly unveils death rates by hospital.

71 percent of consumers plan to spend less on back-to-school shopping this year.

Drug-related violence has killed more than 1,500 on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Veepstakes guessing game so secret Obama hasn't told the person he's chosen.

Presidents' initiative to lower drinking age sparks debate.

President Pervez Musharraf announces he'll step down.

The White House hopeful gets tough on opponent John McCain.

Tropical Storm Fay rips through Haiti, Dominican Republic en route to Florida.