Reuters - Cash from government stimulus checks helped push U.S. retail sales up at twice the rate expected in May but the strength could be fleeting as households contend with soaring prices and the worst housing slump in decades.

Reuters - Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc said on Thursday it demoted its chief financial officer and chief operating officer, days after the investment bank said it expected to post a $2.8 billion quarterly loss.

Reuters - A tornado roared through a Boy Scout camp in Iowa and flattened a cabin where many campers had sought shelter, killing four teen-aged boys and injuring dozens of others.

Reuters - Guantanamo Bay prisoners can go before U.S. federal judges to challenge their years-long detention, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in a landmark decision that delivered a stinging setback to President George W. Bush's administration.

AP - What looked like a possible meltdown turned out to be only a hiccup for Tiger Woods. The world's best player made an ugly double bogey on the opening hole of the U.S. Open on Thursday, but came back with three birdies over the next eight holes to turn at 1 under par and within shouting distance of the leader, Robert Karlsson.

AP - The shy, young deer nicknamed "Unicorn" because of the rare, single horn in the center of his head is drawing hundreds of curious visitors, park officials said Thursday.

AP - A total of 34 prosecution and defense witnesses have testified in R. Kelly's child pornography trial. As the case comes to a close, someone won't be taking the stand: The man on trial himself.

AP - President Bush on Thursday strongly disagreed with a Supreme Court ruling that clears foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay to challenge their detention in U.S. civilian courts. Bush suggested new legislation may now be needed to keep the American people safe.

AP - Retail sales jumped by the largest amount in six months in May as 57 million economic stimulus payments helped offset the headwinds buffeting consumers.

AP - Boy Scouts who came to each others' aid after a tornado that killed four of their comrades and injured 48 people were hailed as heroes Thursday for helping to administer first aid and search for victims buried in their flattened campsite.

AP - The House on Thursday approved an extra three months of jobless benefits for all unemployed Americans, knowing the plan's chances are slight in the Senate and almost nonexistent at the White House.

AP - The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that foreign terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay may challenge their detention in U.S. civilian courts.

AFP - Polls opened Thursday in a tightly-fought EU referendum in Ireland, which could plunge the 27-nation bloc into new crisis if voters reject a new reform treaty.